Paula Akpan

Paula Akpan is a journalist, historian and public speaker. A sociology graduate from the University of Nottingham, her work mainly focuses on blackness, queerness, social politics and our relationship with technology. She regularly writes for a variety of publications including Vogue, Teen Vogue, The Independent, Stylist, VICE, i-D, Bustle, Time Out London and more. Paula has also interviewed the likes of Oprah, Lupita Nyong'o, Reese Witherspoon, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Syd, Ray BLK and more. Her articles can be found here.

Graduating with a distinction in her Masters in Black British History, Paula has an interest in mapping out the lives and activism of Black lesbians and queer women in Britain between the 70s and 90s. She is currently writing her first book, When We Ruled (2024), tracing the lives and legacies of 12 African queens and warriors who contributed to the shaping of the continent.