Talks

The JCC presents a series of conversations with writers, artists and activists discussing their work and related issues. This series is a forum for a spectrum of viewpoints and perspectives, from the varied realms of politics, culture and religion. Aquarian Minyan JCC Talks

Underground America with Peter Orner The third compilation in McSweeney’s Voice of Witness series focuses on the plight of undocumented workers in the United States. Underground America tells the stories of men and women who come to the America seeking a better life for their families, only to be subjected to dehumanizing working conditions. They are the backbone of our economy, supporting myriad industries by working the least desirable jobs. Yet, for coming to this country illegally, they are sentenced to lives without basic legal protections. Edited by acclaimed novelist Peter Orner, Underground America lets a largely ignored part of our country finally tell their stories. Peter Orner is the author of the novel The Second Coming of Mavala Shikongo, a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize, and a collection, Esther Stories, a New York Times Notable Book. A professor at San Francisco State University (SFSU), Orner is also a member of the San Francisco Writers’ Grotto, a co-operative that also includes Po Bronson, Tom Barbash, ZZ Packer and B. Ruby Rich. Co-Presented by McSweeney’s and the SFSU Department of Creative Writing Thursday August 28, 7:30pm; FREE

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