On March 24th, 2023, the staff and friends of New Mexico's INFLUENCE Magazine gathered at Amaro Winery in Las Cruces to celebrate the release of the latest issue. The event was a huge success, with guests enjoying delicious food and drinks while mingling and networking.

One of the highlights of the evening was an educational presentation by author Martin Kufus, who shared entertaining anecdotes from his new book, "Plow the Book but Watch the Sky." Martin engaged the crowd with stories of his experiences researching and writing his latest work, which is an amalgamation of real-life adventures that he's recorded throughout his interesting career as a journalist, Army veteran, tornado chaser, and security specialist aboard a ship in pirate-infested waters.

Throughout the evening, guests were able to pick up copies of the latest issue of New Mexico's INFLUENCE Magazine and meet some of the talented writers and photographers behind the publication. The event was a great opportunity for everyone to connect and celebrate the hard work that goes into producing each issue.

We are grateful to everyone who attended and made the evening such a memorable one. Here's to another successful year of New Mexico's INFLUENCE Magazine!

Happy National Poetry Month! This month-long celebration of poetry brings awareness to the beauty and power of language. As we celebrate, let's not forget to highlight the contributions of poets, among people of color, to the literary world.

From Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou to Joy Harjo and Sherman Alexie, the works of these poets have been instrumental in bringing marginalized perspectives to the forefront. Through their writing, they have shared their experiences and struggles, giving voice to the voiceless and challenging societal norms.

Whether you're a seasoned poet or a newbie, there are endless ways to celebrate this month. Read a collection of poems by your favorite poet, attend a virtual poetry reading, or try your hand at writing your own verse. Share your favorite poems and poets on social media and spread the joy of poetry with others. Let's honor the craft and art of poetry this month and beyond. Happy National Poetry Month!

#NationalPoetryMonth #PoetryMonth #Poetry #PoetryCommunity #ReadPoetry #WritePoetry #CelebratePoetry

Happy National Poetry Month! 🎉 Today we are honoring Joy Harjo, an American poet, musician, and author of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Harjo is the first Native American Poet Laureate of the United States, appointed in 2019 by the Library of Congress. She has published numerous collections of poetry, including "She Had Some Horses," "In Mad Love and War," and "Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings."

In addition to her work as a poet, Harjo is also an accomplished musician and saxophonist. She has released several albums, including "Red Dreams, A Trail Beyond Tears" and "Winding Through the Milky Way."

Harjo's work often explores themes of identity, culture, and spirituality, and she is known for blending Native American storytelling with modern poetic techniques. Her contributions to literature have been recognized with many awards, including the Wallace Stevens Award from the Academy of American Poets and the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize.

Beyond her artistic achievements, Harjo is also a prominent advocate for Native American rights and environmental justice. She has worked with organizations like Amnesty International and the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation to promote Indigenous voices and preserve Indigenous cultures.

Join us in celebrating Joy Harjo and her contributions to American literature and culture! 🎉📚🎶 #NationalPoetryMonth #JoyHarjo #NativeAmericanLiterature #IndigenousVoices #EnvironmentalJustice

Today, we'd like to honor Sherman Alexie, a prominent author and poet whose works have given voice to the experiences of Native American people. Alexie's writing is known for its humor, raw honesty, and powerful storytelling.

One of his most well-known works is "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," a semi-autobiographical novel that tells the story of a young Native American boy growing up on a reservation. The book has been widely acclaimed for its poignant portrayal of the challenges and triumphs of Native American youth.

Alexie's poetry has also received widespread recognition, with collections like "The Business of Fancydancing" and "Dangerous Astronomy" exploring themes of identity, love, and loss.

Through his writing, Sherman Alexie has shed light on the experiences of Native American people and challenged societal norms. Let's honor his contributions to the literary world and celebrate his powerful words this National Poetry Month.