Celebrating Black Geographers: Spotlight on Dr Rita Gayle
Dr Rita Gayle is the Postdoctoral Research Fellow for the Conjunctures NOW strand of the Stuart Hall Archive Project. She is based in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham.
What inspired you to pursue geography?
Geography is an interdisciplinary subject. It allows for scholarly evolution which greatly appealed to me.
How does your identity shape your work in geography?
For Black scholars working in the UK Academy, it is important to be aware of the uses and limitations of identity with regards to our knowledges and the modes engaged in its production, publication and dissemination.
Which of your projects or publications are you most proud of and why?
My most significant publication is my first journal article, Creative Futures of Black (British) Feminism in Austerity and Brexit Times. The experience helped me in my PhD journey during what was a difficult time personally.
How do you bring your community, culture, or lived experiences into your scholarship?
I want to ensure that literature produced by our communities continues to be cited, read and taught. This is especially pertinent to the re-telling of Black experiences in Britain which are still too often being led by others.
What advice would you give to aspiring geographers?
Geography can make spaces for you in a variety of places and industries. Now is a great time to sow your ideas across many fields and expand your future options.
Follow on ‘X’: @rita_gayle.
Pronouns She/Her
PhD Thesis (2024). ‘The Collective Utopia: Black British Feminists’ Creative Escape from the Margins of Society’
Producer/Presenter; ‘The New Nationwide Project’ on Repeater Radio: https://repeater-radio.com/shows/new-nationwide-project/
Research Associate; CARICUK 2021-2022. https://www.youtube.com/@caricuk5370
Articles: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9918-0245