Afro-Cuban Voices

From the foreword: “At a time when Cuba is undergoing immense economic and social changes, race becomes a kind of cultural litmus test for the national identity. … This anthology illustrates fully that it is possible to be both revolutionary and black in Cuba.”—Manning Marable, Columbia University

“The authors of Afro-Cuban Voices, also key actors in the new, unfolding dialogue about race in Cuba, make a seminal contribution through a forthright critique of ‘racial blind spots’ in official history and present-day racial discrimination.”—James Early, director of cultural studies and communication, Smithsonian Institution

From the series editor: “A courageous attempt to deal head-on with the issue of race in Cuba today. … Pérez Sarduy and Stubbs [seek to] put a human face on this debate, and do so well. The book will be received with relief by some and with frustration by others. Controversial it will undoubtedly be, since—as with most things Cuban—strong emotions are a given assumption. It will be an admirable beginning for the series and, it is hoped, will spark a much-needed debate in the United States on many aspects of the ‘Cuban question.’ It is about time.”—John M. Kirk

“This beautiful, poignant collection of snippets of thoughtful reflections and conversations by a wide range of Afro-Cubans will go far toward understanding. It deftly cuts through the caricatures, myths, stereotypes, and misconceptions about blacks, not only in Cuba, but also across much of the Americas.”—Choice

“An important work for all those interested in contemporary race relations.”—Cuban Studies

“Offers a refreshing account of race, nation, and culture in Cuba. … For students unfamiliar with Cuban history, this volume is an insightful preamble to more detailed treatments of particular topics.”—Transforming Anthropology

“Offer[s] a wealth of material. … [A] timely compilation.”—Race & Class

“A commendable treatment of a thorny topic. Its clear prose and the frankness of its subjects makes it accessible to both the specialist and anyone interested in the complex nature of social life in present-day Cuba.”—Florida Historical Quarterly