An Act of Love: Three Experiences of Self- Decolonization in the Academic Community of the United Kingdom

Poliah, Keren; Suwa Gbolagun, Vashti; Ka Keung, John Yuen; Helm, Hannah; Gilbert, David Junior

Abstract

This narrative essay presents testimonies that uncover the fragmented identity of members of minoritized ethnic groups in the academic context of the United Kingdom. It discusses outcomes of a project which, as part of an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) scholarship from the Doctoral School of the University of Salford, gathered testimonies and stories of international postgraduate doctoral researchers highlighting that the process of decolonization should start from within. Demonstrating how deeply coloniality pervades lands and people, these narratives unveil realities of not fitting in, performing unconventionality, and placing marginalized voices at the forefront. The authors of this essay narrate their journeys towards recognizing their commitment to decolonizing themselves, and underline how this process can provoke change in others.

Citation

Poliah, K., Suwa Gbolagun, V., Ka Keung, J. Y., Helm, H., & Gilbert, D. J. (2024). An Act of Love: Three Experiences of Self- Decolonization in the Academic Community of the United Kingdom. #Journal not on list, 03, 88-103. https://doi.org/10.35074/FJ.2024.40.20.007

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 25, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Mar 30, 2024
• Publication Date: Mar 30, 2024
• Deposit Date: Sep 22, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 23, 2024
• Journal: The February Journal
• Electronic ISSN: 2940-5181
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 03
• Pages: 88-103
• Series Title: Decolonizing the Self: How Do We Perceive Others When We Practice Autotheory?
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.35074/FJ.2024.40.20.007
• Keywords: autotheory, decolonization, dialogues, Global South writer, Indigenous, narratives, Western education system
• Publisher URL: https://thefebruaryjournal.org/en/article/104