I have enjoyed participating in a lot of reading groups at the University of Illinois. These have either been organized ad hoc, or through the Illinois Program for Research in the Humanities (IPRH), or the Center on Democracy in a Multiracial Society.

• 2001, "The Arts and Humanities in Civic Life," IPRH

We hosted Sheila Radford-Hill (now at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa) and Suzanne Lacy (now at Otis College of Art and Design).

• 2003-07, "Critical Studies of Whiteness," Center on Democracy.

Started by David Roediger; we hosted Pem Davidson Buck, Michelle Fine , Robert Jensen , and Thandeka , among others.

• 2005, "Performance Studies," IPRH

Organized by Julia Walker; we hosted Moira Roth, Mills College, Oakland, CA

• 2006-08, "Critical Spatial Practices," IPRH

With artists Kevin Hamilton , Nicholas Brown , Ryan Griffis and Sarah Kanouse ; we hosted Amy Balkin

• 2008, "Race, Space and Law ," with Ryan Griffis, Ken Salo, Merle Bowen

The readings and conversations in these groups have really informed my research and writing, as well as shaped my social life.