Blackbright_News_BHM_October_2012

Blackbright_October_2012_FINAL2_Copy of October 2012 9/19/2012 1:25 PM Page 1

Black - B r i g H t Special Black History Month Edition Issue 30

Black History Under Focus

by Steve Stephenson, MBE

Wa l k t o F r e e d o m . . . ...

f ro m a l c o h o l & d r u g s

Who says the Mental Health Service is a mess?

h

Blackbright_October_2012_FINAL2_Copy of October 2012 9/19/2012 1:25 PM Page 2

their culture and/or behaviour has been misunderstood, they have been stereotyped, sectioned and many put on drugs in order to diffuse aggressiveness.

BLACK-BRIGHT NEWS is changing in January!

EDITORIAL

by Myrna Loy

In subsequent issues of Black-Bright News, we will have a feature article on a mental health issue and we welcome stories, articles, letters or anything you would like us to publish on the subject.

Why have I decided to change Black-bright News’ remit to include people of all races, colours and denominations; and why have I decided to change the strapline from ‘redressing the negative stereotype’ to “The voice of the unjustly treated”? with a particular focus on the mentally ill.

Black-bright News is, as its name suggests, taking the black (or dark side) of a situation and bringing it into the light, so that readers can be informed.

Basically it is because everyone stereotypes whether consciously or unconsciously, and anyone can be unjustly treated regardless of race, age, religion etc., so to focus on a minority, I felt, excluded those who have a voice, but may feel unqualified to air it in Black-Bright News.

Black-bright News has added two new team members: Vivian Allen who is the Marketing and Promotions Director, and Nchimunya Kasongo who is a University Student interested in gaining marketing experience by working with Black-Bright News.

The unjustly treated come in many forms, from colleagues at work, to the elderly in care homes, victims of domestic violence, to the mentally ill, for example.

Blackbright will continue to uplift, motivate, educate and stimulate its readers by promoting positive role models, new ideas, thoughts and news, so if you are a writer, journalist, photographer, graphic designer or marketing person from any part of the world, who would like to get involved, email: blackbrightnews@aol.com, and we will be happy to hear from you.

A lot of people who are victimised or unjustly treated are treated in that way because they lack the confidence, knowledge, education or information (or a combinatin of all four!). Many ‘victims’ are afraid to speak up for themselves because they fear reprisals, or because they are worried about how their contribution might be perceived, that is, “I can’t spell, I don’t know what to write, I don’t know what to say”, so many voices get suppressed and their stories remain untold! We can help you with that.

Did you know that in Australia, a law in the Northern Territory allows the mentally ill to be kept in jail indefinitely without conviction? I wonder if is only in Australia that rule applies?

The mentally ill held in Australian prisons are usually held there because they are deemed unable or unfit to plead; there are mentally impaired inmates with no date for release. The implications of this law is horrendous, and you will see why in the next issue!

The mentally ill are often marginalised, mistreated and disgarded, and whilst I appreciate that many have died, or have been attacked at the hands of the mentally ill, it is important to understand all aspects of this illness, and in particular, the potential triggers. We also need to be aware, that there are those who are deemed mentally ill, but are not – but because

Founder, Publisher & Managing Editor: Myrna Loy Marketing & Promotions Director: Vivian Allen Back Cover Design: Lakshmi Narayan Gupta Back cover & ‘Girls’ Photo taken by Garfield Hall

BLACKBRIGHT NEWS

(Luton Branch) Studio 57 Saywell Road LU2 0QG (Birm’ham Branch) Unit 89 Philips Street Ind. Est, B6 4PT PAYPAL email: blackbrightnews@aol.com Tel: 01582 721 605

1

www.issuu.com/blackbrightnews (for previous issues) or www.myspace.com/blackbrightnews ISSN No. 1751-1909

Blackbright_October_2012_FINAL2_Copy of October 2012 9/19/2012 1:25 PM Page 3

For instance, he points out that a Black man who was able to go to school only because his parents was bought out of Slavery, he helped plan the layout for Washington DC, his name was Benjamin Bannekar and he lived from 1731-1806.

