tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46187294489901190212024-03-14T05:37:36.160+00:00Yaaya | iamyaayayaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-14351850695233754122017-06-03T12:00:00.000+01:002017-06-05T23:27:09.369+01:00Mary Osinibi, The Virtuosa Of Human Truths<div class='article-response-container'>
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<a href="http://www.maryosinibi.com/" target="_blank"><b>Mary Osinibi</b></a> is a multidisciplinary London-based artist who uses acrylic paints, photography, hand drawn sketches and digital art to inspire, educate and encourage people to speak up for justice and make an impact in the world they live in. She is influenced by African Art, Cubism and Fauvism Art; and her own self-exploration of faith – her own desires for change and transformation in herself. For Mary, art has the power to enrich lives and alter attitudes; it is capable of engaging and encouraging the human spirit”.
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Mary’s impressive <a href="http://www.maryosinibi.com/work" target="_blank">portfolio</a> focuses on the feelings, thoughts and experience of real people. Each colour is significant and evokes the notion that not everything is at it appears. For example her ongoing project, <i><a href="http://www.maryosinibi.com/work#/new-page-2/" target="_blank">The Aftermath passage</a></i> tells a story of people who have been impacted by migration, war and conflict, through a series of contemporary portraits expressing the emotions and testimonies from each participant.
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Featured in <i>The Aftermath Passage</i> is Emmanuel Jal, a child soldier, born in the war-torn region of the Southern Sudan on an unknown date in the early 1980s. Through unbelievable struggles, Jal managed to survive and become a recording artist, achieving worldwide acclaim for his unique style of hip hop with its message of peace and reconciliation born out of his personal experiences.
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<p class='justify'>Jal appeared alongside Reese Witherspoon as one of the lead roles in the Warner Bros 2014 film release <i>The Good Lie</i>. Jal has since been awarded the Calgary Peace Prize, the Humanitarian Award and has been honoured by Ban Ki Moon at the United Nations for his peach efforts in South Sudan.
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Like Emmanuel Jan, other inspiring stories have been encapsulated by Mary. Prior to the Aftermath project was ‘the Lazarus project’ which explored and restored life to old, mysteries ancient masks – reviving untold stories of great kingdoms, cultures and customs.
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Mary spends a lot of time in solitude when creating artwork, so when she is not painting, she mostly travels with friends or reads historical books. Throughout 2017, Mary will be showcasing works from the Aftermath Passage in different locations in the United Kingdom. She is currently offering <a href="http://www.maryosinibi.com/portraits/" target='_blank'>portrait services</a> using her signature style of paintings which is inspired by the Fauvism style which began around the 1900s.
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Mary Osinibi: an extraordinary talent that gifts us art imitating life so vividly and colourfully through a kaleidoscope of human truths. She is Yaaya.
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<p>Image Sources | Courtesy of Mary Osinibi's website: <a href='http://www.maryosinibi.com' target='_blank'>www.maryosinibi.com</a></p>
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</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-18198790494675809082017-01-02T22:29:00.000+00:002017-01-04T22:48:09.498+00:00Yaaya Reads: Valerie Kerri | The JJC Handbook: Adapting To The UK With Ease<div class='article-response-container'>
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<span class='content-bigger-pale-bold-text'>"Feigning a <i>'britico'</i> accent <br/>
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<img class='float-right-resize-medium' src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51iFQi3jeyL._SX322_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" />Valerie Awele Kerri is an entrepreneur, mentor and author of <a href="http://www.thejjchandbook.com" target="_blank"><i>The JJC Handbook</i></a> - one of the bestselling Nigerian books of 2016. Miss Kerri, a Nigerian, moved to the United Kingdom in her mid-20’s and suffered a ‘culture shock’ which spurred her on to writing a book about how Africans (Nigerians especially) can adapt to the UK with ease.
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For all those who may not be aware, J-J-C is a Nigerian slag for ‘Johnny Just Come’ loosely meaning ‘naïve new comers’. This comical but useful guide brings back relatable memories and in her book, Valerie deals with issues such as ‘What to do when you’re confronted by ticket officers on a train and how to succeed academically with immense parental pressure; after all winners ‘don’t have 10 heads’…
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The official launch of the book for the first-time author was in August 2016 at the trendy Shoreditch area in London. Amongst others, in attendance were noted poets and artists like Poetolu, Cherrelle Morris and Kenn Obi. When she is not writing, Valerie runs Kerri Consulting a career advice and personal branding consulting service in North West London. She helps new immigrants with adjusting to the new UK environment. In the pipeline for 2017, Valerie plans a tour for her book across the UK universities to promote her book. She is also writing a new book ‘The JJC memoirs’ an autobiography that is an accompaniment to The JJC Handbook.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg951u4nVUPC35I1Izc95BecLT4e4TUtofMihyphenhyphenyfwysgAb-F6G-15RYfi3cRQ73RVs1DIC32l65iuTDDxKktsdkRJjfKFTPApsP32dI_zoDZuuGNXzO9XDron-H1cyyfeljLupCQU7Z3DgJ/s320/a.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg951u4nVUPC35I1Izc95BecLT4e4TUtofMihyphenhyphenyfwysgAb-F6G-15RYfi3cRQ73RVs1DIC32l65iuTDDxKktsdkRJjfKFTPApsP32dI_zoDZuuGNXzO9XDron-H1cyyfeljLupCQU7Z3DgJ/s320/a.png" width="320" height="206" /></a></div>
Valerie is proud of her Nigerian heritage and has been on the board of directors for the Igbo Culture and support network UK (ICSN UK), for many years. She is an avid traveller and lover of new experiences. <br/><br/><br/>
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<p>Follow Valerie via her <a href="http://www.thejjchandbook.com" target="_blank">blog</a>, Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/valeriekerri" target="_blank">@valeriekerri</a>, and Instagram <a href="http://instagram.com/thejjchandbook" target="_blank">@thejjchandbook</a>.</p>
<p class='justify'>Source | Images courtesy of <a href='http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2016/11/how-soaking-garri-saved-my-life-find.html' target='_blank'>Linda Ikeji's Blog</a> and <a href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/JJC-handbook-Handbook-Adapting-ease/dp/1533553475' target='_blank'>Amazon</a>.
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</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-59156572696709614012016-12-30T21:14:00.000+00:002017-01-04T21:44:32.144+00:00Event: Chibundu Onuzo Book Launch For 'Welcome To Lagos' | Thursday 12th January 2017<div class='event-container'>
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<span class='content-bigger-bright-bold-text'>Chibundu Onuzo: <br/></span><span class='content-bigger-pale-bold-text'>Welcome to Lagos<br/></span>
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Join us to celebrate the publication of <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Welcome-Lagos-Chibundu-Onuzo/dp/0571268943" target='_blank'>‘Welcome to Lagos’</a>, a stunning literary portrayal of modern Nigeria, by writer Chibundu Onuzo.
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<i>Award-winning novelist Chibundu Onuzo and friends take you on a musical journey through Lagos to celebrate the publication of her incredible second novel, <i>Welcome to Lagos</i>. Onuzo will be in conversation with Ellah Allfrey, editor, literary critic and former deputy editor of Granta.</i>
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Chibundu Onuzo's first novel, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spider-Kings-Daughter-Chibundu-Onuzo/dp/0571268919" target='_blank'><i>The Spider King’s Daughter</i></a> won a Betty Trask Award; her novel was long-listed for the Desmond Elliott Prize and the Etisalat Prize for Literature, and was shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize and the Commonwealth Book Prize. <br/>Follow Chibundu: <a href="https://twitter.com/ChibunduOnuzo" target='_blank'>@ChibunduOnuzo</a><br/><br/>
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More <a href='https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/118481-chibundu-onuzo-2017' target='_blank'>information</a> about this event on the Southbank Centre website.
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<div class='event-detail-left'>When:
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<div class='event-detail-right'>Thursday 12th January 2017<br/><br/>
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<div class='event-detail-left'>Time:
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5.30 - 7pm<br/><br/>
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<div class='event-detail-left'>Admission Cost:
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<div class='event-detail-right'>Central Bar Foyer<br/>Level 2, Royal Festival Hall<br/><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/vFVRByQcJYD2" target="_blank" >Southbank Centre</a>
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<i>Image Sources: <a href="https://www.faber.co.uk/blog/event/chibundu-onuzo-welcome-to-lagos/" target="_blank">Faber & Faber</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Welcome-Lagos-Chibundu-Onuzo/dp/0571268943" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.
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Click <a href='http://iamyaaya.blogspot.co.uk/p/events.html'>here</a> for more upcoming events!
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</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-14495508151188978382014-06-24T23:10:00.001+01:002014-06-24T23:13:18.019+01:00Who Have You Chosen To Be In Your Circle Of Influence?<div class='interview'>
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<span class='content-big-dark-text'>"I always say
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<span class='content-big-bright-bold-text'>you don't need
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<span class='content-big-dark-bold-text'>lots of friends.
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<p class='justify'>One way to build personal resilience when it comes to life challenges, is to develop a good support network - your circle of influence. A strong support network will prep you at the start line, cheer you on during the toughest laps of your sprints and marathons, celebrate your efforts at the finish line, and do it all again for your next race.
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In part three of our five-part post, Toyin speaks to Yaaya about why support networks are both powerful and important, who sits within her circle of influence, and how we can rise by lifting others.
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And so the conversation continues …
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<h3>Because Life Is Not A Solo Act</h3>
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<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
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How important are networks of support?
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<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
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I think it is extremely important. For me personally, I always say that you don't need lots of friends. You just need people in your life that will encourage you and motivate you, even if it is just three people. If you don't have that, it's good that you can find that in different places, as long as they are like-minded people and they have a positive influence on you. It's amazing how much that can push you. Friends will call me to ask for advice on their situation, and by the end of the conversation, they haven't only just learnt from me, I have also learned from them.
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<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
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Can you comment on the importance specifically for black girls and women?
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<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
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It is important especially for black girls and women. We go through a lot of stuff - it's almost like we have this stigma that we are born with. I mean not only are you a woman, but you are also black. I know times are changing, but it's not changing as fast as they should be. So sometimes it's good to have a woman that has been through those social challenges of being a black woman.
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In this day and age, these young girls are growing up and seeing things that are misguiding them, and they need positive people around them to support and help put them back on the right track. Like little girls saying they want to be porn stars, it breaks my heart. And sometimes I feel it's hard when you have older parents, because sometimes you don't want to listen to them. So it's good to just be able to have someone you can just click with.
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<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
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How can role models or those that have gone before us be support networks?
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<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
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When you know somebody or somebody from somebody that you can say that you know has done this, or worked there, or started her own business, it gives support and motivation for your own dreams.
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Some girl that I know, that I knew while growing up, opened up her own salon. And it's like "woah, she's giving me motivation!" I wanted to start my business years ago, but I was sort of slacking. So now I am seeing loads of black women my age doing well and succeeding. That is encouraging me to work hard and strive. My sister started her own business too.
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<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
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How do you network to create a great support network?
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<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
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There are all these mentoring schemes going on. For example, Sotonye Duri, organises lots of these motivational speaking events, which are great if you are woman that wants to succeed, be empowered, and inspire because you can be mentored by a woman there already doing the same. So that is one of many good ways to gather people around you that have achieved so that they can work alongside you as you work at your own achievements.
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<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
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In a previous <i>Question of the Month</i>, Yaaya asked “who/what are your most valuable support networks?” We'd be interested to hear your response.
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<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
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My support network is my family. I always tell people, I don't need lots of friends. I have four sisters that love me regardless, so if you don't want to be my friend, I am not bothered.
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I am so close to my family, and my partner has a big family as well. So we're both really family-oriented, and that's where we get our support from. I know regardless of what happens to me, or what happens in my life, my family will always be there. They are not going to judge me, so whatever I am going through, I know I can always go to them. So they are my greatest support. Whether I am starting a new job, or a starting my own business, they are the ones that will be cheering "go Toyin, go Toyin!" (Laughs).
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I want to say, that even you don't have a close family, you can have friends that are like family. You just need a close circle of friends that will support you.
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<h3>Lift As We Rise</h3>
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How important do you think it is to mentor others, especially black girls and women?
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<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
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I think it is very important. If you are in a position to help people, you should always do it. I feel like if you are reaching goals, you should always help other people come up as well. You shouldn't just want to only succeed by yourself. If you have learned something, impart your knowledge onto other people. That's why I always use my life as an example when I talk to people. If I am doing something well, why should I be keeping it a secret, because I would want others to do well too.
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When I see my younger sisters' friends, I give them advice as well. If I see them slacking, I feel it is important to encourage them. Without you realising, these kids are looking up to you, and they've allowed you to have a platform in their lives where you can teach them how to do things better, how to be better, and to believe they can be successful.
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The world shows them they can't, that they have to fit a certain criteria to be successful. So you have to constantly remind them that regardless of what the world or media says to them, they can be anything. You can be a dark-skinned woman and be the CEO of a company, and if you don't want to be the CEO of somebody else's company, create your own!
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<h3>Woman In The Mirror</h3>
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<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
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Looking at a younger version of yourself, what do you want to say to her?
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<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
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Be happy because everything is going to work out the way it is supposed to be. I feel like I can have no regrets because they girl that I was at say, ten years old, has helped shape the woman that I today.
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The only thing I would have told my younger self is "just relax", because I stressed out a lot, especially when I was looking for a job. Whether it was the positive or negative things, everything worked out for this moment. So I am just grateful, so I just feel it is important to savour every moment.
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I guess I feel like I should have told myself to stop stressing and enjoy life more because everything has worked out fine.
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<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
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Imagine being an older version of yourself, what would say to present day self?
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<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
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I told you you were going to be successful! (Laughs). I told you, I told you!
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<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
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Preach!
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Stay connected for the penultimate part of our conversation with Toyin, where we discuss her social and cultural identity as a woman raised in Britain by traditional Nigerian parents. In this part of the interview, we also dispute the notion that ‘black is a behaviour’ and discuss why being the token black person might not be such a bad thing.
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Like this post? Leave your comments below to continue to support Yaaya’s vision of providing platforms to voice powerful stories of incredible women like Toyin. Invite others to join the conversation by sharing this post!
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</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-10434853660170191652014-06-08T23:15:00.002+01:002014-06-08T23:24:25.886+01:00Role Models: Choice Or Chosen?<div class='article-response-container'>
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<span class='content-medium-bright-bold-text'>it is by
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<span class='content-pale-bold-text'>on the
</span>
<span class='content-medium-dark-bold-text'>shoulders of <br/>
</span>
<span class='content-big-bright-bold-text'>giants." <br/><br/>
</span>
<span class='content-big-pale-text'>~
</span>
<span class='content-big-bright-text'>Isaac
</span>
<span class='content-big-dark-text'>Newton
</span>
</h2>
</div>
</div>
<p class='justify'>
Isaac Newton could not have better emphasised the importance of role models with this sentence. It unpacks the idea that we can see further on our journey when we can be lifted on the wisdom and experiences of those that have gone before us - ‘those’ referring to people that inspire us to believe our aspirations can be realised. The interesting question is whether one consciously chooses to be a role model, or whether one is (unbeknown to them) chosen.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
As far back as history records, people have needed role models, as much as they have needed a sense of identity, a sense of belonging. Role models can inspire us to great heights and encourage us to chase dreams. They give us that “I too can do that!” feeling. When faced with new challenges, unfamiliar situations, they provide the foundational blueprint, a living and/or familiar compass, as it were, to enable us navigate our way forward.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
How then are role models created? Do people make a conscious choice to become role models, or are they chosen by the person seeking said compass?
If becoming a role model is a conscious choice, does this bring an associated social, moral, and cultural responsibility that the self-elected exemplar must then observe? A responsibility to demonstrate and embody ideals to be emulated by those the role model seeks to inspire or influence?
</p>
<p class='justify'>
Or is it in fact, the other way around? Do we as human beings, choose our role models? Do we seek out those whom we identify with, on a socio-cultural level, and adorn them with our expectations? This is particularly true for public figures, from athletes to musicians, politicians to corporate leaders. However, imposing such responsibility on said individual does not always meet with warm acceptance. Cue Rihanna, who has stopped short of signing her utter <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/1671882/rihanna-role-model-british-vogue-uk" target='_blank'>disinterest in being a role model</a> in blood and ink.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
If role models are chosen or self-elected, what are the parameters (if any) of selection or acceptance by us (society)? Whose responsibility is it to educate us into making the right choices? More importantly, who should our role models be?
</p>
</div>
</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-45393867921436320282014-06-05T21:51:00.002+01:002014-06-05T21:52:34.882+01:00Disarming Ignorance And Empowering The Human Condition One Article At A Time<div class='interview'>
<div class='interview-summary'>
<div class='interview-block-quote-container'>
<div class='interview-block-quote'>
<h2>
<span class='content-big-dark-text'>"To me,
</span>
<span class='content-small-dark-text'>it's about
</span>
<span class='content-big-bright-bold-text'>being the type of
</span>
<span class='content-big-dark-bold-text'>journalist
</span>
<span class='content-small-dark-text'>that
</span>
<span class='content-pale-bold-text'>makes people say
</span>
<span class='content-medium-bright-text'>‘yes,
</span>
<span class='content-dark-bold-text'>I read that
</span>
<span class='content-small-dark-text'>and
</span>
<span class='content-big-bright-bold-text'>it moved me.’"
</span>
</h2>
</div>
</div>
<p class='justify'>Sitting in a busy sandwich shop in Westfield Stratford City, Yaaya welcomed the chance to capture the beginnings of Toyin’s journey of self-discovery as a journalist.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
In the second post of our five-part interview, Toyin resolves the cliffhanger of the <a href="http://www.iamyaaya.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/toyin-owoseje-proving-persistence-is.html">previous conversation</a>. She candidly shares with us how she got her first internship with Heat magazine using a special formula: mix a little bit of luck with a whole lot of undeniable determination.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
And so the conversation continues …
</p>
</div>
<div class='interview-transcript'>
<div class='header'>
<div class='header'>
<img
src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ5WqMqZeUrUjnjLSYNrxgAu4tEl3eFPcx-Or_RtoF8qlpEaqbVdiRAtle5s12d8o53Ds1OLFyFfRNXns0CYpsKD8F05-coBWgyu4Yn5V4IZp-WN-s3w19j-Huqlt83RqHJ6X9D3JWaM/s320/line_divider.png'
class='float-centre-resize-shorter-inline'/>
<h3>There's No Passenger Seat On A Journey Into Journalism</h3>
<div class='small-br'> </div>
<hr class='line-divider-bottom'/>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
To quote what you previously said, how did you “blag your way in” to get a job at Heat magazine?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
So I walked in, and I pretended that I knew where I was going (laughs). I got to the reception, and I was like "oh, I've just been here, I am bit lost. I am trying to find Heat". The receptionist directed me to the location, and then I asked to speak to the editorial assistant. I introduced myself and said I was looking for an internship. She was looking at me as if to say, "you are not really supposed to be here," but I asked hopefully "is it possible to get anything [here]?"
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
That takes guts.
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
I think she sort of liked me, because I was like "anything, I don't mind". I was fortunate because a prospective intern had cancelled the week before. I was like "God is so good!" She took my CV and said she would call in the next half-hour. I walked out, and literally about ten minutes later, she asked "oh, can you come on Monday?" And I said "yes, I'm coming in!" (Laughs).
