2019 NEH Summer Institute, The Center for José Martí Studies Affiliate at the University of Tampa: "José Martí and Race in America”
Date
2019-06-27
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The University of Tampa
Abstract
Martí’s time in the United States coincided with the aftermath of Reconstruction, a reliving of
Civil War events, and a recounting of the efforts of U.S. abolitionists. Martí reported on brutal
attacks against former slaves in the South as well as on the success of educated blacks in the
North. His accounts described the racial climate of the time and ideas such as Social Darwinism.
Challenges faced by poor immigrants from Europe and by Chinese laborers are also part of the
picture. In addition, Martí dedicated numerous chronicles to the plight of North American
Indians. This presentation will highlight how U.S. race relations influenced Martí’s plans for racial
harmony in Cuba and will offer examples of his evolving perspectives on questions of race and
ethnicity. A close look at Cuba and the United States in the context of Martí’s life helps to
underscore some important differences between the two slave-holding nations.
Description
Please click on YouTube Video link above to stream the presentation.
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Video
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Keywords
Martí, José, 1853-1895, Slavery--America--History, Native Americans, Immigrants--Chinese--United States