Celebration of Cuban History to Feature Three UCF Professors

ORLANDO, May 11, 2005 -- Three University of Central Florida professors will present their work on Cuban history and literature Thursday, May 19, during a commemoration of the 103rd anniversary of Cuba's independence from Spain.

English professors Cecilia Rodríguez Milanés and Ivonne Lamazares will join Luis Martínez-Fernández, director of the Latin American, Caribbean and Latino Studies program, at the celebration from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando.

Milanés, co-chair of the Latino Caucus of The National Council of Teachers of English will read her poetry, and Lamazares will read excerpts of her book, "The Sugar Island."

Martínez-Fernández, who was born in Havana, will discuss how Cuba's geography has shaped its political history. He will examine issues such as why Cuba became a sugar island, why it developed a love-hate relationship with the United States and why Cuba's eastern and western areas evolved differently. Martínez-Fernández is the senior editor of the "Encyclopedia of Cuba: People, History and Culture."

The presentation is open to the public and is free for Historical Society of Central Florida members. Tickets for other guests cost $10 and will be available at the door. Copies of the books by the three UCF professors will be sold at the History Center bookstore.

"A Celebration of Cuban History and Culture: Remembrance of the Death of José Martí and the Anniversary of Cuban Independence" is presented by the Orange County Regional History Center and the UCF Latin American, Caribbean and Latino Studies program. Other sponsors are Bacardi USA; the Cuban American National Council; Telemundo, Orlando; WKMG-Channel 6 and El Nuevo Dia.

DATE POSTED
May 11, 2005

CONTACT
Luis Martínez-Fernández
UCF, LACLS Program
407-823-1173
martfern@mail.ucf.edu

Shanon Michael Larimer
History Center
407-836-8595
shanon.larimer@ocfl.net

DOWNLOADS
(none)

LINKS
the History Center
LACLS Program