<br/><br/>
So I went in on Monday, literally it was so boring I did barely any writing.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
That is unfortunate. But what did you learn from the situation?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
It was a big wake up call, because I sort of realised that this is what journalism is about, it's not always about the glamour. So I stuck it through for the week. Luckily, I was smart because at Bauer Media, the offices have a lot of different publications. So I made a point of making friends.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Kudos to you for recognising the importance of networking.
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
So when my week was coming up, I was referred to an editorial assistant for More magazine who needed somebody for the following week. So I went to More magazine for a week. They realised I was capable, so they started giving me little bit more responsibility. For example, I wrote the captions.
<br/><br/>
Then after that, I worked at Closer magazine to help out on their web desk. I was asked if I had any web experience, and I have to confess that I blagged it a bit really: "Yeah, I've got it". The work was unpaid. Meanwhile, I was supposed to do something at my retail job, so I sort of called in sick, because for me, I'd rather do this [journalism] for no money than get paid to do something I wasn’t passionate about.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
True.
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
So I went in for two weeks, I got to do some much writing for the website. They really liked me so they extended my internship. The web editor went on maternity leave, the assistant editor was away, and the lead writer took the position of the editor, so I was second-in-charge. They got me to do loads of things, and I got to go to all these events. I ended up staying at More for three months. It wasn't paid, but I got so much experience.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
But you left?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
The only reason I left was because I kept trying to get a permanent position there but there were issues with budget. And so it got to a point where my partner was like "babe, if you stay there, they are going to know you are just working for free and let you keep working for free. So you basically just have to step out, have a leap of faith, and hope that the experience you've got [with Heat and More] will get you another job closer to your goal.”
<br/><br/>
So I left More magazine and continued my work experience at the retail job. Then I applied for another internship, which was paid. I did a lot of internships, I even worked at a construction magazine for a bit. So I got the internship and I went in three days a week. I was supposed to be there for three months, and ended up staying there for six months. However, they couldn't employ me was because they were having to make cuts at the magazine. So I was like "drats ... again! No money!" (Laughs).
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Which magazine was this?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Mobile magazine, it was a technology magazine. The thing is when I initially applied for it, it was just because it was paid and I would get to write. But I actually loved it! It was a technology magazine, and seemed like it was going to be so dull, but it wasn't. Anything that had to do with mobiles, sim cards, handsets, I would do it.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Where there any career defining lessons or exciting opportunities in this role?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Because I was the junior writer, they would send me out onto the streets to get stories. I got to see what kind of journalist I would like to be.
While I was there, I got to go to Nice and Monaco for all these mobile technology events. I remember I went to Monaco because Orange were launching a new NFC device. but all the senior writers weren't able to go, so they were like "Toyin, do you want to go? Free holiday, first class ..." Of course I didn’t hesitate to accept. I stayed in a five-star hotel. From my balcony you could see all these beautiful yachts. I was there for a couple of days, I travelled first class. I'd never travelled first class in my entire life! It was amazing.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Good on you for just putting your hand up for that opportunity. Sometimes an opportunity is just about taking a chance.
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
IB Times had hired me because they had seen my writing at Mobile magazine. The job specification was actually for a general news writer, but they really needed a lifestyle writer. I accepted the role, and since then it has just got better and better.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
That’s great.
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Within a short space of time, I have built up lots of experience doing different kinds of writing. And now that I am in the process of starting my own business, I can take with me all the skills I have acquired. I had to do things the hard way, so having to go through all these internships was a blessing in disguise because I got to pick up different skills. So if you wanted me to write a celebrity story, I could that. A hard-core news story, a technology story ... I could do all of that.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Can you tell us a bit more about this business ... unless if it is confidential?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Sure, basically I am starting my own online publication. Actually, it's not just an online publication, it's going to be my own brand. It's going to have three branches to it. It's going to be: a YouTube channel, a print magazine, and an online edition. That's my project.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
And you are doing this by yourself?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Yes ... by myself. I know it sounds really weird, but it's my little baby. Although, I have received advice from family and friends, I have just kept it as my little thing. This is simply because I don't want to feel bad if I don't take their stuff on-board. And if I have a partner, I feel like I will have to make compromises, and for my dream, I don't want to have to make compromises.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='header'>
<img
src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ5WqMqZeUrUjnjLSYNrxgAu4tEl3eFPcx-Or_RtoF8qlpEaqbVdiRAtle5s12d8o53Ds1OLFyFfRNXns0CYpsKD8F05-coBWgyu4Yn5V4IZp-WN-s3w19j-Huqlt83RqHJ6X9D3JWaM/s320/line_divider.png'
class='float-centre-resize-shorter-inline'/>
<h3>If Journalism Is An Art, Who/What is the Journalist’s Muse?</h3>
<div class='small-br'> </div>
<hr class='line-divider-bottom'/>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
What keeps you motivated? What inspires you?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
On my website, when we write stories, at the bottom of the page, there is an option to leave feedback for my work e-mail address. I get e-mails from people all round the world … from people blasting me (laughs), to people saying how much I have changed their lives.
<br/><br/>
Depending on what story I write, I'll have people every other day sending me an e-mail. I remember there was a story I wrote in response to a video I saw online, it was about a video that had gone viral of a Malaysian woman beating her child. When I wrote the story, the website at work was going crazy, and people were writing e-mails about how much I had affected them. For example, one woman wrote "I am crying tears right now, and holding my child so tight. I can't believe someone could do this."
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
That’s powerful.
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
For me, I am motivated to write things that matter: writing that will inform people, change people's lives, and make people see things in a different light.
<br/><br/>
To me, it's not just about being a journalist, it's about being the type of journalist that will make people say "yes, I read that and it moved me." That's what keeps me going, it's the fact that my writing it getting out there and is being read because the message matters.
<br/><br/>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-conclusion'>
<p class='justify'>
Look out for Part 3 of our five-part post, where Toyin talks to Yaaya about why surrounding yourself with the right people can create a powerful circle of influence.
</br>
</br>
Like this post? Leave your comments below to continue to support Yaaya’s vision of providing platforms to voice powerful stories of incredible women like Toyin. Invite others to join the conversation by sharing this post!
</br>
</br>
</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-86655096598546724262014-06-03T23:50:00.000+01:002014-06-04T01:43:44.215+01:00Toyin Owoseje, Proving Persistence Is The Key, Wrench and Bulldozer For Unlocking Opportunity’s Door<div class='interview'>
<div class='interview-summary'>
<img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkY8-a8GmLzI7BSsZRYQsGu4eYrv3wq9cRxHkifQMEiee7sUeVIdYWE9-tVMBDSWKHgbG56nD5XlAeRxSfXeU9OhheGn__Jxyc_Pr9vJqmzvsOImR6nXbe9OEVXaeQ2phMZOoZNjt4d-Y/s320/toyin-owoseje-profile.JPG' class='float-left-resize-medium'/>
<p class='justify'>Meet <a href='http://iamyaaya.blogspot.co.uk/p/interview-bios.html#toyin-owoseje'>Toyin Owoseje</a> - a young, strongly-opinionated, ambitious woman blazing her own trail in the world of media as a lifestyle and entertainment journalist. Her persistence and work-ethic has motivated her be open to all opportunities, and dare we say bulldozed opportunity’s door to create her own luck. You don’t believe us? Read for yourself!
</p>
<p class='justify'>
In the first part of this five-part post, Toyin talks to us about why platforms like Yaaya are a necessity for today’s young black girls, how she navigated her own path into Journalism, and why sometimes you have to take risks and fake it until you make it.
</p>
<p class='justify'>And so the conversation begins …
</p>
</div>
<div class='interview-transcript'>
<div class='header'>
<div class='header'>
<img
src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ5WqMqZeUrUjnjLSYNrxgAu4tEl3eFPcx-Or_RtoF8qlpEaqbVdiRAtle5s12d8o53Ds1OLFyFfRNXns0CYpsKD8F05-coBWgyu4Yn5V4IZp-WN-s3w19j-Huqlt83RqHJ6X9D3JWaM/s320/line_divider.png'
class='float-centre-resize-shorter-inline'/>
<h3>Toyin Meet Yaaya. Yaaya Meet Toyin.</h3>
<div class='small-br'> </div>
<hr class='line-divider-bottom'/>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Toyin it is a pleasure to meet you again. Most people won't know this, but we actually went to secondary school together. When you responded to our initial invitation, you spoke high praise for what Yaaya was trying to do. Would you like to share why you feel platforms like Yaaya are much needed?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
I feel like, in this day and age, a lot of black girls are … misguided. It is really hard to find inspiration and motivation, especially in this industry where the media is telling you how to look. Music videos are telling you that if you shake your booty, look good, and are light-skinned, you will get far in life. To be honest, we haven't got enough inspirational women out there that are going to stand up for women of all colours and say “yes, you are beautiful regardless of what you look like.”
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
By “enough inspirational women out there”, do you mean celebrities?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Most of these celebrities that young women are looking up to are contradictory of women themselves. Some are saying that they are not trying to be a role model but are still feeding off the fan-base of people that are trying to be like them and making money off of it. Seriously?!
<br/><br/>
So it is good to have a platform where it's a positive message and women can actually learn from each other. We need more social initiatives like this because women are getting lost.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Can you elaborate?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Young girls are saying basically, “I just want to be kept, I don't need to be successful because if Amber Rose can go from a stripper to a house-wife, so can I.” Girls are not even trying to make their own money now: “I need to find a rich guy, marry, and I am good.” That is what some of these reality shows and celebrities are showing them. So, It's good to have space where like-minded women are visible to remind us that you can be independent, successful, and just keep it classy.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='header'>
<img
src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ5WqMqZeUrUjnjLSYNrxgAu4tEl3eFPcx-Or_RtoF8qlpEaqbVdiRAtle5s12d8o53Ds1OLFyFfRNXns0CYpsKD8F05-coBWgyu4Yn5V4IZp-WN-s3w19j-Huqlt83RqHJ6X9D3JWaM/s320/line_divider.png'
class='float-centre-resize-shorter-inline'/>
<h3>The Journalist In Profile</h3>
<div class='small-br'> </div>
<hr class='line-divider-bottom'/>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'></div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
You are currently a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist at International Business Times UK. Can you tell us more about your role?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Basically, I am the person in the office that gets to do the … interesting stuff (smiles).
<br/><br/>
Our publication is business, but like The Financial Times, we also have sections for sport, lifestyle and entertainment. I am the designated lifestyle and entertainment writer in the office, so I get to cover fashion, lifestyle, celebrity news, showbiz, art, music … anything that comes under that umbrella. And I get to just go to really cool events, meet people. Some people will say I get to do the 'soft' journalism - some will say it as a good thing, some will say “it's not really journalism”.
<br/><br/>
I like to mix it up as well. Because I am lifestyle and entertainment writer and a general writer in the office as well, I get thrown in to do more [hard-hitting news], which I like. A while ago, I did a story about Stella Damasus, I don't even know how to pronounce her name right, sorry. She is a Nollywood actress, and she spoke about …
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
“Child Not Bride” …
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Yes – child marriage. And I felt really touched by it. It's not really my area because we have foreign writers in the office but I said to a colleague, “she is a Nigerian celebrity [who has spoken up about child marriage in Africa]”, to which he replied “we don't really know her”. However, I said “well, she is known! And I think it's a big story.” So I wrote that story, even though it's not really under my bracket.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
How long have you been in the role then?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
I have been at the International Business Times since … it's going to be almost three years.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
And what has your journey been like into journalism? How did you get into journalism?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
It has been hard (laughs). Like most graduates, when I was in uni I was very naïve. I sort of thought “okay, if I get a degree then I will come out and get a job”. Nah! So I came out, had my degree, I was just like yeah, started applying for all these journalism roles, writer roles and administrative roles. All sorts of roles ... anything and everything to get me into the door.
<br/><br/>
I applied over the course of a year and a bit. I was very stubborn, I didn't apply for anything else but journalism related roles. And everyone was like "no, no, no". I think I got about two hundred "nos", and some of them didn't even bother replying. Literally!
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
That is tough. Unfortunately, in this job climate, it is a situation that a lot of young people can identify with.
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
I had been unemployed during time , so my partner was like "babe, seriously you're not working and you need to sort of look elsewhere for now, and apply for jobs you might not necessarily want but that would build up your experience." Unfortunately when I was in university, I made the mistake of doing only one internship, which was the mandatory one for my course. So when I came out of university, I actually didn't have that much experience. Even though, in theory I did, and I could write. It's just that my CV just looked really plain.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
What was your game plan?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
So after I got my wake up call about a year and half in, I just thought let me take a retail position. It hurt my pride. I took the job just to pay the bills, and while I was there I started applying for internships. I applied for a few, got a few nos.
<br/><br/>
Then I finally just tired one day so I walked in, this is how unhappy I was, I woke up one day and I said "babe, I'm going to the West End to hand out my CV, I'm going to go to their offices, because whenever I hand out the CV nobody replies or they say ‘no’. So if I meet them face to face, I can blag my way in."
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Wow!
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
I left my house around eight o'clock in the morning, and walked the West End up and down looking for all these addresses I had collected. I went into their offices and a lot of them said "no, we can't see you, you have to [apply] online."
<br/><br/>
Luckily enough, I went to Bauer Media, the Heat offices. Do you know Heat magazine?
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Yes.
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Toyin O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
So I walked in, and literally blagged my way in.
<br/><br/>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-conclusion'>
<p class='justify'>
Yaaya continues the conversation in Part 2 of our five-part post where Toyin talks to Yaaya about bagging her first internship at Heat magazine and what sustains her love for journalism.
</br>
</br>
Like this post? Leave your comments below to continue to support Yaaya’s vision of providing platforms to voice powerful stories of incredible women like Toyin. Invite others to join the conversation by sharing this post!
</br>
</br>
</p>
</div>
<span>
<p>Image Source | These images do not belong to Yaaya. Image courtesy of Toyin Owoseje.</p>
</span>
</div>
</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-90885263657127511022014-06-02T20:48:00.001+01:002014-06-04T01:15:35.003+01:00Maya Angelou, "Bringing The Gifts That My Ancestors Gave"<div class='article-response-container'>
<div class='article-response'>
<div class='article-block-quote-container'>
<div class='article-block-quote'>
<h3>
<span class='content-big-bright-bold-text'>“I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels.
</span>
<span class='content-big-pale-bold-text'>Life's a bitch.
</span>
<span class='content-big-dark-bold-text'>You've got to go out and kick ass.”<br/><br/>
</span>
<span class='content-big-pale-text'>~
</span>
<span class='content-big-bright-text'>Maya
</span>
<span class='content-big-dark-text'>Angelou
</span>
</h3>
</div>
</div>
<p class='justify'>
<div class='article-response-image'>
<img src='http://mayaangelou.com/images/bio8.jpg' class='float-right'/>
</div>
“<i>Still I Rise</i>”, “<i>I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings</i>” and “<i>Phenomenal Woman</i>” are all works of <a href="http://mayaangelou.com/" href=>Dr. Maya Angelou</a> filled with words and images which have simultaneously humbled, enriched, humoured and taught many across the globe. At 86 years old, Maya Angelou’s life has “ended”, but her long lasting mark on literature, poetry, American history and most of all people’s hearts, has and will outlive her. The goodness of humanity, the diversity of human life and a tirelessly fighting spirit are wrapped up in this Arkansas Southern Belle.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
Here at Yaaya we think of Dr. Angelou as a teacher, a healer and wisdom giver, due to her loving and resilient nature, which has been an undeniable force in the 20<sup>th</sup> and 21<sup>st</sup> century. Her words, stories and experiences carry a weight steeped in history, trauma and joy, which has been to both young and old and powerful and powerless, a guide and comforter through challenging and triumphant times.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
The magnitude of her presence and words, has not only struck chords amongst her dearest literary admirers, but also those within the realm of politics, music and sport. Respect is what she demands, and respect is what she is given. Wisdom is what she exudes, and listening ears is what she receives. Grace is what she illuminates, and her light is what we absorb.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
With all the attributes that Yaaya celebrates in women such as power, resilience, leadership, ambition and success, Dr. Angelou is all this and then some. Be it through her storytelling gifts, her poetic celebration of womanhood and African ancestry, her life as a singer, dancer, actor, cook, young single mother, civil rights activist, professor, film and television producer, playwright or traveller, these snapshots illustrate a colourful and richly lived existence.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
Depending on the decade or decades in which she assumed many of these roles, she fought and overcame racial prejudice and sexism refusing to let these experiences define her reality or limit her aspirations. In her later life, the experience and wisdom she gained through living through over eight decades, befriending historical icons like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and acting as critical social commentator, earned her over 30 honorary degrees, the mentor of choice for the powerful and famous, and an unwavering, endearing respect across the world.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
Ever true to her Southern and African American roots, she is seen by many as being one of the prominent voices of Black America in modern times which is easily visible in her writings. To borrow some of her own words to celebrate her life and her longevity despite it's end, it is fitting to say: “We the descendants of the enslaved, children of the South, we never say that someone has died. You never die. You “pass over.” Maya, you have passed over. But your legacy will live with us forever. You. Are. Yaaya.
</p>
</div>
<span>
<p>Image Source | Image does not belong to Yaaya. Image courtesy of <a href="http://mayaangelou.com" target='_blank'>Dr. Maya Angelou, The Official Website</a>.</p>
</span>
</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-34410753539815006272014-05-26T14:00:00.000+01:002014-05-26T15:17:00.912+01:00Oh, How Time Flies ...<div class='interview'>
<div class='interview-summary'>
<div class='interview-block-quote-container'>
<div class='interview-block-quote'>
<h2>
<span class='content-small-dark-text'>"We are
</span>
<span class='content-big-bright-bold-text'>hugely indebted to all those
</span>
<span class='content-small-dark-text'> who have given us
</span>
<span class='content-dark-bold-text'>their support,
</span>
<span class='content-pale-bold-text'>contributed to Yaaya,
</span>
<span class='content-medium-bright-bold-text'>provided feedback,
</span>
<span class='content-dark-bold-text'>read our blogs,
</span>
<span class='content-small-pale-text'>and engaged with us in any way.</br>
</span>
<span class='content-dark-bold-text'>You are
</span>
<span class='content-big-bright-bold-text'>Yaaya ..."
</span>
</h2>
</div>
</div>
<p class='justify'>In our <a href="http://www.iamyaaya.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/and-so-conversation-begins.html">introductory post</a>, we told you about the beginnings of Yaaya - an initiative founded out of a social necessity for black girls and women in 21st century Europe to share their own personal stories. Our mission is for such stories to inspire thought-provoking discussions that will give social visibility to black women and black women's experiences.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
In continuation of our first post, we wanted to celebrate the journey made thus far, celebrate our excitement for the journey ahead, and thank our supporters for continuing to be active in our conversations.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
And so the conversation continues …
</p>
</div>
<div class='interview-transcript'>
<div class='header'>
<img
src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ5WqMqZeUrUjnjLSYNrxgAu4tEl3eFPcx-Or_RtoF8qlpEaqbVdiRAtle5s12d8o53Ds1OLFyFfRNXns0CYpsKD8F05-coBWgyu4Yn5V4IZp-WN-s3w19j-Huqlt83RqHJ6X9D3JWaM/s320/line_divider.png'
class='float-centre-resize-shorter-inline'/>
<h3>Happy Birthday Yaaya</h3>
<div class='small-br'> </div>
<hr class='line-divider-bottom'/>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Anon:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
It has been almost just over a year since your official launch in May last year. How would you describe your success story to date?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
(Pause) We still find it unbelievably humbling to see how far an idea to address the social invisibility of black girls and women in Europe has opened many doors and windows of opportunities. Possibly in the beginning, we underestimated how pivotal Yaaya could be within our communities.
