José Olivarez is a renowned author, poet, and educator known for his powerful and thought-provoking poetry. His work has garnered critical acclaim and has been featured in prestigious publications such as the New York Times, the Paris Review, and Poetry Magazine.
Born on February 14th in the United States, José Olivarez is the child of Mexican immigrants. He attended Harvard University, where he honed his craft and developed his unique voice as a poet.
José Olivarez burst onto the poetry scene with his debut collection, Citizen Illegal, which was a finalist for the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award. This collection showcased his raw talent and earned him recognition as a rising star in the literary world.
In 2023, Olivarez released his much-anticipated second poetry collection, titled Promises of Gold. This collection further solidified his reputation as a poet with a keen insight into the human experience.
Aside from his own writing, José Olivarez has also made significant contributions to the poetry community. He co-hosted the popular podcast The Poetry Gods, where he engaged in enriching conversations with fellow poets and writers.
Throughout his career, Olivarez has been a recipient of prestigious fellowships such as the 2016 Poets House Emerging Poets Fellowship, the 2019 Ruth Lilly Fellowship, and the Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Fellowship from the Poetry Foundation. These accolades reflect the impact of his work and his dedication to the craft of poetry.
Aside from his solo work, José Olivarez has collaborated with other esteemed poets and writers. He served as a co-editor, alongside Willie Perdomo and Felicia Chavez, for the anthology The Breakbeat Poets Vol. 4: LatiNext. This project exemplified Olivarez's commitment to amplifying diverse voices and perspectives within the literary world.
In addition to his editorial work, José Olivarez has also been involved with writing and education organizations such as Urban Word in New York and Young Chicago Authors. Through these initiatives, he has worked to foster a love of writing and poetry in the next generation of artists.
José Olivarez's impact on the literary world extends far beyond his own writing. His powerful poetry, his dedication to amplifying marginalized voices, and his commitment to education have solidified his place as a revered figure in contemporary literature.
As he continues to push boundaries and explore new horizons in his work, José Olivarez remains a shining example of the transformative power of language and storytelling.