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The echoes of Caribbean carnivals, the rhythm of calypso, and the wisdom of our elders - these are the threads that weave the rich tapestry of our heritage. As I navigated the bittersweet waves of personal loss this holiday season, I was reminded just how vital it is to preserve the legacy of our ancestors. This brief but poignant episode is a reflection on the journey of Strictly Facts, our growth through the podcasting world, and the challenges faced in education during an unprecedented global pandemic. It's an intimate look back at the last few years, with a forward gaze filled with hope and determination.

We're celebrating three years of Strictly Facts with heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging the unwavering support from our listeners who have become family. I take you through the personal stories that fuel my passion for Caribbean history and share latest updates moving forward. Join me, Alexandra Miller, as we continue to empower, elevate, and unify through the stories of our past, and stride into a year of abundance and shared narratives.

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The Caribbean influence in the United States is undeniable, especially in states like New York. In this episode, guest Damion R. Evans helps illuminate this story through the engrossing life story of Ms. Martha Gayle, a Jamaican immigrant who journeyed to the US almost a century ago. He'll also be sharing his experiences of discovering Gayle's remarkable collection compiled by Jamaican Demar Ludford, and enlighten us about the impact of Caribbean immigrants on the American society and culture.

You'll learn about Gayle, who braved her way through the early twentieth century U.S. and found her footing in the domestic workforce, eventually evolving into a landlady in Bed-Stuy. You'll also hear about the effects of World Wars and Civil Rights Movement on Gayle's mindset, and how she turned struggles into triumphs. Our conversation with Damion not only probes into Gayle's personal life, but also expands to the broader perspective of Caribbean migration. Finally, we urge listeners to understand the significance of Caribbean history and the need for its better representation in mainstream media. This episode is not just a conversation; it's a revelation that uncovers the resilience and influence of Jamaican immigrants in shaping the US.

Damion R. Evans is a doctoral candidate in World History at St. John’s University in New York City. Damion is originally from Jamaica and is now a soldier with 20 years of experience in the US Army. Throughout his military career, he has had multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Europe. His research interest includes West Indian Immigration, as well as the region’s cultural and colonial history. Currently, his doctoral dissertation analyzes how the life of Martha Gayle exemplifies the Jamaican immigrant experience which furthers the conversation on the perceptions of black identity and culture in the United States.

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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 history. Expect a deep dive into the evolution of Caribbean cinema, from the early days of foreign influence to the emergence of globally recognized works like "BIM" and "Rockers." Klieon shares his personal experiences, painting a vivid picture of the creativity, resilience, and passion that are the bedrock of Caribbean filmmaking. From capturing moments of monumental change, like independence movements, to blending diverse genres, every bit of Caribbean life finds its way onto the silver screen.

The discussion also explores how technology has been harnessed to propel Caribbean cinema into the global spotlight. We address the challenges facing Caribbean cinema, such as inadequate representation in mainstream media and the hurdles in accessing these films. Klieon provides invaluable advice to aspiring filmmakers and offers insights into his latest ventures in indigenous filmmaking. So tune in, as we traverse the captivating landscape of Caribbean cinema and celebrate its vital role in our culture.

With over 14 years of experience in the media industry, Klieon John is a seasoned Caribbean writer, filmmaker and creative director who has worked in public relations, advertising and brand development for international and regional companies and agencies across several Caribbean territories including St. Kitts, Jamaica and Trinidad. Klieon has produced a number of commercials, shorts, creative and non-fiction projects featuring cultural and environmental content in partnership with medium to large scale organisations throughout the region. Follow and support Klieon on Patreon, The Nieuwe Native audio journal on the on-going process behind his Tilting Axis Fellowship, and on social media @twinislandcinema and @byklieonjohn. You can also subscribe to the Twin Island Cinema Newsletter to learn more about grants, festivals, events,  new releases etc happening in the region.

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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 deftly unveils the obscured narratives of education under the shadow of US imperialism. Ever wondered how external forces shape the landscapes of native education systems? Here's your chance to delve into the fascinating, yet lesser-known saga of the Dominican Republic's struggle for educational autonomy during the eight-year US occupation (1916-1924) and beyond.