<br/><br/>
As of today, we celebrate the fact that we have published over eighty posts, and completed two industry cycles highlighting black women working in academia and creative industries. We are currently on our third industry cycle, highlighting black women who work in the media, which includes an exciting interview with Belinda Otas, the Assistant Editor of the New African Woman Magazine. Our work in this short space of time has attracted over 23,000 page views on the blog alone.
<br/><br/>
In addition to this, we have provided insightful coverage on events such as Africa At Spitalfields, Africa Fashion Week London, and two of the Royal African Society’s events, Africa Writes and the Film Africa Festival. Our work hasn’t stopped there. We have produced commentary and sought to start discussion around black feminism, immigration, and racism within politics.
<br/><br/>
We feel we have come a long in way in such a short space of time, but our feet are firmly placed on the ground because we know there is still a lot of work to do. It's exciting times. (Laughs)
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='header'>
<img
src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ5WqMqZeUrUjnjLSYNrxgAu4tEl3eFPcx-Or_RtoF8qlpEaqbVdiRAtle5s12d8o53Ds1OLFyFfRNXns0CYpsKD8F05-coBWgyu4Yn5V4IZp-WN-s3w19j-Huqlt83RqHJ6X9D3JWaM/s320/line_divider.png'
class='float-centre-resize-shorter-inline'/>
<h3>What Are You Talking About?</h3>
<div class='small-br'> </div>
<hr class='line-divider-bottom'/>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Anon:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
One of the aspects I appreciate about your blog is the diversity of your content to address your three principles regarding social visibility, fair representation and role models for black girls and women. Why do you have these different 'conversation threads'?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
So we have five on-going 'conversation threads'. The first was <i>'In Her Words’ </i>, which is a series of industry-spotlight interviews with black women on different professional and personal journeys across a wide range of professions. Here we showcase the different representations of black women, highlight their aspirations, and seek to motivate the readers of their story. We have interviewed women working in academia, fashion and textiles, home interiors, art and design, and media.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Anon:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Excuse my bluntness – what is the point of this series?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
We felt we needed a platform that would give sound to the voice that is usually unheard in the media: through the myriad of possible questions that can be asked, we want to understand our interviewee, a black woman, in her words and hopefully inspire others of all races, sexes and backgrounds to join her conversation and start their conversation to share their stories in their own words.
<br/><br/>
Then we have our <i>'Yaaya Asks' </i> thread.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Anon:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Yes, the responses to these questions have been insightful!
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
We're glad you feel that way. Every month we publish a question related to a particular theme that aligns with our principles. These questions aim to foster dialogue by being open-ended and are intended to speak to our readers’ personal experiences or observations.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Anon:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Why do you feel this particular interaction with your readership is important?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
It is important, because our objective is get everyone to feel comfortable talking about identity, ‘race’, gender and other socio-political issues concerning black women in an open forum. What better way to get people talking than to ask a question? (Smiles)
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Anon:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Especially in conservative Europe!
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
You hit the nail on the head. We feel that in Europe, these such conversations are held in private, probably for fear of causing offence, or such issues are brushed under the carpet, probably for fear of causing social conflicts. We usually post these questions once a month and collect responses via Twitter and our Facebook wall.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Anon:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
I noticed that you started adding a Yaaya commentary, in addition to publishing your readers’ responses. Why is this?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Yes, so a representative collection of the readers’ responses to the question of the month are published in the 'Yaaya Asked' series. We include our own commentary to provide context, a summary, and a more detailed focus on the question.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Anon:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
I understand. And then, there is the 'Reflections From Europe' conversation thread?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Yes - this is a collection of articles, typically with a socio-political focus, to provide a European perspective on world issues and events. Check out our post in remembrance of Dr Martin Luther King. Even when we re-read this, it was definitely food for thought on how that dream of social equality is not just something you read in American history. We still have that dream in present day Europe.
<br/><br/>
We also have a series called 'She Is Yaaya' -
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Anon:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
I love this series. Very inspiring!
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Can we ask what you have found inspiring about it?
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Anon:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Oh, I see you have assumed the interviewer role so soon!
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
(Laughs).
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Anon:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
In my opinion, I feel this series is much needed as one solution to address the need for greater social visibility of black women. For example, I see the ‘She is Yaaya’ series as a strong and passionate intent to showcase more positive images and role models to inspire black women and girls. And you know what is even more important?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
What?
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Anon:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
To see women celebrating women. (Smiles) That sense of sisterhood is important, not to be exclusive or anything, but to disprove the notion that women can't be supportive of each other because of that sense there is only one 'female position' at the top.
<br/><br/>
What do you hope your readers will get out of this series?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
By celebrating the achievement of black women in Europe, we hope that our readers will be able to recall successful black women in Europe that they have been inspired by. Our objective isn’t to necessarily ‘produce’ role models, but to instead show that we already have them in our communities.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Anon:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
You know, I officially raise my hand up and admit that I couldn't answer your first 'Yaaya Asks' question - to name top five black women in Europe.
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Can you name five now? No pressure (laughs).
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Anon:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Honestly, I could probably only give you three immediately off the top of my head: Cecile Kyenge, Diane Abbott, Mariam Osman Sherifay.
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
That is still a great answer – considering they are all politicians, and we don't think many people could have named three top black female politicians in Europe.
<br/><br/>
Ah ... so there is still more work to be done! (Smiles).
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='header'>
<img
src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ5WqMqZeUrUjnjLSYNrxgAu4tEl3eFPcx-Or_RtoF8qlpEaqbVdiRAtle5s12d8o53Ds1OLFyFfRNXns0CYpsKD8F05-coBWgyu4Yn5V4IZp-WN-s3w19j-Huqlt83RqHJ6X9D3JWaM/s320/line_divider.png'
class='float-centre-resize-shorter-inline'/>
<h3>Who Do We Think You (Yaaya) Are?</h3>
<div class='small-br'> </div>
<hr class='line-divider-bottom'/>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Anon:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Do you feel that all your readers now understand who Yaaya is and who Yaaya is for?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Yes. And No.
<br/><br/>
We think our readers understand that Yaaya provides a platform for black girls and women to be heard. But perhaps something that is sometimes getting lost in translation is the idea that Yaaya is a platform for black women to be visible, not just a platform for black women full-stop. It's not an exclusive, membership only club where the entry requirements demand that you be (a) black and (b) female. That is not the case.
<br/><br/>
We believe that the goal to see black women visible within their communities, work-places, schools, and boardrooms is an ideal that should be supported by everyone, not just fellow black women. We think there is a universal benefit to seeing social equality around us, and so seeing black women visible, especially for the younger generation, is crucial. So everyone, regardless of race or gender plays a key role in this cause. We need to move on from this thought that race and gender is a conversation that only certain people are privy to discuss.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='header'>
<img
src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ5WqMqZeUrUjnjLSYNrxgAu4tEl3eFPcx-Or_RtoF8qlpEaqbVdiRAtle5s12d8o53Ds1OLFyFfRNXns0CYpsKD8F05-coBWgyu4Yn5V4IZp-WN-s3w19j-Huqlt83RqHJ6X9D3JWaM/s320/line_divider.png'
class='float-centre-resize-shorter-inline'/>
<h3>Preparing For Take-off: Planning For Success</h3>
<div class='small-br'> </div>
<hr class='line-divider-bottom'/>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Anon:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
What are your goals for Yaaya in your second year?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
As a platform, we seek to better engage people with the stories and commentary we produce, as well as those told by others. Our aim for this is to really begin to facilitate productive conversations amongst large groups of people online.
<br/><br/>
We are also experimenting with different forms of media such as film and sound, that diversify our delivery of stories and commentary to our audience.
<br/><br/>
Another aspiration is to also boost our human capital, by developing our own understanding of the issues Yaaya is concerned with, and make valuable connections with those who share the same aims as us. Arguably at the top of our list, we strongly desire to build a brand. This will take time; however 2014 is the year we aim to get the ball rolling!
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Anon:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Those are some very well thought-out aims!
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Yes they are. We have taken time to reflect on our first twelve months, and feel that in order for Yaaya to really ‘take off’; there are key short and long term objectives we must aim to meet.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='header'>
<img
src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ5WqMqZeUrUjnjLSYNrxgAu4tEl3eFPcx-Or_RtoF8qlpEaqbVdiRAtle5s12d8o53Ds1OLFyFfRNXns0CYpsKD8F05-coBWgyu4Yn5V4IZp-WN-s3w19j-Huqlt83RqHJ6X9D3JWaM/s320/line_divider.png'
class='float-centre-resize-shorter-inline'/>
<h3>To Our Supporters: You Are Yaaya </h3>
<div class='small-br'> </div>
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<div class='interviewer-name'>Anon:</div>
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How important have your supporters been for you?
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<div class='interviewee-name'>Yaaya:</div>
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We are hugely indebted to all those who have given us their support, contributed to Yaaya, provided feedback, read our blogs, and engaged with us in any way. You are Yaaya, and we thank you all very much! We hope you stay engaged and stimulated by our work, give us feedback, and remain with us on our ambitious journey.
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Like this post? Leave your comments below to let us know your thoughts. Invite others to join the conversation by sharing this post!
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yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-85550847065308897652014-03-24T08:45:00.000+00:002014-03-24T08:45:37.718+00:00Event: Justice Rising | Wednesday 26th March 2014<div class='event-container'>
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<span class='content-bigger-bright-bold-text'>Justice Rising: <br/></span><span class='content-bigger-pale-bold-text'>Moving intersectionality in the age of post-everything<br/></span>
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Featuring renowned academic expert and social activist for racial equality, Kimberlé W. Crenshaw, Professor of Law at UCLA and Columbia.
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Crenshaw has lectured nationally and internationally on race matters, addressing audiences throughout Europe, Africa, and South America. She has facilitated workshops for civil rights activists in Brazil and in India, and for constitutional court judges in South Africa.
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Her work has appeared in the <a href='http://www.harvardlawreview.org/index.php/' target='_blank'>Harvard Law Review</a>, the <a href='http://journals.cdrs.columbia.edu/nblj/index.php/nblj/' target='_blank'>National Black Law Journal</a>, and the <a href='http://www.stanfordlawreview.org/' target='_blank'>Stanford Law Review</a>, among others.
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More <a href='http://www.lse.ac.uk/publicEvents/events/2014/03/20140326t1830vOT.aspx' target='_blank'>information</a> on the LSE <a href='http://www.lse.ac.uk/publicEvents/events/2014/03/20140326t1830vOT.aspx'_blank'>website</a>.
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<div class='event-detail-left'>When:
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6:30 - 8pm<br/><br/>
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<div class='event-detail-right'>FREE
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<div class='event-detail-left'>Where:
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<div class='event-detail-right'>Old Theatre<br/>Old Building<br/>London School of Economics and Political Science
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Click <a href='http://iamyaaya.blogspot.co.uk/p/events.html'>here</a> for more upcoming events!
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</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.508515 -0.1254871999999522851.192402 -0.77093419999995227 51.824628000000004 0.51995980000004771tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-12357150567514860182014-03-18T21:25:00.000+00:002014-03-20T13:13:56.627+00:00Event: How is London being transformed by migration? | Monday 24th March 2014<div class='event-container'>
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<span class='content-bigger-bright-bold-text'>LSE <br/></span><span class='content-bigger-pale-bold-text'>Public Lecture<br/></span>
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The London School of Economics hosts this thematic conference, drawing together insights from a 2-year <a href='http://lselondonmigration.org/' target='_blank'>London project</a> which explores migration and the transformation of London.
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Chaired by Barbara Roche from <a href='http://www.migrationmatterstrust.co.uk/' target='_blank'>Migration Matters</a>, the lecture features experts from leading academic institutions addressing recent changes in London migration from a variety of perspectives.
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More <a href='http://www.lse.ac.uk/publicEvents/events/2014/03/20140324t1330vHKT.aspx' target='_blank'>information</a> on the LSE <a href='http://www.lse.ac.uk/publicEvents/events/2014/03/20140324t1330vHKT.aspx'_blank'>website</a>.
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<div class='event-detail-left'>When:
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<div class='event-detail-right'>Monday 24th March 2014<br/><br/>
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1:30 - 6pm<br/><br/>
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<div class='event-detail-left'>Admission Cost:
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<div class='event-detail-left'>Where:
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<div class='event-detail-right'>Hong Kong Theatre<br/>Clement House<br/>London School of Economics and Political Science
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<span>
Click <a href='http://iamyaaya.blogspot.co.uk/p/events.html'>here</a> for more upcoming events!
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</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-42348634003618742132014-03-08T11:54:00.002+00:002014-05-26T12:54:03.642+01:00Feminism vs Racism<div class='article-response-container'>
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<span class='content-big-bright-bold-text'>“ Here at Yaaya, we think that this sudden interest in Feminism is brilliant!...
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<span class='content-big-pale-bold-text'>However what intrigues and worries us is why there is not an equally heightened interest in speaking about the ‘other’ equally important social problem - racism?
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Of late, we’ve realized that Feminism has become an increasingly popular subject in Britain and around the world. In fact, we can’t recall a time of when Feminism has received so much attention.
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It’s almost impossible to not come across an article, blog post, tweet or comment about Feminism and gender equality nowadays. Feminism is now debated on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. National newspapers such as the Guardian have resident Feminist commentators, and international campaigns about the girl-child in the developing world now seem to have unprecedented attention. Gender inequality has claimed its place firmly on domestic and international political agendas, and celebrities now perform at large concerts to raise awareness of <a href='http://www.chimeforchange.org/'target='_blank'>gender inequality, domestic violence and rape</a>.
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On an ideological level, the historical origins of feminism and its future trajectory are openly debated by the young, old and politically indifferent. Black feminists in recent times have actively challenged racism within Feminism on social media platforms, and the inability of some white feminists to see and accept their prejudices and privileges. In addition, there has been more discussion about men’s roles within the Feminist movement, and how gender equality and challenges to patriarchy also benefits men.
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Practical solutions to address the different experiences of women have also come to fore, especially within the corporate world. “Mentoring”, “coaching”, “sponsoring” and “leaning in”, are some of the terms that get bandied about in corporate activism, as companies strive to increase the number of women in senior and executive level positions. The Guardian recently set up the <a href='http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership'target='_blank'>Women in Leadership Network</a> that aims to produce debate about women in leadership positions, and corporate women’s only networks and online mentoring platforms such as <a href='http://www.elevationnetworks.org/visible-women/'_blank'> Visible Women</a> engage in several initiatives designed to boost female leadership; from connecting women with mentors to help them achieve their goals, to running development seminars and workshop.
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<p class='justify'>
We must say what topped it all off for us, is when Beyoncé sampled Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s popular speech , <a href=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg3umXU_qWc''target='_blank'>“Why we all should be feminists”</a> on her ‘Flawless’ track in her new self-titled album. Granted Beyoncé is noted for her ‘female empowering’ tracks, however sampling this speech was particularly significant, as it brought issues of gender inequality to an audience who may not have deeply pondered on some of the questions and experiences of women and girls that Chimamanda asked and described. For a few seconds, celebrity feminism i.e “paying my own bills”, sexual confidence, having multiple sexual partners, and looking beautiful wilted against a proper representation of the issues that ‘real’ Feminism is concerned with.
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Here at Yaaya, we think that this sudden interest in Feminism is brilliant! As a platform that is interested in creating conversation and debate, we fully welcome dialogue about social ills such as gender based inequity around the world. However what intrigues and worries us is why there is not an equally heightened interest in speaking about the ‘other’ equally important social problem - racism? Or rather, why does Feminism and gender equality feel like ‘safer’ topics to discuss, than race.
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<p class='justify'>
We’ve noticed that in many European countries (Britain included); an honest and open debate about racism does not exist. There is neither the forum, nor the willingness to openly speak about it as a nation, because it is admittedly an uncomfortable topic for many people to speak about. There seems to be an air of dismissiveness when racism is spoken about, as though it is somehow an irrelevant, “solved” and anachronistic topic, that people of colour are overly sensitive about. Such attitudes may be the result of Europe’s unwillingness to confront and remember ugly parts of their history such as slavery, colonialism, racial violence and institutional racism.
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<p class='justify'>
If this is the case, then we point to America, a nation that also has a history of slavery, like Europe, albeit on home soil. Racism, race relations and race is openly debated in America on different platforms. It’s discussed openly on news channels, and in the world of academia, there are journals solely dedicated to the study of race relations and racism. In addition, there are several well known initiatives that have been developed to address the social and economic disparities experienced by particular ethnic groups. One of the most recent is Obama’s <a href='http://www.whitehouse.gov/my-brothers-keeper'target='_blank'>‘My Brother’s Keeper’Initiative</a> which has been launched in an attempt to address the challenges facing young boys and men of colour.
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<p class='justify'>
Explanations as to why there seems to be more dialogue about race or racism, or at least an appetite for it in America is arguably rooted in several factors. For starters, America experienced a civil rights movement which forced a national discussion of the ‘race problem’, and pressurized successive governments to enact civil rights legislation and equal opportunity employment measures (affirmative action). Such measures ensured that African Americans had the same legal and constitutional rights as other Americans, and that there were measures in place to address the disadvantages suffered by black Americans who were (and still are) rooted in centuries of discrimination. Secondly, with such steep racial inequalities that continue to plague America, success stories of African Americans who have achieved great success seem to be emphasised more, as they are contextualised within their experiences of growing up black in America, which is statistically one of the most disadvantageous groups in America.
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<p class='justify'>
In Europe however, particularly countries with significant ethnic minority populations like France and the U.K, there seems to be a denial culture about racism, which is particularly seen through questions like: “how can you be sure it’s racism?”, “You have taken it the wrong way”, “why does everything have to be about race?” Such questions can often make people who are interested in the study of racism and race relations, or those that have experienced racism (covert and overt) feel as if they have been characterised as race-agitators, paranoid, extremists, anti-establishment, irrational and walking around with a chip on their shoulder. Some people as a result altogether avoid conversations about race and racism, due to fear of being shut down.
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<p class='justify'>
Such dismissive questions are confusing, as anecdotes from women about the experience of gender inequalities in the workplace through examples such as “I’m often passed over for important projects” or “I feel as though I’m not listened to as much as men”, makes us wonder ‘how do they know that such situations is a result of their gender?’ and forces us to question why such experiences of sexism is not met with the same level of contempt or defence as they often are when racism is concerned?
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<p class='justify'>
A controversial example of playing down racism was when a black female cafe owner <a href='http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-23248503'target='_blank'>Martha-Renee Kolleh</a> put up a sign on her shop window reading: “I am a black woman. If you are allergic to black people, don't come in”. This sign was influenced by her frustration about the covert racism she has experienced by potential customers in the white majority town of Ossett (west Yorkshire) who walk in and right back out of her cafe when they see her. She tested her theory by employing a white woman in her cafe, which consequently resulted in locals patronizing her establishment. The reaction by commentators on several news sites to Martha-Renee Kolleh’s experiences in Ossett was to label Ms Kolleh as ‘over sensitive’, and that her belief that racism was the main factor in the lack of customers she received was ‘incorrect’. Other factors were instead offered which consequently downplayed her experiences of the racism she believed she suffered from. This incident, in addition to countless other similar ones, forced us to question: ‘why is it so hard for some people to accept that racism exists?’
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<p class='justify'>
Another response we’ve noticed about the discussion of racism is something we like to describe as ‘oppression Olympic diatribes.’ Comparisons between slavery and the Holocaust, and comments of how ‘Jews don’t play the race card’, or ‘aren’t overly sensitive about race like black people’ are common. Other dismissive arguments also include the absurd rhetoric about ‘forgetting’, ‘moving forward’, and protest that ‘class inequalities are a more important issue to discuss than racism’.
