University Advancement

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MEDIA RELEASE

CSUN Lecture Explores Multiethnic Los Angeles During Early Twentieth Century

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Oct. 16, 2007) — Cal State Northridge’s Department of History and W.P. Whitsettt Committee will jointly host author Mark Wild in a special presentation, "Hidden in Hindsight: Multiethnic Los Angeles in the Early Twentieth Century," on Thursday, Nov. 8, at the university.

Based on his book, "Street Meeting: Multiethnic Neighborhoods in Early Twentieth-Century Los Angeles," Wild’s lecture will focus on ethnoracial contact and social networks among immigrants and racial groups in central Los Angeles. It is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. in the Whitsett Room, Sierra Hall 451.

"We would like for students to get introduced to a promising young scholar whose well-received book explores some of the environments that they are experiencing in Los Angeles and Southern California," said history chair Thomas Maddux. "Professor Wild explores ethnoracial contact and social networks among immigrants and racial groups in Los Angeles, and we are experiencing this every day on and off campus."

In his lecture, Wild will demonstrate that the view of Los Angeles neighborhoods in the early twentieth century as segregated, homogenous slums fails to capture the dynamic and diverse environments where residents interacted with individuals of other races and cultures.

Wild has received numerous awards and fellowships for his work, most notably a Kevin Starr Fellowship at UC Irvine and a Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship in Humanities and the Study of Culture.

A reception will follow the presentation along with an opportunity to have Wild sign copies of his book.

While the lecture is free and open to the public, reservations are required due to limited seating. For reservations call (818) 677-3566.