@ Revolutions have shaped the modern world—reshaping governments, economies, and cultures far beyond the moments in which they occurred. This panel discussion explores the enduring legacy of revolutionary movements, beginning with the American Revolution and extending to revolutions in the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond, and how their ideas, conflicts, and migrations continue to influence South Florida today. Through historical context and contemporary perspectives, panelists will examine how revolutionary ideals such as liberty, citizenship, resistance, and self-determination have shaped Miami’s evolving political, social, and cultural landscape. The conversation will highlight themes of exile, identity, and civic engagement, inviting audiences to consider how global and American revolutionary movements have left lasting marks on our local community. Presented in conjunction with the National Archives’ Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation, a traveling exhibition marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, on view at HistoryMiami Museum June 20th through July 5th. Enjoy complimentary admission to the Museum and view the exhibition. Members: $25, Non-Members: $35, Students & Educators: $15 (with valid ID) Register Featured Speakers: Edmund Abaka, Ph.D. Dr. Edmund Abaka is Associate Professor of African and African Diaspora History at the University of Miami (Florida) where he also serves as the Interim Director of the Center for Global Black Studies (2025-2026), having served as Associate Director of the Center for the 2024-2025 academic year. He is also editor of Abibisem: A Journal of African Culture and Civilization (University of Cape Coast, Ghana). Dr. Abaka is a graduate of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, the University of Guelph (1991) and York University (1998). He is an academic and a documentary-style photographer whose work has been exhibited in museums and libraries in South Florida. Dr. Abaka’s research interests include commodities and trade; sites of historical memory; migration, identity and the creation of diasporas in Africa, especially, the Hausa Diaspora in Ghana; and the role of Cuba in Africa’s 20th Century decolonization struggle which he has titled Africa in Cuba/Cuba in Africa. His more recent publications include Africa and the Second World War: Africa’s “Finest” Hour (Africa World Press, 2022), The Asante World (Routledge, 2022) and the Historical Dictionary of Ghana (Rowman & Littlefield, 2024). His current projects include, The Fante World ( forthcoming, Routledge), and Silent Guardians, Historic Memories: Ghana’s Slave Forts and Dungeons and the Legacy of the Atlantic Slave Trade. Robin F. Bachin, Ph.D. Robin F. Bachin is the Charlton W. Tebeau Associate Professor of History, Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, and Founding Director of the Office of Civic and Community Engagement at the University of Miami. Her research focus is on American urba...
Explore over 10,000 years of Miami history at Florida’s largest history museum. We share Miami’s stories.
