Hasta la Tambora: Dominicana, audaz y poderosa

by Lisa “Rubi G.” Ventura

Editor’s Note

Filled with narratives and quotes from Dominican powerhouses like Jeanette Miller, Josefina Baez, Julia Alvarez, Las Hermanas Mirabal, and many more, I was inspired by the book, Dominicanas Fuera de Serie by Geraldine de Santis which provides us with concise essays on the lives and impact made by one-hundred-fifty Dominicanas. Some names I recognized, but for the most part, I was oblivious to what we have accomplished aquí y alla for centuries. I swelled with a sense of pride and urgency to continue their legacies while bringing along like-minded sisters in artistry.

Having been published in the inaugural issue of La Libreta in 2021, I never imagined returning as guest editor for the journal. Laser-focused on doing what I love most- writing, submitting, and performing, I never expect anything in return. But what I am learning is that honing the craft is the gift and fortunately for me, it’s been one that keeps on giving.

The friends I’ve made along the way have fueled my creativity in countless ways. These friends have permitted me to be exactly who I am. They remind me how liberating it is to serve as a vessel for creativity. To open oneself up to the many possibilities that art could offer. I am continuously reminded that a blank canvas has the potential to become a masterpiece should we dare to believe a miracle is waiting to happen. These fellow artists, my trusting and loving community of writers, have offered me nothing but unending support, courage, and admiration. Their belief in my work fuels my desire to continue showing up even when it all feels daunting. Their creativity, their audacity, their power, and their light help me tap into mine so that I can share it with anyone who needs it.

These artists know my heart because I leave it on the page. They understand where I am coming from and that has helped me flourish in mind blowing ways. We were once starving and yearning to use our innate talents to heal, to teach, to put to good use our voices and visions, and to push each other onto the next phase of this divine path. As a result, we are either self-published authors and/or on our way to being accomplished artists. Therefore, it was an honor and privilege to invite my tribe to this next phase of my poet life. I hope you may all be changed by the power of their art and their sweet, sweet hearts.