UCLA Library presents “Diasporas: Transnational Migrations, Spaces, and Identities”
April discussion series explores reasons for migration and experiences of diasporic communities in Los Angeles and worldwide
Image credits (L-R): Dan Bergeron/ Fauxreel Studios; UCLA University Archives; Phung Huynh (speaker); María Inés Taracena; Floridalma Boj Lopez (speaker), and Mobilus In Mobili (Flickr)
Los Angeles, CA (March 23, 2023) — UCLA Library is bringing together experts virtually and in person for the timely discussion series Diasporas: Transnational Migrations, Spaces, and Identities, happening throughout April. Among the topics are Los Angeles diasporas, queer migrations, and the reworking of traditional practices.
Despite modern border restrictions, there has always been a history of human movement throughout the world. This six-part series brings together experts, academics, artists and organizers to discuss reasons why people migrate, the experiences of migrants and their descendants, the creation of communities in new homelands, the negotiation of identities and what it means to belong, and the preservation and transformation of cultural traditions. View the full series guide. All events are free, reservations are required.
For more info and to RSVP, visit ucla.in/3JRcuXQ.
Presented by UCLA Library’s International and Area Studies Department. Co-sponsored by the UCLA Center for Southeast Asian Studies, UCLA Center for the Study of International Migration, UCLA International Institute, UCLA LGBTQ Resource Center, and the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law.
Diasporas: Transnational Migrations, Spaces, and Identities
April 4 & 5 | 11 & 12 | 18 & 19, 2023
Tuesday, April 4, 10 a.m.
Melting Pot or Mixed Salad: Wrangling Identities in Diasporic Communities
Zoom
RSVP: https://ucla.in/3FCQduD
Migration takes people from the familiar to the foreign, forcing them to adjust to new environments, cultures and perceptions. This program explores how members of diasporic communities experience and navigate life and identity in their new home countries.
With Elamin Abdelmahmoud, host and journalist; Jennifer M. Brinkerhoff, Professor of Public Administration and International Affairs at George Washington University; Diane Sabenacio Nititham, Associate Professor of Sociology at Murray State University; and moderator Lok Siu, Professor of Ethnic Studies and Chair of the Asian American Research Center at UC Berkeley.
Wednesday, April 5, 12 p.m.
Diasporic Spaces, Places, and Connections in Los Angeles
Charles E. Young Research Library, Main Conference Room 11360
RSVP: https://ucla.in/3mKQ3dZ
Millions of immigrants and their families call Los Angeles home. This program delves into the experiences of some of these local communities, including how they carve out, transform and influence spaces in this massive city.
With Sophia Armen, community organizer, Co-director of the Armenian-American Action Network, and PhD candidate in Ethnic Studies at UC San Diego; Phung Huynh, artist and Professor of Art at Los Angeles Valley College; Edina Leković, Islamic Studies program community scholar-in-residence at UCLA (Tovaangar) and Executive Director of the Robert Ellis Simon Foundation; Rocio Rosales, Associate Professor of Sociology at UC Irvine; and moderator Abel Valenzuela, Interim Dean, division of Social Sciences and Professor of Labor Studies, Urban Planning and Chicana/o and Central American Studies at UCLA (Tovaangar).
Tuesday, April 11, 10 a.m.
Forced Flight: Refugees in Diaspora
Zoom
RSVP: https://ucla.in/4288Dg7
Refugees are forcibly displaced from their homes for reasons such as genocide, war and climate change. This program explores the reasons for their experiences, how they create new communities and what the future holds for the countries they left and their diasporas.
With Joanna Newman, CEO and Secretary General, Association of Commonwealth Universities; Olivia Quintanilla, Professor of Ethnic Studies, MiraCosta College; Monica Sok, poet and writer; Khatharya Um, Associate Dean, Social Sciences Division; Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies, UC Berkeley; and moderator Evyn Lê Espiritu Gandhi, Assistant Professor of Asian American Studies, UCLA (Tovaangar).
Wednesday, April 12, 10 a.m.
Queer Migrations: The LGBTQIA+ Diaspora
Zoom
RSVP: https://ucla.in/3Ljna2C
Many in diasporas belong to the LGBTQIA+ community, including those who were forced to emigrate due to their gender identities and expressions and/or sexual orientations. This program discusses whether the LGBTQIA+ community can be considered its own diaspora and how their intersectional identities affect their experiences.
With Anja Limon, Senior Program Manager, Organization for Refuge, Asylum and Migration (ORAM); Rajiv Mohabir, Assistant Professor, Emerson College; Dan Taulapapa McMullin, artist and poet; Ruben Zecena, Assistant Professor of English, Texas State University; and moderator Ari Shaw, Senior Fellow and Director of International Programs, Williams Institute, UCLA (Tovaangar).
Tuesday, April 18, 10 a.m.
Traditions in Diaspora: Preserving and Reworking Cultural Practices
Zoom
RSVP: https://ucla.in/3T5vvJg
Traditions are closely tied to specific environments and cultures, and emigrants are disconnected from these when they move. This program explores how diasporas preserve, transform, or amalgamate cultural practices in their new countries.
With Floridalma Boj Lopez, Assistant Professor of Chicana/o and Central American Studies, UCLA (Tovaangar); Maureen Duru, founder, The Food Bridge; Katarzyna Wąsowska and Marianne Wąsowska, artists; and moderator Thuy Vo Dang, Assistant Professor of Information Studies, UCLA (Tovaangar).
Wednesday, April 19, 4 p.m.
Bruins Belong: Diasporas and the Meaning of Home
Charles E. Young Research Library, Main Conference Room 11360
RSVP: https://ucla.in/3J7dHc0
Many UCLA students belong to diasporic communities. This showcase provides a venue for talented Bruins to present original creative works on the theme of diaspora and the meaning of home and belonging.
