Blanco, Richard (1968 - )

Genre: Poetry

Poet Richard Blanco's family emigrated to Spain, where he was born, then to Miami, FL. He received his degree in engineering from Florida International University and worked as an engineer in Miami, then returned to FIU where he received his master's degree in fine arts and creative writing. His work has appeared in literary journals such as Ploughshares, TriQuarterly, Michigan Quarterly, and in anthologies such as Best American Poetry 2000, Best American Prose Poems and on National Public Radio. He is recipient of a Bread Loaf Fellowship and a Florida Artist Fellowship. He has taught at Georgetown, American University and Connecticut State University.

He was chosen by President Barack Obama to write and read a poem written specially for the 2013 Presidential Inauguration. He lives in Bethel, ME.