BLACADEMIA is a unique mix of conference, chat show and TED Talk-type presentations infused with live performances. 

Launched in 2024 as part of the Culture ConneX initiative, BLACADEMIA is a platform for critical debate, knowledge exchange and intercultural dialogue for academics and non-academics from all walks of life - welcoming anyone interested in issues surrounding social justice, cultural awareness and lived experiences from rich and varied perspectives.

This year’s edition of BLACADEMIA is produced with the generous support of Black At Sussex and in collaboration with BARCO as part of their Black History Month Brighton Centre Take Over.

The event is co-hosted by Spoken Word Artist & Academic AFLO. the poet and Creative Producer Nyawa Bottomley. The formidable line-up features special guest, Writer, Playwright, Artist, Curator & Scholar Michael McMillan; Brighton & Hove Black History (Bert Williams MBE & S. D. Chatterjee); literary and cultural heritage producer Althea Wolfe; Filmmaker Cathy Hassan; and Artistic Director & Author Hassan Mahamdallie. The presentations will be interspersed with performances - dance by Collective Culture (Munya Muchati, Anliya aka Black diamond & Tyreece Bello); Spoken Word by Erin James; and music by Fari Chiketa.