Staff

For centuries Black people all over the world have used visual art, literature, performance, theatre, music and other means of expression to imagine and advocate for freedom in their public and private lives. Started by Dr. Naila Keleta-Mae in 2017, Black And Free is an artistic and academic experience that deepens, enlivens and expresses themes of blackness and freedom projecting expansive visions of what that could be for engaged, curious and casual members of the public.

WomeninPreLaw UW is a student club at the University of Waterloo with over 200+ general members from over 25+ different programs. The club aims to empower and educate students about inspirational women in law, with a focus on legal careers, networking, and filling the gap on campus by providing a legal space for students from all programs and backgrounds who are interested in law.

Dr. Naila Keleta-Mae’s Black And Free research-creation project features Ontario-based Black artists Beck Deresse, Ken Daley, Miss Coco Murray, Simone Patricia, Suritah Wignall, and Tafui at THEMUSEUM in Kitchener during February and March. The artists have been commissioned to create original work in the medium of their choice on the topic of blackness and freedom.

The Indigenous Speakers Series is honoured to present Dr. Talena Atfield, member of the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation of the Six Nations of the Grand River. Focusing on her work with Hodinohso:ni basket weavers, Dr. Atfield will speak about Western notions of the origins of Indigenous artistic practices versus the importance of arts and creation within the community.

The Faculty of Arts and the Balsillie School of International Affairs co-present this conversation with George Elliott Clarke (BA '84 English at UWaterloo) and Dr. Wendell Adjetey (McGill University) exploring the complexities of identity and the question, “Who do you think you are, and who gets to decide?”.