Lunch & Learn: A Home Away from Home

At the turn of the twentieth century, New York City became a hub for mutual aid societies and benevolent associations, especially for Caribbean immigrants seeking community in a new and unfamiliar city. These organizations offered more than just practical support; they provided a vital sense of identity and belonging.

On June 24, join historian and author Tyesha Maddox for a conversation about her recent book, A Home Away from Home, which explores how Caribbean-American mutual aid societies shaped immigrant life and identity in New York City. Maddox reveals how these grassroots organizations not only supported their members but also fostered a Pan-Caribbean consciousness and a broader Black international identity – one that transcended borders and generations.

This engaging talk will dive into the powerful networks Caribbean communities built and examine how their legacy continues to inform ideas of kinship, resistance, and belonging.