Steve said, “Bannekar is best known for his part in planning the lay –out of Washington DC, the capital of America. Disaster struck when the chief planner return to France after a row, taking all the plans with him. But, lucky for America, Bannekar was able to draw them again from memory.

“He even chose the site for the White House. In 1791 he wrote a famous letter to the President of USA. It said, however variable we may be in society or religion, however diversified in situation of colour, we are all the same family and stand in the same, in relation to god. But for luck this man would have been a slave.

.

Steve adds, it is generally accepted that Commander Robert Peary was the first man to reach the North Pole in 1909, but this is not true, it was a Black man American Matthew Alexander Henson. Peary lost nine toes and could not go on any longer, so Henson plant the American flag on the North Pole.

Black History under Focus

Another slice of Black history Steve talks about, reveals that, a West African people discovered the star Sirius B before Western Scientist new of its existence.

Steve Stephenson Steve has a tale or two to tell to about the Black Contribution to history.

He said the Dogon people lived in Mali, West Africa.

There is also a Black History Quiz with a prize at the end of the article.

In 1931 two French Scientist went to live with the Dogon. Sixteen years later the Dogon began to reveal their secrets about the stars and planets. The dogan knew about the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter and that the earth’s moon was dry and dead.

Steve has been teaching Black History for the past 30 years, long before Black History Month became the norm in 1987. Steve said “I first became interested in teaching our history when I worked as a Voluntary Youth Worker in Luton in the early 70s.

He taught his first course in 1976 at the Starlight Youth Club, after attending a course that was taught

by Black History pioneer Sam Morris from Grenada.

At the time many Black youngsters with whom, I worked, were alienated and marginalised and appear to have an identity crisis. The vast majority of these youngsters were aspiring to be Rastafarians.

It was a surprise to the European that these socalled primitive people had such scientific knowledge. But what really shocked them, was that the Dogon also knew of a star called Sirius B, because the star is not visible to the naked eye. The Dogon knew more about the movement of the invisible star than Western scientist.

“What was more Dogon scientist had known about it for seven hundred years. Western scientists only discovered Sirius B in the 1890’s”.

In addition Steve background gave him a good understanding of the issues. He was born in Kingston and was lucky to be taught Caribbean History at O level. He went to school with and was in the same class as Robbie Shakespeare of Sly and Robbie fame. He played football in the same park as Bob Marley. “I had friend in the band, Count Ossie and the Mystic Revelation of Rasta Fari and I used to visit Count Ossie’s home as well as listening to Rastafarian reasoning in Wareika Hill.

Steve Stephenson MBE BA CQSW DM Steve Stephenson MBE is a former Principal Equalities Officer in Local Government. He is the Author of “Cold Arrival Life in Second Homeland” He has been actively involved in numerous projects in the Black Community for the past 30 years

Steve tells the following tale;

2

Blackbright_October_2012_FINAL2_Copy of October 2012 9/19/2012 1:25 PM Page 4

Black History Quiz

CONTENTS

Africa suffered the twin effect of Slavery and Colonisation that still affect the continent today.

The seeds of this were sown in the year 1441, when the Captain of European Country and his crew land on the West African coast and capture two African a man and woman.

1.

2.

They return and raid two Villages and 12 Africans were captured and brought to Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal. Before the Slave Trade started, this incident contributed to the enslavement of African people. What was the name of the Captain?

Editorial - Why is Blackbright changing?

Black History Under Focus

by Steve Stephenson

Steve Stephenson MBE BA CQSW DM

3.

DID YOU KNOW...?

5.

Walk to Freedom (from alcohol)

6.

Artist of the Black Diaspora F G Kelly

8.

