KSI Jewish Literature Book Club

KSI Jewish Literature Book Club: Living as a Jew in the Caribbean and Latin America hosts a discussion with author Melva Lowe de Goodin and members of the Panamanian Afro-Caribbean Community.

On the evening of May 12, 2016 twenty- five members of the Book Cub and Society of Friends of the West Indian Museum of Panama (SAMAAP) met for an evening of discussion, sharing and friendship at the home of Book Club members Arthur Tepfer and Michaelle Bauzille .

The author & community activist discussed her book: People of African Ancestry in Panama 1501-2012. 

Attending the evening’s program were Prof. Verónica D. Forte, President of SAMAAP and faculty member of the Universidad de Panamá - Panama TESOL , Carmela & Alonso Gobern, publishers of the CALENDARIO PANAMA. This is a calendar in both Spanish and English providing informative listings of events in Panama by community and social service organization activities yearly. And in 2016 and is celebrating its 30th year of publication. 

Melva Lowe de Goodin autographing copies of her book

The evening was an opportunity for members of both communities to not only discuss with Melva the history of Afro West Indian citizens in Panama but also for sharing their respective community’s experiences of historical discriminations as peoples living in host countries. 

SAMAAP President Veronica Forte (far left on photo) at a SAMAAP celebration

It was agreed by all that the evening was so informative and there clearly was an opportunity for developing a more informative understanding of each other’s community that a follow up meeting would be held at which time Carmela and Alonso would present on the philosophy behind the publishing of their calendar (with the proceeds of its sale being contributed to charities in Panama) and Veronica sharing more information about the philosophy behind the creation of SAMAAP. 

 Carmela and Alonso Gobern

Plans for the follow up meeting have been set for Thursday, June 30, 2016 for all to come together again to continue the dialogue. And each participant was asked to invite a friend for next time. And again Michaelle and Arthur have graciously greed go be our hosts,

Group photo of the May 12, 2016 meeting attendees

Interested members of KSI are invited to attend.

For meeting information please contact me at: robert.jacobvitz@sbcglobal.net