McGill University Launches African and Diasporic Literatures Lecture Series
This academic year, students at McGill University will have the opportunity to delve into African literature through the newly established DESA African and Diasporic Literatures Lecture Series. This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of English Students Association (DESA), addresses the noticeable gap in courses focused on African literary traditions.
The Need for African Literature Courses at McGill
Moyọ Alabi, a U2 student majoring in Honours English and Philosophy and President of the Department of English Students Association, highlighted the absence of African literature courses since the passing of Professor Monica Popescu. Moyọ stated, “Professor Popescu thoughtfully engaged with literary traditions across Africa, making her courses invaluable for students interested in these rich literatures.” Without her guiding presence, students have felt a significant void in this crucial area of study.
Fostering Student Engagement with African Literature
The realization of this gap sparked the DESA to create the lecture series, aiming to provide a platform for engaging with African and diasporic literary traditions. Moyọ expressed gratitude towards Dr. Amber Rose Johnson, who will facilitate a preparatory seminar and moderate discussions during the events. Professor Eli MacLaren, Chair of the Department of English, has also played a key role by supporting and funding this initiative.
Event Details and Guest Speaker
The lecture series will take place over two days, commencing with a seminar led by Dr. Johnson. Students will explore the works of guest speaker Titilope Sonuga, a Nigerian poet, playwright, and performer, whose poetry intertwines themes of memory, diaspora, and storytelling.
Moyọ noted that encountering Sonuga’s poetry initially through online recordings made a lasting impression. “Her writing resonates personally, reflecting the diverse voices we aim to highlight in this series,” she shared.
Exploring Yoruba Narrative Traditions
Sonuga’s lecture, titled “The Crossing: Womanhood, Inheritance, and Poetic Memory,” will draw upon Yoruba storytelling traditions. This session will focus on how cultural knowledge is preserved through oral narratives, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in maintaining moral values and philosophies across generations. Moyọ stated, “Writers like Sonuga are vital in revitalizing storytelling amid globalization and the decline of Indigenous languages.”
The Importance of Storytelling Across Cultures
The primary objective of the lecture series is to facilitate dialogue and foster a deeper understanding of different cultures and generations. According to Moyọ, “These narratives shape how communities recall their past and envision their future,” highlighting the universal desire for connection and meaning that storytelling can provide.
DESA aspires for this lecture series to become a recurring event, focusing on various African nations and regions. Through such initiatives, students will engage with contemporary writers while strengthening connections among peers and with the wider literary community.
Raising Awareness of African Literature
Moreover, Moyọ aims to enhance awareness of African and diasporic literary traditions within the McGill community. She pointed out a critical misconception in Western media that often portrays Africa as homogenous, despite its incredible diversity of cultures and languages across its 54 nations. The goal of this initiative is to contribute to essential conversations about representation in literary studies.
Register for the Seminar and Lecture
The preparatory seminar will take place on March 12 from 5:30-7:00 PM, open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Interested participants can register for the seminar here.
The main lecture by Titilope Sonuga will occur on Thursday, March 19, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in Leacock 232, featuring a keynote talk, a moderated panel discussion, a Q&A session, and a reception. You can register here.
