Author Archives: admin

It was a dream come true to finally see the Terracotta Army in China — so spectacular in every way.

I was fortunate to return to the Great Mosque of Xi’an here in China — such an architectural gem.

I’ve been doing a fair amount of travel in the People’s Republic of China despite the pandemic — perhaps if I ever have some time I will share some photos from the road.

I had the joy and honor of sharing my research on artistic renderings of slavery in Zanzibar and Oman at Harvard University a few days ago. It’s a very busy spring with several more talks coming up in the weeks ahead!

I had the pleasure and honor of sharing my research at this history making conference on the Tudeh Party of Iran at St. Andrews — grateful to be a part of it.

I’m happy to share that my new article: “Revolutionary Spacialities and Transcultural Solidarities at the 1969 Pan-African Cultural Festival in Algeria” has been published in Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora.  As you can see, the cover art for our issue is stunning! 

Check out Obsidian’s amazing digital content here: https://obsidianlit.org 

To order our gorgeous issue, click here:
https://mailchi.mp/454caeec2d99/whats-new-with-obsidian-cover-art-debut-open-reading-period-community-news-and-more-5052605

This transcultural research was informed by my research adventures in Algeria, Palestine, and the People’s Republic of China, and I enjoyed learning more about politicians, activists, and artists from Vietnam, North Korea, Mali, the Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, and on and on! I am so grateful to the American civil rights legends, iconic Black artists, and Algerian Revolution heroes who shared their memories and words with me. It was a dream come true to share this research in a keynote speech and paper in Algeria at a conference celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Pan African Cultural Festival entitled “The Black Arts Movement in the United States and Algeria” at Abdelhamid Ibn Badis University. Thank you to all who made this work possible.

I am pleased to share my new publication, “Yesterday is not Gone: Memories of Slavery in Zanzibar & Oman in Memoirs, Fiction & Film,” in the Journal of Global Slavery.

I spent my Sunday in China giving and grading exams on campus. Afterwards, a colleague showed me this lovely riverbank across from my office–a lovely place to have lunch or meditate in between classes.

I have been enjoying gelato flavors in China that are new to me — like egg yolk!