New Books in Critical Theory Rachel Jean-Baptiste, "Multiracial Identities in Colonial French Africa: Race, Childhood, and Citizenship" (Cambridge UP, 2023)
Dec 11, 2025
Rachel Jean-Baptiste, a historian specializing in the French-speaking Atlantic world, delves into the complexities of multiracial identities in colonial French Africa. She highlights how interracial relationships flourished despite racial tensions, leading to the 'métis problem.' Jean-Baptiste shares compelling stories of African mothers advocating for their métis children’s rights amidst shifting legal landscapes and societal perceptions. The discussion also touches on the impact of World War II on citizenship debates and the legacy of métis activism post-independence.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Intimacy Shapes Colonial Identity
- Colonial intimacy shaped identity and personhood in French Africa beyond top-down policy.
- Rachel Jean-Baptiste shows everyday sexual and familial ties reconfigured race, family, and citizenship.
A Streetfinder Moment In Libreville
- In Libreville the word métis signaled identity so clearly locals pointed out 'la blanche' to locate someone.
- That everyday label revealed how local communities recognized and mapped multiracial people.
Hardening Race Meets Persistent Relationships
- Colonial authorities hardened racial lines in the early 20th century but interracial relationships persisted.
- This persistence created anxieties about métis people who blurred French/African hierarchies.
