Writing with Juliet Iwelunmor

We’ve been quiet here because we’ve come to the realization that academic systems are often designed to fail. What may seem beneficial one day can turn out to be detrimental or even a complete waste of time. As Chinua Achebe once said, “We do not gather by moonlight as if we don’t have the moon at our own place.” I’m paraphrasing, but the underlying message is that we gather because it’s always beneficial for people to come together and dream. 

Lately, the coming together in academia has become performative. What’s the point of another gathering of thought leaders, another gathering of keynote speakers, or another general gathering if the sole purpose is to check a box? None of that truly captivates me. Instead, what I value in academia these days is simply doing the work. I prefer to meet with like-minded individuals, bond over our shared passion for crafting, and perhaps even share our aspirations for community. Yesterday, a dear colleague and I had such a quiet gathering. We laughed, we cried, we shared dreams, and we discussed our failures, all while doing it together. I left with a keepsake she had made for me that left me speechless. Academia can be like the moonlight described by Achebe if only we gather…