The Voice of Edelma Zapata Pérez (1954-2010) – Afro-Colombian Poet Interviewed By: Patricia Rodríguez-Martínez

ABSTRACT As part of her research on Afro-Colombian Poetry, Patricia Rodríguez-Martínez interviewed Edelma Zapata Pérez, the daughter of Manuel Zapata Olivella and niece of Juan Zapata Olivella. These poets, uncle and niece, belonged to a well-known family of artists and intellectuals, professionals and public servants. As representatives of the Afro-Colombian people, they challenged and resisted not only systemic ‘traditional’ discrimination, but also systemic paramilitary and guerrilla violence and displacement against Afro-Colombian communities in recent decades. The interview was published in Spanish in Bogotá, Colombia by Panamericana Editorial in a collection of essays and interviews entitled: Hijas del Muntu: Biografías críticas de mujeres afrodescendientes de América Latina. Jaramillo, MM & L. Ortiz (2011).