Life in Colour No.16 Oct 2009 by Level 7 Media

London’s No.1 Multicultural Listing Guide over 250,000 Monthly Readers

Entertainment L i s t i n g s Issue 16 • October 2009

MUSIC Kid Kudi

CLUBS

The Big Chill

THEATRE

Call Me Robeson

COMEDY

‘LOL’ Comedy At The Jazz Cafe

COMMUNITY

British Black Gospel

ASIAN

Asian Art In London

SCREEN

Michael Jackson - This Is It

GALLERY

Devotional

EVENTS

Dizzie Rascal Concert

HEALTH & SPORT

Listings In London

Black History Special

This Issue Sponsored by

Kosibah is an exclusive brand specialising in figure enhancing contemporary and elegant gowns that curve, shape and flatter the wearer. This is achieved with our signature use of corsetry and drapery. The team at Kosibah is committed to providing exceptional quality of service and meticulous attention to detail. The designs, made from individual body measurements, use luxurious fabrics, sumptuous embellishments and couture techniques. Kosibah Creations gowns are made to order.

FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!

Receive a free veil worth up to ÂŁ800 with every order

Studio 7, 44 St Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crescent, London. NW1 9TN (By Appointment Only) Tel: +44 (0)20 7424 8832, Email:designer@kosibah.co.uk, Web:www.kosibah.co.uk

CONTENTS 26

A Word From The Publisher We l co m e to a n o t h e r a m a z i n g i s s u e o f L i fe I n Co l o u r M a g a z i n e.

Th i s i s s u e b r i n g s yo u t h e b e s t i n Af r i c a n Ca r i bbe a n a n d As i a n l i s ti n g s w i th exc l u s i ve i nte r v i e ws f ro m G . O. O. D M u s i c s i gn e d a r t i s t K i d Cu d i , ‘ Fe a r l e s s’ s i n g e r J a z m i n e S u l l i va n a s we l l a s q u o te s f ro m s o me o f th e U K ’s ta l e nt o n th e i r B l a c k H i s to r y M o nt h I d o l s ! Th i s m o nt h s’ B l a c k H i s to r y e d i t i o n i s s po n s o re d by He ro e s o f o u r Tim e a f a b u l o u s p u b l i c at i o n ava i l a b l e f ro m S e ve n M e d i a , w h i c h h i g h l i g ht s B l a c k a c h i e ve r s p a s t a n d p re s e nt. Ava i l a b l e a s a b o o k fo r a l l t h e f a m i l y o r a s a re s o u rce fo r te a c h e r s, e d u c ato r s a n d f a c i l i t ato r s ; t h i s i n n ovat i ve p i e ce o f l i te rat u re i s a ‘mu s t h ave’ fo r a l l.

04 -11

MUSIC

COMMUNITY

12-14

CLUB

30-31

SCREEN

COMEDY

GALLERY

16-20

EVENTS

BOOK REVIEW

22-23

ASIAN EVENTS

34-35

FOOD

24-26

THEATRE

FAITH

HEALTH & SPORT

40-48

BHM FEATURE

Listings co-ordinator

Sian Anderson Cassah

Design

Piuchi Fu Milly Lam

Contributors:

Dwain Lucktung Kevin Akpobi Kieran Yates Mevin Martin Rachel Nartey Shiezel Wilson

Photography

Piuchi Fu Milly Lam

Advertising

Cassah Robert Springer

Published by

Life In Colour Ltd, A Seven Media Company

Publishers

JB Rose Derek Morrison-Bowen

Al s o, j o u r n a l i s t R a c h e l N a r te y p re s e nt s yo u w i t h h i g h l i g ht s o f s o m e o f t h e wo r l d s b i l l i o n a i re s o f co l o u r. Yo u’ l l a l s o b e a b l e to f i n d t h e h o t te s t n i g ht c l u b s to v i s i t, t h e b e s t i n n e w m u s i c re l e a s e s a n d t h e f i n e s t re s t a u ra nt s to d i n e i n . Th e re a re a l s o f i l m s to watc h o u t fo r, a r t ex h i b i t i o n s to v i s i t a n d co mmu n i t y e ve nts fo r th e w h o l e f a mi l y!

London’s No.1 Multicultural Listing Guide 250,000 Monthly Readers

Entertainment L i s t i n g s Issue 15

July 2009

MUSIC Kid Kudi

To advertise in the next issue contact: Life in Colour A Seven Media company 16 Skylines Village, Limeharbour E14 9TS T: 020 7005 0590, F: 020 7005 0970 Please e-mail all listings information to E: lifeincolour@level7media.co.uk W: www.lifeincolour.uk.com

CLUBS

The Big Chill

THEATRE

Call Me Robeson

COMEDY

‘LOL’ Comedy At The Jazz Cafe

COMMUNITY

British Black Gospel

ASIAN

Asian Art In London

SCREEN

Michael Jackson - This Is It

GALLERY

Devotional

EVENTS

Dizzie Rascal Concert

HEALTH & SPORT

Listings In London

Black History Special

This Issue Sponsored by

B e s u re n o t to m i s s o u t o n t h e f a nt a s t i c gi ve aways a n d co m p e t i t i o n s we h ave to o f fe r. An d p l e a s e re m e m b e r n o t to l e ave yo u r h o u s e w i t h o u t a co py o f L I C i n yo u r b a g. Yo u n e ve r k n ow w h e n yo u m i g ht b e s t u c k fo r s o m e e nte r t a i n m e nt. L I C co m e s w i t h a wa r n i n g t h i s i s s u e t h o u g h . - To o m u c h c h o i ce c a n b e co n f u s i n g, a n d we’ve g o t t h e b e s t, o f Lo n d o n r i g ht h e re, r i g ht n ow, at yo u r f i n g e r ti ps ! H a p py re a d i n g !

Pu bl i s h e r

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher. The views expressed in this publication are those of the advertisers. Life In Colour can not take responsibility for any incorrect or misleading claims made. ©2009 Life In Colour

MUSIC One to look out for!

local battle champion to rap stardom. Stars Urban Music Award winner and UK rapper, Bashy. Ages 14+ Location: Pentland Theatre Time: 8PM Cost: £14 (£12 conc) Info: www.artsdepot. pmailuk.com

Oct The Doctor’s Orders 34

Oct Maxwell Concert.

Maxwell celebrates the release of “Bad Habits” (released on the 26th October) with his second Uk tour. Location: HMV Hammersmith, Apollo, London Time: 7:00pm Cost: £45 INFO : www.aeglive.co.uk

01-04

DJ Pete Andrew On Colourful Radio www.colourfulradio.com

Every Sunday 11-1pm

Catch DJ Pete Andrew live every Sunday playing rare groove classic, soul music and funk.

our Sundays are not Y complete unless you tune in and listen to Pete Andrew playing tunes from artists like Teena Marie, Roy Ayers, Luther Vandross, Joanna Gardener, Anita Baker and much more.

Colourful Radio (DAB digital radio)

Broadcasting across London on DAB digital radio, Colourful Radio offers a mix of 4 decades of soul music and engaging talk for adults. www.colour fulradio.com

Oct Uk’s largest Celebration of International Hip-Hip Culture

This 4-day event confirmed for 2009 includes Battle Jam, Rap Slam and Frieze Box the street art event where the artists are given a blank canvas and throughout the day produce a work of art, a King Of The Beats special and tons more! A live event featuring top DJs as well as both established and emerging hip-hop acts. RISING STYLES is also developing new events which will feature on the 2009 schedule including ‘In Conversation’ strand where the audience can interact with artists, debate and network plus touring projects and commissions. Location: 44-47 GARDNER STREET, BRIGHTON, BN1 1UN Time: 11:00 – 17:00 DAILY Cost: Free Info: www.komedia.co.uk/ brighton

01 02

OCT Jonzi D’s Markus The Sadist The London premiere of a rap opera that tells the story of a talented young MC’s rise from

Blak Twang, Yungun, Spin Doctor, Mr Thing, Budgie, Micall Parknsun Live. Due to personal reasons CL Smooth had cancelled this London show. We have replaced him with two phenomenal homegrown talents Blak Twang & Yungun. Location: Herbal 10-14 Kingsland Rd, London E1 Time: 9pm-3am Cost: £7 Info: www.ticketweb.co.uk

Oct Wu Tang legends Rza & Raekwon Presents.

Wu Tang legends Rza & Raekwon will be playing an exclusive gig at matter on October 3rd as part of their European tour. Supported by UK DJ extraordinaire Semtex this exciting show is a rare chance to see real Hip Hop at its best. Location: Matter, The O2, Peninsula Square, London, SE10 ODY Time: (See info) Cost £17.50 Info: info@matterlondon.com

03-31

Oct Jelluzz Concert Feat N Dubz

New artist Jelluzz hits a Uk Mini tour with support from Uk Platinum album sellers N Dubz. Rumor has it that this North london artist is going to be signed, sealed, and delievered to our streets by N Dubz’ label. Keep on the lookout for this 24 year old act! Info: www.myspace.com/ jelluzzmusic

Oct Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight known as

MUSIC “the Empress of Soul,” is an African-American R&B/soul singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman, humanitarian, and author, comes to Wembley Arena to perform. Time: 7:30 pm Cost: £40-50 Wembley, BEN HA9 0DH

10 11

Oct World’s Best Breakers Bring the Battle to Brixton at the annual Sony Ericsson B-Boy Championships – World Finals.

Oct Lethal Bizzle

Uk Grime and funky House artist Lethal Bizzle’s tour begins for London at the famous O2 Academy. Location: 02 Academy Islington London UK Time: 7:00pm Cost: £10:00 Info: www.aeglive.co.uk

Joe & Ginuwine Concert.

R’n’B Artists Joe and Ginuwine perform at the Indigo 02. Joe (seven-time Grammy Award-nominated American R&B singer and record producer) is joined by Ginuwine (American R&B singer and performer. Who has released a number of multiplatinum and platinum-selling albums and singles, becoming one of R&B’s top artists during the 1990s heyday of hip-hop soul). Location: Indigo 02, London Time: 7:00PM Cost: £38

12 14

Oct I Cover the Waterfront: The Spirit of Billie Holiday A play by Troy Andrew Fairclough / Produced by Tramfare Productions.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Oct Mica Paris

R’n’B and Urban Soul singer presents us with her live performance. Location: Jazz Cafe (NW1 7PG) Time: 19:00 Cost: £25.00 Info: www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Oct Grupo Lokito

A high-energy mash up of African Congolese and Latin performers, playing Salsa, Congolese Rumba, Seben and everything in between. Location: 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA Time: 8pm Cost: £13 £9 advanced Info: www.richmix.org.uk

Oct Michael Jackson: The Official Exhibition

Showcasing some of the most personal and iconic memorabilia from The King of Pop’s extraordinary life, Michael Jackson: The Official Exhibition will celebrate his unparalleled career, opening for a limited run starting 28th October 2009 at The O2 bubble. The exhibit will chronicle Michael’s rise to fame with The Jackson 5 at Motown Records, his record-breaking solo career as a global superstar and the spectacular shows he had planned for The O2 arena before his untimely death. Location: 02 Arena, Greenwich, Info: theo2.co.uk

The best breakers from around the globe will be competing for the coveted title of Sony Ericsson World Champions here in the UK this October. Location: O2 Islington Academy/O2 Brixton Academy Cost: £15-£18 Info: www.ticketweb.co.uk

I Cover the Waterfront is a one woman show accompanied by live music. Stage and TV actress Nina Kristofferson and jazz trio Three Dimensional give you the life and music of jazz legend Billie Holiday. Tramfare’s production will leave you feeling entertained, informed and grateful for the legacy of those who came before. Location: Rich Mix, London. Time: 8pm Cost: £10 Info: www.richmix.org.uk

MUSIC R

Taio Cruz

Break Your Heart

Released September 14th

After he co-wrote and featured on Tinchy Stryder’s Top 3 single “Take Me Back”, and co-written Stryder’s Number one hit “Never Leave You” which features Amelle from the Sugababes. This single is definitely one to have your head bobbiing to. Its funky, its fresh and its hitting up our Uk charts. This is Cruz’ first stand alone single so get out there and show your support, the video is just as quality as the song itself and with the production by Fraser T Smith, this was a tune, that could never have gone wrong!

P Money

Money Over Everyone

Released September 7th This is by far the best Grime Mixtape of the year. There’s no doubt about it. If you’re a hardcore Grime fan and you’re fed up of artists resorting to the “mainstream” way of life then this is the mixtape for you. This south-east London based emcee is one of the only Grime artists to come up without a Wiley name-drop and seems to be doing it very large in the scene right now. If you haven’t yet purchased Money Over Everyone I’m going to put it down to the fact that it sold out in the first three hours of release and presume your name is next on the waiting list to order it, cause believe me, in the words of Dizzie Rascal, you’d be ‘Bonkers’ not to.

