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Top 10 Revolutionary Latinas
We pay tribute to the Latin American women who throughout history have fought for freedom, peace and justice and continue to do say every day. Women who have fought side by side with men for freedom for their countries, even when those countries saw them as lesser. Women who have taken part in armed revolutions but also revolutionized the world by peaceful actions and been persecuted for them. Women who have fought to receive the same benefits and privileges that society automatically to bestow on men. Women who still fight social prejudice and inequality, even when some now argue this fight is lover.
Latin Londoner #43: Vinicius de Carvalho, Director, King's Brazil Institute
Born in Barra Mansa, Brazil, Vinicius de Carvalho is Director of University of London’s King’s Brazil Institute. He is also Vice-Dean International for the Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy at King’s College, and Reader at the Department of War Studies. In addition he is a musician and conductor of the King’s Brazil Ensemble. In Brazil, Vinicius studied in public schools and in universities in Brazil and Germany. He has worked as an electrician, school teacher, choir and orchestra conductor, university lecturer and also served the Brazilian Army as Lieutenant for 2 years. Overcoming many obstacles, including losing his mother in a tragic accident at an early age, Vinicius has carved out a fascinating life and successful and rich career. Learn more about this multi-talented Latin Londoner...
Revolutionary People - A Brief History of Latin Americans in London
From Francisco de Miranda and the revolutionaries of the Wars of Independence to Ossie Ardiles and the new UK-Latin music pioneers of today, Latin Americans in London have always been trailblazers and visionaries. Forging new paths and finding ingenious ways to survive and excel in new environments is in our DNA, and our history in the UK is no different. Still underrepresented and largely invisible (indeed we don't have our own Hispanic Heritage Month) in solidarity with our fellow Latinos in the US who have succeeded in getting a Nationally recognised Hispanic Heritage Month, we bring you a potted History of Latinos in London
Brazil: Independence Celebrations Mark a Day of Divisions, over Unity
Clorrie Yeomens reflects on the trauma and mixed feelings that Brazilian Independence Day conjures up for many Brazilians
Things You Should Know About...The Madres y Abuelas de la Plaza de Mayo
Under the Argentine military dictatorship of 1976-1983, an estimated 30,000 people disappeared. What do you mean 'disappeared' we hear you ask? Literally, people – some armed opposition to the Junta, but most just schoolkids, university students, factory workers, trades unionists, left-wing professionals, suspected of holding ‘subversive’ views – who were abducted from their homes or off the streets and never seen again. When family and friends went to police stations looking for them, they were told that, according to public records, these people never existed. Often they were threatened, afraid to even ask after their loved ones. Only a few brave mothers and grandmothers refused to stop asking. They began to meet in the central square in Buenos Aires and walk in a circle, as soldiers cursed, spat, and intimidated them. Here we tell the incredible story of the Madres and Abuelas de la Plaza de Mayo who kept hope alive in the darkest of times.
Quino, creator of "Mafalda" (1932 - 2020)
This week Argentina mourns a great loss. At the age of 88, Argentine cartoonist, Joaquín Salvador Lavado Tejón (more commonly known as ‘Quino’) passed away on the 30th September in Mendoza, Argentina. Creator and father of Mafalda: the infamous 6-year-old Argentine girl with a strong aversion to soup, a love of The Beatles, and an endearing concern for world peace. Celebrated for her satire, snappy comments and smart remarks, what is it about the little star of Argentina’s most treasured comic strip that continues to tug on our heartstrings?
By Subject
Postcard from...Havana: Family at a Crossroads
It’s been a busy and sad week in our Cuban household. Danay and Osvaldo, two married younger members of this small Cuban family are leaving the country tomorrow to make a new life for themselves in Argentina, where Danay’s Cuban father has lived for 20 years with a successful career as an artist. Officially they have tourist visas and return tickets but everybody knows the plan is to stay as long as it takes to obtain residency, which could take several years. This is desperately sad for Danay’s grandparents Pedro and Bertha who are 80 and 82, and suffer from various health problems as nobody knows if they will see their beloved granddaughter and son-in-law again...
Inside Rome’s Operation Condor Trial: An Interview with Dr Francesca Lessa
On 8 July 2021 in Rome, Italy’s Supreme Court charged 14 former officials and military personnel with the murder of Italian citizens in South America during Operation Condor. Oxford academic, Dr Francesca Lessa, and MPhil student, Clorrie Yeomans, provide an insider’s report on the Rome trials for Latino Life.
Art as Evidence: Into the Belly of Latin American Political Posters
“Thinking Inside the Box” is an exhibition based on the archives of Latin American political art from Senate House Library, organized and led by students. The project dives into the largely unknown yet expansive collection of Latin American political posters and pamphlets of the mid-20th century, highlighting their historical value through a new perspective to create innovative connections with the present time. Samantha Colorado explains her personal connection to the project, and how it opened up a pandora’s box of emotions.
Brazilian women in London share experiences of gendered violence
As the rates and intensity of violence against women dramatically rose globally over lockdown, Gil, a Brazilian woman in London who has suffered domestic violence, tells her story of being denied support from emergency services. Rebecca Wilson and Marilyn Thomson explore the added risk for Latin American women who face violence in London, ahead of their podcast addressing these issues.
Latin America Criminalises Mining Protest
All over Latin America mining protest is being criminalised by government legislation. Protestors in Andalgalá, Argentina are arrested and beaten, while in Brazil the Munduruku are fighting Anglo American, financed by US investment giant BlackRock.
The Right to Die? Euthanasia in Colombia
Meet the lawyers fighting to make euthanasia a human right in Latin America.