NOI (UK) End of year celebrations 2014

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On Sunday 29^th December, we were invited to an end of year dinner hosted by the Nation of Islam. We had a brilliant evening with good food and good company. Black History Studies was awarded a ‘Creativity & Learning Award’ by the Student Minister Hilary Muhammad for our work in the community. Other activists such as Glenroy Watson, Rashid Nix, Stephen Graham, Sara Myers, Minkah Odofo, Esther Stanford and internal members of the Nation of Islam were honored which was a nice end to the evening. My daughter came and gave me a big kiss and said she was proud of us when we received our Award, which brought more tears to my eyes.

For more photographs of the event, please go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/112953445@N07/sets/72157649991452145/#

 

Black History Month Family Fun Day

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On Saturday 25th October 2014, Black History Studies organised a ‘Black History Month Family Fun Day’ at St Ann’s Library in Tottenham.

Delegates attending had the opportunity to meet up with other families, network, have fun and celebrate our contributions to World History.

On the day, we had Young Entrepreneurs and stalls selling Books, Cakes, Jewellery, Health Products, DVDs, Comics etc. Charmaine Simpson gave an inspirational presentation titled ‘Young, Gifted & Black’. Paul Buhagiar ran a Kemetic Yoga session which was popular with the young people and parents.

To get the young people thinking, Charmaine played the Who’s Conscious game with some young people which was fun as the young people were very competitive and enthusiastic. Dwayne Patrick held an ‘I Can’ sessions which sounded fun. It was a shame that I could not sit in the session as I had to pack up as we had to be out of the building on time.

We screened the inspiration film Chrissy which went down well with the parents and young people. Overall, the day went well and we met some new people that now know the work of Black History Studies. A big thanks to Sis Dawn Golbourne for her support with this event.

Breaking the Silence about the Congo Week – October 2014

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For a fifth year, Black History Studies took part in the Break the Silence Congo Week for Black History Month 2014. The reason we host Congo Week in the month of October is because it was in October 1996 that mainly Rwanda and Uganda first invaded the Congo and triggered the catastrophic crisis that we have endured for the past 18 years. Since Congo Week began in 2008, sixty countries and over 300 communities have joined forces to demonstrate their support and value for Congolese lives.

The purpose of the Break the Silence Congo Week is to raise consciousness about the devastating situation in the Congo and mobilize support on behalf of the people of the Congo. Break the Silence Congo Week will take place from Sunday 19th October to Saturday 25th October 2014. Breaking the Silence Congo Week is a week of activities that commemorates the millions of lives lost in the Congo conflict while celebrating the enormous human and natural potential that exists in the country.

For Breaking the Silence about the Congo Week, Black History Studies organised three screenings at the Marcus Garvey Library. On Tuesday 21^st October 2014, we screened ‘Crisis In The Congo: Uncovering The Truth’ followed by ‘Assassination Colonial Style: Patrice Lumumba, An African Tragedy‘. After the screenings, we were joined by Vava Tampa of Save the Congo who gave a short presentation and contributed to the Q&A session.

On Thursday 23^rd October 2014, we showed the thought provoking documentary ‘Apocalypse Africa: Made In America’ which had an excellent attendance for a cold Thursday evening. I hope our continued efforts have raised awareness of the plight of Congolese people suffering in the conflict.

Black Market & Film Festival – Saturday 20th September 2014

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On Saturday 20th September 2014, Black History Studies held our fifth Black Market and Film Festival event at Platanos College, Stockwell.

The Black Market is an event to showcase, expose and connect Black cultural and creative entrepreneurs to the community and to provide a platform to sell their products, promote their skills and engage with the local and surrounding community.

The aim of the event is to:

• Showcase and connect Black cultural and creative entrepreneurs to the community
• Increase the exposure of Black cultural and creative sector’s participation in the wider community
• To provide a platform to sell their products, promote their skills and engage with the local and surrounding community.
• To raise the awareness of the importance and relevance of increasing your personal financial literacy and the benefits of developing and adopting an enterprising lifestyle.

The event was successful with over 250 people attending on the day to support the 42 Black Businesses who showcased their products and services at the event. At the event we premiered the film ‘Elementary Genocide: From Primary to Penitentiary’ by
Rahiem Shabazz.

We would like to thank the following exhibitors for supporting our event A World Without Sickle Cell Anemia, Afrocentric 805, Ajene Healing, All Knightz Ltd, Amedee, Angela Singate, Aviela, Black History Tshirts, Calabash Hub, CaribBe TV, Cleo and Annie’s, Djalis Creations, Dre’s Designs, Forever Living Products, Herb Authentic, Hortense Muhammad, Jaan’s Jewellery, Jerpurity, KALIARTZ, Katati First, Kinkz Accessories, Kittylocks Hair Care, Kuya Organics, Marcia Makeba, Marian’s Collections, Nafasi Cultured Cards by Nature, Netera, Ni-Ka Deluxe, Ooma and Yumi, Osargenews.com, Pieces By Keke, Pretty Girlz Rock, Promoting Our Heritage, PureGoodness, QTIMA, Ratat and Mertkhon Ltd, Shiri Achu Art, Source Energy Organic, The Naturally You Coach, The Primary Learning Centre and Yaa Yaa Arts.

