Dr. Mercy Romero, Associate Professor of American Literature and American Studies in the Hutchins School of Liberal Studies, has been accepted into the inaugural cohort of Letras Boricuas Fellows. This cohort is compromised of 20 Puerto Rican writers whose dynamic work spans genres including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and children's literature. A first of its kind fellowship, Letras Boricuas was created to identify, elevate, and amplify the voices of emerging and established Puerto Rican writers on the island and across the United States diaspora.
“Twenty vibrant Puerto Rican voices make up this remarkable initial cohort, each one resonant and powerful. These are writers who convey the depth and breadth of Puerto Rico’s stories and histories across literary genre and a range of styles, and who affirm the vital significance of the word through their work,” says Elizabeth Alexander, President of the Mellon Foundation. “We at Mellon are delighted to continue our multi-year commitment to Puerto Rican writers, and to partner with the Flamboyan Foundation to support these 2021 fellows with the unrestricted funding and flexibility that is so important to their craft.”
"The Hutchins School of Liberal Studies congratulates Dr. Romero for receiving this prestigious award. We are grateful to have such an accomplished scholar in our program." - Dr. Stephanie Dyer, Department Chair
"This award speaks to the extraordinary quality and importance of Dr. Romero's work. I am glad to see her recognized by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Flamboyan Foundation's Arts Fund today as a Letras Boricuas Fellow." - Dr. Hollis Robbins, Dean