How can the field of Francophone Black Studies take shape in Canada, and particularly in Quebec? An initiative of the Université de Montréal and its partners, the “Decentralizing the Field of Black Studies” symposium will take place on November 7 and 8. Focusing on exchange and multidisciplinarity, this event will serve as a space for sharing, by welcoming the questions and knowledge of numerous panelists who will open up avenues of reflection on the issues surrounding Black Studies in the French-speaking world, and more broadly beyond English-speaking spaces. The colloquium has been organized with a view to broadening and stimulating discussion on the current state and future of this multidisciplinary field, while aiming for the growth of initiatives to develop programs and institutional structures for Black Studies in French.

What shape might French-language Black Studies take, particularly in Quebec and French-speaking Canada? What bridges are conceivable between Black studies here and elsewhere? How do Black Studies in Quebec and the Canadian Francophonie differ from Black Studies in English, Portuguese, Spanish and German? The event fills a gap in discussions and reflections, within Francophone, Quebec and Franco-Canadian universities, on the interest, relevance and challenges of setting up Black Studies programs and resources.

With 17 speakers, 5 panels and a plenary lecture, we look forward to welcoming you on November 7 and 8, both online and at the Carrefour des arts et des sciences de l’Université de Montréal (3150 rue Jean-Brillant), to a learning space where food and fun are guaranteed!