The
transnational identity of the AfroCuban traditions becomes
key religious and socio-cultural values of the Cuban nationality
during the last two centuries. Special consideration must
be given to recognizing AfroCuban solid constituencies for
peace and conflict resolution in a contemporary civil society.
Despite
Cuba’s abolition of slavery in 1889 and its independence
from Spain in 1902, the AfroCubans remained marginalized
in society and created the first black national party in
the Western Hemisphere; a political organization that culminated
with the massacre of thousands in 1912. Although some cultural
values of African origin are part of the official Cuban
culture, there is a lack of true racial equality in the
Nation.
Founded
1976, the AfroCuban Research Institute (www.afrocuba.org)
is documenting experiences from our last years of cultural
academic exchange between Cuba and the United States, including
field trips and educational programs in both countries.
A serial of several articles and lectures will be presented
in collaboration with California State University in Los
Angeles. Video and website applications will be produced
in addition to written articles comprised in an AfroCuban
Anthology. The AfroCuban traditions are common ground for
promoting ethnic diversity and social pluralism.
It
is more likely that practitioners of AfroCuban traditions
may develop a social behavior toward the blending of races
and nations, and this favors racial equality in contemporary
society and promotes networks of transnational communities.
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