Bluey Robinson

I Know

Released September 28th Bluey Robinson is the definition of real music. His voice is so unique and so beautiful that one wonders how on earth auto-tune ever made it into our charts. At the youthful age of 21, this soon-to-be-star is stunning audiences from London to France and even the USA. Look out for this hit I Know as its got the beat, the voice and the class and the sassy stylish electro video to go with it. If you want to see clippings of Bluey performing live on the underground (I kid you not) then YouTube him now and engage yourself in three minutes of awesomeness. Lets hope this track and Mr Robinson goes far because this is real music at its best. What are you still doing here? Get YouTube’in!!!

MUSIC

Asher Roth ft Keri Hilson

She Don’t Wanna

Released October 5th This is basically a very boring tune when it comes down to it. You’d think that newly spotlighted artists like Roth and Hilson would make more of an effort! After Roths “I Love College” and Hilson’s entourage of amazing tracks both solo artists would put together a ear-gasmic duet. Personally I would only purchase this because of my love for both artists but together they’re moving like oil... and water. 2/5 (SA)

JME Over Me.

Released - September 20th

Beverly Knight

100%

Released September 7th Beverly’s back. With it she brings us her fifth album titled 100%. Listening to it I’ve come to realise she has literally given it 100%. This could be one of her best albums to date with new retro beats and soulful melodies, who told you soul was dead? Beverly reinvents and re awakens the dying genre which is soul. This album mixes’ her soul filled voice with hip hop and R&B, and in other tracks you sense more gospel, funky beats and a touch of electro pop, bringing UK soul in to the 21st century. Now under her own label Hurricane records and free of the corporate labels, holding her back Beverly expresses her delight at being free and able to do things her own way, this is the vibe picked u and expressed through Gold Chain. The power of her voice can clearly be recognized in soul survivor, where she teams up with Chaka Khan and the both of them battle it out vocally. Its a well needed soul album distinguishing urban music as more than just grime, garage and hip-hop. the queen of UK soul is back... Beverly we salute you. If you haven’t got the album I suggest you invest, believe me it’ll be worth it. Words Rachel Thompson-Nartey

Uk Grime artist JME has surpassed himself again with this track! The rebirth of Grime is right around the corner with black backdrop super hero JME. With the help of Deeco, The North London CEO has perfected the formula to make a hit. Digital Droupout compliments ‘Over Me’s epic nature, making words and people fly across the screen yet it’s the witty lines and addictive hook that does it for me. The remix with budding producer Silencer enhances the knock your gran over quality, which boost why it can’t be knocked. ‘Over Me’ is out on iTunes NOW! (79p each (20th of October) Words Kevin “Ralph Hardy” Akpobi.

Competition KID CUDI GIVEAWAY!!!

We are giving away a copy of the Kid Cudi Album (Man On The Moon) to every tenth email we receive. Email us with the answer to the below question to win Kid Cudiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newly released album! Q. On which page can you find the listing for the Dizzie Rascal concert? Email your answer to competition@ level7media.co.uk

Kid Cudi

Man On The Moon Words: Mervin Martin

With the massive success of Day And Night, I get chatting to Kid Cudi, real name Scott Mescudi, about acting, Man On The Moon and his relationship with Kanye West. Who has more swag? Kanye Thats honest and whilst where on the issue of honest; what do you honestly think of Asher Roth? Asher is dope, really witty. Hopefully we can have a collobaration in the future. Why is it important for new schoolers like you and Asher Roth to be in the industry? Well the true essence of hip hop started there, it was all about putting on a record catching the rhythm and rapping. If you a true emcee you can do that it’s a real art. Some people will be spitting written stuff and that’s real free styling it’s not witty. I like to spit from the top of the dome so if a mess up people will know it was from the dome. So who do you listen to at the moment? I’m just listening to my album I just can’t get enough of it. My personal favourite track is Pursuit of Happiness.

I see, so will your pursuit of happiness involve pursuing an acting career? Well I have the HBO show. It’s a comedy; the whole show is silly witty humour. Eventually I want to get involved with some movies, drama and a bit of horror. Are there any actors you would like to work with? Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Tom Cruise just a lot of people that I admire as actors, even young actors like Emile Hirsch. Its just important to learn from people you admire; these are just people I admire. I would love to spend a day getting advice on the craft and learn as much about it as possible. I think it will take more than a day Cudi; So, what’s next? I will be doing some tours early next year hopefully a world tour will happen, but I definitely have to hit up the UK. http://www.kidcudi.com/ http://www.myspace.com/kidcudi

Jazmine Sullivan:

Giving You A Jazy Bit Of R&B This Season Words: Dwain Lucktung

Singing sensation Jazmine Sullivan met up with Dwain Lucktung to talk fear, bad press and heartache!

How’s the music game treating you?

Your last album was called ‘Fearless’ – are you?

Ok, who’s your music idol?

The music game is treating me well! So far I have no complaints – it’s definitely challenging and hard at times, but this is what I love to do, so I can’t really complain…

Uhh…I’m scared of a lot of things. I’m scared of everything really…

That’s hard to say…I guess one would be Stevie (Wonder), and Aretha (Franklin) – we’re on first name basis (laughs). But really, anybody who has had a long-lasting career and anyone considered legends – you know, that’s what I want to me.

What are you up to this week/ month? This week I’m promoting my album, the re-release (of ‘Fearless’) here in the UK, trying to get it out to people who didn’t get it the first time. It’s a definitely a project that I think should be part of your collection. I’m doing a couple of shows at the Jazz Café… I hear a lot of heartache, relationship highs and lows in your music? Singing from experience? In all relationships you have your good times and your bad times, so I just thought it was fitting to make an album that was relatable, and I think that’s one of the reasons why people tend to like my music – because they’ve been through it, or know what I’m talking about in some kind of way. Do you have time for a man? I have a boyfriend, he gives me material for other songs (laughs).

Really? Nah that’s a lie (laughs). I named it ‘Fearless’ because in some ways, musically, I’m not afraid to try different things, and put myself out there in that way. But as far as my personal life, there are a lot of things that I’m scared of – like everybody else. What are three core aspects that young black females need to make it big in the music industry? Maybe aspects you have…? Let me see…I think you should be unique, you should be passionate, and…hopefully you’re talented. You don’t really HAVE to be talented, I mean, being passionate will take you a long way – but yeh, those are my three. What UK acts would you most like to collaborate with right now? In the UK? Coldplay. The songs that I’ve heard, I love, so you know, maybe we can do something.

How do you handle hecklers? And bad press? Honestly I don’t get a lot of negative feedback about my work…yet, but if I did get it I don’t think it would bother me that much – people have their own opinion, they can be nasty, just take it and flip it around, some of it can do you good, if you can’t then dispose of it. I’m not one of those who bothers about what others have to say about me…as long as my mummy loves me! Finally, what’s the goal here? Top the charts? A MOBO? To be the first female black President? I want to be known all around the world, respected for my work… and I’d like to be rich (laughs). Fearless is out now. See more of Jazmine Sullivan at www. myspace.com/jazminesullivan

CLUBS Club Night of The Month

Competition

CLUBS: BIG CHILL GIVEAWAY.

We are offering the chance to go to The Big Chill House Party at The Big Chill House. On the 16th October. Email your name and what you like to do to ‘chill out’ to ... and be in with a chance to win free entry (for the winner plus 3 friends) and 4x free cocktails of the month – this months will be: Apple Daiquiri; Santa Teresa Anejo Rum, pressed Apple Juice, freshly squeezed lime juice. Email your answer to competition@level7media. co.uk

Oct The Big Chill House Party at The Big Chill House. Resident DJ’s play Hip-Hop. Disco, Funk and House music. Big Chill House £5 free before 10pm www.bigchill.net/house

1 Oct H Bar

Urban Chic at H Bar. DJ Melody Kane and DJ Mister Fix supply R&B, house, hip hop and reggae. 10pm-2am Free 16 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2FL (01273) 725890 Info: www.h-bar-hove.com

02 30

Oct Boutique at Archangel.

The resident DJs provide soul and house. Archangel 11-13 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5NP 21:00 020 7938 4137

Oct Boogie Box

Boogie Box comes to Bar Rumba, bringing with it an intoxicating cocktail of hip hop, rare grovves, funky,

dancehall, swing and old skool. Location: Bar Rumba, 36 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho W1D 7ER 22:00 - 03:30am £8 (Entry) 020 7287 6933 Info: www.barrumba.co.uk

Ayia Napa Reunion 2009

DJs EZ, Masterstepz, DJ Luck & MC Neat, Cameo and Crazy Cousinz supply Ayia Napa club anthems. Location: London, Indigo 02 Arena 9pm-5am £20:00 Info: www.theo2.co.uk

03 07

Oct B&M Presents at 93 Feet East.

Motown, hip hop, indie, rock’n’roll, ska and funk DJs plus live music. London Feet east 7pm- 4am £5 www.93feeteast.co.uk

Oct Vodka Bar

DJ DQ spins hip hop, R’n’B and Urban flavas 7 New Street Ashford TN24 8TN 8pm-late 01233 628808 Info: www.londonnet.co.uk

Oct Saturdays at Trafik

The resident DJ’s play Classic House and R’n’B music. Trafik night club. 9pm - late £5 free before 9pm www.trafikinfo.co.uk

Annie Mac Presents at KOKO Ms Dynamite, Fake Blood, Skream & Benga, Zinc feat. Katy B and Greenmoney supply hip hop, garage, electro, dubstep and house. 1A Camden High Street, London, NW1 7JE 21:00 www.ticketweb.co.uk

11 Oct - 29 Nov Bubbling Over at Bar Rumba.

R&B, hip hop, ragga, garage, bashment, funky house and bassline from resident DJs Firin’ Squad, Matt White, Brian Norman, DJ Stylez, Pete (BBE), Sharma + Scandal and Crate Raiders. Bar Rumba, 36 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho W1D 7ER Time: 21:00 020 7287 6933 www.barrumba.co.uk

12 Oct

Monday at Sound

R’n’B, Hip Hop and Bashment from DJ Jolly Roger. Sound, Leicester Square 9pm - 3am £5 before 11pm. Free before midnight. www.soundlondon.com

Competition CLUBS GUARANTEED ENTRY AT CARGO’S 16th October’s Free Friday reaches full capacity in a matter of hours. Email us and let us know who your favourite act is on the night and we’ll ensure you have guaranteed entry all night with a guest-list for up to 5 people! Email your answer to competition@ level7media.co.uk

Black History Month 2009 Events Westminster City Council FILM /SEMINAR Tue 6TH October - Westminster Academy 10am-1pm (Young People) Mon 5th October – City Hall 6pm-8pm. (Adults)

WALTER TULL FILM SCREENING

Documentary providing an informative overview of the life of Walter Tull as a footballer and Soldier during World War I. This will be followed by a short seminar discussing the life and experience of black soldiers during the turn of the century. Venue: Westminster Academy, 255 Harrow Road, London W2 6EE & City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London W2 Audience: Children & young people, adults Info: In advance only, call 0207 641 8547 or email amsmith2@westminster.gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk/bhmevents

FILM Thur 15 October

NUBIAN SPIRIT FILM SCREENING

Oct Free Fridays at Cargo. Performances from; O.Children, Subway, Joe & Will Ask, Harry James. Deadly DJs. Cargo, Old Street Cost: Free 0207 739 3440

18 Oct

Roller Disco at Renaissance Rooms Old school roller disco with R&B, Hip-Hip, House, Electro, Soul and Funk. Renaissance Rooms 7pm - 12am£15 Info: www.viewlondon.co.uk

24 Oct

Caribbean Roots Connection. Town Hall, Walter Stranz Square, Redditch B98 8AH 1pm- 5pm Free £7:00 ( includes gospel concert 8pm-12:30am) Age: Over 16

The film follows local filmaker Louis Buckley on his journey looking at the history of Ancient Sudan and the people of Nile Valley. This enchanting documentary looks at Ancient African culture, history and spiritual mythology. Venue: Westminster Academy, 255 Harrow Road, London W2 6EE 10am-12pm Audience: Age 11+, Adults I Info: In advance only, call 0207 641 8547 or email amsmith2@westminster.gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk/bhmevents

WORKSHOP Wed 7th October

FOOTBALL WORKSHOP Paul Canoville, author of Black and Blue and Chelsea’s first black football player discusses his experiences highlighting the history and contribution of BME players in football and promote the health benefits of playing football. The 1 hour seminar will be followed by an opportunity to learn football skills on the pitch. Venue: Westminster Academy, 255 Harrow Road, London W2 6EE, 9am-1pm Audience: 11+, Adults Info: In advance only, call 0207 641 8547 or email amsmith2@westminster.gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk/bhmevents

BHM TRAIL Tue13th & Tue20th October

HISTORICAL BOAT TRIP Cruise along the River Thames with this fascinating boat trip with a glimpse of life during the transatlantic slave trade to present day. Venue: Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH 10am-1pm. Audience: Age 11+, adults Info: Please book in advance, call 0207 641 8547 or email amsmith2@westminster.gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk/bhmevents

Dj Twin B 60 Seconds with...

