The Coalition for Academic Freedom in the Americas (CAFA) pays tribute to Anny Ocoró Loango, whom we mourn with profound sadness. Anny was a member of the Coalition, a researcher, and a leading voice in the struggle for the recognition of Afro-descendant knowledge and for a more pluralistic, just academic environment free from racism and sexism.
Anny took part in the CAFA-CLACSO Fellowship initiative with her research, “Academic Freedom and Struggles Against Structural Inequalities from an Intersectional Perspective: The Role of Afro-Latin American Researchers’ Associations”, contributing her insights and work to broadening debates on the inequalities that shape the production and circulation of knowledge, as well as on the conditions necessary for the effective exercise of academic freedom.
Her voice is also featured in the launch episode of CAFA’s podcast, dedicated to gender and academic freedom. In that conversation, Anny shared fundamental reflections on epistemic racism and the persistent delegitimization of knowledge produced by Afro-descendant peoples.
CAFA recognizes and is deeply grateful for Anny’s commitment to this collective struggle. Her ideas, her voice, and her contributions will continue to guide our work toward an understanding of academic freedom that recognizes epistemic plurality, confronts inequalities, and ensures real conditions for all people and communities to produce and share knowledge.
May Anny always remain present in our reflections and in our struggles!
#AnnyOcoróPresente
Listen to her contribution to the podcast episode Gender and Academic Freedom