Searching for Serafim

In Searching for Serafim, author Ruby Smith Díaz delves into the life and legacy of Serafim “Joe” Fortes, Vancouver's first lifeguard and a significant cultural figure in a racially charged society. Arriving from Trinidad in 1885, Fortes was celebrated as a hero for his life-saving efforts, yet his story intersects with themes of settler colonialism and anti-Black racism. Through a blend of historical documents, poetry, and personal reflections, Díaz reinterprets Fortes’s life from a contemporary Black perspective, illuminating issues of displacement, identity, and dignity. This exploration offers a nuanced understanding of a beloved yet complex local legend.