The Editor: Read the notes on 14th International Conference of Chicano Writers and Latino Studies in Caceres, Spain.
* June 21, 2026 ( No PLATICAS in honor of Father's Day weekend -with family/love-ones)
Duration: 01:18:32 Shareable link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/DaM-H3WzDM9r4AcGlrB5NirUJWtMRc921prtpqixrVbqHqgF-2KcmvJiv26oe2Cj.5-TB_Of2P_Uuadwl Passcode: dYHyZ.3S https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/-RmXwY2m0lu2FVBylA4kh3cecG6Ef8i4dO9TL1xhKSu5vdcqbeRVlGkIAbVNJcQO.vEDtnEKl1yjIchWX?startTime=1781462699000 Passcode: dYHyZ.3S |
Meeting summary
Quick recap
The meeting focused on a presentation by Carlos Flores about his recent visit to Spain for the 14th International Conference of Chicano Literature and Latino Studies in Cáceres, Extremadura. Carlos shared his experiences at the conference, which explored themes of transculturation, mestizaje, and historical connections between the Americas and Spain. The discussion included presentations by various scholars and artists, with Carlos highlighting his own work "Pillars of Creation" and meeting with colleagues including Carlos Morton and Norma Cantú. The presentation sparked extensive debate among attendees about the complex relationship between Chicano identity and Spanish heritage, with participants discussing issues of colonial history, language, cultural identity, and the ongoing effects of Spanish colonialism on Mexican-American communities. Several attendees raised questions about whether focusing on Spanish colonial history should be a priority compared to current political issues, and the conversation touched on topics ranging from the Generation of '98 writers to modern Spanish policies regarding Chicano literature and culture.
Next steps
Carlos
- Send the book on Chicano theater/perambulations to the Polish professor who expressed interest.
- Consider inviting Carlos Morton to do a Platicas presentation.
- Consider organizing a panel at the next conference in Tenerife (in two years) with Dionisio and a Spanish author to discuss Chicano/Hispanic/Hispanidad identity and historical issues.
Dionisio
Maria
- Send information about the LEAD conference in Lansing to Raul and/or Carlos for distribution.
- (Optional, based on Carlos's suggestion) Consider chairing a future meeting about the upcoming Texas and United States elections.
Collaboration
Summary
Technical and Presentation Setup Meeting
The meeting began with technical difficulties as participants experienced audio and video connectivity issues. Carlos announced he would be the speaker and requested Maria's phone number to conduct an interview, which she provided as 517-409-1039. The conversation ended with Carlos attempting to share content and Raul preparing to present using PowerPoint.
Personal Background and Life Reflections
Carlos discussed his background, mentioning he is originally from El Paso with family connections to Mexico and Puerto Rico. He shared that he lived in Laredo since 1970 where he met his wife, which changed his life significantly. The conversation included personal reflections about relationships and life changes, with participants experiencing technical difficulties with audio throughout the meeting.
Platicas Meeting Updates and Events
Raul led a meeting of Platicas, a group focused on connecting and learning from each other's knowledge. The group held a moment of silence for Magdaleno Leno Rosa Avila, a Platica member who passed away two months ago. Raul announced upcoming events, including a presentation by Rosa Marta Sarate on June 28th titled "Why Our Music Matters," which will be moderated by Ruben Barrera. The group noted that there would be no meeting on June 21 due to Father's Day weekend.
Chicano Literature Conference Updates
Carlos announced an upcoming biannual bilingual conference on Chicano literature in Laredo where he and Norma Cantu will present on Chicano literature from the border. Rita reported that Illinois LULAC passed a resolution supporting Mexican American Heritage Day and plans to promote Rita's book "Chicago Latina Trailblazers" at the upcoming National LULAC conference in Fort Worth. Carlos then shared details about his recent trip to Spain for the 14th International Conference of Chicano Literature and Latino Studies, where he presented on the Mestizaje theme and discussed the ongoing debate about the Black Legend between Mexican and Spanish intellectuals.
Spain Trip Cultural Presentation
Carlos presented photos and descriptions of his recent trip to Spain, focusing on the historic architecture and culture of Casares, particularly the Plaza Mayor and El Hotel Godo. He shared his positive impressions of Spanish society, noting the presence of families and young people in public spaces. Carlos also discussed his visit to the Monasterio de Guadalupe, explaining its historical significance to Hernan Cortes and other conquistadores.
