Issue 20
October 2013
1
2
This year marks 26 years since Black History Month became a regular fixture in the British calendar of events, with October being the month chosen to showcase Black History. Across the UK, museums and municipalities along with groups and organisations will showcase Black History through various mediums; including film, art and workshops; so be sure to visit an event near you.
Contents: The Afro Chronicles Uzima Expo 2013
In this issue Soshina Stephen continues with her ‗Afro Chronicles‘ exploring the misconception of what is perceived as ‗good hair.‘ Keeping with the theme of Black History and hair, Akilah Holder explores similar issues with the way black women dress and the impression and message they send as black women. Like Soshina, Akilah also touches on the aspect of how slavery fringes on these common attitudes and the hypersexual stereotype of black women.
Sister Monica Laurie Cunningham Tribute The Black Jezebel 15th Annual FIU Eric Williams Lecture Honors “The Mighty Sparrow” Mas in China
This issue also sees the first feature that focuses on of those in the Diaspora that has worked tirelessly within their community, some independently or through organisations that they belong to and, by doing so, also helped in promoting their country in effect. One such individual is Sister Monica Twang, a familiar face at Notting Hill carnival and an indelible figure in the Ladbroke Grove community.
Production and concept: D.T. Kalloo
Culturepulse is designed and produced by cashewmedia and published by Securisit Ltd. Copyright 2012 Views and comments expressed by contributors are not necessary those of Culturepulse but of the author/s
D. Kalloo For all enquiries, please contact Culturepulse at 07824827985 Email: culturepulse@hotmail.co.uk
3
The Psychology of Wearing Naturally Textured Hair Part 2: Good Hair The Afro Chronicles By: A. (Soshina) Stephen 'Hair is a woman's glory," --Maya Angelou (In Chris Rock's documentary movie Good Hair.)
I was walking into the bustling Mall in Birmingham UK, when a lady turned to me and asked, ‗excuse me, what hair products do you use; I need something for my daughter‘s hair.‘ I proceeded to give her some tips on products and techniques I use. After a few minutes of excitedly listing to her my regime…she says… but you see you got that nice hair!
them, furthermore if OUR hair was categorised in good, nice or bad hair?
I was appalled and felt I could shrink. I realised then that I hated the expression more than I had given thought. I was very young, maybe eight or nine years old and lived in the West Indies when my mother pounded into my head the mantra that there was no such thing as ‗good hair‘ and in turn emphasising that all afro textured hair was good albeit different. So you can imagine my horror when I was faced with this expression.
Self Esteem and confidence- Identity: During and post-colonial era people of African heritage have had by far the most diverse afro hair textures as a result of cultural and ethnic mix common in the Caribbean islands, North America and Europe. People of African descent throughout the Diaspora have had an interesting relationship with their former colonisers. The European standard of beauty has for the past 400 years or so, been the standard by which the majority of the world perceives as attractiveness. In slavery times, the lighter skinned/ more mixed slaves would work in the house. They were given more 'privileges' by the master, and were seen often as being in a more favourable position than the darker skinned or field slaves. (In all honesty, both had it as difficult as the other, it was but a devise to divide and conquer as is still seen today). Lighter skin was often
A Nano second of complete stupor passed as I pondered what I could possibly say to dispel this misconception, this misguided notion that looser curly hair was nice, good or pretty while tightly coiled hair was bad, ugly, nappyor unacceptable. Later, I embarked on some research of my own to find out why people, and in particular, black women, are more inclined to think this way about natural afro textured hair. Do Caucasians and Asians have the same concerns? Did it matter to 4
(not always) accompanied with more loosely curled hair. The closer you were in blood to the master, the straighter your hair was, and the more privileges you had. Post slavery in America, the historically black universities, societies, and clubs had paper bag tests and comb tests. Skin darker than a brown paper bag meant a NO ENTRY, from many of these establishments as did hair that was too kinky for a fine toothed comb to be run through. In the African and West Indian colonies, the same connections between straight hair, light skin and privileges were being made. Who then wouldn't want to be more like the beautiful, more civilised Europeans?
weather, geographic, climate or anything else (which research shows can contribute to textural diversity in hair and skin) I am not mixed. I am black and of African heritage. I am Not my Hair:
It‘s amazing to know furthermore that even within our modern afro hair community this ‗good hair‘ expression is still a reference point of division amongst us. On the surface of course, this is due to the fact that many of us are still not adequately educated or aware of our hair types and curl patterns and subsequent care regimes. But a more prevalent theory is centred on the fact that we are still by far affected by the conditioning of post slavery, colourism and racial disenfranchisement. What is on my head is just hair, and I am not my hair (type), I am not my skin (colour). I am a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, a niece, I am a friend. I have learnt that other groups don‘t see the shade grid or texture charts by which we so deeply rely on. Instead they see one colour, black and one hair type afro.
