Americas Society hosted a conversation and reading featuring Cuban-American poet Richard Blanco, recipient of the prestigious Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize and the featured poet at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration in January 2013, as well as Gustavo Pérez Firmat, acclaimed author and cultural critic (The Havana Habit). Blanco read selected poems during the presentation, including "Betting on America," in which he recounts what it was like as a child to watch the Miss America pageant with his Cuban family.

Americas Society hosted a conversation and reading featuring Cuban-American poet Richard Blanco, recipient of the prestigious Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize and the featured poet at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration in January 2013, as well as Gustavo Pérez Firmat, acclaimed author and cultural critic (The Havana Habit). During the event, Blanco read "Betting on America" from his most recent book, Looking for The Gulf Motel (2012).

Americas Quarterly and Efecto Naím aired another joint report on March 18, 2013 focusing on reforms in Cuba. AS/COA's Senior Policy Director Christopher Sabatini interviewed Cuban dissident blogger Yoani Sánchez on the prospects for economic reform and political reconciliation in Cuba. (en español)

President Raúl Castro’s announcement of his last 5-year term ending on 2018 has raised hopes of a post-Castro era and of a succeeding younger Cuban leadership. AS/COA’s Eric Farnsworth speaks to BBC World News about Castro’s statement as the island undergoes significant political and economic changes. “They’re signaling that there does need to be a transition at some point in the future and I think he’s laying the groundwork for that,” Farnsworth said.