Black Feminist Summer School in Amsterdam July 13-17, 2026 - EXTENDED DEADLINE! ONLY OPEN FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS!

This Black Feminist Summer School creates space outside the university campus for collective theory building and in-depth reading that contextualises Black death and Black aliveness, as they shape Black experience on a global scale. Together, participants will wrestle with the complexities and possibilities that arise from Afro-pessimist and other Black Studies’ readings of Black death and Black exile from the human. At the same time, the insistences found in work that attends to Black life and the im/possibilities of Black aliveness will also orient our discussion and queries. 

At root, this Black Feminist Summer School encourages participants to occupy and examine the tensions, rebellions, fatigue, fantasies, hopelessness, and potentialities that the theme of “Black Death/Black Aliveness” inspires us to contend with.

We welcome applications from students, early career scholars, activists, artists, and organisers who have particular interest, lived experience and politics grounded in Blackness. 

Deadline to apply for scholarships: We evaluate scholarship applications on a rolling basis.

Agenda: We will convene for five days to engage with invited speakers who work within or between the themes of Black death and Black aliveness as scholars, practitioners, and community intellectuals. In the mornings, the speaker will give a lecture, followed by a seminar where participants will have the opportunity to engage the speaker and each other in discussion and reflection. The afternoons are dedicated to cultural activities in Amsterdam (e.g. exhibitions, local archives, and performances).

Speakers (artists, activists, and scholars): Myriam Diatta, Yancé-Myah Antonio Harrison, Julian Isenia, Camille Sapara Barton, Annie Olaloku-Teriba, Jan Mendes.

Location: Amsterdam (specific locations TBA)

Scholarships: The Black Feminist Summer School provides 3 scholarships to cover course fees for Black trans women in the Netherlands. We are only receiving applications for scholarship participants now. General applications are closed.

Why are we offering these scholarships?

We recognise that Black trans women are central to Black feminist history, scholarship, and organising. Black trans women are a critical part of our wider Black feminist community. For us – as three Black cis-women organisers – it would not make sense to gather as a collective of Black feminists without creating space for Black trans women’s voices, insights, creativity, and friendship. As a Black feminist space, it is crucial that the Summer School reflects the political, theoretical, artistic insights and interests of Black trans women, in both the program and in the composition of the participant group.

It is important for all of us to understand how the theme of Black death/Black aliveness has particular resonance for Black trans women. In turn, we recognise that questions of death and ways of keeping each other alive have emerged from the activists and scholastic tradition and legacies of Black trans women across the diaspora.

Are parts of the Black Feminist Summer School program specifically for Black Trans Women?

One of our invited speakers, Yancé-Myah Antonio Harrison, will be speaking from her own positionality as a Black trans woman based in Copenhagen, Denmark, and knows that the conversation will only be enriched by being in dialogue with local Black trans women who can offer knowledge and share reflections shaped by the nuances of life in the Netherlands. Additionally, Yancé-Myah has offered to act as a contact person for Black trans women participants throughout the Summer School, providing an online space to debrief. 

Who can apply for the scholarships?

Anyone who identifies as a Black trans woman, coming from any country in Europe. However, preference will be given to people who live in the Netherlands. 

What financial assistance will the Black Feminist Summer School provide?
The scholarships cover the participation fee of €300 which includes daily lectures, seminars, lunches, tea/coffee, and afternoon activities. The Black Feminist Summer School will additionally subsidise travel and/or accommodation costs up to €180 each for the three scholarship recipients. You are responsible for finding your own housing in Amsterdam, though we can provide suggestions. 

Language: English is the main language for course activities and preparatory readings. 

Accessibility: Please let us know your needs in the application form.

Travel and housing: Participants will be responsible for securing their own transport to and housing in Amsterdam. If you wish to team up with other participants for housing, please write to the summer school organisers. The organisers will share a list of recommended hostels and low-cost hotels in the Amsterdam area.

Organisers: Jan Mendes, Oda-Kange Midtvåge Diallo, Nina Cramer.

Please contact blackfeministsummerschool@outlook.com with any questions.