Is this was how we quantify our selfworth, our self-esteem? Still, boasting a colourists head and it is by these dividing lines that we identify ourselves. I am everything other than of African heritage, I am mixed, I am West Indian, and I am European etc. Please understand that these distinctions may very well be true. On one of my recent trips to Africa, one of the girls I stayed with suggested that It could be perhaps that I am mixed with Indian or some other ethnicity, unbeknown to me, (she assumed Caribs and Arawak‘s Aztec or even white) is why my hair is longer and softer as if to suggest that there is no other reason to explain my 4b hair texture, it couldn‘t be its natural curl pattern or density. It certainly could not be 5
Uzima– The Natural Holistic Expo 2013 displays and merchant markets. An array of food stands; artist, painters, filmographers, jewellers, dress makers, travel agents, herbalists, entrepreneurs, beauticians and mixologists were among the many exhibitors. The afternoon sessions were centred around the five, hour long workshops and educational lectures with hand-outs on the various topics covered. The event culminated with African
By Soshina .A. Stephen
With more than fifty vendors, merchants and five- one hour long lectures and workshop led by specialist speakers, African drumming, storytelling, drama, spoken word, fashion show, singing, comedy and the intelligently incorporated youth element; Uzima Expo 2013 delivered a dynamic summer event.
drumming, dancing, martial arts, fashion show, drama, singers and storytelling. The variety was astounding- something to satisfy everyone‘s palate with an array of vegan/vegetarian dishes.
Visitors filed into the Conway Hall building in London, The Hall, was teeming with activity and exotic aromas, bright hues of merchandise, food and the sound of festive music engulfed me- I felt dazzled. Uzima Expo 2013 exemplified the name in its entirety- rejuvenating, revitalising renewing.
Strolling along the market place, every art table and merchant stalls were brimming with information about heritage and culture, a story and a smile. The atmosphere was reminiscent of the markets in the Cameroon or the gatherings in the
The event amongst others of this summer, displayed merchandise, crafts, art, music and food from the African-Caribbean Diaspora, showing the vast array of products and cultures the community has lent to the city. The event was like a wellrounded balanced meal, with every aspect of the day in beautiful and generous proportions. The morning, and throughout the course of the day focussed on the 6
Uzima– The Natural Holistic Expo 2013 as oppose to consumers.‘ Chantal expressed her views saying ―the atmosphere was amazing; the energy is on another vibration.‖ Although she attended last year, the aura and excitement still thrilled her and her eagerness for Uzima 2014 was evident. Speaking to Divine Blu, owner of Green Alchemy, and Lecturer of the Power of Fasting – Healing the body, mind & Spirit workshop, who also commented that the event was superbly balanced. Judging from this year‘s event, I will surely be back next year. Uzima was a fantastic experience- it was buzzing with vibrancy and positively charged with an exciting rhythm and energy.
St. Martin (countries I had lived in and loved.) The colours and scents of herbs, natural butters and perfumes were tantalising, exotic and inviting.
Be sure to look out for 2014 dates in the Uzima‘s calendar.
CulturePulse was privileged to speak to one of the event organisers Michelle. She said ―I am happy the event went well, we spent months planning, putting everything together, contacting merchants and I am elated that it all paid off and, it was a colossal success.‖
Photos by Soshina Stephen
Second time Merchants Dorothy Biney, and Chantal of Mam Maw also commented on their experience of the event. Dorothy, who makes African inspired jewellery said, ―It is really a great opportunity to showcase and trade with our own people and also to the global world. ― She expressed her excitement of the prospect of returning to Uzima next year claiming ‗it is definitely a great platform to network with business owners
7
8
Feature…
Sister Monica – A Daughter of Wisdom Sister Monica’s commitment and dedication to Notting Hill Carnival is profound and second to none in the United Kingdom. But this passion isn‘t limited to the Carnival and its year-long preparations. It extends to all things cultural in London and one of the most beautiful things about Sister Monica is the effort, energy and levels of participation she puts into Caribbean arts and culture, any and every chance she gets. Sister Monica is as comfortable in a Mas Camp off Ladbroke Grove as she is sitting in the front row at the Royal Festival Hall supporting the children‘s choir. A religious Sister of the Order of La Sagesse (Daughters of Wisdom), Sister Monica has an impressive 50 year record of sterling social and community work and is known for her far reaching pastoral care to people across all sectors of society. This care and love for Carnival she has sustained throughout her fifty years of community work and she is humbled and honoured to be the inspiration for the 2013 Carnival Presentation of Elimu Paddington Arts Mas Band – Callaloo.