We catch up with Dj Twin B to fire some quick questions in his direction!!! When did you become a DJ and why?

most important part of being a DJ is?

I became a Dj about 8/9 years ago, simple because I love music!

It’s got to be playing good music.

Other than being a Dj what do you do? I work at a record label. What has always been your first passion?

Do you have a favourite genre of music? Soul music, thats got to be my fave...

People...

Are there any famous people or artists you’ve DJ’d for?

What do you think the

There’s too many to

mention but people are all the same really, famous or not.

Ramage, there’s far too many good Dj’s out there.

How easy is it to become a DJ?

Who would you like to Dj for most in the world?

It’s very very easy the hard part is to become a good one! If not yourself, Who do you think is the best DJ about? My Twin ha ha, (Twin B) Many Norte, Shortie Blitz , Scottie B,

I would have loved to DJ at a Michael Jackson concert, RIP! Oh well - maybe one day his family will holla...

COMEDY 03

Oct IN THE HOUSE

Just like the old saying ‘laughter is medicine’; everyone needs to be happy to stay healthy. This applies to both young and old no matter the colour or ethnic background. This is why this show is being put together especially in this period of economic recession Location: Kensington Great Hall, The Town Hall, W8 7NX Time: 6pm Cost: £20:00 Info: www.lthcomedy.co.uk

Intl Comedy from Upfront

Laughter Fest pt 2

Laughter Fest 2009 will include, 10 Comics from (Hosted By Eddie Nestor & Robbie Gee), Dance troop, A Poet/spoken word performer, A Singer, Live Band, Lupus presentation, A Guest Speaker talking about our society/community of today, Champagne / Cocktail reception & A Free Caribbean buffet, Plus an after party to round off the night. Location: Camden Centre, Euston Road, WC1H 9JE Time; doors open from 7;15pm show starts 8:45pm thereafter & £40 VIP Price: 1st 300 tickets £20, £25 Info: 07960 537 875 administratorlaughterfestlive. com wwwlaughterfestlive.com

The amateur comedy night is welcomed back to The Clubhouse by popular demand with added bonuses! The show was so successful in April (selling out two weeks in advance) that they have been brought back for the people who had not got in or wanted to see the show again. The Club House, Breakspear Road, Ruislip, HA4 7SB Time: 7:30pm Cost: tickets start from £9:50

16 17

October P. Diddy’s NO.1 Bad Boy of Comedy

Animated, energetic, charismatic, and hysterical are just a few words that describe America’s unique, award winning comedy talent Will-E Robo. Billed as P’diddy’s No.1 Bad boy of comedy (the U.S. HBO TV series,) Will is a universal comedian, overflowing with energy, combining his hilarious story-telling abilities with amazing sound effects. With heavyweight UK support from Slim, Kat B, Wayne Dibbi Rollins and the award winning duchess of comedy Glenda Jaxson, this is a show for all lovers of great comedy! Hackney Empire 291 Mare St, London, E8 1EJ Time: 7pm Cost: £22:50 - £25:00 Box Office: 0208-985 24 24 Info: www.hackneyempire.co.uk

Oct Real McCoy Comedy Xplosion

Heartbeat Entertainment the producers of the sell out shows The Kings & Queens of Comedy and The Best of The Best Comedy Xplosion proudly present The Real McCoy Comedy Xplosion!! Starring Felix Dexter, Leo Muhammad, Robbie Gee, Eddie Nestor and Judith Jacob. Also appearing are special guests Mr Cee and the people’s favourite Dibbi. The stars of the very popular ground breaking TV series return for 1 night only! Hackney Emprie, 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ Price: £20, £22 Info: 0208 985 2424

Oct LOL!! Live Comedy at the Jazz Cafe.

After selling out their last 4 shows in Wembley the LOL Variety SHOW is on its way to the Jazz Cafe starting August 16th for their 3rd season. A monthly new exciting variety show which will contain comedy, live music, fashion lines, game shows and a range of exciting performances not forgetting a fantastic After Party. The LOL show has featured some of the biggest names in UK and US comedy such as Richard Blackwood, Kojo, Paul Choudry, Rudi Lickwood as well top US comedians Will E Robo, Nema Williams, Gaylor Johnson and Carlos Hernandez Location: Jazz Cafe, Camden Time: 7pmCost: £10 INFO: allinlondon.co.uk

23 Oct

Laughter 2009- A Grand Stand Up Comedy Night Jay’s Entertainment present Laughter 2009, A Grand Stand Up Comedy Night with the combination of Laughter challenge and Comedy Circus, with a number of fantastic comedians and the finest Bollywood performers live! Comedians on the Night: Rajiv Nigham, Gaurav Sharma, Rahul

Inglay, Ali Asgar, Sangeeta Kopakkar Athena, Queen Street, Leicester, LE1 1QD Time: Doors Open 7:00pm / Show Starts 8:00pm Cost: £17:00 www.chillitickets. com/AsianEvents/ Events/Product/5560/ JAY231009/Laughter2009AGrandStandUpComedy Night.aspx#buytickets

Oct STEPHEN K AMOS (THE FEEL GOOD FACTOR)

Welcome to Stephen K Amos’ third solo stand-up comedy tour of the UK. He’s back with a brand new show for 2009/2010. It’s full to bursting with more fun, warmth, bonhomie and love than ever before. Forget the credit crunch and welcome to The Feelgood Factor! 7.30 or 8:00pm £16:50 www.gloriousmanaggement.com

Upfront, “the most enterprising black comedy promoters in the country” (The Guardian) are back at Rich Mix with two extremely strong and exciting bills of cutting edge international comedy. Kicking off onSat 3 October with belly laughs from Brixton bus driver turned award winning comedian Slim, fresh from selling out Hackney Empire with his debut solo show. This very strong bill includes one of the New York’s major players Kyle Grooms with his witty tales of being a black man with glasses in hip hop obsessed macho America. Maureen Younger is stroppy, white and charming. Host is the Cuban-Jamaican brummie comedian turned Teletubbie John Simmit. Location: 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA Cost: £10, £8 concs

Oct Humili-Asian

EVENTS Event of The Month Every Sunday from 27 September until 13 December;

In The Mix - Sunday FREE JAZZ.

2pm – 5pm Soweto Kinch returns to the Rich Mix bar, taking jazz to the next level with a selection of guest artists and performers including Femi Temowo and Shabaka Hutchings. If you enjoy a bit of freeness and a nice atmosphere where you can unwind then this is going to be a good one for you.

06 Oct

Sparlha Swa 8pm / Bar / £8 in advance; £11 on the door Rich Mix The genre-splitting vocals and lyricallypotent song writing of rising artist Sparlha Swa offers us an alternative music that is truly honest and evocatively so; sparse, powerful and to the point. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, the artist pulls her inspiration from around the globe with mentors like Sade, Astrud Gilberto, Miriam Makeba and Ravi Shankar.

07 OCT

An Audience With Hardeep Singh Kohli Location: Pentland Theatre A man, his stomach, a book and a desire to find out where home is. Pitch your questions to the BAFTA-winning broadcaster and grab your personalised copy of Hardeep’s book Indian Takeaway, at a post-show book singing. Time: 8pm Cost: £12 (£10 conc) Info: artsdepot.pmailuk.com

10 OCT

An Audience with Sir Trevor McDonald Britain’s most popular newscaster will presents an insightful evening of anecdotes and reminiscences from his

EVENTS long, illustrious career. Sir Trevor reveals the stories behind the news including his interviews with Nelson Mandela, Tony Blair, Saddam Hussein and American Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton. Location: Pentland Theatre Time: 8pm Cost: £16 Info: artsdepot.pmailuk.com

14 -19 Oct

The Times BFI 52nd London Film Festival

Every Thursday 7:00pm £7 per class If you want a chance to learn authentic African dance then this is the class for you. Live drumming will be played whilst you’re being taught how to strut-your-stuff, be prepared for the next carnival and impress a friend or two. Its cheap, its cheerful and its healthy. Who need the gym when you can have a good old dance? www.london.eventguide.com/ events

Black History Month 2009 ALL EVENTS ARE

FREE

15 October at Hendon Library The Burroughs, NW4 4BQ

22 Oct

Peanut Butter Wolf Presents 45 Live: A Classic Rap Mix Live set from the Peanut Butter Wolf’s as they settle down at The Jazz Cafe to present a classical Rap mix. Location: The Jazz Cafe, Parkway (Camden Tube) Time: 7pm Cost: £12 Info: fivedayweekend.co.uk

22 Oct

Dizzie Rascal Show Dizzee Rascal tickets will enable his London fans to see him up on stage once again as he brings his inimitable stage presence to the Brixton Academy. Location: 02 Academy, Brixton Time: 7pm Cost: £19:50 Info: www.viewlondon.co.uk/ whatson/dizzee-rascal-ticketsarticle-8411.html

Farsaphone invite you to: Learn about Persian calligraphy and musical instruments, and to try them out 2 – 4 in the Childrens Library

The Times showcase the best of the most recent films from around the world. The films include Quantum of Solace, Eldorado and Railroad Crossing, in which a young man tried to figure out what to do with his life post-university. This is the BFI’s 52nd successfully running film festival and has been known to draw in audience from all around London. The only problem you’ll be faced with is the daunting hassle of choosing the right film. Whether you’re with your friend, partner or family you’re sure to find something here to suit you!

African Dance Class Red Onion Dance Studios (London)

Visit the display of Iranian Art and Culture (learn about the Festival of Mehregan) 5 – 7:30 in the Café Area

21 October at South Friern Barnet Library Colney Hatch Lane, N10 1ND

“Binal Trivedy’s Dance Group” – a display of Traditional and Modern Indian Dance, with a Workshop 5 – 5:45 in the Main Library Traditional Mask-Making Workshop 5:45 – 6:30 in the Main Library

28 October at Hendon Library The Burroughs, NW4 4BQ

Quiz Evening “Around the World In 80 Minutes” 6 – 7:30 in the Café Area

Throughout October Library displays Themed Storytimes and Rhymetimes Themed Reading Groups (Adult, Childrens and Teenage) Contact your local library for further details, see www.barnet.gov.uk/libraries or telephone 0208 359 7774

Black History Month

Master Shortie (Artist) I have 2 favourites as my Black History Month Idols. Michael Franti who is just a hero of mine -I love his music and appreciate him as a man who sticks by what he believes in. My second is Bob Marley is a clear hero of mine too his vibes were always positive and he also brought people together in a massive way-he united his country for a brief time with a single action and united us all thru song- he was incredible-I love his quote” I dont have prejudice against myself” because his family had roots in both Britain and Jamaica.

Eddie Kadi (Comedian)

“Being in this position within the industry has allowed me to truly appreciate what those before did in order for me to get here. Comedians such as the late Richard Prior, Bernie Mac and Eddie Murphy worked tirelessly on their craft and have gone down in the history books for paving the way for younger comedians like myself. All of their work in the face of adversity will in turn allow me to go into the history books and hopefully encourage and influence the people from my homeland in the Congo to follow their dreams.”

JME (Artist)

My Black History Month idols are Tinchy Stryder, Wiley and Dizzee Rascal. They are people I can in my heart say that I aspire to reach goals they have reached. Not to copy/emulate or be like them, but they make me think I can work hard and achieve goals. I respect all the people that have changed black history, the Martin Luthers the Malcom ex’ the Obamas But the history that I can actually relate to, is the success of people like me, and todays news is tomorrows history. Long live Grime music.

h Quotes

YolanDa Brown (Saxophonist)

“Black History Month is a time to reflect on ones history, assess the present and plan for the future. Although this is a continuous process it is great to have this month to share knowledge and understanding with others. There are so many accomplishments across all industries to be inspired by, this year I am celebrating Actor Rudolph Walker OBE, Caribbean Jazz Musicians Sonny Bradshaw and Russ Henderson MBE and Jamaican Jazz Singer Myrna Hague because of their amazing career journeys through the history of entertainment and being pioneers in their respective professions.” - YolanDa Brown (Saxophonist)

Bashy (Artist)

I think it’s so important that we take time out to recognise those who stood before us there so often over looked by the masses.I mean with out them we wouldn’t be here ourselves. Black History isn’t taught in all Schools so its even more key that the kids get to learn and be proud of the people that made there lives easier today.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH 09 FREE events celebrating black heritage in Newham. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. For information on all events visit www.newham.gov.uk or call 020 8430 2000.

