Afrocubanas: History, Thought, and Cultural Practices

This edited collection is the first of its kind, placing the experiences of black and mulata women at the center of Cuban history. It includes essays from well-known and newly published Cuban authors, examining the lives of Afrocubanas from the late nineteenth century to the present. The Afrocubanas Project is a grassroots community working group in Havana that challenges racism and sexism together, and the volume merges their activism and scholarship to offer a counter discourse to existing narratives and create new knowledge about Afrocubanas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 398 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

This groundbreaking edited collection, originally published in Spanish and curated by Cuban historian Daisy Rubiera Castillo and playwright and theater critic Inés María Martiatu Terry, stands as the first of its kind. It forefronts the experiences of black and mulata women in Cuban history, placing them at the center of its narrative. The volume comprises a diverse array of essays, featuring contributions from both well-established and emerging Cuban authors. These essays explore the lives of Afrocubanas spanning from the late nineteenth century to the present, shedding light on their struggles, triumphs, and enduring contributions to the nation's history.

One of the remarkable aspects of Afrocubanas is its grassroots origins. The text emerged from the collaborative efforts of a community working group in Havana, driven by a shared commitment to combating racial inequality. In the wake of Cuba's economic challenges following the collapse of its primary trading partner, the Soviet Union, in 1991, antiracist organizations emerged to address these issues. However, the Afrocubanas Project stands out as one of the few groups that simultaneously challenges racism and sexism. The members of this project come from diverse backgrounds, including various professions, ages, and sexual orientations. They share a common goal of challenging negative stereotypes about black women and advocating for their rights and empowerment.

This volume seamlessly blends the activism and scholarship of the Afrocubanas Project members, resulting in a powerful counter discourse to existing narratives about black women in Cuba. It not only provides valuable insights into the political and intellectual dimensions of black Cuban womens thought but also contributes to the creation and dissemination of new knowledge about Afrocubanas.

In the realm of English-language scholarship, Afrocubanas stands as a unique and indispensable resource. There is no other published work that comprehensively analyzes the political and intellectual dimensions of black Cuban womens thought across the islands history. This text serves as a vital reading for scholars and students specializing in Africana Studies, Afro-Latin American Studies, Caribbean history, and women's studies. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the experiences and contributions of black women in Cuba, shedding light on their struggles, resilience, and ongoing struggles for equality and recognition.

In conclusion, Afrocubanas is a groundbreaking and essential work that challenges prevailing narratives and provides a fresh perspective on the history of black and mulata women in Cuba. Through its collaborative efforts, activism, and scholarship, the project contributes to the ongoing struggle for gender equality and social justice in the country. It is a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives and the transformative potential of collective action. As we continue to explore and unravel the complexities of history, Afrocubanas serves as a valuable resource for understanding the rich and diverse tapestry of women's experiences across different cultures and societies.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 219 x 155 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538148228