Nicolás Guillén (1902–1989) was a Cuban poet, journalist, and activist. He is widely considered the national poet of Cuba and a leader of the Afrocubanismo movement. This cultural movement in the early 20th century sought to recognize and celebrate African roots as a core pillar of Cuban identity.
Highlighting the struggles of the poor and the marginalized.
The poem is a dramatic monologue, a powerful poem that questions the reader directly. It begins with the speaker stating that he was given his name—his "surname"—as a child. This name is the European one, a "saint and sign" to speak with the stars, the "thirteen letters I carry on my back" everywhere he goes. el apellido nicolas guillen english translation
Some notable English translations of Guillén's work include:
Nicolás Guillén's impact on Latin American literature is immeasurable. He is widely regarded as one of the most important poets of the 20th century, and his work has influenced generations of writers, including Pablo Neruda, Miguel Ángel Asturias, and Octavio Paz. Highlighting the struggles of the poor and the marginalized
1. "The Surname" by Robert Márquez and David Arthur McMurray
During the transatlantic slave trade, millions of captured Africans were stripped of their names, languages, and religions. Upon arrival in the Americas, they were forcibly given the surnames of their Spanish masters. This name is the European one, a "saint
Nicolás Cristóbal Guillén Batista (1902-1989) is more than a poet; he is Cuba's national poet. Born in the provincial city of Camagüey, his work is deeply intertwined with the nation's search for identity in the 20th century. A journalist and political activist, Guillén was a leader of the Afro-Cuban movement, drawing heavily on the rhythms and themes of "son" music to create a "poesía negra" (black poetry) that was both innovative and accessible. His meeting with African-American poet Langston Hughes in 1930 profoundly influenced his artistic direction, leading to a career that would champion the voices of the marginalized and celebrate the rich, syncretic culture of the Caribbean.
"Do I not have then / a Mandingo, Congo, Dahomeyan grandfather?"