Long overlooked by most of us, the African presence in Mexico (or New Spain) dates back to the 1600s. By the end of the 18th century, nearly 10% of New Spain's people could trace some African ancestry — and even when they were not enslaved were still confined by the caste-like society of colonial Spanish America. Ben Vinson, an expert on the subject and author of Bearing Arms for His Majesty: The Free-Colored Militia in Colonial Mexico (Stanford University Press, 2001), joins us for lunch. Please respond by April 25 if you would like to attend.

Professor Vinson will also give a talk later in the day (4:30 pm in E51-275). The talk is part of the History Faculty's Sahin Lecture Series and is open to all.