National Geographic Explorer in Residence Tara Roberts discussed her new memoir, “Written in the Waters: A Memoir of History, Home, and Belonging,” at the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo on Sunday to an audience of around 400 people.
The memoir details her experience working with underwater archaeologists to uncover slave shipwrecks along the Middle Passage. Roberts has produced a six-part podcast series, “Into the Depths,” and is the first Black female explorer to be on the cover of National Geographic’s magazine.
“I listened to [Into the Depths] during Covid-19, and it was completely fascinating,” attendee Michelle Buehler said.
Working with volunteer underwater archaeology group, Diving With a Purpose, Roberts recounted her experiences uncovering lost stories and histories that remain from the 400-year-long transatlantic slave trade. Since 2018, Roberts has explored shipwreck sites off the coasts of Mozambique, Key Largo and Senegal.
“When I’m on the bottom of the ocean floor, I feel such power and agency,” Roberts said during the event. “I feel so proud that I, along with these divers, historians, archaeologists, have raised our hand and said we are not going to wait for anyone else to prioritize this history.”
Following the discussion, Roberts held a book signing. History junior Rebecca Inlander waited in line for a chance to talk with Roberts.
“The stories of slaves from the Atlantic Ocean are very powerful,” Inlander said. “I’m really happy we are learning more about slave ships and the Middle Passage because it’s not talked about as much and our education systems don’t really value it as much as they should.”
With hopes to go into archives after graduation, history junior Anna Johnson noted the difficulty in finding, collecting and reading archives, which Johnson believes makes Roberts’ work so important.
“I think talks like this, and especially because [Roberts] has a podcast, are a great way to spread primary source information and disseminate it in a new way,” Johnson said. “It’s important to tell the story of these voyages, so you can’t gloss over them and create new narratives.”