Sep 22 2020 26 mins
When we look at history, we see Western culture's invasive influence spreading around the world, replacing local beliefs and customs. Dr. Agya Boakye-Boaten grew up in a village in Ghana, where he was educated in a Methodist all-boys school beginning at the age of 10. Upon coming to the US, he found that many of the things he’d been taught were problematic and required dismantling. Sarah speaks to Agya about becoming "an unapologetic African," the struggle of immigrants to reclaim their identity, and the pressing need for Americans to listen to the pain of Black people.
Dr. Agya Boakye-Boaten, Ph.D., is an an Associate Professor and Chair of the Interdisciplinary / International Studies department at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. His research interests include alternative education for street children, and building the intellectual and creative capacities of students using alternative education strategies.. He is interested in decolonial options, construction of African philosophical thought, effects of colonialism on African aesthetics, and the transformation of indigenous cultures through global engagement.
Grief Gratitude & Greatness is hosted by Sarah Shaoul and is a production of Recursive Delete Audio/Visual in Portland, Oregon.
This episode was produced & edited by Jack Saturn, with additional production by Sarah. The music was by Samantha Jensen.
This episode is sponsored by Lori Mason Design. When someone close to us dies, having a reminder of them that you can see everyday and keep close to you can be a great comfort. Lori crafts memorial quilts for the deceased, transforming their garments — their favorite Hawaiian shirts, their judge's robes, uniforms and other personal fabrics — into a piece of art that reflects their lives. Visit http://LoriMasonDesign.com/ to check out examples of how she honors each individual's unique life with her art.
Grief Gratitude & Greatness is the recipient of a 2020 grant from the Regional Arts & Culture Council.
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