Invite Christopher to Speak
Literature, History & the Stories We Carry
Dr. Christopher Carmona brings the borderlands into conversations about literature, identity, education, and justice.
An award-winning poet and novelist, scholar, and founding member of Refusing to Forget, he connects historical research with storytelling to examine how the past continues to shape our communities.
Conversations That Connect Past and Present
Christopher welcomes inquiries from universities, schools, libraries, museums, cultural organizations, and community groups for lectures, author readings, panel discussions, and conversations.
Remembering La Matanza
Public Memory, History & YA Novels
How do we learn the histories left out of our textbooks?
Drawing on his work with Refusing to Forget and his El Rinche novels, Christopher examines the history of racial violence along the Texas–Mexico border and the role of storytelling in bringing it into public conversation.
Reimagining the Borderlands
The History Behind El Rinche
What changes when a Chicano superhero takes center stage?
Christopher discusses how his bilingual YA series challenges familiar Texas legends, draws on historical events, and creates space for readers to reconsider heroism, resistance, and justice.
Poetry, Identity & Belonging
Writing from the Rio Grande Valley
Through readings and discussion, Christopher explores the connections among place, language, cultural identity, and the writing process.
His poetry and fiction offer a starting point for conversations about whose stories are told and how writers represent their communities.
Mexican American Studies in the Classroom
Education, Representation & Advocacy
Drawing on his leadership in the effort to establish a TEKS-based Mexican American Studies high school course in Texas, Christopher discusses the importance of ethnic studies and the work of bringing Mexican American histories and perspectives into education.
About the Speaker
Dr. Christopher Carmona has served as the Director of the Center for Mexican American Studies and Research and an Associate Professor of Mexican American Studies and English at Our Lady of the Lake University.
A Texas Institute of Letters inductee, he is the author of the El Rinche series, three poetry collections, and The Road to Llorona Park, winner of the 2016 NACCS Tejas Best Fiction Award.
As a founding member of Refusing to Forget, he contributes to public understanding of histories of violence against Mexican Americans and Latinos.
Plan Your Event
To inquire about availability, share your organization, proposed date, location or virtual format, audience, and topic of interest.
Include your preferred session length and speaker budget so Christopher can consider the details of your event.
- EXPLORE BOOKS -
The Series
EL RINCHE Vol. 1
With his family murdered and his community terrorized, who will Chonnie become when justice refuses to answer?
EL RINCHE Vol. 2
As revolution shakes the borderlands, can El Rinche and his new allies stop an enemy targeting communities of color?
EL RINCHE Vol. 3
As violence closes in on the Plata family, what will El Rinche risk to defend their future?
OUR WORK
What People Are Saying!
The Road to Llorona Park
“Truly an extraordinary collection of stories from the Rio Grande Valley”
Sarah Rafael García,
Lone Star Literary Life
140 Twitter Poems
"Carmona gives life to a new form of explosive, existential, socially rebellious poetry that pushes the boundaries of modern poetry.”"
Rossy Evelin Lima, Latino Book Review.
El Rinche: The Ghost Ranger of the Rio Grande
“I began reading this novel on an early evening, and I eagerly devoured the entire tale till late night.”
Raul M, Goodreads reader review.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What topics does Christopher speak about?
Christopher’s speaking topics include Mexican American history, La Matanza, public memory, Chicanx literature, poetry, cultural identity, and ethnic studies education. He also discusses the historical research and creative process behind his El Rinche novels.
Who are these presentations for?
His topics are relevant to universities, schools, libraries, museums, cultural organizations, and community groups. When submitting an inquiry, describe your audience and its interests so the presentation’s fit can be discussed.
Can I request an author reading or panel discussion?
Yes. Include your preferred format in your inquiry, whether you’re planning an author reading, lecture, panel, classroom visit, or moderated conversation.
Does the audience need to read his books beforehand?
Prior reading can give participants more to discuss, especially for an author visit or classroom conversation. If you want to build an event around a particular book, mention it in your inquiry and ask about recommended preparation.
Are virtual speaking engagements available?
Please indicate whether you’re requesting an in-person or virtual event. Availability and format can be discussed as part of the booking process.
Can a presentation connect to our course or event theme?
Include your course subject, event theme, or learning goals when you reach out. This helps Christopher consider how his work connects with your program and what approach would best serve your audience.
What are the speaking fees?
Request a quote for your event. Include the proposed date, location, format, session length, and available budget so speaking fees and any travel arrangements can be discussed.
How do I request a speaking engagement?
Complete the speaking inquiry form with your organization, proposed date, audience, topic, and event details. Submitting an inquiry begins the conversation; a booking is confirmed once availability and arrangements have been agreed upon.
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