The European Union Center is excited to announce a new interdisciplinary reading group aimed at interrogating issues surrounding race and the Mediterranean. Prospective texts will feature predominantly primary sources, with a mixture of contemporary materials relevant to today's debate. In observing differing traditions across Sub-Saharan and North Africa in comparison with Southern Europe, this group will strive to draw a common narrative along evolving histories, shifting elements of alterity, and colonial impacts that define race relations among the Mediterranean.  

The group is open to all faculty, students, and community members interested in exploring the history of race and racism in the Mediterranean and will meet every other week to discuss each selected text. Details, such as date and time, as well as virtual or in-person gathering has yet to be decided. Please write to Cassie Pontone (pontone1@illinois.edu) by September 9 if you would be interested in participating in this reading group.