Unravelling Histories: Exploring Narratives of Freedom, Legacy and Resilience with Dr Gordon-Chipembere and Heather Marks

Join us on Saturday 2 December 2023 for an enriching dialogue that will travel to 17th century Costa Rica and 18th century Britain with esteemed author and scholar Dr Natasha Gordon-Chipembere, and up-and-coming writer Heather Marks, in this exciting discussion of historical fiction.

In this discussion, chaired by acclaimed writer and arts integration specialist Lisa Pegram, renowned professor and author Dr Gordon-Chipembere presents her debut novel Finding La Negrita (2022) which brings to life the story of a family navigating love, legacy, and freedom in a vivid retelling of the Black Madonna narrative in South America’s Costa Rica.

Heather Marks, Words of Colour’s very own creative producer, joins Natasha as an up-and-coming writer whose historical fiction delves into the untold stories of runaway slaves in 18th-century Britain.

Together, Natasha and Heather will delve into how their novels portray the intricate dynamics of enslavement and the pursuit of freedom, travelling from the plantations of 17th century Costa Rica to the urban landscapes of 18th century Britain, and the complex research that goes into narrating these stories.

Date & Time: Saturday 2 December 2023, 12PM CST / 2PM AST / 6PM GMT

Location: Online (Zoom)

Tickets: £3 – Reserve Your Spot Here.

Meet the Panellists

Dr Natasha Gordon-Chipembere: A professor for over 20 years, specializing in African Diasporic literature, with publications including Representation and Black womanhood: The Legacy of Sarah Baartman. Her work reflects a lifetime of scholarly focus on the legacy of slavery.

Heather Marks: A graduate of the world-first Masters in Black British Literature, Heather is a writer, freelance editor, creative producer, and researcher with a focus on the black presence in Britain. Her novel The Disobedients won The Golden Egg Academy Award and she has a first-look deal with Chicken House.

Lisa Pegram: An award-winning writer, arts integration specialist, and programme designer with extensive experience in cultural and educational institutions.

This event promises to be an insightful exploration of history, narrative, and the human spirit. Book Your Tickets Here.