Saint Andrew’s School recently welcomed Dr. Edmund Abaka, a distinguished historian from the University of Miami, for an insightful presentation on the African diaspora and its influence on South Florida. Dr. Abaka’s visit included a lecture in the morning that was enjoyed by students and faculty, as well as parents and alumni, and a presentation in the Upper School Assembly, which took place in the Saint Andrew’s Chapel. Faculty also had opportunities to engage in dialogue on the historical and cultural connections between Africa, the Caribbean, and South Florida as a way of improving curricular development.
Dr. Abaka, known for his extensive research on African history and the transatlantic world, explored the impact of migration, trade, and cultural exchange, which has been taking place for over five hundred years since the arrival of Juan Garrido, an African explorer who arrived with Ponce de Leon in 1513. His presentation highlighted the contributions of people of African descent to the region’s social, economic, and artistic landscape.
“We were honored to host Dr. Abaka and to provide our students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the impact of the African diaspora in South Florida,” said Joshua Borthwick, the Chairperson for the Social Studies Department. “His expertise and insight made his visit an unforgettable learning experience for students and faculty.”
Dr. Abaka’s visit was sponsored by the Social Studies Department and reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to fostering global awareness and historical inquiry among students. Eduardo Sanchez, who teaches Social Studies in the Middle and Upper School, noted, “The presentation enhanced my understanding of the history of South Florida and its diverse population. This insight will serve as an invaluable resource for making connections to local history and learning about the broader world around us.”
