William Paterson University Faculty Featured on Panel at International Peace Conference In Cuba

Conference focusing on the “New Political Science from the South” offered a scholarly analysis of human history and political dynamics

From left: Richard Huizar, Christine Kelly, Djanna Hill and Danielle Wallace

Four William Paterson University faculty members joined 150 international scholars attending the Eighteenth Annual International Conference on “New Political Science from the South” held from November 17to 20, 2015 at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana, Cuba.  

The annual interdisciplinary conference, sponsored by the Division of Philosophy and History of the University of Havana, aims to promote international dialog, research and scholarship focused on the political and economic issues affecting the quality of life and well-being of those living in the global south. 

“The timing of our visit to Cuba for this conference came at an historic juncture, on the heels of restored U.S. diplomatic relations with the Cuban government,” says Christine Kelly, professor of political science at William Paterson and one of the presenters. “Our topic and research were of great interest to the participants, especially among the Cuban scholars seeking information on political and economic conditions in the U.S.”

Other William Paterson presenters included Djanna Hill, professor of education and chair, Africana world studies; Richard Huizar, assistant professor, political science; and Danielle Wallace, assistant professor, Africana world studies.

The William Paterson panelists offered their observations on specific issues against a backdrop of global conditions for youth.

Hill focused her presentation on the intersections of globalization, youth action, and teacher preparation. Huizar presented on the topic of “Surviving privatization in the era of neo-liberalism: Mexico’s oil company and the youth crisis in Mexico.” Wallace presented on “Black Student Unions at 50: Black student activism, the new civil rights movement and the continuing politicization of black students.” Kelly identified the four primary threats defining a U.S. generation that she refers to as “misappropriately labeled” millennials.