Negritude examines and upholds the genius of literary Icons from African and Caribbean descent, challenging and championing their impact and contribution to the African literary diaspora.

In the 1930’s and 1940’s black writers in Paris made the conscious effort for their cultural identities to shine across the Parisian literary scene. The Negritude movement and its champions concerned themselves not only with the written word but the African diaspora’s cultural, economic, social and political values as a whole.

The Opal22 Arts and Edutainment Negritude programme will be a yearly programme to get the community to be enthused about debate, literature and the power of talking, reading and writing about authors from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

The debates occurs every Thursday from 9th January 2020 to Thursday 29th October 2020. Open to young people aged 10 – 15 and the wider community.

Register your interest at eventbrite

For more information, visit their website

Opal22 Arts and Edutainment present Negritude, a fresh programme of debating events.

The Opal22 Arts and Edutainment Negritude programme will be a yearly programme for young people to be enthused about debate, literature and the power of talking, reading and writing about authors from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

Leicester’s Central Library will play host to the debate series – a fresh thought provoking take on the traditional format of debates. We first used this format on the Lets Debate programme of 2018, which had a wonderful reception for its inaugural event.

There are four amazing debates across twelve months, each debate night will bringing a special guest to the city of Leicester, a talent, a mind, a writer renowned for their contributions to the literary sphere.

Young people will be exposed to ideas new and old and encouraged to develop their own critical thinking prowess. With the guidance of rising and established literary stars, participants will be guided through the vast world of literature stemming from the African diaspora. Guest authors will inspire the young people to read for pleasure, to exercise critical awareness, write for expression and be active members of their local literary scene. Opportunities to participant in library interventions, perform across new spaces, and become a member of the central library are some of the opportunities that wait!