How can African American medical traditions during slavery serve as a source of power today?
Yale University historian of medicine, Carolyn Roberts, will highlight some of the hidden histories of African American medical practitioners during slavery at the next Science Pub on January 30th. Dr. Roberts’ talk “Hidden Histories of Medicine, Slavery, and Resistance” will explore how the enslaved used botanical knowledge, herbal therapies, and spirituality as a way to resist brutality, cure disease, and heal their communities. In the process, enslaved women and men contributed to early modern medicine and science.
This program is presented in partnership with VCU’s Science, Technology and Society Program and is made possible with support from members like you, Mr. and Mrs. Joel Dugan, and the National Science Foundation (grant #1611953).
Carolyn Roberts is an Assistant Professor at Yale University in History, History of Science and Medicine, and African American Studies. Dr. Roberts earned her MA and PhD from Harvard University and her BA from Dartmouth College. Roberts’ book project, To Heal and to Harm: Medicine, Knowledge, and Power in the Atlantic Slave Trade, explores the pharmaceutical and medical labor performed by a largely unknown group of African and British women and men, both enslaved and free. Her project uncovers how the slave trade pushed the boundaries of pharmacy, surgery, and natural history, and in the process remade medicine in the Atlantic world.
What to Expect
A 30” talk followed by a 30” Q&A discussion • Table-side seating is on a first come basis.
Where and When
Wednesday, January 30, 2019 • Arrive anytime between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m • Program will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will conclude at 7:30 p.m.
No registration needed • Room for 100 curious citizens 21 & up.
The Speakeasy • 526 North 2nd Street • Plan your GRTC bus trip • Find Parking
Tickets
No registration • Attend for free or donate what you can • $7 suggested • If you’re on Facebook, we’d love you to indicate that you're going HERE and to share the news with friends.
What is Science Pub RVA?
Science Pub RVA is a program of the Community Idea Stations’ award-winning Science Matters initiative.
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