Deconstructing and moving beyond the ‘Feisty’ Archetype: A Scholarly Examination of Black Womanhood Stereotypes
Kelechi Okafor, renowned author and social commentator, will join forces with Afua Hirsch, a distinguished author and documentary filmmaker, to share their personal journeys as Black women who are prominent figures advocating for social justice. The conversation will explore the unique challenges and opportunities they face while calling out societal injustices, particularly focusing on how their identities shape their activism and public presence. They will highlight how their respective books have served as powerful tools for examining and articulating the complexities of race, identity, and systemic inequality. Kelechi and Afua will share insights on the creative and emotional processes behind their writing, illustrating how their literary works have not only amplified their voices but also contributed to broader societal conversations about race, womanhood and justice.We will gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between personal identity and public advocacy, the impact of their work on public discourse, and the ongoing journey of navigating visibility and influence as Black women in the public eye.
Afua Hirsch is a bestselling writer and filmmaker, the author of four books including the award-winning Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging (2018) and Decolonising My Body, A Radical Exploration of Rituals and Beauty (2023). She co-presented Samuel L. Jackson's major TV series Enslaved in 2020, and Africa Rising, an ongoing BBC series exploring the art and culture of African countries. A journalist for more than twenty years, she is a former Guardian correspondent, Associate Editor at Vogue, and professor of journalism at the University of Southern California. Kelechi Okafor is a Nigerian-born, London-based lover of words and esteemed wordsmith. Her love for words extends to creating fiction, articles, stage plays, and screenplays, as well as directing others on stage. She also shares her societal views through her award-winning podcast, ‘Say Your Mind’, one episode at a time, featuring respected interviewees from around the world. The podcast centres on conversations and events of global significance, viewed through an understanding that staunchly opposes colonialism, white supremacy, and heteropatriarchy. It serves as both a personal journey and a means to foster a community encouraged to think critically. Online, she is known as @Kelechnekoff, and her book ‘Edge of Here’ is now available.
WHEN: Thursday, 10 October 2024
5.30 pm – 6.00 pm: Drinks reception and networking in Chetwynd Room
6.00 pm – 7.00 pm: Fireside discussion in Keynes Lecture Theatre
WHERE: King’s College, Cambridge
TICKETS: book your free ticket here.