Forgotten Voyages: African American Migration and Heritage in Caribbean History

In this episode, host Wendy Aris speaks with historian Ryan Mann-Hamilton about the often-overlooked 19th-century migration of free African Americans from the United States to Samaná, Hispaniola. They explore why these individuals left, how they settled, and the rich cultural, linguistic, and genealogical legacies they created. Delving into crucial aspects of colonialism and Caribbean history, this conversation sheds light on family history and heritage that continue to influence the region today. They discuss archival challenges, the role of faith and the AME Church, inter-Caribbean connections, and why recovering these stories matters for identity, Atlantic-Caribbean history, and family genealogy today. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the intertwined histories of migration, colonial legacies, and Caribbean heritage.   BIO: Associate Professor Ryan Mann-Hamilton is a historian of the African Diaspora whose work explores forgotten migrations, Black identity formation, and the complex intersections of race, politics, and movement across the Atlantic World. His research focuses particularly on 19th-century African American migrations to the Caribbean, with a special emphasis on Haiti and the Dominican Republic, uncovering stories that challenge mainstream narratives and restore visibility to overlooked Black communities. Professor Mann-Hamilton’s scholarship bridges archival research, oral histories, and diasporic memory, offering fresh insights into how free African Americans imagined freedom beyond U.S. borders. His work highlights the role of Hispaniola as a site of Black aspiration, geopolitical tension, and cultural transformation. A dedicated educator and Ryan Mann-Hamilton and I am an Cultural Anthropologist, he is committed to making historical knowledge accessible to wider audiences. His ongoing research continues to reshape our understanding of mobility, belonging, and the broader Black Atlantic experience. https://centerforthehumanities.org/person/ryan-mann-hamilton/  https://asapjournal.com/node/caribbean-gardener-what-rises-from-the-ashes-ryan-mann-hamilton/  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365451/episodes/10256140-dominican-history-with-anthropologist-dr-ryan-mann-hamilton  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-mann-hamilton-8a867073/  https://scholarworks.umb.edu/trotter_review/vol19/iss1/8/  Caribbean History Podcasts https://blog.feedspot.com/caribbean_history_podcasts/   Caribbean Podcasts https://blog.feedspot.com/caribbean_podcasts/   History Podcasts For Historians https://blog.feedspot.com/history_podcasts_for_historians/  Follow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berkshirehalleppingpress/  Morning Journal Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXMTL3NV  Genealogy Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NRHG3M3  Prayer Journal: https://a.co/d/bfSdIl0  Devotional Journal: https://a.co/d/8K3C8Hk  Support The Podcast https://ko-fi.com/disafimihistory/tip  Great Research Resource https://www.ancestorsofparadise.com/  Clothes https://effystyle.goaffpro.com/  Reservations for Barbados https://diaspora-discoveries.com/reservations  Opus Clip: https://www.opus.pro/?via=74ffcf  Cultural Roots: https://www.skool.com/cultural-roots-reconnection-8301/about?ref=62a97470644b496897d06254e6796add  Theme Music "Africa" is modern ethnic track with fresh chords, African vocal, orchestra. License Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed) #genealogicallegacies #familygenealogy #Atlantic-Caribbeanhistory #AfricanAmericanmigration #heritage #familyhistory #research #heritage #caribbeanhistory #oralstories #CaribbeanHistory #BlackMigration #HaitianHistory #DominicanHistory #AfricanAmericanHistory #AtlanticWorld #DiasporaStudies #BlackGenealogy #HistoryPodcast #DisAFiMiHistoryPodcast #Haiti #DR #Hispaniola #USHistory #LostHistory