In September 2022, the Fi Wi Road interns led the inaugural Black Research Futures Fair at the University of Birmingham. From the name, to the key themes and conference programme, the Fair was designed by them to bring together students, academics, and researchers from across disciplines. See the full 2022 programme.
As part of the fair Black students and researchers from across our networks were invited to contribute their own works in connection to the three central themes of this year’s fair: Inspirations, Aspirations, and Diversions.
‘BLACK RESEARCH FUTURES’
FI WI ROAD FAIR 2022
INSPIRATIONS
Who and what are the people, ideas, spaces which inspire us? Those things which drive us towards our goals? In acknowledging our inspirations we map those who have come before us, and who laid the foundations for the work we do now.
ASPIRATIONS
Our collective and individual aspirations lie at the cohesive middle ground between inspiration and diversion. What are our hopes? What are we looking toward? How will you take your inspirations and shape a new and exciting future?
DIVERSIONS
Our diversions enable us to challenge tradition and expand expectations and norms within academia. What does it mean to be unapologetic and outspoken - to create new spaces rather than wait for a seat at the table?
Imagining the City - Sensory Remapping of Brixton
[Brixton] is internationally recognised as a locus of Black British and diasporic culture, and when examined beyond surface level, is rich with expressions of a distinct local Black ‘Brixtoner’ identity.
The Kings ain’t playin’ no one tonight: Desanctifying property as an abolitionist practice in Sacramento
Sacramento’s history exemplifies the successive regimes of urban renewal, redlining and predatory financial practices that have decimated the economic and political power of black communities and restricted them to state abandoned, militantly policed neighborhoods
BLACK MEN VILLAINS OR MARTYRS: WHAT PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS DO ABSENT FATHERS HAVE ON THEIR BLACK SONS?
Like everyone there is a need for positive role models and seeing those in which look like you and represent you, your culture and background.