S7E8 - Forgotten Voyages: African American Migration and Heritage in Caribbean History

In this episode, host Wendy Aris speaks with historian Ryan Mann-Hamilton about the often-overlooked 19th-century migration of free African Americans from the United States to Samaná, Hispaniola. They explore why these individuals left, how they settled, and the rich cultural, linguistic, and genealogical legacies they created. Delving into crucial aspects of colonialism and Caribbean history, this conversation sheds light on family history and heritage that continue to influence the region today.

They discuss archival challenges, the role of faith and the AME Church, inter-Caribbean connections, and why recovering these stories matters for identity, Atlantic-Caribbean history, and family g...