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
149 episodes
Framing Culture through Caribbean Cinema with Klieon John
In this episode, Klieon John, founder of Twin Island Cinema, joins Strictly Facts as we shed light on the pivotal role Caribbean films have played in shaping the region's vibrant culture and his...
Citizenship through Education and Imperialism in the Dominican Republic with Dr. Alexa Rodriguez
We're thrilled to have Dr. Alexa Rodriguez join us for a deeply engaging discussion through the Dominican Republic's educational history. With her unique insights developed through her Dominican heritage and academic background, Dr. Rodriguez d...
Education and Empire: Schooling, Colonialism, and Migration, in Britain and the British Caribbean with Deanna Lyncook
Education shapes lives - but how is this journey shaped by race, colonialism, and migration? Join us as we navigate the establishment of school systems in the British Caribbean post-Emancipation to the increasingly diverse classrooms of mid-20t...
Turtle Soup, Maritime Boundaries, andTurtlemen in the Cayman Islands: An Environmental Odyssey with Dr. Sharika Crawford
Our guest, award-winning author and U.S. Naval Academy professor, Dr. Sharika Crawford, takes us on a historical journey to the heart of the Cayman Islands, unearthing the complex relationship between the environmental landscape and the I...
Cuban Domestic Labor: A Complex History Unearthed with Dr Anasa Hicks
As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, this episode promises to enlighten you with a deep dive into the complexities of Cuba's domestic labor history, guided by the expert insights of our guest, Dr Anasa Hicks, Associate Professor...
Exploring Black Women's Impact in Early 20th-Century Cuba with Dr. Takkara Brunson
Have you ever wondered what Cuba was like before the 1959 Revolution? This fascinating episode promises to take you there. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us as we are joined by Dr. Takkara Brunson for a riveting exploration of the Repub...
Considering Caribbean Students' Experiences with Dr. Emmanuela Stanislaus
Learning as a Caribbean person doesn't stop with understanding our history. In this episode, Dr. Emmanuela Stanislaus joins us for a discussion on the challenges of being educated outside of the region and how students can seek support and reso...
A Brief History on Caribbean Myths, Legends, and Folklore with Amanda Alcántara
Did you grow up hearing chilling stories of duppies and jumbies? Have you ever thought about what these tales and legends mean for Caribbean history and culture? In this episode, Amanda Alcántar joins us to do just that as we explore the impact...
Six Moments in Jamaican Sports Her-story for Sixty-one Years of Independence
One of my favorite parts of Caribbean culture is how we rally our islands and show our regional pride for our sports teams. In honor of Jamaica celebrating 61 years of independence and Jamaica's Reggae Girls making women's football history, I'm...
Strictly Facts' Scary Caribbean Travel Spots
Are there any Caribbean places that give you the creeps? Join us as we continue our summer travel list, this time sharing some of the top spots for hair-raising Caribbean history for your summer adventures. Be sure to let us know on social medi...
Strictly Facts' Summer World Heritage Sites Recommendations
Looking for somewhere new to travel to this summer while still learning something new about the region? Check out our recommendations for some of UNESCO's well-preserved World Heritage Sites in the Caribbean, where history, culture, nature, bio...
A Brief History of GraceKennedy Ltd. in 20th Century Jamaica with Fred W. Kennedy
There are few Caribbean-owned businesses that have withstood the test of time like GraceKennedy Ltd. has for over one century. In this episode Fred W. Kennedy, grandson of one of the original co-founders, joins Strictly Facts to discuss h...
Caribbean Music, History and Social Justice with Dr. Danielle Brown
Celebrate Caribbean-American Heritage Month and Black Music Month with Strictly Facts this June as Dr. Danielle Brown joins the show for a discussion on Caribbean music and its capacity for influencing education and building social change that ...
The History of Conflict between Haiti and the Dominican Republic Part II: Dominican Statelessness with Dr. Amarilys Estrella and Activist Ana María Belique
As a continuation of our last episode, Dr. Amarilys Estrella and Ana Maria Belique join for a discussion on anti-Haitian sentiment in the Dominican Republic. Together, we discuss how the Dominican government has legitimized some of the conflict...
The History of Conflict between Haiti and the Dominican Republic Part I
Join Strictly Facts as we celebrate Haitian Heritage Month with new episodes on Haitian history. This week we're sharing a brief history of the longstanding racial conflict between Haiti and the Dominican Republic to followed up by an extensive...
The History of Trade and Trade Law in the Caribbean with Alicia Nicholls
The Caribbean has been an epicenter of global trade since the birth of colonialism. In this episode, international trade specialist Alicia Nicholls joins us for a discussion about both how the region has shaped and is being shaped by trade acro...
The History of Grenada's Spicemas with Christell Simeon
No island's carnival is exactly the same - take for instance, Grenada's Spicemas. Christell Simeon joins Strictly Facts to discuss the history and unique culture that Spicemas and Grenada offer the world each August. Christe...
A Brief History of Jamaica's Kendal Railway Tragedy with Beverley East
More than sixty years ago, on September 1, 1957, over 1600 lives were lost and generations of families were impacted when a train derailed on its way to Kingston after leaving Montego Bay. Writer and leading handwriting expert Beverley East joi...
Review Session: Caribbean Feminisms
Did you enjoy our last episode for Women's History Month? Take a quick listen to this special Review Session as host, Alexandria Miller, explores some of her key takeaways and offers several recommendations on scholars, activists, and even book...
A Brief History of Women's History and Feminisms in the Caribbean with Sarah-Anne Gresham
Happy Women's History Month and International Women's Day! In honor of all Caribbean bad gyals at home and in the diaspora, Sarah-anne Gresham joins us for a discussion on Caribbean Feminisms and the ways Caribbean women have challenged oppress...
Consequences of the Environment on Caribbean Education with Dr. Jessica S. Samuel
The environment plays a tremendous role in the Caribbean's growth and development. How often, though, do we consider its impact on education? In this episode, Dr. Jessica S. Samuel joins for a discussion on educational equity and the environmen...
A Brief History of the Two Saint Martins/Sint Maartens
Did you know that there are two territories on the island of Saint Martin that go by roughly the same name? In this brief episode, we share just how the French Saint-Martin and Dutch Sint Maarten came to be in the eastern Caribbean.
Anti-LGBTQ+ Discrimination and Queer Activism in the Caribbean with Ryan Persadie
For decades, the Caribbean has gained a reputation for being one of the most homophobic regions in the world. In this episode, Ryan Persadie joins Strictly Facts for a discussion on the historic, colonial influence of anti-queer legislation and...