Warmest congratulations to Francophone studies scholar Kaiama L. Glover who recently joined the faculty at Yale University. Shivani Chauhan (BNN Breaking) features Glover, “a noted scholar, [who] joins Yale’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, bringing innovative insights into Caribbean and African American literary studies.”
Kaiama L. Glover, a notable scholar in French, francophone, Caribbean, and Haitian literary studies, has recently become a professor of African American Studies at Yale’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Her innovative approach to examining the intersections of French and African American cultures, initially inspired by her mentor Henry Louis Gates Jr., has led to significant contributions in the field, including her recent publication, “A Regarded Self: Caribbean Womanhood and the Ethics of Disorderly Being.”
Glover is currently working on a biography of René Depestre, a Haitian poet and intellectual, highlighting his global influence across five continents. Besides her literary work, Glover manages two major digital humanities projects, archipelagos | a journal of Caribbean digital praxis and “In the Same Boats,” which maps the cross-border movements of Black intellectuals. Her decision to join Yale was influenced by the presence of collaborators Marlene Daut and Alex Gil, and her passion for dance continues to be a vital part of her life.
Intersecting Cultures in Literary Studies
Glover’s journey in academia, influenced by the suggestion of her mentor to view French and African American cultures as interlinked, has paved the way for a nuanced understanding of their intersection in literature, politics, and history. Her work, particularly in Caribbean literature, challenges traditional societal norms through the exploration of “unruly” female protagonists. This perspective not only enriches literary studies but also contributes to broader discussions on gender and cultural identity.
Global Influences and Digital Humanities
The biography Glover is working on about René Depestre illuminates the life of a man whose ideas and writings have traversed global boundaries, offering insights into the interconnectedness of Black intellectuals. This work complements her digital humanities projects, which aim to visualize the dynamic networks of Caribbean, Latin American, African, European, and Afro-American intellectuals. These initiatives challenge the academic norm of siloed nation-language departments, promoting a more interconnected understanding of Black intellectual movements.
Joining Yale and Embracing Digital Scholarship
Yale’s commitment to Caribbean studies and digital scholarship was a key factor in Glover’s decision to join the faculty, bringing her closer to long-time collaborators. Her involvement in digital projects, such as archipelagos and “In the Same Boats,” demonstrates the potential of digital platforms to enhance scholarly research and communication. Moreover, her passion for dance reflects her belief in the importance of cultural expression beyond academia.
This blend of literary scholarship, digital humanities, and personal passions underscores Glover’s multifaceted approach to academia. By bridging cultural, geographical, and disciplinary divides, she contributes to a richer, more inclusive understanding of the humanities. Her work invites us to reconsider the boundaries of our own fields of study and to seek connections that enrich our understanding of the world.
For original article, see https://bnnbreaking.com/world/haiti/kaiama-l-glover-bridging-cultures-in-literature-and-beyond-at-yale
Many thanks to Peter Jordens for additional link; see the interview “Office Hours with … Kaiama L. Glover” by Lisa Prevost (Yale News) at https://news.yale.edu/2024/03/04/office-hours-kaiama-l-glover
Warmest congratulations to Francophone studies scholar Kaiama L. Glover who recently joined the faculty at Yale University. Shivani Chauhan (BNN Breaking) features Glover, “a noted scholar, [who] joins Yale’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, bringing innovative insights into Caribbean and African American literary studies.” Kaiama L. Glover, a notable scholar in French, francophone, Caribbean, and
