NNN NATIONAL NUBIAN NEWS
Features
A National Black History Month Calendar Soca Legend Dies and lots more
Freedom is never given, it is won. A. Philip Randolph
October 2010
Black History Month Calendar
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Friday 1st October 6.00pm to 9.30pm
evening, Dr. Shihan de Silva Jayasuriya.
The Drum 114 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU
Telephone 0208 690 7946 for more information
The Drum and Birmingham City Council cordially invite you to the official launch of Black History Month (BHM) 2010 more
Monday, 4 October 9am to 4pm
Friday 1 October 7.30pm to 9.30pm Walthamstow Library Join us to celebrate the launch of Black History Month with a range of exciting events. There will be dancers, speakers, demonstrations of traditional art forms as well as a live band. Come and enjoy a warm and relaxed evening with an opportunity for you to get involved too. To book your place please visit the library or call 0208 496 3000 Saturday, 2nd October 7:10pm to 11:00pm
Editor Alison Hewitt Artwork Trevor Muckett National Nubian News is bought to you in partnership with A-Class Media
Chef Colin Brown Restaurant 2 Yabsley Street, Poplar London E14 9RG JAMAICAN WOMEN’S NETWORK Invites you to its Black History Month Dinner. Speaker for the
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MidKent College Medway Campus, Medway Road Gillingham, Kent ME7 1FN Black history Medway exhibition A collection of early photographs and information relating to the diversity of Medway For more information, email: tina.larby@medway.gov.uk Wednesday 6th October 12pm to 4pm Friends House, Euston, NW1 2BJ Cleo Sylvestre will be peforming as Mary Seacole highlighting her life and contribution to nursing and medicine. The play will be followed by a chance to see artifacts from the Crimean War and a talk given by Dr Geoffrey Day and Prof Elizabeth Aniwonu. This event will be supporting by the Mary Seacole Memorial Appeal. For more information visit Mary Seacole Memorial Appeal. Friday 8th October 6.30pm to 8.30pm The Space, Willesden Green Library Centre, 95 High Road, NW10 2SF
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An evening with Dawn Butler & special guests, discussing strategies for achievement, values and overcoming/ The ‘African Voices’ Speed discussion with some of the contributors
Pre-Booking necessary: btwsc@hotmail.com or telephone: 0208 450 5987
For more information on Black History Month events, click on the images below.
Sunday 10th October Doors: 6.30pm Show: 7.30pm THE CAMDEN CENTRE, Euston Road, London WC1H 9JE (opposite St Pancras/Kings Cross Station) GeeStor Productions present INSPIRED! Launching Camden’s Black History Season. Hosted by Eddie Nestor with special guests Rudolph Walker OBE and Felix Dexter. Music and poetry from singers from London Community Gospel Choir, Floetic Lara and Crisis. A night for all the family. Call 0207 974 5633 or 07973 801 482 for more information. Friday 22 October 2010, 7.30pm Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre Southbank Centre Belvedere Road London SE1 8XX The Metropolitan Black Police Association is once again proud to present its annual ‘Celebration Of Life Concert’. Headlining this year’s ‘Celebration of Life Concert’ is the legendary UK reggae group Aswad, Courtney Pine, Lifeforce Band, Guvna B, Kersha Bailey and Vula. Call 0844 847 9910 for tickets and more information or visit: www.southbankcentre.co.uk
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And Still I Rise You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? ‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells Pumping in my living room. Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise.
maya angelou
Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops, Weakened by my soulful cries?
This is the finale to this year’s successful WorldFoods Caribbean cuisine tour which has been supported by the UK’s major supermarkets Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and independent outlets where around 70,000 people were able to taste, touch, smell, feel and engage with a variety of Caribbean food and drink products over a 36 day period.
Does my haughtiness offend you? Don’t you take it awful hard ‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines Diggin’ in my own backyard. You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise. Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise That I dance like I’ve got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs? Out of the huts of history’s shame I rise Up from a past that’s rooted in pain I rise I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise.
WorldFoods, in conjunction with the City of Westminster present the exciting Caribbean Food and Drink Festival between 12pm and 9pm at Central Hall, Westminster, Storey’s Gate, London SW1H 9NH on Friday 29th October 2010 where visitors can enjoy the delights of the Caribbean courtesy of event sponsors from all the leading manufacturers and producers of Caribbean food and drink. WorldFoods will be providing a fun, relaxed atmosphere that promises to be an enjoyable day for everyone.
