2019 NEH Summer Institute, The Center for José Martí Studies Affiliate at the University of Tampa: “Más que negro: The Anti-Racism of José Martí and the Afro-Cuban Community of Ybor City” with Susan Greenbaum

Date

2019-06-19

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Publisher

The University of Tampa

Abstract

Slavery and racism were crucial elements of the Cuban independence struggle, but the revolutionists struggled with internal contradictions. The 19th century Cuban poet/revolutionist, José Martí, was an ardent anti-racist. He was unusual for this view when most white intellectuals believed that science supported unequal abilities and unequal treatment of Africans and their descendants. For Martí it was a matter of both principle and pragmatism. Maintaining solidarity between black and white independence fighters was essential both for military success and political succession. The Cuban exile community in Florida, a critical segment of the movement, labored under a racist regime more extreme and overt than in Cuba. Martí’s frequent visits to Tampa included both gestures and genuine partnership with Afrocuban revolutionists. His death in 1895 and emergent power of the US adversely affected the anti-racist comradeship of Cubans in Tampa.

Description

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Keywords

Slavery--America--History, Martí, José, 1853-1895, Afro-Cubans

Citation

DOI