So why do such sentiments exist?
</p>
<p class='justify'>
One answer to this question of ‘blindness to racism’ is white privilege; or rather the normality of whiteness in society, which makes it difficult for Europeans to comprehend racial micro aggressions or structural racism, as it is not part of their day to day experiences. In this sense, it’s understandable that some white people are unable to relate to, or emphasise with experiences of being able to pick up on seemingly covert racial biases or being a victim of structural racism. Understandable, yes. Acceptable, no.
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<p class='justify'>
In conclusion, this article is not trying to infer that racism is a greater social - ill than feminism. On the contrary, it’s pointing out that though some societal problems are easier to discuss than others, and that they shouldn’t be met with contempt and insensitivity, but given the same level of time and attention.
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<p class='justify'>
Your thoughts?
</p>
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</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-92214683666199687772014-02-26T23:36:00.002+00:002014-02-27T00:04:41.001+00:00Race and Gender: Categories That Exclude?<div class='article-response-container'>
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<h3>
<span class='content-big-bright-bold-text'>“ If we cannot engage with all sections of society
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<span class='content-big-pale-bold-text'>but only with black women, black people, and women,
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<span class='content-big-dark-bold-text'> there is simply no point to Yaaya’s existence.”
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<p class='justify'>
Our <a href="http://iamyaaya.blogspot.co.uk/p/our-principles.html">decision</a> to create Yaaya was motivated by our concern about the experience of social invisibility amongst black girls and women in Europe, which is rooted in the intersectionality of racism and sexism. Yaaya aims to provide a platform to celebrate the successes and ambitions of black girls and women across a spectrum of different industries, and to also celebrate their journeys and experiences of being female and black in their respective European nations.
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<p class='justify'>
Indeed, platforms and debates concerned with black women’s experiences in the workplace, media and educational institutions are numerous. The internet has undoubtedly been the most revolutionary medium for creating conversations about black womanhood, which has produced intense debates online and offline. For example, during the summer of 2013, Twitter was by far the most effective social media platform used as a “campaign” tool by black feminists to voice their discontent with the failure of Feminism, as seen through hashtags such as #SolidarityIsForWhiteWomen.
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The #SolidarityIsForWhiteWomen hashtag clearly highlighted how, for black feminists (and their sympathisers), Feminism is a movement that is white and middle class at its core, which has failed to adequately acknowledge the role racism plays in the experience of patriarchy in black women’s lives. So popular was this debate, it was subsequently taken offline, as it gained the attention of national media in America and the UK. For example, in the UK, BBC Woman's Hour discussed it during their hourly radio programme, and <a href="http://www.channel4.com/news/twitter-feminist-debate-solidarity-is-for-white-women" target='_blank'>Channel 4 News</a> invited guests such as Bonnie Greer to speak on the subject.
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Other hashtags like #SmartBlackofWomenTwitter was again created by black feminists in response to a list of the <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3016225/dialed/25-of-the-smartest-women-on-twitter" target='_blank'>25 of the smartest women on Twitter</a> produced by Fast Company, which failed to include any woman of colour. This hashtag forced people to discuss and acknowledge the social invisibility experienced by black women in mainstream media and society at large, and cleverly encouraged black women to come up with their own lists of smart black women. It wasn't long before Fast Company realised their oversight and published a list called <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3016401/work-smart/more-on-those-smartest-women-on-twitter" target='_blank'>18 smart women of colour</a>.
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<p class='justify'>
For us at Yaaya, such debates are crucial in Europe in particular, because unlike in North America, Europe cannot boast a list of high profile black women past and present that are recognized and celebrated for their achievements. This was reinforced by a poll we conducted in April 2013, where <a href="http://www.iamyaaya.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/yaaya-asked-week-1.html">we asked</a> “who are your top 5 celebrated black women in Europe?” Our respondents could easily name five black women in America and Africa, but struggled to name their equivalents in Europe. This reinforced for us the little progress Europe has made, particularly in those countries with significant black populations, in regards to the representation of ethnic minorities in high profile positions.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
Yaaya's existence therefore seems credible and valid right? If you answered yes, then we are incredibly pleased that you recognise the importance of our presence. However, this is not the case for everyone. Since launching in May 2013 we have had to answer the very valid question: “Why is this platform only for black girls and women?”
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<p class='justify'>
After explaining our interest in the intersectionality of racism and sexism in black women’s lives, and the absence of celebrated black women in Europe, we soon realized that such questions were fueled by reactions towards categories. Terms such as “black” and “women” are highly political, as well separatist, as they label groups of people based on uncontrollable characteristics. It is therefore completely understandable for people to feel excluded from platforms such as Yaaya, and in turn our content, if they feel they do not identify with one or all of the social groups we write about.
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We therefore now realize that a large part of our work will be to also challenge the natural tendency as humans to identify with categories and labels that we have been programmed to subscribe to. This is because in order to challenge racism and sexism, it requires the inclusion of all concerned citizens. If we cannot engage with all sections of society but only black women, black people, and women, there is simply no point to Yaaya’s existence. To create an awareness and ultimately realise tangible changes, inclusive discussion is paramount especially with decision-makers and key stake-holders.
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Our <a href="http://www.iamyaaya.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/and-so-conversation-begins.html">seminal post</a> reflects the importance we place on inclusive conversations as we want “talk to motivate action,” and action to motivate more talk.” We invite all those concerned with our mission statement “to sit around the table,” and contribute their views whether they support ours or differ.
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<p class='justify'>
Yaaya in short isn’t <i>just</i> a platform for black women, black people or just women, it is for everyone who is concerned with:
<ol type="a">
<li>The intersectionality of race and gender.</li>
<li>Racism in Europe.</li>
<li>The diverse experiences of black people in Europe.</li>
<li>Discovering inspiring stories of successful and ambitious black girls and women.</li>
</ol>
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<p class='justify'>
So, how about it? We want to hear from you. Share your stories, experiences and perspectives with us.
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Email us at: yaaya.info@gmail.com
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Join the conversation!
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</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-40826471874546753862014-01-19T05:41:00.001+00:002014-01-19T05:44:20.991+00:00From Africa To Europe: A Black Woman’s Experience<div class='interview'>
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<span class='content-dark-bold-text'>"When you
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<p class='justify'>What do successful women do when they are not working? For Belinda Otas, it can be summed up in one word: Theatre.
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In the final part of this four-part post, Yaaya and Belinda discuss her passion for the literary arts, and her plans for the future. </p>
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And so the conversation continues …
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<h3>On Being A Black Woman In Europe </h3>
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<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
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You have lived in an African country [Nigeria]. And now you live in a European country [UK]. What does it mean to be a black woman in European society?
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<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
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First of all, I am not keen on that whole black woman thing, to be honest with you. Until I came to live in London, I didn’t know I was black.
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<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
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Yes, understandably. It is a social construct –
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<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
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In that regard, I am very against the grain when it comes to that social construct. Even when I’m filling a form, I always cancel out the ‘black’ and put ‘African’. (Pauses) How will I …?
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Being an African woman living in Europe, it’s an interesting experience, because all of a sudden, you become aware of these… (Pauses) … these multiple personalities that you have to take on sometimes. What I’m saying is, in Europe there is a culture, there is a way you dress, a way you address people, a way you relate to people. There is a way relationships are formed and shaped.
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<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
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Can you shed some more light on that?
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<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
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In Nigeria you can dress up and go to your family’s house, and you don’t need to tell them you are coming. In Europe, you cannot just get up and go to your own sister’s house. You have to call first. My dad was recently in London and came to my house, he said he wanted to surprise me…I asked him why he didn’t call first. I shocked myself. Now, when I was in Nigeria that may never happen. It is those little things you pick up without even realising how you change or have changed. You have to learn the culture. And there are some habits that you will have to unlearn. It’s about understanding societal rules.
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<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
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Ah, yes. We see what you mean ...
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<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
As an African woman, it was not that I came back from a backward place. Nigeria continues to develop and change. But, coming from a totally different society where the culture is different, here in Europe, you have to relearn how to relate to people in a different environment. To carry yourself with dignity, elegance and position yourself in a way that allows you to hold your head up high without apologising for being in this space, and without allowing anyone to think because they’ve seen a picture of an African country on TV [that] they can put you down.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
From what you have said, it is about learning how to juggle these multiple cultures –
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Exactly!
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Because you come with your own, and you meet an existing culture where you arrive at. Whilst it is important to re-learn this existing culture, to adapt and integrate, you must also raise your head high and not apologise for being different.
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Not at all! At all times be yourself. It is hard trying to be someone else. Phew! Yes, you learn the tricks and the trade, but you shouldn’t have to apologise for where you come from and for who you are. You should never have to. When you walk into a room, the fact that you are the only person who is different, should be celebrated. And if other people cannot celebrate it, tough luck. You celebrate yourself. But it is about being able to adapt. It is about being able to straddle both cultures with balance.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='header'>
<img
src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ5WqMqZeUrUjnjLSYNrxgAu4tEl3eFPcx-Or_RtoF8qlpEaqbVdiRAtle5s12d8o53Ds1OLFyFfRNXns0CYpsKD8F05-coBWgyu4Yn5V4IZp-WN-s3w19j-Huqlt83RqHJ6X9D3JWaM/s320/line_divider.png'
class='float-centre-resize-shorter-inline'/>
<h3>All The World Is A Stage</h3>
<div class='small-br'> </div>
<hr class='line-divider-bottom'/>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
On to your other love, ‘theatre’. You call yourself a theatre junkie who would gladly sleep at the theatre every night –
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
(Laughs)
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Tell us why you are so passionate about theatre.
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
I feel the stage allows you to tell stories with passion, with humour. And you know what? On the stage, you are free to create. And there are no limitations. Of course, finances (Laughs).
<br/><br/>
But there is something about the stage that allows you to tell a story and put words in the mouths of the characters. Things that perhaps you cannot say in real life, you can say on the stage. The stage gives you room to dig deep emotionally into those things that you’ve encountered but you have never really been able to express it the way you want to. The stage is a volcano of emotions waiting to erupt.
<br/><br/>
I remember seeing township stories from South Africa at Theatre Royal Stratford and I was blown away. It was so gritty. The gritty realism of living in a township was so in your face, I couldn’t speak when I was done. They went in. They went there.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
(Laughs)
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
That is one aspect of theatre I love; when it’s gritty and in your face like that. Then we have theatre masters like Athol Fugard who gave the world ‘Sizwe Banzi is dead’, and gave insight into the heinous and hideous psychological damage that apartheid was doing to black South Africa. And you cannot help but say “this must stop!” when you see it plainly [as in] ‘Sizwe Banzi is dead’. Thank God that apartheid is over, although there is a new form of oppression, which is economic. Theatre allows you to ask questions that ordinarily, if you were to start that conversation, people would want to kill you. You are putting it [the question] out there, and you are saying “discuss”.
<br/><br/>
Theatre allows you to express yourself, to travel, to dream. And for me, it allows me to be me. It allows me to tell the stories that ordinarily, I couldn’t tell on my own. For example, my first play is a story about a married couple. Because of my personal experience, I intentionally gave the wife a medical condition so I could address the themes of stigma, shame and fear of people knowing you have a medical condition – be it HIV/Aids or have been living with a particular challenge for years and the culture that creates that stigma.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='header'>
<img
src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ5WqMqZeUrUjnjLSYNrxgAu4tEl3eFPcx-Or_RtoF8qlpEaqbVdiRAtle5s12d8o53Ds1OLFyFfRNXns0CYpsKD8F05-coBWgyu4Yn5V4IZp-WN-s3w19j-Huqlt83RqHJ6X9D3JWaM/s320/line_divider.png'
class='float-centre-resize-shorter-inline'/>
<h3>And So The Conversation Ends … For Now :) </h3>
<div class='small-br'> </div>
<hr class='line-divider-bottom'/>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
What does the future hold for you? Where is Belinda going?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Right now, I just want to finish my deadlines. (Laughs) I’ve got a lot to get through for the publications I write for. But I look forward to the future, not with trepidation, but being assured of hope, that every day that comes, I will have enough strength to go through and be myself. I truly believe that.
<br/><br/>
There are two scripture verses I hold on to, on days when I have no more tears to cry. Deuteronomy 33:25 “… and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.” And Isaiah 30:15 “In quietness and in confidence shall be thy strength.”
<br/><br/>
I look forward to my journalism and doing greater things with my stories. I would love to start an online publication. My blog and website has been training towards that. I believe in seasons. So I’m waiting for that season to come. For now I’m building myself towards that goal. But for now, to keep writing and doing my journalism, and telling great stories about Africa, African women, African men, and African businesses, among many other things.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
On a lighter note, we have a set of one-liner questions for you. Tell us the first thing that comes to mind.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
If I wasn’t a journalist, I would be ...
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Oh! I would definitely be a businesswoman.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
We can harness the power of the media to ...
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Tell stories that are worthy of our time.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
My dream for black women is ...
Belinda O:
To just be themselves. Be your best you. And don’t ever apologise for it.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
The one principle that I live by is ...
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Phew! (Pauses) Do unto others as you wish others to do unto you.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Success for me is ...
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Oh, that’s a big question. (Laughs) OK, success for me is not all about money. (Pauses) Now don’t get me wrong, you need money to do the things you want to do in life. So I am not against people having money. Goodness, I want some, but money is currency, it flows in and out of our lives. But those things that remain and are steadfast and unmoveable, that is what matters.
So Success for me is being relationally healthy and wealthy. Success for me is love, and having people to share it with. Success is about being a blessing to others. Not just me, myself, and I. I could go on and on about this, you know. So let’s stop (Laughs).
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Yaaya, to me, represents ...
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Sisterhood. Building the narrative of a strong sisterhood that supports women.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Alright! Thank you! Thank you very much for taking the time to speak with us.
<br/><br/>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-conclusion'>
<p class='justify'>
This concludes our interview with Belinda Otas. Share with us your thoughts on Belinda’s inspirational journey and future ambitions! Catch-up on the earlier parts of our conversation:
<br/><br/>
<a href='http://www.iamyaaya.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/belinda-otas-bravery-redefined.html'>Part 1</a>: Belinda Otas, Bravery Redefined
<br />
<a href='http://www.iamyaaya.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/the-rise-and-rise-of-accidental.html'>Part 2</a>: The Rise and Rise of the Accidental Journalist
<br />
<a href='http://www.iamyaaya.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/the-new-african-woman-sincerely.html'>Part 2</a>: The New African Woman: Sincerely Unapologetic (For Being Different)
</p>
</br>
Like this article? Leave
your comments below to continue to support Yaaya’s vision of providing platforms to voice powerful stories of incredible women like Belinda. Invite others to join the conversation by sharing this post!
</br>
</br>
</p>
</div>
</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-54993938008781764252013-12-17T23:26:00.000+00:002013-12-19T15:32:03.576+00:00The New African Woman: Sincerely Unapologetic (For Being Different)<div class='interview'>
<div class='interview-summary'>
<div class='interview-block-quote-container'>
<div class='interview-block-quote'>
<h2>
<span class='content-small-dark-text'>"There are
</span>
<span class='content-big-bright-bold-text'>badass African women
</span>
<span class='content-small-dark-text'> out there.
</span>
<span class='content-pale-bold-text'>They have ideas; a voice.
</span>
<span class='content-small-dark-text'>They are
</span>
<span class='content-medium-bright-text'>creating platforms. <br/>
</span>
<span class='content-dark-bold-text'>You cannot box up today’s African woman.<br/>
</span>
<span class='content-big-bright-bold-text'>You just can’t."
</span>
</h2>
</div>
</div>
<p class='justify'>We told you she was bold, outspoken, and controversial. In many ways, Belinda’s choice of journalism topics comes as no surprise, given her personal history and passion for Africa. Indeed, her own life is evidence of the multi-layered narrative of the black woman.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
In Part 3 of this four-part post, Belinda defines the ‘New African Woman’, and shares with Yaaya the importance of using storytelling to counter social invisibility. </p>
<p class='justify'>
And so the conversation continues …
</p>
</div>
<div class='interview-transcript'>
<div class='header'>
<img
src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ5WqMqZeUrUjnjLSYNrxgAu4tEl3eFPcx-Or_RtoF8qlpEaqbVdiRAtle5s12d8o53Ds1OLFyFfRNXns0CYpsKD8F05-coBWgyu4Yn5V4IZp-WN-s3w19j-Huqlt83RqHJ6X9D3JWaM/s320/line_divider.png'
class='float-centre-resize-shorter-inline'/>
<h3>The New African Woman</h3>
<div class='small-br'> </div>
<hr class='line-divider-bottom'/>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> What is the significance of publications like the ‘New African Woman’?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
The New African Woman serves a great purpose. Before it came about, with the exception of Ebony and Essence magazines, for me, there was nothing that spoke to the African woman in the motherland and in the diaspora. There was nothing on the international scene that was telling that story. This is the space that the New African Woman occupies. For us, it is about inspiring rather than imposing.
<br/><br/>
We are here to advise rather than dictate. We are here to tastefully portray a diverse beauty rather than cheapen it. It’s about being able to tell the multi-layered story of the African woman. We want to show that there are badass African women out there. They are business women, entrepreneurs, politicians, fashion designers, mothers, activists and feminists. They have children. They are single. They have ideas; a voice. They are creating platforms. You cannot box up today’s African woman. You just can’t. So, I think this is the space that the New African Woman occupies. We’ve gradually been building up. We have not reached the pinnacle yet. The best is yet to come.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
In your words, define a ‘new African woman’.
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
That’s hard. You know why?
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Why?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
You cannot box the African woman up. There is no one definition to the African woman. We are women from different walks of life. You could say that the new African woman is the African woman who refuses to stay down; who is finally saying “enough, I’m here and I’m going to tell my story, on my own terms. I have my own voice.”
<br/><br/>
The new African woman has decided “enough of me being a second class citizen. I’m going to get an education, and work towards my goals and dreams. I’m going to build a legacy. I’m going to co-exist with men in a patriarchal society, and I’m going to succeed.”
<br/><br/>
The new African woman says “enough of the continuous oppression, suppression, and repression of women in society” and decides to become an activist. The new African woman is a change agent. The new African woman knows herself and does not feel the need to define herself through the eyes of others. And ‘others’ can include other women.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
(Smiles) Based on everything you have described, the three founders of Yaaya are definitely new African women –
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
(Laughs) Exactly!
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
We like this title!
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Women are different to each other. We have different personalities, nuances, and proclivities. There is no one definition of the new African woman. She is as diverse as you can find her. She could be my maternal grand-aunt who is the ‘mother’ of the village. She could be Folorunsho Alakija, who runs an oil company on the world stage and is impacting the lives of women and children. She could be [anyone] from one end of the spectrum to another. We are all new African women, navigating our journeys and learning as we go along. Now this does not negate the challenges faced by African women. There are still issues with education and equal pay, among other things, that we need to address through the stories we tell.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='header'>
<img
src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ5WqMqZeUrUjnjLSYNrxgAu4tEl3eFPcx-Or_RtoF8qlpEaqbVdiRAtle5s12d8o53Ds1OLFyFfRNXns0CYpsKD8F05-coBWgyu4Yn5V4IZp-WN-s3w19j-Huqlt83RqHJ6X9D3JWaM/s320/line_divider.png'
class='float-centre-resize-shorter-inline'/>
<h3>Celebrating Achievement. Inspiring Ambition.</h3>
<div class='small-br'> </div>
<hr class='line-divider-bottom'/>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
You have interviewed some of the world’s most iconic, high-profile black women [Chimamanda Adichie, Folorunsho Alakija]. How important is it to share the stories of these women?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
(Pauses)
Imagine you come from a background where you are not allowed to have a voice. Then you read the story of Folorunsho Alakija, who is a businesswoman, but is also empowering widows and children. You think to yourself “if this woman has worked hard and found an opportunity to do what she is doing, there is something I can do with myself.”
