Enrique García Cabrera, Untitled, 1937. Courtesy of the Darlene M. and Jorge M. Pérez Art Collection at FIU, Frost Art Museum
"More Than White, More Than Mulatto, More Than Black":
Racial Politics in Cuba and the Americas
When: February 26–28, 2015; from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: FIU Modesto A. Maidique Campus, Graham Center Ballrooms
The Cuban Research Institute (CRI) of Florida International University continues its tradition of convening scholars, students, and other persons interested in the study of Cuba and Cuban Americans by announcing its Tenth Conference. This year's meeting will be dedicated to Dr. Carmelo Mesa-Lago in recognition of his multiple contributions to Cuban studies over more than five decades.
In 1893, the Cuban patriot, journalist, and poet José Martí published his famous article, "Mi raza" ("My Race"). In it he argued against fomenting racial divisions within the context of Cuba's independence struggle from Spain. His axiom that "man is more than white, more than mulatto, more than black" has been extensively cited since then. Although Martí's thought has been praised for promoting racial integration and equality, scholars and activists have criticized the practical implications of his model of racial democracy in Cuba and elsewhere.
The Tenth Conference on Cuban and Cuban-American Studies takes Martí's dictum as a cue for further academic inquiry and public debate. Our main theme, Racial Politics in Cuba and the Americas, invites comparisons between Cuban experiences of race and those of other Latin American and Caribbean peoples (such as Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Haitians, and Brazilians), as well as their diasporic communities. Although we emphasize the racial politics that emerged from the African-European encounter, we welcome analyses focusing on other racialized groups in Cuba and the Americas. We are especially interested in examining the economic, social, and cultural underpinnings of racial politics, as well as their histories, enduring significance, and potential futures.
Registration Fees
All participants should be registered under one of the following categories. Registration fees include three continental breakfasts, coffee breaks, one reception, admission to an evening film screening, and all conference materials.
Pre-registration for the General Public (before February 13, 2015): $125
Onsite Registration: $150
Non-FIU Students: $35
FIU Students, Faculty, and Staff: Free of Charge
Participant Registration Form
General Public Registration Form
For additional information about the conference, please call (305) 348–1991 or write cri2015conference@gmail.com.
For a list of hotels offering discounted rates for the conference, click here.
