Geraldo Cadava named distinguished lecturer by Organization of American Historians

The Organization of American Historians (OAH) has named Geraldo Cadava as a distinguished lecturer. He is associate professor in the department of history at Northwestern and an expert on Latinos in the United States and the U.S.-Mexico borderlands.

Cadava is one of 21 new speakers appointed to OAH’s esteemed Distinguished Lectureship Program. He and the other scholars, who are affiliated with some of the nation’s top universities, join nearly 600 distinguished lecturers who share their expertise with audiences across the country, provide historical context on important topics and headline commemorations and other events.

“Dr. Cadava’s research and presentations focus on issues at the forefront of American politics and help us all to a deeper understanding of the forces at play in the continuing controversies over human rights and immigration policy,” said Katherine M. Finley, OAH executive director. “We are proud to add his distinctive voice to our roster of distinguished lecturers and congratulate him on achieving this high honor.”

Cadava is finishing a book about the history of Hispanics and the Republican Party since the 1960s, to be published by Ecco. His essays on this topic have appeared in national media outlets including the Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic and the Washington Post. His first book, “Standing on Common Ground: The Making of a Sunbelt Borderland” (2016), was about the Arizona-Sonora borderland since World War II. It won the prestigious OAH Frederick Jackson Turner Award.

OAH distinguished lecturers agree to donate their speaking fees to the OAH, and their work in the field is an essential component of the organization’s mission to promote excellence in the scholarship, teaching and presentation of American history.

“OAH’s distinguished lecturers provide a vital service to communities, libraries, museums and universities by increasing public awareness and understanding of the importance of American history. This is especially valuable today as our nation faces unique challenges,” Finley said. “We thank Dr. Cadava for his service to the organization and his efforts to increase the public’s understanding of American history.”