Overview
Through their work with Higher Education Institutions, organisations and companies across the world authors Dr Maggie Semple, OBE and Jane Oremosu found that there was a need to help people as they discuss difference, race and inclusion. They wrote My Little Book: A Blacktionary - The pocket guide to the language of race (Penguin 2023) to do just that. The Blacktionary Show takes a deep dive into the book and is a thought provoking experience that explores how to keep up with the language of race.
About the book
This A-Z pocket guide is for people who are entering the workplace and finding their identity, for leaders and managers who feel overwhelmed by ever-evolving definitions and phrases, for anyone who is afraid of saying the wrong thing and being judged. From explaining what microaggressions are and their impact, to differentiating cultural appreciation from appropriation, this book will break down barriers to engaging in conversations on race.
About the authors
Dr Maggie Semple, OBE is described as gently formidable - a voice of reason. She is a thought-leader on cultural change and a strategic advisor to global organisations. Maggie is a regular and popular speaker at events and conferences. Formerly an academic, Maggie set up her first consultancy firm in 2001 and in 2010 established Semple, a bespoke women's clothing brand. Maggie serves on the Boards of Phoenix Group plc, Jamaica National Bank UK Ltd, Crest Nicholson Group plc and is a member of the University of Cambridge HR Committee. She is cited in International Who's Who, was awarded an OBE in 2001 and is an Honorary Bencher of Middle Temple Inn.
Jane Oremosu is an experienced business consultant, executive coach, thought leader and deliberate change agent. She founded her first consultancy business in 2018 after spending 27 years in leadership roles within the corporate world. It has taken her across the world to Australia and Nigeria working with, and alongside members of Indigenous and Black communities. A thought leader in the evolving language of race, Jane offers a unique perspective on the impact language has on internal dialogue and frames of reference. She is a great supporter of empowering women and a regular speaker at Women in Business events. Jane has been described as being unafraid to do difficult things.
Programme
13.00: Guests arrive, register and have a light lunch.
13.30: Everyone seated and welcomed by Dr Kenny Monrose - introductory words, importance of the language of race, welcome Jane and Maggie.
13.45: Maggie to present a provocation - Living under hyphen.
14.00: Interview with Annoa Abekah-Mensah The Unspoken Language of Race with reference to My Little Black Book
14.30: Q&A.
14.45: Break.
15.05: The Blacktionary deep dive – Authors Jane Oremosu & Dr Maggie Semple, OBE.
16.45: Final remarks from Dr Kenny Monrose.
17.00: Event closes
Details
This event is open to all and free to attend - please RSVP by emailing Dulcie Pryslopski.
Refreshments including a light sandwich lunch will be available for attendees.
Access
This event will take place in the Gatsby Room on the first floor of the Chancellor's Centre. It has step-free access with a lift and there is an accessible toilet located each floor of the building.
REACH Hub
This event is organised by Wolfson's REACH Research Hub, an interdisciplinary meeting place for the promotion and facilitation of culturally diverse research.
