Past Events

Cartoonist and animator Guy Delisle, author of *Burma Chronicles, Jerusalem, Pyongyang*, and *Shenzhen*, joins comics scholar Hillary L. Chute, author of *Outside the Box, Graphic Women*, and *Disaster Drawn*, for a discussion of Delisle's latest book, *Hostage*. _This tour is supported by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in the United States._

Published in commemoration of the centennial of President John F. Kennedy’s birth, _JFK: A Vision for America_ is the definitive compendium of JFK’s most important and brilliant speeches, accompanied by commentary and reflections by leading American and international figures—including Senator Elizabeth Warren, David McCullough, Kofi Annan, and the Dalai Lama. Combined with over seven hundred documentary photos, it tells the story, in words and pictures, of JFK’s life and his presidency, and depicts his compelling vision for America. Historian Fredrik Logevall moderates a discussion between the book's editors, JFK’s nephew Stephen Kennedy Smith and renowned historian Douglas Brinkley, who are joined by Ambassador Samantha Power and journalist Ron Suskind on the legacy of JFK as portrayed in this compendium. Photo: Public Domain, JFK with Peace Corps by Abbie Rowe, August 1962 (NARA)

Globally, coral reefs are at risk from human-induced stressors – such as ocean warming, acidification, and hypoxia – now more than at any time in recorded history. Dramatic effects on fish performance, distribution, and overall ecosystem health are predicted. While the evolutionary success of fish is credited to their adaptations to challenging environmental conditions, whether they can keep pace with the large-scale, rapid changes plaguing their habitats today is not known. Coral reef fishes may be at greater risk as they diversified during a time of relatively stable environmental conditions, and today’s rapidly changing conditions may heighten their vulnerability. Through her research, Dr. Jodie Rummer is tracking metabolic and swimming performance of fishes under climate-change relevant conditions, across development and species, and over multiple generations. This information is crucial for making predictions as to which species and/or populations may be most at risk from climate change and whether the fishes’ long evolutionary history will be enough to protect them from future changes in their habitat. Photo: Dr. Jodie Rummer

As Boston begins thinking strategically about its development throughout the 21st century, cities around the world provide case studies for how to achieve excellent outcomes in urban design and community building. How can great design make Columbia Road a beautiful destination for both locals and tourists? What strategies learned from projects abroad can be applicable here in Boston? How can we enhance the Columbia Road corridor in ways that improve the daily experience of Dorchester residents, unite neighborhoods, and improve movement of people, buses, cars, and bikes? Panelists will discuss lessons learned from urban design projects both large and small; from tactical short-term strategies to complex public-private partnerships, all of which could benefit Boston’s public realm.

Atmospheric scientist Dr. Alexandria Johnson describes how scientists in her area of study apply their expertise to the young field of exoplanet atmospheres.

GrubStreet, the Boston Literary District, and Mayor’s Office of Resilience and Equity joined forces to host "Who Are We When We’re At Home: the Black Experience in Boston” during the [Muse and the Marketplace 2017](https://grubstreet.org/muse/ "grub street conference link") conference at the Park Plaza Hotel. Boston Globe Associate Editor and Op-ed columnist Renee Graham moderates a conversation about the experience of code/switching that's common to African Americans nationally but also particularly in greater Boston, a city with its own very complicated and contradictory racial history. She’s joined at the table by the poet Charles Coe, historian Kerri Greenidge, and Boston’s Chief Resiliency Officer, Dr. Atyia Martin.

The Engine Company 40 Firehouse in East Boston's Jeffries Point neighborhood operated from 1924-1977, after which it stood vacant for almost 30 years. In 2005, the local youth organization ZUMIX was chosen to redevelop the building. Today the historic Firehouse contains an inspiring cultural and performance space for participants in ZUMIX programs and the East Boston community at large. Hear from Executive Director Madeleine Steczynski how the nonprofit transformed a long-abandoned firehouse into a Gold LEED certified youth development center with award-winning programs, featuring a state-of-the-art recording studio, radio station and gorgeous performance hall. (Image: Zumix)

**Ken Ludwig** speaks to an audience about introducing young children to the work of Shakespeare. Ludwig is the winner of the Falstaff Award for Best Shakespeare Book of 2014, _How to Teach Shakespeare to Children_. In it, Ludwig provides the tools to help children come to love and understand Shakespeare’s works.

Since the Six Day War, history has unfurled in the Middle East at a rapid pace, impacting generations of Israelis, Palestinians and, indeed, the entire region. Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel and Egypt Daniel Kurtzer will moderate a discussion among several Israeli thought leaders and activists on the social, political and religious challenges - and opportunities - for Israel in the next 50 years. Co-presented by CJP and JCC Greater Boston as a program of the Comm**UNITY** Israel Dialogue and the Jonathan Samen Hot Buttons, Cool Conversations Discussion Series. Photo: [Six day war. Defense Minister Moshe Dayan, Chief of staff Yitzhak Rabin, Gen. Rehavam Zeevi (R) And Gen. Narkis in the old city of Jerusalem.](http://http://www.flickr.com/people/69061470@N05 ) CC BY-SA 3.0, via [Wikimedia Commons](http://http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

For over half a century, every U.S. president has made nuclear nonproliferation a chief foreign policy objective. President Trump has called the Iran accord “a disastrous deal,” and has promised to dismantle it, while North Korea continues to pursue a larger, more sophisticated nuclear arsenal. Is the Iran nuclear deal “good” for the U.S.? What should American policy be toward North Korea? And what is the likelihood of terrorists building or obtaining a nuclear weapon?