Dis a Fi Mi History Podcast: Explore Caribbean Ancestry & Culture

Welcome to the Dis A fi mi History podcast! In this episode, host Wendy Aris is joined by Sandra Taitt Eaddy, a genealogist, family historian, and educator, to explore the rich history and heritage of Caribbean people. Sandra, the founder of the Baobab Genealogy Society, shares her passion for genealogy and the significance behind naming her group after the baobab tree, a symbol of strength and re...

In this episode of the Dis A Fi Mi History Podcast, we explore Caribbean history and the profound influence of ROSCAs (Rotating Savings and Credit Associations) on community financial support. Join host Wendy Aris and guest Andrea Barrett, a founding member of the Banker Ladies Council, as they share insights into how these informal financial systems empower Caribbean women and foster strong famil...

In this episode of the Dis a fi mi History Podcast, we delve into the complex legacy of slavery and colonialism in modern churches, shedding light on Caribbean history and its implications for today. 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 uncovers the intricate connecti...

In this episode of the Dis A fi Mi History Podcast, we explore the complex role of colonialism and the church in shaping Caribbean history and family legacies related to slavery. Host Wendy Aris is joined by distinguished historian Richard S. Reddy, who shares his profound insights into the church’s dual role of perpetuating and challenging slavery between the 15th and 19th centuries. Richard shed...

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...

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,...

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 Jamai...

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...

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...

In this episode, I speak with Emma Cox about unlocking the secrets of Old English handwriting in Colonial Jamaica. We delve into the significance of family history and genealogy, focusing on three types of records to interpret and understand the rich context behind these documents. This exploration not only sheds light on individual family stories but also ties into the broader themes of Caribbean...

In this insightful episode of the Dis A Fi Mi History Podcast, we explore Haitian genealogy with Gilles Hudicourt, a passionate genealogist and founding member of the Association de Généalogie d'Haiti. From the journey of tracing his own Haitian roots through old family records to the establishment of a vital resource for Caribbean history, Gilles shares his insights into preserving ancestral heri...

In this episode of the Dis A Fi Mi History podcast, we delve into the intricate colonial history of the Irish in the Anglo-Caribbean. Special guest, Associate Professor Matthew C. Reilly, an anthropological archaeologist at CUNY, leads an enlightening discussion on race formation, colonial modernity, and the roles that Irish individuals played within the indentured servitude and slavery systems. T...

In this episode of the Dis A Fi Mi History Podcast, we explore the rich tapestry of Caribbean history and family heritage as our host, Wendy Aris, engages with author and cultural expert Kofi Piesie. They discuss Piesie's captivating blog post 'Beautiful African Hair, Please Stop Using the Other N-word,' which delves into the significance of African hair as a symbol of cultural identity and its de...

In this captivating episode of the Dis A Fi Mi 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 contributing to our understanding of Caribbean history and family genealogy....

In our latest episode of the Disafemi History Podcast, we dive into Caribbean history by hosting an enriching conversation with esteemed scholar Professor Josiana Arroyo-Martinez from the University of Texas, Austin. This episode explores death rituals and their sociocultural implications in Caribbean communities, offering listeners a fresh perspective on a seldom-explored subject. Professor Arroy...

Welcome to Dis A Fi Mi History Podcast, where Caribbean history and family genealogy come to life! In this episode, join host Wendy Aris as she converses with Dr. Mary Njeri Kinyanjui about her enlightening book, African Markets and the Utu-Ubuntu Business Model. Discover how these concepts intersect within the broader narratives of colonialism in the context of Caribbean heritage. Unravel the thr...

In this episode, I am joined by PhD candidate Océane Nyela, who explores the fascinating intersections of black hair, colonialism, and Caribbean history in her master’s paper, 'Braided Archives.' We delve into how hair braiding serves as a profound medium for understanding cultural heritage and family history within the Black diaspora. Join us as we discuss the importance of these practices in pre...

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of Caribbean funeral rites with Dr. Jean Small, focusing on the rich African retentions that continue to influence these practices today. Funeral rites play a significant role in shaping family history and heritage, and understanding their evolution can provide vital insights into Caribbean cultural identity. Join us as we explore how these trad...

In this episode of Dis a Fi Mi History Podcast, host Wendy Aris speaks with Professor Joseph Fashola about the profound significance of hair in African literature and its connections to Caribbean heritage. This enlightening discussion delves into themes of colonialism, family history, and their role in shaping identity across the Caribbean. Professor Fashola reveals how narratives around hair not...

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of Caribbean Teas with Dr. Sonia Peter. As we explore the rich history of these beloved beverages, we uncover the stories of how colonialism has influenced tea culture in the Caribbean. Join us as we discuss the importance of family history and heritage in understanding the origins of Caribbean Teas, and how these traditions continue to shape ou...

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Maria del Pilar Kaladeen about her captivating journey through Caribbean family history from indenture to the Windrush era. Drawing inspiration from her article, "A Daughter's Journey from Indenture to Windrush," Dr. Kaladeen shares her profound insights into how colonialism has shaped her family genealogy and personal identity. This exploration is not just about...

In this episode, we explore the significance of preserving cultural identity with Ms. Glenda-Rose Layne, focusing on her paper titled Honoring Caribbean Folk Cultures: A Personal Reflection. This discussion highlights the impact of colonialism on Caribbean history and how it shapes our understanding of family genealogy and heritage today. Join us as we reflect on the importance of family history i...

In this episode, join me as I speak with Chef Keisha Griggs, where we delve into the rich heritage of Caribbean cuisine and its connections to Caribbean history and family genealogy. Discover how traditional foods offer a powerful representation of the ancestral legacies of Caribbean people. Through our discussion, we explore the depths of family stories and the impact of colonialism on the culina...

In this episode, we delve into the significance of proverbs as a vital component of African oral literature with Bamukunda Hillary. A poet, researcher, and teacher from Uganda, Bamukunda brings a unique perspective to the conversation. He explores how proverbs encapsulate cultural wisdom, reflecting social values and historical narratives that resonate within family histories and the broader conte...

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/unsy3b2vu...