'Books That Liberate' | In Conversation with Dr. Johanna Lukate, author of 'Disentangled'

Hot off the wave of our recent 'Black Tides' event, our summer programme continues with a series of 'In Conversations' with authors of books that liberate and inspire.

Join us for an afternoon of conversation with researcher and author, Dr. Johanna Lukate.

Dr. Johanna's research focuses on social identity and social categorisation processes, migration, embodiment and belonging, with a focus on the African and Black diasporas in Europe. At the moment, she is conducting an interview-based study on African migrant biographies and identities in Germany.

Johanna obtained a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Cambridge under a full PhD scholarship from Deutsche Studienstiftung. She was also the recipient of the Fox International Fellowship (2017-18) at Yale (USA). Johanna is co-editor of the volume “Towards a Social Psychology of Precarity” (with Geetha Reddy and Claire Coultas) and her work has been published in the Journal of Social Issues; the British Journal of Social Psychology; and in the collection To Exist is to Resist: Black feminism in Europe. She delivered a TEDx talk on The Psychology of Black hair and her book, Disentangled: Why Black Hair Can't Be Just Hair, was publishd in July 2025 by Coronet, an imprint of Hodder & Stoughton.

(Dis)entangled delves into the intricate and deeply personal relationship between Black individuals and their hair, exploring - through a collection of diverse experiences - the profound significance of hair as a conduit for self-expression, resilience, and collective memory within communities around the world. Each story illuminates the complex tapestry of experiences surrounding Black hair, shedding light on its intersections with gender, race and identity.

Through the voices of those who have walked this textured path, the book ultimately seeks to empower readers to embrace their own unique journey of self-discovery, one strand at a time.

Dr. Johanna will be in conversation with writer, producer, curator and researcher, Siana Bangura.

There will be an opportunity to buy books at the event and Dr. Johanna will be doing a book signing after the 'In Conversation'.

This event is in partnership with Voce Books and Hodder & Stoughton.

Contact heya@sianabangura.com with any queries.

Book your tickets and spread the word! This event is not to be missed!

**BRIG Cafe is wheelchair accessible and there is a lift within the Friends of the Earth building to access upstairs spaces. Please email heya@sianabangura.com with any venue accessibility questions.**

Follow: @sianabanguraproductions on Instagram for more updates.