Rutgers Professor Lectures on History of Black Migration
Yesenia Barragan discussed African American migration to Latin America at the University of Connecticut.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in African-American
Rutgers University history professor Yesenia Barragan presented research on African American migration into Latin America at the University of Connecticut. The lecture examined historical efforts, including Abraham Lincoln's plan for a settler colony in Panama.
Why it matters
The lecture, hosted by the Fusco Distinguished Lecture Series, highlights archival research regarding the pursuit of freedom for African Americans outside of the United States. It showcases findings from an upcoming scholarly book on the topic.
The talk centered on archival research concerning the proposed Panamanian settler colony, Lincolnia, and broader migration patterns.
The players
Yesenia Barragan
She is a history professor at Rutgers University whose research focuses on slavery and migration in the Americas.
Abraham Lincoln
He was the 16th President of the United States who proposed a settler colony in Panama known as Lincolnia.
University of Connecticut
This is a public research university that hosted the event through its Fusco Distinguished Lecture Series.
The details
Professor Barragan shared perspectives from African Americans, U.S. officials, and Latin American figures to document the history of slavery and migration. The event concluded with a Q&A session and a reception for the audience at the Dodd Center for Human Rights.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: The lecture was held at the Dodd Center.
November 10, 2026: The book will be published by Basic Books.
Culture Shift
This academic work contributes to a broader societal shift toward re-examining the complexity of the African American experience through a transnational lens. It challenges traditional narratives by focusing on how historical figures sought freedom beyond U.S. borders.
Students and residents in Storrs were provided an opportunity to engage directly with archival research during the Q&A session at the Dodd Center. This lecture serves as a resource for those interested in the history of migration and human rights in the Americas.
The takeaway
Understanding the history of migration to Latin America provides critical context for the global struggle for human rights. Readers can explore these themes further by following upcoming academic publications that utilize archival data to reshape historical narratives.
What happens next
Basic Books is scheduled to publish the book In Latin America You Could Be Free on November 10, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the local academic landscape in the Storrs African-American section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Campus.
