Club Diaspora XL: Pan-Africanism

On April 25, Club Diaspora goes XL! What began as a book club now expands into a larger gathering. This special edition of Club Diaspora centres Pan-Africanism. What can it offer us today? Where does it need to be challenged?

These questions sit at the heart of Club Diaspora. The platform emerged out of a desire to bringtogether Black communities that often exist separately.

During the programme, we will discuss the origins of Pan-Africanism and how its unifying message is as necessary today as it was in the past. You are invited to contribute your ideas on ways in which we, as a diaspora, can connect with each other and what we can draw from the community or contribute to it.

Join us in a conversation about Black thought, joy and solidarity with activist and poet Jerry Afriyie, artist and musician Shishani and poet Mahat Arab. Expect an
afternoon of deep-conversation, performances, and food (of course).

This afternoon program is created and moderated by poets Nicchelle Buyne and Daniëlle Zawadi in collaboration with Centrale Bibliotheek Den Haag.

• Date: Sunday 25 april
• Time: 14.00hr
• Location: Centrale Bibliotheek Den Haag
• Tickets: free event (reservation needed)

About Mahat

Mahat Arab (1996) is a spoken word artist from Arnhem who has since settled in Amsterdam. Many of his texts deal with identity, awkwardness, and the humor we can find in discomfort. His work has previously appeared in De Revisor and Het Parool, he went on a writing residency to Paris with deBuren, and he has performed at De Nacht van de Poëzie, Lowlands, Down The Rabbit Hole, and Zwarte Cross, among others. In 2021, his poem ‘Parttime vaders’ (Part-time fathers) won the ILFU Story Competition and in 2023, the film adaptation of this poem was awarded best Dutch Poetry Film. Mahat is a literary program maker at Poetry Circle, Mensen Zeggen Dingen and Brainwash Festival and is part of Wintertuin's talent development program.

About Shishani

Shishani is a multi-award-winning artist whose versatility in music transcends genres and cultures. Coming from both African and European descent, they are constantly creating new ways to bring these worlds together - continuously exploring the cultural heritage of their motherland Namibia. A ‘gentle warrior’ at heart, Shishani possesses the rare ability to address weighty topics with both softness and determination. They use their voice and their eloquent storytelling to build social awareness and empathy for self and others. Shishani’s work has always been characterized by its thought-provoking, healing nature. Shishani’s voice carries timeless messages that resonate deeply. Shishani has been queering many domains such as gender, musical and cultural identity, working between grassroots activism and academia, from street protests to prominent concert halls and international festivals.

About Jerry Afriyie

Jerry King Luther Afriyie (also known as Kno'Ledge Cesare) is a poet and human rights activist who is primarily committed to fighting institutional racism and discrimination. He is co-founder of the human rights organisations Nederland Wordt Beter and Soul Rebel Movement. Jerry is also co-initiator of the action group Kick Out Zwarte Piet, the Black Manifesto and the Day of Empathy on May 3rd. With Nederland Wordt Beter, he gives guest lectures throughout the year and engages in dialogue with various groups, organisations and institutions in the country about the history of slavery and its impact on Dutch society. He is most proud of his personal growth: “You cannot ask an entire country to progress without growing yourself.”

Foto Shishani: Chris Philippo
Foto Jerry Afriyie: Raymond van Mil
Foto Mahat: Rosa Quis

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