Cultural anthropologist Ruth Behar will explore the power of shared stories in uniting people across borders during the 2025 Henry Russel Lecture. As the James W. Fernandez Distinguished University Professor of Anthropology, Behar’s passion for storytelling is rooted in her immigrant upbringing in New York, where she heard tales of her native Cuba. Her lecture, “The Gift of Shared Stories,” aims to highlight storytelling’s role in fostering connection and understanding.
“I’ve always been drawn to stories,” Behar said. “I grew up in New York as an immigrant child from Cuba, hearing stories about the island and constructing my identity from the tales my family shared with me.” Behar’s journey as an anthropologist took her to Spain, Mexico, and Cuba, where she embraced the responsibility of preserving others’ stories. In today’s uncertain world, she believes exploring human generosity through storytelling is vital.
The lecture is scheduled for 4-5:30 p.m. on Feb. 11 in the Vandenberg Room of the Michigan League. It is open to the public and will be livestreamed. The Henry Russel Lectureship is the highest honor for senior faculty at the university, recognizing exceptional achievements in research and teaching, as well as service to the community. This year marks the 100th lecture.
Additionally, four faculty members will receive Henry Russel Awards, the top honor for early or mid-career faculty. Recipients include Robin Brewer, Roya Ensafi, Marc Hannaford, and Wenjing Wang.
Behar introduced the concept of the “vulnerable observer,” influencing ethical fieldwork across various disciplines. Her lecture will touch on her decision to incorporate personal narratives in her work, a rarity in anthropology. “Even though self-revelation is very taboo in anthropology, this was the path I felt I needed to follow,” Behar said. She will share insights from her journeys and the profound impact of returning to Cuba.
Her work emphasizes the significance of storytelling in understanding identity and cultural heritage. Behar hopes the audience gains appreciation for story-listening and recognizes storytelling’s potential to bridge divides and inspire new societal visions. “The possibility of building bridges between strangers through shared stories seems significant at a time when our world is precarious and fractured,” Behar commented.
Behar, the first Latina MacArthur Fellow, has authored five anthropology books and numerous articles. Her accolades include the Pura Belpré Author Award and recognition as a “Great Immigrant” by the Carnegie Corporation. In 2021, she was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Her novel “Across So Many Seas” received a 2025 Newbery Honor Book award.
In 2021, U-M honored Behar as a Distinguished University Professor. She also received the Sarah Goddard Power Award in January 2024 for her contributions to women’s studies.
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