Episodes
Welcome to the Disafimi History Podcast! In this episode, host Wendy Aris is joined by Dr. Amisa Zanabu Bakuri, a postdoctoral fellow at the Faculty of Religion and Theology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Dr. Bakuri's research delves into the intricate connections between religion, well-being, slavery, and colonialism. Dr. Bakuri shares insights from her article, "Black and White in the Church," exploring the often-overlooked theme of racial dynamics within religious institutions. She...
Published 06/09/24
Welcome to the Dis A fi Mi History Podcast, hosted by Wendy Aris. In this episode, we delve into the complex and often controversial role of the church in both perpetuating and abolishing slavery. Our guest is Richard S. Reddy, a distinguished historian, author, and researcher whose work has profoundly influenced our understanding of this subject. Richard shares his journey and motivations for exploring this topic, shedding light on the church's involvement in slavery from the 15th century to...
Published 06/02/24
Published 06/02/24
Immerse yourself in a compelling episode of the Disafimi History Podcast where we delve into the fascinating world of genetic genealogy through the lens of the Bahamas DNA Project. Get lost in an intriguing web of Caribbean ancestry, revealing insights into humanity's shared heritage found in our swathes of DNA. With our special guest, Bahamian genealogist Peter J. Roberts, we explore the roots of the Bahamian people and how modern technology is teasing intricate details from their...
Published 05/26/24
Dive into the captivating world of ROSCAs and susus with Professor Caroline Shenaz Hossein in this illuminating podcast episode! As an esteemed expert in economic sociology, Professor Hossein unravels the intricacies of these traditional financial systems, exploring their historical roots, cultural significance, and modern-day applications. Discover how ROSCAs and susus foster community cohesion, empower individuals financially, and contribute to economic resilience. Whether you're a finance...
Published 05/19/24
In today's episode I will be joined by Professor Renaldo McKenzie as he delves into the rich tapestry of Jamaican African religious traditions. From the vibrant rituals of Pukumina to the deep-rooted practices of Rastafarianism, this episode uncovers the spiritual essence and cultural significance of these traditions. Tune in as we explore the intersection of faith, heritage, and identity in Jamaica's diverse religious landscape. Subscribe now to embark on a captivating journey through...
Published 05/12/24
Join us in a fascinating episode of the Dis A Fi Mi History Podcast,' where host Wendy Aris, deep-dives into the significant, intriguing, and often misunderstood domain of African hair culture. In a thought-provoking dialogue with author, and independent researcher, Kofi Piesie, we unravel the historical and current impact of slavery on self-perception in terms of skin tone and hair, exposing and challenging derogatory norms. The episode takes you on a journey across different African ethnic...
Published 05/05/24
Join us for an inspiring episode of the Dis Afami History podcast as we navigate into the heart of the Caribbean's hidden history. This episode journeys into the remarkable resilience and rich culture of the Jamaican Hummingbird Taino people. Embrace an enlightening dialogue between Wendy Aris and Chief Kalan Nibonrix Kaiman as they delve into tales of survival, self-realization, stunning cultural practices, and an ongoing fight for indigenous rights. Explore Chief Kalan's path to uncovering...
Published 04/28/24
In this episode I speak with Emma Cox in regards to reading Old English handwriting in Colonial Jamaica. We will be delving into three types of records to interpret and understand the context of the document. Bio: Emma Cox has traced her own family history back to royalty in the 12th century and to Huguenots in France, cloth makers and ironmongers in Somerset, farmers and furniture makers in Scotland, and to bishops, barristers, members of parliament and judges across England and the Isle of...
Published 04/20/24
In this insightful episode of the Dis A fi mi History Podcast, we accompany Gilles Hudicourt, a passionate genealogist and founding member of the Association de Généalogie d'Haiti, in his intriguing journey of tracing his Haitian roots. We begin with Gilles' personal narrative of his genealogical discovery initiated from an old family record leading to a delightful exploration of Haitian ancestral heritage. Gilles details the inception of Association de Généalogie d'Haiti and how his...
Published 04/13/24
In this episode of the Dis A Fi Mi History podcast, we embark on an in-depth exploration of the intricate history of the Irish in the Anglo-Caribbean. Special guest, Associate Professor Matthew C. Reilly, an anthropological archaeologist at CUNY, leads us into an enlightening discussion packed with his extensive research on race formation, whiteness, and colonial modernity. The focus of the episode is the Irish role within the indentured servitude and slavery systems of the Caribbean colonial...
Published 04/07/24
Welcome to the latest episode of the Dis A Fi Mi History Podcast, a quest into the heart of history, familial values, and Caribbean identity. In this episode, our host Wendy Aris fosters an enlightening conversation with our esteemed guest, author and cultural expert Kofi Piesie. They dive into Piesie's fascinating blog post 'Beautiful African Hair, Please Stop Using the Other N-word,' where he sheds light on the misunderstood perception of African hair, often dismissed as 'nappy.' Drawing on...
Published 03/31/24
In this captivating episode of the Disafemi History Podcast, host Wendy Aris engages in a stimulating conversation with legal historian Dr. Justine K. Collins. They highlight a fascinating aspect of Jamaican colonial history: the concept of racial passing and its complex interplay with legal proceedings. Significantly, Dr. Collins delivers an into deep analysis of the Jamaican plantocracy's crafty usage of private bills to seize and secure power, contributing to the eventful assertion of...
