Intersectionality Lunch and Learn

Hosted by the Lantana Public Library and led by Dr. Bissoondatt, this Lunch & Learn presentation introduces audiences to the concept of intersectionality, a framework first articulated by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw to explain how overlapping identities—such as race, gender, nationality, and class—shape individuals’ lived experiences and interactions with systems of power. The talk explores how identity is formed through multiple, interconnected social positions rather than single categories, emphasizing the importance of the word “and” in understanding human experience. Drawing on cultural studies, sociology, and critical theory, the lecture connects intersectionality to broader institutional structures such as education, libraries, and media, examining how power influences which voices, histories, and forms of knowledge are recognized or marginalized. Through discussion, reflection activities, and contemporary examples—including debates over banned books and critical race theory—the session invites participants to critically examine how knowledge, identity, and power intersect in society and how inclusive learning environments can foster deeper understanding and belonging.