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Join Digital Library of the Caribbean, FIorida International University, and AARLCC in conversation with Danielle Boaz, author of Voodoo: The History of a Racial Slur, honoring Haitian Heritage Month.
Dr. Danielle N. Boaz is the author of Banning Black Gods: Law and Religions of the African diaspora and Voodoo: The History of a Racial Slur. May 30th's Cultural Conversation will feature Dr. Boaz discussing the latter, her most recent book, published by Oxford University Press (2023).
Most African diaspora religions, which are religions that have roots in Africa, have been mislabeled as voodoo at some point in time. This is especially true of Haitian Vodou – the religion that is most frequently stereotyped by outsiders as “voodoo” in the 21st century. This history has left a stain on public perceptions of voodoo that is difficult to wash away. The best example is the treatment of devotees of Vodou, a religion in Haiti that can trace many of its beliefs and practices back to West and Central Africa. Vodou centers on honoring the ancestors and venerating spirits known as the Lwa. Dr. Boaz argues that when someone makes a statement like, “That just sounds like some ‘voodoo’ to me!” they are co-signing the long racist history of the term and promoting the idea that religions from Africa are primitive, evil and barbaric.
An Associate Professor of Africana Studies at UNC Charlotte, Dr. Boaz holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of Miami, a J.D. with a certificate in international law from the University of Toledo, and a LL.M. in Intercultural Human Rights from St. Thomas University. Dr. Boaz
The Digital Library of the Caribbean (dLOC), Florida International University (FIU), and the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) have collaborated to feature a Caribbean Studies conversation series this spring. In honor of Haitian Heritage Month, we feature Dr. Danielle Boaz, author of Voodoo: The History of a Racial Slur, a recently released book in Caribbean Studies. The books that will be discussed specifically by the authors as a part of this series are available in the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, Miami Dade Public Library, and Florida International University libraries.
About the African American Research Library and Cultural Center
The Broward County African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) is located in the Sistrunk community, one of the oldest historically Black communities named for one of Fort Lauderdale’s first Black physicians. Opening to the public on October 26, 2002, AARLCC became the third public library of its kind in the United States dedicated to the study of Black history and culture. The 60,000 square-foot Center serves as a repository of materials related to the local, national, and international voices of the African diaspora with more than 85,000 books, manuscripts, artifacts, framed art, print, photography, audiovisual, and documents held in our Adult Services Section and Special Collections. The Youth Services Section features a special collection of Coretta Scott King Award books and the Ashley Bryan Art Collection from illustrators of African Descent. AARLCC also features a 5,000 sq. ft. museum, a 300-seat state-of-the-art theatre, and a Computer Training Center.
AGE GROUP: | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Discussion/Lecture | Author Events | Arts & Cultural |
Mon, May 20 | 10:00PM to 8:00PM |
Tue, May 21 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
Wed, May 22 | 10:00PM to 8:00PM |
Thu, May 23 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
Fri, May 24 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
Sat, May 25 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
Sun, May 26 | Closed |