Our Legacy: Stories of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Event

60 mins / Rating PG / Free / Online

Our Legacy: Stories of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Included Films


Once you have registered for the event a zoom link will be sent to you closer to the event time

 

This programme will examine the notion of heritage and the inherited experiences that are shared by the African diaspora. We explore how we are working collectively to build and improve on the legacies that were created for us in a world that actively seeks to impair the agency of marginalised people. We hope to inspire the African diaspora to consider the legacies they are creating individually and collectively, and how this is portrayed to both ourselves and society as a whole.

 "I want us to feel proud of how far we have come but also acknowledge that we have a lot of healing within ourselves in order to understand the past, build on the present and flourish in the future."
- Wacera Kamonji, programme curator

Africa in Motion is pleased to welcome guests Sophie Amono (British Council Arts New Narratives Board, BIMA Inclusion & Diversity Council and Creative Scotland EDI Advisory Group) and Aghogho Lesi (Leye Lesi).


ABOUT THE CURATOR

Wacera Kamonji is a recent graduate holding an undergraduate in BA(hons) Theatre and Film, a member of the National Youth Theatre and has worked in various roles within festivals, both film and performance-based and with grassroots organisations that focus on young women specifically African women who has a strong interest in social policy, film and cultural festivals eager to break into the creative industries.

Her work focuses on film curation and creating a safe space where young women and people of colour can support each other and have a chance to champion change. In her role as one of the Programme Coordinators for Africa In Motion, Wacera’s work will focus on the legacy that the African diaspora are creating for themselves and for their communities, creating a discussion on representation, healing and a focus on community.

(Photograph of Wacera Kamonji © Abdullah Waheed, 2020)

These films are part of Stories in Place, a collection of stories that chronicle small businesses as they navigate a world in flux.

With thanks to

Past Showings

Thursday 21st October 2021 / 6pm for 1 hour / Online


ABOUT THE PANEL 

Sitting on the British Council Arts New Narratives Board - an initiative to foster new dialogues between creatives in Sub-Sahara Africa and the UK - Sophie Amono is a passionate inclusion advocate who also sits on the BIMA Inclusion & Diversity Council and Creative Scotland EDI Advisory Group working to make the digital and creative sectors a truly equitable and equal place for underserved and represented communities. Founder of Studio Tuku and social enterprise PERF, her day job also sees her lead on all things social media for Brand Scotland.

 

Aghogho Ogunlesi is a Nigerian-American designer of Urhobo heritage currently residing in Edinburgh. She started LeyeLesi a sustainable and ethical luxury accessories brand, in 2015.

African craftsmanship, heritage and sustainability are at the core of everything Leyelesi does. All Leyelesi pieces are handcrafted in West African countries, using traditional African techniques native to local artisans. Leyelesi handbags and footwear are made in Nigeria, while the jewellery is handcrafted in Ghana and Senegal. 

Her designs are characterised by unique, exuberant and bold colours with an emphasis placed on quality finishing. Her goal is that each piece is a limited-edition work of art, giving Leyelesi customers luxurious products that encompasses rich African heritage and culture with a contemporary twist.

As a brand, LeyeLesi pays their local artisans a liveable wage, while helping to preserve aspects of traditional African craftmanship and heritage with each design.