11/03/10 bdb local, area

HAYS, Kan. -- Alina Fernandez, daughter of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, will visit Fort Hays State University to speak at 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 9, in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

Through her insight as one of the Cuban elite, Fernandez guides listeners through her life in Cuba and describes the surrounding political environment during the 1960s and 70s. Weaving in her unique sense of style and humor, she reveals personal, exciting and suspenseful anecdotes, snapshots of Cuban society, her inside scoop on Cuban politics, and a detailed view of her father, retired leader Fidel Castro.

"The 60s and 70s seem like ancient times to most of our students," said George Jackson III, coordinator of the Office of Diversity Affairs. "Alina will really help bring this time to life for our students."

As one of Castro's children, Alina had a strangely mixed upbringing; a combination of privilege and privation. She was just a toddler when Castro overthrew the Batista government during the 1959 Cuban Revolution.

As Alina grew up and opened her eyes to the political climate in Cuba, she became rebellious, and in the '80s became part of the political dissident movement on the island. By 1993, she was forced to flee Cuba and resides in the United States today.

This event is sponsored by the Office of Diversity Affairs, the University Activities Board and the Black Student Union. For more information about the event, contact the Office of Diversity Affairs at 785-628-4661.

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