Tara Roberts, National Geographic Explorer in Residence, is coming to San Luis Obispo to discuss her work with the underwater archaeology group Diving with a Purpose, and her new book “WRITTEN IN THE WATERS.”

When Tara Roberts first glimpsed a picture of the underwater archaeology group it called out to her: here were Black women and men exploring the wrecks of slave ships long lost in time. Inspired, Roberts joined them—and started on a path of discovery that would take her to locales including Thailand and Sri Lanka, South Africa and Senegal, Benin and Togo, St. Croix and Costa Rica. Her research has led to the award-winning podcast series Into the Depths, downloaded more than a million times and featured in more than 100 media outlets, and new book “Written in the Waters“. To learn more or purchase tickets, please visit the link below.

When National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Tara Roberts first saw a photograph at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture depicting the underwater archaeology group Diving With a Purpose, it called out to her. Roberts joined them—and started on a path of discovery more challenging and personal than she could ever have imagined. From the coasts of Senegal and South Africa to the waters of St. Croix and beyond, she confronted the Middle Passage’s harrowing history while uncovering her roots and exploring what it means to belong.

When National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Tara Roberts first saw a photograph at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture depicting the underwater archaeology group Diving With a Purpose, it called out to her. Roberts joined them—and started on a path of discovery more challenging and personal than she could ever have imagined. From the coasts of Senegal and South Africa to the waters of St. Croix and beynd, she confronted the Middle Passage’s harrowing history while uncovering her roots and exploring what it means to belong.