Acclaimed poet and activist, Dr Lawrence Hoo, is set to deliver a powerful poem that calls for fairness, respect, and recognition of Africa's contributions to global knowledge and research.
The poem, titled A Journey Of Discovery, will be read at an event on October 31st, aimed at raising awareness and garnering support for a mission dedicated to anti-racism, decolonisation, and restoring Africa's rightful place in research.
Dr Hoo, who has been recognised for his groundbreaking work in educating school children about African history, accepted the commission because it aligns with his passionate beliefs. The poem emphasises Africa's role as the cradle of civilisation and highlights the disparities caused by the exploitation and undervaluation of its contributions by countries in the Global North.
The poem introduces The Africa Charter, a movement aimed at redressing power imbalances and reversing the prejudices caused by the creation of race. Dr Hoo sees this as a great opportunity for change and collaboration, stating that it is crucial for everyone to be on board in order to create a fairer and better society.
The event, hosted at the M Shed, brings together researchers from the University of Bristol, specialists in decolonisation, Africa, anti-racism, and inclusivity in research, along with representatives from local communities and the higher education sector. The aim is to establish Bristol as a model and advocate for the principles and objectives of The Charter. By giving Africa a more prominent role in global transdisciplinary research, pressing issues such as climate change, pandemics, and poverty can be addressed more effectively.
The African Charter for Transformative Research Collaborations was launched in July and has garnered support from over 100 institutions globally. It seeks to rebalance and enrich the science and research ecosystem by overturning historic disparities. The Perivoli Africa Research Centre (PARC) at the University of Bristol, in partnership with the University of Cape Town and the University of South Africa, has facilitated the creation of this ambitious charter.
The event will provide an opportunity for discussions on Bristol's perspectives regarding The Charter and its implications. By endorsing The Charter, institutions globally are committing to creating a level playing field that promotes equal opportunity and international scholarship.
Dr Lawrence Hoo's poem serves as a rallying call for change, urging individuals and institutions to recognise and rectify the injustices perpetuated by systemic discrimination. Through the transformative power of research collaborations, Africa can reclaim its rightful place as a knowledge powerhouse and contribute to addressing the world's most pressing challenges.
Dr Hoo, who has been recognised for his groundbreaking work in educating school children about African history, accepted the commission because it aligns with his passionate beliefs. The poem emphasises Africa's role as the cradle of civilisation and highlights the disparities caused by the exploitation and undervaluation of its contributions by countries in the Global North.
The poem introduces The Africa Charter, a movement aimed at redressing power imbalances and reversing the prejudices caused by the creation of race. Dr Hoo sees this as a great opportunity for change and collaboration, stating that it is crucial for everyone to be on board in order to create a fairer and better society.
The event, hosted at the M Shed, brings together researchers from the University of Bristol, specialists in decolonisation, Africa, anti-racism, and inclusivity in research, along with representatives from local communities and the higher education sector. The aim is to establish Bristol as a model and advocate for the principles and objectives of The Charter. By giving Africa a more prominent role in global transdisciplinary research, pressing issues such as climate change, pandemics, and poverty can be addressed more effectively.
The African Charter for Transformative Research Collaborations was launched in July and has garnered support from over 100 institutions globally. It seeks to rebalance and enrich the science and research ecosystem by overturning historic disparities. The Perivoli Africa Research Centre (PARC) at the University of Bristol, in partnership with the University of Cape Town and the University of South Africa, has facilitated the creation of this ambitious charter.
The event will provide an opportunity for discussions on Bristol's perspectives regarding The Charter and its implications. By endorsing The Charter, institutions globally are committing to creating a level playing field that promotes equal opportunity and international scholarship.
Dr Lawrence Hoo's poem serves as a rallying call for change, urging individuals and institutions to recognise and rectify the injustices perpetuated by systemic discrimination. Through the transformative power of research collaborations, Africa can reclaim its rightful place as a knowledge powerhouse and contribute to addressing the world's most pressing challenges.
