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June 2024

Celebrating Dr. Lissette Acosta Corniel: A Scholar's Journey and Heartfelt Donation to the CUNY DSI Library

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Dr. Acosta Corniel dedicating a copy of Transatlantic Bondage to the library, June 6, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Dr. Acosta Corniel holding the copy of Transatlantic Bondage she donated to the library, June 6, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The CUNY Dominican Studies Institute (CUNY DSI) Library is delighted to celebrate the achievements of Dr. Lissette Acosta Corniel, a former CUNY DSI postdoctoral fellow and an enduring collaborator whose dedication and contributions have significantly enriched our academic community. Dr. Acosta Corniel has recently edited her first book, Transatlantic Bondage: Slavery and Freedom in Spain, Santo Domingo, and Puerto Rico. SUNY Press, 2024, and has kindly donated a copy to the CUNY DSI Library.

Dr. Acosta Corniel has a long-standing relationship with CUNY DSI, having been featured in our blog before. Notably, in both 2011 and 2014, she donated her doctoral dissertation, Towards A Theory about Spanish Women in Sixteenth Century Hispaniola. Her dissertation has been an invaluable resource for scholars delving into the early history of Hispaniola and the pivotal role of Spanish women during the sixteenth century.

Beyond her published works, Dr. Acosta Corniel has made significant contributions to essential digital resources at CUNY DSI. She was instrumental in the development of the First Blacks in the Americas/Los Primeros Negros En Las Américas and the Spanish Paleography Digital Teaching and Learning Tool. These projects have greatly enhanced the accessibility and understanding of primary sources related to Dominican and Latin American history, serving as crucial tools for researchers and educators alike.

This summer, Dr. Acosta Corniel continues to inspire and educate as she co-teaches a groundbreaking undergraduate course titled "El Gagá: An Exploration of Afro-Dominican Culture" at The City College of New York. This course, which runs from June 3 to 28, is co-taught with our second Threatened Scholar Fellow, Jonathan De Oleo Ramos. It provides students with a unique and immersive exploration of the rich cultural traditions and practices of the Afro-Dominican community.

Dr. Acosta Corniel’s edited book, Transatlantic Bondage, delves into the complex histories of slavery and freedom across Spain, Santo Domingo, and Puerto Rico, illuminating the interconnectedness of these regions and their shared histories of struggle and resilience. The scholars who contributed chapters to this book are Aurelia Martín Casares, Rocío Periáñez Gómez, Anthony R. Stevens-Acevedo, Lissette Acosta Corniel, Jacqueline Jiménez Polanco, David M. Stark, and Jorge L. Chinea. Dr. Acosta Corniel's donation to the CUNY DSI Library ensures that this vital work will be accessible to future generations of scholars and students.

We are incredibly proud of Dr. Acosta Corniel’s accomplishments and deeply grateful for her continued support and engagement with the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute. Her scholarship, generosity, and dedication to education embody the spirit of our institute, and we look forward to celebrating many more of her achievements in the years to come.

Join us in honoring Dr. Lissette Acosta Corniel for her outstanding contributions and her unwavering commitment to advancing our understanding of Dominican history and culture.

Jhensen Ortiz, Librarian

 

 


Celebrating a Generous Donation: Maria Elena "Cuqui" Pacheco's Tribute to Johnny Pacheco

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Donated copy of Johnny Pacheco: Tres de café, dos de azúcar, y ponle ¡salsa!. Banreservas, 2023

We are delighted to announce a generous donation to the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute Library made by Maria Elena "Cuqui" Pacheco, widow of the legendary salsa pioneer Johnny Pacheco (1935-2021). She has gifted us a collector's edition of the book "Johnny Pacheco: Tres de café, dos de azúcar, y ponle ¡salsa!" by Juan A. Moreno-Velázquez. Published last year by Banreservas, this is the first and only book that thoroughly chronicles the life and contributions of maestro Johnny Pacheco.

Johnny Pacheco's indelible mark on the world of salsa music is beautifully captured in this exclusive volume, making it an invaluable resource for our library. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Maria Elena "Cuqui" Pacheco for her thoughtful donation, which will undoubtedly inspire and educate future generations about the rich history and cultural impact of Johnny Pacheco's extraordinary musical journey.

Readers can find additional information about Pacheco's musical contributions to the history of Dominican music in the United States by visiting our website: dominicanmusicusa.com.

By Jhensen Ortiz, Librarian