Our team

Antoinette Jackson, Ph.D.

Founder & Director

Antoinette Jackson is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa and Director of the USF Heritage Research Lab.

I am an applied cultural anthropologist. I am interested in heritage research and resource management. My work challenges theoretical cannons that fix people in discrete categories and I continuously seek ways of applying anthropology critically and in the service of people, families, and communities both within and outside the academy.

Kaleigh hoyt, M.a.

Creative Director & Research Assistant

Kaleigh Hoyt is a PhD student in the Department of Anthropology at the University of South Florida (USF).

My dissertation project explores how cultural heritage engages with the senses to shape human spaces, memory, and meaning-making systems.

kaniqua robinson, Ph.D.

Research Consultant & Memorialization Specialist

Kaniqua Robinson is an assistant professor in the Anthropology program at Furman University in South Carolina.

As an applied anthropologist, my research critically examines race and memory, particularly as it relates to the systemic silencing of African Americans in the U.S. racial past and present. My work also explores counter-memorial practices as forms of resistance to these silences.

john pendygraft, M.a.

Media Specialist & Research Assistant

John Pendygraft is a PhD student in the Department of Anthropology at the University of South Florida (USF).

I am a career multimedia journalist turned applied anthropologist. My interests center on the anthropology of news production, the evolution of storytelling, the power of narrative structures and how the stories we tell define culture, identity and heritage. My hope is to apply an anthropology of storytelling and modern media in practical ways to benefit the well-being of individual people and diverse communities, in challenging times.

jessica gantzert, M.a.

Archaeologist & Research Assistant

Jess Gantzert, RPA is a PhD student in the Department of Anthropology at the University of South Florida (USF). Her research focuses on heritage and urban development. She has several years of experience in archaeology both in the field and in the lab, and received her MA in the archaeology track before moving to the cultural track for her PhD at USF.

By joining the BCN team, I hope to apply my experience with archaeological law into larger heritage and memorialization applications which support black cemeteries and sacred spaces. As a lifelong resident of St. Pete, I am very excited to be working on a project specifically focused on the role Black residents played in the development of the city.

Walter jennings, B.S.

Creative Consultant & Spoken Word Artist

Walter “Wally B.” Jennings is an ordained minister, published poet, spoken word artist, MC/Host, radio personality, instructor and strawberry Fruit Roll-Up enthusiast! A native of Tampa, FL, his poetical talents have allowed him to conduct over 1000 performances, workshops and mentorship sessions in the national spoken word community during his 20 year career. Wally B. currently serves as a Poet Artist in Residence for Hillsborough County Schools and the Arts Council of Hillsborough County-reaching over 800 students and teachers per year.

My passion focuses on arts-integrated education that provides contemporary perspective on anthropology, geography and history.

alanah cooper, b.a.

Web Assistant & Research Intern

Alanah Cooper is a recent anthropology graduate from the University of South Florida (USF).

I am an aspiring cultural anthropologist with a passion of studying African American history and heritage. By joining the BCN team, I hope to gain hands on experience in the field, while also supporting black cemeteries and sacred spaces.