FIU To Host 3rd Conference on Cuban and Cuban American Studies

More than 40 panels on a broad range of social, cultural, political and economic topics are scheduled as Florida International University's Cuban Research Institute hosts its Third CRI Conference on Cuban and Cuban American Studies Oct. 19-21 at FIU-University Park.

The conference will begin on Thursday, Oct. 19, in the FIU Graham Center at University Park, Southwest Eighth Street and 107 Avenue and will draw some 200 academic participants from throughout the world.

One of the most notable features of the conference will be the release of the results of the 2000 FIU Cuba Poll, which for the first time since its inception 10 years ago, includes a national sample of non-Cubans. This 2000 edition of the Cuba Poll also contains questions on the issues surrounding the Elián González custody battle, which drew the nation's attention for months earlier this year.

In addition, the study gauged opinions of Miami-Dade residents, as well as of a sample of residents throughout the country, on issues surrounding the presidential election, the U.S. embargo on Cuba, and U.S. migration policy towards the island.

"The Elián González case was a watershed event in U.S.-Cuba relations and in the role of Cuban Americans in influencing those relations," said Lisandro Pérez, director of FIU's CRI. "We hope that the poll will show us, among other things, why the case continues to have such resonance, both with Cuban Americans and others. The conference provides us a great and timely opportunity to discuss those findings."

Panels include:
Recent Cuban Emigration
Afrocuban Religious Traditions and New Realities
Contemporary Cuban Theater
Gender, Race, and Identity
Cuba's Economy in the 90's
Long Term Care Among Elder Cubans In South Florida
Cuban Women's Voices
Cuban Exile Literature

All persons attending the conference are required to register. Registration is $65 in advance, $75 at the door. FIU students, faculty and staff enter free with identification and non-FIU students are $15. For more information or to register call 305-348-1991 or visit the CRI website at http://lacc.fiu.edu/cri/

MEDIA CONTACT: Aileen Izquierdo 305-348-6999