Preserving Voices: Formations of Cuban Identity and Nationhood

The Center for Jose Marti Studies Affiliate debuts dramatic readings of three key articles taken from the Cuban émigré press of the late 19th century, as recorded by three scholars, followed by a panel discussion regarding the historical importance of each article in the larger context of the struggle for Cuban independence and the formation of Cuban immigrant communities in the U.S. The articles have been recorded in their original form in Spanish, but English translations of each article are available. The panel discussion will be conducted in English.

Dr. Gerald E Poyo is the O’Connor Professor in the History of Hispanic Texas and the Southwest at St. Mary’s College. He is the author and editor of seven books, including Exile and Revolution: Jose Dolores Poyo, Key West, and Cuban Independence.

Dr. Kenya C. Dworkin is a Professor of Hispanic Studies, with appointments in English, history, global studies, international relations, and the Program for Deliberate Democracy at Carnegie Mellon University. Her current book project is Before Latino: How Cuban Theater in Tampa Shaped an American Immigrant Society.

Dr. Kisandro Perez is a Professor of Latin American and Latino Studies at John Jay College, City University of New York. His most recent book is Sugar, Cigars, and Revolution: The Making of Cuban New York.

Dr. James Lopez is a Professor of Spanish at the University of Tampa, where he founded and co-directs the Center for Jose Marti Studies Affiliate.

Funding for this panel discussion is provided in part through a Florida Humanities Greater Good: Humanities in Academia Grant with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and in partnership with Nova Southeastern University. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.