Description
- Abstract:
- Amber Akaunu and Jessica Sheen discuss their Nigerian and Afro-Brazilian ancestry, their family’s return migration to West Africa, and their connection to Liverpool’s history of slavery. They reflect on intergenerational memory, identity, and the importance of documenting Black histories, while also addressing freedom, resistance, and cultural resilience. The views and opinions expressed by the speaker(s) do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Global Curatorial Project, Brown University, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, or the project's institutional partners. For questions or concerns please contact library staff at [email protected] or +1-401-863-2146.
- Notes:
- Immediate form of acquisition: A2025-025
- Biographical/historical note: Amber Akaunu: Amber Akaunu (b.1996) is a Liverpool born Nigerian-German filmmaker working in cinema and art to document and imagine Black regional stories. Amber is the descendent of enslaved Afro-Brazilians who returned to West Africa following the abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Her creative practice extends to her role as co-founder and editor of ROOT-ed Zine where she works to support Black, Asian and PoC artists in the North West of England through publishing, workshops, guest lectures, curating, and producing. Amber is also a BAFTA scholar and recent MA film graduate who is currently based between Liverpool and South London where she works for the National Gallery as an in-house Video Producer. Jessica Sheen: Jessica Sheen is a housing officer based in Liverpool. She was born in Germany and grew up between Germany, Nigeria and the UK. She’s a mother, a believer in Jesus Christ and a champion for those overlooked in society. Jessica Sheen is the descendent of enslaved Afro-Brazilians who returned to West Africa following the abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
- Amber Akaunu and Jessica Sheen Oral History Interview, Global Curatorial Project: Unfinished Conversations oral histories and records, Ms.2022.010, Brown University Library
- Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)
Access Conditions
- Use and Reproduction
- The duplication and reproduction of materials in this collection outside of Brown University, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and project partner institutions requires the written consent from the interviewee or their assignee. Please contact the John Hay Library at [email protected] or +1401-863-2146 with any inquires.
- Rights
- This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
- Restrictions on Use
- Collection is open for research.
Citation
Brown University. Ruth J Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice, International Slavery Museum, and National Museum of African American History and Culture (U.S.),
"Amber Akaunu and Jessica Sheen Oral History Interview"
(2025).
GCP Liverpool.
Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library.
https://repository.library.brown.edu/studio/item/bdr:gj2fgjv4/
Relations
Has Parts:
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Amber Akaunu and Jessica Sheen Oral History Interview
- Type: Stream
- Order: 1
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Amber Akaunu and Jessica Sheen Transcript
- Type: Transcript
- Order: 1a
