Dear friends and readers,
I hope this message finds you all well. September is for many the beginning of the new year... And I hope this will be for you the best possible renewal.As for me, I'm still in Bristol, preparing courses for UWE, looking at the future of journalism... Not a small task!And mainly, writing and podcasting.This seasonal, quarterly electronic letter is to share some news and new writing!Hope you'll like it.
New Cultural Review
During the summer though, I've been invited to collaborate to a wonderful project, launched by a literary journalist from L.A., California, Moroccan/French/American, currently based in Montpellier, France (not Bristol!)
The Markaz Review (TMR), a non-profit publication, and an intellectual and literary destination that seeks to erase the boundaries between peoples and celebrate culture.
TMR publishes reviews and essays continuously in English, Arabic, French and Spanish, and a monthly special edition of arts and cultures, featuring columnists from diverse locations worldwide. TMR will also present online art galleries as well as live performances, short films, discussion groups and presentations/Q & As with world experts.
We've been working all summer on this project and the first issue is finally here!
It is dedicated to Lebanese artists and thinkers, and features great contributions from wonderful people.
Have a look!
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New PlatformDuring the summer, I've been invited to collaborate to a new website, here in England, part of a great network working on independent journalism:
A website for progressive, internationalist journalism from across the West of England, fearlessly speaking truth to power.
In this era of uncertainty, tension and upheaval, they believe that the need for reliable journalism has become all-the-more important. And so do I!
West England Bylines – like its partner publications in other regions through the Byline Times banner – has been created to meet this need.
On Facebook here: https://www.facebook.
My first article for them:
And a feature on Brexit and the issue of dual citizenship
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PODCASTs
Meanwhile, our Podcast, The Quarantini, has reached 22 episodes and will continue until 2021...
There will be more good news, more great interviews and a new rhythm, once or twice a month:
The Quarantini:
Episode 22 has a very special guest: Former Wellington Mayor and Green Party candidate Celia Wade-Brown in the next election in New Zealand.
Episode here:
A Quarantini with NZ Green Party candidate Celia Wade-Brown
We're now moving forward with a different rhythm, with one or two episodes per month. All previous episodes here:
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This new podcast series has also coming out this month:
BCfm launches Bristol oral history podcast
The series created by Marcus Smith is in partnership with Bristol Museums, Bristol Archives, UWE Bristol and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Each of the 12 episodes will focus on a particular Bristol neighbourhood – Barton Hill, Knowle West, Lawrence Weston, Easton, Fishponds, Hartcliffe, St George, Hillfields, Southmead, Eastville, Stockwood and Avonmouth.
Out of the 12 communities, I chose to report on Knowle West because I live in Bedminster now, South Bristol, and also because what took me to Bristol in the first place was its music scene. I thought that Flynn's story were empowering and positive.
I hope that listeners will get to understand these 12 communities more in depth and that it'll help all of us to reconnect, especially in such a disconnecting year.
On air since 17 September!
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BOOKS
Finally, I have a few books in the pipelines!
And my chapter about Bristol reggae will be published in a new book by Palgrave Macmillan in late December 2020:
Narratives from Beyond the UK Reggae Bassline -
The System is Sound
The System is Sound
My main book project is however the result of my writing residency at the Arnolfini, and will come out here in Bristol in the spring.
For now, my writing is on the Arnolfini's website!
And more details are to come during Black History Month in October...
Get in touch if you want to know more.
In the meantime, my latest piece linked to the Arnolfini is this feature on Hassan Hajjaj:
Written by Melissa Chemam
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Thank you very much for your interest and support.
It's all hard work and passion, that is what keeps us going.
For now, I'm also going back into lecturer mode, hoping to contribute to the future journalism...
Wishing you all the best for this last part of the year.
Warm regards,
melissa
Melissa Chemam
Writer, Cultural Journalist, Reporter
UK Correspondent for European Media
Contributor @ The Markaz Review
Writer-in-residence @ Arnolfini Gallery
Associate Lecturer @ UWE Bristol
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