Book Discussion: Searching for Serafim

This event is in the past

Over the next four weeks, read Searching for Serafim: The Life and Legacy of Serafim "Joe" Fortes by Ruby Smith Díaz, then meet with others to share thoughts and impressions in a librarian-led discussion.

Searching for Serafim is a layered exploration of the life of Vancouver's first lifeguard, Serafim "Joe" Fortes. A Trinidad native who arrived on the shores of Canada in 1885, Fortes was heralded as a hero in Vancouver for saving dozens of people from drowning, and his funeral drew the largest crowd ever recorded in the city's history. Since his passing, Fortes has been commemorated with a Canada Post-issued stamp and local buildings named in his honour. Yet, little has been discussed about how he navigated an openly white supremacist society as an Afro Latino man.

Author Ruby Smith Díaz seeks to unravel the complicated legacy of a local legend to learn more about who Fortes was as a person. She draws from city archives and historical documents to form an insightful critique of the role that colonial settlerism and anti-Black racism played in Fortes's publicized story and reconstructs his life from over a century ago through a contemporary Black perspective, weaving poetry and personal reflections alongside archival research. The result is a moving and thought-provoking book about displacement, identity, and dignity. Searching for Serafim conjures a new side to one of Vancouver's most beloved--and misunderstood--public figures.

A limited number of print copies are available; visit the service desk at your local BPL location to pick one up.