A free public lecture at Goodman South Library on Wednesday, Sept. 30, will explore how young people in Nigeria are using protests, digital platforms and collective expression to demand accountability from political leaders, with a comparative look at youth activism in Madison.
The event is part of Africa Talks, a monthly lecture series presented by the African Center for Community Development (ACCD) and the UW-Madison African Studies Program.
The lecture will begin at 5 p.m. at Goodman South Library, 2222 S. Park St. The event is free and open to the public, and no advance registration is required.
UW-Madison Ph.D. student Kehinde Kayode will discuss how Nigerian youth have mobilized through protests, chants, digital platforms, dance and visual culture to confront economic hardship, political exclusion and uncertainty about the future, according to a press release from African Center for Community Development, Inc. 
The discussion will examine the phrase “We no go gree,” which means “We will not accept this” in Nigerian Pidgin English, and how it reflects young people’s demands for accountability and change.
Kayode will explore protest as both a political struggle and a practice of collective care, drawing comparisons between youth movements in Nigeria and Madison.
Milcah Rimmer, Youth Justice Manager at Freedom Inc., will join the conversation to discuss the organization’s work with young people in Madison.
Since 2023, ACCD and the UW-Madison African Studies Program have partnered to offer Africa Talks during the fall and spring semesters. The series brings researchers and community members together for discussions on topics related to African cultures, politics, business, customs and the African diaspora.
