IN-PERSON London Heritages. Section B

Abstract

This presentation explores the intersection of historical trauma and Lieux de Mémoire (sites of memory) in Grenada, examining how cultural heritage sites can facilitate emotional and spiritual healing from the legacy of slavery. Drawing on the concept of historical trauma—where trauma is transmitted across generations, often through collective memory—this study highlights the potential role of heritage sites in healing processes. Grenada, a Caribbean country that was once under the rule of Spain, France, and Britain during the era of slavery, retains few physical Lieux de Mémoire, including the Belmont and River Antoine estates, and Leapers Hill. These sites have largely been repurposed for tourism, disrupting their capacity to serve as spaces for remembrance and spiritual connection. The transformation of these sites into tourist attractions hinders local communities from addressing their collective memory, as these sites are crucial for reconnecting with the ancestral past and facilitating spiritual healing. This paper argues that reclaiming the sacredness of these places is key to Grenada’s effort to preserve its history and address the psychological scars of historical trauma. By fostering practices like drumming, chanting, and other expressive arts at these sites, Grenadians and other descendants of enslaved people can transform Lieux de Mémoire from symbols of degradation into spaces of resilience and healing. The presentation further explores how an interdisciplinary approach to Black historiographies and collective memory can contribute to the preservation and revitalization of these sacred places, ensuring they remain focal points for healing rather than commercial ventures. Recommendations include reframing these sites as centers for reparative practices and cultural remembrance.