a1663: Association of Caribbean Historians

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: LeGrace Benson <legrace@twcny.rr.com>

Three scholars presented papers on Haitian topics at the Association of
Caribbean Historians annual conference, just ended, in Nassau, Bahamas.
In
reverse order of their appearance: Sean McSweeney, former Attorney General
of
the Bahamas, presented "Bamamian Reaction to the Revolutionary Upheaval in
Haiti and the Intensification of Racial Control (1793-1819).  David Geggus
of
the University of Florida presented "The Exile of Saint Domingue Slave
Leaders:
Spain's Resettlement of its Black Auxillary Troops." LeGrace Benson of
Arts of
Haiti Research Project presented "Kreyolophonic and Francophonic
Identities in
the Art of Haiti."Several other papers dealt with topics related to other
countries of the French Antilles, and, unusually for this association,
much of
the presentation and discussion was in French.

While there were no Haitians present at the conference, a lively interest
in
Haitian history and culture as well as its current situation was evident.
The
Association has expressed interest in holding its 2004 annual meeting in
Haiti,
specifically to honor the anniversary of independance. In anticipation of
that,
they hope to have numerous papers on Haiti at the next annual meeting,
2003.

The focus of the Association is history, and under that "umbrella" a very
wide
range of subjects is invited.  Presenters at the Nassau conference
included
anthropologists, art analysts, journalists, lawyers and literary studies
as
well as those whose academic field is strictly history.   I would like to
urge the Haitian scholars on this list to submit panel  or paper proposals
for
next year's conference. Scholars whose focus is on other islands or is
pan-Caribbean are equally welcome.  By the time this is posted, I expect
to
have full information concerning next year's conference, and invite
inquiries.

 I will be proposing a panel, and hope others will as well. Panels include
either three or four persons, may be in Spanish, English or French (I will
suggest the inclusion of Kreyol for for the next events).  Papers
are circulated in advance, and presenters give a 10 minute summary, after
which
discussion is open to the assembly.  This format leads to a good exchange
and
advancment of ideas. Simultaneous translation is provided for all
sessions.
Further information:
either legrace@twcny.rr.com

To Secretary-Treasurer Juan R. Gonzalez Mendoza, U. Puerto-Rico
jucar@coqui.net