EVENTS I Cover the Waterfront: The Spirit of Billie Holiday

A play by Troy Andrew Fairclough / Produced by Tramfare Productions Mon 12 - Wed 14 October / 8pm / Venue 1 / £10, £8 concs I Cover the Waterfront is a one woman show accompanied by live music. Stage and TV actress Nina Kristofferson and jazz trio Three Dimensional give you the life and music of jazz legend Billie Holiday. Tramfare’s production will leave you feeling entertained, informed and grateful for the legacy of those who came before.

25-14 Oct BFI Southbank The Godfather

The Godfather looks into the life of the New York Mafia’s involvement in Power, Loyalty, Crime and betrayal. The Godfather has been a hit since 1971 and will continue to score highly in the best-ever film polls. If you haven’t already seen this and you like a bit of badness, some blood and gore and a tad of romance then get down to Southbank, although if you haven’t seen it, where on earth on this planet have you been?

31 Oct

Education / Workshops For Families Grand Union Music Workshop Richmix 3pm – 4.30pm / Venue 2 / £3.50 per child / accompanying adults admitted FREE / £6 per child for concert & workshop This music workshop will be entirely participatory and full of movement, including rhythm games as well as voice and percussion exercises from Africa and Latin America. You don’t need musical experience, just lots of enthusiasm. The workshop is suitable for children aged seven and above and will be led by the highly experienced and extraordinary musicians from Grand Union. Children are welcome to bring their own musical instrument but percussion instruments will also be provided. The workshop is preceded by a concert performned by Grand Union musicians – see below in Theatre and Music section for more details.

12 Dec Music Lowkey RICHMIX

8pm / Bar / £13 / £9 advanced Lowkey is an award-winning rapper, poet, playwright and political activist. Having gained huge acclaim from the hip hop press he has gone on to impress critics on Radio 4 and challenge mainstream stereotypes of hip hop artists. This will be his only headline show in London in December. One of the best lyricists in the Western Hemisphere’ Benjamin Zephaniah ‘Amazing...so good I was nearly crying.’ - Ms Dynamite

2 for 1 ticket offer for all

readers

ASIAN EVENTS Kismet play at Watermans Theatre

01-03 OCT

Kismet is a play that is set to tour around the UK and Iran. It deals with issues of identity, love, power and heritage, but refreshingly, is said to tackle these often exhausted issues in a new and insightful way.Its often too easy to be able to predict the kind of play that an Asian aidiece will be faced with, but definitely worth checking out to see just how differetn Kismet is going to be. Watermans Theatre, 40 High Street , Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 0DS 7:45pm Info: www.asiansinmedia.org/ events

The Black Album

The last days of The Black Album at the National Theatre! Hanif Kureishi’ stage adaptation of his bestselling novel, ‘The Black Album’ tells of a Asian kid from Kent’s journey from a college in London to a radical Muslim circle in the 80s. Definitely worth seeing before it ends, be prepared for gritty drama with an amazing performamce from the National Theatre. http://www. nationaltheatre.org.uk

Oct Beat of The City at Bombay Dreams

The first Bombay Dreams of the month according to the promoters, is for the ‘Glamour people only’ so if you fall in to this category, get down to Wembley for some Bollywood, RnB, Club Classics and of course as always, cheesy Main Stream.. licensed until 5am, good luck stayig glamourous til then! Bombay Dreams Club Sevenex Parade, 2 - 3 London Road, Wembley, HA9 7HQ 9:00pm - 5:00am, £10 on the door. Dress Code: No Sportswear / Caps / Trainers

Asian Art in London

A chance to go down and see the most interesting Asian art pieces being showcased at the Victoria and Albert Museim from art across Asia. The events on show include gallery tours, talks, auctions, and late nnigght viewings introducing topics such as Indian miniature ainting, Chinese art and design, and images in stone and bronze. Clore Education Centre, British Museum Tickets: £28, Concessions £18; Full-time students £10 Tel: 020 7323 8181 boxoffice@britishmuseum.org Info: www.britishmuseum.org

Oct Speed Dating at Sound The dating big takes over Leicester Square nightclub ‘Sound’ this month, welcoming all prospective lovers to a speed dating event for Asians who may be looking for that special someone...or maybe just a bit of fun. Rules are simple, enjoy, eat, and after the bell rings after 3 minutes, move on! Sound London, 1 Leicester Square London WC2H 7NA Time:7pm-9.30pm, Cost: £21.95

04 Oct

Diwali in the Square

29 Oct - 07 Nov

It’s time for the festival of lights once again, as Diwali in the Square gives Londoners a chance to come together and celebrate at a free concert with backing from the Mayor’s office. Contemporary and traditional dances including the energetic Garba and Dandia are traditionally performed to celebrate Diwali and people of all faiths are welcome at this celebration of the victory of light over darkness. All are welcome, come celebrate!! Trafalgar Square, Free, 4pm-8pm

10 Oct - 17 Jan

Maharaja: The Splendour of India’s Royal Courts

Head down to the opening of a new exhibition at the Victoria and Album museum and up your historical/cultural game as they are showcasing the best of the royak life in Colpnial India. Will include thrones, crowns and jewels aplenty, go down and enjoy all the deligts of India’s past! Or even just to see some diamonds. V&A South Kensington Cromwell Road London SW7 2RL £11 Adults, £9 Seniors, £6 Students, 12-17 yrs Info: www.vam.ac.uk

Oct Halloween Themed Ball According to the organisers, the night is set to be ‘Gory Glory’ while also catering for the most glamorous among you. If you’re into all things theme, dig out something in your wardrobe to fit the style of the Beautiful and the Damned, and head down to Prism for the best of Halloween DJs playing ghoulish classics until the early hours. 147 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3V 4QT, 9:00pm - 3:00am, Dress Code: Glamorous, Fashionable and Halloween Themed!

w w w . h e n n a m e h n d i . c o . u k

NEW ADDITIONS

AMAZING SPECIAL OFFERS

CASUAL SEMI FORMAL EXCLUSIVE 07 Oct

Javed Akhtar The Poetry of Bollywood

Javed Akhtar is one of India’s great lyricists and screenwriters. He joins Artists in Residence Lemn Sissay and Gauri Tripathi to celebrate the poetry of Bollywood and its cultural journey to the UK. The event begins with a dance piece based on Lemn Sissay’s poem ‘Architecture’, before opening out into a discussion with Javed Akhtar and UK based artists on the poetry of Bollywood, where thye audience can get involved asking questions about and debationg the beauty of poetic Bollywood. The South Bank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London, SE1 8XX 7.45pm Cost: £10 020 79210823 Info: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

BRIDAL HennaMehndi Ltd

306 - 308 Green Street London HennaMehndi Ltd E13 9AP 306 - 308 Green Street, London E13 9AP T: 0871 873 3229 E: info@HennaMehndi.co.uk

214 Green Street, Forest Gate, London E7 8LE Tel: 020 8548 1236 Fax: 020 8548 1536 Email: classicgoldltd@yahoo.co.uk

21 22

OCT Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company (UK)

The Southbank pays homage to some of the most excting Asian dance collectives in the world, as the Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company spend 2 days at the venue. Noted for their merging of contemporary western and classic Indian styles, the dance company have received rave reviews, so go give them 5 stars of your own. Southbank Centre, Price: £25, 7.45pm. Info: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

• Wedding Jewellery with a touch of class • We repair and manufacture any kind of item • Hand Crafted designs

THEATRE Play of the month 30

October CHICAGO

Michelle Williams makes her London stage debut as Roxie Hart in CHICAGO from MONDAY 13 JULY “The story of chorus girl Roxie who kills her lover; Velma Kelly, the glamorous double-murderer and Billy Flynn, the slick and manipulative lawyer keeping them from death row while promising to make them stars, It provides some of the most sensational roles in all musical theatre. Be razzled and dazzled by Chicago: a true Broadway and West End classic”. Time : 8pm ( time may vary per date) Cambridge Theatre Earlham Street, London, WC2 9HU Info: www.theatretickets.co.uk Info: www.londontheatre.co.uk Info: ondontheatredirect.com/asp/Chicago.htm

29 sep- 24 oct High life

07 31

Oct “12:30am”

Cutting edge play ‘12.30am’ written by Darren Raymond our Artistic Director. Part of Black History Month. Synopsis: The time: 12.20am. The location: a 10th

floor council flat in South London. Anja, estranged from the father of her children anxiously awaits the return of her youngest son on his sixteenth birthday…his curfew is 12.30am Travel minute-by-minute; experience a mother’s agony and discover unforeseen revelations in this poignant family drama 12.30am Time lost can never be found Core values explored, family units, role models, drugs and influences over our children today. A powerful performance from our professional cast. Cast: Blanch Williams - Mrs Gregory Mensah Bediako - Lewis Mullins Jordan Pitt- Junior Mullins Fabian Spencer- Lincoln Cambell Robyn Kerr- Anya Mullins Not to be missed! Location: St Saviours Church, Walton Place, SW3 1SA Cost: £12- £10 Concessions Booking Office: 0207 823 89 79 Info: www.intermissiontheatre.co.uk

A powerful new play about teenage suicide and family bereavement. Two Nigerian families bound together by grief. One devastating secret set to tear them apart. Reunited in grief, a wealth of secret motives, jealousy and insecurities are exposed. A mother’s loss turns into obsession. Time: 7:45pm Cost: £12:00 Location: Oval House Theatre, 52-54 Kennington Oval, SE11 5SW Info: www.ovalhouse.com

20 Oct -07 Nov

Frida Kahlo Viva La Vida

A look into the life of Frida Kahlo based on her personal and private diary entries. If you’re interested in art or even just want to watch a theatre production that is bursting with colour, vibrance and energy, this is for you. Intimacy and the secret life of Latin America’s

THEATRE most famous painter. See how a woman can transform the struggles of her life into something most extraordinary. Location: Oval House Theatre Cost: £12 (concessions £6) Time: 8.00pm Info: www.ovalhouse.com

24 Oct

Black History Month

Box Office: 020 7613 7498 Struggles for Black Community featuring Colin Prescod Rich Mix welcomes Colin Prescod, Chair of the Institute of Race Relations as he presents two seminal documentaries that focus on an aspect of contemporary black history. The screenings will be followed by a Q&A led by Colin Prescod on issues raised in the film. 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA Sat 24 Oct / 4pm / Screen 2 / £8 / £6 concs Info: www.richmix.org.uk

Not Black & White: Seize The Day by Kwame Kwei Armah.

Not Black and White Three Black playwrights look at the state of Britain at the end of the first decade of the 21st century Category B by Roy Williams Seize the Day by Kwame Kwei-Armah Detaining Justice by Bola Agbaje. Kwame Kwei-Armah’s play LET THERE BE LOVE was a huge hit at the Tricycle last year, playing for two runs in February and August. His three plays ELMINA’S KITCHEN, FIX UP and STATEMENT OF REGRET were all produced at the National Theatre, and ELMINA’S KITCHEN later transferred to the West End. Location: Tricycle Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 7JR Time: 8pm Cost: £10 - £20 Box office: 020 7328 1000 Info: www.tricycle.co.uk

GREENWICH COUNCIL Black History Month has been celebrated across the UK every October for over 30 years. It is a time when we highlight and celebrate the achievements of the black community and uncover hidden history about our communities.

When?

This highlights of this year’s programme of events includes:

Lemn Sissay, the Southbank Centre’s Artist in Residence, is just one of the stars lighting up this year’s Literary Nightclub. Refreshments provided. Free but booking essential.

Exhibition (free entry)

An exhibition marking the 10th anniversary of the Macpherson Report. Includes an artist-led workshop on 3 October from 11am – 2.30pm aimed at 15 – 18 year olds.

Where?

The Stephen Lawrence Gallery The University of Greenwich Old Royal Naval College Greenwich SE10 9LS

When?

Thursday 17 September to Thursday 15 October 10am – 5pm, Monday – Friday 11am – 4pm, Saturday (extended viewing from 5pm – 7pm on 3 October). Contact: 020 8331 8260

Black History Talk (free entry) A talk by the Heritage Centre’s Education Officer, Frances Ward, on the history of the black community in Greenwich. Illustrated with images from the Heritage Centre’s collections. For 16yrs+.

Where?

