Holding Space

I hold the space, unapologetically. And in being, claiming this space, I force you to acknowledge all those others who are connected to me and stand with me.

In Holding Space Aminata Cairo brings her own approach to the pursuit of inclusivity. Feeling limited by the standard approach in diversity and inclusion work, Cairo breaks through the boundaries. She uses Indigenous Knowledge, the Blues Aesthetics, Holy Hip Hop, Caribbean and Black Feminist theories to spread her vision. Through using personal stories she tries to take her audience along in her journey with the final goal of creating a new story collectively.

In a world in which many are suffering from being alienated from others, from Earth and from themselves, Aminata Cairo shows us that it is not only necessary but possible to weave relations across the dominant differences that keeps us apart, isolated and against others. She shows us how it is possible in practice to overcome the seemingly insurmountable divides of race, class and gender; she also teaches us how to cultivate love within the white walls and lifeless instrumentality of institutions. Addressing the world of academia and beyond, she provides a roadmap for creating truly inclusive spaces.

Aminata Cairo is an independent consultant, scholar, psychologist, dancer, anthropologist, and educator, “who works with people”. She is the former Lector of Inclusive Education at The Hague University of Applied Sciences the first and only research professor in the Netherlands of African descent.