The Cuban Cultural Center of New York celebrates its 16th annual consecutive congress —this year dedicated to the history of black Cubans and their influence and legacy worldwide.
The all-day event will feature a sweeping historical overview of the black presence in Cuba from colonial times to the present, featuring archival photographs and film footage throughout the day.
The conference will highlight the introduction of slavery on the Island and its socioeconomic vestiges throughout the Republican and post-Revolution eras, the black man’s pivotal participation in the Cuban wars of independence, the African religions and their manifest role in Cuba’s cultural syncretism, the preeminent leadership of blacks in today’s civic resistance movement, as well as the outstanding achievements and influence of black Cubans across cultural genres, including music, literature, sports, dance, and the plastic arts—in both the national and international realms—for the last two centuries. The program will also include discussions on race and national identity, addressing the sensitive topic of racism. The event will be dedicated to Juan Gualberto Gómez, an exceptional figure in Cuba’s gestation as a nation.
Key luminaries in the field of Afro-Cuban studies will be invited to the conference, including Harvard professor Alejandro de la Fuente, as well as other scholars and artists, such as Ramón Colás, Yesenia Selier, Juan Benemelis, Lourdes Gil, Enrique Patterson, Tania León, Alexis Romay, Odette Casamayor, Jorge Olivera Castillo, Raquel Vinat, and Paquito D’Rivera. Throughout the day, the conference will also feature stills and video segments of great musicians, artists, dancers, and filmmakers, including Carlos Acosta, Caridad Martínez, Brindis de Salas, Gloria Rolando, Zoila Gálvez, Lico Jiménez, among others, with a special tribute to plastic artist Belkis Ayón. The event will be capped by an Afro-Cuban jam concert with Sonidos de Cuba!
All attendees will be provided breakfast and will be invited to the closing reception.
*Paying attendees and conference participants will also be served a complimentary lunch.
THE NEW SCHOOL
Theresa Lang Center
Arnhold Hall
55 West 13th Street, NYC
FOR TICKETS, CLICK HERE:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3083730
The New School faculty, staff, and students can attend the conference absolutely gratis. Registration deadline is October 15th.
To register, please click here: http://goo.gl/forms/NewSchoolRegistration
When warranted, simultaneous English translation will be provided through earphones upon request.
This event is presented in partnership with The New School and Parsons School of Design
With the sponsorship of The Africa-America Institute and PepsiCo
With the promotional collaboration of
The musical segments of this event are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
