Caribbean history, culture, and migration are subjects that have captivated the interest of scholars and history enthusiasts for years. The unique blend of cultures, languages, and traditions has shaped the Caribbean into a region rich in diversity and history. This is the focus of our latest podcast episode, featuring George A. Glean Sr., a lifelong teacher, writer, producer, and avid student of West Indian history and culture talks about his book, ‘In Search of Higher Ground’
Born and brought up on the magnificent island of Grenada, George opens up about his childhood, his migration to the United States, and the unanticipated joy found in the simplicity of island life. His personal migration story serves as a testament to the idea that migration is not always rooted in hardship, but can emerge from love and family.
In the podcast, George discusses his upbringing in Grenada, a beautiful Caribbean island. He explores the sentiment among Caribbean people of not being able to appreciate the beauty of their own islands due to the influx of white tourists. He also delves into his family life, his fondest memories from growing up, and what led him to focus his career on teaching West Indian history and culture.
Calypso music plays a significant role in Caribbean culture and George discusses how it is considered the official music of the Caribbean. He talks about how the rhythms and stories encapsulated in calypso music provide a historical document of the islands and their people. It’s an integral part of Caribbean life, capturing the pulsating story of Caribbean migration and the joy found in the simple things of growing up on the island.
George also shares his personal migration story, explaining how his journey to the United States was rooted in love, rather than hardship. His book, Searching for Higher Ground, captures his lived experiences of the push and pull of Caribbean migration. It’s a story of leaving family behind, the excitement of sending gifts back home, and the challenges and rewards of finding new opportunities.
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