Photo : Editions Sikit
Amara's Voice: a meeting with Joëlle Le Marec and Amara Camara
Amara Camara and Joëlle Le Marec will talk about La Voix d'Amara, their book published by SiKiT in 2020
Bibliothèque Václav Havel (Paris 18th)
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About
The library will host Amara Camara and Joëlle Le Marec for a dual-voice meeting around the book La Voix d’Amara (Amara's Voice), published in 2020 by SiKiT éditions.
This precious account tells the story of the meeting between Amara, a 17-year-old refugee, and Joëlle, an academic, who hosted him in her home for 9 months.
Amara's Voice is a political and poetic journal that gives a voice to those experiencing migration. It sweeps away the foam of clichés to report on the knowledge constructed from Amara's lived experiences. Through the great power of Amara's poetry and the finesse of Joëlle's narrative, it reveals the sensitive interstices of these lived experiences and invites us to go beyond the overly rigid categories through which we think about migration.
Amara CAMARA is Ivorian and Guinean. He entered France on August 27, 2017, while still a minor. After meeting Joëlle Le Marec, he learned to read and write with her in a few weeks and began writing songs and poetry.
"My artist name is Amssi:
A for Action (I am in action, always)
M for Million (I wanted to be a millionaire to pull my family out of poverty)
S for Sun (it shines for everyone)
S for Sociable (one must know all kinds of people)
I for Intelligence (what matters is doing things intelligently)"
Joëlle LE MAREC is a University Professor at CELSA, Sorbonne. The author of several works, she works on museums and libraries as places of cultural expression of knowledge, as well as on research practices and the relationship between science and society.
"I have lived in La Chapelle for a long time. Starting in 2015, many newcomers began living on the street, including isolated minors. Gradually, the obvious became clear: when borders close, you must open your door. Knowledge about the world flows in and paves the way for new stories. I then entered into a daily dialogue with Amara. We shared learning experiences for nine months, and beyond."
Our take on this event
Step away from standard headlines and immerse yourself in a deeply personal testimony that transforms the reality of migration into a raw, poetic exploration. Through a unique dialogue between a young newcomer and an academic, you will discover an inspiring perspective on human connection and the strength found in storytelling.
The Václav Havel Library in the 18th arrondissement hosts a special literary meeting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. From 19:00 to 21:00, Joëlle Le Marec and Amara Camara discuss their book, La Voix d’Amara, which chronicles the journey of a young refugee and his academic host. This dialogue offers a poetic and political perspective on migration, moving beyond common stereotypes through lived experience. The event is free of charge and open to attendees aged 16 and over. The venue is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a welcoming environment for all participants interested in these powerful testimonies of human connection and resilience.
Join this exclusive event to explore the collaborative work La Voix d’Amara, published by SiKiT. The book details the nine-month period during which Joëlle Le Marec, a professor at the National Museum of Natural History, hosted Amara Camara, a young refugee from Ivory Coast and Guinea who arrived in France as a minor in 2017. Their encounter led to a profound exchange where Amara discovered his creative voice, eventually writing poetry and songs as the artist Amssi.
Throughout the evening, both authors will examine the themes of their book, discussing how personal narratives can challenge fixed ideas regarding migration. Joëlle Le Marec will share insights into the importance of hospitality and cultural expression, while Amara will reflect on the power of intelligence, action, and sociability in overcoming adversity. Their conversation aims to bridge the gap between academic research and individual life stories.
The event takes place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Václav Havel Library. Doors are open from 19:00 to 21:00. This is a free event suitable for audiences aged 16 and up, with full wheelchair access available throughout the space.
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