Charla de Merienda Series

Background

Since 2018, the University of Kansas Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies has partnered with Lawrence Talks! to host community forums with in-person and digital access points (an iTunes podcast, blog, Facebook livestream, and live Twitter threads).

The Charla de Merienda series launched last year as a model of critical debate through dialogue among members of the academy and the public around recent research and current affairs in the Caribbean and Latin America. Moderated by Lawrence Talks! Editor-in-chief, David Tamez, each Charla brings people together in conversation to examine topics of Latin American and Caribbean national and local interest. Each discussion begins by establishing a common basis for dialogue  through prepared remarks by guest speakers demonstrating different perspectives on the issue, followed by a community discussion where the audience is encouraged to participate.  In addition to the in-person discussion, Lawrence Talks! maintains the Charla de merienda blog, where all of our panelists contribute short opinion pieces in the days leading up to each event.

In collaboration, we bring people together to examine topics of national and local interest – neoliberalism, the rise of the right, anti-blackness, and ecological damage in the Americas – to build community, foster symbiotic digital accessibility, create inclusiveness, and move beyond soundbites. Each discussion begins by examining facts to establish common ground, then guest speakers present prepared remarks (5-7 min), and a moderated discussions follows.

It is our hope that this model will raise awareness of the issues concerning the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States and be of interest to: All Ages, Faculty, General Public, Graduate students, Researchers, Staff, Undergraduate Students.