Center for José Martí Studies Affiliate (CJMSA)

Center for José Martí Studies Affiliate will present a novel approach to the study and teaching of the rise of the U.S. as a global hegemonic power in the early 20th century as a consequence of its intervention in Cuba’s War of Independence. A key aspect of this history was the role played by the Cuban immigrant communities in the U.S., particularly in the unique and vibrant cigar towns of Ybor City (now Tampa, FL) and Key West. It was here that José Martí would find both the inspiration and the followers he would need to bring about his vision of a future Cuban Republic. The close study of this seminal period from the perspective of the working class immigrants who organized, financed, and in many cases fought and died for this patriotic ideal that they helped inspire by their example, will enrich any cross-cultural approach to the teaching of U.S. history, race and ethnicity, Latin American studies, Caribbean/Cuban studies, international relations, cultural studies, Hispanic language and culture, or any aspect of the relationship between the global north and the global south.