'Haitians in the Transnational Social Field'
posted on: Jan. 29, 2008
“In the face of dangerous sea-crossings, economic hardship, racist antipathies, and the raids of the immigration and naturalization services, thousands of Haitian migrants seek work abroad on plantations and construction sites, in the service sector and as domestics,” says Iowa State University Professor of Spanish Eugenio Matibag.
'Haitians in the Transnational Social Field'
Tuesday, March 25
7 p.m.
Rogalski Center
Ripley and Lombard Streets, one block west of Harrison Street
Matibag will address how these diasporic Haitians make their way in foreign societies—oftentimes on the edge of survival. The lecture is free and open to the public.
As a faculty member at ISU in Ames, Matibag serves as founder and current director of the Center for American Intercultural Studies and the Asian American Studies programs; advisor to the ISU Filipino Student Association and the Sigma Delta Pi Spanish National Honorary Society; and member of the President's Advisory Committee on Diversity. Matibag is the author of numerous articles, essays and books, including “Afro-Cuban Religious Experience: Cultural Reflections in Narrative” and “Haitian-Dominican Counterpoint: Nation, State and Race on Hispaniola.” He has given many international presentations on Caribbean and Philippine literature and culture.
The legacy of peace and justice initiatives at St. Ambrose anchors AWSJ programs in a historical context marked by faith, scholarship and activism. AWSJ promotes education and action for human rights and for the fair and responsible use of resources. Since 2004, AWSJ has sponsored an annual lecture series, bringing national and international speakers to campus, to highlight and discuss some of the most important social and economic justice issues of the day.
For more information, contact Katy Strzepek, adjunct assistant professor of history and AWSJ member, at 563/333-6000, ext. 4235.