#71 Resilient Narrative Unveiled - Nii Ayikwei Parkes

Nii Ayikwei Parkes, an acclaimed Ghanaian-British writer, editor, and a prominent voice among black intellectuals in the UK, delivers a powerful message on the persistent challenges encountered by Black writers. Currently engaged in groundbreaking research on "Philosophical connections between Africa and the African Diaspora in the "New World"" at the Hutchins Center at Harvard University. Parkes eloquently exposes the stifling impact of cliches that plague Black writers. With poignant clarity, he emphasizes the pervasive stereotypes faced by Black writers, shedding light on the unsettling reality that Blacks have been conditioned to view literature through the lens of "whiteness". He offered inspiring solutions and strategies for Black writers to carve their path to success, empowering them to challenge the status quo and reclaim their narratives.

"The people I grew up with in Ghana did not have the experience of seeing themselves as Black, because in my language, there is no word for Black... in terms of describing people, you have dark or light." - Nii Ayikwei Parkes

Nii's latest novel Azúcar, is an atmospheric book, giving so much: music, food, eccentric family legend, the Northern Antilles, West Africa, the scents, and colors of two worlds and the story of a man relocated from one home to another.  Azúcar is a new kind of Caribbean novel with a reach beyond the region. Published by Peepal Tree Press.