Join us on May 16 for a discussion with award-winning author and journalist, Lauren Markham, on her new book, A Map of Future Ruins: On Borders And Belonging.

In 2021, Lauren Markham went to Greece, in search of her own Greek heritage and to cover the aftermath of a fire that burned down the largest refugee camp in Europe. Almost no one had wanted the camp—not activists, not the country's growing neo-fascist movement, not even the government. But almost immediately, on scant evidence, six young Afghan refugees were arrested for the crime.

That experience led Markham to ask, When and how did migration become a crime? Why does ancient Greece remain so important to the West's idea of itself? How does nostalgia fuel the exclusion and demonization of migrants today?

The event will feature a Q&A session, so be sure to come prepared with your questions!

Why is this Important for Arizona?

Arizona, as a border state, grapples with immigration complexities daily. Lauren Markham's event discussing migration as a perceived crime and the influence of ancient Greece offers insights relevant to Arizona's challenges. Attendees can engage in a meaningful dialogue on borders and belonging, gaining perspectives that directly connect with Arizona's position at the forefront of immigration issues.