The Transatlantic Roundtable on Religion and Race (TRRR) is a community of discourse, focusing on religious responses to issues of race (and similarly functioning ethnic or cultural markers of social otherness) within contemporary western cultures. Many of the themes to be addressed at this conference overlap with issues of importance to CIHA, including highlighting religious voices, perspectives on politics, and critical legacies from the past. At the heart of the TRRR initiative is a concern that a current obstacle to addressing persistent racial problems in a number of western contexts is that “race” is increasingly dismissed as a category of explanation for social problems. As we have previously discussed on the blog, issues of race and racism are transcontinental and complex. See previous posts here and here on some of the ways CIHA contributors have tackled these topics. The TRRR conference will be held at one of CIHA’s partner institutions, Hekima Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations (HIPSIR) in Nairobi, Kenya in 2019. Keep reading for more information, to find out what themes will be addressed, and how to submit a proposal.
The Transatlantic Roundtable on Religion and Race (TRRR) invites presentation proposals for its 2019 conference, which will convene at Hekima Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations (HIPSIR), Hekima University College in Nairobi, Kenya, July 1-5.
This conference takes place against the backdrop of an era of increased political authoritarianism and a noticeable rise in racial and religious intolerance across the world. In Africa the issues of migration, review of conflict intervention mechanisms and an ideological shift on the war on terrorism have raised questions on US strategy in Africa. There has also been a noticeable increase in recent years of suspicions toward known and settled facts and of an economic and cultural nationalism that is fueling conflicts across the World. This time of global uncertainty requires a bold and progressive agenda, that also recognizes assets and cultures of cooperation to challenge the existing order.
We seek papers that will address these issues with urgency, clarity and an understanding of what is at stake and what can be imagined. Themes to be addressed include:
• Political and Religious Authoritarianism: Past, Present and Future
• Deconstructing Conflict, Violence and Sovereignty in Africa and Across the Diaspora
• Assets, Cooperatives and the Culture of Cooperation
• Patriarchy, Sexism and the Role of Culture in Africa and the Diaspora
• Faith-based Responses to the Immigration Crisis
• New Formations of African Identity on the Continent and Across the Diaspora
• Old Media New Media, Social Media and the Production of Knowledge-based Development
• Religion, Race and Morality in the Age of New Social MovementsWe invite analysis of these and other tensions at the intersections of religion, race, class, gender and nationality, especially bearing upon faith sector positioning and responses within Africa and diasporic contexts. Contemporary and historical analysis of these contexts are welcome. Best practices presentations and scholarly papers should be outlined in an abstract of 250 words or fewer and emailed by January 30, 2019 to Dr. William Ackah (w.ackah@bbk.ac.uk) and Dr. R. Drew Smith (rsmith@pts.edu).
For more information go to religionandrace.org
Conference Details
1st and 2nd July will consist of immersion activities in Nairobi and the surrounding area. We will meet with local community organizations and visit sites where groups are working on issues related to conflict, poverty, community empowerment and faith-based co-operation and development. (further details to follow)
3rd to 5th July Main Conference with panel sessions, plenaries and roundtable discussions.
Registration Costs
Global north participants Global south participants
Waged $250 $125
Unwaged/students $100 $50Payments to be received by May 10th – payment can be made from January 1st details will be posted on website.
Other information
Kenya is a vibrant and dynamic country with beautiful scenery and a rich history, our local hosts are happy to provide advice and guidance on what to see and do during your time here. It is certainly worth adding a few days to your trip post conference to see the country.
We will provide transportation for the immersion activities. All other transportation including traveling from airport to hotels, and from hotels to conference venues is the responsibility of each participant. We will provide you with advice on travel options in country nearer the time. Below you will find a list of accommodation options which we recommend you book early in the new year.
For French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swahili click here