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
There is a strong element of using these stories as a tool to inspire ambition in young women ...
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
It is first of all to acknowledge the existence of these women. But above all, it is to inspire the next generation of black women. We are inspired to go after our dreams, because these women, in spite of the old boys’ network, have broken the glass ceiling. We need to tell the stories of such women. It’s about creating that aspirational narrative that is realistic. If she [iconic woman] wasn’t doing it, you could say it is not possible. But she is doing it. She is living it.
<br/><br/>
It’s about asking her what challenges she encountered, who her mentors are, who has shaped her, what inspires her. It’s about asking these questions, and hoping that the answers will hit a nerve with somebody who reads it. It’s not just about the fashion and lipstick. No. It’s about substance. That is why we need to share these stories.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='header'>
<img
src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ5WqMqZeUrUjnjLSYNrxgAu4tEl3eFPcx-Or_RtoF8qlpEaqbVdiRAtle5s12d8o53Ds1OLFyFfRNXns0CYpsKD8F05-coBWgyu4Yn5V4IZp-WN-s3w19j-Huqlt83RqHJ6X9D3JWaM/s320/line_divider.png'
class='float-centre-resize-shorter-inline'/>
<h3>Share Your Story: Become Visible. </h3>
<div class='small-br'> </div>
<hr class='line-divider-bottom'/>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Social Invisibility is at the core of Yaaya’s existence. We believe this is an issue for black women in Europe especially, and for black women globally, to varying degrees. Have you heard of the term ‘social invisibility’?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Well, yes. And I have to be honest, when people say ‘social invisibility’, the first thing I’m thinking is “it is 2013, and I don’t deny [that] as a black woman, there are challenges with being visible on the social platform and stage today.” But I cannot help but ask “why not create your own visibility?”
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
You’ve shared your perspective on it. But what does it [Social Invisibility] mean to you?
Belinda O:
It means one thing: your presence is not known. That is the way I interpret social invisibility.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Have you ever felt that you were socially invisible?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
No. Like I said earlier, I have my moments. I can be loud. (Laughs) So if you don’t give me a platform, I will create it. And that was one of the foremost reasons why I started my blog. To give myself a presence on social media and be socially visible. For so long, the stories of black women were not told in the UK. When social media came along, I thought to myself “if nobody will tell the stories I like to read, I’ll start a blog and tell it”.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Are we right to summarise your view on social invisibility as “do something about it. If no one will tell your story, you go right ahead and tell it”?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Exactly! I believe it was Chinua Achebe that said “if you don’t like a story that someone has told, tell your own story.” So for me, I am not denying that there is no such thing as social invisibility. If I say that, it would be wrong, and would be perpetuating a negative narrative. But I think there is something we can do about that now, like never before.
<br/><br/>
You are only a click away. Start something. Like the three of you have done. You (Yaaya) are a collective, telling stories of other women. You are trying to correct the social invisibility of black women in the UK and the diaspora. If your story is not being told, find a way to tell your story.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
We strongly agree with you on this perspective of owning one’s narrative ...
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Stop waiting for someone else to come and tell your story for you. If someone else tells your story, they might tell it in a way that you do not like. Tell it on your own terms. I think that is one way around the issue of social invisibility.
The internet is now at your fingertips. There is nothing you cannot do. Start a blog. Start telling your story. Post it on twitter and on Facebook. Write what you want to read.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Is that what motivated you to create your own blog? To share your own story, make yourself visible, and talk about the things that matter to you?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Exactly. You can do that by yourself. And if other people’s stories are worth telling, then tell their story as well. Give them a platform, like you (Yaaya) are doing. And that is what journalism is about for me. It is about telling the story of other people, whom otherwise would not have their stories told. <br/><br/>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-conclusion'>
<p class='justify'>
Join us in the final part of our four-part feature on Belinda Otas, where Yaaya finds out Belinda’s plans for the future, and what it means to be a theatre junkie!
</br>
</br>
Like this post? Leave your comments below to continue to support Yaaya’s vision of providing platforms to voice powerful stories of incredible women like Belinda. Invite others to join the conversation by sharing this post!
</br>
</br>
</p>
</div>
</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-90390552020003045032013-12-12T23:04:00.000+00:002013-12-18T23:52:30.680+00:00The Rise And Rise Of The Accidental Journalist<div class='interview'>
<div class='interview-summary'>
<div class='interview-block-quote-container'>
<div class='interview-block-quote'>
<h2>
<span class='content-small-dark-text'>"I want to
</span>
<span class='content-big-bright-bold-text'>change the narrative
</span>
<span class='content-small-dark-text'> of
</span>
<span class='content-big-pale-bold-text'>the African woman
</span>
<span class='content-dark-bold-text'>… on the global stage.
</span>
<span class='content-small-dark-text'>I am <br/>
</span>
<span class='content-big-pale-bold-text'>tired of seeing
</span>
<span class='content-small-dark-bold-text'>sagging breasts <br/>
</span>
<span class='content-small-dark-text'>and
</span>
<span class='content-big-bright-bold-text'>flies around babies’ necks."
</span>
</h2>
</div>
</div>
<p class='justify'>‘Belinda Otas’ is what happens when ambition meets assiduousness. Her resume is an enviable list of media powerhouses and renowned global personalities. Belinda is journalism, and journalism is Belinda. Full stop.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
In the second part of this four-part post, we discover what drives this passionate and prolific journalist to success, and her advice for aspiring journalists to “find and define [their] voice.”
</p>
<p class='justify'>
And so the conversation continues …
</p>
</div>
<div class='interview-transcript'>
<div class='header'>
<img
src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ5WqMqZeUrUjnjLSYNrxgAu4tEl3eFPcx-Or_RtoF8qlpEaqbVdiRAtle5s12d8o53Ds1OLFyFfRNXns0CYpsKD8F05-coBWgyu4Yn5V4IZp-WN-s3w19j-Huqlt83RqHJ6X9D3JWaM/s320/line_divider.png'
class='float-centre-resize-shorter-inline'/>
<h3>Stumbling In Love With Journalism</h3>
<div class='small-br'> </div>
<hr class='line-divider-bottom'/>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> You’ve had an interesting career. You almost became a lawyer …
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> (Laughs)
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> Yet here you are, an award-winning journalist. Here at Yaaya, we hope to use success stories to inspire ambition in young black women. How did you get to where you are today?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
That’s an interesting story. Again, this goes back to getting sick. I’m the first of 8 children. My father wanted a doctor, but I turned out to be a disappointment because I hated Physics and Chemistry, and I was terrible at Maths. I don’t remember ever getting a C in Maths. It was always ‘F’ or ’D’ (laughs). However, I excelled in Humanities and the Arts (History, Politics, Literature). I liked the whole idea of being a lawyer; the idea of being in a black robe and a wig was the symbol of power. But getting sick meant I could no longer continue studying in Nigeria because I was flown out to the UK for medical treatment.
<br/><br/>
I wanted to study Law or Criminology. I liked the idea of catching the bad guy. But when I got to the UK, and would watch the news, and [see] people ‘get off’ on a technicality, after committing a heinous crime, I thought “that’s not right”. I became disillusioned. I really don’t like to see people (good people) suffer.
<br/><br/>
Because I was ill and at home, there was no one to talk to. I had been plucked away from all my siblings. It was just my Mom and I. Mom was dealing with the fact that her first child was at death’s door. That was when I started writing. In getting sick, I discovered writing. About 2-3 years after I had a transplant, I went back to university and got a degree in Creative Writing and Journalism, and during my degree I did a work placement. That’s how my journalism journey started. I fell into it, and fell in love with it.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='header'>
<img
src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ5WqMqZeUrUjnjLSYNrxgAu4tEl3eFPcx-Or_RtoF8qlpEaqbVdiRAtle5s12d8o53Ds1OLFyFfRNXns0CYpsKD8F05-coBWgyu4Yn5V4IZp-WN-s3w19j-Huqlt83RqHJ6X9D3JWaM/s320/line_divider.png'
class='float-centre-resize-shorter-inline'/>
<h3>Pearls For Success</h3>
<div class='small-br'> </div>
<hr class='line-divider-bottom'/>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in journalism?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Oh my word… You have to be tenacious! You have to be resilient…and read. You can never stop reading. When you stop reading and learning, I think the jig is up at that point. Read everything you can find.
Find and define your voice. Ask yourself the kind of journalism you want to do. The kind of stories you want to tell, and why. For example, I write about gender, because I understand the challenges that come with being a woman. They say every story has been told. So how are you going to tell an old story in a new way?
<br/><br/>
Whose story do you want to tell? Whose silent voice do you want to represent? Who needs to hear it? On whose platform do you want to tell it? What are you passionate about? What would you like to change? What legacy do you want to leave behind? Those are the kind of questions you ask yourself before you embark on a journalism career.
<br/><br/>
I truly believe that the key thing is knowing what you want to do, why you want to do it, and then finding out how to do it.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Some invaluable pieces of advice there … Any more pearls?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
I think it is very crucial to have a mentor. Your mentor should be someone who challenges you. Pick someone whom you respect and is more knowledgeable than you [are] to mentor you. Listen to them, and ask questions. They can advise you, but they probably will not have all the answers. But because they have been on that journey longer than you have, they have an idea of how you can navigate your way through it.
You have to be dogged. You have to be determined. Journalism is not the kind of job that makes you rich. It is not a 24 hour party.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
It most certainly is not ...
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
As an African woman, I understand the challenges that come with being considered a second class citizen. Your position is number 2, and that of the male child is number one. I want to change the narrative of the African woman that has been defined on the global stage. I am tired of seeing sagging breasts and flies around babies’ necks. I want to show the other side of the African woman. The African woman who is leading a multinational agency or company. I interviewed Folorunsho Alakija, who according to reports is the richest black woman in the world. For me, that is a milestone. It is not every day you get to sit in the presence of greatness. She humbled me with her humility. That was the biggest take-away when I interviewed her. I will never forget that.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
What is the one highlight of your career to date?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
(Pauses)
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Belinda is silent. This must be a big question…
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
(Laughs) Last year, when my body rejected my only kidney, it was a very trying time. When that happened, I became so hungry. I made a list of people I wanted to interview. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has been on my list since I became a journalist. I finally got to interview her in December [2012]. Writing that article was a beautiful experience! I respect her as a writer. I appreciate the fact that she has found her own voice on the world stage, and is not afraid to say the things she says, without apologising for it.
Interviewing Adichie was a highlight. Interviewing men and women like Folorunsho Alakija and Tony Elumelu, one of Africa’s leading business men and philanthropists have been great highlights this past year.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
That is quite something. How do you balance such a high impact career with your personal circumstances?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Being able to finish an article is a highlight because I really do struggle due to the amount of medication I take [and] their side-effects, which boy oh boy, I do not like. Imagine taking your early morning dose and knowing full well that you are going to sleep for at least another 3 –to-4 hours and cannot type a word. Then wake up, quickly do some research, try and write but [then] it’s time to take another set… and this is in addition to days when I have relapses in terms of living with chronic unexplainable pain.
<br/>
Fit hospital appointments into that, physiotherapy sessions and other things…it can be a lot for me. If you ever meet me, you will also see I am rather tiny in size…so physically, it can be challenging and exhausting. The magazines I write for, I appreciate and being made Assistant Editor of New African woman was pretty cool.
<br/>
That said, every day is a highlight, each day I don’t get [called] from the hospital that I must now go back on dialysis is a highlight in my life, career or no career. Being alive is key to having a career. <br/><br/>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-conclusion'>
<p class='justify'>
In the forthcoming posts, Yaaya and Belinda <a href="http://www.iamyaaya.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/the-new-african-woman-sincerely.html">explore</a> the importance of celebrating achievement and storytelling. Belinda shares her views on social invisibility, and on the importance of platforms like the New African Woman and Yaaya.
</br>
</br>
Like this post? Leave your comments below to continue to support Yaaya’s vision of providing platforms to voice powerful stories of incredible women like Belinda. Invite others to join the conversation by sharing this post!
</br>
</br>
</p>
</div>
</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-65114428200637226712013-12-09T23:54:00.000+00:002013-12-13T00:16:01.683+00:00Belinda Otas, Bravery Redefined<div class='interview'>
<div class='interview-summary'>
<img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aEsYZIwtaNJHg94oiUHrGyBCF7iECxvtAH60ALNHGOn8TMxJh5jJOeD0tB4bfeLug1KYviwZZquQ9ZPpjOoSG5XY5amILGb3zIjFf9t16GrZzaV2md6iRb7vrYgDDtrs3go6O1-U1Oc/s1600/Belinda_Otas_picture.jpg'
class='float-left-resize-medium'/>
<p class='justify'><a href='http://iamyaaya.blogspot.co.uk/p/interview-bios.html#belinda-otas'>Belinda Otas</a> is many things: bold, outspoken, controversial, complicated. But for us, her singular defining attribute is her bravery. She possesses the kind of courage immortalised in stories of superheroines. Especially because of this, Yaaya is glad to share Belinda’s story with our readers and the world. We believe her story should be celebrated and upheld as a constant reminder of the force for life that lies within us all.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
In the first part of this four-part post, Belinda talks to Yaaya about why she decided to become a part of our conversation, and bravely opens up about her medical condition, and how this has shaped her belief system.
</p>
<p class='justify'>And so the conversation begins …
</p>
</div>
<div class='interview-transcript'>
<div class='header'>
<div class='header'><img
src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ5WqMqZeUrUjnjLSYNrxgAu4tEl3eFPcx-Or_RtoF8qlpEaqbVdiRAtle5s12d8o53Ds1OLFyFfRNXns0CYpsKD8F05-coBWgyu4Yn5V4IZp-WN-s3w19j-Huqlt83RqHJ6X9D3JWaM/s320/line_divider.png'
class='float-centre-resize-shorter-inline'/>
<h3>When Yaaya Met Belinda Otas</h3>
<div class='small-br'> </div>
<hr class='line-divider-bottom'/>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
It’s great to meet with you, thanks a lot for honouring our invitation. Can you tell us why you think it is important to share your story through Yaaya?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Your story is yours to tell, and if you don’t tell it, someone else might end up telling it in a way that you don’t like or appreciate. So when a platform comes up that allows you to tell your story, be that a blog, magazine or website, as long as it’s a platform that you are happy with, in that their ethos corresponds or correlates with yours, and you have no problem sharing your story, then by all means, share your story. It is yours to tell. And there is no better way to have a sense and ownership of self than to tell your story. If you don’t tell it, how will people get to know you?
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
We completely agree. Here at Yaaya we are big on sharing stories, and we understand the importance of that.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='header'>
<img
src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ5WqMqZeUrUjnjLSYNrxgAu4tEl3eFPcx-Or_RtoF8qlpEaqbVdiRAtle5s12d8o53Ds1OLFyFfRNXns0CYpsKD8F05-coBWgyu4Yn5V4IZp-WN-s3w19j-Huqlt83RqHJ6X9D3JWaM/s320/line_divider.png'
class='float-centre-resize-shorter-inline'/>
<h3>Discovering Belinda Otas</h3>
<div class='small-br'> </div>
<hr class='line-divider-bottom'/>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'></div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Your online presence focuses very heavily on your journalism and your passion for theatre. But we know very little about Belinda Otas. Who is she?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
(Laughs) That is a million dollar question. It’s hard to define Belinda Otas in one word, but if I wanted to use one word, I would say complicated. (Laughs) At the end of the day, I think you need some element of complication to keep you on your toes. You have to be as versatile as possible. I consider myself to be a loving person. If you get to know me, you probably will see that side.
<br/><br/>
If you look at me from afar, I can come across as aloof. But once you get to know Belinda, [you will find I’m] actually playful. I remember one lady at church who just used to smile at me in a cordial way and then one day we had a conversation and she said to me “I never knew you were like this. I never even thought you would ever speak to me.” And that’s because I tend to keep quiet. I have my moments. I can be crazy and as loud as I want to be. But there is also that introvert part of me, which if you don’t understand, you can interpret is as me being a snob, which is far from the case. Sometimes it’s good for people to get to know me on Twitter before they see me in real life and get to know those other aspects of me. I have my moments e.g. I recently tweeted:
<blockquote>
<i>most successful men have an incredible sex drive … Michael Flatley - Sweet Lawd Jesus, I ain't even gon' lie. Send me 1. Lawd, send me 1 :)</i>
</blockquote>
That is one of my moments when even I say, “girl, you crazy!”
<br/><br/>
I can be outgoing, but at the same time I really appreciate my space. I absolutely love solitude. Solitude and I are best of friends. And you (Yaaya) have noticed my passion for theatre, it is one of the places where I feel at home the most.
<br/><br/>
But I would say one thing I absolutely love is someone who lives on purpose. My respect for [such a person] jumps through the roof.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Tell us a bit more about that. What do you mean by “someone who lives on purpose”?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
You know when you meet someone, and they know where they are going … They’ve defined their goals, have a vision [for life], and live for something, and not just for themselves. They live to enhance other people’s lives. I truly believe that what you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. Even if you are not a person of faith, the universe will make it happen for you one way or another.
<br/><br/>
I believe in seed time and harvest time. So when I meet someone or a group of people who live on purpose, who are or want to be changemakers or entrepreneurs, people who challenge you mentally and you can learn from them – people like that really excite me. When I meet [such] people, I honour them, respect them, and keep quiet and learn from them. I am encouraged and challenged by that.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
My life experience to date has played a big role in my life. If I had not been through what I’d been through, maybe I would see life differently. When I was 15, I got sick. For a whole year, nobody knew what was wrong. I was misdiagnosed, and ended up losing both of my kidneys. From 16 to 22, I lived on dialysis. Now those are your teenage years, the valuable years when you come into a sense of self and who you are; when you get to define yourself and find out about boys, make decisions about career, family ...
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Your formative years …
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Exactly! Your formative years! I did not have that. My life was pretty structured ... I started working a dialysis machine at 17. I could needle myself and put myself on a machine. People my age group were discovering life, but I was pretty much: hospital, dialysis, home, church. I couldn’t tell my story because I became very timid and shy, and ashamed, to some level of what was happening to me, because one I didn’t understand it, and two, it was a lot to deal with, for someone at that age, especially when nobody recognises that ‘actually, this child needs counselling. It is a little too much for her young mind to be dealing with so when you don’t get the kind of psychological help that comes with having your whole world turned upside down, you can lose your sense of self.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Tell us more about that …
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Between 16-19 years, I didn’t have a sense of self. I kept to myself, I was very shy, very timid, and very angry about what was happening to me. But there was a turning point and that turning point was my faith. My faith has always played a big role in my life. For the first 3 years of dealing with that, I wouldn’t say my parents were not equipped, but they were just so focused on trying to ensure I survived, that nobody thought about the mental impact my situation had had on me. Imagine me trying to navigate my way out of that, and my faith was what gave me that. I started talking to God, saying "<i>help me understand this. This doesn’t make sense</i>".
