In July 2021, the Melbourne Social Equity Institute partnered with the African Studies Group to present a hybrid five-day conference – Solidarity in Diversity:  Highlighting Marginal Voices in Academia, Practice and Society.

The event sought to bring together scholars, practitioners and community members to consider the significant ways social transformations are impacting the  African diaspora around the world.

Keynote Lecture Videos

View the Conference Video Playlist

Program

The hybrid program includes both virtual and in-person events.

The masterclass will be held in-person.  The keynote lecture, debate and academic and practitioner panels will be held virtually.

Monday 19 July 2021

10:00 – 12.30 Masterclass with Associate Professor Bina Fernandez and Professor Karen Farquharson

13:30 – 3:30 Oxford Union-style Debate between the University of Melbourne and the University of Newcastle

16:00 – 17:30 Keynote Lecture by Professor Mahmood Mamdani

Panel Days

From Tuesday to Friday, there will be daily online panels featuring scholars, practitioners, and community members from Australia and around the globe. Register once to receive access to all sessions.

Tuesday 20 July

Academic Panels Day 1

10:30 – 12.00 Panel 1: On Development

13:00 – 14:30 Panel 2: On Interventions

15:00 – 16:30 Panel 3: On Belonging

17:00 – 18.05 Panel 4: On Solidarity

Wednesday 21 July

Academic Panels Day 2

10:30 – 12.00 Panel 5: On Research

13:00 – 14:30 Panel 6: On Diaspora

15:00 – 16:05 Panel 7: On Media

16:30 – 18.00 Panel 8: On Communities

Thursday 22 July

Practitioner and Community Panels Day 1

10:30 – 12:00 Panel 1: On Support

16:00 – 17:30 Panel 2: Book Discussion – Neither Native Nor Settler

Friday 23 July

Practitioner and Community Panels Day 2

10:30 – 12.15 Panel 3: On Support

13:30 – 15:00 Keynote Lecture – Ms. Abiola Ajetomobi

17:00 – 18:30 Panel 4: On Networks

18:30 – 19:10 Cultural Performance and Closing Remarks

19:30 onwards Conference Dinner

Registration

Entry is free but a donation is encouraged for those who are able. The suggested donation amount per person is $20 full and $10 concession. If you are attending multiple days of the conference program, only one donation is expected.