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The WorldFoods Food and Drink Festival is a televised event showcasing exhibitors of Caribbean food, drink and travel with a main stage dedicated to live cooking demonstrations and an exciting cook off competition between Caribbean chefs which will be presented by “The nation’s sweetheart,” celebrity chef Rustie Lee and judged by several high profile celebrities from the food and drink industry. Other Celebrity chefs involved include TV’s Hassan Defour, talented and vibrant award winning Anthony Cumberbatch, Hell’s Kitchen contestant Gary Tomlin, international award winning Tricia Jadoonanan and Birmingham based multi award
winning Lorenzo Richards. This festival forms part of the Black History Month celebrations in the City of Westminster and also features live entertainment including music, dance and special performances by the award winning Steel Pan orchestra Pantonic, and a display of carnival costumes. The exhibition hall will also host travel, tourism and lifestyle with exhibitions from selected Caribbean tourist boards and industry leaders.
Lord Mayor of Westminster Councillor Judith Warner, notable MP’s, Shadow Foreign Secretary David Milliband, TV and Film Personalities including Lenny Henry, Rudolph Walker, community activist Dr Lez Henry, leading scholar Professor Gus John, dignitaries from Caribbean High Commissions, sports personalities and representatives from several well known educational, theatre and local institutions.
Performances from London’s hottest acts will light up the stage a key feature of this one day festival is the Caribbean food court boasting a fantasticselection of national dishes from over 15 Caribbean Islands for the public to sample.
The WorldFoods Food and Drink festival is a fantastic sales and marketing opportunity for all the organisations involved and is truly a day not to be missed!
WorldFoods Caribbean Food and Drink Festival will be offering free samples and giveaways on the day as well as money off voucher booklets for visitors to spend on their favourite brands. Children’s entertainment includes face painting, craft and other engaging activities in the popular Kiddie’s Corner. Invited VIP’s include the Mayor of London Boris Johnson,
Please see their website: www.worldfoods.uk.com for further information.
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Soca Legend Arrow Dies The world of Soca is mourning the loss of The Soca King of the World, Alphonsus “The Mighty Arrow” Cassell MBE. Arrow died at his residence in Montserrat on Wednesday 15 September 2010 at the age of 60. The island’s national Radio Station ZJB was overwhelmed with calls of grief and offers of condolences to Arrow’s family in an atmosphere of deep mourning across the island. Montserrat’s Chief Minister, The Honourable Reuben T. Meade said; “Arrow’s passing is a national loss of a Cultural
Institution and a National Icon who was generous, kind and the embodiment of an enduring and unmoving love for humanity. Arrow was an entertainer who shared with his people and the world life’s lessons of securing triumph over challenges and opportunity over loss. He will live on in the hearts of all Montserratians.” Arrow was diagnosed with cerebral cancer in early 2009. He was airlifted to the neighbouring island of Antigua last week for treatment. His family wishes to thank the medical teams in Montserrat, Miami and Antigua, friends and family who gave their support during the period of his illness.
Arrow or “Phonzie”, as he was referred to by close friends and family, is responsible for taking the Soca genre to the international music scene with his 1982 smash hit, Hot, Hot, Hot. Having won the local Montserrat Calypso Competition on three occasions, the talents of the proud son of Montserrat were spotted by former Beatles manager, Sir George Martin, who worked with Arrow to turn his focus to his recording and touring career. Arrow recorded no less than 22 studio albums with other notable hits including Long Time, Dancing Mood, O’La Soca and Groove Master. He has performed at concerts, music festivals and gala events across the globe. “His death is a great loss to the family, his native land of Montserrat and the music world,” said his brother, Justin “Hero” Cassell, another talented vocalist and songwriter, who worked with Arrow during his peak years. Funeral arrangements are to be announcements in due course.
“Arrow’s passing is a national loss of a Cultural Institution and a National Icon”
The 3rd Young Minority Ethnic Awards Scotland Ceremony Rescheduled for December 2010 The Young Minority Ethnic Awards Scotland 2010 ceremony is now to take place at the beginning of December 2010 at Dundee’s Caird Hall. The awards ceremony is a platform for the dynamic and inspirational minority ethnic youth of Scotland, showcasing their successes and achievements. The awards highlight the value of those young people from ethnic backgrounds who have spread inspiration or have contributed to life within their community. The awards further aim to acknowledge, encourage, reward and – most importantly – promote the positive achievements of young Scots from minority ethnic backgrounds aged between 14 – 26 years. Commenting on the awards, Yasmin Mahmood, Campaign Manager at Oceanic Consulting said: “To be organising such a great event which recognises the achievements of Scotland’s minority ethnic youth is an honour for us. Sadly, a lot of the time, the accomplishments of Scotland’s minority ethnic youth go unnoticed. The Young Minority Ethnic Awards Scotland was set up to break that mould. For the awards to be in their third year shows how successful they have been. Unfortunately, this year’s venue, the summer holidays, and Ramadan are all factors that have brought about the event’s postponement. I am thoroughly looking forward to meeting the youths in December whose peers felt their efforts have been well-deserved of a nomination.” December’s ceremony will see plaudits being given for best: Arts Contribution, Sports Achievement, Friend of the Environment, Apprentice of the Year, Science, Technology & Engineering Initiative, Career Achievement, Future Political Force, Community Contribution, and the Bashir Ahmad Spirit of Scotland Award – named in memory of the late SNP politician. Nominations will now remain open until Thursday 18th of November. To nominate someone you think deserves to be recognised for achievements displayed, please visit www.whozthedaddy.info for a nomination form and either email it to: nominations@whozthedaddy. info or post to: Young Minority Ethnic Awards Scotland, Oceanic Studios, Polar House, 20 Darnley
Street, Glasgow G41 2SE.
