Recap: Virtual speaker series with Dr. Edda Fields-Black
On March 18, the Finance Division hosted a virtual lecture with Dr. Edda Fields‑Black, CMU Professor of History and recipient of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for History for COMBEE: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War. The session focused on Chapters 13 and 14, which trace the final stages of the Combahee River Raid and illuminate the lives and experiences of the Black Union soldiers who served under Harriet Tubman.
Dr. Fields‑Black shared how her groundbreaking reconstruction of the raid relied not on traditional battlefield reports, but on 19th‑century pension files, federal business documents created for verification, payment, and accountability. These records preserved the most detailed firsthand accounts of the raid, offering insight into the soldiers’ movements, injuries, family networks, and postwar lives.
This connection resonated deeply with the campus finance community. The lecture highlighted how routine financial documentation can become an unexpected archive of truth, shaping what future generations are able to understand about an institution, a community, or—in this case—a pivotal moment in American history. Dr. Fields‑Black’s work offered a powerful reminder that the accuracy, stewardship, and integrity of financial records matter far beyond their immediate operational purpose.
To continue exploring Dr. Edda Fields-Black's work and additional opportunities to engage, please see the links below:
- President's Lecture Series with Dr. Edda Fields-Black: April 13 at 4:00 p.m.
- About the book,
- , featuring additional information on COMBEE, videos, reviews, and additional media
Thank you to everyone who participated. We hope you found the session inspiring! For questions, contact Finance Communications at fin-comm@andrew.cmu.edu.
About the Book
