Roberto's Alter In Perico, Cuba, Image By Susan Matthews

Welcome to my blog, Today I have had a strong desire to create a space where I can share my passion for Afro-diasporic cultural history, its critical reflection and cultural theories. I would also like to share my passion for art that is inspired by this world. I hope to build a community with which to exchange, discuss and learn.

The more I study and the more I meet myself that all the kind of African studies: African ethnology, Noirism, indigenism, negritude, Africanism in the Caribbean have never been able to achieve their ultimate goal of emancipation, freedom and education for the Afro-descendant peoples of the Caribbean; because they never could achieve sovereignty. These currents were infiltrated and parasitized by the imperialist/ colonial nations and their local allies (elites and oligarchies), for the control of knowledge and all that this implies. The black owned is really the solution for all afro initiatives, whether in the academic, social, cultural, economic, political, educational, health… one must self-finance, one cannot depend or remain vassals of foreign funds, of foreign interests, foreign ideology. In the future we can only be united among ourselves if we really want to be free.

Happy memory captured with my camera : friend who contemplates the city and walks in the streets of Santo Domingo passing by the Colmado corner.

Martinique contemporary art, yoruba material, vévé haitian vodou.

Material and visual heritage of Manman dlo, Lasiren, Yemọja and Ọṣun.

Terno dos Reis, Henry John Drewal, January 5 1998. Madison Libraries Terno dos Reis (Day of the Kings) festivals are celebrated annually during the christmas season. The January 6th feast commemorates the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem bearing gifts for the Christ child. Brazilian celebrations include processions in which community members dress in costumes, dance, play music, and carry banners. This Terno festival took place on January 5, 1998 in Liberdade, Salvador.

Art for Sale at Local Art Fair, Joshua Forrest, 1984. Madison Libraries

Susan Matthews

Objets blessés - La réparation en Afrique, Gaetano Speranza, 2007