Dr. Umme Al-wazedi: Joy Write: Finding ways to write a meaningful memoir

Umme Al-wazedi is a professor of postcolonial literature in the Department of English and the Division Dean of Humanities at Augustana College. Her research and teaching examine the intersectionality of multiple social identities (e.g., race, ethnicity, class, gender, religion, ability, and sexuality) and present counternarratives of marginalized women, communities, and people seen within oppressive locations (e.g., Global North and South) and structures (e.g., colonialism, imperialism, neo-imperialism, neoliberalism, patriarchy, and casteism).

This workshop is based on the reading of a short chapter of the writer's memoir. After the reading, the writer will talk about what called on her to write followed by a small group discussion: How to preserve the memories and collect them? What shapes can a memoir take?

This event is part of ProgressPalooza, a day of celebrating and connecting with people doing art, performance, activism and other good works in and around the Quad Cities.