This week on New Mexico in Focus, Correspondent Megan Kamerick visits with author Jimmy Santiago Baca to talk about his journey as a writer.
One New Mexico’s most celebrated writers, Baca has published volumes of poetry, essays, stories and novels. But he was mostly illiterate when, imprisoned at the age of 20, he taught himself to read and write. Baca talks about how reading saved his life, and his work to inspire inmates and to help at-risk youth find their own unique voices.
Additionally, NMiF host Gene Grant and the Line opinion panelists discuss a variety of timely topics, including election updates, how a pay raise controversy cost two Santa Fe city officials their jobs and Gov. Martinez’s push to move ahead with a student retention plan despite legislative pushback.
New Mexico PBS’ one-hour public affairs show New Mexico in Focus regularly airs Fridays at 7 p.m. and repeats Sundays at 7 a.m. on Channel 5.1, and Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. on Channel 9.1, except during pledge drives.
Studio Guest
Jimmy Santiago Baca, Author and Poet
Line Panelists
Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group PR
Andy Lyman, reporter for NM Political Report
Sophie Martin, attorney
Christine Sierra, UNM political science professor emeritus
Correspondent
Megan Kamerick
Host
Gene Grant
The producer of New Mexico in Focus is Sarah Gustavus with associate producer Kathy Wimmer. NM PBS Public Affairs executive producer is Kevin McDonald.
Funding for New Mexico in Focus is provided in part by the McCune Charitable Foundation.
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