<br/><br/>
I had my whole life ahead of me. I was about to sit my final exams in Nigeria so I could go to university when it all happened. So to have all of that taken away from me was very painful because I couldn’t go to school. I was at home or going through dialysis 3 times a week. It took over my life. To not have control (pauses) … and to not have a voice to say "<i>this is what I’m feeling</i>" and just having to deal with that.
<br/><br/>
(Pauses) It can kill you mentally. But like I said, I rediscovered myself through my faith, and in going to church, I found like-minded people, a community that I could trust. And I think my faith was what gave me myself back.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
So, your faith got you out of bed in the morning?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Yes.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
And is it still what gets you out of bed in the morning?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Oh yes! My faith still plays a big role in my life. I haven’t dropped it, and I don’t intend to drop it. If I ever do, I’ll probably end up dead (Pauses) (laughs) But now, I live on purpose as well. I have a lot of things I want to do with my life. I’ve had a kidney transplant (Pauses) It’s a daily walk. A daily journey. I have good days, and bad days. I take a lot of medication with numerous side effects. Some days I won’t be able to speak because I’m so drugged up. I suffer from unexplainable pain. There are days when I have no control over that pain. I depend on painkillers to survive from hour to hour. But inasmuch as I would to think this is a special problem, I refuse to specialise the problem. Instead I allow my circumstance make me want to live an exceptional life on purpose.
<br/><br/>
And that is one of the things that fuelled my journalism and my dreams as a writer. For me, living on purpose gets me out of bed. I dream big. Even as I’m talking now, I’ve been dealing with a medical challenge since last year. This past year has been a tough year, because last year, I experienced a rejection, where your body rejects an organ that has been given to you. The prospect of going back on dialysis…was not something I had given thought to. But it happened to me. And I’ve become so hungry to do better with my life, because I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. The doctors have given me a timeframe …
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
There’s a sense of urgency now, because you feel that perhaps you are running out of time…?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Exactly. And that pushes me. Sometimes it gets me down, when I’m tired. But I push against the tide and say “come hell or high-water, I’m not giving up without a fight”. I’ve had to fight since I was 16 years old. It’s part and parcel of me. I think giving up will kill me faster than not fighting. Fighting is what keeps me alive.
</div>
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<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>
Just so we have it on record, this happened as a result of a misdiagnosis, is that correct?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Belinda O:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Yes, that’s correct.
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</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-conclusion'>
<p class='justify'>
Yaaya continues the conversation in <a href="http://iamyaaya.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/the-rise-and-rise-of-accidental.html">Part 2</a> of our four-part post where Belinda walks us through her career to date, and shares her principles for success in the competitive world of journalism.
</br>
</br>
Like this post? Leave your comments below to continue to support Yaaya’s vision of providing platforms to voice powerful stories of incredible women like Belinda. Invite others to join the conversation by sharing this post!
</br>
</br>
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<span>
<p>Image Source | These images do not belong to Yaaya. Image courtesy of Ayo Odesanya.</p>
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</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-86572179331300785252013-12-08T23:00:00.000+00:002013-12-09T01:41:33.701+00:00Yaaya At: The Film Africa Festival 2013 | L'Afrance<div class='article-response-container'>
<div class='article-response'>
<div class='article-block-quote-container'>
<div class='article-block-quote'>
<h3>
<span class='content-pale-bold-text'>"50 years ago, they said
</span>
<span class='content-bigger-bright-bold-text'>'n**gas are savages who can play drums.'<br/><br/>
</span>
<span class='content-dark-bold-text'>Today they say,
</span>
<span class='content-bigger-pale-bold-text'>'black people have got rhythm.'<br/><br/>
</span>
<span class='content-big-dark-bold-text'>I am sick of being black.<br/><br/>
</span>
<span class='content-bigger-bright-bold-text'>I am a Senegalese."
</span>
</h3>
</div>
</div>
<p class='justify'>
<img class='float-right-resize-medium' src="http://www.lacid.org/IMG/arton836.jpg" />With these words, L'Afrance sets the tone for the unfolding of an emotional journey in search of the answer to that most fundamental of existential questions "who am I?" Director Alain Gomis' debut piece, L'Afrance encapsulates the psycho-pathological struggle of the European migrant through the story of El Hadj, a young, talented student, whose swift fall from grace to grass is as surprising as it is saddening, leading him on a road to self-discovery.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
In this gripping drama, a young West African man finds himself wrestling with his dreams and identity. El Hadj Diop (<a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fworldservice%2Fspecials%2F1537_whoswho%2Fpage3.shtml&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNERiOORPxMAiJ6dP5Y5qxRBJ9j5zQ" target='_blank'>Djolof Mbengue</a>) is a student from Senegal who has almost completed his studies at a university in Paris when he discovers that he has neglected to renew his residency papers. This negligence brings him face to face with the full force of French immigration authorities, who arrest, detain and plan to deport him. Desperate to find a way to stay in France long enough to graduate, El Hadj arranges to purchase forged immigration documents, and takes a job with a construction crew in order to pay for them.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
On a personal level, El Hadj is faced with marriage on his return home to his long-term fiancée, Awa. He evades this by choosing to remain in France rather than submit to the immigration laws and ultimately, deportation. He spends his days navigating Senegalese life via the tapes he is sent from home, and negotiating demanding phone calls from his future wife, while also experiencing French life via football matches, wedding parties and police abuse. Cultural conflicts catalyze to lead him to a turning point of violence, and attempted suicide. The film ends with El Hadj post-breakdown back in Senegal, and in an unlikely 360 degree turnaround, informing his father that he wishes to stay in France and teach there instead.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
Alain maintains "this is not a film about immigration." Rather, L'Afrance is an attempt to highlight that "identity is not just about nationality." Nonetheless, he adeptly captures the migrant experience of European society, on a multi-layered fabric. From El Hadj's character, representing the best and brightest of youthful Africa, a highly skilled migrant on whose shoulders rest the hopes of entire peoples, to Demba, a hardworking older friend of El Hadj’s, who has lived so long on the fringes of French society that he had become invisible. A fifteen-year exodus from Senegal turned to, some may say self-inflicted, exile. Forever lost to the warm touch of his wife and his son's loving embrace.
</p>
<img class='float-centre-resize' src="http://image.toutlecine.com/photos/a/f/r/afrance-2001-02-g.jpg" />
<p class='justify'>
We watch as our protagonist, a confident, intelligent young man is reduced to little more than a raving pugilist; a cement carrying barroom brawler. We see his railing struggle against this transformation, where Senegal, black consciousness and fiancée Awa represent the old and familiar; and France, socio-cultural integration and Myriam, his white lover, represent the new and invasive.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
Djolof Mbengue pulls off the portrayal of this charismatic eccentric with style. From a dignified confidence reminiscent of past prides of Africa (<a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FAhmed_S%25C3%25A9kou_Tour%25C3%25A9&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE_WIJgck7L6d2sES7PgVDlqPvXYA" target='_blank'>Sekou Toure</a>, <a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FPatrice_Lumumba&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEv7oOBvJrWAh7C38wlO8SJvmJXJA" target='_blank'>Patrice Lumumba</a>) to a raging madness characteristic of a trapped lion in a desperate fight for freedom, and finally, to a quiet, calm acceptance of the inner knowledge that he is no longer that which he once was. El Hadj neither abandons his prior upbringing completely, nor embraces his new identity entirely. Instead, he morphs into a hybrid; a confluence of cultures: where Western Africa meets Western Europe ...
</p>
<p class='justify'>
L'Afrance is raw, real, passionate and potent. It sheds a light not only on the legal and socio-cultural implications of migration in European society, but also on its lasting psychological effects; the feelings of displacement, of disconnect and detachment from what was once El Hadj’s sole source of identity, his Senegalese background, now reduced to little more than fond memories. In an increasingly global society where immigration and expatriation are fast becoming the norm, L'Afrance is relevant and timely in forcing us to ask: ‘as human beings, what constitutes our identity, and in this context, how do we define ourselves?’
</p>
<iframe width="500" height="400" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/e1yPF-OWInc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p class='justify'>Source | Images courtesy of <a href='http://www.lacid.org/films-soutenus/l-afrance' target='_blank'>L'acid</a> and <a href='http://www.toutlecine.com/images/film/0012/00122192-l-afrance.html' target='_blank'>Toutleciné</a>. Video courtesy of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1yPF-OWInc" target='_blank'>YouTube</a>.
</p>
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</div>
</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-19237899442301669852013-12-06T23:20:00.000+00:002013-12-07T00:03:23.431+00:00Yaaya At: The Film Africa Festival 2013 | La Pirogue<div class='article-response-container'>
<div class='article-response'>
<p class='justify'>
<img class='float-centre-resize' src="http://media.coveringmedia.com/media/images/movies/2013/01/13/piro_p1c.jpg" />
<br/>
Two hundred years ago, the people of Senegal, like many of their West African neighbours, experienced the greatest human rights abuse of all time – the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Wolof, Fulani, Halpulaar and Serer people were captured and chained in slave ships for three months, where only the strongest survived the middle passage, only to be sold like cattle in the Americas. 200 years later, hundreds of Senegalese young men are ironically embarking on the same dangerous journey across the Atlantic, but this time by their own free will, and on fishing boats as opposed to slave ships.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
These disturbing ironies, despite their slight nuances, were one of our first thoughts upon reading the synopsis, and watching the film in its entirety. History and current events seem to be intertwined and difficult questions such as: upon the millions of Africans whose bodies lay on the bed of the Atlantic Ocean as a consequence of the slave trade, how many more now lay afresh with their ancestors in this day and age?
</p>
<h3>
<span class='content-bigger-bright-bold-text'>La Pirogue</span>
</h3>
<p class='justify'>
<i>La Pirogue </i> tells the story of an experienced fisherman and family man named Baye Laye (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5343397/" target='_blank'>Souleymane Seye Ndiaye</a>), who is ‘coerced’ into using his expertise to captain a pirogue filled with 30 Senegalese and Guinean individuals- some of whom have never seen the sea before. Their destination is Spain, and Baye Laye initially struggles with the temptation and pressure to embark on this dangerous journey, but later gives in as economic pressures, moral sensibilities and the desire to realise his own hopes prevail.
</p>
<img class='float-centre-resize' src="http://www.rue89.com/sites/news/files/assets/image/2012/10/la_pirogue_3_c_eric_neve_n_les_chauves_souris_n_astou_films_3_0.jpg" />
<p class='justify'>
The Dakar-based smuggling operation appears to be a smooth and common business, as financial transactions and deals are swiftly closed, and a steady stream of willing and hopeful men are plentiful. Before the pirogue even sets sail, we see how tenacious young men desire to leave Senegal through the characters Abou (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5343404/?ref_=tt_ov_st" target='_blank'>Malaminé 'Yalenguen' Dramé</a>) and Kaba (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5343403/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t6" target='_blank'>Babacar Oualy</a>), who enviously highlight the names of their peers who have left Senegal and built luxurious homes, and those in successful musical bands. They harbor naive expectations of becoming a professional footballer and a music producer once they land on European shores, which causes the audience to feel pity on their child-like, yet understandable gullibility.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
As the pirogue and its passengers embark on their journey, we initially see minor tensions across ethnic and linguistic lines, bullying from Lansana (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5343396/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t2" target='_blank'>Laïty Fall</a>) the middle man of the smuggling operation, and friction caused by the discovery of a female stowaway named Nafy (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5093430/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t7" target='_blank'>Mame Astou Diallo</a>). However as the journey lengthens, we begin to see friendships form, tension and rivalry lessen, and support between brethren strengthen. The first couple of days on the pirogue appear to be fine. Baye Laye is doing an excellent job of navigating the Pirogue, food, power and health are in good measure, and they seem to be making steady progress towards their destination. However, there is an overwhelming sense amongst the audience that this good fortune will not last for long. This foretelling is particularly illustrated when the pirogue encounters another boat whose passengers are stranded without food or fuel. The crew’s faith is tested, and they decide not to rescue the destitute passengers, which marks their ominous fate on the high seas of the Atlantic.
</p>
<img class='float-centre-resize' src="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/120516055010-pirogue-1-horizontal-gallery.jpg" />
<p class='justify'>
Almost predictably, their boat is caught up in a deadly storm, which cements in the minds of the characters and the audience that their fortunes have turned, and that a precarious situation lays ahead of them. The storm is the crew’s first experience of death and misery, which causes fear, insecurity and an increase in prayers and exhalations to God amongst the passengers. Soon after the storm, the pirogue’s engine gives in, and we tragically see passengers perish one by one, as food and water diminish, and thirst, exhaustion and exposure to the elements claim the lives of the old and young.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
When it appears that there is no hope left, we are exposed to the inner thoughts of some of the last remaining passengers as they reflect on their lives, decisions, families and God, before they too expectedly die. Just when it seems like the last survivors will perish; the Spanish Red Cross discovers the Pirogue, where only 4 passengers remain. They are rescued, however sent back to Senegal, where they receive a mere sandwich on their arrival. As Baye Laye and Abou walk home together from the airport, we question if they think their decision to cross the Atlantic was worth it, and what lessons they have learnt about themselves.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
The film ends with a dedication to the 300,000 West Africans that have perished as a result of crossing the Atlantic to greener pastures in Europe, a jarring figure which Moussa Touré puts into context by providing human faces, an emotive storyline, and infallible dreams.
</p>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/lwB0-YGivtc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p class='justify'>Source | Images courtesy of <a href='http://www.coveringmedia.com/daily/2013/01/23-index.htm' target='_blank'>Covering Media</a>, <a href='http://www.rue89.com/rue89-culture/2012/10/18/la-pirogue-le-film-dune-jeunesse-africaine-boat-people-236336' target='_blank'>Rue89</a>, <a href='http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/25/world/africa/africa-cinema-cannes-la-pirogue/index.html' target='_blank'>CNN</a>. Video courtesy of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwB0-YGivtc" target='_blank'>YouTube</a>.
</p>
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</div>
</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-7182964156756908972013-12-04T23:53:00.000+00:002013-12-07T00:03:36.667+00:00Yaaya At: The Film Africa Festival 2013 | Atlantiques<div class='article-response-container'>
<div class='article-response'>
<p class='justify'>
There was a noticeable buzz inside Ritzy Cinema in Brixton, as we waited for the screening of Atlantiques and La Pirogue. No doubt the Yaaya team was riled up to see both films, not least because it quenched our love for the arts, Africa and the African Diaspora, but because the Film Africa Festival had succeeded in putting together an exciting and diverse exhibition of films and documentaries from across Africa.
</p>
<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/76540388?color=ff9933" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p class='justify'>
These films encompassed brilliant works of cinematography from Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone Africa, displayed the cultural and linguistic diversity of the continent, whilst at the same time explored the intersectionality of Europe and Africa in the context of migrant experiences and aspirations.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
It was the exploration of the experience of African migrants, and their imagining of Europe as an economic haven where choice and dreams can be realized, that instinctively prompted us to watch both films. Yaaya, being an organization that in addition to providing a platform for black women in Europe to share stories of success and ambition, also endeavors to start conversations in relation to the black experience in Europe. Atlantiques and La Pirogue therefore provided us with an opportunity to see both a documentary and dramatization of pertinent issues that concern us.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
As we took our seats, tweeted, found the time to take pictures and completed bureaucratic paperwork, we were welcomed by the facilitator for the night, and pleasantly received a talk from the Head of the IOM (International Organisation for Migration) in the UK, where she put into context the current reality of the dangers many African migrants face when crossing the Atlantic to enter Europe. As the lights dimmed, and the movie theater quieted, we experienced two powerful pieces of work, which forced us to ponder the extent to which an individual’s life can become so difficult that risking death becomes a viable option, and question how Europe can effectively manage a natural human occurrence.
</p>
<h3>
<span class='content-bigger-bright-bold-text'>Atlantiques</span>
</h3>
<p class='justify'>
<img class='float-centre-resize' src="https://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/FilmAssets/000000/00000088/scaled/8899.jpg" />
<br/>
Atlantiques is a short documentary which explores the motivations of a young Senegalese man named Serigne, who wants to leave Senegal on a pirogue (Senegalese fishing boat) en route to Spain for the second time. The documentary opens with a recording of a man describing his experience of boarding a pirogue, and he gives a harrowing account of his near death experiences on the Atlantic. The recording sets the tone for the rest of the documentary, as the audience watches and listens to a series of conversations in Wolof between Serigne and Alpha, two young men who have different views about risking one’s life to enter Spain. Serigne states that “he has nothing but dust in his pockets,” and reveals his frustration of not being able to provide for his family who experience hunger because of a lack of money.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
Serigne’s frustrations mirrors that of many young Senegalese men, in a country with an unemployment rate of 48% as of 2007[1], which has consequently forced many young men to leave villages, towns and cities in search of brighter futures abroad. We see Serigne rationalize his decision to cross the Atlantic a second time, with justifications such as “If I die its God’s will,” an illustration of how fear, risk and hope co-exist in the minds of would be migrants. Alpha on the other hand doesn’t view the risk as worthwhile, and tries to discourage Serigne from boarding a pirogue again. There are however points of agreement between the two young men. Alpha is equally aware of why Spain is an attractive place for his friend, and listens intently as Serigne reveals the psychological impact that his first trip has had on him, and how he has experienced things “he cannot speak of.” The two men also ponder on what action they would take in difficult scenarios on a pirogue, such as if a friend happens to go overboard. Serigne argues he will try and help his friend even if it means risking his own life, illustrating how friendship and support is an important part of surviving the voyage, but also how men are bought into one another’s hopes, dreams and desires.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
After the series of conversations between Serigne and Alpha, we soon learn that Serigne died on his second attempt to cross the Atlantic, and in turn that he did not heed the advice of his friend. We see the impact Serigne’s death has on Alpha and his family. As an audience we also feel his loss. This is because we have been privy to his intimate thoughts and feelings with his friends, and have sympathised with his frustrations. Serigne is now a statistic with a human face, part of a group of over 300,000 hopeful West Africans who have perished trying to cross the Atlantic.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
A memorable part of the documentary is when the camera focuses in on who we presume to be Serigne’s sister for a long period of time who is visibly upset. The setting is inferred to be Serigne’s family home, and we get the sense that his family is mourning his death. This scene reinforces the impact of the death of young men on families, and forces us to question how many families have lost multiple sons, grandsons, husbands and nephews on this treacherous voyage.
</p>
<p class='justify'>Source | <a href="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2129.html" target='_blank'>[1]</a> “The World Factbook, Unemployment Rate". Image courtesy of <a href='https://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/films/atlantiques/'>Film Festival Rotterdam</a>. Video courtesy of <a href="http://vimeo.com/76540388">Film Africa IDENT</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/filmafrica">Film Africa</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.
</p>
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</div>
</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-48946778204410634252013-11-20T23:54:00.000+00:002013-11-21T00:27:34.204+00:00Immigrant Or Citizen? | Kiri Kankhwende<div class='article-response-container'>
<div class='article-response'>
<div class='article-block-quote-container'>
<div class='article-block-quote'>
<h3>
<span class='content-big-bright-bold-text'>“Australians don’t have integration issues
</span>
<span class='content-big-pale-bold-text'>the way migrants from, say, Somalia or Pakistan do;
</span>
<span class='content-big-dark-bold-text'>indeed, nobody really thinks that Australians are foreign at all.”
