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- Convenor:
-
Angela Haynes
(University of Sussex)
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- Chair:
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Althea-Maria Rivas
(SOAS University of London)
- Discussant:
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Helina Shebeshe
(SOAS University of London)
- Format:
- Experimental format
Short Abstract:
This is an experimental workshop for researchers of African descent, or working on race and development, that interrogates what means to research, teach, study and implement development initiatives as a person of African descent or when we take race seriously. Non-traditional presentations welcome.
Long Abstract:
There is a dearth of Black academics in the UK. The HESA report (2020) showed that <1% of UK professors are Black, dispelling the myth of a colour-blind meritocracy. In development studies and practice Black scholars and professionals have often found their views marginalised in an environment where a commitment to social justice and lately decolonising is tacitly professed. The House of Commons report into racism in the aid sector (2022),concluded 'racism manifests in the very structure of international aid'. The UN Decade for People of African Descent, BLM and the murder of George Floyd have contributed to a period of self-reflection about the manifestations and impact of racism globally. But now at the end of the UN Decade (2024) what does it mean to research, teach, study and implement development initiatives?
This workshop will examine these issues from the perspective of scholars whose positionality is Black, or those researching race and development. It will be a safe space to discuss experiences and strategies for navigating the development space while Black and/ centering race. Examples of key questions for consideration are:
-How do Black researchers and development practitioners experience the development sector or discipline?
-How does a commitment to social justice within development teaching, research and practice manifest when taking race seriously?
-What is the relationship between reparations, restitution, and development?
-Why isn't my professor Black?
This experimental fireside workshop welcomes traditional presentations and creative works, poetry, spoken word, personal reflections, etc. Early career researchers are particularly encouraged to participate.