Contributed by Charles R. Venator Santiago

This year’s Robert G. Mead Jr. Lecture will be provided by Professor José E. Cruz on Tuesday, October 27, from 4:00-6:00pm. Professor Cruz is Professor Emeritus of political science at the University at Albany, State University of New York. Professor Cruz’ talk will focus on his latest book, Puerto Rican Radicalism in the United States, 1960-1990: Training for Political Incorporation traces the trajectory of Puerto Rican radicalism in the United States from 1960 to 1990 and suggests that radicalism was a school for the conventional politics of radicals-cum-progressives. The book examines the radical movement as a whole through an extensive examination of primary and secondary sources. It challenges the view that Puerto Rican radical politics provided the foundation for conventional politics within the broader community. The book looks at radicalism in its relationship with Puerto Rican conventional politics and in the context of North American radicalism. It proposes a new conceptualization of its connection to Puerto Rico, examines the connections between Puerto Ricans, Blacks, Native Americans and Chicanos, and demystifies the role of repression and of groups like the Young Lords. In this talk, Professor Cruz will highlight the accomplishments of radicals and will assess the prospects for radicalism in the process of bridging the gap between democratic promise and performance. More information will be forthcoming.

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