Librarian Antoinette Seymour (BA 1994) returned to her alma mater by chance. While researching the Windsor Castle Archives online, she came across the University of Windsor’s Black Scholars Institute call, and as she put it, “the rest is history.”

Seymour is dedicated to preserving culture and memory, believing that understanding the past is crucial for the future of information preservation. Her research focuses on the Caribbean diaspora, addressing gaps in information repositories, and exploring chess as an educational tool.

She joined the Leddy Library team in the spring from Nassau, Bahamas, bringing with her extensive experience in archival and records work. Seymour hopes her research will highlight the contributions of marginalized community members and foster a world of sharp, critical thinkers.

DailyNews will showcase the contributions and insights of members of the Black Scholars Institute leading up to its official launch on Sept. 26 and connected with Seymour to discuss her research goals and archival expertise.

Q: Tell us about your research interests and what projects you'd like to pursue at UWindsor.

A:

1. Caribbean diaspora (disruption of silences at information repositories with respect to Caribbean community and nation builders in Canada)

2. Chess as an educational and intervention tool (retired national/regional/international chess champion)

3. Genealogical project: collection of Black funeral booklets or programmes (see ONCE UPON A TIME: Part Four … Through the lens of a Black archivist | Leddy Library)

Q: Can you share a bit about your academic journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in archives and library studies?

A: I was gainfully employed as an information professional (records manager) in January 1985 at the University of the Bahamas. Long story, but I fell into archives, specifically, in 2009. I am passionate about preserving culture, history, heritage, identity, legacy, footprints, and memory. Life lesson: ‘Yuh never miss da water till da well run dry’ (in Bahamianese). So, it goes with archives or permanent records. Alma maters: UBahamas, UWindsor (44 years ago as a 16-year-old newbie, I roller-skated all over campus, including upstairs into Vanier for a scrip-paid meal as well as into Leddy to borrow books, but now Leddy bans skating - sigh), UBristol, UGlasgow.

Q: What led you to become a part of the University of Windsor’s Black Scholars Institute?

A: Another long story. While Googling information on Windsor Castle Archives, the UWindsor BSI call popped up. My dear alma mater at which I came of age? The rest is history.

Q: Could you explain the significance of your work and research interests?

A: The past informs the future with respect to information management and preservation, and chess mimics life while honing strategy, analysis, creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, discipline, and focus. Fortunately, with chess play, there are no boundaries: age, gender, race, etc. It's all in the teaching of it. A great, dedicated, engaging chess tutor pulls it out of anyone.

Q: What do you believe are some of the most pressing challenges in your field today?

A:

1. Underrepresentation of certain ethnic groups. Apparently, there are only 20 Black archivists in all of Canada, and I was led to believe that I am the only one in a university today. Who then will proactively collect and preserve our narratives?

2. An unfortunate misconception is that archives are “dem ole boring, wutless records” (a phrase from my records management workshop title), exclusive to historians. Archives, personal or professional, flow from every nook and cranny of life, and anyone can qualify herself/himself to become a guardian of memory, not just students on an academic history or English strand. Anyone! This is also tied to (the desire to) access. Consider a library, a museum, and an archive. Whether physical or virtual, which one is least visited? Opening hours? Appeal to all ages? Etc?

3. Paucity of resources, of course. Utopia: the purpose-built archives. Utopia, however, can’t be arrived at until powers-that-be embrace the significance of archives: Institutional archives are a must! | The Bahamas, Bahamas | Bahamas Local News - The Bahamas, Bahamas.

4. Pervasive perception that librarian is synonymous with archivist. Yes, both are information professionals, but they are chalk and cheese. For instance, just examine librarian cataloguing and archivist cataloguing. Aha!

Q: In what ways do you hope your research and work will be of influence?

A:

1. Archives: Illumination of marginalized and unsung community builders as well as everyday citizens and residents. It is all tied to assimilation, identity, belonging, and morale.

2. Chess: Just imagine a world of focused, critical thinkers and problem solvers.