Florida and the Caribbean: From Ponce de León to Hugo Chavez

Florida has been an outpost of Caribbean civilizations since 1513, when Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León arrived from Puerto Rico.  Through a history of Caribbean products—including rum, cigars, sugar, coffee, and bananas—and a history of Caribbean rulers—including Papa Doc Duvalier, Rafael Trujillo, Fidel Castro, and Hugo Chavez— historian Paul Dosal highlights the political and economic forces that have bound Florida to the Caribbean for more than 500 years.

Paul Dosal is professor of history and executive director of ENLACE (Engaging Latino, African American, and other Communities for Education) at the University of South Florida.  As director of ENLACE, Dosal manages a statewide network organized to promote college readiness, access, and success for Latino and African-American students. A third-generation descendant of Cuban immigrants who settled in Ybor City in 1889, he specializes in the history of the modern Caribbean, with particular interests in the history of Cuba and Guatemala.  He has published four books and numerous scholarly articles and book reviews.

Required Equipment:

• LCD Projector
• Screen
• Microphone (for a large group)
• Podium