Dr. Urbansky discusses the challenges faced by Chinese immigrants during the late Tsarist Empire and early Soviet Union, highlighting the racial and cultural prejudices that fueled hostilities in urban settings. His analysis explores how these early interactions shaped the experiences and perceptions of Chinese communities in a rapidly changing socio-political landscape.

The Center for African Studies at the University of Pittsburgh attended and presented to 187 high school students during Environmental Charter High School’s Black History Month Celebration, which was organized in collaboration with the student group Young, Gifted, and Black.

The Center’s presentation highlighted African languages, music, dance, and cultural traditions and promoted upcoming in-school workshops designed to integrate these elements into K-12 classrooms.

Outcomes:

Strong student engagement and enthusiasm, with many expressing interest in African cultures and future programs.

Multiple teachers and administrators requested follow-up information to schedule workshops.

Strengthened community connections, including with representatives from the City of Pittsburgh and local cultural organizations.

Reinforced the Center’s commitment to culturally responsive education and community outreach.

In 2024, Brazil marks the 60th anniversary of the military coup that initiated a 21-year dictatorship. This coup was part of a broader wave of military interventions across South America, leading to authoritarian regimes in Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina. Although most of these regimes dissolved by the early 1990s, authoritarianism remains a significant element in Latin America’s political memory.

This conference brings together scholars from Latin America and the United States to examine the intersections of authoritarian governance, collective memory, and the ongoing struggle for justice and human rights across the region. Key topics include the role of political parties under authoritarian regimes, grassroots memory initiatives, transitional justice efforts, and the pressing challenge of strengthening democratic resilience in the face of resurgent authoritarianism.

9:15 Welcome remarks: Keila Grinberg, Lara Putnam, Sheila Velez-Martinez

9:30-11:30 am
Session 1: Memory, human rights and authoritarianism
Chair: Keila Grinberg (Pitt)
Samantha Quadrat (Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil)
Ludmila da Silva Catela (Universidade Nacional de Cordoba, Argentina)
Hugo Rojas (Universidad Alberto Hurtado, Chile)
Discussants: Laura Gotkowitz (Pitt) and Sheila Velez Martinez (Pitt)

lunch

1 -3 pm
Session 2: Politics under Authoritarian Regimes
Chair: Lara Putnam (Pitt)
Lucia Grinberg (Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil):
Roberto Simon (independent scholar)
Barbara Weinstein (New York University)
Discussants: José Cheibub (Pitt)

Coffee break

3:15 – 4:30 pm Keynote speaker: Dora Maria Telles (Harvard University): Authoritarianism, Once Again: Memories and Reflections
Discussant: Michel Gobat (Pitt)

4:30- 6 pm: Reception and book launch

This Valentine's Day, show your support for our emerging Latino communities by learning more about their rights, available resources, and how you can help. Join us for a special meeting where we'll discuss ways to protect and empower our families, friends, and neighbors. Whether you're seeking information, offering support, or just want to connect with others who care, this is the perfect way to stand in solidarity and share the love.

Open to ALL students, faculty, staff, and community

We hope to get new practice, writing, and research collaborations underway!

Supported by the Center for Health Equity and the Center for Latin American Studies

Join undergraduate Pitt students for a conversation hour to practice speaking in Hindi and Urdu and connect over shared cultural experiences.

Kya Baat Hai will meet weekly, on Fridays, during the 2024-2025 academic year, EXCEPT on March 7.

Swahili Level 2 students: Join Swahili instructor Faraja Ngogo on Fridays at 4-5 pm in the Global Hub to practice Swahili.

Join Addverse, a transcultural, multilingual, and intergenerational poetry organization, for weekly meetings in the Global Hub.

Addverse will meet weekly, on Fridays, during Spring 2025, EXCEPT on January 24 and March 7.