Mission Statement
Spit Journal exists to celebrate the culture of poetry, social justice, performance, and community. We feature news articles, pedagogical practices, interviews, book reviews, and critical scholarship centered on the world of poetry and social justice. Our goal is to provide a space for poets and poetry lovers alike, exposing not only the brilliant words but the brilliant minds behind them.
STAFF:
Karla Cordero – Editor-in-Chief
Karla Cordero is a descendant of the Chichimeca people from northern Mexico, a Chicana poet, educator, and activist, raised along the borderlands of Calexico, CA. Cordero is a Pushcart nominee and offered fellowships from VONA, CantoMundo, Macondo, The Loft Literary Center, and Pink Door Retreat for Women and Gender Non-conforming Writers of Color.
Karla is a professor of creative writing and composition at San Diego City College and MiraCosta College and the founder of Voice For Change: a poetry showcase, inviting nationally award winning writers to share their narratives of survival and celebration for diversity through performance and workshop facilitation.
Karla’s work is published and forthcoming in, Bettering American Poetry, Imaniman: Poets Writing in the Anzaldúan Borderlands (Aunt Lute Books), and Latinas: Struggles and Protests in 21st Century USA (Red Sugarcane Press). In addition, Karla has performed for television networks such as NBC 7 Art Pulse, TBN Juice Live and the Old Globe Theater San Diego. Her chapbook, Grasshoppers Before Gods is published by Dancing Girl Press (2016) and her first book, How To Pull Apart The Earth, is a Not A Cult. contest winner (2018).
Follow her at:
Website: www.karlacordero.com
Instagram: @karlaflaka13
Mario DeMatteo – Editor + Art Director
Mario DeMatteo received his MA in Literature and Writing at California State University of San Marcos. He’s an avid collector of comic books, vinyl, obscure garage sale trinkets, and edible plants. His wiener dog Rambo enjoys listening to old school punk and/or Nas’ Illmatic. In 2013, Mario was an intern for Write Bloody Press. Mario is currently applying to Ph.D. school and one day hopes to be a professional urban farmer and write a graphic novel or three.
Anthony Blacksher – Editor
Anthony Blacksher is a Ph.D. student and adjunct professor of sociology with appointments at Long Beach State, MiraCosta College, and Santiago CanyonCollege. A husband, father, and vinyl record collector, Ant began writing poetry after numerous failed attempts in hand-modeling. He is a five-time member of the San Diego Poetry Slam team and the facilitator of the website SocioPoetix.org.
Gill Sotu – Staff Writer
Gill is a poet, a musician, a writer, a DJ and a host. He has opened for Grammy-nominated legend Sheila E, partnered and performed with the San Diego Symphony, has been commissioned to create numerous poetry pieces for the United Way of San Diego, and performed for TEDx San Diego in December 2013. In 2008 he was a Semi-Finalist at the National Poetry Slam. Gill also conducts poetry workshops in schools across California and has facilitated poetry workshops within San Diego County’s juvenile detention center for over 2 years. http://gillsotu.com
Rolland Tizuela – Staff Writer
Rolland attended his first poetry open mic in San Diego, CA in 2010 and found what he called “the most difficult yet rewarding instrument to master yet,” his own voice. In late 2010, Rolland started the spoken word collective Glassless Minds in Oceanside, Ca. Initially a biweekly open mic, the organization has since expanded to incorporate visual arts as well hold poetry workshops in high schools, colleges, camps, and coffee shops. Glassless Minds is currently striving to attain 501(c)3 non-profit status. https://www.facebook.com/glasslessminds
Garrett Cullen – Web Developer
Garrett is a graphic designer/web developer and has helped create spitjournal.com. He enjoys surfing, hip hop, and getting creative. Garrett is a San Diego State graduate and resides in sunny San Diego, CA. Contact Garrett if you are in need of a website. garrettcullen@yahoo.com.
