INTERVIEW WITH NEW PRESIDENT, FRENCH COLONIAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY, SUE PEABODY

 (Dakar, Friday 19^th, 2006. 4:30 p.m)

 Sue Peabody is associate professor at Washington State University, Vancouver. She is an accomplished professional historian and academician of international repute and high standing. Her publications include two Books: “There are no slaves in France”: The Political culture of Race and Slavery in the Ancien Regime” (Oxford University Press, 1996) and The Colour of Liberty: Histories of Race in France” (Duke University Press, 2003). About thirty years ago when the French Colonial Historical Society was founded, most historical research on France was confined within the boundaries of French republic. Those historians who were interested in the colonies found that their papers were not always well received in the primary North American French history societies. Therefore, they formed a new society that would allow discussion and understanding of the French colonial history within and outside the boundaries of France. The French Colonial Historical Society was then created in order to encourage interest in the scholarly study of all French colonizing activity(s).

 In this exclusive interview Professor Sue told us during the just concluded society’s international conference in Dakar her mission, vision and plans as the new president of this strong body. Jibo Nura, the only Nigerian representative and Desert Herald’s columnist was there. Excerpts follow.

 Question: Ma, may I know your name and brief history?

 Answer: My name is Sue Peabody. I originally came from Washington D.C in Washington D.C United States. Now I am a history professor for ten years at Washington State University in Vancouver, Washington, U.S.A.

 Question: You work for the French Colonial Historical Society. What are the main activities of the society in terms of cultural, traditional and historical development?

 Answer: This is a professional society for professors of history and students of history. Our work is to study French colonial history sometimes from as early as 1600 to the 21^st century. The most important activity of our society is to gather once every year in annual meeting such as the one here in Dakar. We also publish the best papers that are presented in the conference.

 Question: Now the French Colonial Historical Society is doing a very good job in promoting French culture and colonial history within and in diaspora. How do you come about the idea of forming a formidable society like this?

 Answer: Its interesting question. In the United States about thirty years ago, the study of French history was limited within what we called the hexagon boundaries or frontiers of French republic and some historians were interested in questions about the colonies, but they found it difficult to have their research accepted in the main French history society. So they created their own society that would allow them to discuss and understand and present papers to one another. They focus specifically on colonial history. However, within the last decade I would say, the interest in colonial society is very high now. So in the older society in the U.S and Canada also receives papers on French colonial history. Our society, however, distinguishes itself by holding its conferences internationally, in sites with a memory (whether positive, negative, or ambivalent) of the French colonial past.

 Question: As the incoming president, what will be your first line of action?

 Answer: There is an interesting generational shift taking place within the society. And I think it is my job as someone between the older generation and younger students who are coming up to try and ensure the success of the society by bringing new people into the society. Over the last two-four or five years we have had very good luck in internationalizing the society, which is bringing fresh perspectives to the study of the past. For example, it’s so exciting to be here in Dakar, because it’s the first time that the society has come to the African continent to hold a meeting and we hope very much to be able to include more African scholars within our society as we continue to meet.

 Question: Before, there were a lot of fears from the society as to come to Africa and hold its meeting. In fact, this is the very first time that such a meeting is holding in Africa. What do you think about Africa as a continent?

 Answer: Interesting question! I think many people in education understand that Africa is a very changing society, and very developing in important ways that offers the society to struggle with the history of colonialism even in the point of death. And I think as scholars and as teachers, we can improve the awareness in the U.S about the realities of African society, then we will be doing a very important thing.

 Question: Now you have experienced Dakar and have started seeing the realities about Africa as a people…

 Answer: (Cuts in) A little bit! (Laughter).

 Question: But, before the society was lackadaisical about having this meeting in Africa. So what are the main objectives that you want to achieve, I mean what are the objectives at stake?

 Answer:  Well, as I said before, I do hope that we can continue with the international dialogue. It is very important. I think I can speak as a teacher and as American student. America is terribly ignorant about the rest of the world. For example, one of the things that we have to do is to be able to create a fund to bring students from outside Europe and U.S to come to some of our meetings in order to help and promote the society.

 Question: What could you say about the issue of inviting other people to the society, for instance, inviting Nigerians like me, and considering the fact that Nigeria is an Anglophone country, Are we really welcome?

 Answer: I would say absolutely. Of course, the main focus of our society’s meeting is the study of French colonial history. We absolutely welcome scholars who want to study French colonial history from Nigeria and other parts of the world. All of our sessions are held in English or in French, so we encourage the participation of bilingual scholars of French colonial history.

 Question: Is there opportunity for people other than historians in the society? For example, I am an engineer by training as well as a journalist.

 Answer: Well, actually, the society is specifically for professional historians and for somebody who is primarily an engineer and a journalist, I think…

 Question :( Cuts in) But journalism is history in hurry (laughter).

 Answer: Yeah! You are right. My husband, also a journalist, says “journalism is the first draft of history” (laughter). Okay I understand. There is opportunity for intelligent capable people in Nigeria in Dakar.

 Question: If I may ask, where do you reside?

 Answer: I reside in Vancouver, on the west coast of the United States.

 Question: Ma, I don’t want to delve into the matters of personal importance but you said you are married?

 Answer: Yes! I am married with two children

 Question: It is my pleasure.

 Answer: It’s my pleasure too. Thank you very much.