The University of Michigan’s Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies (CMENAS) is thrilled to welcome Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist Jake Halpern for a special lecture, “The Art of Storytelling in Words, Pictures, & Sound,” on Monday, November 18, 2024. Celebrated for his profound storytelling and compelling exploration of complex themes, Halpern will share insights from his acclaimed Prize-winning New York Times graphic story, Welcome to the New World, to illustrate the transformative power of narrative.
Event Details:
Date: November 18, 2024
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Location: 555 Weiser Hall, 500 Church St, Ann Arbor, MI
Registration: myumi.ch/4j2w6
In Welcome to the New World, Halpern and co-creator Michael Sloan chronicle the real-life journey of the Aldabaan family, refugees from Syria, who, after escaping imprisonment and turmoil, find themselves in America on the tumultuous day of November 8, 2016. The graphic narrative captures the family’s struggle to settle in a new country amid political uncertainty and cultural challenges, from learning English to confronting xenophobia. Their story reflects the resilience of one family and offers a lens on the broader immigrant experience in the United States.
With remarkable sensitivity and depth, Halpern’s work portrays the Aldabaans’ pursuit of security and belonging amidst moments of kindness and heartbreak. This CMENAS event is an opportunity to experience Halpern’s unique perspective on storytelling and explore how narratives can build bridges between cultures.
Join us for an inspiring session with Jake Halpern, whose work continues to impact readers and redefine the immigrant narrative in America.
The event is free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome.
Contact: Warsan Salah | warsansa@umich.edu | 734-647-4143