THE STATE OF BLACK BRITAIN SYMPOSIUM (SBBS) organises an annual dialogue for and between black communities within the UK involving experts in their field, community-based organisers, practitioners, politicians and faith leaders. SBBS also provides speakers, facilitators, expert commentators on issues and for events that specifically explore themes that of of interest to African & Caribbean communities and wider society as a whole. SBBS is the brain-child of The Revd David Shosanya. David currently serves as a Regional Minister with the London Baptist Association and is a co-founder of the nationally acclaimed Street Pastors Initiative. Read more.
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Partnership For Prosperty The African Caribbean Business Network [ACBN] is proud to announce our 10th Anniversary conference - Big Society ‘Partnerships For Prosperity’. Being congruent with this year’s theme - we are happy to announce that along with University of East London, and Business Link London, that BT will join us as our main partner, with the conference being held at their prestigious head office, Newgate Street Conference Auditorium. 27th October 2010 BT Business Centre, Newgate Street, London EC1A 7AJ For more info, click here
Live In East End? If you are of Ghanaian, Nigerian or Jamaican descent and came to the UK in the mid to late 20th Century. If you live in East London, then read on. The African Heritage and Educational Centre in association with the Heritage Lottery Fund/ Voluntary Action Waltham Forest are looking for individuals from the Hackney, Waltham Forest and Newham areas for personal interview. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact the African Heritage and Educational Centre at 020 8558 6811, 07950926174 or email us at ahec2000@yahoo.com
Jamaican WW2 veteran needs help with Mary Seacole statue RAF veteran Laurie Philpotts used his entrepeneurial skills to pioneer a black newspaper in the 1950’s. Mr Philpotts is now organising a fundraising event to erect a statue of Mary Seacole. The campaign needs someone to video and make a DVD of the event there’s no payment on offer however. The event takes place 20 November 2010. Offers of assistance to: info@ blackhistorywalks.co.uk
Collaboration skills for development workers Bassac, on behalf of the Collaboration Benefits programme, is running free training sessions across the country to help development workers learn new collaboration skills. Sessions are taking place in: Derbyshire - 28 September 2010 Sheffield - 5 and 11 October 2010 Manchester - 14 and 21 October 2010 Click on the links above to book your place via our website.
London Evening Standard Fund for the dispossessed The London Evening Standard in partnership with the Community Foundation Network have £1m in grants available for London community charities who work to get people out of poverty by addressing education, health, crime and unemployment. See the Evening Standard website to apply.
London Marathon Charitable Trust grant The London Marathon Charitable Trust has grants on offer to third sector organisations to help provide recreational facilities and sports to local communities. Grants are on offer in London, Liverpool, Birmingham and south Northamptonshire. To apply see the London Marathon website.
Marcia Hutchinson MBE Marcia Hutchinson is the founder of, Huddersfield based, culturally diverse educational Publishers Primary Colours. Originally from Bradford, she studied Law at Brasenose College, Oxford before practising as a solicitor in London and Leeds.
Premier Mind and Soul Conference Now that the summer is coming to an end, schools open again and the autumn starts to appear make sure there’s one date you don’t miss from your diary - the Mind and Soul Conference in conjunction with the Heart of England Christian Resources Exhibition on 22nd October.
The lack of good children’s books featuring minority ethnic children, lead her to set up Primary Colours in 1997. The company has worked with over 100,000 children and teachers from over 300 schools in the last ten years delivering INSET training, Theatre in Education and creating a range of teaching packs all promoting cultural diversity.
Interims for Development is a UK based company providing a range of Human Resources, Training, employment and capacity building services. We assist private, public and non-governmental sector employers in Africa and the UK through a range of employment and training solutions designed to build management, leadership and professional skills and to enhance good governance. We provide professional Interim Managers for short-term technical, project and training support within Africa. We also
provide Career Management and Employment Training and Coaching services to facilitate professional employment opportunities for people of African and minority ethnic descent in the UK. Through ReConnect Africa, our online magazine, we regularly review developments in employment, business and capacity building in Africa.
