6:00 - 7:00
Emma Lazarus' famous poem is inexorably linked with the Statue of Liberty. Learn the true story of how. Through images, film, and audio clips we explore its relevance to the continuing dialogue about immigration.
“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore…” While many people recognize this oft-quoted stanza they may not know its fascinating backstory and its many uses and abuses. “The New Colossus,” the sonnet by the Jewish American poet Emma Lazarus was written in 1883 to raise funds for the construction of a pedestal for “Liberty Enlightening the World”.
As issues of refugees and immigration continue to dominate the news, the poem’s relevance is greater than ever. Join us for a lively, informative, and interactive discussion led by writer, editor and historian Jim Van Buskirk, of the pioneering female poet, her sonnet and its history, legacy, and cultural influence.
Author Readings & Lectures
Engage with your favorite writers and discover your next read.
SWANA Interest
This program honors the diverse cultures, traditions and histories of Southwest Asian and North African heritage.