Spanish Cultural and Religious Sites
Carlos discussed his recent visit to Spain, focusing on religious and cultural sites including La Virgen de Guadalupe and a statue of Pizarro in Trujillo. He explained how the Spanish built churches on sites of pagan goddess shrines to ease the transition between old and new religions. Carlos also described attending a conference at Universidad Extremadura about transculturation in Mexican literature and Chicano/Latino literature connections to Spain, noting his own personal connection as someone of indigenous and European Spanish heritage.
Congresso Event and Theater Updates
Carlos discussed his recent attendance at a Congresso event where he presented on "Pillars of Creation" and connected with fellow playwright Carlos Morton, who encouraged him to attend the conference. Carlos shared insights about various cultural presentations at the event, including sessions on cuisine, music, and Chicana/Latina literature. He mentioned that their theater company is being revitalized due to the success of their published work, particularly an anthology being picked up by University of Texas at San Marcos and other institutions, which has helped raise the quality standards for future productions.
Spain Trip and Cultural Research
Carlos shared updates about his recent trip to Spain, where he promoted his work and distributed copies of his books, including a Spanish translation of "Our House on Waco." He expressed interest in exploring the historical and cultural context of Mexican Americans and mentioned potentially writing a new collection of essays on the topic. Carlos also inquired if any Chicano scholars had written about Unamuno, and he sought help in finding such scholars or resources.
Chicano Identity and Spanish Heritage
The meeting focused on a discussion about Carlos's presentation on his experience at a conference in Spain titled "Transculturations, Encounters, Mestizajes and Returns between the Americas and Spain." Participants debated the relationship between Chicano identity and Spanish heritage, with Carlos arguing that Spanish influence cannot be completely excluded from Chicano identity. Dionisio raised concerns about how the conference addressed the complex relationship between Chicano and Hispanic identities, while others discussed the ongoing effects of Spanish colonialism and the importance of addressing historical issues alongside current priorities like elections. The discussion highlighted different perspectives on identity, colonial legacy, and the relevance of historical connections between Spain and Chicano communities.
* June 28, 2026_Mexican American Heritage Day Association: Rosa Martha Zarate: Why Our Music Matters, moderated by Ruben Barrera. See the video:Our music matters because it keeps our history alive. It affirms who we are, where we come from, and what we continue to defend. When artists like Rosa Martha sing, they lift community memory, strengthen identity, and inspire the next generation to stand with dignity and purpose. Her songs — and the songs of our people — are part of the cultural inheritance we are committed to preserving and celebrating.
| __________/ LA VOZ Newspaper, June 2026 Edition (A Texas Newspaper) |
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Join LARED-L, the fastest growing Latino/Hispanic Listserv Network in the
country. It's Free and Easy to join. Just fill out the simple form below, and
become part of our Cyber Community: (( La Voz del Pueblo))
http://listserv.cyberlatina.net/SCRIPTS/WA-CYBERL.EXE?SUBED1=lared-l&A=1
Saludes, Felicidades, y Bienvenido/a,
*********************************************************
Welcome to the La Red Latina WWW Network
"LaRed Latina" WWW site: http://www.lared-latina.com
"LARED-L" Discussion Group: http//www.lared-latina.com/subs.html
LRL Internet Seminar: http://lared-latina.com/seminars.html
Roberto Vazquez rcv_5186@aol.com
President, CEO http://www.lared-latina.com/bio.html
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
LRL Internet Seminar Enterprises is a La Red Latina sponsored concern which
is involved in conducting "Internet/WWW" seminars/lectures for High School,
College, and University Latino/Hispanic/Chicano organizations and associations
from throughout the West Coast, Southwest, Intermountain, Midwest, and
Texas Regions.
For further information check out LRL Internet Seminar Enterprises at:
http://lared-latina.com/seminars.html
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
To subscribe or unsubscribe from the LARED-L list, click the following link:
http://listserv.cyberlatina.net/scripts/wa-CYBERL.exe?SUBED1=LARED-L&A=1
No comments:
Post a Comment