Women in Junkanoo

Women’s changing roles in The Bahamas’ national festival provide the focus of a panel exploring cultural tradition, access and influence. Presented by FIU’s Public Humanities Lab, Women in Junkanoo takes place Friday, November 13 in SIPA II, Room 102, at the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs.

Rooted in the era of slavery and later used to protest social and economic injustice, Junkanoo remains a significant cultural practice in The Bahamas and its diaspora. The discussion examines the circumstances that enabled women to begin participating in Junkanoo rushes in the 1950s and how their contributions have shaped the tradition.

Panelists include Kishlane Smith, former deputy co-chair of the National Junkanoo Committee; A’Keitha Carey of FIU; and Sasha Wells of the University of The Bahamas. Marya Meyer of The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade chairs the conversation.