Guyanese-born Richard David teaching Indo-Caribbean History Course in the USA

By Indrawattie Natram

HAVING been born to Guyanese parents and recently being elected as a District Leader in Assembly District 31, Richard David will be teaching a Indo- Caribbean History course at York College in New York. The course will commence January 26 and will last until May 2019.

Richard was born in Guyana and moved to New York during his childhood. During his time in New York, he used his energies towards promoting Guyanese culture. He co-founded the Indo-Caribbean Alliance, which has grown into the largest advocacy, direct service and cultural organisation for his community in New York.

According to Richard, he previously taught Indo-Caribbean History to students and adults throughout the five boroughs. “I am proud to partner with York College for this course. Many of our students who enrol would be able to access their own history, as a leader. I am committed to creating new and innovative opportunities that are deeply meaningful to many of us. This is truly an honour for me” Richard said.

Richard has a Master’s in Public Administration from the New York University. He ran for the City Council in 2017.

When asked why he feels that the course was relevant he said that Guyanese are the second largest immigrant group in Queens and the fifth largest in New York, closely followed by Trinidadians.

He said the discussion with York College started in February 2016 and took a lot of advocacy from the Indo- Caribbean Alliance Inc.
“During these political times when immigrants are under attack, this is a landmark moment for our community and all immigrant communities. This course is a small step towards bringing about historical awareness of one of the largest immigrant groups in New York,” said Shivika Rajkidore, Chairperson of the Indo- Caribbean Alliance Inc.

A press release sent out by York College of the City University of New York stated that the course will be offered during the Spring 2019 Semester. It stated that during the classes, students will explore the social, political and economic factors that led to the rise of a district Indo-Caribbean identity in Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname and in the United States of America. The course will be taught using films, guest speakers and visual aids along with Literature.

York College has one of the highest Asian Student enrollment rates among CUNY colleges, including many Indo-Caribbean students.
In 2015, Asian students were the second highest ethnic group among the freshman class after the African Americans.

“Indo-Caribbean History (HIST 401, as it’s known on campus), is one of the most important new course offerings in a generation. There is so much about this vibrant community and so much to learn about ourselves through the eyes and voices of these Americans. And you won’t find another course like this anywhere in the United States,” said Dr George White, Chairperson of the Department of History, Philosophy and Anthropology at York College in the release.