Decolonize, Humxnize February 27, 2024 No Comments

Whose knowledge counts? Why delve deep to understand self, history and intercontinental relations? How do people and communities heal from the wounds of colonization and related trauma passed from generation to generation? Such intractable questions are explored in this collection of essays on decolonization. To decolonize means to humxnize, which is of even greater urgency [...]

Two rich days of solo travel in Halifax August 10, 2023 No Comments

In this travel letter about two days in Halifax, I share about the roles of Viola Desmond and Carrie Best in the fight for civil rights in Canada, and about Pearleen Oliver who fought for Black nurses to be accepted into nursing schools in Canada. I describe my visits to the Black Cultural Centre and the former city of Africville, both of which are well worth visiting. I mention Faith Nolan, a Canadian folk and jazz singer-songwriter of mixed African, Mi’kmaw, and Irish heritage who works to prevent the erasure of Black experiences and contributions in Canada.

Inner Peace Inner Power: Insights of Women Leaders March 9, 2023 No Comments

I need to take time to check in with me, rather than just rush around doing things in the world. Some ask: Is self-time selfish? I know that when I introspect, I am more centred and grounded in who I am and what I’m about. I can be more present, listen better, and be more useful in the world that way.

Policy Brief Writing Workshop, in five parts December 12, 2022 No Comments

Writing an impactful policy brief requires knowledge and practice. This workshop agenda supports learners to gain some of both. It covers what should be considered in drafting a policy brief, what should be included in one, and what makes for an impactful policy brief. The agenda may be adapted for writing policy briefs in relation [...]

From Kenya to the USA: Visiting family and friends and learning his/her/ourstory September 4, 2022 27 Comments

In this letter from Nairobi, Kenya, I share pictures and stories from a month of travels to six states in the USA, beginning in Ocean County, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and continuing to magical Brooklyn, New York. In Virginia, friends and I visit Emancipation Oak at Hampton University and “Hearth Memorial to the Enslaved” [...]

Is Decolonization More Than a Buzzword? August 14, 2022 No Comments

Through a “tour” of sessions of the April 2022 African Studies Association of Africa (ASAA) conference, Kathryn Toure tries to show that decolonization, more than jargon or a mere buzzword, is a process in progress.

Lucy Jacobs Stewart: Midwife extraordinaire of Liberty, Missouri February 28, 2022 1 Comment

Lucy Jacobs Stewart (1850s – 1939) is part of a long tradition of midwifery in Missouri and among many guiding hands in the tapestry of life in Liberty. Neighbors sent for Granny Stewart, as she was called, to assist laboring women. We do not know how many babies she caught, but she was a trusted member of the community and was consulted on a variety of family issues, at a time when 50% of births in the United States occurred at home, assisted by a midwife.

Comment renforcer la gouvernance de la recherche universitaire et le classement des universités ivoiriennes? November 7, 2021 No Comments

Les universités ivoiriennes, du fait de leur excellence, méritent plus de visibilité dans les classements des universités. En même temps, la recherche du classement ne doit pas être au détriment de la pertinence de la recherche, des perspectives culturelle et épistémologique. Comment réconcilier la visibilité dans les classements et la responsabilité sociale des universités à générer des connaissances à valeur? Et quelle est le rôle de l’équité, la diversité, et l’inclusion dans l’excellence dans l’enseignement et la recherche universitaire?

Journeying through his/her/ourstory: From Florida to Kansas City October 2, 2021 11 Comments

Does knowing history change history? In the form of an illustrated letter to family and friends, I take the reader on a journey through time. Determined curiosity leads me to encounters that reveal what I was not taught at school. I believe we become more humxn when we connect: with those who came before, with [...]

Canadian Authors who wrote on Africa April 24, 2021 No Comments

Download the file in pdf.