Many people who have visited countries in Latin America or the Caribbean describe them as “magical.” Certainly, magical realism is part of the region’s literary innovations, creatively transforming the horrors of colonialism, slavery, and its aftereffects into vibrant narratives of resilience. Moreover, the rich spiritual traditions of Amerindians blended with Christian and African-descended gods and mythologies to create unique festivals such as the Día de los muertos, Carnival, and Junkanoo. This year’s theme focuses on how residents of Latin America & the Caribbean (and their families living in North America), find magic, generosity, joy, and sustenance in life–even when faced with difficult realities like extreme inequality, uncertainty, violence, racism, and the dislocations of immigration.

UTK faculty and graduate students affiliated with Latin American & Caribbean Studies (LAC) will present brief summaries of of how this year's theme resonates in their own fields of study--we invite students to join us in asking more questions, or just to learn more about the interdisciplinary program in (IDP) in LAC!

A reception will follow the event.

Guest Speakers:

• Loneka Wilkinson Battiste (Music Ed), "Musical traditions of Afro-Brazilians: transforming realities of oppression"
• Nathalie Hristov (Music Library), "Artistic expressions of hope within hardship: Art, Literature, and Music"
• Marie Saldaña (Interior Architecture), "Magic Creates Reality: Dwelling in the Borderlands"
• Morgan L. Schneider (Spanish), "Reading the (Extra)Ordinary in Latin America: Magic, History, & Culture"
• Moderated by Solange Muñoz (Geography)