Soraya Hamdan: inspiring lifelong learning and interdisciplinary connections
Banker & Vintage seller between Paris & New-York
THE READERS
I'm delighted to introduce Soraya, a dear friend of mine whom I had the pleasure of meeting during the difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic on clubhouse (that app again lol).
Our relationship blossomed through conversations centered on women of color, feminism and literature, but it was our shared hatred of men that truly ignited our friendship 😂😂😂.
Soraya's adulthood has been shaped outside France, which has helped her not only to open up to self-acceptance, but also to understand racial discrimination and inequality around the world.
She proudly identifies herself as half-Lebanese and half-Moroccan, and has navigated the complexities of a dual cultural heritage with grace. she has highlighted the difficulties of being an Arab with two distinct cultures, emphasing that Arab identity is far from a monolith.
Beyond her cultural knowledge, Soraya fearlessly tackled the societal challenges facing women. Her sharp mind and diverse expertise have always fascinated me.
She possesses a wealth of knowledge on a wide range of subjects, and her insights are both thought-provoking and enlightening.
Whether we delve into discussions about literature, social issues, fashion or any other topic, Soraya's intelligence and perspective never fail to impress.
And beyond her brilliance, Soraya's passion for learning and her continuous pursuit of knowledge have made her an invaluable source of inspiration to me. Her commitment to expanding her understanding of the world and her ability to connect seemingly disparate subjects have truly set her apart.
SHE is also a driven businesswoman. She is the proud owner of Sirop Vintage, a delightful vintage online shop in New York City. With her keen eye for fashion and her love for all things vintage, Soraya has created a haven for vintage enthusiasts and fashion connoisseurs alike.
Her dedication to curating a unique selection of timeless pieces and her commitment to sustainability have earned Sirop Vintage a well-deserved reputation in the bustling fashion vintage scene.
She was one of the first members of BLACKLETTER and witnessed its creation, and as Soraya so aptly puts it :
"Literature is a gateway to exploring the depths of our society and amplifying marginalised voices. The blackletter provides us with a remarkable platform to delve into these narratives, to learn, to reflect, and to ignite meaningful conversations."
With this article I wanted to celebrate her remarkable spirit, her dedication to uplifting diverse voices, and her insightful recommendations that broaden my literary horizons.
Here she shares her favorite books written by black authors that have deeply inspired her :
"Célanire cou-coupé" by Maryse Condé:
Five years ago, in Guadeloupe, a baby was found with his throat slit on a garbage heap. He survived his injuries. Maryse Condé was deeply moved when she read about this horrific event. Such mutilation suffered as a baby marks a life in a monstrous way. How can you survive with such a horrible scar around your neck? To answer this question, Maryse Condé has created the astonishing character of Célanire Pinceau, known as "Célanire cou-coupé", and set this drama in the context of the turn of the century and colonization.
"Black Bazar" by Alain Mabanckou
The hero of Black Bazar is a modern-day African dandy, in love with Italian collars and Weston shoes, who discovers his vocation as a writer in the midst of a heartbreak.
Sailing between lament and derision, he paints an uncompromising picture of the madness of the world around him.
"Black Boy" by Richard Wright
Black Boy is a memoir by American author Richard Wright, detailing his upbringing. Wright describes his youth in the South: Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee, and his eventual move to Chicago, where he establishes his writing career and becomes involved with the Communist Party.