Affiliate News and Views

Before the Balloon: Barbados's 1661 slave code . Barbados became Britain's very first slave-society in 1661, composing a code that shaped slavery across the Atlantic. This short trailer and function describe the legal blueprint behind Washington Black's escape-- sugar, law, and empire-- in under a minute, along with sources and context. Take a minute to see, then go deeper with the full story

A young boy arises-- Barbados shrinking below, Halifax widening ahead. Trade when tied these locations; conscience did, too. Halifax became a safe harbour for those running from the American South, evidence that geography can learn morality. Africville reveals both the strength of Black community and the expenses of forgetting. Throughout decades, Barbadian arrivals included rhythm and solve to Canadian life: Joe Sealy's chords, Oliver Jones's swing, Anne Cools's trailblazing service, Cameron Bailey's curatorial eye. The Atlantic bridge brings more than cargo; it carries character. See the clip-- then see the sources, context, and lived history. Barbadian identity

A current New York Times post shines a spotlight on Washington Black. The narrative follows the transformative journey of a young previous servant from Barbados as he navigates the Americas and eventually settles in Halifax, Nova Scotia. What resonates with me most about this story is its connection to two locations that hold personal significance - Barbados and Halifax, both of which I recognize with and currently call home. The historical ties between these two locations are deeply linked, with the after the capital of Barbados, a testimony to the long exchange in between the islands. The novel's representation of enslaved people, who regardless of facing inconceivable cruelty at the hands of their colonial oppressors, remain unbroken and strong, is a particularly engaging element of the story. The Impact of Slavery on Barbados While writing Rogues in Paradise, I am reminded of the dreadful tradition of slavery. Edugyan's novel reveals poignant examples of the terrible dynami...