As we venture deeper into the heart of the Dominican Republic, prepare to be moved by the resolute spirit of local communities, their tireless efforts to establish and maintain schools, and their unwavering advocacy for their children's right to respect and education. Dr. Rodriguez masterfully guides us through the evolution of education in the Dominican Republic, from the disheartening defunding of schools during the US intervention, to the effects of the Trujillo dictatorship, and the current-day challenges facing Dominican education. Through this eye-opening dialogue, we aim not just to revisit the past, but also to instigate a broader conversation about education's critical role in shaping a nation's future. If you're curious about history, education, or the complex interplay between the two, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

Alexa Rodríguez is an assistant professor of education and a faculty affiliate for the Center for Race and Public Education in the South at EHD as well as at the Edmund W. Gordon Institute for Urban and Minority Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research examines schools, migration, and the formation of racial and national identities in both Latin America and in the United States. She is currently working on a book manuscript, "Crafting Dominicanidad" (forthcoming with University of North Carolina Press), an intellectual history that examines how Dominicans used public schools to articulate and circulate competing notions of racial, class, and national identity during the early twentieth century. Her work has been published in History of Education, History of Education Quarterly, Latino Studies, Caribbean Studies, City & State New York, Clio and the Contemporary, and the blog of the History of Education Society in the UK.

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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-20th century Britain. We're enlightened by the insights of Deanna Lyncook, a fellow podcaster and PhD student, whose research colors our understanding of Caribbean life and education abroad.

We trace the racial and religious underpinnings of education in the anglophone colonies and unpack the challenges that newly-migrated British Caribbean students faced in the UK, from policies that hindered their academic success to the resistance and activism that these hurdles sparked within the Caribbean community. We also spotlight the unsung heroes: parents, educators, and activists who fought for an improved educational experience for Caribbean youth in Britain. Their story, alongside the enduring challenges faced by these students, continues to resonate today. In a world increasingly shaped by movement, understanding the interplay between education, history, and migration is more crucial than ever. Join us as we unearth an essential chapter of Black British and Caribbean history.

Deanna Lyncook is a PhD student in History at Queen Mary University of London. Her research takes a transnational approach to the experiences of West Indian children in the British education system in Britain and its Caribbean colonies, in the second half of the 20th Century. She is the founder host of the weekly podcast The History Hotline where she discusses events and individuals that have shaped Black history in Britain and the Caribbean. She co-organised a Black British History Conference funded by the Institute of Historical Research, Queen Mary University and Northwestern University. She has curated an oral history exhibition at the Museum of Methodism and has also worked on historical research projects for the Society for Caribbean Studies, the University of Leeds, BBC Radio London and the Times Radio. She is also a coordinator for the Young Historians Project, that works on research projects to document neglected aspects of Black British History. Follow Deanna on Instagram and Twitter and The History Hotline on

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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 Islands; inhabitants through turtle soup. Together, we traverse the Cayman's fascinating evolution, from the aftermath of slave emancipation to the rise and subsequent fall of the turtle hunting industry.

Venture with us as we uncover the dynamics between the Caymanian sea turtle hunters and the British government, the Islands' two-tier racial hierarchy and its lasting implications on labor even today, and the repercussions of the environmental movement in the 20th century, focusing on conservation policies and their significant impact on Caymanian communities. Join us as we illuminate the often-overlooked role of the Cayman Islands' turtle hunters in the broader Caribbean narrative and global food consumption.

Sharika Crawford is Professor of History at the United States naval Academy in Annapolis. In spring 2023, she was named the inaugural Speedwell Professor of International Studies, an honor she will hold until 2028. Crawford's primary research focuses on modern Latin America, specifically, Colombia and the interstitial places in the circum-Caribbean like the Archipelago of San Andrés and Providencia and the Cayman Islands. Her first monograph The Last Turtlemen of the Caribbean: Waterscapes of Labor, Conservation, and Boundary Making published by the University of North Carolina Press received an Honorable Mention from the Elsa Goveia Prize in Caribbean History Committee of the Association of Caribbean Historians in 2021. It has been widely reviewed in national and international venues. Additionally, Crawford has published articles and essays in the Global South, Historia Critica, International Journal of Maritime History, Latin American Research Review, and the New West Indian Guide/Nieuwe West-Indische Gids. Dr. Crawford has also received several prestigious grants and fellowships from the American Philosop

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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 of History at Florida State University.

