PRESS PHOTOS

 
 
From left to right, student Dainma Martínez, Professor Humberto Ballesteros, author Chiqui Vicioso, Professor Inmaculada Lara Bonilla, Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, and student Erika Mata after the panel.
 
Yesterday, Tuesday, October 17, Hostos Community College President Daisy Cocco De Filippis hosted a thought-provoking bilingual conversation about the role of intellectuals and the literary arts in today’s world. This event featured internationally renowned Dominican author Chiqui Vicioso, along with Hostos Professors Humberto Ballesteros and Inmaculada Lara Bonilla. The event, which took place at the Longwood Art Gallery, commemorated the 50th anniversary of the passing of Dominican writer and philosopher Camila Henríquez Ureña, who left an indelible mark in Caribbean intellectual history. 
 
The event took off with a captivating musical performance by Emmanuel Díaz and Jennifer Guzmán from the Hostos Band, who graced the audience with their renditions of "America the Beautiful," "La Borinqueña," and "Gracias a la vida," setting the perfect tone for the afternoon’s intellectual and artistic exploration. They were followed by President Cocco De Filippis, who was especially delighted to be sharing space with her colleagues, all of whom have produced admirable works. 
 
“They all have produced outstanding books that are a testament to their pursuits, whether in fiction, poetry, or scholarly research. Chiqui has been a keen supporter of my work on Dominican women since the early 1980s, Professor Ballesteros wrote a fantastic novel that I could not put down when I started it, and Professor Lara Bonilla wrote such powerful poems in her most recent poetry collection that I can only feel thrilled to be in such great company,” said President Cocco De Filippis, who then took a poignant moment to reflect on the profound significance of Henríquez Ureña in her own literary journey. 
 
She emphasized how Ureña's work had not only influenced her personally but had also driven her to redouble her commitment to advancing a more just and representative landscape for all women, with a particular focus on those of Dominican descent, both on the island and within the diaspora by way of writing and editing books which focused on women’s intellectual prowess. 
 
She was followed by Ballesteros, who spoke about the role of the intellectual, drawing inspiration from the works of the renowned Mexican writer Juan Rulfo. He delved into a question that has long preoccupied thinkers and writers: “What is the role of the fiction writer in the realm of political discourse?” Ballesteros invited participants to reflect on whether writers should be actively involved in political matters or maintain a certain detachment from such discussions. He emphasized that the legacy of Juan Rulfo provides a rich tapestry of perspectives on this complex issue, serving as a source of inspiration and introspection for writers and intellectuals grappling with the balance between creative expression and sociopolitical engagement.
 
For her part, Lara Bonilla, in a bilingual reading, shed light on the transformative influence of women in her life who have played pivotal roles in shaping her identity as both an academic and a poet. Among these influential figures, she highlighted the profound impact of Gloria Anzaldúa, whose work has made a lasting imprint on the world of literature and critical Latina feminist thought. The professor shared excerpts from her latest collection of poems, demonstrating how the voices of these women resonate through her work and inspire her ongoing journey as a writer and scholar. 
 
In turn, Chiqui Vicioso provided a comprehensive historiographical overview of the term "intellectual" throughout history. She underscored the notable contributions of key figures like Antonio Gramsci, whose writings on culture, politics, and intellectualism have left a mark on the discourse surrounding the role of intellectuals in society. Additionally, Vicioso highlighted the significant role of Camila Henriquez Ureña. She described Ureña as a trailblazer who paved the way for countless other intellectual women, affectionately referred to as "hijas de Camila" or Camila's daughters. This recognition of women's intellectual contributions and Ureña's legacy provided a fitting conclusion to an engaging and thought-provoking symposium.
 
The event concluded with a bilingual poetry reading of one of Henríquez Ureña’s poems, “Viva la libertad” (“Life and Freedom”) by Hostos students Dainma Martínez and Erika Mata. 
 
About Eugenio María de Hostos Community College

Hostos Community College is an educational agent for change that has been transforming and improving the quality of life in the South Bronx and neighboring communities for over half a century. Since 1968, Hostos has been a gateway to intellectual growth and socioeconomic mobility, as well as a point of departure for lifelong learning, success in professional careers, and transfer to advanced higher education programs.

Hostos offers 28 associate degree programs and one certificate program that facilitate secure transfer to The City University of New York’s (CUNY) four-year colleges or baccalaureate studies at other institutions. A two-time Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence finalist, the College has an award-winning Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development that offers professional development courses and certificate-bearing workforce training programs. Hostos is part of CUNY, the nation’s leading urban public university, which serves more than 500,000 students at 25 colleges.

For inquiries, please email publicrelations@hostos.cuny.edu.    
 
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