Oakland Rotary Thursday Club Meeting: Barbara Jane Reyes, Immigrant & Poet

Award-winning Oakland poet, author, and educator Barbara Jane Reyes shares her journey as an immigrant poet in the Bay Area.
About this Event

Oakland Rotary is pleased to welcome Barbara Jane Reyes, an award-winning Filipina American poet, author, and educator whose work has been celebrated for its powerful exploration of identity, migration, culture, and social justice.

In her presentation, "On Being an Immigrant Poet in the Bay Area," Barbara will discuss her journey as a writer and artist, reflecting on how her experiences as the daughter of immigrants have shaped her voice, perspective, and creative work. Drawing from her life in Oakland and the Bay Area, she will share insights into the role poetry plays in preserving cultural memory, building community, and creating space for underrepresented stories.

Whether you are interested in literature, education, culture, or the diverse experiences that help define the Bay Area, this promises to be a thoughtful and engaging program.

We invite members, guests, and community friends to join us for an afternoon of learning, conversation, and connection.

Event Details:

📅 Thursday, June 11, 2026
🕛 Networking: 12:00 PM
🕧 Program: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Location:

📍 Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts
10 Tenth Street, Oakland, CA
($5 Parking in the Henry J Kaiser lot)

💻 Zoom Meeting Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81023124005?pwd=MUxobytBQWNsY0FFelN4VGdBUUdVQT09