Flies, Cockroaches & Poets Journal

“The CWAA literary journal’s reach goes beyond the spheres of writers and artists; it is a cultural phenomenon that leads and inspires the community. It inspired me to share my work. My first published poems appeared in CWAA in the Spring of ‘99, and it is a source of pride and a sense of belonging that strengthened my resolve to keep sharing my poetry with the world.”

Aideed Medina, Fresno Poet Laureate

Published in Flies, Cockroaches & Poets, 1999

Historically, since the early 1990s, the Chicanx Writers & Artists Association (CWAA) has published an annual journal, Flies, Cockroaches & Poets, to promote Chicanx and Latinx identity, as well as amplify historically marginalized voices by creating spaces centered around art, cultural awareness, and community. The journal features art and creative writing by Fresno State students as well as alumni and community members. For the past eight years, CWAA has published an average of 28 writers and artists, over two-thirds of whom are current students. Your donation can support the publication of another 25 to 30 emerging artists in our community.

In recent years, CWAA has received Instructionally Related Activities funding from the university to produce the journal. This year, with no explanation, the IRA committee declined our application, so CWAA is in urgent need of funding support for the printing of the upcoming 26th volume of the journal, as well as producing the journal launch event. At a time when the arts projects nationwide are deliberately being defunded, we feel it’s imperative that we reach out to our community to help us continue supporting our local creatives. 

"My first ever published piece was a poem longing to know [my great grandma] better. 
CWAA was the one to publish it, so when I read it to her in broken Italian translated by Google, I felt a connection. If it were not for CWAA, that connection would not exist.” 
Valentino Di Pietro Hernandez, alumni

 Published in Flies, Cockroaches & Poets, 2023

The intention of the publication is fourfold. 

1. CWAA members are allowed to learn the editorial and publication process in bringing a journal to completion. 
2. The journal publication itself provides students who are artists and writers an avenue to learn how to submit work for publication in a professional manner. 
3. The journal promotes an understanding of the Chicanx community and communities of color that are represented within the art and writing, creating a more inclusive understanding of contemporary and local voices. Often, Flies, Cockroaches & Poets is the first publication for a number of artists in the Central Valley, acting as a milestone in their future careers and significantly validating their creative and cultural identities. 
4.  The journal is launched in a free event in which CWAA, the contributors, and community members can celebrate their achievements and affirm the importance of those often marginalized voices by placing them in print.

Thank you for supporting the Chicanx Writers and Artists Association!