Greenwich Heritage Centre Artillery Square Royal Arsenal Woolwich, SE18 6SP

When?

Saturday 3 October 2pm – 4pm Contact: 020 8854 2452

Meet John Deman (free entry) Meet John Deman, a black Greenwich pensioner who left his West Indies home to join Admiral Lord Nelson’s fleet. Hear about his life at sea as a young boy and in the Royal Hospital for Seamen as a pensioner. For 7+ years

Where?

The Painted Hall Old Royal Naval College Greenwich SE10 9NN

Saturday 3 October and Sunday 18 October 12pm, 1pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm Contact: 020 8269 4799 Old Royal Naval College website

Literary Nightclub (free, booking required)

Where?

22 Oct- 17 Dec

Black History Month 2009 Events

Greenwich Heritage Centre Artillery Square Royal Arsenal Woolwich, SE18 6SP

When?

Saturday 10 October 7pm – 10pm Contact: 020 8854 2452

Lemn Sissay website

Call Mr Robeson A journey through the remarkable life of Paul Robeson, highlighting his radical activism and featuring speeches and songs including a rendition of Ol’ Man River. For 12yrs+

Where?

Greenwich Theatre Crooms Hill Greenwich SE10 8ES

When?

Friday 30 October 7.30pm £12.50 (£10 concessions) Book tickets on the Greenwich Theatre website Contact: 020 8858 7755

Fairtrade Fashion Show (free entry)

‘Rhythms of London’ - a Fairtrade fashion show with dance performances, designs by local fashion students and a 10-minute musical.

Where?

Greenwich Heritage Centre, Artillery Square, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, SE18 6SP

When?

Friday 30 October 7pm – 8pm Contact: 020 8854 2452

THEATRE 28

Oct Call Mr Robeson

In the year of Obama, we are proud to present the true and compelling story of another remarkable black American Paul Robeson, world famous actor and singer of the early 20th Century. When he challenged prejudice at the core of the United States of America, he was branded a traitor to his country, harassed, and denied opportunities to perform or travel. Featuring his most powerful songs including a dramatic rendition of Ol’ Man River, the show takes you on a roller coaster journey through Robeson’s remarkable and eventful life. Location: Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1 Time: 8pm Price: £12.50 / £10 Ages: 16+ Info: 020 8279 1001 Info: www.stratford-circus.com

08 Oct-19 Dec

Not Black & White: Detaining Justice by Roy Williams.

Not Black and White Three Black playwrights look at the state of Britain at the end of the first decade of the 21st century Category B by Roy Williams Seize the Day by Kwame Kwei-Armah Detaining Justice by “No one wants to go to a Cat B prison, no-one wants to come here, prisoners and screws alike.” Saul runs a tip-top wing - the screws love him for it, especially Angela. Prisoners follow his rules, and it’s all gravy. But Saul’s number two position is vacant, new inmates are flooding in, so everyone’s feeling the heat. Errol could fill the gap, but he’s up for parole in 6 weeks, and new kid Rio’s rocking the boat. No-one wants to go to Cat B, but the world on the outside is a different story. Time: 8pm Cost: £10 - £20 Location: Tricycle Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 7JR Box office: 020 7328 1000 Info: www.tricycle.co.uk

20 28

Oct Zambezi Express

ZAMBEZI EXPRESS is a musical, but not as we know it. Pounding, multilayered African beats and powerful acapella vocals, a wildly dynamic, 30-strong company which throws heart and soul into a dizzyingly high energy succession of jumping, jiving, acrobatic dance numbers to illuminate Zilli’s amazing narrative. As Zilli battles against the dangers of the big city, and seeks to carve out a future as a football star, he becomes embroiled in a desperate ancestral fight. Its 90 minutes of edge-of-the-seat action from kick off to final whistle, which reaches a triumphant resolution with only seconds to spare. Location: 291 Mare St, London, E8 1EJ Time: 7:30, or 2.30pm Cost: See info Box Office: 0208 985 2424 Info: www.hackneyempire.co.uk

HEALTH & SPORT 11

Oct Hyde Park Half Marathon

Oct Cycle Show London

Kids bikes, commuter bikes, touring bikes, BMX and stunt bikes, and even electrically assisted bikes will all be on show at Earls Court, and if you want to see the bicycles in action, you can do just that with the Mountain Bike Test Track and the Commuter Test Track. Earls Court 10am - 6om Sat/ 10am - 5pm Sun £5:75 -£11:50 www.viewlondon.co.uk

This half marathon usually includes hundreds of runners is Londons beautiful Hyde Park. This will be to raise money on behalf of Asthma Uk, the Blue Cross, National Deaf Childrens Society. Right to Play and UNICEF. Hyde Park 8am - 4pm Free www.viewlondon.co.uk

Oct Patriots Vs Buccaneers

20 May - 21 Oct

13 18

Oct World Gymnastics Championships

Fight Club at Frame

With high impact exercise, the Fight Club at Frame fitness classes will give you a full 45 minute body workout for your money. The series of punches and jumps to music are led by a professional boxer, and are great for building stamina, working up a sweat, and relieving stress. 7:15am £10 www.viewlondon.co.uk

World Gymnastics Championships tickets are now available. The championships will give a indicator of how we’ll fare when the Olympics come to London in 2012. 02 Arena, London 10am, 2;30, 6:30pm £10-£60 0844 847 1707

20 21

Oct Spandau Ballet Spandau Ballet were a global phenomenon, enjoying success in the States, Europe, Australia and everywhere else, and with their popularity remaining considerable, expect Spandau Ballet tickets to be in steep demand even before they’re released. 02 Arena, London 6:30pm £37-60 www.viewlondon.co.uk

26 Oct- 01 Nov

Alexandra Palace Ice Rink

As well as the free ice skating sessions for children, the Halloween at Alexandra Palace Ice Rink special events also include a themed Thrills on Ice disco from 8.30pm - 11pm on Friday 30th October and Saturday 31st October. Wrap up warm and prepare for some seasonal fun in the run up to the Christmas ice skating season at Alexandra Palace Ice Rink. Alexandra Place, £7-8 0208 365 4386

The Patriots v Buccaneers game will see two of NFL’s biggest teams preparing to lock horns at Wembley Stadium, as they go all out to take the bragging rights back to the USA. Wembley Stadium 0844 847 1707

COMMUNITY 10

Oct Black to the Future

Black to the Future is a one-day event for students and families of African-Caribbean heritage. It will feature inspirational speakers from London’s AfricanCaribbean community, motivational sessions for students and practical tips for parents. Black to the Future aims to inspire students from across London to aim higher, think bigger and make informed decisions about what to do with their futures. Taking place during Black History Month, the event offers an opportunity to explore different aspects of black British history and to look back at how the AfricanCaribbean community has shaped Britain. Cost: Free Time: 10am Info: www.black-to-the-future.co.uk

01 Oct - 29 Nov 28

Witness 1,500 years of influential Black Londoners at Sutton House this autumn.

Music, costumes, pictures and rigorous historical research help create a picture of some of London’s and Black History’s key characters. Visitors to Sutton House, the 500 year old mansion in Hackney, can experience the lives of eight significant black women and men in this inspiring environment. The trail is suitable for all ages and includes music by Samuel Coleridge Taylor and recordings of actors playing parts of Mary Seacole and Oluadah Equiano. There’s even a trail especially for children. Location: Sutton House. Cost: £2.90 adults, 90p children. Info: www.qype.co.uk

14 Oct

Steve Smith – British Black Gospel: The Foundations of This Vibrant UK Sound

Gospel music in Britain today is a rapidly emerging genre and its effect and influence on other areas of the record industry cannot be underestimated. Steve traces the roots of modern black gospel from 19th Century black pioneers to the contemporary sound of the London Community Gospel Choir. He tells his story with a wealth of anecdotes and photos. Come along and hear Steve talking about his book and what inspired him to write about Black British Gospel. Location : South Lambeth Library, SW8 1QP Cost: Free Time: 7.30pm Info: www.lambeth.gov.uk/ Services/LeisureCulture/Libraries/ BlackHistoryMonth.htm

Oct Music and Full of Life

Come and discuss the controversial music of your youth or bring an instrument and help create a new tune. Development Trust, 62-64 Windmill Road, Croydon Cost:Free Time: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM Email: jenny.gunston@ croydon,gov.uk Tel: 02087605707 Info: www.fulloflife.direct.gov. uk/events-london.html

Croydon African Caribbean Family Organisation - open day Open day art and craft exhibition, with craft market, comedy and dance. CACFO, 40 Northwood Road, Thornton Heath 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

COMMUNITY Black History Month 2009 Waltham Forest Libraries Sunday 4 October

Vestry house Museum 2pm-4pm

October 10th Anniversary of the Caine Prize for African writing with Brian Chikwava

Tuesday 6 October Leytonstone Library 6.30pm-8pm

African Heartbeat with Soulforce Panthers. Come and experience the African heartbeat – the drum. A vibrant performance by a group of young accomplished drummers including the opportunity to learn for yourself.

Tuesday 6 October

Walthamstow Library 6.30pm-7.30pm

Documentary and question and answer session about the lifestyle of slave owning planters in Jamaica during the 17th and 18th Century. Antiques discovered on the island provide clues to their riches. Produced and presented by Barbara Kelly. For adults and children aged 14 and over, younger children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Thursday 8 October St. John’s Church 8pm-9.30pm

Oct Front room tales

Author and filmmaker Michael McMillan’s new book was inspired by acclaimed BBC documentary Tales from the Front Room, about the importance of the traditional living room in West Indian culture. Michael will show the film, followed by a question and answer session with book signing and refreshments. Peckham Library, SE15. Time: 6pm - 8pm Info: www.geffrye-museum. org.uk

Come and meet The Rev. Femi Cole-Njie. She will be speaking about her life and ministry. She was the first woman minister appointed from the Methodist Church in Gambia, and now plays a leading role in the Methodist Church in Waltham Forest. She is an inspiration to all who know her and one of the black heroes. St. John’s Church Church Lane Leytonstone E11 1HH Refreshments served at 7.15pm. A Leytonstone Historical Society event.

Friday 9 October

Walthamstow Library 6.30pm-8pm

Come and meet Contance Briscoe, author of ‘Ugly’ and ‘Beyond Ugly’ and one of the first black women to sit as a judge in the UK.

2009 marks the 10th anniversary of the leading literary prize for African fiction – the Caine prize. This prestigious prize has been a springboard for success for many authors. In 2004 Zimbabwean Brian Chikwava won the prize and has subsequently published the acclaimed Harare North, an arresting account of London as it is experienced by the Africa’s dispossessed. This year also sees the publication of an Anthology of writing from the Caine Prize and from the African winners of the Booker Prize. Join Brian Chikwava, and friends to discuss African writing today – a new generation emerges. Location: Brixton Libaray, SW2 1JQ Cost: Free Time: 7pm 0207 926 1075 Info: blackhistorymonth@lambeth.gov.uk

The life and times of E.M. Noble, a Jamaican Airman who served in the British armed forces during WW2. A question and answers session with the film maker Patrick Vernon will be held afterwards. Places to be booked in advance, contact 020 8496 4391 or email vhm.enquires@walthamforest.gov.uk

SCREEN 11

Oct Soleil O (15)

Using a series of images and sketches describing the illusions and miseries of migrant workers, this highly controversial film explores issues of alienation, migration and assimilation as black Africans arrive in France in search of a better life. Cast: Yane Barry, Bernard Bresson. Duration 98mins Time: 4pm Cost: £6 Location: Rich Mix, London, E1 6LA Info: www.richmix.org.uk/ film_migrationfilms.htm

Oct Deen Tight

Deen Tight takes us on a controversial and very emotional journey through the lives of several Muslim hip hop artists as they search deep within their hearts to find a balance between their faith, culture and identity as Western Muslims. Music, considered taboo practice for many traditional Muslims, has also become one of the most prominent methods for Muslims living in the West to share their faith with the world. We take you on a journey from California, Atlanta, New York, the UK, Morocco and Abu Dhabi with our artists as they deal with their own internal conflict as well as external pressures and criticism in search of the answer to a very pressing question: Hip Hop: Is it faith or folly? Location: Rich Mix, London, E1 6LA Info: richmix.org.uk/film_deentight.htm - 020 7613 7498

Oct The John Akii-Bua Story: An African Tragedy

At the Munich Olympics of 1972, John Akii-Bua became the first African to win gold in an event under 800 metres. This is the story about that amazing triumph - and what happened next. John Akii Bua returned to Uganda carving the name of its military ‘President’ Idi Amin into genocidal notoriety. Duration 90mins Time: 7.30pm Cost: £8 Location: Rich Mix, London, E1 6LA Info: richmix.org.uk/film_tigerlilydocs.htm

SCREEN

Black History Month2009 Enfield Council Wednesday 30th September

03 Oct

What’s Your Raashee?

