Belinda
This audio interview was recorded on zoom between London, U.K and Toronto, Canada.
The conversation covers Belinda’s personal experiences and perspectives on being one of seven children to her parents, the impact of migration in her life, conversations with her grandmother, sex and sexuality, and some of her daily healing practices. The recording is 01:39:41, conducted by Kakazi founder Nabisere Nicole. The items below were selected by Belinda as object, text and images significant to her. Annotations provided by Belinda give context and a brief description of those items and how they were digitised.
Tattoo
It's me: dope, black, woman, East African.
Baby Photo
My mum always tells the story of taking me to school for the first time at 3 years. She dropped me off & I did not cry or look back. This was the passport photo I took for my admission into that first school. It's also my favourite photo of young Belinda. Something about my smirk and eyes. It reminds me to make young me proud
Pearl Watch
My father has always brought something back for my mum when he travels. Usually perfume or jewellery I once mentioned in passing that I deserve something nice too. And he came back with a watch for me the next time he travelled. Not just any watch, but a real nice pearl one. It's the only watch I have worn for years now. I liked that he paid attention to something so small. My relationship with him has shaped a big part of my life. Their (mum & dad) relationship too.
A Girl is a Body of Water | Jennifer Makumbi
When I read Jennifer Mankumbi's books, I feel seen. I see my story in the stories she tells. I wish to write & tell stories like her too.