BUFFALO, NY – The Canisius University Borders & Migrations Initiative presents a bilingual poetry reading and Q&A with poet Conrado Zepeda Pallares on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. The event will take place in the Library Learning Center and is free and open to the public.
Zepeda Pallares will read in both English and Spanish from his newest collection of poetry, followed by a moderated question-and-answer session. The reading will explore themes of migration, identity and queer experience, offering insight into how movement across borders shapes personal and collective narratives.
Conrado Zepeda Pallares is the author of three published books of poetry. His first collection, Mientras afuera llueve (Ediciones del Flamboyán, 2019), received the National Prize from PEN Puerto Rico International in the Hybrid Book category. His second book, Trizas de viento seco (Valparaíso, 2022), was followed by his most recent collection, Pedagogía del duelo (Isla Negra, 2025).
During the event, Zepeda Pallares will share selections from his latest work and discuss the creative and lived experiences that inform his writing. Copies of his book (in Spanish) will be available for purchase.
The Borders & Migrations Initiative is a collaborative space where Canisius students, faculty and staff, together with members of the Western New York community, work to understand and support the lives of immigrants and refugees around the globe. The initiative develops programs, events and opportunities for the campus community to support justice for migrants, refugees and those who meet and cross borders.
Please contact Richard Reitsma, PhD, associate professor of modern languages and director of the Borders & Migrations program, at @email for more information.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
