Tomiwa Owolade

Tomiwa Owolade, a writer and critic specializing in African history and politics, delves into the decolonization of Africa, highlighting crucial events and figures like Frantz Fanon. The conversation covers the unifying moments of the pan-African movement, the violent struggles for independence, and the complexities of forging stable nations from diverse ethnic backgrounds. They also examine the legacy of colonialism on contemporary Africa and the ongoing influence of foreign powers, particularly through the lens of historic cases like the Congo.

Tomiwa Owolade, the insightful author of 'This is Not America', discusses the cultural impact of American narratives on British society. He critiques how these perspectives distort the understanding of race and identity in the UK, particularly among young Black and Asian individuals. The conversation touches on the importance of recognizing the internal diversity within the Black British community, the implications of personal narratives around victimhood, and the complex interplay of race and class in contemporary Britain. Owolade emphasizes the need for authentic discussions rooted in Britain's unique history.

Jeffrey Boakye, a former English teacher and author, teams up with Tomiwa Owolade, a critic and writer, to tackle the heated debate on revising school curricula. They explore whether to maintain the traditional canon of great white men or shift towards a more inclusive selection of diverse authors. The discussion covers the historical roots of Eurocentrism in literature, the implications of cultural dominance, and the need to balance artistic merit with representation. Their insights challenge listeners to rethink what constitutes greatness in literature.

Tomiwa Owolade, a rising star in UK literary criticism, joins commentator Inaya Folarin Iman to unpack Britain's race discourse. They argue that American racial concepts misrepresent Black British identity and oversimplify diverse experiences. The conversation highlights educational disparities between Black Caribbean and African communities, and critiques the notion of colorblindness in social identity. Owolade calls for a nuanced understanding of race that reflects the unique challenges and achievements of Black Lives in Britain.

Mary Beard, Professor of Classics at Cambridge, dives deep into Roman leadership while contrasting it with today’s political landscapes alongside Rory Stewart, a former politician and podcaster. They highlight the weight of power through historical and modern examples. Tomiwa Owolade challenges American-centric views on race in the UK, emphasizing the unique experiences of Black communities. Tania Branigan shares insights on China's Cultural Revolution, exploring its lasting societal impacts and the importance of collective memory.