then plunged in to nursing and in to her religious work on behalf of the Order, before being appointed and later becoming, the most popular liaison between the Catholic Church and the West Indian community in Britain. It is a role she proudly describes as ―a way of life and living. Not a job!‖
Sister Monica was born in Trinidad and immigrated to UK back in 1952 when Trinidad and Tobago was still a colony of Great Britain. Upon finishing boarding schooling, she returned to Trinidad and Tobago for five years where she answered the calling of her faith. She returned to the UK on holiday and never left. She was
In the 1970s Sister Monica was the first Caribbean and the first female to have been appointed a Chaplain in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Westminster and the UK, and this could only have been based upon her pastoral work and the significant linkages and long lasting
9
Sister Monica – A Daughter of Wisdom
friendships she has forged, and which are still thriving today with people and within the Caribbean communities across the United Kingdom.
including the British Caribbean Association, the Mary Seacole Memorial Association and the Catholic Commission for Racial Justice to name but a few.
Today, she remains deeply involved in Carnival development since its inception in Notting Hill and is one of the Carnival stalwarts held in high esteem by grassroots people, community leaders and officers within the Metropolitan police, for her tireless support in facilitating and enabling positive attitudes toward the Carnival and its interaction within the community and local organisations.
In another incarnation and perhaps some of you already know this, Sister Monica is also a trained nurse during her early years as a religious sister. And although these years are now behind her, she has never ever stopped ―caring or working‖ on behalf of the Caribbean Diaspora in Great Britain. Elimu Paddington Arts Mas Band is proud to recognise the contributions this Daughter of Wisdom has made to London‘s diverse communities as she is an important ingredient, one of many, that has been used in the blending of our Carnival Callaloo.
In today‘s global lingo Sister Monica would be called a humanitarian. She would be snapped up by the UN in a different era! Her work specifically with the Caribbean community across Britain has been tireless and far reaching and often sees her driving herself across this great landscape or spending long telephone hours supporting educational, recreational and societal goals, whilst balancing her faith and her personal goal of empowering Caribbean people everywhere.
©Elimu Paddington Arts Mas Band July 2013 Words and photo courtesy Ansel Wong
Many of you may not know that our Sister Monica – the woman we commemorate today through our presentation Callaloo – conceptualised and introduce the first ever Carnival Saturday Evening Mass which has become a virtual institution not only for the residents of Notting Hill but for revellers and spectators internationally, who come far and wide every August without fail. This Mass was held at Westminster Cathedral and back then the halls were filled with music and dance of the Caribbean. She continues to be very active on various boards and community groupings 10
11
Community Education Study Session Introduction to Africa at the V&A - Textiles and Prints Wednesday 9 October 2013, 14.45 – 17.30 This study session explores textiles and prints within the V&A’s rich collection of African artefacts. You will also experience the self guided tour ‘Spotlight on Africa and the Diaspora’ that will expose you to objects on display throughout the museum’s galleries.
Study Session Outline 14.45 Welcome and introductions – Janet Browne 14.50 African Textiles Unfolded – Dr Nicola Stylianou 15.30 Contemporary Prints from Africa and the Diaspora - Margaret Timmers 16.10 Comfort BREAK 16.30 Self-guided tour ‘Spotlight on Africa and the Diaspora’ group discoveries 17.15 Final questions and evaluation – Janet Browne 17.30 Session ends Study Session Contributors Dr Nicola Stylianou, African Textiles 1952 – 2000 Margaret Timmers, former Head of Prints, V&A Janet Browne, Programme Manager Black Heritage, V&A Useful links to V&A African collections V&A and Africa – South Kensington Collections http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/v/v-and-a-in-africa/ V&A Africa http://www.vam.ac.uk/page/a/africa/ In Black and White: Prints and Posters from Africa and the Diaspora display http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/i/in-black-and-white-prints-and-posters-fromafricaandthe-diaspora/ Adire Cloth, Nigeria, 1960 – 1964, resist-dyed 12 cotton. Museum no. CIRC. 307-1964 Marble players, South Africa, 1983, Woodcut on Paper, Paul Sibisi. Museum no. E.634-1985
Many universities, museums and local councils are running events in association with Black History Month. Be sure to check out an event near you. Visit the Black History Month website for a comprehensive schedule during the month of October.
Tuesday 15 October Author Event: Dorothy Koomson Dorothy Koomson will talk about, and read, from her work. This will be followed by a question and answer session, and book signing. Canada Water Library
www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/
21 Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7AR Friday 18th October
12 October
Film: Pressure
International Slavery Museum, Liverpool
Partnership with North London Cares. Hailed as Britain‘s first black feature film, Pressure is a hard-hitting dramatisation of the tensions that exist between first and second generation West Indian immigrants in 1970s London.
Hands on Activity- African Masks 1 – 4 pm Anthony Walker Education Centre Learn about the design of West African masks and make your own colourful mask in this creative workshop.
