Have you ever questioned your identity or faced a situation where it was deeply challenged? For many women worldwide, this is an unfortunate and persistent reality. For African American women, these challenges are compounded by intersectionality, as they navigate the complex interplay of race, gender, and societal expectations, often confronting overlapping forms of discrimination and bias. Similarly, in Italian culture, Muslim and Afro-descendant women encounter layered challenges, with their identities often misunderstood or marginalized.
This fall, Bucknell University hosted an inspiring event titled “The Right to Be Seen: Afro-Descendant Women Artists in Italy and Beyond National Borders.” Held from October 24th to 26th, this three-day event showcased the voices and artistry of remarkable African American women through a rich array of activities, including a live Q&A session, film screenings, a symposium and forum, and a captivating jazz and blues concert, “The Divas Sung by Karen Meeks,” performed by the River Soul Band.
The nuanced representation of intersectionality in contemporary media like Skam Italia and Imma Tataranni further highlights these cultural challenges. In Skam Italia, the struggles of Muslim and Afro-descendant women are explored with authenticity, portraying the tension between preserving cultural heritage and integrating into an Italian societal framework that often resists their inclusion. Similarly, Imma Tataranni delves into the societal prejudices and microaggressions faced by women of diverse backgrounds, providing a layered perspective on how racial and religious identities intersect with gender dynamics in Italy.
Although I was unable to attend the events on October 24th and 26th, my experience on October 25th left a lasting impression. The presentations and collaborative works during Session IV echoed the resilience and creativity depicted in Skam Italia and Imma Tataranni, shining a light on the shared struggles and triumphs of Afro-descendant women in Italy and beyond. These stories remind us that intersectionality is not merely an academic concept but a lived reality that shapes the identities and experiences of women around the world.
–Jeremiah Charles ’27