When Steeve Buckridge talks about his adventures in Africa his face brightens. As a history scholar, the Grand Valley State University assistant professor spends much of his spare time traveling and doing research in the African interior, where he can witness unique cultures first hand.
Buckridge, who joined the History Department in 1998, is teaching courses on the history of South Africa and Africa before 1870 this semester. He specializes in pre-colonial and colonial Africa and also British Caribbean history.
Buckridge says immersing himself in different African cultures contributes to making him a better teacher. My experiences on the continent allow me to share directly with my students, Buckridge says. The bottom line is it helps me be a more effective teacher when I can bring my experiences to the classroom and broaden my students' horizons. I'm not just talking about things I've read but I'm talking about things I have experienced myself.
Originally from Jamaica, he earned his undergraduate degree from Barry University in Miami and his master's degree from the University of Miami. He received a Ph.D. in African History and Caribbean history from Ohio State University.
An avid traveler who has been to more than 40 countries, Buckridge spent some time in Mali during his month-long stay in Africa last summer. Mali is one of the poorest countries on the face of the earth, he says, but the cultures are alive and well. For me it was fascinating to go to places like Timbuktu and Djenne, ancient cities that we've heard of or read of but very few westerners go there because they are so far away. It was amazing to spend time in the Sahara Desert with the Tuaregs, a nomadic people who still practice a form of slavery.
I go into the interiors where I can see African cultures at their best. It's rough and very adventurous. I live with families in the villages and never travel as a tourist. I am interested in seeing old Africa alive and well, to see how people live their lives, how they practice their culture, and how they cope with changes.
Buckridge hopes to eventually become involved with an exchange program to West Africa and the Caribbean. He would like to see more students and faculty get a taste of the cultures there.
It's important for students to study African history, he says. It helps African American students understand their roots and heritage. And it's not only important for African Americans but for everyone to understand and recognize the richness and the legacy of the African presence in the Americas.
