It feels like the right time to announce I wrote an award winning comic called Colonised Inheritance and a place on an online comic art residency for East African womxn focused on gender and climate change! It is a fictionalised story loosely based on my history, illuminating the power of patriarchy, drawing parallels with British colonialism and the mental health impact on their subjects. I had never considered making art with words and never considered myself a story teller. It turns out, I like being direct and this medium is helping me to tell my stories in exciting new ways. I hope that it'll become an audio or stage production.
Thank you the whole Reveal team - Josie, Brenda, mentors - Dr Nicola @nicolast.reeten, Msaani and judges - Jessica Horn @stillsherises Grace Kerongo @hotsecretz Meloddi Mazola @meloddimazola and Anaïs Mutumba! I am very grateful to mentors Nicola and Msaani who recognise that due to the legacies of colonialism, which include white supremacy, capitalist patriarchy and the exploitation of our planet - East African womxn do not get the opportunity to tell their stories about the environment through this very accessible art form. The stories of fellow Reveal! awardees @marcellines.akinyi @Nancy.art.music @stories_underthebaobabtree @charity.atukunda @umubobo @jenniferandarts @chelathereader are phenomenal and I was so lucky to share space with them!
The residency included a cash prize (reparations) and was entirely funded by The British Council @britisharts, essentially the arts/culture arm of The Commonwealth. It felt great telling a story linking the impact of British rule and sovereignty, patriarchy and my Daddy issues and my own self expression. I get personal.
Thanks to the LD Comics Reveal team for inviting me into BBC Radio London on 22 Sept 2022 where I spoke about my comic story Colonised Inheritance and highlighted the parallels with British colonialism.
I think people, and I count myself in this, often get stuck on the inability to change the past. That's not possible. All we're asking for is for accountability in the present. The opportunity for accountability, repair, respect and restoration is always possible - if you want it.