Africa Week Wiki Edit-a-thon Workshop

Wednesday 21 May, 12.30pm - 4.45pm

As part of Africa Week at Leeds - a celebration of African scholarship, organisations, and partnerships - we invite you to join a hands-on Wikipedia Edit-a-thon focused on improving representation of Black and African academics and research.

Black and African voices are significantly underrepresented on Wikimedia, with a lack of coverage, recognition, and sourcing for many scholars, histories, and contributions from the continent and its diaspora. We invite you to play your part in rebalancing this inequity, by learning how to edit Wikimedia pages.

 We are also delighted to welcome Tochi Precious of Wiki Loves Africa to give a keynote speech about her involvement with Wikimedia initiatives across the globe.

What will happen during the workshop:

• You'll receive introductory training on how to edit Wikipedia - no prior experience is needed and we will help you to get started.
• You’ll be guided through basic editing processes, including getting you set up with a Wikimedia account, if you don’t already have one.
• With support from Wikimedia/Open Knowledge Adviser Lucy Hinnie and Open Research Adviser Nick Sheppard, you'll explore existing Wikipedia content related to African scholarship.
• You'll work to enhance the accuracy, depth, and visibility of Wikipedia entries on African researchers, history, and institutions.
• You’ll be guided in using reliable resources, including materials from the University of Leeds library and archives.
• Library staff and facilitators will be available to those in the room and online throughout the session to answer questions and support your editing.

This is a great opportunity to actively contribute to open, equitable knowledge sharing, while learning valuable digital research and editing skills.

Who this is for?

You don’t need to have any prior experience of Wikimedia editing. This workshop is aimed at beginners and those looking to build their confidence in using Wikimedia as an editor.

We particularly welcome participation from:

• Black and African academics
• Those researching Black and African scholarly works
• Those who are interested in using Wikimedia as tool within their own studies and research
• Anyone looking to learn a new skill and make a difference

What do I need to bring?

If you’re joining us in person, please bring your laptop and ensure that you can connect to the internet.

Event Timeline

• 12:30 - 12:40 Arrive & Registration [XR Classroom]
• 12:40 - 13:25 Lunch & Welcome Address/Briefing (hybrid) (Lunch is provided for in-person attendees. Online and in-person attendees will receive a welcome address and briefing so it’s important that everyone knows to attend this section.)
• 13:25 - 13:35 Comfort Break
• 13:35 - 16:45 Live Edit-a-thon (hybrid) [Helix Classroom]