October 05, 2025

Roots of Limón: Afro‑Caribbean Voices in 1930s Costa Rica | Family History & Heritage

1 hour

In this episode of Dis A fi mi History, we dive into the Caribbean history of the 1930s as Wendy Aris speaks with Dr. Natasha Gordon‑Chipembere about the migration of Afro‑Caribbean communities to Costa Rica. The conversation focuses on themes of identity and resilience, examining the social and economic forces—such as railroads and the banana industry—that shaped their lives.

This episode delves into family histories, language, and religious traditions that contribute to the collective heritage of Afro‑Caribbean culture. Discover how state policies have impacted these communities and how their culture has been preserved and reclaimed across generations in Costa Rica. Join us as we explore the vital connections between family genealogy and Caribbean identity in this compelling narrative. Bio

20+ Years of Experience

With over two decades of expertise as a writing coach, editor, and professor, Natasha’s career spans from New York to Johannesburg. She is a highly accomplished writer and researcher, honored with numerous awards and grants, including two Fulbright Fellowships and three PSC-CUNY Research Awards for her groundbreaking work on Afro-Costa Ricans.

Published Author and Editor

Natasha’s scholarship and creative writing have appeared in respected journals and publications such as Small Axe Salon, Praxis Journal of Gender and Cultural Critiques, Journal of International Women’s Studies, Callaloo, Scrutiny2, Agenda, Changing English, Essence, The Tico Times, and Limon Roots. She also serves as Co-Editor of the Afro-Latin@ Diaspora Book Series with Palgrave Macmillan, amplifying critical voices in the field.

Areas of Research and Expertise

Natasha is recognized internationally for her lectures and research on Black womanhood, cultural representation, and diasporic identity. She is a leading authority on the narrative and legacy of Sarah Baartman in the 21st century, and her current research focuses on Afro-Latin@s in the diaspora, with a special emphasis on Afro-Costa Rican communities. Links https://ticotimes.net/2021/04/25/a-look-back-at-1930s-limon-and-the-real-legacy-of-afro-caribbean-immigrants-3 https://www.natashagordonchipembere.com/ https://jadedibispress.com/product/11808/ https://www.instagram.com/natashagordonchipembere/?hl=en

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Theme Music "Africa" is modern ethnic track with fresh chords, African vocal, orchestra. License Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed)

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