Under The Tree of Talking
Under the Tree of Talking: Leadership for change in Africa
The Human Rights and Social Justice Research Institute at London Metropolitan University together with Counterpoint, the Cultural Relations Think Tank of the British Council hosted a ‘Symposium on Leadership and Human Rights in Africa’ which celebrated the launch of the book: Under the Tree of Talking: Leadership for Change in Africa, a manifesto for positive change in Africa on October 4, timed to honour Black History Month of 2007.
The book brings together contributions by 18 of Africa’s most notable writers and academics, to explore African leadership from six different perspectives: from the beginning, from the top down, the bottom up, from the present to the future, the outside looking in and the inside looking out. The anthology is edited by renowned journalist and filmmaker Onyekachi Wambu with contributions from Chinua Achebe and John Githongo, and other scholars of African leadership, including contributing chapters from Dr. Martha Chinouya and Dr. Wangui wa Goro, both HRSJ Research Institute associates at London Metropolitan University.
The symposium brought visiting Professor Paul Zeleza to London Metropolitan University as key note speaker, presenting his essay: ‘Journeying towards excellence: knowledge, diaspora and leadership,’ followed by an evening of discussion and reflection on leadership and human rights in Africa. Dr. Sheila Ochugboju facilitated the discussions by the symposium panelists, including the book’s editor Onyekachi Wambu; Vusi Mchunu from House of Memory in South Africa; and contributors to the book including Dr Martha Chinouya, William Gumede, Chuku-Emeka Chikizie, and Dr. Wangui wa Goro. The discussions were intriguing and brought many issues to the fore, stimulating discourse from students, academics and practitioners in the audience. Further discussions and networking took place during the event’s reception.
For more details please see HRSJ Research Institute 2006/2007 Annual Report.
