Dr. Kelly Lytle Hernández Takes Guests On a Ride Through the World of the Magonistas During Burke Lectureship

The birth of the Mexican-American population in America, as told by MacArthur Fellow and UCLA Professor of History, African American Studies, and Urban Planning Dr. Kelly Lytle Hernández, attracted guests to the Burke Lecture at The Jeannie Auditorium on UC San Diego’s main campus last May 23.

Attendees immersed themselves into a world of intellectual exploration during Lytle Hernández’s discussion on the Magonistas, the migrant rebels who put a jolt on the 1910 Mexican Revolution from the United States, and whose revolt she argued is a critical part of U.S. history.

The 2.5-hour free lecture sparked conversations about the profound impact the Magonistas’ radicalism and revolt have had on modern American life as we know it today. Through light refreshments, the lecture continued on to Lytle Hernández’s discussion on the topics of one of her most acclaimed books, “Bad Mexicans: Race, Empire, and Revolution in the Borderlands,” which further details the come about of the Magonistas and their quest to escape México’s dictatorship set by then-President Porfirio Díaz.

Guests were honored to share an evening of thought-provoking dialogue with Lytle Hernández, who is a leading expert on race, immigration, and mass incarceration. Additionally, she is the author of a number of award-winning books such as: “Migra! A History of the U.S. Border Patrol,” “City of Inmates: Conquest, Rebellion, and the Rise of Human Caging in Los Angeles,” and “Bad Mexicans: Race, Empire, and Revolution in the Borderlands.” Who better than the author and expert herself to have this dedicated opportunity to go on a visual journey with?

The event was supported by the Eugene M. Burke Lectureship on Religion and Society, which sponsors public lectures in which scholars, theologians, and religious practitioners address critical issues on the relationship between religion and society and on the religious dimensions of being human. Since its inception in 1985, the Burke Lectureship has hosted more than 75 lectures at UC San Diego.

For more information on the Eugene M. Burke Lectureship on Religion and Society and to learn about past and upcoming events, visit this link.

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