Read My World: Black American Literature

13 Apr 2017
EVENT FINISHED

Is there such a thing as a transnational literary culture? If one case can stand the test, it is that of Black culture. This afternoon, we will discuss diasporic identities and talk about similarities and differences with experiences of in- and exclusion between Europe and the USA. With: Maurice Carlos Ruffin, Shantrelle P. Lewis and Guido Snel.

This year’s edition of the Read My World festival, to take place in the fall of 2017, invites some of the most outspoken voices across the Atlantic. Read My World and the University of Amsterdam – The Confluences Research group (ARTES) with the support of OSL (Onderzoeksschool Literatuurwetenschap)  – organize a meet & greet at SPUI25 with Shantrelle P. Lewis and Maurice Carlos Ruffin, the two curators of this year’s edition of the Read My World Festival, devoted to Black American Literature.

About the speakers

New Orleans based writer Maurice Carlos Ruffin won two national story prizes, earning him prestige and acclaim. Ruffin’s story The Ones Who Don’t Say They Love You was selected by novelist Rachel Kushner for the 2014 Iowa Review Award.

A native of New Orleans, Shantrelle P. Lewis (b. 1978) is a 2014 United Nations Programme for People of African Descent Fellow and 2012-13 Andy Warhol Curatorial Fellow. She is a U.S. based curator and researcher who travels internationally researching Diasporic aesthetics, spirituality and the survival and nuances of Transnational African Diasporan communities.

Guido Snel will be the moderator this afternoon. He is a writer and translator, and teaches European Literature at UvA. His most recent publication is Huis voor het Hiernamaals.

Register

You can sign up for this program for free. If you subscribe for the program we count on your presence. If you are unable to attend, please let us know via spui25@uva.nl | T: +31 (0)20 525 8142.