Story #85: José Olivarez, Keylatch and SLAM Alum, Integrates Service into his Art

José Olivarez ‘10 grew up in Calumet City, Illinois, where he first discovered the power of storytelling. As the son of Mexican immigrants, he experienced the complexities of identity and belonging, which would later inform his work as a poet and educator. His journey through higher education was not just marked by personal achievement but also by a deep commitment to community service, particularly through PBHA.

Olivarez participated in the Keylatch Summer Program (KSP), where he served as a senior counselor and program director, and the Student-Led Advocacy Movement (SLAM). These experiences profoundly shaped his understanding of partnership and community engagement. During PBHA’s 2020 SUP Auction, Olivarez made an appearance with some thoughtful reflections.

“What it taught me was that the work we do is in partnership with people... engaging with them and allowing them to lead the way.”

Olivarez’s time in KSP and SLAM was not just about giving back; it was also a period of personal growth. This deep listening and engagement became cornerstones of his artistic practice, allowing him to craft poetry that resonates with the struggles and joys of his community. In 2018, he was awarded the first annual Author and Artist in Justice Award from PBHA.

“I learned to put my own ego aside and really learn to listen... that’s something I’ve carried with me in everything that I’ve done.”

As a poet, Olivarez draws on his experiences to explore themes of identity, migration, and resilience. His acclaimed collection, Citizen Illegal, challenges dominant narratives around immigration, presenting a nuanced and humanized perspective. In his poem “My Family Never Finished Migrating, We Just Stopped,” he articulates the complex journey of immigrant families, reminding readers that the immigrant experience is both multifaceted and ongoing.

Olivarez's work is a testament to the idea that art can be a vehicle for social change, believing in the transformative power of words.

"Poems for groceries and if all you can do is eat the food, we ask that you wash your dishes."

Today, as he continues to write and inspire others, Olivarez embodies the spirit of service that has defined his journey. His poetry not only honors his roots but also serves as a call to action, inviting us all to engage with the world around us.

Read more about Olivarez and check out his work here.

Check out his words at the 2020 SUP Auction here.