In anticipation of The Woman King film, which hits the screens this autumn Black History Walk invite you to discuss, reflect and consider themes from our short courses, African Women Resistance Leaders, The Amazing James Baldwin, Toni Morrison.
The Black Lives Matter movement elevated some of the ongoing struggles featured in these courses such as colonialism, racism and the demonisation of African spirituality. Prior to this movement we offered these courses by way of highlighting resistance and to celebrate contributions by African ancestors and those involved in various struggles. We showcased forms of African spirituality that were instrumental in defeating Western imperialism and colonisation.
This one-off link up provides a space to access the ongoing struggles that impact Black Lives and the strategies of resistance, personal and collective that our short courses have enabled. This special get together will be of interest to former students of our short courses and anyone interested in joining the new African Women’s Resistance Leaders Courses which starts in November.
Course Leader: Dr Michelle Asantewa,
Michelle Asantewa graduated from the then University of North London (now London Met) with First Class Honours in English. She completed an MRes (Masters in Research) in Postcolonial Studies and PhD on Guyanese Komfa there also. Guyanese Komfa practice involves spirit possession – spirits who manifest are identified as either African, Amerindian, Chinese, Dutch, English, Portuguese or Spanish, reflecting the historical context of previously colonised British Guyana. African indigenous and diasporic spiritual systems are her main research interest and cultural practice.
Concerned with the media image of black boys and gang-related violence, coupled with personal experiences of the realities and impact of this profile, Michelle explored these themes in her first novel Elijah. The novel considers the influences black youth are exposed to and how they impact their life choices. It explores cultural and peer identity as determiners for self-perception and social responsibility.
Here Space
56 Greek Street
London W1D 3DU
Tickets: £11
Book Ticket Here
Michelle is Co-Chair and founding member of Johmard Lyme, a Voluntary Community Organisation that provides opportunities for young people to develop social, personal and life skills. She is also part of an organising group set up to redevelop Bogle L’Ouverture Publications. BLP was co-founded in 1968 by Eric Huntley and Jessica Huntley, and was among the first Black owned publishers in the UK. Michelle collaborates with Black History Walks on a range of Black History educational events, including courses, presentations and film screenings. She is regularly invited to curate and host a number of events. Michelle is a freelance literary consultant for the Literary Consultancy. Dr Asantewa collaborates with a number of community organisations, such as Black History Walks and Pan-Afrikan Society Community Forum, and Education Through Culture