I hope my research will contribute to a better understanding of the impact of colorism on dark-skinned people and the adverse consequences of consuming skin-bleaching products in Nigeria and other parts of the world.”
Olabanke Oyinkansola Goriola (she/her)
PhD Student in the Department of Performance Studies
Olabanke Oyinkansola Goriola is a PhD student in the Department of Performance Studies in the School of Communication. Her research investigates performance, dance, colorism, and the perpetuation of Euro-American beauty standards on dark-skinned female performers, focusing on the politics of belonging and (dis)belonging and Black women's identities. Olabanke has been awarded a 2023–24 Council for Race and Ethnic Studies (CRES) Graduate Student Fellowship.
How would you describe your research and/or work to a non-academic audience?
My work investigates colorism and the politics of skin tone within the Nigerian entertainment industry. According to social activist and author Alice Walker, colorism is the prejudicial or preferential treatment of same-race people based solely on their color. This means that within a race, there is an intense likeness and systemic preference for light-skinned people. Colorism is rooted in colonialism, Western slavery, and white dominance, which perpetuates the superiority of whiteness.
The intertwined nature of skin color and beauty positions dark-skinned women as the primary victims because colorism is intrinsically linked to beauty standards. Their attractiveness is constantly measured by whiteness and Euro-American beauty standards. Due to this penchant for light skin, bleaching products are widely used in the Nigerian community, especially within the entertainment industry.
In 2019, the World Health Organization recorded that 77% of Nigerian women use skin-lightening products, the world’s highest percentage. Also, skin-bleaching-related diseases have been documented within the Nigerian health sector. In my research, I ask 1) What are the dynamics of implicit and explicit sacrifices that dark skin female dancers offer to comply with industry standards and fit into this cultural hierarchy of power and beauty standards? 2) How do social media platforms contribute to this perpetuation of colorism? and 3) What performances of disruption or mad methodologies do these women engage in to challenge these standards?
What have been some of the most memorable twists and turns of your career?
The trajectory of my academic journey was unplanned, and I never imagined that I would have the privilege to pursue graduate studies in various countries on scholarship. In 2018, I was granted the prestigious European Union Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Scholarship, which afforded me the opportunity to study in four European countries—France, Norway, Hungary, and the United Kingdom—for two years. This enriching experience opened my eyes to diverse perspectives and enhanced my self-awareness. Also, during my Erasmus Mundus Choreomundus studies, I conducted fieldwork in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, which remains a cherished memory to date. Upon completing my first master’s degree, I was awarded two different master’s scholarships in Ireland and Scotland, but I opted to pursue my second master’s degree in Religious Studies at the esteemed University of Edinburgh.
Tell us what inspired your research and/or work.
Whenever I am asked this question, I say my work is "personal," as it is rooted in my own lived experiences as a dark-skinned female dancer in Nigeria. Specifically, my experiences of being the darkest person in my family, going through a skin-bleaching phase, and learning from my friends' experiences have all contributed to the development of my research. Furthermore, I am inspired by the limited conversation about colorism in Nigeria and the works of other dark-skinned women, such as Beverly Naya, that seek to elevate the discussion of colorism in Nigeria. Finally, I am profoundly inspired by the discourses of colorism and the works of bell hooks, Zora Neale Hurston, Patricia Collins, Sara Ahmed, and Alice Walker.
What is a mistake you have learned from in your career?
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of my academic trajectory, I believed that I was not intelligent enough or had not gained adequate knowledge in a specific academic field. This mentality influenced my perception of myself and my communication style, causing me to hold back in conversations to avoid sounding unintelligent. Despite recognizing the value of my ideas, I harbored self-doubt, which made me hesitant to voice my opinions. However, a pivotal moment came during a 1-on-1 meeting with one of my professors at Northwestern University, where I confided in him about my struggles with communication. He affirmed my intellectual capacity, stating that my contributions were invaluable, and urged me to speak up more in class. This interaction transformed my perspective on life and how I engage in various spaces. I came to understand that my ideas and contributions were valid, and I had erred in ever doubting them.
Whom do you admire in your field and otherwise, and why?
I admire the faculty members in my department and other departments where I have taken classes. It is inspiring to see how they navigate their academic, research, and individual artistic practices. Additionally, I deeply admire the Performance Studies student community and my AFRISEM colleagues at the Program of African Studies. Also, I admire the scholars with whom I engage in conversations because each time I delve into their work, I am mind-blown by the new knowledge I gain. Furthermore, I deeply admire folks at the Alice Kaplan Institute, Northwestern University Graduate Workers, and the Center for Civic Engagement because of their genuine care and effort in contributing to students’ learning and well-being. I admire my "Cohort Baddies" and their intelligence, commitment to learning, and genuine and beautiful friendship. Finally, I admire my family and friends' support, who continually believe in my work and life's choices.
What do you find both rewarding and challenging about your research and/or work?
As my work is interdisciplinary, my coursework provides me with a constant stream of new knowledge, scholars, and ideas that bolster my research. While the process of managing and incorporating all of this information into my work can be daunting at times, I relish the opportunity to broaden my perspective and consider new ideas. Also, the process of conveying my work to both academic and non-academic audiences can be quite challenging. Nevertheless, each opportunity to present and discuss my work produces new insights and perspectives that further enrich my research and compel me to think more critically about my research. Overall, it is fulfilling to know that my research holds significance and relevance in today's world. It is exciting to see people's reactions who are unaware that there is a layer of racism called colorism. Most people are oblivious to colorism's existence and the impact it can have on one's success.
What is the biggest potential impact or implication of your work?
