More Auspicious Shores: Barbadian Migration to Liberia, Blackness, and the Making of an African Republic

More Auspicious Shores explores the migration of Afro-Barbadians to Liberia in 1865, seeking to achieve post-emancipation goals and promote a pan-Africanist agenda. Caree A. Banton examines the tension between pan-Africanism and colonial superiority, revealing how the Barbadians secured privileges in Liberia's hierarchy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 17 December 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

More Auspicious Shores vividly chronicles the remarkable journey of Afro-Barbadians as they sought refuge in Liberia in 1865. In a bid to escape the aftermath of emancipation and pursue their post-emancipation aspirations, a staggering 346 Afro-Barbadians bravely embarked on a transatlantic voyage, seeking a new home in the independent black republic of Liberia. They viewed Liberia as a platform to achieve their goals, promote a pan-Africanist agenda, and fulfill their civilizing and Christianizing duties.

Through a meticulous examination of the Afro-Barbadians, Caree A. Banton offers a transatlantic perspective that sheds light on the profound political and sociocultural consequences of their migration and settlement in Africa. Banton delves into the intricate dynamics between the ideas of pan-Africanism and colonial superiority, revealing how Afro-Barbadians, as former British subjects, navigated a complex web of ideologies. Upon their arrival in Liberia, an English imperial identity set them apart from African Americans and granted them privileges within the Republic's hierarchical structure. By challenging the notion of a homogeneous black identity, Banton ultimately demonstrates how the settlement of Afro-Barbadians in Liberia had a profound impact on shaping notions of blackness in the broader Atlantic World.

This captivating narrative not only sheds light on the historical context but also highlights the enduring legacies of this migration. The Afro-Barbadians who sought refuge in Liberia brought with them a rich cultural heritage, including music, dance, and literature, which contributed to the vibrant tapestry of African American and Liberian societies. Their experiences also shaped the development of pan-Africanism and the broader African diaspora, as they played a significant role in shaping the political and social landscape of Africa.

In conclusion, More Auspicious Shores provides a valuable insight into the complex and multifaceted migration of Afro-Barbadians to Liberia. Through a meticulous examination of the Afro-Barbadians and their experiences, Banton offers a transatlantic perspective that sheds light on the political, sociocultural, and historical implications of their journey. This book is a testament to the resilience and determination of Afro-Barbadians as they sought a new home and a better future, and it serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of migration on the shaping of world history.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 517 x 177 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108453028