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Q&A with Dr. Caroline Collins: Uncovering Histories of the Black Pacific
October 19 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Q&A with Dr. Caroline Collins: Uncovering Histories of the Black Pacific
Join us for an Exclusive Virtual Event on October 19 Explore the untold stories of Black mariners in the Pacific through an engaging Q&A with Dr. Caroline Collins, curator of the upcoming JCHS exhibition Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific. Dr. Collins, a leading scholar and UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellow, will dive into the fascinating and often-overlooked history of Black people’s contributions to maritime culture and the Pacific Coast, stretching from the 16th century to today.
Event Details:
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 19, 4 – 5 PM (PT)
- Location: Hosted online via Zoom
- Registration: Register here
- Suggested Donation: $12
- A recording will be provided to all registrants following the event.
During this hour-long virtual discussion, Dr. Collins will offer insights into her research and the personal connections that have driven her exploration of Black histories tied to water and seafaring. From the early freedoms some Africans found at sea to the influence of Black mariners on scientific research and cultural exchange, this talk will challenge the entrenched narratives of maritime history and reveal the integral role Black communities have played in shaping the Pacific region. Dr. Collins’ work is grounded in her personal experiences growing up along Southern California’s beaches, where her fascination with Black people’s connections to water began. Her interdisciplinary research collective, “Black Like Water,” explores these themes in greater depth, reshaping our understanding of Black people’s relationships with the natural world.
About the Exhibition: Take Me to the Water
Dr. Collins’ talk coincides with the upcoming launch of the Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific exhibition at JCHS, which will open to the public later this year. This exhibition will explore the rich and often forgotten stories of Black mariners, whalers, explorers, and sailors, offering visitors a chance to dive deeper into the narratives introduced during the virtual Q&A. Take Me to the Water highlights:
- Early freedoms experienced by Africans through exploration and maritime service
- The roots of seafaring and surfing in Africa’s western coast
- The contributions of Black laborers in shipbuilding, longshoring, and coastal industries
- Black advancements in maritime research and their influence on Pacific culture
The exhibition moves beyond the conventional focus on the Trans-Atlantic slave trade to present a broader, more complete understanding of Black maritime heritage in the Pacific. Visitors will leave with a new appreciation for the vital role Black people have played in shaping Pacific society and economy for centuries.
Support for the Project
The Q&A and exhibition are supported by California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, with major funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. The exhibition will travel through Exhibit Envoy, bringing these important stories to museums and cultural centers nationwide.