By Ms. Simone Augustus, Communications Specialist, Office of the President
As we move into the final quarter of 2024, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) is proud to highlight the exceptional work of its faculty in both academic publishing and professional presentations. This quarter, our scholars have explored everything from the role of imagination in psychotherapy to the evolving use of artificial intelligence in the workplace, showcasing USC’s commitment to innovation and cultural scholarship.
Reclaiming Black Imagination in Psychotherapy
In her deeply thought-provoking article, Reclaiming Black Imagination, published in the November/December 2023 issue of Psychotherapy Networker, Mrs. Akilah Riley Richardson invites readers to engage with the profound role of imagination in the therapeutic process for Black individuals. Mrs. Richardson, a lecturer in USC’s School of Social Sciences, highlights the importance of creating therapeutic spaces that celebrate and reclaim Black identity through imagination.
She argues that traditional psychotherapy often limits this crucial aspect of healing, and her work seeks to offer a new lens through which the Black experience can be fully explored and understood. You can read her article here, which has been hailed as an insightful contribution to both the fields of psychotherapy and cultural studies.
Unveiling Post-Colonial Burial Rituals in the Caribbean
USC faculty have also made notable strides in the preservation and exploration of Caribbean cultural practices. Both Dr. Glenda Hinkson and Ms. Sadia Moore, lecturers from the School of Social Sciences, contributed chapters to the June 2024 publication Post-Colonial Burial and Grieving Rituals of the Caribbean, published by Springer.
Dr. Glenda Hinkson, who co-edited the book, authored the chapter Bury Me Where My Navel String Is: Burial in the Ancestral Homeland, a compelling exploration of the deeply rooted Caribbean tradition of burial in the ancestral homeland. Through a rich narrative that blends history and cultural symbolism, Dr. Hinkson highlights the importance of reconnecting with ancestral lands, a practice that transcends mere ritual and speaks to the heart of Caribbean identity.
Ms. Sadia Moore’s chapter, Societal Norms Associated with Death and Burial in St. Lucia Within the Last Sixty Years, examines the evolution of burial traditions in St. Lucia, exploring how colonial influences and modernization have shaped these practices. Her detailed analysis sheds light on the ways in which society’s changing views of death have transformed the ways individuals and communities in St. Lucia honor the departed.
Both of these chapters contribute significantly to ongoing conversations about post-colonial identity, tradition, and the importance of preserving cultural practices in a modern world. These works are available through Springer and are essential reads for those interested in Caribbean studies and anthropology.
AI and the Office Professional
In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI), USC continues to stay ahead of the curve with thought leadership from its faculty. At the SeLD Conference 2024, Mr. Connell Byron Hunte, a lecturer in the School of Science, Technology, and Allied Health, presented on Using AI Tools as Office Professionals. His presentation explored the ways AI can enhance efficiency, accuracy, and productivity for office professionals in a variety of sectors. Mr. Hunte’s insights highlight the importance of integrating AI tools into daily work to stay competitive in today’s dynamic business environment. His presentation left a lasting impression, encouraging attendees to think critically about how AI can empower professionals and transform traditional office roles.
