By Yossie Paul In recent times, I have come to learn that my writing is informed by two aspects of my life: my womanhood and my Blackness (African-ness, if you will). These things inform both my writing and my reading. I only began to understand this in the year gone by: my literary records were rather colourful and womanly – authentically womanly. I discovered new things about myself and
By Kholofelo Setlatjile Black women set themselves back in the battle when they drew a colour line amongst themselves, argued which shade is better. Asked in lowered tones, “am i prettier/smarter if I’m on the lighter side of this spectrum or if the contrast draws me closer to the edge of midnight?” We soak up labels like they are prizes and worth something: team yellow-bone… team-dark skinned. Such sadness really…because
Continue reading…
Our editor Ella Achola speaks with poet Ruth Sutoyé about feminism, faith and what it means to be British-Nigerian in different countries and academia. Ella: Who is Ruth Sutoyé? Ruth: I’m British-Nigerian, raised in East London by my very Nigerian mother so I’m very much in tune with my heritage. I’m a poet/writer and I’m currently in the process of collating my first chapbook of poetry to be released
Trigger Warning: Sexual violence Thoughts and opinions of a range of African women on sex. The aim of the show is to inspire debate that challenges perceived norms & attitudes towards sex, led by African women who have traditionally been dismissed as “voiceless” by pop culture. Here’s to women, here’s to sex. Join the conversation @WomenOnSex! Image: Courtesy of Mmabatho Montsho About the film maker: Mmabatho is a
Continue reading…
By Nonkululeko Anicia Khumalo On the 8th of March 2015, the world commemorated International Women’s Day and it was on the 13th of March 2015, when the Thabo Mbeki Foundation hosted an event to engage with the issues that are faced by women in South Africa’s society.
Date: 24 April 2015 Time: 6:30 PM Finishes: 24 April 2015 Time: 9:00 PM Venue: SOAS, Russell Square: Khalili Lecture Theatre Type of Event: Film Screening of Audre Lorde: The Berlin Years followed by a panel discussion with film maker and friend of Audre Lorde Dr. Dagmar Schultz, Dr. Marion Kraft who is featured in the film, and Ella Achola, founder and editor of the Ain’t I a Woman Collective.
We are officially launching! Join us at Housman’s radical booksellers for a night of spoken word and music, raffle and drinks! Confirmed acts: ASABI HAWAH (HOST) Asabi hails from the east end of London and splits her time between singing vocals in the 12 piece Afro-Latin Funk band 7Suns, the acoustic Hip-Hop/Reggae band You&Me and her solo material. Having been moved by the emotions in music she grew up
Continue reading…
By Siana Bangura; commissioned for the Ain’t I A Woman Collective launch I am woman Ain’t I? A black woman And you will hear my cry Today is the day you will see me Larger than life Bigger than I have ever been before My voice is loud My eyes are wide And I am fearful no more I bit off my shackles and my chains with my bare teeth And then
By Nadine Robinson As the firm edges invade my area Eyes rolling back in ecstasy Sensual touch of the ridges entice indescribable stimulation. Oils running down my skin Gliding gracefully through my thick strands Coating each one with its warmth and desires. Fingers tips gently massaging the moistness into places I never discovered Curves, turns, twists all independently standing to attention The army of liberation and empowerment encouraging others
Continue reading…
By Yovanka Perdigao She had fallen in love with the professor. Suave gentleman known through campus for his impeccable manners and style. He was everything she had expected in a man. He was a true connoisseur of Jazz, spent considerable time drinking coffee whilst reading Chinua Achebe poems, and carried neatly folded handkerchiefs in the back of his pockets. He was a complex man, sometimes arrogant and egocentric, and
Continue reading…