Tony, a bright school leaver, finds his high hopes dashed when he cannot find work anywhere and potential employers treat him with suspicion because of his colour. In a bid to find a sense of belonging, he finds himself torn between his parents‘ conformity and his brother‘s Black Power militancy clashing against racist police officers on the street. It convincingly captures the spirit this pivotal period for race relations in Britain and the politicisation of a generation.
Saturday 12 October Black History Month and World Mental Health Day An afternoon of film, discussions, presentations and drumming, celebrating the history of community in African and Caribbean cultures and exploring its role in mental health and wellbeing.
120mins, Horace Ové, 1975, Cert 15 Cost: Free 11am Booking: To book your place please email: sarah.gaughan@northlondoncares.org.uk or telephone 07807 325 369In
Gilroy Hall, Cambridge House, 1 Addington Square, SE5 0HF
The Peel Centre Percy Circus, King’s Cross WC1X 9EY 13
star of stage and screen, Victor Romero Evans to perform the very best of Lover‘s Rock. Saturday 8pm Sunday 7pm Tickets: £23.50 / £22.50 online.www.millfieldartscentre.co.uk Box Office: 0208 807 6680
Friday 18th October Floella Benjamin Talk Floella was born in Trinidad and emigrated to the UK in 1960. She is a television presenter, best known for presenting Play School, a storyteller on CBeebies, an author, actress, singer, television producer, charity worker and Life Long Liberal Peer. 5.00pm
Millfield Theatre, Millfield Arts Centre, Silver St, London N18 1PJ
Highfields Library, 98 Melbourne Road
Black History Month workshop for schools
Leicester, LE2 0DS
Monday 21st October 2013 (10:00-14:45)
T: 0116 299 5494W: leicester.gov.uk/libraries
This workshop has limited places, and is only for local Birmingham schools. For more information on these and other schools workshops, please contact: education@barber.org.uk
Saturday 19 October THE 7TH BLACK & ASIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE AND FESTIVAL
Explore Black History in Art, Science and Literature! Find out about African, Caribbean and Asian Histories at the University of Birmingham
A thought-provoking experience for UK Black and Asian writers and those interested in their writing. With young writers sessions, info stalls, book launches, and performances. Guests include: Malorie Blackman, Fred D‘Aguiar, Sujata Bhatt, Bali Rai, Dorothea Smartt, and Malika Booker. Part of Manchester Literature Festival. 10:30am to 5pm (daytime conference) 7pm to 11pm (evening festival) Tickets: £15/8 (day), £10/7 (eve), £24/14 (double-ticket) Booking: 0161 274 0600 www.contactmcr.com
Learn about the West African ‗Altar to the Hand‘ at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, and have a go at creating your own African inspired prints! Discover the poems of Phillis Wheatley – the first ever published African-American child author, at the Cadbury Research Library, and explore the minerals and fossils of Africa and Asia in the Lapworth Museum of Geology, like the fossil trilobite from North Africa! In partnership with Research and Cultural Collections (Danford Collection), Lapworth, Special Collections, The Barber Institute, and local schools.
Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 October An Evening of Lovers Rock Live on stage at the Millfield Theatre, three of the most important influences on the British Black Music scene, the Queens of Lover‘s Rock, Janet Kay and Caroll Thompson are joined by the multi-talented 14
Job vacancies on the rise
Blackberry misery continues
Recently, there has been a surge in the amount of vacancies advertised in the local and national press and a significant increase too, on online platforms. A study by Reed, the recruitment company found there has been an increase in construction jobs by over 75 per cent. Earlier studies found that growth was limited to very few sectors, however, the latest study show that job growth is rising across a vast majority of sectors and, more importantly, across all regions. Growth in retail and manufacturing rose by almost a third according to the study carried out by Reed.
Blackberry, the troubled smartphone company has nose-dived further after being pushed down the ladder by Windows phone.
Despite the growing number of vacancies, pay in almost all sectors remains stagnant. And, the figures of unemployed still outnumber the availability of jobs around by about five to one across the UK.
Windows now captures 12 per cent of the European market share, a leap of almost 5 per cent in the last quarter. The Windows phone surge is due to fact that Nokia sold its mobile devices division to Microsoft, driving a wave of growth the low and midrange market with the Lumia 520 and 620 handsets. The two handsets are popular with 16 to 24 year olds keeping sales sweet for Windows.
A spokesperson for the TUC responding to the job growth said, ‗new vacancies are welcome, but we need better new jobs to start lifting people‘s income.‘ While this latest study gives a positive picture in the job market, many graduates are still being shunted into doing unpaid work which also gives a false reflection on the figures of unemployment.
Android‘s smartphones still has the greater share of the market with a substantial slice of 56.3 per cent compared to Apple‘s iOS 27.5 per cent while Windows shows a steady climb to 12 per cent and poised for further increase in the market share. BlackBerry on the other hand, once a pioneer and leader of the smartphone revolution seems at present, incapable of regaining any real headway in the near future to reinstate its position as a formidable contender to recapture any significant share in smartphone sales.
