Black History Month Event: The Power of Fiction

In this inaugural launch event we will consider and celebrate the power of fiction to decolonise. What role does fiction (in all languages from all literary periods) play in the move to decolonise the discipline of English literature, but also decolonise the institution of the university more generally? How do authors rewrite and undo systems of knowing? How does fiction negotiate spaces of political activism, and spur us, as readers, into action? What is it about fiction that is so affective, and effective, in decolonising? And how can we translate our appreciation and engagement of these literary texts into tangible and radical efforts to decolonise our department, the university and our wider communities? 

All are welcome!

We invite student and staff participants from any department at York to take part in a literary salon to explore the power of fiction and celebrate writers of colour. We encourage students to think across literary and historical periods as well as across national and linguistic boundaries. We especially welcome participants from outside the English department.

If you would like to volunteer to speak for 2 minutes about your favourite writer of colour, or work of fiction, please email Dr Shazia Jagot at shazia.jagot@york.ac.uk