Contribute to Ethical Research and Student Support in Benin

Field Research + Student Tech & School Supplies Drive •March 18, 2026

Overview

I’m a doctoral researcher and writer. I examine Haitian literature as a site of knowledge. This is grounded in epistemic justice and Haitian Vodou as an epistemological framework. Traveling to Benin is a purposeful step. It helps trace the West African intellectual and cultural lineages. These lineages echo across Haitian history, symbolism, and literary form. My work centers archival and published sources, cultural context, and reflective field notes to strengthen literary interpretation with historical grounding. I also write short stories with literary rigor. They exemplify African and Haitian epistemologies. I host The Empress Addi Podcast on cultural and historical themes. It helps make this research possible.

Mission

To complete my final dissertation field research in Benin while directly supporting student learning access through a device and school-supply drive—grounded in ethical scholarship, cultural respect, and community impact

Vision

A research trip that strengthens decolonial scholarship and builds lasting educational connection between Benin and the diaspora—where knowledge is honored, students are resourced, and cultural memory becomes a bridge

Values

Respect & cultural humility (we learn with—not about—people)
Integrity & accountability (transparent use of funds; clear updates)
Direct impact (resources go to students—no middlemen)
Educational access (tools that expand learning and opportunity)
Ethical scholarship (consent, care, and rigor in research practices)
Reciprocity (giving back as we gather knowledge)

Goals

Secure travel/research funding of $4k for the Benin fieldwork scheduled for March 18, 2026

Complete meetings and research visits (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, schools, museums, oral historians, sites)
Distribute donated phones/tablets/supplies directly to students
Document outcomes (photos/receipts/updates) and publish dissertation findings
Build durable partnerships for future education/cultural collaboration

Implementation

Confirm itinerary & research access: Finalize meeting confirmations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, K–12 partners, museums/archives, oral historians, and spiritual sites. Secure permissions and appointment times. Obtain points of contact.
Budget + funding plan: Build a line-item budget. Include transport, guides, access fees, lodging, interpretation, and documentation. Run a weekly fundraising target until departure.
Outreach campaign: Distribute the flyer through community partners and social channels. Post consistent updates with clear asks. These include trip funding, device donations, and school supplies.
Donation logistics: Track every donor in a spreadsheet. Send thank-you notes within 24 hours. Confirm acknowledgments preference for gifts of $100+.
Student resource distribution: Collect, test, and organize devices or supplies. Coordinate local distribution with schools. This ensures items go directly to students without involving middlemen.
Field documentation: Conduct interviews and site visits using a structured protocol (notes, audio where permitted, consent, and documentation of sources).
Evidence + reporting: Keep receipts and a research log. Share a post-trip report with donors. Include outcomes and photos where appropriate. Provide an impact summary.
Dissertation completion: Integrate findings into Chapter 4–6 analysis, complete writing/revision cycle, and graduate July 2026.