Black History Month (BHM) PROGRAMME of local events

10. Is Siddy Ranks the new Gregory?

11. Andrew Muhammad speaks.. ”Our Place Our History” 12. Is Mental Health Service in a mess?

DID YOU KNOW SOME BLACK BRITISH WOMEN IN HISTORY

14. Some UK Centre of Carnival Arts, Lewsey Farm Trust Learning Centre

DIANE ABBOTT representing Hackney North made history in 1987 by becoming the first black woman ever elected to the British Parliament HELEN GRANT hails from Kent, and is the first Black woman elected by the British Conservative Party. (Courtesy Photo on back page from helengrant.org)

BLACK HISTORY LAUNCH

QUEEN CHARLOTTE - bronze sculpture of the woman said to be Britain's first black queen

• • •

Leeds Born NICOLA VIRGINIA ADAMS has become the first ever female boxer to win Olympic gold at the games.

Opened by Mayor of Luton Art Exhibition by Myrna Loy Poetry & Readings by Published Authors Information & craft stalls

30th September at UKCAA - 4pm - 8pm 2 St Marys Road LU1 3JA

6th time-British Olympian, Javelin thrower, TESSA SANDERSON, CBE, was the first black British woman to win an Olympic gold.

(See inside back page for photos)

3

Blackbright_October_2012_FINAL2_Copy of October 2012 9/19/2012 1:25 PM Page 5

T h e B l a c k Fi g u r e i n 18th-century Art

By David Dabydeen Photo: The Commander of “Chaytor Force”, New Zealander, Major General Sir E.W.C.Chaytor, pins on a decoration for gallantry under arms to an unidentified Corpaoral of the British West Indies Regiment – 1918

Last updated 2011-02-17

Sir Joshua Reynolds The black man in Sir Joshua Reynolds’ painting, a

Did you know….

noble, almost epic figure silhouetted against a dramatic sky, is widely considered to be Francis Barber, Samuel Johnson’s servant and friend. Barber was

During the first world War the Caribbean sent a great many soldiers to aid the British war effort?

born enslaved on Jamaica, sometime around 1745, and brought to England by his master, Colonel

The British West India regiment fought in Africa and in Europe. They were generally used as advance troops and field attendants, they sustained heavy losses. Many of the troops who were wounded were brought back to Britain to convalesce.

Richard Bathurst. When Bathurst died in 1754, Barber was given his freedom and left a sum of £12.

Some time in the early 1750s, Barber joined Dr Johnson’s household. Apart from four years working variously for a London apothecary and in the Royal

Britain’s first black Officer was Walter Tull who also played football for Tottenham Hotspur.

Navy, he remained in Johnson’s service until the lexicographer’s death in 1784.

Many of these soldiers were decorated for their bravery, and after being demobbed they decided to stay on in Britain.

DJ Lady Loy on Sundays www.jamrockradio.com

Although once back in Britain they didn’t always receive a heroes welcome!!

click on ‘radio’ to listen live EVERY SUNDAY 8PM - 10PM

Source: http://www.blackpresence.co.uk/black-british-historycaribbean-troops-in-ww1/

Exhibition by Myrna Loy at UKCCA, LU1 3JA Launch is: 30th September 5pm - 7pm, Luton

Lady Loy satisfies the crowd NOT her ego!

Need a DJ for an event? 07915 062 775 Tried the rest? Now try the best!

4

Blackbright_October_2012_FINAL2_Copy of October 2012 9/19/2012 1:25 PM Page 6

Should Black History be taught

By Andy Tromans Black History Month is far from perfect. However, it should be retained and improved because it still serves its basic purpose: to educate the public about the history, culture and heritage of black people.

It has been controversial, almost since its inception, but it appears to be in good nick with around 4700 events being held nationally this October.

A Mark Clarke talk on 6th October 2012 at UKCAA 4pm - 5pm

Since 1987, Black History Month has been celebrated in schools, colleges, universities and work places throughout the country with the aim to cast a spotlight on the contribution of African peoples to the history of the United Kingdom.

The Walk to Freedom Limited, is a social enterprise and not-for-profit community organisation that offers the opportunity for clients to take part in any one its services, these are offered either in a community capacity or on a personal level to gain understanding about the using of drugs and alcohol, and the life controlling issues that can lead a user to lose the capacity to choose in their lives, and decide whether or not to use drugs and alcohol, and also to help a dependent user find his or her freedom and independence from using, not only that but to support families or community organisations with users in it with a life changing awareness and family support programme, The Walk to Freedom has now been successfully running since December 2011.