</span>
</h3>
</div>
</div>
<p class='justify'>
In August, Melanie McDonagh, a columnist for the Evening Standard, <a href="http://www.standard.co.uk/comment/comment/melanie-mcdonagh-bosnias-lesson-in-how-to-get-it-wrong-today-in-syria-8785913.html" target='_blank'>commented</a> on Boris Johnson’s proposal that Commonwealth citizens be given “preferential treatment” with regards to the immigration cap on non-EU migrants:
<blockquote>
<i>“Arguing about immigration simply in terms of bald numbers always seems a dud idea because it ignores the fact that some immigrants assimilate without even trying; others don’t.”</i>
</blockquote>
In case there was any doubt, she drove her point home:
<blockquote>
<i>“Australians don’t have integration issues the way migrants from, say, Somalia or Pakistan do; indeed, nobody really thinks that Australians are foreign at all.”</i>
</blockquote>
It was a short comment, almost an aside – as if she was simply restating a self-evident truth, so true in fact that she did not have to elaborate further on what these “issues” of integration might be. So often, those who decry the racism in immigration policies or rhetoric are chided for over-reacting or “playing the race card.” However, the reason Melanie could make such a sweeping statement was because she knew that everyone knew what she meant: it’s a coded discussion, and the code was ‘race’.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
Race and immigration are intertwined, and have been since the first major immigration controls were introduced as a reaction to people from the Caribbean, Africa and South Asia immigrating to the U.K. during the 1950s. Institutional racism is more insidious and difficult to pin down than overt racism, but the recent government has made it easier with policies such as the “Go Home” van, a van emblazoned with the words, “In the UK illegally? Go home or face arrest.” The advertising campaign was allegedly targeted at those in the UK illegally, but only driven around some of London’s most ethnically diverse boroughs, including Hounslow and Brent during its week-long trial.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
If ethnic minorities bear the brunt of an elaborate immigration policy aimed at keeping people out rather than facilitating the reality of migration in a global marketplace, the measures targeted at family are a particular issue of concern for black women. Feminist campaigner Chitra Nagarajan has written an <a href="http://chitrasudhanagarajan.wordpress.com/2011/11/12/migrationracegender" target='_blank'>excellent blog post</a> about the intersection of migration and women’s rights and the implications of new spousal immigration rules. She also highlights historic injustices, such as the virginity tests of the 1970s:
<blockquote>
<i>“The practice of ‘virginity testing‘ in the 1970s has been well documented. Immigration rules at the time did not require women arriving in the UK to have married their fiancés in order to have visas if the wedding was due to take place within 3 months of arrival. Internal Home Office papers show the practice of conducting medical examinations to see whether a woman entering the UK under this bracket was a ‘bona fide virgin or fiancée.’ At least 80 ‘virginity tests’ or, to give them their proper name, state sanctioned sexual assaults took place, based on racist and sexist stereotypes that south Asian women are submissive, meek and always virgins before marriage and on the biologically false notion that all women have hymens before having sex. The UK state has still not apologised for this. [1]”</i>
</blockquote>
</p>
<p class='justify'>
New spousal rules, among other measures, have raised the amount of money a person has to earn before their spouse can join them in the UK. Consequently, these rules have been roundly criticised for breaking up families. People of all races are dragged into the net, and married couples are more likely to end up separated because they are students for example, or because one is self-employed and cannot prove a steady income for a said spouse. Richard Fabb, a British man married to an Australian, wrote in his article on Comment is Free about the toll that a longer probationary period was having on his family. His wife could not take up work until her probation expired and as a result was reluctant to leave Australia and return with him to the UK:
<blockquote>
<i>"The long probationary period is meant to make it harder for sham marriages to last, and to be a period in which the applicant can assimilate into society. To me, it feels as if there is a presumption of criminality that I find offensive. I do not want my wife to spend that long as an outsider when she’s already lived in the UK for four years on an ancestry visa. She’s pretty well assimilated thanks very much. What’s more, in marrying me she cemented a lifelong connection to Britain."</i>
</blockquote>
Perhaps the universality of the policy and its effects on British citizens and their families as well as migrants is the reason why it has received a moderate amount of press coverage.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
Britain is not alone in its ever hardening stance towards immigration, particularly given the ongoing recession. Europe has long strived to create “Fortress Europe.” Colonel Gaddaffi warned that without Libya policing its coastline, Europe would <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/7973649/Gaddafi-Europe-will-turn-black-unless-EU-pays-Libya-4bn-a-year.html" target='_blank'>“turn black”</a> due to migration from Africa to Italy across the Mediterranean Sea. For years, there have been reports of African migrants and refugees aboard boats leaving North Africa for Europe with an untold number perishing in the sea. On 3rd October, a boat packed with more than 500 Eritrean men, women and children caught fire and capsized, killing 364 people and causing shockwaves around Europe. Author and broadcaster <a href="http://kenanmalik.wordpress.com/2013/10/09/a-policy-without-a-conscience" target='_blank'>Kenan Malick</a> blamed the tragedy on EU border policies:
<blockquote>
<i>“Last week’s horror was neither an accident nor merely a tragedy. It was the gruesomely inevitable consequence of EU border policies. For more than three decades the EU has been constructing a Fortress Europe to keep the ‘unwanted’ from landing on the shores of the continent, spending hundreds of millions of euros on external border controls. At the end of this year the latest scheme, Eurosur, a new Mediterranean surveillance and data-sharing system making use of drones and satellites is due to come on stream. European policymakers claim that the system will help prevent disasters such as the one in Lampedusa. History suggests that it will be deployed to prevent migrants from reaching Europe but not to save their lives.
<br/><br/>
Fortress Europe has created not only a physical barrier around the continent, but an emotional one, too, around Europe’s sense of humanity. Migrants have come to be seen less as living, breathing human beings than as so much flotsam and jetsam to be swept away from Europe’s beaches.”</i>
</blockquote>
</p>
<p class='justify'>
Asylum and immigration are often conflated, more often to the detriment of the asylees, who, it is often forgotten, are seeking refuge. In Switzerland, some towns have moved <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23599502" target='_blank'>to segregate asylum seekers entirely</a>, banning them from public places due to fears about “criminal activity.” A <a href="http://www.rferl.org/content/france-muslims-islamophobia/25075616.html" target='_blank'>“rising climate of Islamophobia”</a> in France a concern for its Muslim population, while, in Italy, the first black MP and anti-racism campaigner, Cecile Kyenge has been <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23310837" target='_blank'>likened to an orang-utan</a>, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/28/cecile-kyenge-targeted-bananas-insult" target='_blank'>had bananas thrown at her</a>, and <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/italys-first-black-minister-ccile-kyenge-likened-to-a-prostitute-in-latest-public-insult-8786460.html" target='_blank'>labeled a prostitute</a>. Kyenge’s struggle goes to the heart of the issue. The epitome of grace under fire, she has been targeted personally for daring to push for Italy’s immigrant’s to be recognised as citizens, backing a new law that would grant citizenship to children born in Italy, regardless of their parentage.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
The benefits of migration are usually cast in economic terms. It is true, migrants give more to the public purse than they take out, and they are less likely to use social housing. According to the <a href="http://www.oecd.org/els/mig/migrationpickingupbutrisingunemploymenthurtingimmigrants.htm" target='_blank'>latest figures</a> by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, migrants make a net contribution to the public purse of 0.46% of GDP (including pensions).
But there is more to the story; it has a <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/aug/07/immigration-controls-spot-checks-british-white" target='_blank'>human element</a>. Where the state intrudes so deeply into people’s lives, the least we can demand is a system that treats everyone equally and with respect for human dignity. If not, Ethnic minorities will always feel like their citizenship is under review. The policy of immigration spot checks in tube stations and on buses, in which racial profiling is allegedly rife, exacerbates that feeling. The message from the British Government is clear: don’t get too comfortable. You don’t really belong here.
</p>
<p class='justify'>Source | <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-0424.2010.01623.x/full" target='_blank'>[1]</a> “Uncovering virginity testing, controversy in the National Archives: The intersectionality of discrimination in British immigration history” (2011)</p>
<br/>
<div class='guest-author'>
<span class='content-big-bright-bold-text'>
~
</span>
<span class='content-big-dark-bold-text'>
Kiri Kankhwende
</span>
<span class='content-big-pale-bold-text'>
|
</span>
<span class='content-big-dark-bold-text'>
<a href="https://twitter.com/madomasi" target='_blank'>@madomasi</a><br/>
</span>
<span class='content-big-dark-text'>
Kiri is a Malawian writer living in London with an eye on Southern Africa. She has a background in human rights campaigning and is interested in immigration, politics and theatre. She can be found blogging at <a href="https://madomasi.wordpress.com" target='_blank'>madomasi.wordpress.com</a> and <a href="https://mediadiversity.com" target='_blank'>mediadiversity.com</a>.
</span>
</div>
</div>
</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-63652442217860416042013-11-17T12:39:00.001+00:002013-11-17T12:41:06.183+00:00Africa, Newham And Italy: Where Inspiration Meets Imagination<div class='interview'>
<div class='interview-summary'>
<div class='interview-block-quote-container'>
<div class='interview-block-quote'>
<h2>
<span class='content-small-dark-text'>"That’s another
</span>
<span class='content-big-bright-bold-text'>inspiration
</span>
<span class='content-small-dark-bold-text'>for my artwork
</span>
<span class='content-small-dark-text'>as well.<br/>
</span>
<span class='content-small-pale-bold-text'>The
</span>
<span class='content-big-pale-bold-text'>feeling
</span>
<span class='content-small-pale-bold-text'>I get <br/>
</span>
<span class='content-small-dark-text'>from
</span>
<span class='content-small-dark-bold-text'>being
</span>
<span class='content-small-dark-text'>in
</span>
<span class='content-big-bright-bold-text'>Newham
</span>
<span class='content-small-dark-bold-text'>is amazing. <br/>
</span>
<span class='content-big-bright-text'>I feel happy here."
</span>
</h2>
</div>
</div>
<p class='justify'>
In the final part of our interview with Antonietta, we discover her interest in Nigeria, the impact she hopes her work will achieve amongst young people, why Newham holds a special place in her heart, and future projects she is working on.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
And so the conversation continues …
</p>
</div>
<div class='interview-transcript'>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> Looking into the future, what impact would you like your work to have on others?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cH7QkTx_AebXX-mdEZS9fIGhpy-EcDMUy3ybbVdI9nnj9s9TKjddpfEP1JDu1soOkRzD5wt8AELJ3oJSRdemLGYhobYS-HPVc9z5hcyc1UI42PaOyOnr4KnJr-BEw2S1dx0HmyZfyUA/s1600/Proppa+by+Antonietta+Torsiello.jpg' class='float-right-resize-medium'/>I would like it to have a big impact on young people, but that is where the role of my art workshops would come in. My business would be split up into two sections. It would be the workshops, and the textiles and art side. I want to be an ambassador for art, for young people. That’s what I want to do. How was that? Shall I add anything else?
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> (Laughs) That was perfect! We like your last sentence very much. “I want to be an ambassador for art for young people.”
<br/>
Where would be your dream location or exhibition to showcase your work?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> Somewhere in Africa.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> Is there a particular country you have in mind?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> Nigeria I think.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> Why Nigeria?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> I haven’t been there, but I have a lot of friends from there, and they always bring back clothes or things they’ve bought from there, and I’m just like “wow!” The designs on [the clothes] are so crazy. They talk about what they did when they were on holiday, and how they went to fashion events, and how the fashion scene is buzzing right now. Nigeria would be a great place for me to go, especially since my work is contemporary as well. It would really work well out there.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> You seem to be quite a cultured person that interested in your heritage, family, culture, Africa etc. Where does this come from?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> I’m not sure. I’ve always been a person that thrives on visual images. Even if I sit here and close my eyes, I see lots of flashing images! If I’m trying to describe something to someone, I describe it in such a visual way. I wouldn’t say turn left or turn right. Also I love bright colours, so that’s where my love of African textiles come from.
<br/><br/>
<img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvlcFwqOmytWptA8_1Ir06zXjCjlnC8QO1j5LGaQvMoreXrLG2OMaqXZ9xNKnyS-e5Hgn7RVIwj1frPt9JLtIzS2A7cINvRsMR6LtQ_0g8WMjZ1VlAZveixI23IYTIrkHGTOJ2tneHMM/s1600/Red+Frill+Copyirghted+by+Antonietta+Torsiello.jpg' class='float-right-resize-medium'/> From a young age, I have thought that everyone should embrace where they are from. Also, growing up in Newham is just so multicultural and I really enjoy living here because of that. Everyone has something different to bring to the place that they are living in, and it’s nice to live in a place where people live in harmony together. That’s another inspiration for my artwork as well. The feeling I get from being in Newham is amazing. I feel happy here. You do get the odd racist person, but there is hardly any of that in Newham. Everyone mixes, everyone knows people from different cultures, there are lots of mixed families, so it’s a nice place to live.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> What projects are you currently working on?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> I’m working on a project that is exploring my dad’s Italian heritage. I’ve only just started doing sketches of images I took last year in Italy. I produced a sketch of my grandma. She’s a farmer so she’s quite strong. I thought that would be an interesting basis for my art work, because I would be exploring concepts like strength in women.
<br/><br/>
Also there is a town in the mountains where my dad’s family is from called Valva in Naples, and you can see it from where my grandma lives now. My mum bought me a new lense for my camera so you can see the town clearly, and so I was able to take a really good photo of the town. I was drawing different sketches and playing with colours. I initially did the sketches in black and white but didn’t like it. My work is not black and white as my aesthetic is very experimental with colour. So I had to adapt it, and bring out myself in my work, and make it more contemporary and interesting.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>How is the project progressing?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
I’ve stopped a bit because it’s hard when you delve into family issues, and you start contemplating about things. I keep stalling but I need to do it because it’s really important. I never met my paternal grandfather, so its kind of hard and emotional. When I found out he (paternal grandfather) passed away I was really sad as I never met him, but at the same time I wasn’t upset because I didn’t know him. That’s when I thought I need to express this through art.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>Where can we see some of your work?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
You can see it at KPMG, however it’s a private exhibition. I think they will open it up soon, so when I find out I will let you know. You can see my work at <a href='http://kambagallery.com' target='_blank'>Kamba Gallery</a> in Great Antiques Market in Mayfair.
<br/><br/>
<img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dkAXp002wC_k3kwgKCQep9bhq9MB6yP5YhkALD4bvSpD22YqBQwibnf2ggiur_qa-vUAlMu1g0cnf6OXLPj4k3E4WdWGRgmdLl2nNSBqn8zcngDWG6zSbD3H_DmUB3MTAhuwdte9zeo/s1600/Prim+by+Antonietta+Torsiello.jpg' class='float-right-resize-medium'/>You can also see my work in <a href='http://www.newhamrecorder.co.uk/news/shop_selling_everything_from_arts_crafts_to_bicycles_has_opened_in_forest_gate_1_2212500' target='_blank'>Number 8</a>. It’s a shop in Forest Gate opposite the train station. It’s an emporium, so they sell different types of things like vintage items, plates, vases and other random things. They also sell artists work, my work and two other artists are being sold there. It’s a little shop, but they have so many things.
<br/><br/>
You can also see my work in <a href='http://www.newhamrecorder.co.uk/news/stratford_pop_up_shop_helps_establish_young_businesses_1_2292023' target='_blank'>Established</a>, which is a pop up shop in Westfield, Stratford City. It’s one of the shops outside.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>So we can see your work in a lot of places?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
Antonietta T: Yes. There will be some more places coming up soon though, but I can’t think of any more at the moment!
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>We'd like to end this interview by asking you to complete a few sentences. So let's begin!
<br/><br/>
Art is important because ...
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> It’s a way for people to express their feelings without speaking.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> If I wasn’t an artist I would be ...
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> A wedding planner. It’s so random! (Laughs)
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> Living in the UK feels ...
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> It feels good to live in the UK because you have a lot of opportunities even if you don’t think about it straight way. You meet so many different people, as people come from all over the world to live here and start new lives. The U.K is a really interesting place because of that. You can find everything and everywhere here. I love it!
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> Yaaya to me represents ...
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>
A platform for women to inspire others.
<br/>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-conclusion'>
<p class='justify'>
This post concludes our interview with Antonietta Torsiello. Share with us your thoughts on Antonietta’s journey and future ambitions!
<br/><br/>
Catch-up on the earlier parts of our conversation:
<br/><br/>
<a href='http://www.iamyaaya.blogspot.fr/2013/11/antonietta-torsiello-newhams-rising.html'>Part 1</a>: Antonietta Torsiello, Newham’s Rising Artist
<br />
<a href='http://www.iamyaaya.blogspot.fr/2013/11/navigating-world-of-art-being-young.html'>Part 2</a>: Navigating The World Of Art: Being Young, Female And Black
</br>
</br>
</p>
</div>
<span>
<p>Image Source | These images do not belong to Yaaya. Images courtesy of Antonietta Torsiello.</p>
</span>
</div>
yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-29643563190624696082013-11-15T22:11:00.001+00:002013-11-17T12:44:17.266+00:00Navigating The World Of Art: Being Young, Female And Black<div class='interview'>
<div class='interview-summary'>
<div class='interview-block-quote-container'>
<div class='interview-block-quote'>
<h2>
<span class='content-big-bright-bold-text'>"I never
</span>
<span class='content-big-dark-bold-text'>realised <br/>
</span>
<span class='content-small-bright-text'>that you
</span>
<span class='content-small-dark-text'>could <br/>
</span>
<span class='content-big-pale-bold-text'>get so much <br/>
</span>
<span class='content-dark-text'>by
</span>
<span class='content-big-dark-bold-text'>just <br/>
</span>
<span class='content-big-bright-bold-text'>asking."
</span>
</h2>
</div>
</div>
<p class='justify'>
In Part 2 of this three-part interview, we explore the realities of being a young, female and black artist, as well as the general challenges that exist with being an artist. We also learn about Antonietta's commitment to promoting the arts amongst young people, and her dreams of starting a business to achieve this aim.
</p>
<p class='justify'>
And so the conversation continues …
</p>
</div>
<div class='interview-transcript'>
<div class='interview-qa'> <div class='interviewer'> <div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div><div class='interviewer-question'> Is it important to you to reflect your heritage in your work?
</div></div><div class='interviewee'><div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div><div class='interviewee-answer'> I try to illustrate a lot of my heritage in my work, especially being the kind of person I am. Growing up, my mum was a socialist. I’ve been going to demonstrations and things like that with my mum since I was 6 years old, so I’ve always been quite conscious. I know where I come from, so it’s really important.
</div> </div></div><div class='interview-qa'> <div class='interviewer'> <div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div><div class='interviewer-question'> What is your background?
</div></div><div class='interviewee'><div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div><div class='interviewee-answer'> My mum is Jamaican and my dad is Italian.
</div> </div></div><div class='interview-qa'> <div class='interviewer'> <div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div><div class='interviewer-question'> In your pre-interview form, you state that you want to promote the arts among younger people. Why is this important to you?
</div></div><div class='interviewee'><div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div><div class='interviewee-answer'> It’s important because a lot of young people are losing faith in different things. I went to a Secondary School in Newham, and I’m not criticising the school but I wasn’t supported. I knew that I had learning difficulties, and any time I tried to get help for it, no one wanted to help me. They would say I’m disruptive instead of helping me.