15
LAURIE CUNNINGHAM BLUE HERITAGE PLAQUE TRIBUTE
It’s the 12th of October 1974. A promising young footballer, aged 18 pears, is about to make his debut for Leyton Orient. Used as a second half substitute in a home game against Oldham Athletic at Brisbane Road, the match eventually finished 3 – 1 to the O‘s. However, there is no doubt to the home fans that they had discovered a new star. This fledging talent would continue to do things with a football never before seen in the English game. His name was Laurie Cunningham, and 75 games later he would be gone – sold to Midland‘s club West Bromwich Albion for £100,000, but not before acknowledged by Leyton Orient fans as arguably the club‘s most gifted ever player. Laurie would continue to make a name for himself at Qwest Brom where he formed a famous partnership with defender Brendon Batson and striker Cyrille Regis, aka the legendary ‗Three Degrees‘.
Europe‘s biggest football club came knocking on the door, but it was arguably the biggest, Real Madrid, who paid West Bromwich Albion almost a million pounds in 1981 To make him the most expensive British export at the time, and also the first ever English born player to play for the Spanish club. He was an instant sensation and became a Real Madrid icon, before injury put a temporary halt to his meteoric rise. In all, he spent 4 years at the Bernabeu, and went on to play for several other big clubs including Manchester United and Marseille. However, just when injuries looked like they had put paid to a stunning albeit unfulfilled career, Laurie moved to the most unfashionable club in English football, Wimbledon FC, during the 1987/88 season. Neither he nor they could guess by the end of that season Laurie would lead Wimbledon to their first major trophy in their 101years history, the coveted FA Cup. Ironically, it would be
Laurie‘s talent as an elegant and skilful winger had not gone unnoticed, and in April 1977 he got the call up to represent his country. It was an U21 fixture against Scotland and Laurie scored on his debut, seemingly obvious to the furor of becoming England‘s first black footballer at senior level. Inevitably, some of
16
Laurie‘s only championship medal in English football.
Details: Plaque Ceremony: 6 Brisbane Road, Leyton E10 5NZ
In the same year Laurie Cunningham returned to Spain and was signed by Spanish second tier side Rayo Vellenceno. That season he helped them to promotion, and scored the goal that secured their move to Primera League. He looked to be finally over his injuries and was preparing for life back in the Spanish top league, when on the morning of 15 July 1989 Laurie Cunningham was involved in a fatal car crash in Madrid. He was 33.
Saturday 12th October 2013 Time: 12 noon Reception: Leyton Orient Supporters Club, Oliver Road Further info: info@nubianjak.com General Enquiries: 0800 093 0400 Words and photos courtesy Nubian Jak Community Trust.
th
On the 39 anniversary that Laurie Cunningham introduced himself to the world of football, the Nubian Jak Community Trust in partnership with Leyton Orient Football Club, Kick it Out and Waltham Forest Council will unveil a commemorative blue plaque in his honour. The plaque will be place on the site of the Old Leyton Orient Supporters Club on Brisbane Road, now a new build apartment block adjoining Leyton Orient Stadium. The plaque will be unveiled by the Cunningham family, in the presence of the Mayor of Waltham Forest, Leyton Orient staff and fans, former football team mates, members of the public, press and media.
17
WINDRUSH VOICES EXIBITION 2013
EXIBITION 2013
16-19 October 2013
LOCATION ST MARK’S CHURCH ST MARK’S RISE LONDON E8 2NL
SHARING EXPERIENCES SHARING LIVES Between 1948 and 1973, for a period of 25 years, as many as 100,000 nurses from the Caribbean and Africa came to work and train as nurses in the NHS. The average age of the Windrush nurses was 19, many of whom would go on to dedicate over 40 years to the health service. These nurses worked tirelessly to ensure the health and wellbeing of all patients whilst making the NHS the envy of the world; yet there has been little recognition or acknowledgement of their outstanding contribution - until now.
ADMISSION: FREE WEDNESDAY 16th: LAUNCH (INVITATION ONLY) THURSDAY 17th: SCHOOLS’ DAY (INVITATION ONLY) & Public Viewing FRIDAY 18th: 10am - 6pm Public Viewing SATURDAY19th: 10am - 6pm Public Viewing
TEL: 07852 151 851 E:info@wnabf.com @windrushVoices WWW.WINDRUSHNURSESANDBEYOND.COM
18
Black Jezebel by Akilah Holder
same could be said for the promiscuous ways in which some conduct themselves.