As Britons we do have a duty to face and uphold the truth. There is the elephant in the room: Britain’s deeply shameful involvement in the slave trade.

This sad and regretful part of British and black history can not be, and should not be dismissed; we need to ensure the experiences of black people at this time are given proper recognition in British history.

Black History Month cannot simply rest on its laurels, there is still plenty more to be done.

The largely unsung heroes and heroines of British history, such as the unknown Mary Seacole, need to be given their due respect. We’ve all heard of Florence Nightingale, the leading Victorian reformer of British nursing.

Yet her Jamaican contemporary, Seacole, is nowhere close to being the household name that Flo is.

The Walk to Freedom is currently based in central in the central Luton area and our client beneficiaries are male and female, aged 18-50 who are dependent on drugs or alcohol or have completed a detoxification programme and need further support in the community, our beneficiaries are also those who have mental health issues relating to drug and alcohol dependency. Other beneficiaries also comprise of repeat and prolific offenders, also s ex- offenders who have been released after incarceration.

Seacole matched and arguably surpassed Florence Nightingale in bravery and tenacity, as she faced not only sexual prejudices but racial ones too.

This celebration has a role to play until names such as hers have been woven into the fabric of British history.

The month has an important role to play in defending multiculturalism at a time when it is increasingly under attack from far right groups such as the English Defence League and the British National Party. Through education in schools and colleges we can raise a generation that can celebrate the contributions that black and Asian people have made to British history and culture.

The Walk to Freedoms Dependency Support Programme is for those who have issues and life controlling problems associated with drugs and alcohol.

This said, Black History Month needs to move away from its focus on celebrities, as has become the trend over the last few years.

This programme will also educate our clients surrounding their dependency so that once they have achieved abstinence they will be able to help and engage with other users to help them also toward finding their freedom and independence, this in turn will create well educated and skilled people with the life experience and knowledge around using to help others, in turn aiding community development.

THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED BY UKCAA & AHEAD UKCAA, 2 St Marys Road Luton LU1 3JA at 5pm 5

Blackbright_October_2012_FINAL2_Copy of October 2012 9/19/2012 1:25 PM Page 7

Artist of the Black British Diaspora F.G. Kelly... ... is one or the many “Black British� artists who is working in the tradition of the diaspora. Born in Jamaica, of African descent, he has lived since childhood in England. He has travelled widely in the Far East, Europe, America and in Africa. It was in Nigeria, where he reconnected with the traditions of African representation in the great historic centre of Yoruba culture, the City of Benin George Kelly-Fowokan is also welcomes commissions and further enquiries in regards to his current works in progress. Well Placed are also happy to facilitate enquiries and request for commissions.

For Fowokan making art is an absorbing journey through the following questions: Is there a role for art in the traditional sense in our lives today?

Is there a need for magic and rituals that mediate between what we have lost, and what we have become?

Is the purpose of contemporary art to intercede between mankind and the forces of civilisation?

Website: www.fowokan.com George Kelly-Fowokan may be contacted by E-mail: info@fowokan.com

6 6

Blackbright_October_2012_FINAL2_Copy of October 2012 9/19/2012 1:25 PM Page 8

Black-Bright News for your News & Views Readers say they have found Black-Bright “relevant, useful and informative” BLACK-BRIGHT Stimulates by: Recognising talent and entreprenuerial skills; encourand actively inviting participation from people who have constructive ideas, enthusiasm and a passion for expressing issues that impact the black community; providing a medium where readers and contributors can express themselves to a global audience.

BLACK-BRIGHT Educates by: subliminally developing readers who are limited from their full potential because of life experiences; providing role models who have managed to break through the glass ceiling; providing a new paradigm of thinking (hence its award-winning appeal and global readership); and acting as a cross-generational and cross-cultural advocate for life-long learning.

BLACK-BRIGHT Motivates by: Focussing on the emotional needs and aspirations of its readers, allowing them to share hurts, concerns and injustices with a view to having them redressed.

