University of Michigan Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies

10/13/2026

The Latin American Elections Hub (LATAM-EH) brings together a group of experts to discuss the stakes of the election for Brazil and its broader regional and international implications. The panel will analyze the results of the first round, the factors shaping voter behavior, and the prospects for a potential second round on October 25, 2026.

The panelists will be Cesar Zucco (Columbia University), Raphael Nishimura (University of Michigan, ISR), and Malu Gatto (University College London). The event chair is Pedro Luz de Castro of the University of Michigan. Edgar Franco-Vivanco, Director of the Latin American Elections Hub, is the discussant.

This event will be hybrid. Please RSVP if you plan to attend in person: https://myumi.ch/11G2b

Join on Zoom: https://umich.zoom.us/j/93381880351

Room: Haven Hall 5769 (Prefunction room)
Time: Oct. 13, 3:00pm to 4:20 EDT

Coffee and baked goods will be provided

09/16/2026

Today!

Brasilintime (2006): Batucada com Discos - an iconic hip hop documentary that explores the intersections between American hip hop and Brazilian music

Film screening + Q&A with film director and University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Professor Brian Cross (B+)

Light refreshments will be served!

Where: Hatcher Graduate Library Gallery (913 S University Ave)
When: 6:00 - 9:00 pm

This event is organized by Professor Gustavo Souza Marques from the School of Music, Theatre & Dance and co-sponsored by the U-M arts Initiative, U-M Library, and the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies

08/28/2026

We are happy to share our Newsletter - LACS in Review: 2025-2026!
Take a look back at some of the Center's most relevant events and accomplishments and plans for the future at the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

A digital version of our Newsletter is now available on our website in the Publications section here: https://myumi.ch/NXXGD

05/06/2026

In this Q&A, Gustavo Souza Marques, assistant professor of music at U-M and affiliated faculty with LACS, explores how Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio reshaped global pop on his own terms.
Read the full Q&A in English, Portuguese, and Spanish here

Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, known to the world as Bad Bunny, did not just climb the charts; he bypassed the entire industry machine. Moving from bagging groceries in Puerto Rico to becoming a global icon, he proved you do not need to sing in English to own the stage—a feat anchored by his his...

04/28/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 research grant recipients!
LACS celebrates the 2026 recipients of its Tinker Field Research Grants, Boyce Family Caribbean Studies Grant, and the Alfredo and Luz Maria Gutierrez Dissertation Award, highlighting student research spanning multiple U-M schools and destinations across the region.

In photo: top left–Alfredo and Luz Maria Gutierrez Dissertation Award winner Garima Panwar; top right–Boyce Family Caribbean Studies Grant recipients Jerianne Clarke and Nikita Rohila; bottom photo–Tinker Field Research grant recipients from left to right: Dominick Stoops, Yeishmary Soto Muñiz, Mrinaalika Sivakumar, Elizabeth Shen, Fernando Pliego Perez, Caroline New, Julia McCuaig, Julieta Goldenberg, Alvaro Cabrera, Maria Beusterien, and Stefania Becerra Lavado. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4sZePDq

03/18/2026

Support what you 💛 about LACS!
Today is Giving Blueday! Join us and support the Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies (LACS) at U-M! Your gift empowers student opportunities, fosters research, supports artists, and broadens community engagement for those passionate about Latin America & the Caribbean. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. Learn more here: https://myumi.ch/kPb23

University of Michigan International Institute , University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts

03/16/2026

Support what you 💛 about LACS
Join us on March 18th and support the Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies (LACS) at U-M! Your gift empowers student opportunities, fosters research, supports artists, and broadens community engagement for those passionate about Latin America & the Caribbean. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. Learn more here: https://myumi.ch/kPb23

University of Michigan International Institute , University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts

10/02/2025

¡Nuestra gente! Save the date: Join LACS on October 24th at 4pm at Weiser Hall rm 555 for the next event in our "Lessons of Authoritarianism & Democratic Resilience in Latin America" series. This next event is titled "Cuba's Digital Revolution: Between Quiescence and Revolt" and will feature University of Michigan School of Information professor, Dr. Michaelanne Thomas and Harold Cárdenas Lema, co-founder and former director of La Joven Cuba one of the foremost digital spaces for national debate for Cubans by Cubans.

University of Michigan International Institute
University of Michigan Center for Emerging Democracies
University of Michigan Donia Human Rights Center

09/05/2025

¡Nuestra gente! We had an amazing two days with Dr. Lucía Cavallero from Argentina in her discussion of the relationship between debt research, feminism, and authoritarianism. Over 70 students, faculty, and UM community members participated in the dialogues. ¡Hasta la próxima!

Thank you University of Michigan Center for Emerging Democracies University of Michigan Donia Human Rights Center University of Michigan International Institute for your support!

09/04/2025

HAPPENING TODAY: This week begins our event series "Lessons of Authoritarianism and Democratic Resilience in Latin America". JOIN US TODAY at 4pm in Weiser Hall 555 and Friday at 12pm in Weiser Hall 555 for a discussion with Argentine activist and scholar, Dr. Lucía Cavallero. Faculty AND students are welcome to participate in a special workshop with Cavallero on Friday from 12-1:30pm. To access the workshop reading and to register for lunch sign up today: https://myumi.ch/4m4bD

¡Hasta pronto!