We would like to say a special thanks to Deniece from Platanos College, Naomi Dawkins, Wayne Riley of All Knightz Ltd and Dr Lez Henry.

We would like to thank Bro Icha of JetBlakInc for filming and photographing the event. We would like to thank all who volunteered to help on the day whose invaluable help made the day a success such as Sonia Scully, Lorna Campbell, Empress Jai, Vanika, Robert, Debrose, Legett, Mariah, Marchessa, Camille and Stephanie.

For more images, please go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/112953445@N07/sets/72157647864336535/

Return of the Rudeboy Exhibition at Somerset House

 

On Sunday 24^th August 2014, my daughter and I went to Somerset House to see the Return of the Rudeboy exhibition. The exhibition was created and curated by prolific photographer and filmmaker for music’s most wanted Dean Chalkley and fashion-industry favourite creative director Harris Elliott, which showcases a sartorial subculture through a series of portraits, installations and set pieces.  The duo has photographed over 60 sharply dressed individuals from across the UK, all of whom embody the essence of what it is to be a Rudeboy (or Rudie) in the 21st century, to document the life, style and attitude of this growing urban group.  The curated collection of images shows the subjects presenting their pure and singular sartorial swagger in locations linked to the Rudeboy lifestyle, whether it be on the streets of Shoreditch or Savile Row.

We had great time looking at the photographs and items of clothing on display. I have shared some of the pictures taken on the day.

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Hidden Colors 3: The Rules of Racism Screening in Luton

On Friday 22nd August 2014, Black History Studies with support from The Naturally You Coach and TNB Luton screened Hidden Colors 3: The Rules of Racism at The Hat Factory in Luton. Thank you to everyone who supported the event in Luton.

Listen to the feedback recorded after the screening.

Hidden Colors 3: The Rules of Racism Screening in Birmingham

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On Saturday 16th August 2014, Black History Studies screened Hidden Colors 3: The Rules of Racism at Soho Community Hall in Birmingham. Thank you to everyone who supported the event in Birmingham.

Listen to the feedback recorded after the screening.

 

Perseverance Drive @ Bush Theatre – Wednesday 13th August 2014

On Wednesday 13th August 2014, Sis Sonia and I attended the brilliant theatre production titled ‘Perserverance Drive’ at the Bush Theatre. Due to my busy schedule and motherhood, it is sometimes difficult to go and visit the theatre but this was a treat. 

Preserverance Drive was an excellent play which had Sis Sonia and I laughing as we were reminded of past experiences and scenarios but it also prompted you to think about family, death, religion, relationships and marriage, happiness, health & wellbeing, attitudes towards homosexuality and much more. As the production was ending two days later, I just hoped that this was not the only time that people got to see this play. As a keepsake, Sonia purchased the screenplay booklet which I read of the way home. Thank you Bush Theatre for inviting me to see this play.

Synposis:

In the heat of the Caribbean sun and to the familiar sound of gospel hymns, the Gillard family prepares for the funeral of their mother Grace. Tensions ignite as Josh, cast out for being gay, arrives in Barbados after 6 years of excommunication. Widowed Eli wants to sell the family home on Perseverance Drive, but Grace’s will reveals a different plan.

London, 4 years later. The table is set with Tiger Malt, lashings of Madeira cake and chocolate digestives (milk, not dark). Secrets are exposed at this last family gathering but Eli knows time is running out: Can the Gillard family reconcile their faith in God with their faith in one another?

I know we have a certain amount of dirty laundry in this family, but is it really necessary to keep on washing it so publicly?

Exploring the joys and frustrations of loving our loved ones, Perseverance Drive tells an epic family story that stretches from the sunny shores of Barbados to the grey skies of Leytonstone. Don’t miss this witty and uplifting new play by acclaimed writer and actor Robin Soans (Talking to Terrorists, Out of Joint / Royal Court, Life After Scandal, Hampstead Theatre), directed by Madani Younis, Artistic Director of the Bush Theatre.

Hidden Colors 3: The Rules of Racism Screening in Clapham Junction

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On Monday 11th August 2014, Black History Studies screened Hidden Colors 3: The Rules of Racism at the Public and Commercial Services Union headquarters in Clapham Junction. With over 80 people in attendance, the film was positively received. Listen to the feedback recorded after the screening.

 

African Heritage Network of Luton Kwanzaa Family Fun Day – Sunday 10th August 2014

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On Sunday 10th August 2014, I took the family on a road trip up the M1 to support the African Heritage Network of Luton’s Summer Kwanzaa held at the University of Bedfordshire Postgraduate Centre. This event was an opportunity for the community to come together and promote the positive values of Kwanzaa which will give a sense of togetherness and hope for the future. The event featured African Drummers, African Dancers, Talent showcase and a Raffle. There were also stalls selling Afrocentric products.

Due to the heavy rain, we arrived late but was able to catch the presentation by Sis Leah Salmon and other performers on the day and mingle with the other delegates.