I hope my research will contribute to a better understanding of the impact of colorism on dark-skinned people and the adverse consequences of consuming skin-bleaching products in Nigeria and other parts of the world. I hope it will facilitate a shift in mindset and educate individuals on the effects of the perpetuation of whiteness, Eurocentric standards of beauty, and skin-tone discrimination, which impact people's lives and drive them to take tremendous risks to fit into these standards. I hope it will affirm that dark-skinned Black women or women of other races with dark skin possess inherent beauty and do not require alteration. Finally, I hope it will stimulate conversations about how colorism is often disregarded as a form of racial bias because its existence is often challenging to prove.
Why Northwestern?
Besides Northwestern's prestigiousness and academic excellence, I was particularly drawn to the Performance Studies program. As an interdisciplinary scholar, I needed an academic environment and discipline that would foster critical and authentic thinking. It is also undeniable that NU Performance Studies (PS) is one of the most competitive and best PS programs globally. In addition, my decision to enroll in the program was primarily influenced by my desire to work with my adviser, Professor Bimbola Akinbola, whose work and artistic practice serve as a source of inspiration. Furthermore, the PS student community and the faculty caught my attention due to their diversity, impressive work, and accomplishments. My first impression was, "There are people who look like me."
In terms of support, I have experienced that from making inquiries about the program from the then DGS (Prof. Joshua Chambers-Letson), who took his time to talk to me, answered all my questions, and supported me throughout the application process. During this process, I reached out to current graduate students, who received me with care and encouraged me to apply. I felt genuinely cared for and thought the environment was healthy for me.
How do you unwind after a long day?
I enjoy listening to an eclectic mix of music genres, engaging in rigorous stretching exercises, selectively watching movies that resonate with my current mood, or absorbing Black Girl lifestyle content on YouTube.
What books are on your bedside table?
Besides my journal and Bible, on my bedside table right now, I have Unpayable Debt by Denise Ferreira da Silva, In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens by Alice Walker, and Acres of Skin by Allen M. Hornblum.
What inspires you?
Primarily, my source of inspiration stems from the unfaltering love of God toward me. Additionally, I draw motivation from the unwavering support and encouragement of my family and friends, who continuously cheer and offer prayers. Moreover, my unquenchable thirst for knowledge and personal growth serves as a driving force in propelling me toward achieving my goals.
What did you originally want to be when you grew up?
Growing up, I aspired to become a filmmaker owing to my deep-seated passion for cinematography and directing. I wanted to study at the New York Film Academy.
What advice would you give your younger self or someone considering a similar path?
I have lots of advice, but the four important ones would be 1) It is okay to make mistakes. I understand how difficult it is to always seek perfection, especially when people expect so much from you. The need to constantly seek perfection influences how one deals with failure and approaches life. 2) Community and relationships are significant. No man is an Island. 3.) Rejection is not the end of life, and there will always be more opportunities. 4) Be generous to yourself and prioritize rest.
Tell us about a current achievement or something you're working on that excites you.
In the fall of 2022, I was awarded a two-quarter Black Metropolis Graduate Assistantship (BMGA) award to work on the project titled Redefining Legacy: The Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project and the Newberry. This project was developed to bridge the structural inequality in arts philanthropy, which majorly affects Black dance companies, and the critical issue facing the field of Black dance. I have been privileged to work with eleven Black dance companies in Chicago and as an archivist at the Newberry Library.
My interest in documenting this public humanities process inspired me to apply for the 2022–23 Alice Kaplan Public Humanities Research Workshop. With the funding I received from this graduate workshop, I will create a website to showcase my experiences working as a Black Metropolis Graduate Assistant and present my work at the upcoming Kaplan Public Humanities Symposium in May 2023.
Tell us about a time when things did not go as you planned, what did you learn?
In 2020, toward the completion of my first master’s program, I was in contact with a professor who showed a keen interest in my work and expressed a willingness to supervise my research. The application process required me to secure a supervisor, obtain admission, and then apply for funding separately. After meeting the first two criteria successfully, I was extremely hopeful about receiving funding. However, I was devastated to receive a rejection email on a cold Wednesday in London. I was devastated because I felt like it was where I was meant to be.
Fortunately, less than a month later, I received two fully funded master’s scholarships from prestigious programs, and I found myself having to make a decision on which program to pursue. I have always been a planner and believe in having backup plans, a skill that has served me well in my research and personal life because it helps me bounce back and navigate unexpected obstacles. This experience taught me the importance of planning and setting clear goals while also acknowledging that sometimes unforeseen circumstances can disrupt even the most well-laid plans. Ultimately, I came to understand that the funding rejection was not meant to be and that had I gone to that school, I would not be where I am now, in my dream program, with my amazing cohort.
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
I am most proud of my growth, consistency, resilience, accomplishments, and ability to acknowledge my successes. My academic journey has been long and challenging, starting in Nigeria, to studying in various countries in Europe, conducting my fieldwork in Brazil, and now pursuing my PhD here at Northwestern. I am proud of my ability to forge ahead, my strength to work hard, and my openness to learning. Also, it is undeniable that imposter syndrome exists in academia, so I am proud of being vocal about it and overcoming my fears in situations where I initially felt out of place.
While I am learning how to “count my blessings,” I am proud of the various admissions and scholarships I received while applying to PhD programs in the U.S., including the University of Edinburgh scholarship, a Government of Ireland Educational scholarship, and an Erasmus Mundus scholarship. Additionally, I am proud to have completed a summer 2022 internship with the Chicago Cultural Alliance under the Northwestern Chicago Humanities Initiatives (CHI) and to have authored a 2-page publication titled “History is written by its victors: Telling our dance stories and reclaiming our voice” in the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project's Spring 2023 Program Book. A lot of things have happened in my career and life that I never saw coming, and I am extremely grateful.
Published: June 6, 2023
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