Comments for The Insipiration of Al Robles

Comment on The Musician by Jody Breu

Jody Breu — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:49:08 +0000

I cherish this blog, definitely some of the most accessible information i’ve found in a while

Comment on Manzanar Pilgrimages by new movies coming soon

new movies coming soon — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:07:01 +0000

Thanks for taking the time to share this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.

Comment on Compassion for Seniors by Marcia - Senior Citizen

Marcia - Senior Citizen — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:05:46 +0000

I’m looking into this whole thing at moment. Need to read up on it big style!

Comment on Al’s Character by Jean Vengua

Jean Vengua — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:25:06 +0000

Joselyn:

Your words are so beautiful, and such a fitting and heartfelt remembrance of Al.

Salamat,

Jean

Comment on Hopi Nation by honey

honey — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:45:45 +0000

I never knew Al Robles personally, nor have I ever met him, but reading this website and hearing so much about this man (the tributes, the stories) has opened my eyes to a truly unique person – as well as the kindness and warmth coming from outside of my own community. I am a young, urbanized Hopi/Tewa/Dineh woman, and though Al is a Filipino San Franciscan whom I never crossed paths with, he has not only my respect as an elder but also my admiration for being an individual who obviously cared about ALL oppressed peoples coming from a variety of backgrounds. Most importantly, he should stand as a role model for youth and younger members of communities everywhere: we need to not only respect and care for our own elders, but stand in solidarity with all seniors–being that they are some of the most underserved people in this country–just like Al.
So Al, I never had the privilege of meeting or knowing you, but I want to honor your legacy by leaving this message. Thank you for paying tribute to our ongtupqa and for visiting my rez. I can tell by your beautiful poem that you knew you were not in a “national park” when you saw the canyon, and this nearly brought tears to my eyes. Your life experiences have touched my heart. May the coming journey be just as beautiful.

- mel ‘honey’ ortiz

Comment on Al’s Character by Joselyn Ignacio

Joselyn Ignacio — Sat, 09 May 2009 03:53:53 +0000

Dear Al,
I’m writing this letter to you because writing poetry is difficult. The lines turn into streams of tears and words get lodged in my throat.

But poetry is your other language. It is another vehicle for your ceaseless spirit, jazz compassion, and mountain chanting.

Hey, wasn’t it just yesterday that we sat shoulder to shoulder in the front row before you read your poems and then we stood together in the back of the room while others read?

You always telling me stories and cracking me up, nudging me softly with your hand, your face beaming. You know, Al, I never told you this but you always made me feel like I was such a damn good writer—“a better writer than whoziewhats,” you would say. That meant a lot to me; I sat my fat butt on those laurels for years. Now you know.

I see you now, Al.

You are always where I can find you in the KSW basement of the I-Hotel; walking the streets of Chinatown leading to Old St. Mary’s; holding court at Portsmouth Square; whirling energy at cultural centers; your talk story and love of food at Flip parties; your Zen-sense at public libraries; you bring the mountains on the backs of ten thousand carabous in the Watsonville farmlands, in the Alaskan fisheries.

Always, Al. Always, Al. Always My Kuya Al.
Mountains
Manilatown
Manongs
Always Al.

PS. When you reach the other side of the nebulae with hair and beard like spun silver, let me know what you are up to.

Love,
Joselyn Ignacio

Comment on Al’s Character by Hugh Patterson

Hugh Patterson — Mon, 04 May 2009 01:20:14 +0000

Uncle Al was a man who paved the road for so many of us who wanted to write and create. He was the brother of the man I consider a father (thus the name Uncle Al). Life will not be a sweet with him not here, but the road he paved for us, allows us an endless journey…..Hugh

Comment on Manzanar Pilgrimages by Jenni Kuida

Jenni Kuida — Sun, 03 May 2009 15:32:09 +0000

I just heard that Al passed away. Al came to the Manzanar Pilgrimages for years. I was an organizer with the Manzanar Committee and Al was always so much fun. First Bill, now Al. I will have always in my mind the fond memories of Al and Bill and the great young people that came with them to Manzanar each year.

Comment on Incorporating Food by Rachael Romero

Rachael Romero — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 17:45:24 +0000

Hi Al
long time gone since you visited NY. I am pleased to see this web site and that you keep doing what you do.
My life has taken me to the other side of the continent but I still find myself working around housing. See artpathways.info, we also incorporate food–like the manongs, like Mama Helena.
I send love.
Rachael
of the SF Poster Brigade

Comment on The Confusionist by Jo Anna Ilumin

Jo Anna Ilumin — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:06:14 +0000

Hello this has been very inspirational, as my family has known Al for many years, our world is blessed to have him.