Dr. James Lopez, co-director of the José Martí Studies Affiliate, recreates the cultural world established by Cuban, Spanish, and Sicilian immigrants around the cigar industry in the late 19th century and early 20th century Florida. José Martí, the intellectual leader of Cuban independence, found his most important constituency among the immigrants of Key West, Ybor City, Tampa, and Marti City, now Ocala. These communities were politically active domestically in their struggle for civil and labor rights, and internationally, as a crucial constituency for the organization and funding of the war for Cuban independence. 

Light refreshments will be served.