Centering African Women in the Academy
Blackademia Diaries is a digital archive, community, and platform amplifying the scholarship, stories, and struggles of African and Afro-descendant women academics worldwide.
Why We Exist
The academy was not built for us. From colonial universities that excluded African knowledge systems to contemporary institutions where Black women remain underrepresented in tenured positions, the structures of higher education have systematically marginalized our voices.
Blackademia Diaries exists to change that narrative—not by seeking inclusion in broken systems, but by building new ones. We create space for scholarship that honors indigenous methodologies, multilingual expression, and the lived experiences of Black women navigating academia.
We are archivists of our own stories, mentors to those who come after, and architects of an intellectual home where African women scholars can thrive.
Radical Accessibility
Knowledge should transcend language barriers. We publish in multiple languages and prioritize plain language without sacrificing rigor.
Collective Care
Academia can be isolating. We build structures of mutual support, mentorship, and celebration for Black women scholars.
Intellectual Freedom
We create space for ideas that challenge, provoke, and reimagine what scholarship can be when centered on African perspectives.
Intergenerational Dialogue
Connecting senior scholars with emerging voices, honoring those who paved the way while nurturing new thought leaders.
The Seed
A group of African women academics began documenting their experiences navigating predominantly white institutions.
Community Forms
What started as a private blog grew into a network of 500+ scholars sharing resources and support.
Going Multilingual
We launched content in French, Portuguese, Swahili, and Yoruba, reaching scholars across the diaspora.
Building Infrastructure
The Blackademia Diaries platform launches with essays, podcasts, and community features.
Dr. Chiamaka Obi
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Postcolonial literature scholar, former professor at University of Lagos, now dedicated to building platforms for African academic voices.
Prof. Aminata Traoré
Editorial Director
Historian and archivist specializing in pre-colonial African kingdoms. Leads our multilingual content strategy.
Dr. Nkiru Adeyemi
Community Director
Sociologist researching Black women in STEM. Builds and nurtures our global network of scholars.
Join Our Community
Whether you are a seasoned professor or just beginning your academic journey, there is a place for you here.
Get Involved