Thursday 1st October

10.00am - 1.00pm Enfield Caribbean Association Event Part of Black History Month Edmonton Baptist Church, The Green, Monmouth Road, Edmonton, N9 0LS Contact Ken Allen 020 8373 6352

Thursday 1st October to Friday 2nd October

Office opening hours Exhibition on the History of Black Footballers 1900 to the present Part of Black History Month Enfield Homes, Edmonton Centre, 36-44 South Mall, Edmonton, N9 0TN Contact Lorna Brown 020 8375 8191

Tuesday 6th October

8.00pm Heart of Darkness - Tavaziva Dance Company Part of Black History Month Millfield Arts Centre, Silver Street, Edmonton, N18 1PJ Contact Claire Watts 020 8887 7313 claire.watts@enfield.gov.uk

Wednesday 7th October

30 Oct

Michael Jackson’s This Is It

“This Is It,” features Michael Jackson in his final days rehearsing for a series of comeback concerts in London, shortly before his untimely death. The movie will be drawn from hundreds of hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage. Jackson was staging his rehearsals at Staples Center and The Forum. The film will also offer select sequences in 3D and will also have a career retrospective and interviews with some of Jackson’s closest friends and collaborators. Location: West End’s Odeon’s. Info: www.odeon.co.uk

10.00am - 11.45am Our History - Everal A Walsh Performance Artist Part of Black History Month Palmers Green Library, Broomfield Lane, Palmers Green, N13 4EY Contact Sumita Choudhury 020 8379 2693 sumita.choudhury@ enfield.gov.uk

Wednesday 7th October

2.00pm - 8.00pm Keeping it Positive - Free taster sessions and talks on cultural traditions of singing, dance, drumming, movement and alternative

therapies to promote health and wellbeing. Part of Black History Month Gallery Fore, 107 Fore Street, Edmonton, N18 2XF Martine Drake 020 8887 1494

Thursday 8th October

11.00am - 1.30pm Caribbean Recipe Slot Part of Black History Month Fore Street Library, 109-111 Fore Street, Edmonton, N18 2XF Contact Sumita Choudhury 020 8379 2693 sumita.choudhury@ enfield.gov.uk

Based on a Gujrati novel, Kimball Ravenswood by Shri Madhu Rye, ‘What’s Your Raashee?’ follows the fortunes of Yogesh Patel, a young man who dreams of finding love and marriage. However, fulfilling his dreams suddenly becomes a matter of urgency, when he is given just ten days to find the love of his life in order to save his family from ruin. With not a moment to lose, Yogesh decides to meet a girl from every one of the twelve sun signs (Raashee), but will his plan help him to find the perfect match? Time: 23:00 Location: Greenwich Odeon Info: www.odeon.co.uk

6.30pm - 8.30pm Making a Difference - Black History Month Launch Event Conference Room Enfield Civic Centre, Silver Street, Enfield, EN1 Contact Martin Garnar 020 8379 3113 - martin.garnar@enfield. gov.uk

Wednesday 14th October

3.30pm - 5.00pm Irie Dance Theatre Part of Black History Month Ordnance Road Library, 645 Hertford Road, Enfield EN3 6ND Contact Sumita Choudhury 020 8379 2693 sumita.choudhury@ enfield.gov.uk

Thursday 15th October

10.30am - 11.30am Ifeoma Onyefulu - Children’s Author and Novelist Gives Talk Part of Black History Month Southgate Library, High Street, Southgate, N14 6BP Contact Sumita Choudhury 020 8379 2693 sumita.choudhury@ enfield.gov.uk

Thursday 15th October

1.30pm - 2.30pm Ifeoma Onyefulu - Children’s Author and Novelist Gives Talk Part of Black History Month Edmonton Green Library, 36-44 South Mall, Edmonton, N9 0TN Contact Sumita Choudhury 020 8379 2693 sumita.choudhury@ enfield.gov.uk

Saturday 17th October

5.00pm - 9.00pm Enfield Caribbean Association History Origin’s and Family Event Displays, drama and dance Part of Black History Month Trinity Bowes Methodist Church, Palmerston Road, London, N22 8RA Contact 020 8373 6352

GALLERY 27 - 31 Oct

01 15

Oct Pather Panchali (Song of the Little Road) (1955)

Citizens Gallery Art Exhibition - Greenwich Young Peoples Council

Cert U/115 minutes Introduction by author Andrew Robinson, friend and biographer of director Satyajit Ray. Includes beer and food generously supplied by Ganapati, South Indian Kitchen, Peckham Free raffle prize - Ganapati’s recipe cards Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, Dulwich, London, SE21 7AD. Info: 020 8299 8750

Building on the success of last year’s art exhibition, young people in Greenwich will be running another art competition to celebrate Black History Month. All the entries will be on display during the October half term week. Citizens Gallery opening times, free Info: 020 8921 4764.

01 15 Oct

Milestone

An exhibition marking the 10 anniversary of the Macpherson Report. The Stephen Lawrence Gallery, 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, free, Info: 020 8331 8260

Oct Reaping Rewards: Black History Month special event Storytelling for Adults and Families, inspired by Gossaert’s The Adoration of the King. Join artist and storyteller Diana Olutunmogun as she explores the hidden voices of characters in this painting, encouraging imaginative responses and discussion. The National Gallery, Room 14, 1pm - 135pm, free, Info: 020 7747 2488.

Book Launch

LIFE ACCORDING TO MAAS ROY LIFE ACCORDING TO MAAS ROY

BY YVONNE ARCHER & STANLEY ROY ARCHER Available at

Waterstones, Islington Green,

London N1 2XH Tel: 020 7527 8293

01 - 31 Oct

The Black history show

A group show featuring Marie Smith, The Little Artists, Gretta Sarfaty Marchant and Harry Pye. Cedar Lewisohn who is the curator of the Tate Modern’s Urban Art show is producing text for the show. The exhibition

Oct Devotional

Celebrating Black female singers in British entertainment, this unique display is the latest development in the ‘Devotional Series’, a body of work by the artist Sonia Boyce National Portrait Gallery Room 37a. Free, London until 25 November 2007 Info: www.npg.org.uk

28 Oct

Strength in Adversity: Black History Month special event

Storytelling for Adults and Families, inspired by Degas’s Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando. Join artist and storyteller Diana Olutunmogun as she explores the hidden voices of characters in this painting, encouraging imaginative responses and discussion. This session begins with a short talk given by a National Gallery lecturer, introducing the painting’s original context, time and place. The National Gallery, Room 46, 1pm - 135pm, free, Info: 020 7747 2488.

09 Oct - 12 Dec

Halala Women of Fancy Stitch Halala Contemporary Indigenous Tapestries by the Fancy Stitch Group

This will be the first exhibition by the group in the U.K. showing the scope and range of works To order a copy go to: www.ourpeaceofhistory.com or email: ourpeaceofhistory@gmail.com

they produce and a number of these will available to purchase. Brunei Gallery at SOAS (0)20 7898 4023/4026 Info: www.fancy.org.za.

pieces are all inspired by Black people who are alive and still making history. Limelight Gallery, Lewisham Library, library opening times Info: 020 8297 9430

One Love: An Exhibition Of Paintings By Richard Blackford

Artist Richard Blackford is passionate about cricket, people and the Jamaican way of life. Jamaica had begun to experience social disintegration as a result of the clash of political ideologies between the ruling Peoples National Party and the opposition Jamaica Labour Party in the mid 1970s. Musician Bob Marley was invited by the warring factions to perform at a Peace Concert. Marley invited the two party leaders on stage where he joined their hands to the tune “One Love”. The Original Gallery, Hornsey Library, Monday - Friday, 1pm - 7pm, Saturday/Sunday 12pm 4pm, free, Info: 020 8489 1118.

BOOK REVIEWS Noughts and Crosse Malorie Blackman The Noughts & Crosses series is set in a world where people with black skin (Crosses) have power over the white people (noughts). At first this is confusing to the reader as you’re not quite sure what to make of it. Blackman gives us the chance to sympathise with both the noughts and the crosses at different times during the series’ and gives us such an insight into each characters life that you’ll feel emotional about the shocking outcomes of the books. The series tells the story of several characters from two interlinked families with very different positions in society. It can be compared with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in that the two leads— Sephy and Callum—”shouldn’t” be in love because they are of a different skin color, in the same way that Romeo and Juliet belong to two feuding families.

A Piece of Cake Cupcake Brown This is the heart-wrenching true story of a young girl named Cupcake. Cupcake runs away due to the abuse she is faced with at ‘care’ of her foster parents and is led into the equally abusive world of turning tricks, downing liquor and taking every drug passed her way. At the tender age of 16 she stumbles into a world of gangsters and hustling. After waking up one day in a dumpster Cupcake realises she needs saving. Cupcake turns her life around and leaves us astonished in her seemingly comical journey through her roller-coaster ride through hell! At times you won’t believe some of the things Cupcake is faced with but as this is a true story written by the lady herself we are convinced that she is genuine throughout. You’ll be glued to this story after the very first page!

Ugly Constance Briscoe This was one hell of an emotional book! Constance Briscoe is unwanted by her mother and told that she is ‘ugly’ throughout her very abusive childhood both physically and mentally. Is this due to her being ‘ugly’ or for other reasons? Briscoe is made to fend for herself, pay her mothers rent, and bring herself up into the big bad world of men, drugs and education. Until Briscoe tries to enroll into university she doesn’t even know her own real name. Ugly explores some unimaginable events of a young girls childhood and takes us through to her journey to university, and then on to becoming a barrister in the sequel “Beyond Ugly”. This is a must real that will have you laughing at times but crying foremost.

Singleholic Sarah Looking for Love in London OK, you’re going to be fine. Posture; think posture now. Head up, shoulders back. Imagine a cord is attached to your spine, pulling you upwards. Or, as I once read in Marie Claire, just imagine you don’t have any clothes on. Think NAKED. That’s it, Sarah. You’re doing well. Remember, you look divine. Nearly there. A few more steps. OK. There’s the front door. Go get ’em. I pull at my dress riding up my thigh and ring the doorbell. I hear chatter and finally someone fumbling at the door. It’s Georgina’s husband, John. ‘Sarah, darling. How lovely to see you. I’m so glad you could come.’ John’s chestnut hair has grown slightly, giving his conservative image a warmer edge. He bends down and kisses me on both cheeks. ‘Happy birthday!’ he says, petting my shoulder. Oh, God. Please tell me they haven’t told the others it’s my birthday. Please tell me they don’t all know I’m thirty. Please God, let me die. ‘Oh, really, John, it’s so good of you and Georgina to have me over at such late notice.’ I say hesitantly. ‘Don’t worry about it being my birthday. Let’s pretend it’s an ordinary day, OK?’ John takes my coat and leads me out of the hall towards the front room. The house is immaculate. Georgina has pricy paintings on the walls, bookshelves packed full of classics and the latest intellectual bestsellers. The house simply smells posh. ‘Sarah, we couldn’t possibly ignore your birthday. Your thirtieth is a once-in-a-lifetime event…to be celebrated in style,’ John says, condescendingly. Forget suicide. Murder is the better option. Who the hell do they think they are, for goodness’ sake, with their perfect house, perfect marriage and perfect pregnancy? Why do they have to rub my nose in it? Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Why can’t I be back in my jammies in front of the television with a tub of Häagen-Dazs? ‘Georgina rang Joyce and asked her to come,’ John whispers, cringing. ‘You know, the black nurse at her surgery…But I’m afraid she was already booked.’ Understanding what John means, I blush. ‘Oh, don’t worry; I’m used to being the only exotic person at parties.’ I’m in the middle of talking to Georgina’s Italian friend Massimo and his German wife Katia about their trilingual four-year-old’s relationship with his nanny, when the doorbell rings. ‘Hi, Greg,’ I hear John say. My heart skips a beat, then starts to race. Maybe he’s the Prince Charming I’ve been searching to play grown-ups with. So I do what any other sensible girl would do: I escape to the loo. Georgina only sets me up with white guys. I have other friends who only set me up with black guys. It’s equal opportunity all the time with me. Georgina would love to have more black friends. If only they spent more time shopping for scarves in Gucci, then she could meet them… In the novel Singleholic, Sarah dates white men, black men, brown men. Is Greg going to the ONE? Stay tuned for next month’s Singleholic column in Life in Colour, or read the book. Available at local bookshops or at www. amazon.co.uk and www.singleholic.com.

FOOD RESTAURANTS LISTINGS Mango Room

READER EXCLUSIVE!