<br/><br/>
Nowadays, I think it's even worse because there are cuts in funding to youth centres and other provisions for young people. So it’s easy for young people to say that “<i>I’m just going to do an apprenticeship</i>”.<img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShGwzX5GZ7zcL8G9GmKevRmP-hK-mqcJy_tUUP6vBXuDQfBFd5EW-nvXXPuQ_jfHhE4BtFRCzeDQcD2ZlkxAbWxEeZRnFloCu3mnRmKDIIenTGNRn9ztN-AJzWAWta2_Yh7leM7iGN2Y/s1600/AfriWest+inprinted+collar+by+Antonietta+Torsiello.jpg.jpg' class='float-right-resize-medium'/> I’m not saying that apprenticeships are bad, but they should believe that they have different options. Further and Higher Education shouldn’t just be for rich people. Young people need to be educated in a lot of different things. Young people are pushed towards subjects like business or the sciences, and that’s fine, but it would be nice for them to value the arts. That’s why I want to promote the Arts among younger people. They should have options, a lot of options that I didn’t have. I now have the opportunity to do this for young people.
</div> </div></div><div class='interview-qa'> <div class='interviewer'> <div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div><div class='interviewer-question'> That’s really inspirational. Have you done any workshops with young people?
</div></div><div class='interviewee'><div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div><div class='interviewee-answer'> I’ve done children’s art workshops, but I want to do workshops where I combine practical activities with talks. I would like to talk about a particular subject, or the children can bring up a subject, and we can talk through it, and then move onto a practical activity. I want to combine the two to get young people thinking a bit more.
</div> </div></div><div class='interview-qa'> <div class='interviewer'> <div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div><div class='interviewer-question'> Yaaya is interested in hearing about the experiences of black women in certain industries, and issues to do with social invisibility. What is it like to be a young, female black artist?
</div></div><div class='interviewee'><div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div><div class='interviewee-answer'>It’s hard. I’m not going to lie. It’s really hard. Luckily I have the support of my mum who supports me so much. I doubt myself a lot, and I now believe in myself a lot more because of her. Some people are not lucky enough to have that support. I’m really lucky.
<br/></br>
Going back to the question, it can be difficult sometimes because when people see my work at an exhibition, I sometimes step back to see what they think about it. I listen to them, and then go and speak to them, and they just look at me like “<i>who are you?</i>” They don’t believe that it’s my work!
</div> </div></div><div class='interview-qa'> <div class='interviewer'> <div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div><div class='interviewer-question'> Why do you think that they feel it is not your work?
</div></div>
<div class='interviewee'><div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div><div class='interviewee-answer'>I don’t know. Maybe they don’t think I’m capable producing the work I do. It is disheartening at times. Sometimes you just have to show them, and that’s what I’m doing. I want to change the situation for young black female artists. We do get opportunities but not as much as men. Art is a very male dominated sector. Sometimes it seems that if you want to get some attention, you have to do random and controversial stuff like Tracey Emin with the beds. Have you seen it?
</div> </div></div><div class='interview-qa'> <div class='interviewer'> <div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div><div class='interviewer-question'> No. Can you explain what this Tracey Emin did?
</div></div><div class='interviewee'><div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div><div class='interviewee-answer'>She did an <a href="http://www.saatchigallery.com/artists/artpages/tracey_emin_my_bed.htm" target='_blank'>installation of her bed</a>, which had clothes thrown over her bed, along with used condoms, dirty knickers and pads (sanitary towels). Next to the bed, there was a list of all the people she slept with in her life. It’s tempting to think that this is the sort of thing women have to do to get noticed in this industry. It’s just ridiculous, because obviously I’m not going to do something like that. It’s just not who I am. Fair enough that is who she is, as her other work is quite mad as well.
<br/></br>
It’s just difficult for artists not to do crazy things. It’s hard for women because they don’t get recognised as much as men. I don’t see it changing right now to be honest. If you think about it, there are not many female artists you can think of, off at the top of your head. When you think of artists, you think of people like Picasso and Leonardo da Vinci. I think there may have been women in those times who were doing art, but are not mentioned. It’s really sad. I think in the future it will change. That’s one of the reasons why I want to expose art to young people, so they begin to develop an awareness of art at an early age, and when they get to my age they would want to help someone else.
<br/><br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_T5XDvAqiA5Vq2FhPvRcc3P__w9qOGPK2YepQOHv8-rYwwfrD4TR0LvKQ1lec6aShoIL_idBW6SkqUfL6FML0dc1jnRxeWlgrvdhwitEnEwzCjm-JvnJKsDLfhsE_UqZFiuuNpQZoYY/s1600/AfriWest-gallery-image-Copyrighted-to-Antonietta-Torsiello-AT-London-2012.jpg' class='float-centre-resize'/>
<br/>
</div> </div></div><div class='interview-qa'> <div class='interviewer'> <div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div><div class='interviewer-question'> You spoke of your mum being a great support to you. Do you have a mentor at all?
</div></div><div class='interviewee'><div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div><div class='interviewee-answer'> I don’t have a mentor at the moment. I do have people who I get advice from, but not necessarily a mentor. Once I start on the Prince’s Trust course they will place me with a mentor in my sector which I’m really looking forward to.
</div> </div></div><div class='interview-qa'> <div class='interviewer'> <div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div><div class='interviewer-question'> Are there any artists or textiles designers you look up to?
</div></div><div class='interviewee'><div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div><div class='interviewee-answer'> The artists I look up to the most are a duo. They are a married couple called <a href='http://www.eleykishimoto.com' target='_blank'>Eley Kishimoto</a>. They are really amazing. The woman is Japanese and the man I think is either British or American. You should check them out. They just don’t do textiles, but they also make clothes, and work with other companies. They have worked with a company that produces motorbike helmets, and they did the design for them. That’s the type of stuff that I want to do. You know just random stuff, and collaborating with different people, and making different products. I’m thinking too far ahead, but it’s good to be ambitious.
</div> </div></div><div class='interview-qa'> <div class='interviewer'> <div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div><div class='interviewer-question'> We’re aware that you would like to start your own business where you sell your framed art and interior furnishings with art prints on them. What challenges and opportunities exist in the art world for artists, and those that sell art?
</div></div><div class='interviewee'><div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div><div class='interviewee-answer'> Marketing is a big challenge for artists. It’s the main challenge. I’ve seen how a lot of talented people struggle to sell their work as they don’t know how to market it, or they are not marketing their work to the right people. They are marketing their work to people who like it, but can’t afford it, or like it, but just don’t buy it. That’s the struggle for artists a lot of the time, and there isn’t enough time in the day to market your work. Unless you know someone who is a computer whizz, it can be difficult. Even me, I’m very good with computers, I know how to put my work on websites and blogs but its still hard.
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqodRD1_0D5lDw0dMfMZyHkXHaQVTPEtqXt2xzLiI2j97KCm-9Gu-3_QyoOCRB7E_heD44JrfHYCsIGOIrudJrzjS1M41VvM2o8kERc0fFuxOVqpzxkDzmSOxJnZ4PXDGMciU2U2R6h1I/s1600/New+Skirt+Copyirghted+by+Antonietta+Torsiello.jpg' class='float-centre-resize'/>
<br/>
Doing it on your own is difficult, because you’re focusing on the creative side, which is your work, and you have to worry about the promotional side, and whether people will turn up to your exhibition. That’s the other thing, I spend seven hours on the computer everyday working on marketing my work, and I feel that takes away from what I need to do creatively.
</div> </div></div><div class='interview-qa'> <div class='interviewer'> <div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div><div class='interviewer-question'> And what about opportunities? What opportunities exist for artists in the art world?
</div></div><div class='interviewee'><div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div><div class='interviewee-answer'> There are opportunities in the art world, but you have to just ask! I never realised that you could get so much by just asking.
<br/><br/>
Talking to people is one way to get a lot of opportunities, because you never know who you may meet. For example, I was talking to one lady on the train recently, and she asked me to pass her a newspaper and we ended up just speaking to one another. I found out that she owns a really big gallery in west london, and she was asking me to send her some of my work. I wasn’t even going to speak to her but I thought let me just be nice and talk to her. You can’t tell by just looking at someone what they have, or who they know or anything like that.
<br/>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-conclusion'>
<p class='justify'>
On the 17th November 2013, Yaaya will post the <a href="http://www.iamyaaya.blogspot.fr/2013/11/africa-newham-and-italy-where.html">final part</a> of our conversation with Antonietta. We will find out more about the impact Antonietta hopes her work will achieve, her love for Africa and Newham, and future projects she will be working on.
</br>
</br>
</p>
</div>
<span>
<p>Image Source | These images do not belong to Yaaya. Images courtesy of Antonietta Torsiello.</p>
</span>
</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-66030119733779093642013-11-13T22:27:00.000+00:002017-06-05T22:46:15.437+01:00Antonietta Torsiello, Newham’s Rising Artist<div class='interview'>
<div class='interview-summary'>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbnVN7i-l49cYui_nVC3xJwfZg0NNWq4IKQA-GsFgSKT8fJRSaH9EN_1gaur-JPUbbeUDPieAGmiKG2JeEwDm8rpnGG9YNAnYo1JwzxYhhkp32G8OgSyLQuqaiJGc-izDulfrUef7J8w/s1600/Antonietta+profile+picture.jpg" class="float-left-resize">
<p class='justify'>
Unassuming, shy, thoughtful and talented are words that come to mind when we think of <a href='http://iamyaaya.blogspot.co.uk/p/interview-bios.html#antonietta-torsiello'>Antonietta Torsiello</a>.
Unaccustomed to talking about her achievements, work and ambitions, this modest Artist from Newham (East
London) has a lot to shout about. She has a wealth of experience and many artistic qualifications under her belt, an
impressive portfolio of work, and has represented at numerous exhibitions since 2010. Recently, she has had a
private exhibition
of her work displayed at KPMG’s headquarters in Canary Wharf, London - evidently this 24 year-old is gradually
making her mark on
the London contemporary art scene.
<br/>
<br/>
Antonietta has dreams to start her own business by specialising in selling framed art and interior furnishings
that have been customised with her own prints. Community development is also one of her other passions, and she
hopes to inspire a generation of
young people to value the arts, as well as actively communicate with one another about issues they feel
strongly about.
<br/>
<br/>
Fresh after recently learning that she will be represented by Kamba Gallery in Mayfair London, Yaaya caught up
with Antonietta in Newham.
<br/>
</p>
<p class='justify'>And so the conversation begins …
</p>
</div>
<div class='interview-transcript'>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> Antoinetta! At long last we have finally met! Thank you very much for
agreeing to be interviewed. We understand you have been very busy of late. What have you been up to?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> Yes I have. I’ve been trying to get my work into exhibitions, and I’m
currently exhibiting at KPMG’s headquarters in Canary Wharf. In addition, I’m now being represented
by a gallery in Mayfair. It’s a gallery that sells contemporary art and also African artifacts.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> What is the name of the gallery?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> The gallery is called <a href='http://kambagallery.com' target='_blank'><i>Kamba</i></a>. They’ve been
really supportive of my work because I did get to a point recently where I asked myself: “Where can
I go with this?” I met one of the representatives in Victoria (South West London), and I showed her
my work, and she said that it was really interesting because my work illustrates how Africa meets
the West. She said that my works evoke different experiences merged into one, so we just went from
there, and I’ve kept in contact with them quite a lot. I haven’t sold anything yet, but I’ve
received positive feedback. I’m also working with the Prince’s Trust at the moment, and enrolling on
their business course because I want to start a business in printing textiles.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> So you’ve been very busy!
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> (Laughs). Yeah I have.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> What motivated you to be interviewed by Yaaya?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> When I went on the blog it seemed really interesting, especially the
inspirational person you had interviewed. I can’t remember the lady’s name, but it really inspired
me, and I thought “I want to be like her!” (laughs).
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> Do you remember her name?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> No. She’s an academic. She’s quite a mature woman.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> Cecile Wright?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>Yes that’s her name! She’s amazing! If I can inspire someone with my
art, I thought doing this interview would be a good way to do that, even though I’m not good with
interviews or talking about myself. I thought doing the interview would be a good way to overcome
this fear, and show people what I’m about.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'>Diving straight in, on your website you describe yourself as a visual
artist and textiles designer. Can you tell our readers what this actually means?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHvZOq5Yw_OO3g5xwAmoRTMzoXJR3mvSt87jnapGEnwEuN8hqFD0KV9X2AlK-gqAeO9RaGLRNCR4wFZQQFTz-5aDC7ZOikKeJS1NZxrImNma94_w6l5Ush7wGTsok8MONYbCe5Z-Cv08/s1600/Antonietta+Torsiello+-+Marbled+stem.jpg" class="float-right-resize-medium">OK. Well the thing with me, in terms of being an artist, is that I’ve
tried so many different types of art, so it’s difficult for me to try and label my craft.So I
thought visual art covers a lot, as I’ve literally done everything from Sculpture, to Photography,
to Fine Art. Everything you can think of I’ve done it, as I’ve completed a variety of courses: Art
and Design where you do all different types of things to Fashion and Textiles, which is the
construction of clothing. I thought visual art covers a lot of things, and Textile Design is what I
studied at university where I specialised in printmaking on textiles. This was where I wanted to go
next in my career, so I added textiles into the description of my craft.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> What products or pieces do you design?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> At the moment I’m designing tea towels and framed art. I’m selling
smaller pieces of my framed art at a pop up shop in Stratford Westfield called <a href='http://www.newhamrecorder.co.uk/news/stratford_pop_up_shop_helps_establish_young_businesses_1_2292023' target='_blank'><i>Established</i></a>.
They sell artwork by creative people in Newham. I also sell some cards there. What I really want to
do is interior furnishing like cushions and curtains. When people see my work they always say “that
will look nice on a cushion” or “that will look nice on fabric.” Eventually, I would also like to
make furniture, but lets not get too ahead of ourselves (laughs).
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> We can see that you are very passionate about your craft, as seen
through the various qualifications you have in design, and the impressive number of exhibitions
you’ve been part of. What has drawn you to this career?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> When I was in secondary school I was so obsessed with art. You
literally couldn’t get a pencil out of my hand! At first, I wanted to be a fashion designer. That
was the career path I chose, and that is why I studied Fashion at college. Through studying the
course, I realised that I didn’t like making clothes. I could do it very well, but I didn’t enjoy
it. I rather liked the design and visual aspect of clothes. I didn’t like sitting on a sewing
machine, so I decided to do an Art and Design course at Waltham Forest College, which was a really
good course. It was a two year course crammed into one - year intensive course. After that I just
tried all different types of art. When I went to university I found that printmaking was what I
loved, especially screen printing so I stuck to that.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> We understand that your main inspiration is drawn from historical
textile patterns, architecture, African culture and the 1960s. Why do these themes inspire you?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>I can’t really pinpoint it. Once I see a pattern or colour it brings
emotions out of me, and I feel like I have to go with it. I can’t say why it is specifically that
they inspires me, but as soon as I see something that touches me, I go with it. I like to create
work inspired by other things. I will have an idea in my head, and look at how I can combine it with
things I see around me. I do this by researching, and figuring out ways to combine things. My head
works in a weird way like that (Laughs).
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> How do you reflect these themes in your work?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_8_UuoXcGEPFx7o2gbNWcsr6ZQOowDZI0Xk2TvKeMHbRMlxQdpfQeIMU0dMnfioxV9SdqnrRhGE32zklxYuSMsXzH4Gw6RCsqmkJjrmQvjSyNzE6UsdSk_hxAvO6K0TDPdiqH_tps1Y/s1600/Bammy+-+AT.jpg" class="float-right-resize-small"> A lot of my recent work has been focused on trying to combine my water
colour illustrations, the images of London I created last year and African textiles and culture. I
researched different African tribes, and I found a tribe that uses a lot of flower decorations to
adorn themselves. I found it really interesting because it looks like they are camouflaged. I really
enjoyed looking at them. I really need to go to Africa. I know we are going off subject but I want
to go. That is where I would love to go next. What was the question again? (laughs)
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> The question was: how do you reflect these themes in your work?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> I just think about two concepts separately. For example, if I was going
to make an image to do with London or England, Africa and African textiles, and I want to combine
them, I would do the art work separately and then think how I can adapt it, so that the images gel
well together.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> Let’s talk about your ‘Afriwest’ design. What made you want to create
a piece that merged African and western fashion culture?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'>When I was on a fashion imaging course I found myself being pushed to
think about other art work like fashion photography and fashion marketing. However I didn’t really
want to go down that route. I thought how can I add the fashion element and make it interesting for
myself? ‘Afriwest’ is about fashion, but its also about culture. I looked at how Western designers
have started to use African fabrics over the past couple of years in their work. I found this
interesting, but also at the same time I wanted to explore where they got these ideas from. A lot of
people seem disconnected from the African influences on Western fashion. They see such clothes on
catwalk shows in London or New York, but they don’t really think about where the inspiration for
these clothes come from. They will only say “ah that’s nice” or “I would wear that because it’s
pretty”, but I wanted to go a little deeper and look at the inspiration behind it.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> Would you agree that the merging of western culture with so called
“ethnic” cultures is a trend or a fad?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> I think it is a trend, but there are dangers about it because there has
to be a recognition of the heritage behind it. It’s important that the heritage is recognised.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> So you don’t think Western designers are publicly recognising the
roots of their African inspired garments?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> No
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-qa'>
<div class='interviewer'>
<div class='interviewer-name'>Yaaya:</div>
<div class='interviewer-question'> Why do you think this is?
</div>
</div>
<div class='interviewee'>
<div class='interviewee-name'>Antonietta T:</div>
<div class='interviewee-answer'> It’s obvious that their patterns are African print, but many act like
they are reinventing it, and I don’t really like that.
<br/>
<br/>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzC-Ww2oR-qKeAJRnc6fuwNnKMfSvQ76DBPSVLBO6KxuOZu4qDThYgBCN8-dp1HLD3XZmcrFiUwkV1X_LOibxQElALAkXLzFTGzYp4aNpeluMFa3zdqw_EGDcu8HFfTSvyRvf-4ui0to/s1600/Banana+Lippy+-+AT.jpg" class="float-centre">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='interview-conclusion'>
<p class='justify'>
Look out for <a href="http://www.iamyaaya.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/navigating-world-of-art-being-young.html">Part 2</a> of this three-part post on 15th November, where Yaaya discusses with Antonietta the
inspiration behind her work, women in the arts and the challenges of being an artist.
<br/>
<br/>
Leave your comments below to let us know what you have found inspiring about Antonietta. Invite others to the
conversation by sharing this post!
</br>
</br>
</p>
</div>
<span>
<p>Image Source | These images do not belong to Yaaya. Images courtesy of Antonietta Torsiello.</p>
</span>
</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618729448990119021.post-86852426963004357142013-10-27T22:30:00.000+00:002013-11-02T09:37:12.808+00:00BHM 2013 Video Showcase | Grada Kilomba, Writer and Professor in Gender Studies<div class='event-container'>
<div class='event'>
<div class='event-summary'>
<h3>
<span class='content-bigger-bright-bold-text'>Black History Month 2013 <br/></span>
<span class='content-bigger-pale-bold-text'>Video Showcase<br/></span>
<br/>
<iframe width="100%" height="480" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/eN47tB6RM5M?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</h3>
<h3>
<span class='content-bigger-bright-bold-text'>Grada Kilomba <br/><br/></span>
<span class='content-big-dark-bold-text'><a href="http://www.gender.hu-berlin.de/zentrum/personen/ma/1686444" target='_blank'>Professor at the Humboldt Universität – Berlin</a>, department of Gender Studies<br/><br/></span>
<span class='content-big-dark-bold-text'>Author of the book <a href="http://gradakilomba.wordpress.com/books/book-contributions" target='_blank'>‘Plantation Memories’</a><br/><br/></span>
</h3>
</div>
</div>
<span>
Video Source | <a href='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN47tB6RM5M' target='_blank'>YouTube</a>.
<br/><br/>
</span>
</div>yaayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00143148064754928597noreply@blogger.com0