King Cake to Doctorate: Unveiling History
May 2021
Harvard University
Introduction
Dive into the captivating journey of Kelly Brignac, from savoring King Cake in New Orleans to unearthing the dark corners of French colonial history for her Ph.D. at Harvard. Discover how a tiny figurine led her to explore the intertwined paths of tradition and colonialism, revealing the complex layers of history and personal discovery. This tale of sweets, scholarship, and the shadows of slavery offers a rich blend of culture, history, and introspection. Ready to get a slice of this intriguing story?
READ FULL ARTICLEWhy It Matters
Discover how this topic shapes your world and future
Unveiling the Past, Shaping the Future
Why does exploring the shadows of history, such as slavery and colonialism, matter to you? Imagine uncovering stories that are not just about kings and battles but about real people, like Turpin, whose lives were deeply affected by these events. This journey into the past is crucial because it helps us understand the complexities of our world today. It sheds light on how historical injustices continue to shape societies, influencing everything from cultural traditions, like the King Cake, to systemic issues of racism and inequality. By delving into these topics, you're not just learning history; you're uncovering truths that challenge narratives and inspire change. It's about connecting the dots between the past and our present, understanding that history is not just a series of events but a tapestry of human experiences that resonate with us today.
Speak like a Scholar
Indentured labor
A form of labor where individuals work for a specified period to pay off a debt, such as the cost of transportation to a new country. In the past, this was often forced and exploitative.
Colonialism
The practice of acquiring full or partial control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.
Archival research
The process of searching through archives, which are collections of historical documents and records, to find information for research.
Diaspora
A group of people who live outside their shared country of origin or ancestry but maintain active connections with it. A diaspora is often spread across many countries.
Systematic erasure
The intentional removal of records, memories, or significant contributions from history or recognition, often to suppress or ignore the existence of certain groups of people.
Cultural traditions
Practices, beliefs, or customs that are passed down through generations, often reflecting the values, milestones, and heritage of a community.
Independent Research Ideas
The evolution of cultural traditions through colonial influence
Investigate how colonialism has transformed traditional practices in colonized countries, using the King Cake as a starting point to explore broader changes in other cultural traditions.
Indentured labor across empires
A comparative study of indentured labor practices in different colonial empires, such as the British, French, and Spanish, to understand their impacts on global labor movements and economic systems.
Archival adventures - uncovering hidden stories of the enslaved
Delve into archival research to bring to light the personal stories of individuals who were enslaved or indentured, focusing on how these stories challenge our understanding of history.
The role of language in colonial and post-colonial identity
Explore how the imposition of colonizers' languages has affected the identities of colonized peoples, including aspects of resistance, assimilation, and the revival of indigenous languages.
Culinary colonialism - how empires have shaped modern cuisines
Examine how colonialism has influenced global cuisines, including the movement of ingredients (like sugar and spices), cooking techniques, and the fusion of culinary traditions.
