McMaster's African and Black Diaspora Studies hosted a transformative discussion exploring the vital intersections of decolonization, creativity and cultural expression

The African and Black Diaspora Studies interdisciplinary minor at McMaster University kicked off its seminar series on Oct. 8 with a session called Decolonizing Arts, Music And Communications. This session featured a panel of three Black-identifying professors that engaged in an in-depth discussion about the significance of representation in the arts.

African and Black Diaspora Studies is an undergraduate interdisciplinary minor that offers courses spanning various departments at McMaster. These courses provide an understanding of African and African/Black-diaspora peoples and societies in an international context.

Decolonizing the arts involves talking about the importance of including diverse perspectives into the arts, as well as the audience that artwork and media caters to and how it is received. 

Hosea Patrick, a postdoctoral fellow and the chair of the African and Black Diaspora Studies seminar series committee, provided information about the seminar to the Silhouette via email.

“The rationale is to have a platform for academic and non-academic engagement on issues that affect the Black and African diaspora. This is an opportunity for people doing various work on black studies and experiences to share their work as well as allow others to collaborate with each other,” stated Patrick.

The session took place on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in The Hub. The panel featured associate professors Alpha Abeb and Selina Mudavanhu and assistant professor Syrus Marcus Ware

The session was split into two main parts: a discussion and social. The discussion began with each panelist presenting their own artwork or other pieces they've encountered firsthand, highlighting the intersections of Black creativity, culture, and communication.

This was followed by the social portion for networking. This itinerary allowed students to engage with panelists to question their perspectives and foster an insightful conversation.

“It means a lot to me … I think it’s really important that there are more of us [Black professors] and that we are connected to each other,” expressed Abebe, who is an associate professor in the faculty of humanities and the lead for African and Black Diaspora Studies.

It means a lot to me … I think it’s really important that there are more of us [Black professors] and that we are connected to each other.

Alpha Abebe, associate professor and lead
Faculty of Humanities, African and Black Diaspora Studies

For the first part of the event, the three panelists were introduced along with their works and backgrounds. This was followed by a discussion where the panelists were asked questions regarding decolonization in the arts by the panel moderator and later the audience.

The networking session that followed allowed the panelists, students and other McMaster staff in attendance to meet and discuss the topics with each other. "What you have access to in your classroom is only a sliver of the activity that’s happening on university campuses,” said Abebe, commenting on the importance of networking opportunities such as the seminar.

What you have access to in your classroom is only a sliver of the activity that’s happening on university campuses

Alpha Abebe, associate professor and lead
Faculty of Humanities, African and Black Diaspora Studies

Decolonizing Arts, Music And Communications was the first of four seminars in an ABLD series that showcases insightful conversations and networking opportunities for students. “The central theme for the year is "Exploring Black Experiences in Canada." This particular seminar happening eighth October 2024 focuses on decolonizing arts, music and communications. Others will look at other areas of decolonization from science and technology (21st November 2024) to decolonizing history (6th Feb. 2025) and decolonizing business (13th March 2025),” stated Patrick.

“What we’re trying to do here is not replicate the institutional structures that have always alienated us [people of colour] . . . I hope they [students] come and know they are welcomed with open arms and that they feel a sense of ownership and entitlement to be part of this process of dreaming up what this community looks like,” said Abebe.

I hope they [students] come and know they are welcomed with open arms and that they feel a sense of ownership and entitlement to be part of this process of dreaming up what this community looks like

Alpha Abebe, Associate Professor
Faculty of Humanities

Students are encouraged to keep up to date with this seminar series and explore other opportunities through the ABLD minor's Instagram

C/O Yoohyun Park

How a student’s dual identity has impacted her life 

By: Kimia Tahaei, Opinions Staff Writer 

We tend to generalize the types of racial identities that may be found within the Black community. We often forget the diversity that exists within the Black community itself, a community filled with different cultures, ethnicities, traditions and struggles.  

To gain a deeper insight on the extent of the matter, I interviewed Lina Hamed, a third-year chemical engineering student who proudly identifies as an “Afro-Arab.” She comes from a Sudanese background but was born and raised in the United Arab Emirates prior to moving to Canada.  

“When I started looking for my future university, I would without exception check their student demographics to see if there were other Sudanese people like me. I craved a sense of community with other Afro-Arabs so badly,” explained Hamed. 

Knowing that Lina and most likely many other individuals in underrepresented communities have to check for their demographics to feel a sense of community made me think whether underrepresentation causes feelings of doubt. Feelings of insecurity and doubt become more common among racialized minorities as they don't often see people from their culture presented in a positive light in their circles. 

“It’s strange because if you see that no one who looks like you made it, you question whether you can make it. You ask yourself if my people didn’t go through it, can I truly go through it? As a woman in STEM, these are the types of questions I ask myself often that unfortunately ignite my feelings of self-doubt,” said Hamed.  

Being of both Sudanese and Arab descent can affect one’s sense of identity in many different ways. This can be intensified when one may not feel welcomed in their communities.  

“The thing is, I grew up in the Middle East. So, often, I identify more as an Arab. I spoke Arabic and was more in touch with the Arab culture that was within Sudan. However, people in the Middle East really didn’t consider me Arab and I was often labelled as African. That’s not to say I’m not proud of being African — I take a lot of pride in being a Black African. It’s just that the Black community wasn’t too accepting either since I was more in touch with my Arab roots. It wasn’t the best feeling knowing that I’m part of two communities, yet neither fully accept me,” explained Hamed. 

Unfortunately, this is the reality for many multi-ethnic individuals. There are feelings of uncertainty, doubt and confusion when it comes to their sense of identity as they don't feel fully accepted by either community. Often, these feelings of insecurity heighten when stereotypes are attached to one’s ethnicity and race.  

Oftentimes, multi-ethnic individuals such as Afro-Arabs will face negative stereotypes regarding the various communities to which they belong.  

“As a Black woman, I’m often called unintelligent. As a Muslim Arab woman, I’m classified as a terrorist. And as a Sudanese, I’m characterized as lazy,” said Hamed.   

Such deplorable labels can discourage minorities as they already have feelings of doubt due to underrepresentation.  

Through all of the struggles and obstacles that individuals like Lina face, many come out stronger than before. They embrace their identity, culture, traditions and history and gain a sense of empowerment. 

“Identifying as Afro-Arab was something I didn’t think of until I was 16 or 17. Finalizing my decision to identify as Afro-Arab made me embrace both aspects of me. It felt as if I’m in touch with all the parts of me — that made me who I am. Even if my sense of identity gets lost sometimes and I question who I am, proudly calling myself an Afro-Arab reminds me of my roots and where I came from,” she responded.   

Unfortunately, unlike Lina, many individuals who come from different backgrounds still cannot fully embrace their identity and culture as they don’t see themselves represented in academia and media. It is crucial to understand that through a positive representation of minorities as they can gain confidence and flourish. Furthermore, although many people don't see it as necessary, having essential information on different ethnic backgrounds is vital. Not only does education on different cultures help us better understand individuals who come from diverse backgrounds, but I also believe that through education a sense of empathy is formed — a sense of empathy that can help us create a healthier and safer space for underrepresented communities like Afro-Arabs. Hopefully, when we discuss inclusivity in the future, we should consider each and every sector of different ethnic groups in hopes of an all-embracing society.  

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