Introduction
Attending the conference with Yussuf Hassan and Quamit, the founders of “Project Black Mass,” was an incredibly enlightening experience for me. BlackMassPublishing is an independent publishing company established by Yusuf Hassan in 2019 (Printed Matter, Inc.). As a Senegalese individual, I was deeply moved by their understanding of my home country and their commitment to presenting diverse narratives through their zines. The positive impact of this conference on me was profound, as it enabled me to establish a link with individuals who shared a genuine appreciation for the truth and were dedicated to challenging dominant narratives.
Reflection
One of the most significant aspects of the conference was the founders’ emphasis on brotherhood as the inspiration behind their work. The idea that they created the zines as a way for them to collaborate and express their unique narratives resonated deeply with me. As a Senegalese individual, I have always been conscious of the power of storytelling and the importance of presenting multiple perspectives. Seeing Yussuf and Quamit embody this through their zines was inspiring and left a lasting impression on me.
Their zines, which they referred to as “Zins,” were described as a means of communicating concise and approachable information, – “The zins are concise, approachable, and an easy way of communication.” The fact that they used their zines to challenge single narratives and present the world as it truly is deeply resonated with me. As someone frequently misrepresented by dominant narratives, I found their dedication to capturing diverse experiences incredibly empowering.
Furthermore, the specific zine that focused on mosques in Senegal and Gambia was particularly meaningful to me. As a Muslim, the depiction of mosques in their zine struck a chord with me. The fact that they had personally traveled to capture these images and were able to present them in a way that reflected the true essence of these sacred places was profoundly moving. It was a reminder that authentic representation matters and their zine served as a powerful example of this.
The founders’ understanding of Senegal and their commitment to presenting the country in an authentic light were particularly impactful for me. They had genuinely taken the time to engage with the culture and had firsthand experiences that allowed them to challenge preconceived notions about the country. This was incredibly reassuring for me, as it reflected a level of respect and understanding often lacking in mainstream representations of Senegal.
The conference also renewed my perspective on the importance of challenging dominant narratives. Yussuf and Quamit’s dedication to presenting the world as it truly is rather than conforming to simplistic or reductive narratives was a powerful reminder of the impact that storytelling can have. Their zines represented a form of resistance against the homogenization of stories and the perpetuation of stereotypes, and this realization had a profound impact on me.
The conference left me feeling inspired and empowered. Their devotion to presenting miscellaneous stories, their genuine understanding of Senegal, and their dedication to challenging dominant narratives through their zines profoundly impacted me. It served as a reminder of the power of storytelling, the importance of authentic representation, and the value of collaboration in creating meaningful and impactful work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, attending the conference with the founders of “Project Black Mass” was an incredibly transformative experience for me. It enabled me to engage with people who genuinely valued truth and were committed to challenging and revealing stories. Their dedication to showcasing various stories through their zines, particularly their understanding of Senegal, impacted me. It reinforced the importance of authentic representation and the power of storytelling and inspired me to continue challenging single narratives and amplifying diverse voices.
Works Cited
“Do It Yourself / Do It Together with Yusuf Amir Hassan of BlackMass Publishing.” YouTube, uploaded by Printed Matter, Inc.. 2020. Web.