MLA Lecture Series

In the MLA tradition of approaching a theme from multiple perspectives, our speakers address bridges and divides locally, internationally, and even across species.

Bridges & Divides

The current presidential administration began with a commitment to bridging political divides, even offering physical bridges in the form of an infrastructure bill to help meet that goal. Locally, the team at Health Equity Works has studied inequity created by geographical divide resulting from conscious choices to create a segregated city, and then explored recommendations and activities that dismantle regional divides.

The MLA lecture series is co-sponsored by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

The series takes place every Saturday in February over Zoom.

Saturday, February 4, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm 

Shefali Chandra, Associate Professor of History, Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, and Asian American Studies

“Global Indian, Nubile Indian: Caste and Marriage in the Making of the Indian Diaspora”

Saturday, February 11, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Crickette Sanz, Professor of Biological Anthropology

“Social Relations between Chimpanzees and Gorillas in the Congo Basin”

Saturday, February 18, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Joanna Dee Das, Assistant Professor of Dance 

“More Than Just Entertainment: The Politics of Branson’s Tourism Industry and Ethical Questions for Scholars” 

Saturday, February 25, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Sheretta Butler-Barnes, Associate Professor 

“The Importance of Racial Socialization Messages in the Lives of African-American Youth”