Afua Hirsch: Social Justice

Afua Hirsch is a journalist, broadcaster and social justice advocate whose incisive reporting and lived expertise on race, identity and human rights.

Quick Facts:

  • Highlights:
    • Journalist and presenter at Sky News on World News, Sunrise and global affairs
    • Former barrister specializing in criminal defense and human rights law
    • Acclaimed author of Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging
    • Contributor to The Guardian, The New York Times, Vogue and others
  • Formats: Keynote speaker, journalist, broadcaster, social justice commentator
  • Audiences: Corporate teams, universities, policy groups, media organizations, social impact conferences and audiences seeking nuanced perspectives on identity, inequality and global affairs.
  • Outcomes:
    1. Greater understanding of race, identity and belonging in contemporary society.
    2. Insight into systemic inequality, human rights issues and their implications for organizations.
    3. Tools to foster more inclusive dialogue, critical thinking and cultural awareness.
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: London, UK
  • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

Award-winning writer and former lawyer AFUA HIRSCH is the acclaimed author of Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging, which won the Royal Society of Literature Jerwood Prize.

She is renowned for her work on Black culture, history, identity, and culture in the African diaspora and worldwide, and draws on her depth of expertise in this compelling talk.

Award-winning writer AFUA HIRSCH has been sought after for her thought leadership across mediums, from her writing on race, identity, and belonging, to her work as a documentarian presenting the BBC series African Renaissance and Samuel L. Jackson’s Epix series Enslaved.

Bringing together historical understanding and modern implications, Hirsch makes complex and nuanced conversations resonate with impact for audiences of all kinds.

Based on her Sunday Times bestselling book, which won the Royal Society of Literature Jerwood Prize, AFUA HIRSCH shares profound insights about her own journey with identity, and fosters understanding about the work ahead for communities, companies, and society overall to expand racial equality and ensure meaningful belonging.

Eminent author, filmmaker, and journalist AFUA HIRSCH is an expert at curating conversations around some of today’s most pressing issues. Drawing on her work on Black culture, history, identity, and belonging, as well as her thought leadership in arts & culture, Hirsch ensures an impactful program for your next event.

Hirsch has founded media entertainment company Born In Me Productions, which specializes in telling stories from truly diverse perspectives and underrepresented voices. In partnership with Fremantle, Born In Me reflects her background as a journalist and storyteller across multiple continents, with a focus on urgent contemporary scripted and non-scripted stories, told with a fresh and creative approach, that appeal to an international audience.

Hosting:

As an event emcee, Afua Hirsch combines her polished communication skills with a personable and professional stage presence.

Whether hosting an award ceremony, corporate gala, or industry summit, she brings a sense of gravitas and warmth, ensuring that every aspect of the event runs smoothly.

Her experience in live television broadcasting equips her to handle unexpected changes with poise, keeping the audience engaged and the event on track.

As a moderator, Afua Hirsch brings her extensive experience as a journalist and social affairs editor to guide thought-provoking discussions on pressing issues.

With a background in handling complex topics such as radicalization, immigration, and social justice, she adeptly navigates conversations with balance and insight.

Afua’s ability to engage diverse panels, ask probing questions, and facilitate meaningful dialogue makes her an exceptional choice for events that require a thoughtful and authoritative moderator.

In her role as a facilitator, Afua ensures that discussions flow smoothly while keeping the focus on key objectives.

Drawing on her journalism expertise, she helps audiences connect with the subject matter by asking relevant and insightful questions, ensuring all voices are heard, and summarizing key points with clarity.

Whether it’s a corporate workshop, conference, or community forum, Afua’s presence as a facilitator guarantees productive and engaging sessions.

Talent Short Bio

Afua Hirsch is an acclaimed journalist, broadcaster and author recognized for her compelling reporting and thoughtful analysis on race, identity, immigration and social justice. A familiar presence on Sky News, Afua serves as a presenter across programs such as Sky News World News and Sunrise, and as Social Affairs Editor she explores some of the most urgent and complex issues shaping public life today. Her work is defined by clarity, depth and a rare ability to translate intricate realities into narratives that resonate widely.

Born in Norway and raised in the United Kingdom, Afua studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford University before training and practicing as a barrister. Specializing in criminal defense and human rights law, she gained firsthand insight into the structural inequities and lived experiences of marginalized communities. This legal foundation, paired with her commitment to public understanding, later guided her transition into journalism, where she has become a leading voice on issues of social justice and belonging.

Afua has written extensively for global outlets including The Guardian, The New York Times and Vogue, covering intersections of race, culture, politics and global affairs.

Afua Hirsch is a prominent figure in journalism and broadcasting, known for her insightful reporting and engaging presentations. Currently serving as a journalist and presenter at Sky News, Afua is a familiar face on programs such as Sky News World News and Sunrise. As the Social Affairs Editor, she delves into a diverse array of topics, ranging from radicalization to immigration, providing audiences with thought-provoking insights and analysis.

With a rich background in law and journalism, Afua Hirsch brings a unique perspective to her work. After studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Oxford University, she pursued a career in law, working as a barrister specializing in criminal defense and human rights law. Her passion for social justice and storytelling eventually led her to transition into journalism.

Throughout her career, Afua has demonstrated a remarkable ability to tackle complex issues with clarity and depth. As a writer, she has contributed to publications such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and Vogue, covering a wide range of topics including race, identity, and politics. Her critically acclaimed book, “Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging,” offers a poignant exploration of race relations in contemporary Britain, earning her widespread acclaim and cementing her reputation as a leading voice on these issues.

As a presenter, Afua combines her expertise in journalism with her engaging personality to deliver compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. Whether she’s reporting on the latest developments in global affairs or leading discussions on pressing social issues, Afua’s presentations are characterized by their insightfulness and relevance.

Afua Hirsch presents the BBC’s documentary series African Renaissance: When Art Meets Power, which has just been renewed for a second season, as well as Samuel L. Jackson’s Epix series Enslaved about the history of the transatlantic slave trade.

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