* Born and raised in Puerto Rico: Judith Ortiz Cofer was born in Hormigueros, Puerto Rico, on February 20, 1952.
* Author of acclaimed works: She is known for her poetry, short stories, and essays, often exploring themes of Puerto Rican identity, immigration, and cultural assimilation.
* Prolific writer: She has published several acclaimed books, including "The Latin Deli," "An Island Like You," "Silent Dancing," and "The Meaning of Consuelo."
* Recipient of numerous awards: Ortiz Cofer received the prestigious American Book Award in 1995 for "The Latin Deli." She also received the Paterson Poetry Prize and the Pushcart Prize.
* Professor and advocate: Ortiz Cofer was a professor of English and creative writing at the University of Georgia. She actively advocated for diversity and cultural representation in literature.
* Passed away in 2016: Judith Ortiz Cofer passed away on April 28, 2016, after a long illness.
If you're looking for more information on Judith Ortiz Cofer's life and works, you can find many resources online, including:
* Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judith_Ortiz_Cofer
* Poetry Foundation: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/judith-ortiz-cofer
* The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/30/arts/judith-ortiz-cofer-author-and-poet-dies-at-64.html
I hope this information is helpful!