Re-imagining Africa: Symposium & Dialogue

This symposium and dialogue take a critical and retrospective look at the representations of Africa in various spheres and forums including government, the mass media, business, NGOs, the arts, and academia. The goal is to counter negative stereotypical images and representations of Africa showing the distortions of reality, the harms produced, and the impediments to better understanding of and responses to African issues.

The symposium and dialogue bring together scholars, practitioners and activists invited from Africa, African/Africanist university faculty in North America and Europe, graduate students, Canadian government officials, and representatives of the mass media, local community groups, and NGOs. The presentations and discussions contribute to better understanding of issues pertaining to governance and education in Africa, and about the continent's role in the evolving global political economy in the context of the emphasis on 'African solutions for African problems', African 'ownership' of development programs and projects and incorporating 'local knowledge' and cultural practices into these programs.

The presentations challenge conventional wisdoms, show alternative realities of Africa and the application of African knowledge and practices in various development activities, and highlight the continent's achievements and contributions to the world both historically and in the contemporary period.

Sponsored by the Department of Political Science, Office of International Development and Community Education Advisory Committee, Continuing Studies, Simon Fraser University.

We are grateful for generous financial support from the Canadian International Development Agency, the Office of the Vice-President, Academic at Simon Fraser University, and the Kenny Family Foundation.

When: Thursday, November 29th, 2007 @ 18h00 - 21h30
              Friday, November 30th, 2007 @ 09h00 - 12h00
Where: SFU Vancouver Campus
               515 West Hastings Street
               Room HC1400
               Segal Centre
Cost: Free, Registration required.

Light refreshments will be served.

For information and registration contact: 778.782.5100