Imagining Futures: Memory and Belonging in an African Family

Imagining Futures by Carola Lentz and Isidore Lobnibe explores how shared memories bind an extended African family together, despite living far apart and working in diverse occupations. The book offers a unique contribution to memory studies, showing that memories are not static but are shaped by current concerns and imagined futures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2022
Publisher: Indiana University Press

In their groundbreaking work, "Imagining Futures," authors Carola Lentz and Isidore Lobnibe offer a unique and insightful exploration of one extended African family, currently comprising over five hundred members in Northern Ghana and Burkina Faso. These members, like many others in the region, find themselves living increasingly farther apart and engaging in diverse occupations, ranging from religious clergy and civil service to farming. What truly binds this extended family together? In their compelling argument, Lentz and Lobnibe contend that shared memories, rather than solely material interests, hold the key to maintaining familial bonds.

Through their meticulous research, Lentz and Lobnibe delve into the changing practices of remembering within this African family. They argue that memories are not static accounts of the past but rather dynamic and shaped by both current concerns and imagined futures. In an increasingly globalized and postcolonial world, memories become malleable and intertwined with the broader social and cultural contexts in which they are formed.

Lentz and Lobnibe's work contributes significantly to the growing field of memory studies, expanding the scope beyond the traditional focus on Europe and America. They shed light on the ways in which memories are intertwined with identity, culture, and social change, highlighting the importance of understanding the complex dynamics that shape them.

One of the key insights of "Imagining Futures" is the recognition that shared memories are not just about preserving the past but also about creating a sense of belonging and continuity. The family members in the study share a rich history and a common cultural heritage, which serves as a foundation for their collective identity. Through their memories, they are able to connect with their ancestors, preserve their traditions, and pass on their values to future generations.

However, Lentz and Lobnibe also acknowledge that the dynamics of remembering are not always straightforward. As the family members move away from their ancestral homes and engage in different occupations, their memories may become fragmented and disconnected. They explore how technology, such as mobile phones and social media, can play a role in bridging these gaps and facilitating the transmission of memories across distances.

Furthermore, "Imagining Futures" raises important questions about the role of imagination in shaping memories. The authors suggest that imagined futures can influence how individuals remember the past and how they interpret their experiences. They argue that by envisioning positive and hopeful futures, individuals can find strength and resilience in the face of challenges and adversity.

In conclusion, "Imagining Futures" is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the dynamics of remembering within an African family. Through their meticulous research and compelling argument, Lentz and Lobnibe demonstrate the power of shared memories in maintaining familial bonds and creating a sense of belonging. Their work contributes significantly to the field of memory studies and provides valuable insights into the complex processes that shape our memories and our identities.

Weight: 464g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253060204