Identifying ways to rejuvenate, rebuild and reshape our culture; encouraging positive attitudes and realistic expectations to facilitate a sense of wellbeing.

BLACK-BRIGHT Elevates by: Implementing ethical, moral and spiritual character building strategies within articles and stories for the upliftment of its readers.

Blackbright News was nominated for the Nationwide Award for Voluntary Endeavour in 2007. Blackbright News was nominated for and received: the Black Business Initiative Award 2006 for using social entreprenurialship to enlighten the black community; the Mayor’s Citizenship Award 2007 for its outstanding service to the local community and the African-Caribbean Achiever’s Award 2007 in recognition for outstanding accomplishments in Luton and nominated for Learn Direct Award, 2008 and nominated for BBI Award, 2009.

Black-Bright has provided employment opportunities for its volunteers, and continues to encourage university students to gain work experience by working with the magazine.

Do you know someone who has been unjustly treated or has concerns about a mental health situation? Email: blackbrightnews@aol.com

7

Blackbright_October_2012_FINAL2_Copy of October 2012 9/19/2012 1:25 PM Page 9

AN EVENT Sponsored by LFLCT for

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Fastest 200m of all time Usain Bolt - 19.19 secs (2009) Yohan Blake - 19.26 secs (2011) Usain Bolt - 19.30 secs (2008) Usain Bolt - 19.32 secs (2012) Michael Johnson - 19.32 secs (1996) Usain Bolt - 19.40 secs (2011)

Usain Bolt became the first man to retain both Olympic sprint titles Usain Bolt last night became the first athlete in history to retain the Olympic 100m and 200m titles: a feat that has eluded the greatest names in track and field. The world’s fastest man has run right through history’s barriers.

Chef’s Challenge Sunday, 14 October 2012 3pm - 6pm Lewsey Learning Centre

“I’m now a legend. I’m also the greatest athlete to live,” Bolt declared, with some justification. With his bow and arrow celebration, he would probably win the archery as well. And the long jump. And anything else that calls for speed.

Tomlinson Avenue Luton LU4 0QQ Do you love the taste of the Caribbean? Well, Luton Chefs will be com peting for Ahead’s Gala Dinner & Dance Catering contract, and you will be the judge!

To mark this latest conquest, Bolt dropped to the track and performed a couple of pressups: a novel display of showmanship that fell on the comic side of arrogance.

After blasting away from his younger compatriot and training partner, Yohan Blake, before slowing up to win in 19.32sec, Bolt said: “This is what I wanted and I got it. I’m very proud of myself.

Chefs will remain anonymous! You taste and make the decision!

An informal afternoon with poetry, works and music Only 5.00 -Tickets must be purchased in advance From Dee on 07759 966 124 or Roy 078787 26955

“After a rough season I came out here and did it. I thought the world record was possible. I guess I was fast but not fit enough. I could feel my back strain a little bit, so all I did was to keep my form. I’m very dedicated to my work and London meant so much to me.” http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/news/9465731/ Usain-Bolt-first-athlete-to-retain-the-Olympic-100m-and200m-titles.html#

8

Blackbright_October_2012_FINAL2_Copy of October 2012 9/19/2012 1:25 PM Page 10

Request past electronic editions Email: blackbrightnews@aol.com limitEd Editions of past HaRd CopiEs?

Pay your annual subscription by Paypal and you will receive it within 3 - 5 days. Just £3.00!! foR adVERtisinG EnQUiRiEs please email blackbrightnews@aol.com Past issues: www.issuu.com/blackbrightnews

Tel: 01582 721 605

Men’s Night Out 5th October 2012, from 8pm til late DOMiNOE tOUrNaMENt!! ‘lUDi’, carDS, etc Health & Wellbeing information, Music by local DJ, Prizes, refreshments, Fun & games (small donation required) Lewsey Learning Centre, Tomlinson Avenue LU4 0QQ SPONSORED by Lewsey Farm Learning Centre Trust 9

Back Issues, Art Cards and Myrna Loy’s Travelogue “The Other Side of Tourism” (Buy Now for only £5) (It’s the funny side of being British in Jamaica!)

