Session 76: Black in the Ivory Exhibition

Abstract

Black in the Ivory project exhibition was designed to explore the impact and effects on Black women in the academy. Often, we are invisible, ignored or chronically underrepresented in the academy. Our Black in the ivory sessions and exhibition sought to explore their experiences using qualitative diary & creative methods. This presentation will explore the intention of the project. We hoped to explore the impacts, the emotional & psychological tolls, as well as positive experiences- structural safeguards, inclusive practices for Black women academics. Our project worked to shine a light on a group that is chronically underrepresented in higher education, of which the research & discussion is sparse. Our Exhibition that took place in April, was curated by the women, entitled ‘Black in the Ivory: Black women in academia’- this was a celebration night for Black women in academia. The pieces curated during our creative writing sessions focused on subverting views of Black women in academia. This exhibition was a site of radical possibility, a safe space. Working to amplify the voices of Black women academics. This project helped to curate a sisterhood within LJMU and was a co-production and collaboration between LJMU, The Goddess Projects and Skywriters LTD. By fusing these community, and education organisations together, we hoped to achieve a culture of belonging and transformational connections between communities, LJMU Staff & students. The Black in the Ivory Exhibition was a visual representation of our collective experiences, bringing our stories to life, this presentation will explore our journeys. Letting you all know we were here!

Black in the Ivory Exhibition PowerPoint. Only LJMU staff and students have access to this resource.