International conference on African literatures comes to Richmond

By Mary Beth Alford

RICHMOND, Va. – Writers and scholars from around the globe will gather in Richmond April 4 – 8, for the largest conference on the literatures of Africa ever to be held in North America.

The conference will be the 27th annual meeting of the African Literature Association, an international association of writers and scholars. This year’s theme, "The Creative Circle: Artist, Critic, Translator," has attracted some 400 participants.

Sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Richmond and the City of Richmond, the conference will offer an opportunity to learn more about African life and culture through the writing, art, dialogue and cultural activities that are central to the ALA. Scholars and writers from around the world, including many from African nations, will be on hand and will take part in the events, which also are open to the Richmond community.

"For five days, several continents will converge in Richmond to showcase some of the best of Africa," said Richard Priebe, Ph.D., ALA executive committee member and professor of English at VCU. "What is amazing about the conference is that the Richmond community will have an opportunity to join with students, scholars and writers for many events that will explore African literature and culture."

Previous ALA conferences have been held in Ghana, Senegal and Morocco, as well as in many of the largest university communities across the U.S.

"If not for the cooperation of the city, VCU and the University of Richmond, this wonderful opportunity would have been missed," said Priebe, also a past president of the ALA. "This conference will bring recognition to the city and to the universities."

The conference also will be the backdrop for the presentation of the Fonlon-Nichols Award, named for Cameroonian literary scholar Bernard Fonlon and American journalist Lee Nichols. It is given annually to an outstanding African author whose work has contributed to the struggle for human rights and freedom of expression. This year’s recipient is Nuruddin Farah, a Somalian novelist who has most recently authored Yesterday, Tomorrow: Voices from the Somali Diaspora.

Another aspect of the conference will include a graduate institute in African literature for high school teachers. The institute, "African Literature: Art and Commitment," is designed for English, French and social studies teachers. Attendees have received scholarships and will earn up to three graduate credits upon completion of their work in the institute. Hosted by VCU, the institute is made possible by a grant from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities.

For more information on the conference, the institute or events, visit the Web site at www.richmond.edu/~lang/ala or contact Richard Priebe at (804) 828-1331.

 

AFRICAN LITERATURE ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE EVENTS
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

April 4

• The Gambian Griots Papa Susso and Family will perform musical history through poetry at 7 p.m. at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Boulevard and Grove Avenue. Admission for the event is $8 for the general public; $6 for museum members; and $4 for students.

• South African novelist Zoe Wicomb and former VCU faculty member Paule Marshall will read from their respective novels David’s Story and The Fisher King at 9 p.m. at the Omni Hotel,100 S. 12th St., Potomac room. No cost to the public.

April 5

• Nadine Gordimer, 1991 Nobel Laureate in literature and author of The House Gun, will lecture at 8 p.m. at the VCU Performing Arts Center Theatre, 922 Park Ave. No cost to the public, limited seating. There will be a closed-circuit television viewing in the Hibbs Building, 900 Park Ave., rooms 303 and 403.

April 6

• Somali novelist Nuruddin Farah will receive the Fonlon-Nichols Award at 8 p.m. at the Omni Hotel, James River rooms C and D. This award is given annually to an outstanding African author whose work contributes to the struggle for human rights and freedom of expression. The award honors Cameroonian literary scholar Bernard Fonlon and American journalist Lee Nichols. No cost to the public.

• Following the award ceremony, Farah will lecture on the topic "If All Stories…!"

April 7

• Congolese author Emmanuel Dongala will give a lecture titled, "Living in Four Worlds: English, French, Science, and Letters," at 1:30 p.m. at the Omni Hotel, James River room C. No cost to the public.

April 8

• A workshop on African art and literature will be offered to high school teachers from 1-5 p.m. at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. No cost to the public.

For more information, visit www.richmond.edu/~lang/ala or call Richard Priebe, Ph.D., at VCU, (804) 828-1331 or Louis Tremaine, Ph.D., at the University of Richmond, (804) 289-8319.