Conicavel author Olukemi Ogunyemi shortlisted for Proudly Black and Scottish awards for autobiographical novel Brown Girl in the Ring
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AN author and therapist from Conicavel has been shortlisted for a best book/author of the year award, for her recent novel.
Olukemi Ogunyemi’s autobiography ‘Brown Girl in the Ring’ outlines her experience of living in Scotland, from early childhood to current times.
Speaking to the Gazette, she said: “I feel deeply grateful and honoured to be nominated for a Proudly Black and Scottish Award.
“I was shocked when I found out! I have no idea who put me forward for the award. I still can’t believe I’ve made the final five for Best Book/Author 2022!”
She added: “The book is doing amazingly well. The growing support has created a platform giving me the opportunity to do talks, podcasts and book signings.
“Next month I’m doing a book signing and talk for Black Wall Street London at their Devon branch. I’ve been asked to do a talk for Devon charity, Sunrise Diversity.
“I’m also doing an interview for the ‘Women on a Mission’ podcast with Sue Revell on October 10 and of course the awards ceremony. This is all whilst still running my clinic, so life is full and I’m very grateful.”
Olukemi and her daughter Tola also featured in the BBC Disclosure documentaries ‘Am I Scott(ish)?’ and ‘The Truth About Scotland and Racism’ where they spoke about their experiences with racism in Scotland. Both documentaries have also been nominated for awards at the event.
The mother of four has been delighted by positive feedback about her novel as well as her nomination and is looking forward to continued success and positivity for herself and her four children.
Olukemi said: “My family are doing very well. Tola has started UCI Inverness where she is experiencing much more diversity and inclusion. She is enjoying her course and new friendships. Joy has started training with Childline and working with Moniack Mhor. She had a great summer helping organise and participating with Trans Pride in Paisley, which was a huge success, and my son, Sola, emigrated to Canada in July and is enjoying his wonderful new adventure.”
She finished: “I feel quite overwhelmed when I think about the event - there are some amazing people and nominations going on and I am still pinching myself as I can’t believe I’m even attending let alone one of the nominees.”
The awards, which celebrate black excellence in Scotland will take place at 6pm on Saturday, October 22 at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow.
Brown Girl in the Ring: Memoirs of a brown girl living in Scotland is available on Amazon.
