Strictly Facts: A Guide to Caribbean History and Culture
Are you passionate about Caribbean history, its diverse culture, and its impact on the world? Join Strictly Facts: A Guide to Caribbean History and Culture as we explore the rich tapestry of Caribbean stories told through the eyes of its people – historians, artists, experts, and enthusiasts who share empowering facts about the region’s past, present, and future.
Strictly Facts is a biweekly podcast, hosted by Alexandria Miller, that delves deep into the heart and soul of the Caribbean, celebrating its vibrant heritage, widespread diaspora, and the stories that shaped it. Through this immersive journey into the Caribbean experience, this educational series empowers, elevates, and unifies the Caribbean, its various cultures, and its global reach across borders.
Episodes
106 episodes
Banking on Community: The Caribbean's Alternative Economy with Dr. Caroline Shenaz Hossein
The Caribbean's financial revolution has been quietly unfolding for generations. We delve into the powerful world of rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs) known throughout the region as Padna, Susu, Boxhand, and countless other name...
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Episode 103
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52:26
How One Pregnant Woman Helped Lead a Revolution: The Story of Lumina Sophie
Dive into the extraordinary story of Lumina Sophie (1848-1879), a lesser-known yet powerful figure in Caribbean history, as we explore her inspiring journey during a time of revolutionary fervor. Born in a post-emancipation Martinique, Sophie d...
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Episode 102
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10:04
A Brief History of the West India Regiments with Isaac Crichlow
Join Strictly Facts as we uncover the hidden stories of the Caribbean's military past, featuring the intriguing West India Regiments established by the British Army. Our guest, Isaac Crichlow, a graduate student from the University College of L...
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Episode 101
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43:14
How Faith Built Bridges for Black Unity in the Guianas with Dr. Briana Royster
Journey through Black history and Caribbean connections, revealing the incredible legacy of Black missionaries in the British and Dutch Guianas. Dr. Briana Royster joins us to discuss how the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the National ...
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Episode 100
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42:32
The Legacy of Jose 'Cha Cha' Jimenez: The Young Lords' Path of Radical Action
Learn about the visionary leadership of Jose "Cha Cha" Jimenez (August 8, 1948 – January 10, 2025), who turned the Young Lords from a street gang into a powerful political force. Jimenez, inspired by the Black Panther Party, reshaped the l...
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Episode 99
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7:19
Celebrating Milestones and Hidden Histories for the New Year!
As we kick off a new year and celebrate five incredible years of Strictly Facts, we're taking a fresh angle by focusing on those narratives that lie just beneath the surface, often ignored by mainstream stories. This year, we're shining a light...
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Episode 98
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4:22
Art and Heritage of the Cayman Islands with Maia Muttoo
Art speaks volumes about history and resilience. Join us as we chart the artistic evolution of the Cayman Islands with Maia Muttoo, Education Manager at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. With her fascinating pan-Caribbean roots, Maia ...
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Episode 97
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47:36
Tracing Ancestral Threads: A Journey from the West to Sierra Leone with Alya Harding
Our history of migration spans across the world. Join us as we journey with Alya Harding, a community organizer and PhD student, who shares her heartfelt exploration of Sierra Leonean Creole/Krio culture and her personal quest to uncover her Tr...
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Episode 96
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35:24
The Multinational Identities & Impact of Caribbean Icons
Have you ever considered how the people we associate with one Caribbean island might actually hail from another, and how these stories of migration shape identities? Join me as we uncover the intriguing tales of Caribbean icons and their unexpe...
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Episode 95
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6:36
Exploring Aruba: Cultural Resilience, Autonomy, and Identity with Dr Gregory Richardson
What can Aruba teach us about cultural resilience and the quest for autonomy? Join Strictly Facts as we sit down with Dr. Gregory Richardson from the Instituto Pedagogico Arubano to unveil the intricate layers of Aruba's history and culture. Dr...
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Episode 94
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43:34
The Hidden Leaders of Martinique's Schools with Nora Eguienta
Join Strictly Facts as we share the captivating journey of education in the French Caribbean, focusing on Martinique's rich history throughout the 20th century. With the insightful PhD candidate Nora Eguienta by my side, we unravel the largely ...
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Episode 93
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46:20
Rhythms of St. Kitts and Nevis: The Evolution of Wylers and Caribbean Music with Dr. Jessica Swanston Baker
What if the rhythm of an island could reshape global music? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jessica Swanston Baker who both brings her rich family heritage and academic expertise to trace the roots and evolution of wylers, its integral ro...
