Negarra Akili

Negarra Akili is a US based writer, researcher, editor and translation whose interests lie squarely at the intersection of social policy and culture. To be more specific her primary intellectual and professional endeavors are located in the fields of cultural production and social and economic development; specifically education and labor. Her regional interests are situated in Africa (Francophone & Lusophone), the Americas and Europe (Spain, Portugal, Belgium & France)

Her work with GlobalVoices is an extension of the aforementioned activities and her personal belief that there is no sustainable progress without transformation and liberation.

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Latest posts by Negarra Akili

The Postcolonialist Calls for Submissions on ‘Sites of Home’

  20 December 2013

A recently launched online magazine and journal, The Postcolonialist, is calling for submissions for the upcoming edition of its academic journal. The Postcolonialist is an inter-disciplinary, multi-lingual publication featuring research, commentary, and creative production from and about postcolonial regions and perspectives. The About page of the website adds:  We are an alternative and interactive avenue by which scholars, journalists, writers...

Cuba: Blackout Leaves 5 Million People in the Dark

  11 September 2012

An interruption of an electrical transmission line left five million people from Pinar del Río to Camagüey, including the Cuban capital, Havana, in the dark. Various Twitter users residing in Cuba used the battery life they still had on their laptops and dial-up connections to report what was happening.

Ecuador Reacts to Assange Asylum

  17 August 2012

"they talk so much about freedom of expression when in our own country IT DOESN'T EXIST!" - An Ecuadorian netizen criticizes the government's decision to grant asylum to the founder of Wikileaks. Some are celebrating the bold move as well.

Mexico: Ranchera Singer Chavela Vargas Dies

  6 August 2012

Ranchera singer Chavela Vargas, born in Costa Rica but of Mexican nationality, died on the afternoon of August 5 after respiratory arrest at the age of 93. After learning the news, various netizens from Mexico and other countries published their condolences under the hashtag 'Murió Chavela Vargas' ("Chavela Vargas has died").

Panama: New Law Establishes Ministry of Culture

  26 April 2012

On April 24, 2012, the National Assembly of Panama approved yesterday the "Law of Culture", which among other things elevates the National Institute of Culture to the Ministry of Culture. The main sponsor of the law, Deputy Jose Blandon announced it yesterday on Twitter, which became a reflection of the Panamanians that approved the bill.

Senegal: A Week of Living Dangerously

  3 February 2012

On January 31 in Senegal, the opposition came out in the streets to protest against a third term for incumbent President Abdoulaye Wade and other decisions taken by the country's Constitutional Council, resulting in violence and vitriol both offline and online.

Argentina: 17 Years After AMIA Attack, Case Remains Unsolved

  23 July 2011

July 18, 2011, commemorates one more year of the attack against the Israelite Argentinean Mutual Aid Association (AMIA) in 1994. Currently the case is open without resolution, yet the families of the victims and the Argentine community are still calling for justice for the 85 people killed.

Peru: Transportation Strike in Lima: A Campaign Against the Mayor?

  15 July 2011

The mayor of Lima, Susana Villarán, has experienced an outpour of all kinds criticism at the six month mark of her term. A strike by transportation carriers on July 13 is the Mayor's most recent challenge. Bloggers and Twitter users shared reactions, reports, images and analysis throughout the day of the strike.

Cuba: Exciting First Meeting of Twitter Users in Havana

  6 July 2011

The first meeting of users of the social network Twitter was celebrated in Havana on July 1 at 4:00 pm at 23rd and 12th of the Vedado district and in the Pabellón Cuba. The event hosted almost 100 people, mostly young journalism students, administrators, professors, journalists and bloggers. Netizens reflect and comment on the exciting and controversial event.

Spain: Police Violence Against Peaceful Demonstrators in Barcelona

  28 June 2011

Friday, May 27, 7 pm had not yet arrived when the police raided Catalunya Square in the center of Barcelona where  the camp of “outraged” of 15 May were located. The hundreds of protesters in attendance refused to leave and the situation escalated. Many calls were made through social networks and access to the Square was quickly blocked by a growing crowd who supported the people who slept there.  Photo and video evidence of the brutalities quickly surfaced.

Peru: 2011 Elections: Reactions to Presidential Debate

  4 June 2011

The televised debate between the two candidates for the Peruvian presidency, Keiko Fujimori and Ollanta Humala, was closely followed on social networks. Some days after the debate, netizens are still discussing the debate, but they are now more focused on the second round of elections, which will be held on Sunday June 5.

Peru: 2011 Elections: Candidates Tied, Peruvians Divided

  1 June 2011

The second round of presidential elections in Peru reaches its final leg in the midst of unresolved social conflict and polarization of the electorate that has not only generated public pronouncements but also citizens mobilization, the collection of signatures and public marches against each candidate, the conservative Keiko Fujimori conservative and the nationalist Ollanta Humala.

Argentina: Croatian Community Reacts to Sentence of General Ante Gotovina

  24 April 2011

On April 15, 2011, the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) handed down sentences to the Croatian generals Ante Gotovina, Mladen Markač and Ivan Cermak. Gotovina and Markac were charged with "crimes against humanity and violations of the laws and customs of war" committed in 1995 by the forces of their country during "Operation Storm." In Argentina, where it is estimated that the Croatian community is the country's third largest, there have been various reactions.

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