RALEIGH (Jan. 27, 2009) - Ruth Behar, an anthropologist, writer and filmmaker who explores topics involving her Jewish Cuban-American heritage, will give a public lecture on Feb. 4 at Peace College. The event is free and open to the public.

Appearing as the college's 2009 Goodmon Scholar, Behar will explore topics of identity and transition during the talk, which will be at 7 p.m. in Jones Lecture Hall in the college's Flowe Building.

Behar is a professor of anthropology and women's studies at the University of Michigan. She is a poet and author whose most recent book, "An Island Called Home: Returning to Jewish Cuba," was published in 2007. Behar has received numerous awards, including a MacArthur Foundation "genius" fellowship in 1988, a John Simon Guggenheim award in 1995 and a Fulbright award in 2007.

Behar will take part in several events during her stay at Peace Feb. 3-5, including a viewing and discussion of her documentary film "Adio Kerida/Goodbye Dear Love: A Cuban Sephardic Journey." The film, produced and directed by Behar, is a personal documentary about the search for identity and memory among Sephardic Jews with roots in Cuba.

While at Peace, Behar also will give a reading from her books and articles and give a talk about grief, mourning and loss during a college chapel service.

Peace College's Goodmon Visiting Scholars program was established in 1980 in memory of Betty Lou Fletcher Goodmon, a 1940 graduate of the college. The program brings eminent scholars and artists to campus for a period in residence to enhance educational programs and to contribute to the college's intellectual climate.

Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, Peace is a four-year liberal arts and sciences college for women. For more information about the educational opportunities available at Peace College, click here.

Behar's Schedule 

Chapel Service

Tuesday, February 3, 3:30 p.m.

Peace College Chapel

Hear Behar speak on mourning, grief and loss from her own social, cultural and ethnical location.

Common Reading Disscusion

Wednesday, February 4, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Flowe 110

Meet with Behar and various disciplines to discuss several articles including Behar's own article Searching For A Jewish Home In Cuba: A Room For Ruth.

Public Lecture

Wednesday, February 4, 7 p.m.

Jones Lecture Hall

Hear Behar's public lecture reflecting on identity and transitions. A reception will immediately follow in the foyer. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Film Showing

Thursday, February 5, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Flowe 110

Come view and discuss the film "Adio Kerida/Goodbye Dear Love: A Cuban Sephardic Journey" with Behar; event is open to the entire Peace Community.

For more information about Behar please visit her website www.ruthbehar.com.