Uncovering Womens Roles in Prohibition-Era Smuggling: Visiting Fulbright Scholar Expert in Cross-Border Illegal Economies
Dr. Holly M. Karibo, expert in transnational vice economies, will teach, conduct research as this year’s visiting Fulbright Scholar
Trent University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Holly M. Karibo from Oklahoma State University as the 2024-25 Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Comparative Canada-U.S. Studies.
“We are thrilled to welcome Professor Karibo to Trent University” said Dr. Heather Nicol, director of the School for the Study of Canada. “Her expertise in transnational urban history and research on the Great Lakes Borderlands are perfectly aligned with Trent’s commitment to interdisciplinary and cross-border academic exploration. Prof. Karibo’s work will enrich our understanding of historical dynamics and address contemporary issues that resonate across borders.”
Prof. Karibo’s research project, “Ladies, Liquor, and the National Line: Gendering Prohibition in the Great Lakes Borderlands,” is the first in-depth study of women’s roles in cross-border illegal economies during the American Prohibition Era. Her work focuses on regions connecting New York, Michigan, Ontario, Quebec, and the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne, and the often-overlooked roles of women in these smuggling networks. By reframing the Prohibition through the lenses of gender, race, and labor, Prof. Karibo introduces new perspectives to a traditionally male-dominated narrative.
As Fulbright Scholar at Trent, Dr. Karibo will spend the fall semester conducting groundbreaking research on North American cross-border history in relation to gender roles within illicit economies and will engage with the academic community through teaching and collaboration.
“I’m thrilled to begin my appointment at Trent University,” said Prof. Karibo. “The opportunity to explore Canadian archives and collaborate with Trent’s academic community will be invaluable in advancing this project. I look forward to unearthing the stories of women who reshaped societal norms and legal landscapes during the Prohibition era.”
Prof. Karibo will also teach the course “Sin Cities: Vice in the North American Borderlands,” examining illicit economies in the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borderlands during the 19th and 20th centuries. This interdisciplinary course will explore the regulation of vice economies and the gendered and racial experiences of those involved.
Prof. Karibo’s appointment underscores Trent University’s commitment to cross-border academic exchange and research collaboration. Her work will contribute to discussions on historical and contemporary issues impacting both Canada and the U.S., enriching the intellectual environment at Trent and beyond.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information contact:
Olivia Flynn, Communications & Media Relations Officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 ext. 7747 or oliviaflynn@trentu.ca