In September 2024, we were pleased to meet new members joining the SHF Scholars, Fellows and Artists Network in person at a welcome event. We hosted this event, chaired by the Chair of the SHF Academic Committee, Professor Nasar Meer, with the aim to develop connections between the Foundation and the new members of its network, giving attendees the opportunity make each others’ acquaintance and share ideas directly. Attendees were invited to introduce their research, consider Stuart Hall’s thoughts on being a public intellectual, and learn about the Foundation’s programme of events, workshops, opportunities and support available to them.

Following a breakout session responding to clips from Hall’s lecture ‘Through the Prism of an Intellectual Life’, participants were joined by historian and writer Professor Robin D. G. Kelley for an informal group discussion, introduced by Professor Catherine Hall. Later, writer and researcher Lola Olufemi delivered a talk followed by a conversation with photographer, media artist and scholar Professor Roshini Kempadoo and the group, exploring Lola’s experience as a scholar and a member of the SHF Network.

Thank you to the SHF Trustees and Associates whose contributions made this event possible: Giorgia Doná, Catherine Hall, Roshini Kempadoo, Nasar Meer, Shamim Miah and Ruth Ramsden-Karelse.