Let's Talk About It: Resisting Resistance to System Change- Race & Identity in Canada w/ Iyanu Soyege

Let's Talk About It: Whatever "It" Is

In this episode, Paula and Olejuru are joined by Iyanu Soyege. As a Political Science and African Studies student at McGill University, Iyanu is incredibly involved with her community and serves as a political coordinator for a number of organizations. During our conversation, Iyanu talks to us about what Black History Month means to her. Through her stories about growing up in both Canada and Nigeria, and what it was like to have to navigate multiple identities, we learn more about how racism and systems of power affect the daily lives of people of colour. Iyanu spouts pure wisdom as she offers practical ways we can all work towards a more equitable society (see literature list below). Grab a paper and pen, there is plenty in this episode that you’re guaranteed to want to remember for later!
Resources referenced in this episode:
Books, Writers, Ideas and Scholars:
"Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie
"Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi
"Who Can Say [the ] N [word]?" by Randall Kennedy
"Black Racialization and Resistance at an Elite University" by
Rosalind Hampton
Rita Felski (Recognition/Mis-recognition)
Kimberlé Crenshaw (founder of the theory of Intersectionality)
Social Media Accounts:
African American Policy Forum (Twitter)
Black Student Network (Instagram and Twitter)