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Alyssa Adina James

Anthropologist & Public Scholar

Alyssa Adina James

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North America

North America

3 Tips for Seeing the City When Traveling to Anaheim for a Conference

2 February 2017

Some people dread their industry’s annual meeting, conference, or convention, but I don’t. In fact, I live for them. They offer excellent opportunities to catch up with colleagues, hear interesting presentations and relevant gossip, and meet new people. On top of that, annual meetings mean the chance to travel. From Ottawa to London and Cleveland…

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things to do in seoul, hiking
Destinations, North America

4 Activities You’ll Love in Seoul

4 December 2016

A quick Google search will tell you that eating and shopping are two of the most popular activities for holidaymakers in Seoul, but these activities won’t help you get under the skin of the city. If you want to understand the culture, learn more about its rich history, and experience the luscious landscape, look no…

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Destinations, North America

How to Eat Your Way Through Abu Dhabi

18 November 2016

Guess what? I’m learning Arabic! Not surprisingly, a lot of the words I’ve been adding to my vocabulary involve food, including moussaka, khobz, and tagine. I can’t wait to put my studies into practice. One culinary giant you shouldn’t miss is Abu Dhabi. This cosmopolitan city is a place where you can eat your way…

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North America

Hipmunk Hotels: The Best Hotels Near Fall Foliage in Staten Island, Albany, and Lancaster

14 September 2016

Image via Flickr by kimberlykv I love autumn. The sunshine, patio drinks, and long nights of summer are fantastic, but there’s something truly Canadian about the crisp fall air and the autumn shades of crimson and gold that the maple leaves develop. One of the best places to experience this seasonal change is in America’s…

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crater lake, holidays in america
North America

Hipmunk Hotels: Adventure Holidays in Sacramento, Maui, Colorado Springs & More

27 July 2016

For some people, a vacation is a time to relax; for others, it’s a time to get their bodies moving while exploring the natural wonders the world has to offer. If you fall into the latter group, check out some of these destinations for your favorite adventure holiday yet! The Great Outdoors in Ashland &…

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North America

Hipmunk Hotels: Business Hotels in Atlanta, Little Rock, and Jacksonville

12 July 2016

The U.S. South is quickly developing as the country’s economic engine. When you need to shake hands and close deals, you shouldn’t have to worry about whether the Wi-Fi signal is strong enough or whether spring-breakers are going to crash your happy-hour meeting. Staying in a business hotel in the South lets you work hard and…

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animal cafes in tokyo
North America

Animal Cafes in Tokyo You Can’t Miss

2 July 2016

Imagine taking London’s originality, New York’s nightlife, Germany’s efficiency, and Las Vegas’s neon colors, ratcheting up the intensity of each quality by a hundred, and then putting them all together: That is Tokyo. The city is big, it’s busy, and it’s loud. Tokyo has its own thing going on: It’s where traditional ryokan and eclectic animal…

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North America

What to Do in Georgia This Spring

20 April 2016

Georgia is one of those states that isn’t really seen as a tourist destination but still has a lot of interesting places to visit and festivals to experience. Families will find plenty of activities to take part in, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate! Golfing in Georgia Augusta is home to one of the top…

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North America

Hipmunk Hotels: Southern Hospitality in Memphis, Grapevine, and Panama City

19 April 2016

A visit to the South of the United States offers a bit of everything from rich culture to local music. The mountains, parks, and beaches provide enough to keep your eyes and feet busy during a trip to the South. For those who like to let loose in the evenings, you will love the nightlife.…

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Pompano Beach, Florida
North America

Hipmunk Hotels: Under the Radar Beach Destinations in Hilton Head Island, Chula Vista, Fort Lauderdale and More

29 March 2016

As the weather starts to heat up, it is time to start planning your next beach trip. Rather than going for the typical beach towns rife with other people who had the same idea, why not try something different? Let’s check out the best, under-the-radar, destinations in the USA where you can have fun in the…

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Meet Alyssa

Alyssa Adina James, anthropologist, black woman anthropologist, canada, martinique

Alyssa Adina James

I’m an anthropologist passionate about exploring the cultural and historical richness of food, heritage, and identities in the Caribbean and its diaspora, with a special focus on coffee production and consumption. I aim to bring attention to pressing global issues like climate adaptation, food sovereignty, and the legacies of colonialism. Whether through community engagement, public writing, or podcast production, I’m committed to making critical conversations accessible, bridging the gap between scholarship and everyday life.


Montréal, QC


Assistant Professor, McGill University


PhD Anthropology, Columbia University


Avery the Mini Poodle

Inspiration

No, I do not weep at the world—I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife.

— Zora Neale Hurston

People need to see that, far from being an obstacle, the world’s diversity of languages, religions and traditions is a great treasure, affording us precious opportunities to recognize ourselves in others.

— Youssou N’Dour

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