Events

White text on black as logo for "Princeton Collaboratorium for Radical Aesthetics"

In this conversation, Dionne Brand, Francoise Vergès, Canisia Lubrin, Christina Sharpe, and Tina Campt will discuss the work of The Practicing Refusal Collective and the Sojourner Project on their collaborative publication: Think/ing from Black: A Lexicon, a book that imagines a set of words, terms and practices from some of the manifold positions of blackness that locate and animate black life. They will discuss what it means for the Collective and its collaborators to undertake such a lexical endeavor, while offering their own reflection on their own contributions to the project. Think/ing from Black is at once a lexicon, a collection of definitions, and a set of practices found in and arising out of the languages and experiences that speculate on the im/possibility of living free. Consisting of long and short entries from writers and artists from around the world – North America, Europe, Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and elsewhere, these terms enunciate an evolving lexicon for understanding the modalities through which blackness sustains and regenerates itself in the face of multiple manifestations of antiblackness in times and spaces where and when black people seek to live unbounded lives. The Black Diaspora has generated many languages, and concepts that influence, shape and intervene in modernity, many terms and references. The Lexicon seeks to define some of those concepts, both as quotidian practices and the specialized bodies of inherited knowledge. Words and concepts that may have meanings in a “general” lexicon hold other meanings in a Black lexicon. In this contemporary moment such a lexicon shows the continuously inventive space of Blackness.

Presented by the Princeton Collaboratorium.

Tickets & Details

The event is free and open to the public; no tickets or advance registration required.

Directions

Get directions to the CoLab, located on the Forum level of the Lewis Arts complex.

COVID-19 Guidance + Updates

Per Princeton University policy, all visitors are expected to be either fully vaccinated, have recently received and prepared to show proof of a negative COVID test (via PCR within 72 hours or via rapid antigen within 8 hours of the scheduled visit), or agree to wear a face covering when indoors and around others.

Accessibility

symbol for wheelchair accessibilityThe CoLab is wheelchair accessible. Visit our Venues and Studios section for accessibility information at our various locations. Guests in need of access accommodations are invited to contact the Lewis Center at 609-258-5262 or email LewisCenter@princeton.edu at least one week in advance of the event date.

Presented By

  • The Collaboratorium

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