Dan-el Padilla Peralta

Dan-el Padilla Peralta, a Dominican-born classics professor at Princeton, passionately critiques the field’s longstanding ties to white supremacy. He discusses how classical studies have perpetuated racial injustices and the urgent need to reshape these narratives. The conversation delves into the grim realities of ancient slavery and emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in academia. Padilla argues for a transformative approach in teaching classics, making it more relevant to contemporary issues of race, identity, and representation.

Dan-el Padilla Peralta, a professor of classics at Princeton University, delves into the complex relationship between classicism and Black life. He critiques how traditional classical studies overlook Black cultural expressions, advocating for a redefined classicism rooted in insurgence and emancipation. The discussion spans the impact of colonialism on classical narratives and highlights the work of W.E.B. Du Bois. Padilla Peralta also emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to revitalize classical scholarship and address contemporary academic challenges.