Angela de Hoyos, grande dame of Chicano poetry, dies in S.A.
By Elaine Ayala
Chicana poet Angela de Hoyos, considered the “grande dame of Chicano poetry,” died Thursday in San Antonio. In the 1970s, her poet fueled the Chicano Movement and her work continued to inspire generations of poets.
“Angela and her partner Moses Sandoval were always there as the Chicano Movement grew,” says fellow poet and artist Ramon Vasquez y Sanchez. Her poem, “Arise Chicano,” is credited with giving the movement its push, he said. “She was the ‘Frida’ of the Chicano cause.”
She is credited with mentoring poets such as San Antonio’s Carmen Tafolla. During a visit to San Antonio, Rudolfo Anaya, author of the Chicano classic, “Bless Me, Ultima,” praised de Hoyos contributions to the canon.
Funeral arrangements are pending.