Sohail Jannesari – Founder of Stolen Tools

Who are you?

I am Sohail Jannesari, a postdoctoral researcher working on outcomes for survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery. I am the project coordinator at Stolen Tools, convener of the Inspiring Ethics group, and project lead on a university-community collaboration developing a guide for mental health professionals working with Afghan sanctuary seekers. I founded the Migrant Connections Festival charity and co-founded the Cotton Tree Trust. Also, big up Speaking Statues, an anti-colonial group I started.

Why did you join Stolen Tools?

I started Stolen Tools because I was upset at the convoluted, opaque way journals worked and how hard it was to write about colonialism in the context of mental health without facing criticism and censure. Whenever I am unhappy with the way things are done, I end up killing myself trying to set up an alternative. I also wanted to support my colleagues having difficult experiences with racism in academia and being exploited as early career researchers.

How do you feel about racism?

What racism? I do not see any racism anywhere. Has anyone told Boris Johnson?? He will be shocked and appalled.

What is your role at Stolen Tools?

I am the project coordinator and began the project. I do all the following on a good day: arranging meetings, timetabling, recruiting, and onboarding people, funder reporting, promoting journal and liaising with courses, managing internal disputes, setting journal theme, and finalizing journal content, meeting minutes and summary, managing finances and getting people paid, applying for further funding, and budgeting.

What is your vision for Stolen Tools?

I want a journal that is powerful because it is read and respected by racialized minorities inside and outside of the university.  I want a journal that brings racialized minorities together in mutual respect and support. Oh, and I want a journal that subverts and destroys the current hierarchical and elitist academic system. Radical, angsty, solidarity vibes.

Ricardo Twumasi

Who are you?

I’m a lecturer King’s College London, with a wide range of research interests including equality at work, discrimination and the application of machine learning to selection and assessment.

Why did you join Stolen Tools?

I joined the team after seeing all the fun and innovative ways Sohail managed to decolonise his lectures. I think we as an academic community can do better with the confusing and unequal system of publishing which favours established academics. Open peer review, supportive editing and giving value to research from racialised minorities are all parts of this journal I believe in.

How do you feel about racism?

Racism is a pernicious force in society which is one of the antecedents of genocide. This in group vs out group othering is one of the most toxic characteristics displayed by homo sapiens. Based on arbitrary, socially constructed distinctions divide and ruin peoples lives. Through education and intervention I hope our children can one day live in a world where the construct of race is as inconsequential as the construct and classification of blood type.

What is your vision for Stolen Tools?

I hope Stolen tools will be a place of chance not just against racism, but a revolution against many of the injustices of academic publishing.

Trevor Brooks

Who are you?

I'm Trevor, an Audio Visual Engineer and Technology Specialist

Why did you join Stolen tools?

I joined Stolen Tools, as I see the journal as a great way to improve representation in academia for minority ethnic groups. As a non-academic, I feel it is crucial that others like me can see a route to publishing.

How do you feel about racism?

I believe racism is more prevalent today than it has ever been. The difference between today and the past is most racism is indirect. I feel the only way to impact racism is by educating the younger generations.

What is your role at Stolen Tools?

Website and Journal. I offer support and guidance on the technical aspects of the journal including the website and Journal workflow.

What is your vision for Stolen Tools?

In 5 years Stolen Tools will be a major disrupter in traditional publishing.

Gabrielle Nieuwoudt

Who are you?

I am Gabi (she/her), a queer South African woman of colour living with Bipolar Disorder and ADHD in London. I and am an advocate for all things intersectionality and I believe systemic change is the bare minimum.

Why did you join Stolen Tools?

In the words of Desmond Tutu, a fellow South African, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” I am not neutral.

How do you feel about racism?

I was born five years after the fall of Apartheid. I grew up knowing nothing else but racism. But I also grew up watching the Rainbow Nation slowly blossom under the care of South Africans of colour who held onto hope. So, while I feel many things about racism and those who benefit under the systems of racism, I also feel hope that we can and will see radical change, and Stolen Tools will be at the heart of that.

What is your role at Stolen Tools?

My roles at Stolen Tools are Advisory Board Coordinator and Outreach Officer.

What is your vision for Stolen Tools?

My vision for Stolen Tools is that, together, we revolutionise how knowledge is shared and understood, and facilitate a radically different approach to being curious, (un)learning, and expressing ourselves.