Published 03/24/24
In our latest episode of the Disafemi History Podcast, we host an enriching conversation with esteemed scholar Professor Josiana Arroyo-Martinez from the University of Texas, Austin. This episode delves deep into death rituals and their sociocultural implications in Caribbean communities, offering listeners a fresh perspective on a seldom-explored subject. Professor Arroyo-Martinez brings insights into the intriguing topic "Cities of the Dead, Performing Life in the Caribbean", discussing how...
Published 03/20/24
This episode I speak with Dr. Mary Njeri Kinyanjui discussing her book African Markets and the Utu-Ubuntu Business Model.  Where UTU (SWAHILI) meaning humanity, human nature Ubuntu (ZULU) is an ancient African word meaning 'humanity to others. Bio: Dr. Mary Njeri Kinyanjui is a retired researcher at the Institute for Development studies, University of Nairobi. She holds a PhD in Geography from Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge, and an MA from Kenyatta University, Kenya. She has a...
Published 03/11/24
In this episode I speak with Phd Candidate Océane Nyela about black hair using the basis of the discussion her masters paper Braided Archives. Bio Phd candidate in communication culture studying hair braiding as (pre)/nonfigurative media in the Black diaspora Link Website https://www.oceanenyela.ca/ Follow: Twitter/X: @eppinghall Instagram: @berkshirehalleppingpress Workbook https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/wendy... FeedSpot https://podcasts.feedspot.com/caribbe...   Theme Music "Africa" is...
Published 03/03/24
In this episode I discuss the funeral rites with Dr Jean Small.   Bio: JEAN SMALL is a Guyanese Jamaican living in Jamaica since 1954. She graduated from the University of the West Indies in Foreign Languages,–French, Spanish and Latin and her profession all her life has been as an educator. She has worked in Guyana, Trinidad, Nigeria, Australia and here in Jamaica as a teacher of French at both Secondary and University levels. In 2010 Dr Small was awarded the BRONZE MUSGRAVE MEDAL by the...
Published 02/25/24
In this episode I speak with Professor Joseph Fashola Bio: Joseph Fashola holds a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria with special interest in Social Philosophy, African Philosophy, Metaphysics and Logic. He is currently a lecturer in Redeemer’s University, Ede, Nigeria. Book: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks...   Follow: Twitter/X: @eppinghall Instagram: @berkshirehalleppingpress Workbook https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/wendy... FeedSpot...
Published 02/19/24
In this episode I speak with Dr Sonia Peter about Caribbean Teas. Bio: Dr Sonia Peter is a Natural Product Chemist with interests in ethnomedicine, ethnobotany and plant conservation. She founded the non-profit organization to engage the public within a science engagement platform to promote the value of the plant resource for food security and wellness. She is published in scientific journals on natural product discovery and has penned the plant heritage book entitled ‘Seed Under the Leaf’....
Published 02/11/24
In this episode I speak with Dr Maria del Pilar Kaladeen about her journey through family history which is based on the article that she wrote "A Daughter's Journey from Indenture to Windrush". This journey of self discovery comes with many turns and viewpoints, and connection to self. Bio: María del Pilar Kaladeen is an Associate Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London. Her work considers issues of memory, cultural identity, and Empire. She is the editor of the...
Published 02/04/24
In this episode I speak with Ms. Glenda-Rose Layne on the importance of retaining cultural identity. With a concentration on the paper titled Honouring Caribbean Folk Cultures: A Personal Reflection. Bio: Glenda-Rose Layne is a professional Storyteller, actress, director, playwright and a performing artist, a Cultural Researcher, and an Academic; she holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management, a Master of Arts in Carnival Studies and is presently a PhD Candidate...
Published 12/27/23
In this episode I speak with Chef Keisha Griggs where we discuss foods from the Caribbean and how it represents the history of family and Caribbean people. Bio: Chef Keisha Griggs realized her love for cooking at an early age. Within her Trinidadian heritage, good food always came with a great memory. After 13 years as an interactive marketing executive, Chef Keisha followed her passion and lifelong love of cooking to pursue a career in the culinary industry. After graduating from the Arts...
Published 12/17/23
In this episode I speak with Bamukunda Hillary on The Role of Proverbs in African Society. Bio: Bamukunda is a poet, researcher, blogger, teacher and youth leader in Uganda. He has written and reviewed various works of art and is currently finalizing his novel ''Love Doves in Apaa'' A poet inspired by nature . poetry can transform society Paper Link https://www.academia.edu/34707592/Detailed_Research_on_The_Role_Of_Proverbs_in_African_society_oral_literature ...
Published 12/10/23
In this episode I speak with Barbie Jones from the podcast The Genealogy Situation Room about DNA Genealogy and how this has impacted the research on her family. This DNA testing has opened the door and revealed her family connection to the Caribbean which has been immense and validated the records and documents that have been uncovered. Blog: https://thegenealogysituationroom.com/author/unsy3b2vum/ Podcast ...
Published 12/03/23
In this episode I speak with Professor Keja Valens in regard to the online exhibit on Provisions. Bio: KEJA VALENS is a professor of English at Salem State University. She has published numerous works on Caribbean literature, women’s history, sexuality and diasporic identity, including the books Desire between Women in Caribbean Literature and Querying Consent: Beyond Permission and Refusal. https://nehcaribbean.domains.uflib.ufl.edu/tag/keja-valens/ Provisions Exhibit -...
Published 11/26/23