I had mentioned the issue of the hypersexualization of black women in an earlier article; I had touched on it, not explored it in detail. In fact, I had not really given much thought to doing a piece on this until recently when sitting in a taxi cab and the driver blurted out: ―you know, they‘re beating up on these men for their baggy pants, but what about how these women dress? Look at dis woman (he had pointed to a young fat black woman arrayed in a tight slinky top and a very tight low-cut jeans, so tight that her tummy just about fell over the jeans and so low that you could see the tong that she was wearing), why I have to be seeing her underwear?‖ It is not just black men who have bought into racial stereotypes but also black women. The very sexual and scanty way that many black women dress upholds the white stereotype of black women as ―black jezebels‖ – hypersexual, lascivious and lewd women. The ―black jezebel‖ image is prevalent in black hiphop and rap music. In fact, black hip-hop and rap music videos thrive on the ―black jezebel‖ stereotype. Hollywood has also reinforced the ―black jezebel‖ image, and nowhere is this more evident than in its blaxploitation films. While many black women may find dressing in sexually provocative ways empowering, boasting in and flaunting their bodies, and not merely just boasting in and flaunting them for boasting in and flaunting them sake, but waving them almost to the white world as a sign of resistance, they are, in fact, upholding the ―jezebel‖ stereotype. The
African-American scholar and author, Deborah Gray White, affirms in her text Ar’n’t I a Woman?, that the persona of the ―Black Jezebel‖ faulted the black woman for being raped by white men; in this way, white men were not culpable for their behaviour. Or, according to ferris.edu, ―the Jezebel was depicted as a black woman with an insatiable appetite for sex. She was not satisfied with black men. The slavery-era Jezebel, it was claimed, desired sexual relations with white men; therefore, white men did not have to rape black women.‖ The idea of black women as hypersexual was further reinforced by certain features of the institution of slavery, a fact also noted on ferris.edu. While on the auction block, for instance, or whether sold privately, slave women were oftentimes stripped naked and invasively examined by potential buyers. The fact that slaves had few items of clothing and that these items were often tattered and torn also fed the jezebel image. Furthermore, ―black slave women were also frequently pregnant,‖ as noted on ferris.edu. Significantly, the portrayal of black women as jezebels continues today, whether in film, music videos or the mere way in which black women dress and carry themselves. The 21st century‘s Monster‘s Ball, for example, starring Halle Berry, is an example of the portrayal of the jezebel image. Black hip-hop and rap videos teem with images of black women dressed and gyrating in very lewd and sexually 19
Author’s note: the jezebel image is most apparent at carnival time in Trinidad and Tobago.
provocative ways. And, of course, there is the scanty way in which many black women dress in Trinidad and Tobago and abroad. It is as if, according to Dr. Carolyn West in Still on the auction block: The (s)exploitation of black adolescent girls in rap(e) music and hip hop culture, black women are still on the auction black.
Author’s e-mail: akholder22@aol.com
But many black women do not see it that way; instead they flaunt their sexuality to resist white western ideas of beauty, boasting that they are sexier than white women and the ultimate fantasy of all men, particularly those with the big breasts and bottoms. Instead, without realizing it, many black women have internalized white stereotypes about them and are only acting in accordance with these stereotypes. Ghetto fabulousness, as Assistant Director of the Division of Humanities and Assistant Professor of English at Nova South eastern University, Elizabeth Shaw, describes it is not a black thing (Shaw describes ghetto fabulousness as erotic, colourful clothing; and elaborate hair fashion). The sexually provocative clothing, or ghetto fabulous wear, worn by a lot of black women, like the sagging pants claimed by many young black men, is not a black thing. The sexually provocative behaviour engaged in by these women as well, has its roots in slavery. There is no need for black women – those who dress in sexually provocative ways and behave promiscuously– to dress and carry themselves in that manner. Ghetto fabulousness is not necessarily a black thing. It is not o.k.
20
Beating the bike thieves with one of the many online databases, it will help the police in returning the bike to its owner and, report you bike to the police if it is stolen.
Bike theft in the capital has become big business with a total of over ÂŁ105,875,584 worth of bicycles stolen yearly. In London alone over 20,000 bikes are stolen every year with the number ever increasing as people take to cycling, either as a form of keeping fit or cutting the high cost of transport in the city.
Bikeshepherd.com recommends that you buy good quality locks, these can coast about ÂŁ40 and using two locks is always a good alternative to one. Tagging your bike and using a component locking system to secure your bike also reduces the risk of it being stolen.
Transport for London in its fight to reduce bike theft, have a dedicated website to help cyclist protect their bikes. The Met police also have a dedicated unit and website to combat the growing problem faced by cyclist.