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Episode 92
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48:01
The Sociology of Trinidad and Tobago's National Development with Dr. Zophia Edwards
Recently celebrating 62 years of independence, Trinidad and Tobago is regarded as one of the most successful nations in the Caribbean. However, what are the signs of a successful independent nation? In this episode, Dr. Zophia Edwards joins us ...
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Episode 91
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45:33
Crossover with Carry On Friends: Martine Powers on Creating ‘The Empty Grave of Comrade Bishop’
Embark on a remarkable journey through Caribbean history with us as we welcome Martine Powers, the senior host of the Washington Post Reports, as well as the host creator of the gripping series
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37:04
The Dominican Republic's Restoration Day: Reclaiming Independence and Shaping National Identity
What if your country had to fight for its independence not once, but twice? Join us as we unveil the incredible story of the Dominican Republic's Restoration Day, celebrated on August 16th. This episode of Strictly Facts explores the Dominican ...
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Episode 90
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5:36
*Throwback* Big People Tings: The Life and Legacy of Claudia Jones
With the renowned Notting Hill Carnival coming up at the end of the month, what a better time than now to reshare about the extraordinary life and work of one of its co-founders, activist and intellectual Claudia Jones. Jones was a pioneering C...
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Episode 89
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8:35
The Legacy of the Negritude Movement and Black Women’s Activism in the French Caribbean with Dr. Sanyu Mulira
In this episode of Strictly Facts, we're joined by Dr. Sanyu Mulira, a recent NYU graduate with a passion for feminism and anti-colonial activism in the Francophone Black Atlantic. Together, we discuss the intricate history of the French Caribb...
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Episode 88
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1:01:23
From Soup Joumou to Flying Fish & Cou-Cou: Exploring Caribbean Food Stories through Haitian and Bajan Cuisine
We continue our Caribbean culinary voyage with Haitian and Bajan cuisine alongside experts, Kerline Ordeus and Leanna Pierre. Together, we uncover the culinary ties between West African and Caribbean dishes, drawing enlightening parallels betwe...
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Episode 87
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1:00:39
From Mofongo to Sancocho: Caribbean Food Stories in the Hispanic Caribbean with Dr. Mónica Ocasio Vega
The food on our plates tell stories of colonialism, cultural resistance, and resilience. Join Strictly Facts and guest Dr. Mónica Ocasio Vega, esteemed cultural scholar, cook, and assistant professor at Trinity University for a fascinating culi...
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Episode 86
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45:09
From Jerk to Pepper Pot: Caribbean Food Stories from Jamaica, Guyana, and Trinidad & Tobago
Ever wondered how Caribbean cuisine became a melting pot of flavors and cultures? Join us for the first part of an eye-opening series with three culinary experts who have dedicated their lives to celebrating and preserving the rich food traditi...
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Episode 85
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57:47
The Producer's Perspective: History and Heritage in Caribbean Podcasting with Kerry-Ann Reid-Brown
From the cobblestone streets of Montego Bay to the airwaves of your favorite podcasting platform, Kerry-Ann Reid-Brown, founder of Breadfruit Media and producer of Strictly Facts, joins us as we reflect on the evolution of Strictly Facts: A Gui...
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Episode 84
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43:21
The Return of the Jamaican Giant Galliwasp: A Tale of Cultural Heritage and Reparations with Dr. Shani Roper
Join us for a riveting discussion with Dr. Shani Roper, Curator at the University of West Indies Museum, as we celebrate a monumental event—the homecoming of the Jamaican Giant Galliwasp from Scotland, an emblem of natural heritage that's been ...
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Episode 83
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42:14
Shaping Identity and Preserving Heritage: The Evolution of Caribbean Museums with Mr. Kevin Farmer
Joined by Mr. Kevin Farmer of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, we explore identity, cultural preservation, and the journey of Caribbean museums from colonial-era institutions to centers that shape national consciousness and safeguard...
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Episode 82
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55:00
Language as Liberation: The History of French-based Antillean Kwéyòl with Soir Smith
Join us as we journey through the linguistic heritage of Saint Lucia with Soir Smith, a passionate St. Lucian Kwéyòl advocate, guiding us through the colorful landscape of French-based creole languages that flourish across the Caribbean. These ...
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Episode 81
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29:15
Exploring the History and Diversity of Caribbean Sign Languages with Kris M. Ali
The Caribbean is a region of a myriad of languages, Caribbean sign languages included. In this episode, we’re joined by Caribbean sign language scholar Kris M Ali to discuss the diversity of sign languages, from the shores of Jamaica to the Bay...
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Episode 80
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35:02