Perreo 101 Tour Testimonials: Tulane University Spring ‘23

I thought the presentation last week was very interesting and I was very intrigued and fascinated to hear about all the information that cousin Katelina Eccleston informed us with, as I never really knew about any of this before so it was interesting to hear it from her perspective. 10/10!

I really appreciated this speech. It provided a lot of insight on a topic I am unfamiliar with and got me interested in reggaeton music and its impact on society.

Incredibly informative! Rich in history and perspective. Walked away wanting to know more.

I really appreciated this speech. It provided a lot of insight on a topic I am unfamiliar with and got me interested in reggaeton music and its impact on society.

Perreo 101 Testimonials: Dr. AlÁn Pelaez Lopez’s Art exhibition N[eg]ation at Harvard Spring ‘23

If I could describe Gata in one word, it’s brave. I saw Gata speak at an exhibit at Harvard, and what I appreciated most was the courage and vulnerability that she showed. Anyone can show up and present their knowledge, but to speak about their healing journey and let an audience in on what is at stake in this movement— that is brave. Spreading awareness about the history of reggaeton is not just about educating the masses, it’s about dismantling a system of power. Gata’s strength is inspiring others through her unapologetic, compassionate, and bold style of leadership. I highly recommend joining any seminar of hers!

Perreo 101 Tour Testimonial: Gap + Old Navy Spring ‘22

GAP INC'S LATINX EMPLOYEE GROUP HOLA HOSTED KATELINA FOR A REGGAETON 101 LECTURE, WHICH SHE TAILORED TO HIGHLIGHT THE INTEGRAL ROLE WOMEN AND BLACK PEOPLE HAVE PLAYED IN THE HISTORY OF THE GENRE. HIGHLIGHTING THE INTERSECTIONALITY OF REGGAETON AT THE CLOSE OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND THE BEGINNING OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH (THE EVENT WAS HELD IN EARLY MARCH) WAS ILLUMINATING FOR OUR PARTICIPANTS , AND WAS ONE OF THE BEST ATTENDED EVENTS WE HAVE HAD IN THE ZOOM ERA. KATELINA SHARED A CANDID AND THOROUGH TIMELINE OF THE GROWTH OF THE GENRE AND HELD TIME TO TAKE QUESTIONS FROM OUR MEMBERS WHICH WAS SO WELL RECEIVED. REGGAETON 101 WITH KATELINA WAS A TRUE HIGHLIGHT FOR US AT GAP, INC. WE'D LOVE TO SEE YOU AGAIN :)

Perreo 101 Testimonial: McMaster U Spring ‘23

Katelina “Gata” Eccleston joined McMaster University’s course, LATAM 3A03 - Black Latin America: Belonging, Refusal, Resistance, in the Winter 2023 term, to give a lecture on the Black histories of Reggaeton and Reguetón. Katelina’s talk was as engaging as it was generatively informative, and the students were enthralled by her authentic, genuine personality and the skillful way through which she shared her ample expertise on these topics. Through her enlightening discussion framing the socio-historic contexts of the Black and Afro-Latinx music industry in Latin America and the Caribbean, her crucial centering of Black Latinx women creators, artists, and producers, to her relevant examinations of current cultural and political issues pervading these genres and spheres, Katelina’s lecture thoughtfully and artfully invited students enrolled in the course to further consider Blackness—as well as Black joy, life, and living—in the capacious ways in which it has developed artistically and creatively in Latin American locales. By bringing attention to and celebrating Black and Afro-Latinx artists, including remarking on ongoing ventures, initiatives, cultural productions, and their various roles within the thriving Latin American/Latinx/Caribbean music industry, Katelina brilliantly illustrated how Black peoples in these ethnocultural locations are and have always been engaged in socio-cultural and artistic projects that narrate and story the world while imagining collective futures. Our teaching-learning community was fascinated with everything Katelina shared and explained, as her extensive knowledge is radiantly complemented by an affability and amiability that captivate audiences. In short, Katelina Eccleston is an insightful, earnest, and accomplished presenter/speaker whose Perreo 101 Tour is an invaluable experience to engage with in academic, professional, and cultural spaces. It was our absolute pleasure—and honor—to have her presence in our classroom space this term. -- Stacy Creech de Castro (Instructor, LATAM 3A03, McMaster University).