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I am currently a graduate researcher at the Center for African Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, focusing on African Politics, Postcolonial African/Afro-Diaspora Megacities, and Black Epistemologies of Belonging. Both my scholarly work and community service at the Graduate Research Clinic - a multidisciplinary network of students, early career scholars and veteran professors based in research institutions in Africa and the African Diaspora - aligns closely with the commendable objectives of the Global Urban History Project, one of which focuses on fostering connections between scholars working at the intersection of urban and global history.

My background in political science and sustainable urbanization positions me to explore how African cities, particularly megacities, are shaped by – and in turn shape – global forces. My previous experience at the Unilag-Wits-TUB Urban Lab and the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs honed my ability to analyze the historical trajectories of African urban centers within a global context. This focus on transnational connections aligns perfectly with the Project's interest in "transnational turns" within urban studies. Furthermore, my ongoing research on Black Epistemologies of Belonging in Southside Chicago with respect to the Obama Presidential Center seeks to understand the lived experiences of black immigrants at the threat of eviction and displacement, using sensory ethnography. This directly contributes to the Project's goal of celebrating the diverse perspectives scholars bring to the study of global urban history. I believe my work can enrich the Project's exploration of cities and city-zens as both products and producers of global urban ecological processes and environmental justice knowledge. I am eager to connect with fellow researchers and contribute to this vital field.

My current research which began at the University of Chicago delves into the lived experiences of Black immigrants at the verge of eviction and displacement in Southside Chicago, particularly in the context of the construction of the Obama Presidential Center. This project utilizes sensory ethnography and archival study to explore transnational ideas of race and belonging within Chicago's rapidly transforming urbanscape. My research aligns with the recent "transnational turn" in urban studies, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of cities across geographic borders. In some ways, my ongoing project builds on an earlier work done with Prof. Taibat Lawanson between January 2022 and April 2023. The said former project titled, "Pneuma-city: Frictional infrastructure, road ecologies and valorisation of end-of-life tyres (ELTs) towards more sustainable urban economies in West African mega-cities" investigated the complex impact of used tyres on the road ecologies and economies of Lagos- a West African megacity. We examined the entire lifecycle of ELTs, from their arrival in the city through informal import channels to their use in tire repair and repurposing, and finally, their often-problematic disposal. The project explored the ingenuity and resilience of informal sector workers who navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the abundance of ELTs. We also investigated the environmental and health consequences of improper tire disposal, aiming to identify social and technical solutions for a more sustainable urban environment.

My experience with "Pneuma-city" serves as a valuable springboard for my current research in Chicago. The project fostered a deep appreciation for the transnational flows that shape urban experiences, particularly in the Global South. Used tyres, often discarded from wealthier nations, find a new life in Lagos, impacting not just the physical environment but also the livelihoods, health and aspirations of residents. This experience compels me to examine the ways in which global forces, in this case, the unequal access to propety and the burden of urban infrastructure, influence the lives of Black communities in Chicago.

Chicago's Southside has a long history of Black migration, both from within the United States and from Africa. The construction of the OPC, a prestigious institution dedicated to the legacy of the first Black president, presents a complex situation. While the Center promises economic development, it also coincides with rising property values and the threat of displacement for long-time Black residents. My research delves into the sensory experiences of these residents using methods such as participant observation and in-depth interviews complemented by archival records analysis to capture the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of their daily lives. These approaches allow me to explore how these lived experiences are shaped in time and space, by the social, political, and economic forces at play, including the global phenomenon of racialized displacement within gentrifying urban spaces.

One key aspect of my research is to understand how Black immigrants on the Southside navigate the tensions between feeling a sense of belonging tied to a shared racial identity and the threat of displacement due to economic forces often driven by global capital flows. This gels with the concept of "frictional infrastructure" explored in the "Pneuma-city" project. Just as used tires create a complex web of opportunities and challenges in Lagos, the arrival of the OPC creates a "friction" within the Southside's social fabric. Black residents must contend with the potential benefits of the Center while facing the very real possibility of being dispossessed of their homes and communities. Also, my use of sensory ethnography draws inspiration from the "Pneuma-city" project's focus on the material realities of black urbanism.

I will draw from GUHP's network and featured publications

1. Lagos Studies Association (LSA) Conference
2. International Studies Association (ISA) Conference
3. West African Linguistic Society (WALS) Conference