Capitalism and Slavery at 75
Dr Eric Williams' book Capitalism and Slavery was a "watershed" moment for Caribbean history writing, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities & Education at the University of the West Indie's St Augustine campus Dr Heather Cateau has said.
Cateau made the statement yesterday during a panel discussion titled "Capitalism and Slavery at 75" held at the Old Fire Station Building for the NGC Bocas Lit Fest.
This year marks 75 years since Capitalism and Slavery was first published.
"When Williams was writing there was no context for our history, there was no voice, and he became that voice and that voice resonated not only in the Caribbean but internationally and we must understand that power, that is an activist," Cateau said.
"And I think sometimes as academics we get caught up in research but Williams will ask you 'what is your research doing, why are you doing it, it is useless decoration if it is bound and put there, how is this connected to your society, how do you use it to make a difference' and ultimately that is what an activist is at its core," she said.
Cateau said Williams was the "ultimate scholar activist".
Cateau made the statement yesterday during a panel discussion titled "Capitalism and Slavery at 75" held at the Old Fire Station Building for the NGC Bocas Lit Fest.
This year marks 75 years since Capitalism and Slavery was first published.
"When Williams was writing there was no context for our history, there was no voice, and he became that voice and that voice resonated not only in the Caribbean but internationally and we must understand that power, that is an activist," Cateau said.
"And I think sometimes as academics we get caught up in research but Williams will ask you 'what is your research doing, why are you doing it, it is useless decoration if it is bound and put there, how is this connected to your society, how do you use it to make a difference' and ultimately that is what an activist is at its core," she said.
Cateau said Williams was the "ultimate scholar activist".
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