Dr. Carol Hoffman Guzman introduces the series and lays groundwork for future talks. These talks were specifically inspired by the multiplicity of homes of our South Florida residents. According to a recent census report, ~70% of Miami’s population comes from other cities, states, regions or countries. Some people might describe this situation in upbeat terms such as multi-culturalism, diversity, the impact of globalization, a cosmopolitanism, etc.

However, this multiplicity of homes and roots can also have more gloomy origins. Many Miami residents or their families came here NOT as tourists, snowbirds, global business people, or people seeking a warmer climate. Instead, they came as a result of ethnic diasporas, forced migrations, exile and refugee communities, flights from political or economic disasters (wars, dictatorships, genocides), rejection by family, or as victims of slavery, domestic violence or sex trafficking.

Carol will speak about this multiplicity of homes, with numerous examples. Plus, she will also share some information about her many homes (20+) or her lack of a true home. Attendees will have a chance to share information about their homes, and they will get an overview of the next 10-12 talks.

Carol has BA in Anthropology, Cornell Univ.; graduate work in archaeology, Columbia Univ.; and a PhD in Sociology/Anthropology, Florida International University. She is the Founding Director of the Arts at St. Johns, a Miami Beach Anchor arts organization.

Free and open to the community; RSVP is requested.