Emma Dabiri

Through her highly influential work, Emma Dabiri educates and enlighten audiences with her accounts of racism in the United Kingdom and beyond. By combining social commentary with historical events, she supplies valuable context on microaggressions, like touching Black people’s hair, as well as broader examples of discrimination still rife in the world. Emma is a social historian, a field of study that shines in her books, columns and presenting roles. Such a nationwide reputation makes her instantly recognisable at events, allowing Emma to resonate with audiences on a personal level – she is a physical embodiment of hope, in the face of hate.

Titled Don’t Touch My Hair, Emma’s debut book draws attention to the culture of African hair. The part memoir part socio philosophical commentary takes readers on a journey through the wider context of Black people’s hair, including the significant meaning behind difference hairstyle. For non-Black readers, the book is an eye-opening, honest account. When invited to events, Emma explores similar topics to her critically acclaimed book, educating audiences through first-hand stories of racial discrimination. Some guests come away enlightened, while others feel empowered in their own identities; a testament to the power of Emma’s experiences.

Raised in a predominantly White neighbourhood in Dublin, Ireland, Emma reportedly felt isolated in her early years. Surrounded by frequent racism, the experience shaped her into the activist that she is today. Rather than succumbing to the hate, Emma rose above it, and completed her degree in African Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies. She later ventured into the world of broadcasting, to host Britain’s Lost Masterpieces on BBC Four, Is Love Racist? on Channel 4, and a radio show on Afrofuturism - the combination of philosophy and Black culture. Aside from her onscreen roles, Emma frequently writes for The Guardian, The Irish Times and Vice to name a few of her outlets, as well as academic journals.

Emma is particularly open about the online abuse she has received throughout her career, in the form of racist “trolls”. Combined with the hate she suffered growing up in Dublin, her emotive speeches expose audiences to the damaging effects of racism, in all of its forms. From workplace microaggressions to the desperate need for inclusion, her speaking topics discuss the vast impact of racism in society today. Emma’s online series, Virtually History, uses virtual reality to recreate historical events, while her series, EXPOSED: Young Female Photographers, showcases the emergence of three photographers with staggering potential. When she is not hosting popular shows, Emma is a Teaching Fellow at SOAS’ Africa Department. Whether she is booked for panel events or art festivals, to host functions of DJ events, audiences will never forget an occasion featuring Emma Dabiri.