Useful websites: www.tfl.gov.uk/cycling www.lcc.org.uk
One of the problem police are faced with when a bike is recovered is the task of reuniting the bike with its owner. Hundreds of bikes remain unclaimed due to the fact that they have no registration marking to link them to their owners.
www.met.police.uk www.online.met.police.co.uk http://www.bikeshepherd.org/bikesecurity.html www.bikeregister.com If your bike is stolen at a Rail or Tube station please call the British Transport Police on: 0800 40 50 40
In an effort to combat the problem Transport for London are urging cyclist to take preventative measures to protect their bikes. One basic measure is locking your bike, using a good quality lock. Bike Shepherd recommends that you always lock your bike for in as little as 30 seconds, unlocked, can cost you your bike. Tfl also recommends security marking and insurance. Remember the three Rs according to TfL, Record, Register and Report. Keep a record of the frame number, make and marks by which you can identify your bike. Register your bike 21
22
15th Annual FIU Eric Williams Lecture Honors “The Mighty Sparrow” MIAMI, FL. (October 2, 2013)— The 15th Annual Eric E. Williams Memorial Lecture at Florida International University‘s Modesto Maidique Campus (11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, Florida) will take place at the School of Public and International Affairs Lobby/125 (SIPA), on Friday, October 18, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. This year, the African & African Diaspora Studies Program‘s Distinguished Africana Scholars Lecture hosts two prominent speakers: Rawle Gibbons, founding Director of the Centre for Creative and Festival Arts at the University of the West Indies (UWI), and Willard Harris, aka Lord Relator, a seasoned Trinidad and Tobago calypsonian noted for imitation and his ability to sing extemporaneously ―the art of composing impromptu lyrics about any subject, at any time, without previous thought or study.‖ “One From Ten Leaves Nought, Ten To One Is Murder: Eric Williams, The Mighty Sparrow and the Arithmetic of Caribbean Self-Definition” promises to address the symbiotic relationship between the two men, and to showcase the development of a national and regional consciousness in Trinidad and Tobago – by means of Williams‘ intellectual vision, parlayed into the language of the ―street‖ by ―The Calypso King of the World‖ – Slinger Francisco, aka the Mighty Sparrow.
Rawle Gibbons is an established playwright, stage director and professor at the University of the West Indies. Appointed to devise and head its first academic arts training program in 1986, his theatre productions include, CLR James‘ ―The Black Jacobins‖ (1975) and Derek Walcott‘s ―Drums and Colours‖ (1998). His plays are published as ―A Calypso Trilogy‖ (Ian Randle and Canboulay, 1999) and ―Love Trilogy‖ (Canboulay Productions, 2012). Since 2008, Mr Gibbons has been President of the Caribbean Network of Art Presenters, CARIBNET, which spans the French, Spanish, Dutch and English-speaking Caribbean. He also serves as a resource for the regional Caribbean Examinations Council. Willard Harris has been composing and singing calypsoes – the art of social commentary – in his native Trinidad and Tobago since his early years, winning several local competitions. At a time when the average calypsonian was of a mature age, Relator captivated the nation with his impeccable style and youthful manner. He has performed internationally with major stars Billy Ocean and Jimmy Cliff.
While Sparrow has had to cancel his appearance, due to illness – and the Lecture pays tribute to his numerous accomplishments spanning 60-plus years – Lord Relator will take up the baton, singing, in counterpoint to Mr. Gibbons‘ talk, bars of the Sparrow calypsoes that illustrate his point. In the Q & A that follows, Relator will demonstrate his ―extempo‖ talents with members of the audience.
Established in 1999, FIU‘s annual Eric Williams Lecture Honors the distinguished Caribbean statesman Eric E. Williams, first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and Head of Government for a quarter of a century until his death in 1981. 23
He led the country to Independence from Britain in 1962 and onto Republicanism in 1976. A consummate academic and historian, and author of several books, Dr. Williams is best known for his groundbreaking work, the 69-year-old Capitalism and Slavery, which has been translated into seven languages, including Russian, Chinese, Japanese and this year, Turkish and Korean. Popularly referred to as The Williams Thesis, this landmark text continues to inform today's ongoing debate and remains ―years ahead of its time…this profound critique is still the foundation for studies of imperialism and economic development,‖ according to the New York Times.
Trinidad and Tobago Independence Ball Committee; Welch, Morris & Associates, Ltd; and Christine G. Wray, M.D. The Lecture is also supported by The Eric Williams Memorial Collection Research Library, Archives and Museum at the University of the West Indies (Trinidad and Tobago campus), which was inaugurated by former U.S.Secretary of State, Colin L. Powell in 1998. It was named to UNESCO‘s prestigious Memory of the World Register in 1999. Books/CDs by and about Eric Williams, Rawle Gibbons, the Mighty Sparrow and Lord Relator will be available for purchase and signing at the Lecture. For more information, please contact 305348-6860/271-7246 or africana@fiu.edu.
