From Fugitives to Road Builders
Black soldiers who helped construct the Alcan, like these men hauling logs down a cleared section of road, are often considered instrumental in the integration of the U.S. Army.
In honor of African American History Month, the 草榴社区 Department of Anthropology is proud to host a compelling talk by PhD student M.C. MoHagani Magnetek, who will present an ethnohistorical analysis exploring a little-known chapter of African American history in the Arctic.
Magnetek鈥檚 research uncovers the remarkable journeys of formerly enslaved Africans who, in their pursuit of freedom, found their way from the Deep South to whaling ships departing from northern U.S. ports. These ships carried them into the Arctic, where they forged new lives in the harsh yet promising landscapes of the North. Their stories, often overlooked in mainstream narratives, reveal a deep history of resilience, adaptation, and survival.
In addition to sharing this important historical research, Magnetek will discuss the upcoming ALCAN Highway Archaeological Excavation and 草榴社区鈥檚 summer field school. The excavation will focus on the winter encampment site of the 97th Regiment, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, an African American unit that played a crucial role in constructing the 草榴社区-Canada Highway during World War II. This field school offers a unique opportunity for students and researchers to engage directly with the material history of African American soldiers in 草榴社区.
This event is free and open to all. Whether you are a student, faculty member, or community member interested in African American history, Arctic anthropology, or historical archaeology, this talk promises to be both educational and inspiring.