Vanderbilt University’s Center for Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies (CLACX) invites students, faculty, and the greater Nashville community to join in the celebration of the first-ever Caribbean Week from March 24 to March 29, 2025. This landmark event promises a dynamic series of discussions, cultural activities, and community-building opportunities highlighting the rich heritage, history, and contemporary issues of the Caribbean and its diaspora.

Caribbean Week is designed to foster thoughtful engagement on topics of culture, politics, and identity, with a special focus on the African Diaspora in the Caribbean. It will also provide an opportunity to highlight the importance of Caribbean Studies in the global and academic contexts, including the upcoming launch of the Caribbean Studies minor, a CLACX program expected to begin in the next semesters. We hope this initiative will strengthen ties across Vanderbilt and the broader Nashville community while creating a meaningful space for dialogue and connection. We are excited to collaborate with campus and community partners to make this event impactful and inspiring on academic, cross-institutional, and community engagement levels.

Preliminary Schedule Highlights

The week features a wide range of engaging events, including:

• Afro-Caribbean Biographies Panels (Monday, March 24, and Tuesday, March 25): Renowned scholars Marlene Daut (Yale), Julia Gaffield (William & Mary), Robin Mitchell (SUNY Buffalo), and Chelsea Stieber (Tulane) will present research and reflections on the lives and contributions of Afro-Caribbean figures.
• Film Screening of Chèche Lavi (Wednesday, March 26): This powerful documentary follows Haitian migrants’ challenging journey to the United States. The screening will take place at Begonia Labs on West End, providing an intimate setting for reflection and discussion.
• HBCU Caribbean Connections Panel & Luncheon (Thursday, March 27): A special panel and networking opportunity will celebrate students of Caribbean heritage from local Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
• VU Caribbean Alumni Group Panel (Friday, March 28): In partnership with the Caribbean Students Association, Vanderbilt alumni of Caribbean descent will share their experiences and insights in a panel discussion designed to connect current students and alumni.
• Photography Exhibition by Vanessa Charlot: Featuring powerful images that captures the spirit and resilience of US Gulf South and Caribbean communities, this exhibit will be on display at Begonia Labs throughout the week.
• Carnival Celebration (Saturday, March 29): The week culminates in a lively Carnival celebration on Alumni Lawn, bringing the festive sounds, colors, and traditions of the Caribbean to the heart of campus.

Caribbean Week offers a unique platform to honor the diversity and vibrancy of the Caribbean experience. CLACX welcomes the participation of all members of the Vanderbilt and Nashville communities in making this event a memorable and enriching experience for everyone.

For more information and updates, please contact Jesús G. Ruiz, Director of Caribbean Studies Minor and Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Coordinator.