Africanity Beyond Africa: Navigating Identity Across Borders

1. Introduction

Bizim Africa, the vibrant and proactive African Diaspora Platform in Türkiye, is delighted to introduce a groundbreaking intellectual endeavor—the "Africanity beyond Africa: Navigating Identity Across Borders" Contest. Grounded in our dedication to celebrating and fostering the rich diversity within the African diaspora in Türkiye, this contest stands as a testament to our commitment to celebrating our identity and supporting the African Diaspora community's talents. The chosen theme, "Africanity beyond Africa: Navigating Identity Across Borders," encapsulates the essence of the contest, inviting African students in Türkiye to share their unique narratives and reflections on the meaning of Being African outside of Africa.

Bizim Africa recognizes the profound and dynamic journeys of Africans living in Türkiye and believes that these narratives will not only deepen our understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by Africans in Türkiye but also contribute to the broader conversation on cultural intersections and shared humanity. The contest is an open invitation for participants to explore the ways in which they navigate their African identity in the context of a global society.

2. The Contest

The "Africanity beyond Africa: Navigating Identity Across Borders" Contest is designed to provide a platform for Africans in Türkiye to articulate their experiences, share their perspectives, and contribute to a more profound understanding of the cultural dynamics within the African diaspora. 

Participants are encouraged to delve into their personal stories, addressing the challenges and triumphs they encounter as they navigate their African identity in a global context. By doing so, they not only contribute to the enrichment of our collective understanding but also promote unity in diversity—a core principle that Bizim Africa holds dear. We envision the contest as a celebration of individual voices, symbolizing the strength, resilience, and unity of our community.

The "Africanity beyond Africa: Navigating Identity Across Borders" Contest welcomes entries in three distinct categories - Essay, Poetry, and Video.

2.1. Essay Category

Participants are invited to submit essays of 700 to 1000 words, exploring their personal experiences and reflections on the meaning of Being African outside of Africa.

Guidelines

•  Essays should delve into the theme "Africanity beyond Africa: Navigating Identity Across Borders," exploring personal experiences and reflections on navigating African identity in a global context.
•  Essays should be between 1000 to 1500 words.
•  Format your essay in a standard font and size, with double-spacing.
•  Submissions should be original, showcasing your unique voice and perspective.
•  Personal anecdotes and reflections are encouraged to enhance the authenticity of the narrative.
•  Ensure clarity and coherence in your writing, providing a well-structured and engaging narrative.
• No footnotes or citation
• Quotations should be limited

2.2. Poetry Category

Poets are encouraged to submit original poems that delve into the theme of "Africanity beyond Africa," capturing the essence of their identity and cultural journey in Türkiye.

Guidelines

• Poems should creatively express the theme "Africanity beyond Africa," capturing the essence of navigating identity and cultural intersections.
• Poems can vary in length, but it is recommended to keep them between 10 and 40 lines.
• Experiment with different poetic styles and forms.
• Use vivid imagery and evoke emotions to convey the nuances of your cultural journey.
• Submissions should be original, showcasing your creativity in interpreting and expressing the theme.
• No footnotes or citation
• Quotations should be limited

2.3. Video Category

 For those who prefer visual storytelling, participants can submit original videos that creatively convey their experiences and reflections on identity. Videos should not exceed 5 minutes in length.

Guidelines

•  Videos should visually explore the theme "Africanity beyond Africa," offering a creative interpretation of navigating identity and cultural intersections
•  Videos should not exceed 5 minutes in length.
•  Accepted formats include MP4, MOV, or AVI.
•  Utilize visuals, storytelling, and any other creative elements to effectively convey your experiences and reflections.
•  Submissions should be original, demonstrating creativity and effective use of visual elements.
•  While professional production is not mandatory, ensure a reasonable level of production quality.
• Videos should visually explore the theme "Africanity beyond Africa," offering a creative interpretation of navigating identity and cultural intersections.
•  Videos should not exceed 5 minutes in length.
•  Accepted formats include MP4, MOV, or AVI.
•  Utilize visuals, storytelling, and any other creative elements to effectively convey your experiences and reflections.
•  Submissions should be original, demonstrating creativity and effective use of visual elements.
•  While professional production is not mandatory, ensure a reasonable level of production quality.

3. General Guidelines for All Categories
   3.1. Language

•    Entries can be submitted in English, French, Arabic or Turkish.

3. 2. Submission Deadline

15 February 2024

•  All entries must be submitted by the specified deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.

3. 3. Judging Criteria

•   Entries will be evaluated based on originality, depth of reflection, adherence to the theme, clarity of expression, and, in the case of videos, visual creativity.

3. 4. Prizes

•   Prizes will be awarded to outstanding entries in each category, including certificates, recognition, and the opportunity to showcase the work in the Bizim Africa community platform.

3. 5. Submission Process:

All Entries must be submitted to the indicated email with “Bizim Afrika Contest | Name of the Category” as the subject.  Participants are free to choose the category that best aligns with their preferred form of expression. Each category will be evaluated separately, with prizes awarded to outstanding entries in each category. Submissions must not include any obscene, violent, racist, religiously intolerant, or defamatory content. Incomplete entries or entries that do not comply with the formal specifications will be automatically disqualified.

4. Submission of Entries

Applications including a separate sheet (containing the name of the Category, the title of the entry, the Surname and the First name(s) of the candidate, the gender, the nationality, the city (in Türkiye), the e-mail address, the telephone contact) must be submitted electronically to the email address contest@bizimafrika.org; only ONE entry will be accepted per participant. Participants will receive an acknowledgment email within one week of submission; in the eventuality that no acknowledgment is received; participants are requested to write to the organizers with proof of submission. Videos have to be sent together with the separate sheet via an online storage link (eg. Dropbox or Google Drive) to the same email address 

5. Eligibility

Contestants must be aged between 15 and 30 years by the contest deadline. Contestants must be African citizens; non-African citizens are not eligible to participate in the contest.

6. Prize

The 3 best entries/participants in 3 categories will be rewarded as follows:

• 1st Prize: 2000 TL
• 2^nd Prize: 1500 TL
• 3^rd Prize: 1000 TL

A certificate or recognition will be awarded to the 4^th and 5^th ranked participants in each category.

All participants meeting the submission criteria will receive a certificate of Participation. The Top awarded essays and poems will be published in a special booklet and published on Bizim Africa’s website.

7. Contact Information

For additional information please contact the organizing at contest@bizimafrika.org

For General Queries, please send an email to 

info@bizimafrika.org

For further information, please visit www.bizimafrika.org