Colombian-American Poet Brings Spoken Word to Alexandria College

Carlos Andrés Gómez will perform his poetry and storytelling at a Think and Thrive Lecture Series event on April 13.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:38am

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A bold, graphic silkscreen print featuring a single, iconic poetry book or journal repeated in a tight grid pattern, rendered in a neon color palette and heavy black outlines to capture the dynamic spirit of spoken word performance.The vibrant energy of spoken word poetry comes alive in this pop art-inspired celebration of the literary arts.Alexandria Today

Carlos Andrés Gómez, a 44-year-old Colombian-American poet, speaker, actor, and educator from New York City, will be performing his own poetry as well as storytelling at Alexandria College on Monday, April 13, as part of the Think and Thrive Lecture series. Gómez believes poetry is meant to be spoken and shared, and he aims to open up thought and feeling in his audiences through his work.

Why it matters

Gómez's visit to Alexandria College provides an opportunity for the local community to experience the power of spoken word poetry and storytelling. As a historically marginalized person, Gómez brings a unique perspective and aims to inspire his audience to think more deeply about important issues.

The details

Gómez will be performing his own poetry and sharing stories during the Think and Thrive Lecture Series event. He is known for his energetic and embodied performances, often riffing with the audience and using his whole body to bring the poems to life. Gómez believes poetry has the power to quickly move people through a range of profound emotions, and he uses it as a catalyst to open up thought and feeling on larger issues.

  • Gómez will be performing at Alexandria College on Monday, April 13, 2026.
  • The Think and Thrive Lecture Series runs from 3:30-5:15 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The players

Carlos Andrés Gómez

A 44-year-old Colombian-American poet, speaker, actor, and educator from New York City who will be performing at Alexandria College.

Cindy Haarstad

The director of student activities at Alexandria College, who has known Gómez for several years and has invited him to the college to do workshops, perform poetry, and give keynote speeches.

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What they’re saying

“Poetry was always meant to be spoken. It was spoken for thousands and thousands of years before the creation of the printing press.”

— Carlos Andrés Gómez, Poet

“I think a poem is all about packing a lot in a very small space. And the idea is that economy and that intensity is meant to be a vehicle for deep feeling and deep thought.”

— Carlos Andrés Gómez, Poet

What’s next

Tickets for the Think and Thrive Lecture Series, which includes Gómez's performance, can be purchased online or by calling the college. The series runs through the spring, with lectures held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-5:15 PM.

The takeaway

Gómez's visit to Alexandria College provides an opportunity for the local community to experience the power of spoken word poetry and storytelling. By using poetry as a catalyst to open up thought and feeling on important issues, Gómez aims to inspire his audience and bring people closer together.