Legacies of Enslavement in the Cape: Black Life in the Archive
Join us for Seminar 559 of the South African Contemporary History and Humanities seminar with Efuah Prah.
Abstract: This paper presents an opportunity to discuss the convergence of histories read through the lens of health disparities experienced by black women in Cape Town. The main thesis of the wider research project explores the possible historical links of how black life figures in the archive and how these figurations experience an afterlife, made apparent through unequal access to proper health care. The long game is to account for how and why current reproductive and maternal health challenges are divided disproportionally along racial, income-level and geographic realities. The interlocked nature of historic violence and race-based discriminations particularly in the practice of medicine, will account for why critical omissions in basic care persist. These convergences are important to recognize especially if any meaningful social transformation is intended.
In addition to the paper that will be circulted, I wanted to invite those attending to watch the documentary film that accompanies my paper. It can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOJCxhBvvbY
About Efua Prah:
Efua Prah’s research reflects her interests in theorisations in African critical thought, African migration studies, adolescent and childhood studies, and maternal and reproductive health. She currently works at the University of Stellenbosch in the department of sociology and social anthropology. She has had over 20 years’ experience in various capacities – Social Justice Activist, Lecturer, Public Health and Health Systems Research Consultant, Social Science Researcher, Facilitator and Teacher, which have allowed her to strengthen her critical thinking and application skills, successfully engaging with various audiences, both large and small. Her publication record covers a broad spectrum of social and public health issues – From the study of children and childhoods, migratory sociopolitics, health systems research, to critical race theory and gender dynamics. She is also the co-founder and owner of BlueFootPrint Productions, a film company based in Cape Town where she works as a videographer making documentary films.
Discussant: Hameedah Parker (Anthropology Department, UWC)
Date: 23 August 2022,
Time: 14:00pm (GMT+2)
Location: Centre for Humanities Research
