Mowing Leaves of Grass - The Matt Sedillo Episode

Step Off! Radio

For more than thirteen years Matt Sedillo has been one of the most outspoken and uncompromising contemporary political poets in the United States. Born in El Sereno, California in 1981, Matt Sedillo writes from the perspective of a second-generation Chicano born in an era where a continually diversifying population has witnessed continually dwindling opportunities and the deterioration of both the country's infrastructure and economy firsthand. Since his debut, the two-time national slam poet, and the Literary Director for the dA Center of the Arts has crafted poetry that has been described as both fearless, and at times even confrontational. With his deep comprehension of U.S. history, Matt Sedillo has effortlessly blended humor, history, and political theory into his work serving as a reflection of the lived realities of many in this country face who face discrimination and bear the brunt of systemic racism and structural inequality. During our discussion with Matt Sedillo, we were able to talk about his early years, the origins of his poetry career, his latest book Mowing Leaves of Grass, and his take on the current state of contemporary politics in the United States.