Cuisine: Caribbean Address:10-12 Kentish Town Rd London, NW1 8NH

Mr Spice Caribbean & Indian Restaurant

Cuisine: Caribbean & Indian Address: Manor Park, 732 Romfor Road, London, E12 6BT, UK

Chef Colin Brown

Cuisine: Jamican Sea Food Address: 2 Yabsley StreetPoplar, E14 9RG, UK

Cuisine: Caribbean Jerk Address: 8 Lavender Rd, London, SW11 2UG, United Kingdom

Reggae Jerk Centre Restaurant

Brown Sugar Restaurant and Lounge Bar

Ace Fusion Restaurant

Cuisine: Carribean 264 Brixton Road, Camberwell, London, SW9 6AQ

Cuisine: Carribean 165-167 St Johns Hill, Clapham South, London, SW11 1TQ

Windies Cove

Dockmasters House

Anda de Bridge

Cuisine: Caribbean Address: 135-137 Trafalgar Road, London, SE10 9TX, United Kingdom

Cuisine: Indian West India Dock Gate, Hertsmere Road, Canary Wharf, E14 8JJ

The Waterfall Caribbean

Forest Tandoori

Cuisine: Caribbean Address: 2 Colman House, High Street Penge,Greater London SE20 7EX

Gulshaan

Cuisine: Caribbean Restaurant Address: 110 St John’s Hill, Battersea, London, SW11 1SJ

Papine Jerk

Courtesy of Grace Foods UK we have a limited supply of Encona West Indian Original Hot Pepper Sauce to give away to our readers. FREE! Send your details to competition@level7media. co.uk

Cuisine: Caribbean 42-44 Kingsland Road, London, E2 8DA

Bamboula Caribbean Restaurant Cuisine: Caribbean Address: 12 Acre Lane, Brixton London, SW2 5SG

Brockwells

Cuisine: Caribbean 77-79 Norwood Road, London, SE24 9AA

Brown Eagle Restaurant

Restaurant

Tropicana

Cuisine: Caribbean Eros House, Brownhill Road, Catford, London, SE6 2EG

Cuisine: Caribbean Address: 2 White Hart Terrace London, N17 8HN, United Kingdom

2...Sixteen

Cafe Caribbean

The Angel Curry Centre

Cuisine: Caribbean Old Spitalfields Market, Commercial Street, London, E1 6BG

Cottons Islington

Cuisine: Carribean 70 Exmouth Market, London, EC1R 4QP

Cummin Up Caribbean Resturant (Lewisham High St)

Cuisine: Caribbean 389 Lewisham High Street, London, SE13 6NZ

Guanabana Restaurant

Cuisine: Caribbean 216 Middle Lane, London, N8 7LA Cuisine: Indian 5 Chapel Market, N1 9EZ

Cuisine: Indian 102 Wood Street, Walthamstow, E17 3HX Cuisine: Indian 343 Kentish Town Road, NW5 2TJ

Indigo Restaurant

Cuisine: Indian 56 Stamford Street, SE1 9LX

Jalalabad 2 Restaurant

Cuisine: Indian 992-994 Eastern Avenue, IG2 7JD

Masala

Cuisine: Indian 88 Brick Lane, E1 6RL

Monsoon Indian Restaurant Anglo Asian Restaurant

Cuisine : Indian Address: 60-62 Stoke Newington Church St London, N16 0NB

Cuisine: Indian 24 York Rise, NW5 1ST

Red Onion

Cuisine: Indian 103 Hammersmith Grove, W6 0NG

Spice Grove

Cuisine: Indian 406 - 408 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6LJ

Cuisine: Caribbean & Latin Twist Address: 85 Kentish Town Rd London, NW1

Sheraz Bangla Lounge

Hummingbird

The Thames Indian Restaurant

Cuisine: Carribean 84 Stroud Green Road, London, N4 3EN

Cuisine: Indian 13 Brick Lane, E1 6PU

Cuisine: Indian 79 Waterloo Road , SE1 8UD

FAITH 04 Oct

Diwali on the Square Enthusiastically celebrated by people of all nationalities, races and religions, Diwali, the festival of lights creates a magical world of joy and festivity. It celebrates the triumphant victory of good over evil – and the glory of light over darkness, a beam of hope over despair. 2 pm till 7 pm Trafalgar Square FREE

05 Oct

The Surrendered Muslimah: Marriage & Etiquetes Workshop

17 Oct

The Redeemed Christian Church of God celebrates Black History Month 2009 with the RCCG/ CRC Annual Academic Lecture. The theme is Origin, Faith and New Identity; The Challenges of Second Generation African Christians in The United Kingdom

Diwali Celebrations Hot snacks are available from foodstalls on both days. Please kindly note: For security reasons, bags and cameras will not be allowed into the Mandir Complex.

RCCG celebrates Black History Month 2009

The current influx of African Christians into the United Kingdom has ushered in a new phase in the contributions of Africans to British Christianity. African Christianity in Britain in the last six decades has evolved in distinctive phases that has shaped the identity and faith of Africans within Britain. This conference hopes to explore the faith of second generation African Christians within the Britain, as well as how church leaders minister to them. If you would like to attend contact 0207 735 7100/ 0208 207 0101 or email info@ christredeemercollege.org

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Neasden

Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the special transport facilities arranged by Transport for London. Nearest Tube stations are Neasden, Stonebridge Park or Harlesden 105-119 Brentfield Road, London NW10 8LD

24 Oct

History Of The Ottoman Khilafah Lecture with Professor Ilber Ortayli (Director of the Topkapi Museum, Istanbul)

Birkbeck College, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX 9am - 5pm Info: 08452626786

31 Oct

Nottinghill Methodist Church Celebration of Black History month at Notting Hill Methodist Church the Jasperian Theatre Company presents God’s Trombones, Tony Jasper’s adaptation and more of classic American texts of the 1920s by James Weldon Johnson. 7.30 pm Please invite family and friends. Entrance £5.00, young people and seniors £1.00 240 Lancaster Road, London W11 4AH Info: admin@ nottinghillmethodistchurch.org Telephone: 020 7229 7728

Workshop delivered by Sister Sara Malik, Surrendered Wife Trainer (UK) Froud Centre, Romford Road, Manor Park, London, E12 5JF 10:00 - 17:00 Info: admin@mcb.org.uk

06 Oct

w w w . Y a n a C o s m e t i c s . c o m

Get a FREE online consultation and a FREE custom shade foundation sample

visit www.yanacosmetics.com

Quality Make up & Skincare for Black, Asian, & Ethnic Skin

Life In Colour magazine will be distributed in the first week of every month from the following SW

Brixton Stockwell Elephant & Castle Tooting Broadway Clapham Common

New Cross New Cross Gate Lewisham Catford/ Catford Bridge

Wood Green Finsbury Park Seven Sisters Angel Dalston Kingsland

Willesden Junction Harlesden Hendon Central Westbourne Park Kilburn (Jubilee line)

Shepherds Bush (Central line) Acton (Main line) South Kensington Ealing Broadway Ealing Common

Central

Oxford Circus Leicester Square Charing Cross Holborn ide

g Gu

stin

l Li ltura lticu 1 Mu aders Re ’s No. don onthly

E & Docklands Canary wharf Stratford East Ham Walthamstow West Ham

tube stations:

Lon

250,

t men s r ta ini n g t E n te i s L

IC MUSKudi Kid

S CLUBChill

Iss

Jul

y 2

The

009

Big

TREn so THEA Robe

Call

‘LOL’

EDYfe COM Ca Jazz

The

ITY MUNGospel ck COM h Bla N ASIA

dy At

Come

Britis

Asian

Art In

Lond

REEN It SC- Th is Is

kson

ael Jac

Mich

Y ERna l GALL votio De

TS ert EVEN Conc scal ie Ra T Dizz SPOR on H& Lond gs In HEALT Listin

London’s No.1 Multicultural Listing Guide 250,000 Monthly Readers

In association with

Issue 15

July 2009

Entertainment

ecial p S y r o Hist Black

L i s t i n g s MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE

The legacy

MUSIC Bashy

CLUBS

Sister Sledge

THEATRE

Whoopi Goldberg / Sister Act

This

COMEDY

Shazia Mirza

COMMUNITY

Lambeth Country Show

WIN TICKETS TO CHUN YI: THE LEGEND OF KUNG FU

ASIAN

The Black Album

SCREEN

Soul Power

GALLERY

Windrush

EVENTS

London Literature Festival

1958 - 2009

A SALUTE TO THE KING OF POP MICHAEL JACKSON

This Issue Sponsored by

You can also pick up Life in Colour magazine from the venues below: Hackney Empire Bullion Room Theatre - 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ Toynbee Studios - 28 Commercial Street, London E1 6AB Playhouse Theatre - Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5DE Ambassadors Theatre - West Street, London WC2H 9ND Stratford Circus, Stratford Circus - Theatre Square, Stratford, London E15 1BX Arcola Theatre - 27 Arcola St, London, E8 2DJ The Drill Hall, The Drill Hall, 16 Chenies Street, London, WC1E 7EX Broadway Theatre - Catford, London, SE6 4RU Broadway Theatre, Broadway Theatre, the BROADWAY, Barking, IG11 7LS Fairfield Halls Croydon - Park Lane, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 1DG Centerprise Bookshop -136-138 Kingsland High Street, London, E8 2NS Listing availabe online at www.lifeincolour.uk.com

Hackney Council - London Borough of Hackney, Town Hall, Mare Street, London E8 1EA The Albany - Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8 4AG Barbican Centre - Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS Yaa Asantewaa Art & Community Centre -1 Chippenham Mews, Chippenham Road , London, W9 2AN The Tricycle Theatre - 269 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 7JR Brixton Academy - 211 Stockwell Road, London SW9 9SL Oval House Theatre - 52-54 Kennington Oval, London SE11 5SW Idea Store Canary Wharf - Churchill Place London E14 5RB Hackney Town Hall, Mare Street E8 1EA Arcola Theatre, 27 Arcola St - London, E8 2DJ The Lexi Cinema Cinema - Chamberlayne Road London NW10 3JU Ritzy Cinema - Coldharbour Lane London SW2 1JG

Issue

d by

sore

Spon

#559 Patrice Motsepe Net Worth:$1.3 billion Age: 47 Fortune: self made Source: Mining Country Of Citizenship: South Africa

#261 Aliko Dangote Net Worth: $2.5 bil Age: 51 Fortune: inherited and growing Source: sugar, flour, cement manufacturing Country Of Citizenship: Nigeria

601 Femi Otedola Net Worth:$1.2 billion Age: 42 Fortune: self made Source:Energy Country Of Citizenship:Nigeria

Michael Lee-Chin Age: 58 Net Worth: $1.0 billion Fortune: self made Source: mutual funds Country Of Citizenship: Canada

#7 Mukesh Ambani Net Worth: $19.5 billion Fortune: inherited and growing Source: petrochemicals Age: 51 Country Of Citizenship: India

#234 Savitri Jindal Net Worth: $2.7 bil Fortune: inherited Source: steel Age: 59 Country Of Citizenship: India

#8 Lakshmi Mittal Net Worth: $19.3 billion Fortune: inherited and growing Source: steel Age: 58 Country Of Citizenship: India

#468 Chu Lam Yiu Net Worth: $1.5 billion Fortune: self made Source: flavorings Age: 39 Country Of Citizenship: Hong Kong

#16 Li Ka-Shing Net Worth: $16.2 billion Fortune: self made Source: diversified Age: 80 Country Of Citizenship: Hong Kong

# 34 Anil Ambani Net Worth: $10.1 billion Age: 49 Fortune: inherited Source: diversified Country Of Citizenship: India

#334 Micky Jagtiani Net Worth: $2.0 billion Fortune: self made Source: retail Age: 57 Country Of Citizenship: India

#234 Oprah Winfrey Net Worth: $2.7 bil Fortune: self made Source: Media Age: 55 Country Of Citizenship: United States

PIONEERS Madam C.J. Walker (December 23, 1867 - May 25, 1919) was an American businesswoman, hair care entrepreneur, tycoon and philanthropist. Her fortune was made by developing and marketing a hugely successful line of beauty and hair products for black women, under the company she founded Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company. The Guinness Book of Records cites Walker as the first female who became a millionaire by her own achievements. By 1917 she had the largest business in the United States owned by a black person. “I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there I was promoted to the washtub. From there I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations. I have built my own factory on my own ground” - Madame Walker

John Harold Johnson (19 January 1918 – 8 August 2005) was an American businessman and publisher and in 1982 became the first African-American to appear on the Forbes 400. Johnson was the founder, publisher, chairman and CEO of the Johnson Publishing Company Inc., Chicago, Ill., the largest black-owned publishing company in the world that publishes Ebony Magazine which is the nation’s number one African American oriented magazine. Johnson Publishing Company also has a book division and Fashion Fair Cosmetics, the number one makeup and skin care company for women of color around the world and Supreme Beauty products, hair care products for men and women and is involved in television production and produces the Ebony Fashion Fair.

