Conference on Cuban and Cuban American Studies

Image: migracion-latinoamericana.jpg
J. Emilio Flores, The Journal, 2020

Call for Panels and Papers

14th Conference on Cuban and Cuban American Studies

Deadline for submission of proposals: November 15, 2023

Convocatoria en español

THE LATINIZATION OF FLORIDA:
ECONOMIC, POLITICAL, AND CULTURAL REPERCUSSIONS

FIU Modesto A. Maidique Campus
Graham Center Ballrooms
Miami, Florida
February 15–16, 2024

The Cuban Research Institute (CRI) of Florida International University (FIU) continues its tradition of convening scholars and other persons interested in the study of Cuba and Cuban Americans by announcing its Fourteenth Conference. We encourage the submission of panels and papers concentrating on any aspects of the main conference theme, but will consider all submissions relevant to the history, economy, politics, culture, society, and creative expression of Cuba and its diaspora. The conference will be held in person and, because of cost considerations, will not be available online.

In 1960, the population of Hispanic origin in Florida represented only 3% of the state's population. By 2021, people of Latin American descent were 27.1% of all Florida’s residents. Nowadays, Latinos are the second largest ethnic group in the state, after non-Hispanic Whites. Massive immigration from Latin America, especially from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, has transformed the physical and cultural landscape of major cities, such as Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. The spectacular growth of the Latino population has been accompanied by the expansion of neighborhoods, schools, churches, businesses, media, political organizations, and other voluntary associations oriented toward the Hispanic community.

The number of people who spoke Spanish at home in Florida rose from about 43,000 in 1960 to more than 4.5 million in 2021. In many areas of Miami, Spanish has become the predominant language in everyday life. A new "Miami dialect" of English has emerged, borrowing words and expressions from the Spanish language. With more than 69% of its population of Latino origin, Miami-Dade County is the epicenter of the Latinization of Florida.

Florida's Latino population is one of the most diverse in the United States, regarding national origin. According to 2021 census estimates, Cubans represent the single largest Latino ancestry group (26%), while Puerto Ricans (20%), Mexicans (13%), Colombians (7%), and Venezuelans (5%) round out the top five groups in the state. Despite the multiple sources of Latin American immigrants, as well as their distinct historical experiences and enduring national loyalties, little comparative research has been conducted on Florida's Latino population. Although some nonprofit organizations promote the idea of pan-Latino unity, most surveys show that Latin American immigrants and their descendants cling to their national identities and seldom make common cause with other people of Latin American descent.

The Fourteenth Conference on Cuban and Cuban American Studies takes the demographic growth of Florida’s Latino population as the point of departure for reflection and discussion about its past, present, and future. Our main theme, the economic, political, and cultural repercussions of Latinization, invites interdisciplinary approaches to the complex, heterogeneous, and multiple Cuban and Latino communities residing in the state. Although we welcome discussions about the recent situation and future of Latino Florida, we invite a thorough retrospective examination of the economic, political, and cultural causes and consequences of the Latinization of the state. We are especially interested in assessing the evolving relations between Cubans and other Latinos, particularly in South Florida.

Panels and papers could address but are not limited to the following topics:

  • The historical development of Cuban communities in Florida, especially since the late 19th century, particularly in Key West and Tampa
  • The growing diversification of Latino populations (including Puerto Ricans, Colombians, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, and Dominicans) in South and Central Florida, particularly in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa
  • The renewed exodus from Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua and its multiple repercussions in South Florida
  • The continuing impact of Latin American immigration on Spanish-speaking and bilingual communities
  • The expansion of Latino-owned businesses throughout Florida, particularly in major metropolitan areas
  • Relations among Cubans, Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Colombians, Venezuelans, and other Latinos in Florida
  • Relations between Hispanics and non-Hispanics in the state
  • The common classification of Latinos as a putatively "separate" group between Non-Hispanic Whites and Blacks
  • The proliferation of Latino religious organizations, including those of Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant denominations
  • Contributions of Cuban Americans and Latinos to Florida’s economy, politics, and culture
  • Emerging trends in Cuban American and Latino literature, art, and music
  • Representations of Latinos in the media
  • Comparative perspectives on the Latino vote in Florida
  • The attitudes and practices of Cuban Americans toward other Latinos
  • The future of the Latino population in Florida

Guidelines for Submitting Panel and Paper Proposals

Although we prefer panel proposals, we will attempt to group individual papers in sessions according to shared themes. Panels will ideally include four paper presenters, a chair (who may be one of the presenters), and a discussant. Panels may feature five paper presentations if they do not include a discussant. Each presentation will be limited to 20 minutes. Participants may perform two different roles at the conference (chair, discussant, roundtable participant, or paper presenter), but may not present more than one paper. Submissions may be in English or Spanish.

Proposals for panels or roundtables must include a general description of the theme and one-page abstracts of each participant’s paper. The following information must be submitted for each panelist:

  • Full name
  • Institutional affiliation
  • Role in the session
  • Title of presentation
  • Mailing address
  • Office, cell, and home phone numbers
  • Email address

Persons wishing to submit proposals for individual papers must present a one-page abstract and all pertinent personal data.

The deadline for submission of all panel and paper proposals is November 15, 2023.

Notifications of acceptance (or refusal) will be sent out by December 1, 2023. For further information about the conference and other CRI activities, please visit our website at https://cri.fiu.edu. All submissions and requests for information should be sent to criconferen@fiu.edu. An acknowledgment of receipt will be sent.

Registration Fees and Other Conference Expenses

All participants should register under one of the following categories. Registration fees include two continental breakfasts, coffee breaks, a reception, and all conference materials. Please register online at https://14th-CRI-Conference.eventbrite.com

  • Pre-registration for Speakers and the General Public (before January 15, 2024): $125
  • Registration: $150
  • Non-FIU Students: $35
  • FIU Students, Faculty, and Staff: Free of Charge

No refund will be issued for cancellations received one month before the first day of the event.

Each participant will be responsible for his or her own travel and lodging expenses, as well as the conference registration fee. The registration fee for persons living in Cuba and journalists will be waived.