Deborah Paredez, a renowned scholar, cultural critic, and lifelong diva devotee, invites you to an extraordinary event at Union Market on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 7:00 pm. In her brilliant and powerful book, "American Diva: Extraordinary, Unruly, Fabulous," Paredez delves into the fascinating world of charismatic and unapologetically fierce performers, exploring their impact on American culture and society. Through incisive criticism and electric memoir, she unravels our enduring fascination with icons like Aretha Franklin, the women of Labelle, Tina Turner, Celia Cruz, Venus and Serena Williams, Rita Moreno, and her own fabulous Tía Lucia. Paredez's journey takes us through scintillating performances, command of male-dominated spaces, unparalleled excellence, and bold expressions of American aspirations for freedom among Brown, Black, and gay communities. Filled with sharp insights and great heart, "American Diva" is a spirited tribute to the power of performance and the joys of fandom. As chair of the Writing Program at Columbia University and the author of "Selenidad: Selena, Latinos, and the Performance of Memory" and two poetry collections, Deborah Paredez brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to this event. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the world of divas, celebrate their impact, and explore the fascinating insights Paredez has to offer. Seating is first come, first served, so arrive early to secure your spot at this free and engaging event.