Portfolio

Standpoints Writing Lab

The Standpoints Writing Lab, part of the broader "Standpoints" series with Virginia Tech Publishing, is a collaborative space for scholars, activists, and writers to explore and develop their work within a supportive community. Facilitated by Diaspora Praxis, the lab is committed to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, particularly Black women and gender-expansive people, through writing and research.

 

Key Activities:

• Workshops and Co-Working Hours: Facilitating sessions that provide participants with the tools and support needed to advance their writing projects.

• Peer Review and Feedback: Offering critical feedback and collaborative editing to enhance the quality and impact of participants' work.

• Publication Support: Assisting writers in navigating the publication process, with a focus on increasing the representation of underrepresented voices in academic and popular media.

 

Impact:
The Standpoints Writing Lab has become a crucial space for nurturing the work of Black feminist scholars and activists, contributing to the creation of groundbreaking publications that challenge dominant narratives and offer new perspectives on social justice.

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Related Links:

• Standpoints: Black Feminist Knowledges (Editors: Andrea N. Baldwin, Ashley V. Reichelmann, Anthony Kwame Harrison)

• Black Feminist Theorizing Toward Futurity: A Standpoints Volume (Editors: Nana Brantuo, Andrea N. Baldwin)

 

Skills: Writing Facilitation, Collaborative Editing, Peer Review, Workshop Facilitation, Community Building

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Beyond Borders: Confronting Transnational Violence Against Black Migrants

As a fellow with the University of San Diego’s Kroc School VIP Lab, Dr. Yeboah, founder of Diaspora Praxis, lead the "Beyond Borders" project, which critically examines the complex violence faced by Black migrants seeking refuge in the United States. This research is grounded in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, aiming to uncover systemic challenges and offer actionable policy recommendations.

 

Key Activities:

• Literature Review: Analyzing scholarly works and policies on systemic violence against Black migrants.

• Policy Review: Evaluating the impact of temporary and emergency immigration policies on Black migrants.

• Interviews: Engaging with Black migrant experts and individuals to gather in-depth insights into their lived experiences.

• Quantitative Data Analysis: Investigating immigration records and government data to identify systemic biases and challenges.

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Impact:
The project will culminate in a policy brief and a white paper, providing strategic recommendations to policymakers and advocates aimed at improving the treatment and support of Black migrants within U.S. immigration systems.

 

Related Links:

• 2024 Violence, Inequality and Power Lab Fellows

 

Skills: Human Rights, Mixed Methods Research, Demographic Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement, Report Writing, Interviewing

 

Behind Closed Doors: Black Migrants and the Hidden Injustices of U.S. Immigration Courts

This multidisciplinary action research project, conducted in partnership with the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, shines a light on the systemic injustices faced by Black migrants within the U.S. immigration enforcement system. Leading a diverse team of researchers, scholars, lawyers, translators, and community advocates, we produced four detailed reports, an annotated bibliography, and hosted the event "Dystopia, Then Deportation."

 

Key Activities:

• Data Analysis: Empirical examination of immigration court and enforcement data.

• Interviews: Conducting semi-structured interviews with practitioners and migrants to understand their experiences.

• Event Planning: Organizing a plenary session that brought together advocates, community leaders, and policymakers to discuss the critical issues affecting Black migrants.

 

Impact:
Our findings have revealed systemic biases, inadequate legal representation, and dehumanizing experiences in detention centers and courtrooms. The research informs ongoing advocacy efforts, aiming to influence immigration policy and enhance support for Black migrants.

 

Related Links:

• Dystopia, Then Deportation — Opening Remarks by Nana

• Dystopia, Then Deportation - Plenary Session

• Dystopia, Then Deportation: Post-Event Insights and Action Items

• Diaspora Dynamics: An Annotated Bibliography of Black Migrants’ and Immigrants’ Experiences in the U.S.

• Behind Closed Doors - Report Methodology

 

Skills: Human Rights, Mixed Methods Research, Data Analysis, Report Writing, Interviewing, Event Planning

 

AfriFem Consortium: African Feminist Research Ecosystem Report

In collaboration with the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) and partner organizations like ISDAO, SIHA, Doria Feminist Fund, and Purposeful, we undertook a comprehensive study to strengthen feminist movements across Africa. This project responded to the growing threat of anti-gender and anti-rights movements, focusing on the resilience of African feminist ecosystems.

 

Key Activities:

• Document Review: Analyzing over 40 key documents relevant to the feminist movement.

• Interviews: Conducting 14 in-depth interviews with African feminist researchers and advocates.

• Research Design: Employing a combination of qualitative methods to assess the current state of the feminist research ecosystem in Africa.

 

Impact:
The final report provided strategic recommendations for bolstering the resilience and impact of African feminist movements. It emphasized the importance of storytelling, cross-context exchange, and participatory models, and highlighted the need for sustainable funding and support for feminist initiatives across the continent.

 

Skills: Document Review, Report Writing, Interviewing, Qualitative Research, Research Design

 

Op-Ed: Devaluation of Black Women’s Lives and Labor Almost Disappeared Brittney Griner

In this compelling op-ed, Dr. Yeboah, founder of Diaspora Praxis, sheds light on the human rights violations faced by Black migrants during conflict and crisis, using the wrongful detention of Brittney Griner as a critical example. The piece highlights the systemic negligence and inaction that led to Griner’s prolonged imprisonment in Russia, underscoring the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality in the devaluation of Black women’s lives and labor.

 

Key Points:

• Global Human Rights Violations: The op-ed explores how Black athletes like Griner are vulnerable to human rights abuses across borders, particularly in hostile environments where their identities as Black, queer women make them targets of discrimination and exploitation.

• Systemic Negligence: Dr. Yeboah critiques the failure of governments, including the U.S., to protect Black women athletes like Griner, calling attention to the broader issues of systemic racism, misogynoir, and homophobia that pervade international sports and labor markets.

• Call to Action: The piece concludes with a powerful call for accountability and urgent action from the U.S. government to secure Griner’s release and protect the rights of Black migrants worldwide.

 

Related Link:

• Devaluation Of Black Women’s Lives And Labor Almost Disappeared Brittney Griner

 

Impact:
The op-ed sparked critical conversations around the intersections of race, gender, and human rights, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities in the global dialogue on immigration, labor, and justice.

 

Skills: Human Rights Advocacy, Critical Analysis, Intersectional Feminism, Public Writing, Social Justice Commentary