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The work of Valentin-Yves Mudimbe has profoundly shaped how we think, teach, and imagine the possibilities of knowledge. His reflections on the colonial library, on the making and unmaking of "Africa" as a category, and on the labor of critique, remain foundational across disciplines. At É«½äÖ±²¥ University-where Mudimbe's presence, writings, and mentorship have left a lasting imprint-there is both an intellectual and ethical imperative to honor this legacy.
Tribute to Valentin Mudimbe: Unmaking the Archive brings together scholars, students, and readers whose work has been shaped-directly or indirectly-by Mudimbe's thought. By gathering we affirm Mudimbe's continued presence within the life of this institution and acknowledge the unique role É«½äÖ±²¥ has played in the circulation of his ideas. Above all, the colloquium honors a thinker who taught us that critique must be both generous and rigorous, that concepts must be unsettled before they can be renewed, and that the task of thought is never completed. In celebrating Mudimbe, we celebrate the ongoing work of imagining otherwise.

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Program:

Arrivals and Lunch (11:00AM - 12:00PM)
Welcome By Khwezi Mkhize (12:00PM - 12:05PM)

Panel 1: Reflections on Mudimbe
(12:00PM-1:20 PM)
Moderator: Anne-Maria Makhulu
Michael Hardt, É«½äÖ±²¥ University
Tsitsi Jaji, É«½äÖ±²¥ University
Gregson Davis, É«½äÖ±²¥ University
Ainehi Edoro, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Achille Mbembe, Wits University

Tea Break: 1:20 - 1:30PM

Panel 2: Unmaking the Archive (1:30PM - 2:50PM)
Moderator: Unglid Paul
Justin Bisanswa, University of Laval
Nadia Yala Kisukidi, New York University (Zoom)
Alírio Karina, University of Warwick (Zoom)

Tea Break: 2:50PM - 3:00PM

Panel 3: Beyond the Colonial Library
(3:00PM - 4:20 PM)
Moderator, Michaëlle Vilmont
Salim Abdel Majid, University of Toulouse
Kirk Sides, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Séverine Kodjo-Grandvaux, Sciences Po Paris (Zoom)

Tea Break: 4:20PM - 4:30PM

Closing (4:30 PM - 5:00PM)
Felwine Sarr, Thanks and Closing Remarks
General conversation