History of the Banana

Learn the surprising history of the banana and its not so innocent involvement in US civil unrest and massacres in other countries with Professor Melissa Garr, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Spanish at Florida Southern College, on Thursday, June 26 at 6:30 pm at the Safety Harbor Public Library. There are few aspects of Latin American history and culture in the 20th and 21st centuries that have not been influenced by the monopoly of US banana companies. This informative presentation will explore the history of the industry in Latin America, particularly the United Fruit Company for its far-reaching influence on the development of the region. Prof. Garr will also discuss how contemporary art from Latin America reflects the effects of widespread banana cultivation on communities today, as well as cultural phenomena and literature related to the banana in the 20th century.