The Center for the Humanities in an Urban Environment at the Florida International University is hosting a virtual panel discussion centered on the voices of artists, scholars, and activists who work in and around Disability Studies. The conversation will explore the ways that many people may be unconsciously be participating in ableist practices. The panelists will seek to answer questions about the “dis” of disability, what it means to have a body or “be able(d).” Hosted by disability rights advocate Carson Tueller, the program includes the following contributions: · “Disability, Race, and the School-to-Prison Pipeline” Nirmala Erevelles, University of Alabama · “Disability in the Pandemic Classroom” Mark Kelley, Florida International University · “Addressing Ableism as a Blindish Latina” Catarina Rivera, Public Speaker and DEI Consultant · “Disability, Sex, Fetish, and Care” Robert Andy Coombs, University of Miami · “Redefining What it Means to Have a Human Body” Carson Tueller, Disability Advocate and Public Speaker This program is funded in part through a Florida Humanities Greater Good: Humanities in Academia grant in partnership with the Florida International University.
Nirmala Erevelles, University of Alabama; Mark Kelley, Florida International University; Catarina Rivera, Public Speaker and DEI Consultant; Robert Andy Coombs, University of Miami; Carson Tueller, Disability Advocate and Public Speaker
Escuela de Bomba y Plena Tata Cepeda, Valencia College and the Puerto Rican Organization for the Performing Arts (PROPA) are partnering together to provide a series of panel discussions called “African Influence in the Caribbean.” During this fourth program, ethnographic and archival research and area expertise will inform a discussion on how West and Central African descendants have preserved a connection to the Mother Continent through dances in the Caribbean. Independent scholar and genealogist Melanie Maldonado (PROPA) will discuss DNA tested afrodescendants in Puerto Rico and conduct an oral history with Barbara Liz Ortiz of the Cepeda Brenes family of tradition bearers who will share about her own genealogical journey to learn more about her family’s African ancestry and how it influences their cultural practices. This lecture will be complemented by a dance class co-presented by master dancers Tata Cepeda (Puerto Rico) and Bayo (Nigeria). The audience will have an opportunity to interact throughout this community discussion with the scholars and subject matter experts. For those unable to attend in person, portions of the event will be streamed live through Escuela de Bomba y Plena Tata Cepeda’s Facebook page. This program is funded in part through a Florida Humanities Community Project Grant in partnership with Escuela de Bomba y Plena Tata Cepeda.
Melanie Maldondo, Puerto Rican Organization for the Performing Arts; Olabayo Ogurrinola, expert in Nigerian Dance; Tata Cepeda, Co-found and Instructor, Escuela de Bomba y Plena Tata Cepeda; Barbara Liz Cepeda, Executive Director and Instructor, Escuela de Bomba y Plena Tata Cepeda
Doc Anna: Swamp Doctor of Florida
The inspiring story of Dr. Anna Darrow, wife, mother, pharmacist, artist and veterinarian and the second woman licensed to practice medicine in Florida. She braved swamps, alligators, venomous snakes, and dangerous outlaws so she could heal the sick, nurse the wounded and deliver babies in the early 20th century. Carrie Sue Ayvar is a storyteller specializing in presentations in English and Spanish, often told as the costumed Chautauqua Scholar. This
Before Jamestown: Europeans, Africans, and Indians in La Florida, 1513-1607
The early history of European settlements in Florida with a focus on Florida’s rich yet largely neglected Spanish colonization, which began nearly a century before Jamestown with St. Augustine, the first European settlement of North America established in 1513. Michael Francis is a historican and Hough Family Chair of Florida Studies and professor of history at USF St. Petersburg. This event is funded by Florida Humanities’ Florida Talks program, in
Florida’s First Ladies
The fascinating stories of some of Florida’s most memorable First Ladies, from the territorial period to today, and their impact on the Sunshine State. Meet women such as Rachel Donelson, who moved with her second husband, Andrew Jackson, to territorial Florida in 1821; and Martha Starke Peay Perry, who witnessed the rise of secession at the dawn of the Civil War. Peggy Macdonald is an historian and author of Marjorie
Acting Class
The Alliance for the Arts’ CHANGE program (Communities Harnessing the Arts to Nurture and Grow Equity) trains and provides performance opportunities for minority actors, and intentionally uses the arts as a vehicle to have meaningful conversations about changing issues that affect our community. In this 8-week course, students will learn the fundamentals of acting. They will work with play-writing class as readers for their original plays.
Cultural Conversations: Race Cards
Too often discussions about race are avoided out of fear of offending someone or creating uncomfortable situations. The Museum of Science & History and 904WARD invite you to join us for Cultural Conversations: Race Cards, a program designed to facilitate respectful dialogue around race. With the use of friendly moderators and Race Cards, this program hopes to create thought-provoking and open conversation about race, identity, and social issues in a
Lectures on the Lawn: Mutinies, Massacres, and Shipwrecks
Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources is hosting another cultural event in the Lectures on the Lawn series. Join us at the Starkey Ranch District Park to hear from Dr. Michael Francis on “Mutinies, Massacres, Shipwrecks, and a Hurricane: The Story of the Founding of St. Augustine, Florida” Additional Details: Musician: Mallory Moyer: Nouveau-Folk singer, guitarist and lyricist Food Truck: Aunt Kimmie’s – Panini sandwiches, tacos, nachos, hotdogs, sausages,
Strange Fruit in Florida
Despite its reputation as the “Sunshine State” and a tourist destination, Florida harbors a lengthy and painful history of racial violence. Dr. Tameka Hobbs, Associate Provost and Associate Professor of History at Florida Memorial University will examine the history of lynching and racial violence in Florida. She will also discuss the role of Harry T. Moore, a strong opponent to lynching who was in favor of civil rights for African