Kabbeh Davies

The Historical and Anthropological Study of Liberian Diaspora Identities (Self design major in History and Anthropology)

Academic Advisor: Dr. Kevin McGruder
Co-op Advisor: Richard Kranice

Co-ops: Moonstone Arts Project (Philadelphia, Pa), Administrative Intern at the Village of Yellow Springs, Self-design co-op in Liberia (hanging co-op)

Additional Campus Involvement: Events Coordinator, Women of Color IG, People of Color IG
Languages: Spanish

City:  Philadelphia, PA

Email: Kdavies@antiochcollege.edu

Food is History: The Importance of Commensality in Preserving Culture

Abstract: Through qualitative interviews and utilizing oral methodology, this project will explore the ways in which Liberians in the diaspora maintain and reimagine ideas of homeland as a way to stay connected to and cope with displacement. First, I will explore ethnic origins and immigration/migration stories. Then, I will examine participants' attachment to their homeland while in the host country. Next, I will discuss how participants are reshaping their homeland from within the diaspora and while back in their homeland. This will lead to the discussion of the importance of food traditions in sustaining memories of homeland. Through commensality, diasporic communities are able to experience home until they are able to return. Furthermore, they conserve and disseminate their cultures to the next generation. This is evident in my family through the ways first generation Liberian-Americans participate in Liberian food traditions and culture without ever living in Liberia. Through the introduction of food practices, a diasporic Liberian identity is created, allowing them a piece of a distant homeland. Thus, allowing them to become preservers of Liberian history and culture through food traditions. These narratives will be edited into an audio visual presentation of approximately fifteen minutes.