Alexander Aviña

In this compelling discussion, Alexander Aviña, an associate professor of Latin American history, sheds light on the Haitian Revolution—the globe's first successful slave revolt. He explores the brutal realities of plantation life in Saint-Domingue and the rise of monumental leaders like Toussaint Louverture. The conversation uncovers how this insurrection challenged colonial rule and served as a major inspiration for abolitionist movements. Furthermore, Aviña connects historical legacy to modern struggles for justice, emphasizing the importance of Black agency in revolutionary narratives.

In this engaging discussion, Alexander Aviña, an Associate Professor at Arizona State University, and Ahmad Shokr from Swarthmore College, dive into recent controversies within the American Historical Association. They tackle the organization’s response to political issues like the Gaza resolution and the concept of 'scholasticide,' highlighting a broader conversation on institutional accountability. The duo advocates for democratic reforms in academia, critiques the corporate shift in higher education, and emphasizes historians' ethical obligation to engage with pressing global struggles.