Blackbright_October_2012_FINAL2_Copy of October 2012 9/19/2012 1:25 PM Page 11

PROGRAMME for Black History Month (see inside magazine for Venues & Times)

an A.H.E.A.D Event SPONSORED BY UKCCA & LFLCT

30TH SEPTEMBER - 3RD NOVEMBER

SIDDY RANKS OR GREGORY?

Sunday, 30th September BHM Launch Friday, 5th October Men’s Night

I was at Lewsey Learning Centre when I heard the soulful voice of Siddy Ranks.

He reminds me of Gregory Isaacs - a simi lar tone, there is a similar coolness about his demeanour and a twinkle in his eyes.

Siddy Ranks, born Scroller Cyrenius Green was born in St Catherine, Jamaica and came to live in the UK in 1989, and now resides in East London.

Saturday, 6th October Sunday, 7th October Sunday, 14th October Friday, 26th October

Andrew Muhammad African Praise Chef’s Challenge

One Foundation Family Quiz Monday, 29th October David Lewis on “Ska, Reggae, Calypso & Politics” Saturday, 3 November Inaugural Colour & Culture Gala Evening The Gospel Pentecostal is a ministry of reconciliation and restoration, where the self is offered as an instrument of healing.

Contact Lawrence Fagbayi on 07956 887148

Siddy is now on his 7th album, and True Love ranks about 5th. The title track is my favourite. The riddim is melodious and every track is worth listening, which means, it is money well-spent, unlike some albums you buy, where you are lured into buying it for a particular track only find the rest of the album is difficult to lis ten to. Not so with Siddy Ranks, he has that soulful voice that lulls you to sleep last thing at night, and keeps you smiling during the day, and he also has a strong spiritual side that you can reserve for Sundays

SPECIAL NOTICE BLACKBRIGHT NEWS is looking for volunteers in the field of journalism, graphic design and photography.

We are also seeking regional agents.

Students who need work experience welcome, but should be interested in magazine publishing and related aspects.

Check out his Facebook Page!

10

EMAIL BIO/INTEREST to: blackbrightnews@aol.com

Blackbright_October_2012_FINAL2_Copy of October 2012 9/19/2012 1:25 PM Page 12

AHEAD PRESENTS...

“OUR PLACE IN HISTORY” An interactive, Dynamic Forum for Parents, School Children and Youths for Black History Month Featuring: ANDREW MUHAMMAD Intenationally renowned speaker offering solutions to challenges on a personal and organisational level.

Venue: UK Centre for Carnival Arts St Marys Road LUTON LU1 3JA 6th October, 6pm - 9pm EVENT SPONSORED BY UKCCA, LUTON

ANDREW MUHAMMAD AKA THE INVESTIGATOR The Investigator is one of the United Kingdom’s leading Black History and Culture Specialists. His lively energetic presentations are designed to bring forth history and culture to the spectator allowing for a more enriched awareness of the universal contributions and achievements of a culturally diverse society.

Andrew was born to Jamaican parents in 1965 & was raised and educated in Walthamstow, East London.

Known to this day for his humour & lively personality, Andrew joked his way through Stoney Down Primary and Beaconsfield & William Morris Secondary schools leaving in 1982 with seriously unfunny exam results.

Since 1983 however, a change had taken place in Andrew. A Christmas gift from his older brother Michael, A Black History Book about Malcolm X, had encouraged him for the first time to read something he was not forced to by the school curriculum. The book awakened a hunger in Andrew to know about history, the history of the human race, and most particularly Black people. He became motivated enough to achieve a National Diploma in Business Studies and became an underwriter in 1986. Almost overnight Andrew went from a person who had to be forced to read to an avid reader who devoured everything he could lay his hands on. Through Pliny, Herodotus, Godfrey Higgins, J.A. Rodgers, MacRitchie & Cheik Anta Dio, Andrew’s search for The Hidden Truth had begun Using the humour & lively personality that worked against him in school Andrew began to explain what he’d learned to friends. Soon he was invited to meet friends of friends and give them the breakdown too.

