The University of Houston-Downtown’s Cultural Enrichment Center (CEC) will host a virtual talk by Dr. Ulices Piña, Assistant Professor of History at California State University-Long Beach, titled “The Rebel Imagination in 1920’s Greater Mexico” from 1-2:15 p.m., Wednesday Nov. 18.

In his presentation, Piña will explain how the threat of rebellion in 1925 central-western Mexico shaped the political system after the Mexican Revolution. The talk will focus on how rumors of a widespread conspiracy to overthrow the state by former rebels and others prompted the creation of the country’s Departamento Confidencial (Confidential Department) to begin surveillance of potential threats.

Following Piña’s talk, breakout rooms for student discussion will be held from 2:15-2:45 p.m.

Piña’s teaching and research interest interests include Mexico, Modern Latin America, state-building, revolutions and social movements. He earned his doctorate from the University of California-San Diego and his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of California-Riverside.

"Dr. Piña is one of the best writers working with narrative right now," said Dr. Daniel Peña, UHD Assistant Professor of English. "He has a real knack for bringing history to life and painting a portrait of historic events in Mexico through the experiences and subjectivities of the individuals who experienced them. A remarkable talent."

The Cultural Enrichment Center, located within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, hosts various speakers during the fall and spring semesters. To attend this event, registration is required.