May 2025 Newsletter

Dear Latin Americanist Community,

            I begin this message with good news: our colleague Elizabeth O’Brien received tenure and promotion to Associate Professor in the Department of History. Elizabeth is a historian of medicine and Latin America. Her book Surgery and Salvation: The Roots of Reproductive Injustice in Mexico, 1770-1940 was published by the University of North Carolina Press in late 2023 and has received numerous awards. Elizabeth is an active and enthusiastic contributor to the intellectual life of the Latin American Institute, and we look forward to many years of collaboration. Congratulations, Elizabeth!

            Congratulations also to our colleague Alex Flynn (World Arts and Culture/Dance), who is the co-curator of the exhibition Construction, Occupation. This exhibition presents the works of 24 artists and collectives creating/reflecting on critical urban social issues such as segregation, homelessness and poverty. The Latin American Institute is a proud co-sponsor of this exhibition, which is located at the Fowler Museum and runs through January 2026. Bravo, Alex!

            We have a busy month as we move to the end of the academic year. Crossing an array of disciplines, our programming includes events on Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, the ancient nations of the Andes, Amazonia, and more! On Tuesday, May 6, the LAI is co-sponsoring the event Sacred Andean Celebrations as Acts of Resistance. This event is becoming an annual tradition recognizing the Quechua/Kichwa language and the contributions of First Nations women to culture and life. Register and learn the details of the program here.

            I’m very excited about the presentation of the book Thanks to Life: A Biography of Violeta Parra, written by Professor Erika Verba (Latin American Studies, CalState LA). The book explores the contributions of Parra to the protest song movement in Latin America and the world. Not to be missed! This event will take place on May 19. Register and get details here.

            On May 7, Professor Wonjung Min (Seoul National University Asia Center) will present K-Pop! Assessing the Impact of the Korean Wave in Chile. In this webinar-only event, the presenter will examine issues of cultural globalization through the reception of Korean pop music in Chile and is part of the LAI’s ongoing programming on the connections between Asia and Latin America. Get details here, and check out the LAI calendar for the full list of May events.

            The Latin American Studies Association (LASA) congress will take place in San Francisco on May 23-26. Best of luck to the many colleagues who are presenting papers and participating in discussion panels. Enjoy the conference!

            I close this message inviting you to give to the mission of the UCLA Latin American Institute and its centers, programs, and working groups. Your generous contributions support the lively intellectual life of the institute, student research, and our vibrant outreach activities. Thanks!

Rubén Hernández-León,
Director of the UCLA Latin American Institute