He outgrew their sitting rooms pretty quickly and began to hire halls launching The Hidden Truth Tours which have to-date taken him as far afield as Egypt.

In 1993 no longer having time for underwriting he began instead to support himself through the tours and working in education, visiting schools and prisons and speaking on Radio. Everywhere he went he was encouraged to put what he taught into book form and with Free Your Mind he has done that, Andrew hopes that Free Your Mind will become as much a source of enlightenment to Black people, young and old, as the Black history book on Malcolm X was to him.

11

An event sponsored by UK Centre for Carnival Arts (UKCCA)

Blackbright_October_2012_FINAL2_Copy of October 2012 9/19/2012 1:25 PM Page 13

Black History Month - Its Significance

by Anthony Jules Black History month is of significance to varying degrees to each one of us who participate in activities planned around that period of October every year. For some, it is a period to recommit to the aim of ensuring our Story, is written and told from our own individual and collective African perspective.

It is a period when we gather to examine the book of records about our achievements, our contribution to world development and also the mistakes made along the way. It is a time for honest assessment and planning for the next period, mindful of the need to be of productive service to our community wherever we live on this earth.

It is a time for giving thanks to and honouring our Ancestors for having brought us thus far on this continuous, challenging journey. By their example they showed the way to overcome many arduous tasks.

By exercise of creativity and generosity of spirit they paved the way for both friend and foe to walk in their footsteps but on a smoother path.

In this period now, today, we by our actions – or inaction are makers history. How we are judged by our peers and succeeding generation is the key issue for consideration in all we do.

For example, as parents, we want our children to excel but with what do we feed their minds? To whom do we leave the education of those very children we cherish? What example do we by our own behaviour set for them? What values do we instill in their minds and more so, who else are feed their minds in our absence?

Mighty oaks spring from well nourished, cared for seeds. But too often in this present era, too many of the seeds are griped by the weeds of selfishness, hate, diseased minds, jealousy, and are quickly strangled before full maturity is attained. The cries of single mothers fill the air and the wailing goes on.

Who has the power to stop it? Where is the God who knows all things and is all powerful? Well the power lies within each and every one of us and our spiritual God is always present.

When we make material trinkets and toys our main desire and chief pursuit – in some cases our only desire above everything else, then that is where all our energies will be focused. And naturally acquisition of those things at all costs – even life will be the due reward.

Likewise, when we seek spiritual growth and invest all our energies on self transformation for wholesome purposes, we will bring about the beneficial change in thought and deed.

One more thing to be clear about; Africa is not materially poor. Do vultures gather where there is no meat to feed upon? Pay attention to yourself pay attention to your family, pay attention to your community and to your Story.

Who started black history month? Who are the elders I should learn from? If you are curious of mind, then this is your opportunity to find out by attending the events laid on for all of us.

Our mental health services are a mess - can Labour change it?

10:20 am - May 12th 2012 contribution by Alan White

One day, when I was a teen, I started to cut myself, making thin little slits on my ankles and arms with a penknife. I stopped sleeping. I started to hear strange noises and voices in my head at night.

Then I started to fall out with everyone at school; I found myself dipping into a weird sense of ecstasy: watching myself saying and doing vicious, nasty things to my peers, incapable of stopping myself. I told my parents I wanted to kill myself.

There was no reason for this to happen: I had been happy enough at school.

The road to normality took a year of counselling and hospital appointments. During that time, I never thought I might be mentally ill. No one who treated me ever said that could be the case. My family and I never discussed my problems in terms of illness. I was just going through a difficult patch. The suspicion I might be a loony – that was just unpalatable, to me and everyone else.

Andy Burnham wants to tackle this culture. In an under-reported speech earlier this year he said: “A country which has so often led the world in challenging discrimination needs to recognise we’ve much to learn from other countries when it comes 12 to the stigma.”

Blackbright_October_2012_FINAL2_Copy of October 2012 9/19/2012 1:25 PM Page 14

It’s a noble aim. One in four of us will suffer from a mental health problem at some point in our lives, yet still the shame persists.