Reginald F. Lewis (December 7, 1942 – January 19, 1993) was a lawyer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Reginald F. Lewis lived his life according to the words he often quoted to audiences around the country: “Keep going, no matter what.”, who was one of the most successful business leaders during the 1980s and the richest African American man in the 1980’s. With all of his success, Reginald did not forget others; giving back was part of his life. In 1987 he established The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, which funded grants of approximately to various non-profit programs and organizations and also donated $3 million to Harvard Law School the largest grant in the history of the school at the time. In gratitude, the school renamed its International Law Center the Reginald F. Lewis International Law Center. Among other programs, the grant supports a fellowship to teach minority lawyers how to be law professors.

Written by Cassah

Although they have lived in Iraq for more than 1,000 years, the black Basrawi say they are still discriminated against because of the colour of their skin. The burden of their ancestors continues to haunt Black Iraqis from the southern province of Basra. Fellow Iraqis continue to refer to them by their ancestral name – slave. It is a longstanding insult for a group which has lived in Basra for centuries, but whose roots lie in Africa. Basra is home to the largest community of blacks in the country; they speak Arabic and are Muslims but remain an underclass today. They have no political representation as no black Iraqis serve on provincial councils or in parliament, their children are teased in school and intermarriage with lighter-skinned Arabs remains a taboo. Their prospects are menial jobs or work as labourers, musicians and dancers some of them have recently formed a group to advance their civil rights. The organization called The Free Iraqi Movement is campaigning for the rights of Blacks and is fighting to end what they describe as widespread discrimination against the group of people because of the colour of their skin and the Basra-based movement wants the black community officially recognised as an ethnic minority, which would guarantee them political representation. It also pushes anti-discrimination laws to protect the group. The group made its first bid for office during the provincial council elections in January. They didn’t win any seats but we gained a lot as they believe they have broken the barrier of fear that engulfed black-skinned people in Iraq. Black Iraqis are an ethnic group that is descended from Bantuspeaking Black Africans whose ancestors were brought to Iraq as slaves from East Africa around the fourth century. The slaves became known as Zanj – a derogatory term that is still used today. To protest their treatment, Zanj slaves from Basra staged a successful revolt against Baghdad the Muslim capital in the mid 800’s for 15 years. During this period they created a city called Moktara. The Army from Baghdad was able to put the revolt down but as a consequence locals did not engage in large scale plantation type slavery after that but slavery lasted up until the 19th century though there have been reports of dark skinned slaves in Iraq in 2008.

Unlike in the Americas of the 19th century, slaves in the Middle East were allowed to own land and their children were generally not born into slavery. Also conversion to Islam may prevent further servitude because according to Islamic law Muslims could not enslave other Muslims. Skin color played a distinctive role even amongst slaves. Slaves of mixed ancestry known as mamluks, (meaning owned), were more expensive than black slaves, or abds. Many Black Iraqis live in poverty although many have achieved prominent position in the entertainment industry as singers and dancers. Others are found throughout all walks of life. Many activists amongst Iraqi Blacks complain that there is discrimination against them and many Black Iraqis are unable to find opportunities to improve their social condition. Most Black Iraqis still are able to maintain rituals related to healing that are of African origin. The languages used in these rituals are Swahili and Arabic. Instruments such as Drums and tambourines are used in these ceremonies. In a song called Dawa Dawa, the words are a mix of Arabic and Swahili. The song, which is about curing people, is used in the shtanga ceremony, for physical health. Another ceremony called nouba, takes its name from Nubian region in the Sudan. There are also unique ceremonies to remember the dead and for occasions such as weddings. [3] The cultural traditions have been accepted and even embraced by Arabs, but Basra residents say social discrimination and disdain for intermarriage is the biggest hurdles to integration. Black Iraqis have made an impact culturally; Basra’s famous Khishba drum and dance is rooted in the city’s black community, and many singers and dancers are of African origin. Basra blacks also hold healing ceremonies for illnesses. The ceremonies, believed to have come from Africa, include Swahili chants and are largely secretive, though some Arabs have been treated.

To Order Now or for more information about Black Heroes of our Time contact: info@level7media.co.uk Tel: Seven Media 0207 005 0590 www.level7media.co.uk/heroes

Black Heroes of Our Time

POLITICS & LAW

is an exciting informative, publication highlighting the achievements of people of African descent. Published by Seven Media this unique Glossy A4 historical book promotes the achievements of people of colour particularly focusing on trail blazers and noted people who are the first in their field to have made recognisable achievements within government, the arts, business, industry and community sectors.

Black Heroes of Our Time

POLITICS & LAW

Baroness Valerie Amos

One of Britain’s First Black Female Recorders

B: 1954 - Georgetown, Guyana Baroness Valerie Amos was created a life peer in 1997. She is a British Labour Party politician and life peer, formerly serving as Leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Council. When she was appointed Secretary of State for International Development on 12 May 2003, following the resignation of Clare Short, she became the first black woman to sit in the Cabinet of the United Kingdom. A distinctive element of Baroness Amos’ political career is that she has never actually been elected to any public office as every office held has been

B: 1957

an unelected appointment. Following positions in Equal Opportunities, Training and Management Services in local government in the London boroughs of Lambeth, Camden and Hackney, she became Chief Executive of the Equal Opportunities Commission 1989–94. After resigning from the cabinet, Baroness Amos took up a directorship with Travant Capital, a Nigerian private equity fund launched in 2007 and is involved with the 2012 Olympic Committee.

Barrister Constance Briscoe was one of six children born to two Jamaicans who settled in the UK in the 1950s. Briscoe studied Law at the University of Newcastle, financing her studies through various weekend and holiday jobs including working at a hospice with the terminally ill. After completing her MA at the University of Warwick she was called to the Bar in 1983, and became a Recorder, a part time

judge in 1996 - one of the first black women to sit as a judge in the UK. Briscoe’s legal practice focuses on criminal law and fraud, principally defending. She is also known for her books ‘Ugly’ and ‘Beyond Ugly’ in which she recounts tales of abuse as a child and she often talks about her experiences publicly.

Baroness Scotland

The First Black Female Attorney General

Dame Linda Dobbs

B: 1955 - Commonwealth of Dominica In 1999, Scotland was appointed Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. She was responsible for introducing the Bill to ratify the International Criminal Court in the United Kingdom. She also set up a panel of British-based lawyers who provided pro bono services to UK nationals imprisoned overseas. In 2001 she became Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor’s Department, and was made a member of the Privy Council. Scotland was a contender for a

The First Black Judge Appointed To the High Courts of Justice

cabinet position at a time when Tony Blair is reported to have considered appointing her Leader of the House of Lords. In 2003, Lady Scotland of Asthal, as she is also known, was made Minister of State for the Criminal Justice system and Law Reform at the Home Office. On 28 June 2007, Baroness Scotland was appointed Attorney General by the new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. She is the first woman to hold the office since its foundation in 1315.

B: 1951 Dobbs’ mother was from Sierra Leone, and her father was an English lawyer who became a High Court judge in Sierra Leone. She studied Linguistic and Regional Studies (Russian and Law) at the University of Surrey, graduating with a BSc in 1976. She received an LLM from the London School of Economics, and a PhD for research on criminology and penology in the Soviet Union. Dame Linda Penelope Dobbs was the first non-white person to be assigned as judge of the High Court of justice of England and Wales. She was appointed a High Court Judge in September

Bernard Grant MP

One of Britain’s First Black MPs

B: 1944 - Georgetown, Guyana

2004. She received a DBE, and was assigned Queen Bench Division, the Administrative Court, and the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal. At the time of the appointment, Dobbs said: “It is a great honour to have been invited by the Lord Chancellor to become a High Court Judge… I am confident, nevertheless, that I am the first of many to come”. She has subsequently been appointed as Chairman of the Magisterial Committee of the Judicial Studies Board.

D: 2000

Bernard Grant was one of many West Indians who took up the British government’s invitation to the colonies to move to the UK for blue-collar employment in 1963. He was for a period a member of the Socialist Labour League. He quickly became a trade union official, and moved into politics, becoming a Labour councilor in the London Borough of Haringey in 1978. As council leader during the Broadwater Farm riot of 1985, in which a policeman, PC Blakelock, was killed, he was thrown into the public eye, when he was widely quoted as saying “The police got

a bloody good hiding”. Grant claimed had been taken out of context, but offered an apology to the family of PC Blakelock. The controversy did not prevent him from becoming MP for Tottenham in the 1987 election, one of only three black MPs at the time. As an MP he backed demands for black sections in the Labour and was recognised as a staunch voice against Police racism. In September 2007 in Tottenham, London, Haringey Council opened the Bernie Grant Arts Centre in his name.

Dawn Butler MP The first Black Female Minister in the House of Commons

B: 1969- London, UK

Colin Powell

First African-American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

B: 1937 - New York City, California, USA Colin Luther Powell, KCB, MSC, is an American statesman and retired as a four-star general in the United States Army. He was well known for his tremendous popularity among the American people. He was the first African American appointed to the position of 65th United States Secretary of State, serving under President George W. Bush. During his time within the military, Powell also served as National Security Advisor, as Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Army Forces Command and as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, holding the latter position during the Gulf War. He was the first, and so far the only, African American to serve on the Joint Chiefs

of Staff. Colin Powell announced his resignation as Secretary of State on Monday, November 15, 2004. The following day, George W. Bush nominated National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice as Powell’s successor. In 2007, Powell donated the maximum amount to John McCain’s campaign with his name listed as a possible running mate in 2008 for Republican nominee McCain’s presidential election bid however, on October 19, 2008, Powell declared his backing of Barack Obama during a Meet the Press interview, citing “his ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign’ additionally referring to Obama as a “transformational figure.”

Dawn Petula Butler is a British Labour politician, Member of Parliament for Brent South and an Assistant Chief Whip for Gordon Brown’s government. She worked as a GMB Union Officer, including time as a national race and equality officer. She was also an advisor to former London Mayor Ken Livingstone on employment and social issues. She is the first Black female minister in the House of Commons. She was born in London into a large family of Jamaican immigrant parentage with a sister and four brothers. She has said, “It is important to me that government is reflective of our diverse community and ordinary hard working individuals are given the opportunity to have their voices heard.” Interest in youth services has continued as one of her main interests in Parliament. On 24 October 2006 she was appointed Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Youth Affairs, and she is an Honorary Vice President of the British Youth Council. After Gordon Brown became Prime Minister, on 27 June 2007, Butler was made one of the Labour Party’s six Vice Chairs, with particular responsibility for Youth issues. on

She was appointed to the Select Committee on the Modernisation of the House of Commons shortly after her election, and has also served on standing committees (notably on the Violent Crime Reduction Bill 2006). In November 2007 she was appointed to the Children & Families Select Committee. Earlier (in November 2005), she had been promoted to Parliamentary Private Secretary to the health minister Jane Kennedy, but decided to stand down from this post in early 2006. On 6 November 2007, Butler was chosen to second the Queen’s Speech. Her voting record shows she has largely been loyal to the government. She was promoted to Assistant Whip on 12 September 2008.

A Seven

0 Editi

2009 - 201

is a fantastic educational tool for teachers in schools, colleges, youth workers and other educationalist with pages and pages of facts and figures detailing the lives and achievements of Black people that have often gone undocumented.

Black Heroes of Our Time

is particularly accessible to young people as it celebrates not only the African American achievers like Martin Luther King and Alice Walker but also home grown talent like Bill Morris and Kwame Kwei-Armah highlighting rappers, entrepreneurs and community activists. The whole family as well as educationalist will find this important publication invaluable during Black History Month and throughout the year and as an inspiration to all especially young people. For added value we have available a seperate teachers resource crammed pack with exercises and activities to help you get the best out of Black

Constance Briscoe

The First Black Female Cabinet Minister and Joint First Black Woman Peer

Heroes of Our Time.

Black Heroes of Our Time - The book - £25

is already fast becoming an essential addition to all the family.

Black Heroes of Our Time -The book and Teachers Resource Pack- £75 is a ‘must have’ feature in all teachers’ and educationalists toolkit.

To Order Now or for more information about Black Heroes of our Time contact: info@level7media.co.uk Tel: Seven Media 0207 005 0590 www.level7media.co.uk/heroes

ion Publicat Media