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The University of South Florida to Host Conference on Challenges Facing Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans in Florida Following Hurricane Maria[11/13/2018]
Tampa, Fla. – (November 7, 2018) – The University of South Florida’s Institute for the Study of Latin America and the Caribbean is set to host “Puerto Rico se Levanta: Understanding Challenges to Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans in Florida post Hurricane Maria” conference on the Tampa campus Friday, Nov. 16. Presenters and speakers intend to inform the community and spread awareness about the disaster’s impact. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the USF Marshall Student Center, room 3707.
After Hurricane Maria hit the island in September 2017, Puerto Rico was forced to deal with the devastating aftermath. The power outages, damaged infrastructure, and severe flooding that ravaged the country caused many victims to seek refuge, particularly in Florida. The goal of this conference is to start a conversation about the long-term consequences of Hurricane Maria and potential solutions for Puerto Ricans and Florida.
Four panels will take place throughout the day, with topics ranging from “Impact on Florida,” and “Disaster Relief and the Aftermath of Hurricane Maria” to “Media and Art in Resistance and Recovery”. A final wrap-up panel will include all participants. During this final session, participants will summarize their findings and propose possible future actions. Panel chairs will include: Professor of Sociology and Assistant Dean, Elizabeth Aranda, curator of Latin and Caribbean art at the USF Institute for Research in Art, Noel Smith, Associate Professor at USF Health, Ricardo Izurieta, and Professor and ISLAC Director, Bernd Reiter.
Each panel - two in the morning and two in the afternoon - will be about an hour and fifteen minutes long. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. The event is free and open to the public.
About the College of Arts & Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences is the intellectual heart of the University of South Florida. We are a community of teachers and scholars united in the belief that broadly educated people are the basis of a just, free and prosperous society. By focusing on the big questions facing all of humanity, we prepare students for successful personal and professional lives. By conducting innovative, interdisciplinary research and scholarship, we advance knowledge in ways that prepare us to address vexing social problems and enhance the quality of life for people and communities.
Filed under:Arts and Sciences CreditsAuthor:Paula Lezama Contact:plezama@usf.edu