We journey together through the significant shifts of the 20th century, examining the enduring ties of domestic service to the history of slavery, the gendered and class structures of domestic labor, and the changing perceptions of these roles in society. From the turbulent era of the 1933 Revolution to the radical activism era between 1938 and 1959, we delve into the intricate narratives that have shaped the future of domestic service in Cuba. Hear the story of Elvira Rodriguez, a domestic servant and activist whose story embodies the power of workers' activism in Cuba. This is more than just a history lesson; it's an exploration of the power of activism and the complexities of labor history in Cuba. Tune in for a captivating and enlightening conversation.

Anasa Hicks is Associate Professor of Caribbean History at Florida State University. Her research focuses on race, gender, and labor in 20th-century Cuba. Her first book, "Hierarchies at Home: Domestic Service in Cuba from Abolition to Revolution" was published by Cambridge University Press in 2022. 

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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 Republic of Cuba period (1902-1958) through the lens of Black Cuban women. We unravel their significant contributions to the independence movement despite the racialized and gendered dynamics that pervaded their society.

The evolution of Black women's activism in this era is a narrative of transformative power. Learn how their discourse gradually shifted from respectability to a critique of racism, sexism, and classism. Understand how they leveraged their political clout to form independent organizations and, surprisingly, how Black civic clubs became their gateway to patronage networks. We also highlight inspiring figures like  María Dámasa Jova Baró authored a and Inocencia Valdés’s commit, who used their voices and actions to make a tangible difference in their communities. This episode is a testament to the resilience and undying spirit of Black women in Cuba.

Takkara Brunson is Associate Professor of History at Texas A&M University. Her research focuses on political and cultural traditions of the African Diaspora, with emphasis on how Black women have shaped Latin American and Caribbean societies after slave abolition. She is the author of Black Women, Citizenship, and the Making of Modern Cuba, which was co-awarded the Letitia Woods Brown Book Prize for African American Women's History. Brunson’s research has appeared in Gender & History, Meridians: Feminism, Race, Transnationalism, and Cuban Studies, among other places. Her research has been supported by the Institute for Citizens and Scholars (formerly the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation), University of Rochester Frederick Douglass Institute, Ford Foundation, and UNCF/Mellon Programs.  She received her Ph.D. in Latin American History at the University of Texas at Austin and B.A. in Comparative Women’s Studies at Spelman College. Follow Dr. Brunson on Twitter.

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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 resources as they pursue their education.

Dr. Emmanuela is an author, podcaster, consultant, and founder of Dr. Emmanuela Consulting. She finished her doctorate in Higher Education Administration in four years while balancing a demanding full time leadership role and a busy lifestyle. She founded Dr. Emmanuela Consulting where she supports women of color graduate students taking them from overwhelmed, isolated, and scared to clear, supported, and confident through the Writing on My Mind podcast, career and doctoral coaching, and speaking engagements. Dr. Emmanuela has also authored Taking Charge: A Career Guide for Graduate Students and is a contributor to Our Doctoral Journey Book: A Collection of Black Women's Experiences. Follow Dr. Emmanuela on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Check out my episode on Dr. Emmanuela's podcast here. 

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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 of Caribbean folklore on our past and uphold their importance, particularly for Black and Brown communities.

Amanda Alcántara is a Caribbean writer, journalist, and voice actor. Also known artistically as Ama Rey, Amanda is the author of Chula and How I Became a Mermaid. Her work has been featured in the anthology “Latinas: Struggles & Protests in 21st Century USA,” the poetry anthology “LatiNext,” Rolling Stone, The Huffington Post, Latino USA, Remezcla, and other publications. She is also a co-founder and previous editor of La Galería Magazine. In 2021, Alcántara began voicing audiobooks in English and Spanish, starting with providing the voiceover for the Spanish translation of The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman. She recently won an Earphones award for her narration of Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa by Julian Randall. Ama is also the host of the Spanish-language podcast, Radio Místico. Follow Amanda on Twitter and Instagram. 

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