Before Them, We

BEFORE THEM, WE is an anthology that explores the lives of migrant grandparents and elders from Africa, featuring a mix of commissioned writers and poets who responded to a call-out. It is a multi-layered meditation on how we engage with the practice of memory, featuring 24 contributors from various backgrounds and disciplines.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 138 pages
Publication date: 28 August 2022
Publisher: Flipped Eye Publishing Limited

An anthology titled "Before Them, We" delves into the lives of migrant grandparents and elders from Africa, shedding light on the intricacies of their lives before the families they built. Through a collaborative effort by poets of African descent, this work weaves together personal narratives, creating a multi-layered exploration of the practice of memory. The anthology features a diverse range of contributors, including multi-disciplinary artist, poet, and playwright Dzifa Benson; Nigerian-born, award-winning poet, playwright, and performer Inua Ellams; Zimbabwean literary and sound artist Belinda Zhawi; queer non-binary Nigerian/Togolese writer and performer Michelle Tiwo; Ghanaian-British producer and writer Nii Ayikwei Parkes, recognized for his acclaimed work as a children's author, poet, broadcaster, and novelist; Hodan Yusuf, a writer, actress, multimedia journalist, and trainer in conflict resolution; Somali digital cultural archivist and independent researcher Ibrahim Hirsi; and Ola Elhassan, a Sudanese poet and electrical engineer.

Each contributor brings their unique perspective and experiences to the anthology, sharing intimate details about their lives before migration, the reasons behind their decisions to leave their homes, and the motivations behind their family-building. The poems and prose pieces in "Before Them, We" offer a profound reflection on the complexities of identity, heritage, and the enduring power of love. Through their words, the contributors invite readers to engage with the nuances of memory and the ways in which it shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

This anthology serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of the migrant community, highlighting the contributions of grandparents and elders who have traversed vast distances and overcome numerous challenges to build new lives for themselves and their families. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage that these individuals bring with them, as they contribute to the fabric of diverse communities across the globe.

In conclusion, "Before Them, We" is a captivating anthology that offers a profound exploration of the lives of migrant grandparents and elders from Africa. Through a collaborative effort by poets of African descent, this work weaves together personal narratives, creating a multi-layered meditation on the practice of memory. The contributions of the 24 contributors, ranging from Gen Z to mature voices, provide a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives, highlighting the resilience, strength, and cultural richness of the migrant community. This anthology is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of migration, identity, and the enduring power of love.

Dimension: 216 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781905233779