I've watched the term "Afropolitan" growing more commonplace on social media outlets, in news articles, etc.
I've been very curious to learn if this term, which is appealing because of its global sensibilities, as well as being a term coined by Africans to describe ourselves (a refreshing change), applied to me. Me being a half-Igbo (Nigerian) half-American born in the US, raised throughout Africa (including Nigeria, South Africa, Congo, and other locations), currently living and working back in the States. Does it include my friends who are of African descent in America and other places in the diaspora who may not be able to easily trace their heritage to a specific nation, tribe, or language the way I can?
I've also been interested to learn the end goals of advancing this term and identity. Do the goals include some sort of cultural revolution or awakening throughout the Diaspora? Social or economic improvements? Self-definition?
These topics and more were addressed at a 2 day symposium hosted by HMAAC earlier this month. Participants included:
The Symposium features a talented group of Africans in America, including artist Wangechi Mutu; actor. musician and social entrepreneur Derrick Ashong; author Taiye Selasi, who popularized the term “Afropolitans”; writer Teju Cole; filmmaker Odera Ozoka and arts maven Meme Omogbai. They will be joined by George Washington University professor Nemata Blyden.
*sidenote: Wangechi Mutu is one of my art idols and I had the privilege of meeting her and showing her one of my collages, which was displayed during the symposium. I went completely fan-girl on her, hugs, blushing and all. Somewhat embarrassing.*
My impressions leaving the symposium are mixed. On one hand I embrace the showcasing of diverse African experiences, as well as the flexibility of the term. On the other hand, it is difficult for me to look past the potential classism that can be easily attributed to the term.
The group of highly-educated and internationally mobile global citizens who are the faces and voices of Afropolitanism are a special but growing representation of the contemporary African experience. It was refreshing and inspiring to dine and discuss with the participants.
I've been very curious to learn if this term, which is appealing because of its global sensibilities, as well as being a term coined by Africans to describe ourselves (a refreshing change), applied to me. Me being a half-Igbo (Nigerian) half-American born in the US, raised throughout Africa (including Nigeria, South Africa, Congo, and other locations), currently living and working back in the States. Does it include my friends who are of African descent in America and other places in the diaspora who may not be able to easily trace their heritage to a specific nation, tribe, or language the way I can?
I've also been interested to learn the end goals of advancing this term and identity. Do the goals include some sort of cultural revolution or awakening throughout the Diaspora? Social or economic improvements? Self-definition?
These topics and more were addressed at a 2 day symposium hosted by HMAAC earlier this month. Participants included:
The Symposium features a talented group of Africans in America, including artist Wangechi Mutu; actor. musician and social entrepreneur Derrick Ashong; author Taiye Selasi, who popularized the term “Afropolitans”; writer Teju Cole; filmmaker Odera Ozoka and arts maven Meme Omogbai. They will be joined by George Washington University professor Nemata Blyden.
*sidenote: Wangechi Mutu is one of my art idols and I had the privilege of meeting her and showing her one of my collages, which was displayed during the symposium. I went completely fan-girl on her, hugs, blushing and all. Somewhat embarrassing.*
My impressions leaving the symposium are mixed. On one hand I embrace the showcasing of diverse African experiences, as well as the flexibility of the term. On the other hand, it is difficult for me to look past the potential classism that can be easily attributed to the term.
The group of highly-educated and internationally mobile global citizens who are the faces and voices of Afropolitanism are a special but growing representation of the contemporary African experience. It was refreshing and inspiring to dine and discuss with the participants.
Do you believe the classism will appear in the form of those who were born/can trace their direct African Heritage to a tribe or nation on the continent and those who are of African decent but not able to winnow down those specific details? I think that is what you're speaking of, but you did not make it clear. I also see the potential for that to happen, in the form that I've detailed. If you see it differently, please expound.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading lady and for the question.
ReplyDeleteThe issue that you are bringing up was definitely the 2007080909709809-ton elephant in the room for a large part of the audience. There was no strict answer given, but the panelists focused on the inclusiveness and the flexibility of the term "Afropolitan." I remember one panelist answered this question from a member of the audience who was Caribbean-American by saying yes, he should consider himself Afropolitan if he is moved to do so, because he is indeed a Diasporic African.
The classism I was referring to though was a response to the Afropolitan identity being tied in with the ability to be a citizen of the world...which implies having the means to travel internationally. This usually comes with a certain level of education, financial security, etc that is not available to the largest segment of the population.