Please note: this event will be held in person and is open to Black people and People of Colour only.
We’re excited to invite you to a conversation with Cass Ezeji about Afro-Gàidheil identity. We'll be exploring identity, belonging, and community in the Gàidhealtachd!
Cass will share her journey making the documentary Afro-Gàidheil, exploring both the history and contemporary experiences of people of colour within the Gaelic community. She’ll touch on the often-overlooked roles of Scottish Highlanders in the transatlantic slave trade and unpack the complex narratives surrounding our identities. Expect a relaxed atmosphere with a PowerPoint presentation, where she’ll reflect on her experiences as one of the first people of colour in Gaelic medium education in Scotland.
In this talk, Cass will draw on themes explored in ‘Afro-Gàidheil’ to think about how we shape Black Gaelic identity as well as the future of multi-cultural Gàidhealteachd. She will discuss parallels with contemporary Black Irish thinkers including Ola Majekodunmi and highlight the value of a wider Black Celtic community.
Everyone is encouraged to participate! You’ll learn some Gaelic greetings, and for the Gaelic speakers, you will have a harder task! We’ll also have a Q&A session and an open-floor discussion for sharing thoughts and experiences about community building as Gaels of colour and BPOC in Scotland.
This event is for anyone who identifies as BPOC / BAME and is interested in the Gaelic language and culture. We want this event to be a safe and supportive space for learning together and sharing experiences. It will be a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of Afro-Gael identity and the challenges facing the Gaelic language today.
We will be exploring these themes further at a social zine making workshop on 26th March, 6-8pm. You can find out more and book your place here.
CW: Transatlantic slavery, and racism, including racist descriptions and image(s) featured in archive material which will be shared as a primary source.
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Please note: we can only issue refunds requested 72 hours before the workshop begins.
About the facilitator:
Cass Ezeji is a self-taught artist from Glasgow. Her work spans music, writing and documentary. She is the singer of critically acclaimed bands Laps and Golden Teacher.
As a writer, her work centres narratives from the African-Scottish diaspora. Her work has been published in Scottish Affairs vol. 30, a Special Edition on Scotland’s Gàidhealtachd future, Map Magazine, Ghost Tunes, Delineate, and Black Oot Here.
In her documentary Afro-Gàidheil (BBC Alba) she explores Scotland’s role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade and amplifies contemporary voices from the Black Gàidhealteachd, drawing on the Gaelic musical tradition.
Ticket information
There will be 20 attendees maximum, and the event will feature comfort breaks. During this event, attendees will participate in: Talk / Lecture, Group Discussions, Visual presentation, Q&A
This event will take place at the GZL space on Albert Road in Govanhill. You can find directions here.
You may be asked to wear a mask at this event. If you have any questions or access requirements, please get in touch with us via events@glasgowzinelibrary.com
Find out more about access at GZL events and how to make an access request here.
All events will adhere to our safer spaces policy, which you can learn about here.
GZL pledges to support The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel. As part of this pledge we may participate in strikes called in response to the ongoing genocide in Palestine. If this event falls on a strike day and is cancelled, we will work with event leaders to reschedule the event asap. Participants will also have the option of receiving an immediate refund for any ticket purchases and travel booked to attend.
How to access the event:
After booking a ticket, you will be sent several reminder emails from Eventbrite leading up to the event. We will also send emails that share any resources that attendees will need access to, including any required materials.
Please email events@glasgowzinelibrary.com for any queries or issues.
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