An Evening with Dr. Edna Bonhomme and Dr. Terri Francis

Delve into the intersection of history, science and societal inequalities during an illuminating discussion at Books & Books in Coral Gables. On Wednesday, March 5, Dr. Edna Bonhomme will present her latest work, A History of the World in Six Plagues: How Contagion, Class, and Captivity Shaped Us, from Cholera to COVID-19, in conversation with Dr. Terri Francis. This free event offers a thought-provoking exploration of how epidemic diseases have shaped—and been shaped by—racial, economic and gender inequalities throughout history.

In her book, Dr. Bonhomme provides a deeply researched and literary account of humanity's encounters with six major diseases: Cholera, HIV/AIDS, the Spanish Flu, Sleeping Sickness, Ebola and COVID-19. Drawing from in-depth cultural and historical analysis, she examines how systemic disparities exacerbate outbreaks and perpetuate inequality. From Port-au-Prince to Tanzania, and from plantation-era America to the modern pandemic era, Bonhomme traces these patterns to uncover the ways in which public policy and discrimination have influenced global health outcomes. Her work serves not only as a powerful historical narrative but also as a call to action for systemic change.

Dr. Bonhomme, a historian of science and culture writer, has contributed to numerous renowned publications, including The Atlantic, The Guardian and The Washington Post. She earned her PhD from Princeton University and has held fellowships at institutions such as the Max Planck Institute and the Camargo Foundation. She will be joined by Dr. Terri Francis, Associate Professor of Cinematic Arts at the University of Miami and author of Josephine Baker’s Cinematic Prism. Dr. Francis’s expertise in film history and black performance adds a compelling dimension to the evening’s discussion.