So many mentally ill people are heavy smokers, for a start, or can’t manage their diabetes. But the problem is this: if you refer them, you will save money in acute care but those savings won’t be passed on to us.”

Just as he wants to change public attitudes, so Burnham wants to reform services. He cites the fact that 70% of prisoners have two or more mental health conditions. I’m surprised the number’s that low.

Within this culture, it must be very difficult to see the wider picture. Amanda says: “I sometimes think politicians don’t realise people go into healthcare because they’re caring people. The police will hand people over to us as a way of filling the gaps. And I had an old lady in with dementia. We could have discharged her, but we didn’t – basically because her social worker was anxious she wouldn’t let her care workers in.”

When I was researching gangs I remember a psychiatrist telling me to look out for “frozen watchfulness” among the kids – their faces would be expressionless, their eyes constantly shifting around – a legacy of domestic abuse.

But Nick Clegg pressed the opposite case for the Bill, using mental health as an example. He told ITV’s Daybreak: “GPs will tell you many of the people they see actually have mental health problems. If you give those people greater say maybe they’ll provide more support to mental health services.”

I remember meeting a former gang member who was undergoing counselling for what was essentially PTSD. If you live your life in constant fear of being shot, it’s what you’ll get – a lack of empathy, of bottled up emotions.

I spoke to Amanda and Steve (names changed), a pair of psychiatrists based in the Midlands, and asked them about Burnham’s claim that the NHS “treats, rather than prevents” because of these splits.

It’s a fairly big maybe, and it’s not one with reams of evidence to support it.

——Alan White’s work has appeared in the Observer, Times, Private Eye, The National & TLS. As John Heale, he is the

Amanda replied: “He’s absolutely right about the physical division of services. It makes relations strained. But my problem is that his take is idealistic. I’ve heard a lot of it before. People throw these buzzwords around – ‘collaborative’ is another one – but simply changing the language isn’t going to help.

author of One Blood: Inside Britain’s Gang Culture, republished this year. He tweets @aljwhite Source: http://liberalconspiracy.org

“The real problem is that GPs have ten minutes with each patient. If someone comes to see them with a sore throat, of course that means they’ll dish a prescription out for a sore throat. There are some perceptive GPs who realise that mental and physical health problems can manifest as each other, but they’re constrained by time.”

What about Burnham’s claim that failure to centralise mental health costs money? Steve said: “He’s right. If you have a doctor who’s receptive to mental health needs, you could save millions.

BLACK BRIGHT NEWS FOR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, NEWS & VIEWS! 13

NEXT ISSUE OUT IN JANUARY 2013

Blackbright_October_2012_FINAL2_Copy of October 2012 9/19/2012 1:25 PM Page 15

Inaugural Culture & Colour Gala Evening Plus WW2 Veteran Awards, Live PAs & DJs

DIANE ABBOTT - MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, Shadow Minister for Public Health.

Diane Abbott made history in 1987 by becoming the 1st black woman ever elected to the British Parliament.

3rd November 2012 7:30pm until late (FASHION SHOW, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT DINNER & DANCING) at UK CARNIVAL ARTS CENTRE ST MARYS ROAD LU1 3JA TICKETS ARE 30.00 IN ADVANCE Tel: 07759 966 124 - Dee Bailey, Carnival Lead and Event Manager or email DENISE ELCOCK (Carnival Lead) den_elcock@msn.com THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED BY UKCCA, Luton

WHO ARE THESE BLACK BRITISH HISTORY MAKERS?

Nchimunya Kasonga, from Zambia, is a new volunteer with Blackbright News 14

Photo of Back Cove

Blackbright_October_2012_FINAL2_Copy of October 2012 9/19/2012 1:25 PM Page 16

Blackbright News Takes us out of the darkness, into the lig ht!

www.myspace.com/blackbrightnews or www.issuu.com/blackbrightnews email: blackbrightnews@aol.com

Photo of little girl by Garfield Hall Back Cover by Lakshmi Narayan Gupta

Founder & Managing Editor: Myrna Loy