Spanish and Portuguese Language and Literature Commons^™

Lo Afrocubano: Exploring Afro-Cuban Culture In Music, Literature, & Art, Pre- & Post-Revolution, Grace Maffucci

Foreign Language Student Scholarship

Majors: Music and Spanish
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Monica Simal

After the abolition of slavery on the island in 1886, Black Cubans struggled for equality and a place in a White-dominated society. The twentieth century brought about a deeper exploration of Afro-Cuban culture and identity through several forms of art. This project delves into the music, literature, and art of twentieth century Afro-Cuban artists and examines how they used the arts to communicate their identity to a society in political turmoil. It compares the representation of Blacks and Blackness before and during Fidel Castro’s revolution. The project also explores how the …