Mayda del valle biography

Mayda del Valle: A Spoken-Word Force

Early Life and Activism

Mayda del Valle, a petite powerhouse with a thunderous voice, has made a name for herself as one of the most influential spoken-word poets of her generation.

Growing up, she struggled to find role models who reflected her own experiences as a Puerto Rican woman. At age 15, she became involved in activism, teaching youth about their rights and police interactions.

The Power of Spoken Word

“Spoken word is our democracy,” says Norman Lear, the creator of “Def Poetry,” the HBO show that launched Del Valle’s career.

Del Valle believes that spoken-word poetry has the power to unite people across ethnicities, religions, and generations. She draws inspiration from traditional West African griots, who not only recorded history but also set the vision for society.

Def Poetry and Beyond

Del Valle joined the cast of “Def Poetry”