Beyond Tacos, Salsa & Sombreros: Latin America’s Cultural Wealth

Featuring Dr. Luis Martínez-Fernández, University of Central Florida

Despite its geographical proximity to the United States, Latin America remains barely an afterthought within the scope of U.S. foreign policy. This is paralleled by a generalized disinterest in the history and culture of Latin Americans and Latinos/Hispanics, 60 million of whom live in the United States.

This illustrated presentation invites the audience to venture beyond traditional stereotypes to explore the deeper meanings and richness of Latin American cultures.

Prof. Martínez-Fernández will explore issues including:
• Deeper definitions of culture
• Should we speak of one or many Latin American cultures?
• What do Hispanics/Latinos bring to the table?
• Translating across cultures

Prof. Luis Martínez-Fernández of the University of Central Florida grew up in Lima, Peru, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. He holds a Ph.D. in History from Duke University and has researched and written extensively on a wide range of topics about the histories of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

Prof. Martínez-Fernández was senior editor of the award-winning “Encyclopedia of Cuba: People, History, Culture.” His most recent books, both from the University Press of Florida, are “Revolutionary Cuba: A History (2014)” and “Key to the New World: A History of Early Colonial Cuba” (2018), a Florida Book Awards medal winner. Active in Central Florida cultural organizations, he founded the annual Latin American Cultural Festival of Orlando.

This is a free event in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.