EVOLVE Collaborators

Dr. Amandla Haynes, Evolve Explorations Collaborator

Dr. Amandla Haynes is a native of Tallahassee, FL and a graduate of the Latin American School of Medicine in Havana, Cuba. During her time as a medical student, Dr. Haynes immersed herself in Cuban culture and the Spanish language, gaining invaluable insight into the socio-politico-economic-cultural factors that make up the fabric of Cuban society. Since graduating from her medical program and returning back to the US, Dr. Haynes has encouraged many to see and experience Cuba for themselves! In August 2015, Dr. Haynes guided her first two travel groups through the island of Cuba. The focus was two-fold. One was to expose youngsters to Afro-Cuban people and culture so they will see the value in forming relationships without the distractions of cell phones and social media. The other focus was to accompany the parents of the US medical graduates to the graduation festivities in and around Havana.  In March 2016, 1 week shy of President Obama’s visit to Havana, Dr. Haynes guided a group of FAMU students and professor through their Student Exchange Spring Break experience in Havana. The students spent 1 week learning about the history of Africans in Cuba and interacting directly with University of Havana students and historically Afro-Cuban communities. Dr. Haynes the official tour guide and Spanish translator for Nia Travel & Tour groups.