Since the inception of Hollywood, U.S. media has often and continues to reduce Africa to singular stories about poverty, conflict, crisis, death, famine etc. overlooking the complexities that shape the continent and its people. What these media stereotypes fail to foreground are the complexities of the continent and how these harmful representations of the continent date back to colonial times. This colloquium presents a keynote presentation and panel that problematizes these harmful tropes about the continent while presenting alternative frames that complicate the reality of the 50+ countries in Africa. Key among topics to be explored in the keynote are the way that narratives around war and genocide in Africa are framed in news media. The panel will bring attention to the potential of African pop culture such as music, film and television to not only challenge stereotypes about the continent but also present the rich tapestry of African cultures. The colloquium will demonstrate how presenting nuanced and dignified narratives about the continent can connect Africa’s diaspora to their roots and ancestry. https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/85MY9tr1q2KcU

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