Ricardo L. Ortí­z

Note to Editors: Ricardo Ortí­z is available by appointment for interviews regarding what the potential looming transitions in Cuba may mean to Cuban-American communities in the U.S. To schedule an interview, call the CSULA Public Affairs office at (323) 343-3050.

Cuban-American diaspora, identity
explored —beyond Miami

Los Angeles, CA – Looking at the influence of Cuban-American culture beyond South Florida, Ricardo L. Ortíz addresses the question of Cuban-American diaspora and cultural identity at a reading and book-signing on Monday, Feb. 12, 6 p.m., at the University Bookstore on the Cal State L.A. campus.

Ortíz, author of recently published book Cultural Erotics in Cuban America, will explore the histories and self-sustaining practices of smaller Cuban-American communities in such U.S. cities as Los Angeles, Chicago and New York.

According to Ortíz, Miami is widely considered the center of Cuban-American culture. However vital to the diasporic communities’ identity, Miami is not the only—or necessarily the most proud—site of cultural production, he says.

During the event, Ortíz will also explain how the works of Cuban-American writers and artists challenge the expected norm of both home and host culture.

Ortíz is currently the Joseph A. Bailey II, M.D. Endowed Chair and director of the American Communities Program (ACP) at Cal State L.A. With expertise in U.S. Latino literature, critical and cultural theory, and American studies, Ortíz came to Cal State L.A. from Georgetown University.

Sponsored by the Cal State L.A. Cross Cultural Centers, the event is organized by the American Communities Program at Cal State L.A.

WHAT:
A reading and book-signing event featuring Ricardo Ortíz, author of recently-published book Cultural Erotics in Cuban America.

WHEN:
6 p.m. – Monday, Feb. 12, 2007. (Light refreshments will be served.)

WHERE:
University Bookstore (The Golden Eagle building), on the Cal State L.A. campus. The University is at the Eastern Avenue exit, along the San Bernardino Freeway, near the interchange of the 10 and 710 freeways.

DETAILS:
The event will address the question of Cuban-American diaspora and cultural identity, highlighting various forms of cultural expression and focusing on underrepresented communities’ responses.

CONTACT:
(323) 343-6300 or rortiz8@calstatela.edu.

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