Nicole Tubman

Joining the folklore program after receiving her BA in art with a minor in folklore and popular culture at USC, Nicole finds her academic interests lie in the study of the Afro-Cuban religion Santería (also referred to as Lucumí). Having first been introduced to the religion through an Afro-Cuban dance class during her sophomore year as an undergrad, Nicole has dedicated her time as an MA candidate to the topic. Carried over from her interests in creating identity-based artwork, she aims to focus her research on the results that participation in the practice of orisha dance, and its connection with the religion historically and in the present day, has on Black identity among Afro-Cubans both in Cuba and among Santería communities here in the United States. She aspires to spend time doing research in Cuba, as well as with locally based orisha dance communities in order to gain first hand accounts from those who participate in the dance for her final thesis project.