After a seven-year hiatus, the highly anticipated IUPLR Siglo XXI Conference returned with resounding success, bringing together more than 200 scholars, artists, students and advocates committed to advacing Latino research in the United States.
Titled “Nuestra Presencia: Affirming Identities and the Presence of People of Latino/a Ancestry Across the U.S.”, the7th Siglo XXI was the first IUPLR Conference in seven years. Held on October 16–17 in Reno, Nevada, and hosted in partnership with the Latino Research Center at the University of Nevada, Reno, the event was designed as an in-person-only gathering, a deliberate and innovative choice in today’s predominantly virtual academic environment. The conference, dedicated to Dr. Gilberto Cárdenas, former IUPLR Executive Director and an internationally recognized sociologist and arts advocate whose work has transformed the landscape of Latino scholarship and cultural advocacy in the US, marked a resounding success.
Over two days, the conference brought together more than 200 scholars, artists, students, and advocates committed to advancing Latino research in the US. The program featured thirty-seven panels, six poster presentations, and three sessions dedicated to Dr. Cárdenas’s work, culminating with a roundtable of IUPLR center directors who reflected on their leadership, highlighted their centers’ contributions to Latino studies, and discussed their impact on scholars, students, and the broader community. A total of 135 participants registered for the event, reflecting the strong and growing network of scholars and practitioners engaged in Latino research nationwide, along with dozens of local students who also attended and contributed to the vibrant exchange of ideas. “It was a sensational event with many thought-provoking and outstanding panels by faculty and students”, said Dolores Garcia, Dr. Cardenas wife and longtime partner in building their art collection. ‘We are so grateful to have Dr. Ramona Hernandez as the new Executive director of IUPLR. We are certain she will move the organization exponentially forward”.
Dr. Cárdenas delivered the keynote address during the plenary session titled “Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Our History is American History, Our Culture is American Culture.” In his remarks, he reflected on his decades in academia and paid tribute to pioneering Latino mentors and colleagues who also helped shape the field of Latino studies. He shared early memories of growing up as a Chicano in California and the discrimination he faced, describing how he came to understand “education as resistance and solidarity as survival.” He also spoke passionately about art as a cultural front, highlighting its power to assert presence, preserve history, and inspire collective action.
The gathering also hosted the first in-person IUPLR Board of Co-Directors meeting since the organization’s headquarters transitioned to the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute at The City College of New York. Dr. Ramona Hernández, IUPLR’s new Executive Director, shared exciting updates from the first few months at the CUNY headquarters. While the new leadership inherited an organization deeply affected by the pandemic and still recovering from prior periods of inactivity, in just a few months, IUPLR has not only been revitalized but also set on a path toward renewed growth and collaboration, including innovative joint projects and the active pursuit of external funding opportunities.
IUPLR warmly thanks the University of Nevada, Reno, and its leadership for their exceptional hospitality and support during the conference. A special shout-out to Dr. Darrell Lockhart, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs; Dra. Casilde Isabelli, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts; Dr. Melanie Duckworth, Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; and faculty members Dr. Daniel Enrique Pérez, Dra. Jessie Clark, and Dr. Rubén Dagda for making this gathering memorable. We can’t wait to see everyone again at the next IUPLR Conference, Latino Art Now! Stay tuned for details coming soon!
