My project analyzes how debates regarding race, racism, and equality developed and traveled through literature between the U.S. and the Nordic countries during the twentieth century. I focus on the Black Renaissance – a cultural flourishing of African American arts characterized by a belief that culture can play a major role in the fight for racial justice. Even though Black Renaissance authors were influenced by Nordic literature and in turn affected discussions of culture, race, and society in the Nordic countries, their works have not been translated into Nordic languages or properly studied in academia. My project produces knowledge on the role that literature and culture have played in developing new forms of solidarity and racial justice. By analyzing the intertwined cultural and racial histories of the two regions, I provide historical understanding to current-day discussions of racial equality. The project is hosted by the Narrare research center at Tampere University.

2021

2024