Personal Statement

Born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia, I earned a bachelor's degree in Modern Languages from the University of Atlántico and a law degree from the University of La Gran Colombia. I also hold a master's degree in Literary Studies from the National University of Colombia with a dissertation on Afro-Colombian writers Candelario Obeso and Jorge Artel. As a doctoral student at Temple University, my research interests focus on Afro-Latin American literature and gender studies. I am interested in examining the roots and characteristics of contemporary Afro-Latin American literature produced by female authors to explore its relationships with Africa and the African diaspora cultures. In addition to my career as a literature scholar, I have also published creative writing works as part of my commitment to narrating the stories and experiences of black women and girls in Latin America. My creative work includes `Ensueño negro del África mía,` a poetry book, and two children's literature books: `Mamá Avó` and `¿En dónde estás Masmelo?`.

Yesenia E. Subjects

Spanish