Puerto Rican Author Giannina Braschi to Headline ASA's Annual Conference in San Juan

In a remarkable event for literary and cultural studies, the American Studies Association (ASA) will highlight the work of Puerto Rican author Giannina Braschi at its annual convention in San Juan from November 19-22, 2025. The conference, themed "Late-Stage American Empire?", will gather nearly 2,000 scholars, writers, artists, and activists worldwide, showcasing interdisciplinary research dedicated to U.S. culture and history in a global context.

The headline session on November 19 will feature a dramatic reading by Braschi, an influential figure in contemporary literature and political philosophy. Her work, including the celebrated postcolonial classic "United States of Banana" and the tragicomedy "PUTINOIKA", dives deep into complex themes of power, culture, and colonialism, providing a thought-provoking lens on the collapse of the American Empire and Puerto Rico's struggle for autonomy.

Giannina Braschi's trajectory is intriguing. Born in San Juan, she was not only a tennis champion and fashion model in her youth but has also earned her place among the literary elite. The U.S. Library of Congress recognizes her works as groundbreaking, revolutionary, and influential. Writing in Spanish, English, and Spanglish, Braschi has tested the boundaries of literary forms, employing fiction, poetry, and political commentary to articulate the intricacies of contemporary society. Her books touch upon critical issues such as identity, power dynamics, and cultural resilience—topics that resonate widely among audiences.

The event promises to be a significant cultural highlight, especially as it forms part of Public Humanities Day. The session will take place at Humanidades Puerto Rico's headquarters, located in Cuartel de Ballajá in Old San Juan. Esteemed scholars including Cristina Garrigos, Nuria Morgado, Elidio La Torre Lagares, and Carmen H. Rivera will join Braschi in discussion, engaging the audience in dialogues that broaden perspectives on Puerto Rico and the larger American narrative. This initiative seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding Puerto Rican culture and its interplay with contemporary American life.

For those interested in attending this unique event, free tickets are available via the ASA's official website. Alongside Braschi's reading and discussion, Public Humanities Day will include an array of activities such as films, live performances, and walking tours, designed to immerse attendees in the cultural wealth of Puerto Rico and its artistic community.

This year's ASA convention marks a pivotal moment for the association and the broader discourse on American studies, opening pathways for interdisciplinary collaboration and exploration of pressing cultural issues. Giannina Braschi's participation underscores the importance of diverse voices in this conversation, aligning with ASA's mission to embrace interdisciplinary research and critical engagement with cultural issues at this critical juncture in history.

Topics People & Culture)

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