"Dangerous Men"? Challenging the Narratives of African Masculinity in Migration

In the debate on migration and integration in Western countries, particularly Europe, young male migrants from Africa have become a central topic. So often the media portrays young male African migrants as “dangerous” and “non-contributors” to society. In research and popular culture, African men are almost exclusively portrayed as violent, creating stigma and hostility. Historically migration discourse has focused on women and children, awarding them certain rights and protections, while neglecting the rights of men.

With a panel consisting of African migrants and researchers, we will explore the lived experiences of African male migrants in Norway and challenge the false stereotypes. Whilst recognizing the challenges they’ve overcome, we aim to draw on the positive success stories to create a more nuanced perspective. At the same time, panelists will contribute by sharing insight and ideas for reform. What can Norway do to address this false perception? And how can we as individuals be part of this?

From 16:00-17:30, there will be another migration themed event called "Aid, Return and the Repatriation of African irregular Migrants" at the same venue. Food will be served at 17:30.

Link to the other event: https://www.facebook.com/events/697769819874300

Panelists:

Omran Adam is a Sudanese medical doctor, peace dialogue facilitator, and social activist based in Lillestrøm. He has been engaged in community dialogue efforts across Sudan, Ukraine, and Norway. As the founder and coordinator of The Dialogue Platform, he promotes trust-building and peaceful coexistence among Sudanese and migrant communities. Omran is deeply committed to challenging stereotypes and fostering inclusive spaces for open dialogue. His work bridges personal experience and professional insight to create collaborative solutions through dialogue and mutual understanding.

Jelson Lee Innocent is a Haitian-American conceptual artist based in Norway. His research and studio practice examine the lasting impacts of imperialism across social hierarchies, built environments, and consumer culture, investigating the deception of boundaries and familiarity fixed in racial formation. Integrating historical records, contemporary media, and material experimentation, his work surfaces narratives that challenge hegemonic structures and open space for alternative imaginaries. In his publication, "å falle mellom to stoler" (2023), Jelsen has centered a diversity of African Norwegian voices, seeking to engage within realities too often dismissed or unconsidered while navigating mainstream Norwegian society.

Philip Rynning Coker is a social anthropologist working as a senior advisor for Minotenk - a minority-political think-tank in Norway. He is currently on a break from this position to be a political advisor at Amnesty International - Norway. He has extensive organizational experience, working with inclusion, anti-racism and international solidarity. His master thesis “all predicaments can be traced back”, is about how Gambians relate to parts of enslavement and colonial history. Philip's primary focus in on the relevance of history for how today's society is shaped and is a regular contributor to the publications Samora and Utrop.

Katja Franko is Professor of Criminology at the Department of Criminology and Sociology of Law. Katja’s primary research interests are in globalization, migration and border control, international police co-operation, and has been awarded the 2023 The Thorsten Sellin & Sheldon and Eleanor Glueck Award by the American Society of Criminology. She has received, together with Professor Helene Gundhus, the British Journal of Criminology Radzinowicz Prize 2015 for the article Policing Humanitarian Borderlands: Frontex, Human Rights and the Precariousness of Life.

You may also like the following events from Fellesrådet for Afrika - Norwegian Council for Africa:

• Next Tuesday, 20th May, 04:00 pm, Aid, Return and Repatriation: Norway, EU and Afrika in Oslo

Also check out other Arts events in Oslo.