Among prior Eric Williams Memorial Lecture speakers have been: the late John Hope Franklin, one of America‘s premier historians of the African-American experience; Kenneth Kaunda, former President of the Republic of Zambia; Cynthia Pratt, Deputy Prime Minister of the Bahamas; Mia Mottley, Attorney General of Barbados; Beverly AndersonManley, former First Lady of Jamaica; Portia Simpson Miller, now Prime Minister of Jamaica; the celebrated civil rights activist Angela Davis; and prizewinning Haitian author Edwige Danticat. The Lecture, which seeks to provide an intellectual forum for the examination of pertinent issues in Caribbean and African Diaspora history and politics, is cosponsored by FIU: College of Arts and Sciences, School of International and Public Affairs, Latin American and Caribbean Center, AADS Graduate Students Association, Student Government Association; Rhea Mokund Beck; Sandra Bernard-Bastien; Bilmor Advertising – Irvine Headley; Edwards & Partners; Eglantine Gordon Memorial Fund; Glenn Joseph; Joy‘s Roti Delight; Nina Khell Garcia; Miami Dade College – Prof. Leroy Lashley; Neki Mohan; Saint Lucia; Aryian & Gieowar Singh; Mervyn Solomon; 24
Ni Hao Mas! Ni Hao Pan!
On Saturday 14th September 2013, China gave a hearty ―Ni Hao‖ to a Trini inspired Mas Band and Steel Band from London.
Led by Trinidadian–born Band Leader, Ansel Wong, this was the fifth performance in China promoting Carnival and with Pan on the streets of Shanghai, this was a first in China.
With over 500,000 people lining the clean, wide streets and in excess of 200 million on Chinese National TV watching, 64 performers from London was given pride of place at the Opening Parade of the 2013 Shanghai Tourism Festival.
The Shanghai Tourism Festival, with a collage of flamboyant colour, echoing sounds and a mix of competition and celebration, is an event like no other! Though similar in essence to the carnivals of both Port-of-Spain and London, the organisation and scale of the event was fascinating, as was the parade as solely a night-time spectacle! The most discernable difference was the entourage of over 30 large competing and mesmerising mobile floats beautifully illuminated and adorned with hundreds of halogen bulbs. They depicted cultures within China and around the world, with native scenes and characters such as giant moving crabs (fake, not curried)!
The Elimu Carnival Band and the Nostalgia Steel Band, performing as The Tsingtac Mas Band, presented a show case highlighting the key features of Carnival – Music, Movement and Mas. Over 30 masqueraders in costumes from several London-based designers danced to the pulsating rhythms of Nostalgia Steel Band, the 2013 winning Pan Round De Neck orchestra at Notting Hill Carnival.
25
Since 2009, Elimu Carnival Band and recently Tsingtac Mas Band have participated as a Carnival Band representing both Trinidad & Tobago and the United Kingdom. In 2013, for the first time in China, pan and Mas featured at The Parade. Carnival Designers - Annie Curtis, Victoria Lenzoi Lee, Sheanna Alleyne, Monifa Samuel, Khisha Carke and Tony Mason - and London Carnival Bands – Cocoyea, Elimu Paddington Arts, Bajan Revellers and Poison UK – contributed costumes used in the parade.
The band was joined by a number of Caribbean students studying in China and those that could not make it, vowed to be there next year.
The Band travelled with British Airways to China. Support for the tour was received from The Trinidad & Tobago High Commission in London who donated two bottles of Angostura Rum, T&T Flags and steel band label pins; the Barbados Tourist Board‘s office in London for donating two bottles of Mount Gay Rum; Hansib Publications for two copies of The Gold Book marking the Golden Jubilee of T&T‘s independence; Flight Connection and The Caribbean Reunion Club for travel services and Raffle Prizes donated by Grace Foods (Food Hamper), The Maroons Restaurant (Dinner for two); Lord Ouseley of Peckham Rye (Afternoon Tea in the House of Lords) and several individuals for bottles of wine.
Mas and Pan in China was a success. Dr Shen Shanzhou, Vice Chairman of The Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration praised the band for its performances and presented it with an award of commendation. In return, the Band presented the officials of the City Administration with bottles of Angostura 1824, Mount Gay Extra Old and copies of the T&T Gold Book. We are all looking forward to a repeat performance in 2014 when the spectacle of Pan, Tassa and Mas is being planned to promote the whole of the Caribbean as a region of cultural excellence and magnificent Festivals. Performances are being planned in other cities such as Beijing and Xuan. The Shanghai Tourism Festival is celebrated every year during September and October. Throughout the city and its environs, there are several programmes to highlight participating countries as destinations for tourists and visitors. The highlight of the programme is the Opening Parade along Huaihai Road, a procession route of 2.2 km. This parade happens at night and the emphasis is on illumination and performance. 26
27
Put Your Business Here Competitive advertising rates when you advertise with Culturepulse. For more information about our rates please contact a member of our team at: culturepulse@hotmail.co.uk
or call:
07824827985
‘Exploring 28 the Diaspora’
29
Congratulations to Karimah Farrell Miss T&T UK 2013
30