London Marathon Charitable Trust grant The London Marathon Charitable Trust has grants on offer to third sector organisations to help provide recreational facilities and sports to local communities.
Interims for Development has built a strong reputation as an innovative and successful organisation emanating from the African Diaspora.
Grants are on offer in London, Liverpool, Birmingham and south Northamptonshire. To apply see the London Marathon website.
For more information visit their website
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She has written for the Guardian, the Yorkshire Post and the Caribbean Times among others. Her photographic exhibition Black to Nature became a Channel 4 documentary, which was screened in 1998.
The conference is designed to give an understanding of some of the key subjects that impact the mental and emotional wellbeing of individuals, and how we can respond by recognising both the person’s mental health and spiritual needs.
She was awarded an MBE for services to Cultural Diversity in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Our speakers have a breadth of experience and represent the statutory, voluntary, Church and academic sectors.
INSET Training, Marcia is a specialist trainer of teachers around culutral divesity, commuity cohesion and how this can be incorporated in to the Pirmary Curriculum. Her compnay has devised a range of courses for schools and local authorities.
With topics ranging from selfharm to eating disorders, and the challenge of forgiveness to Christian counselling, this conference is aimed at mental health professionals, Christian ministers, church leaders, pastoral workers, Christian counsellors, mental health service users, carers, as well as anyone interested in Christianity and mental health. Read more
ReConnect Africa
Marcia Hutchinson MBE’s Specialties: Conference Speaker. Marcia speaks at conferences all over the UK on community cohesion and cultural diversity, with a speical emphasis on taking a creative approach to community cohesion in schools for both teachers and learners.
Sickle Cell Society
Information, Counselling and caring for those with Sickle Cell Disorders and their families.
KEEP THE FAITH Magazine Look out for the Black History Month Edition of Keep The Faith. Includes an interview with Dr Robert Beckford, a profile of Britain’s first black bishop, features on the importance of good godly girlfriends, the role of education in social advancement, the black presence in the bible, how to Keep Your Marriage strong and much much more
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Audrey volunteers her services in the Cameroon at least once or twice a year supporting vulnerable groups through non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help them generate an income through enterprising activities. She works with an association called Africa Foundation Stone, which is a registered UK Charity sponsored by Voluntary Services Organisation and Department for International Development. “I have decided to start a ‘Just One Pound’ Campaign which will help us to continue to support the work that we do in Cameroon and wider areas of Africa and other people groups in need”. The main aim of her work is to support groups to become self sustaining, so developing their entrepreneurial skills, fundraising strategies and making alliances with local corporations within the countries to provide joint-working with these non-governmental organisations. The African Foundation Stone has already had lots of success in the Cameroon and during her next trip she hopes to provide continued training and support. However all this comes at a cost, and as she feels she is no good at Climbing mountains, parachuting or bungy jumping, She decided to ask friends, colleagues and partners, to give £1 to provide ongoing support. “For my next trip (13th to 27 September) I will need to raise about £600 to provide Transport costs, venue and material for over 70 people to attend training, buy exercise books, pencils and crayons for orphans and other material. Some of this needs to be monetary, especially to transport 20 or so disabled women “and believe me people with disabilities are not usually able to take public transport”, so they will use their own wheelchairs if they can afford them or stay put! Please make your donations to Higher in Praise Ministries Reference ‘Just £1 Campaign’ . Higher in Praise Ministries is run by a group of volunteers which organise and host HIP Cafe a live music event in the Wembley area. Higher in Praise Ministries Lloyds TSB Bank plc Sort code: 30 93 88 Account No: 00752483
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Being An Effective Evening of discussion to mark Voice African/Black History Month How does one be an effective voice? Especially being one for Jamaica and Jamaicans internationally. Well for sure FFBJ was created to address a clearly identified need for an independent voice for Jamaicans living abroad to speak on the political, social and economic issues affecting Jamaica and Jamaicans worldwide. But it is evident that such a voice is required at home also and more. Through effective research and constructive dialogues with Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica, FFBJ has maintained key areas of focus to ensure a holistic approach in the way it acts on behalf of its target audience. As a result of this we strive to maintain a level of independence. Such independence sets us apart where individuals, organisation or political groups are not in a position to derail the ultimate vision in seeing a better Jamaica... Read more at our blog
Audrey Linton 07939239053
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An intimate, cerebral evening of discussion to mark African/ Black History Month with contributors from BTWSC’s book & DVD An evening with Dawn Butler & special guests, discussing strategies for achievement, values and overcoming the ‘African Voices’ speed discussion with some of the contributors There will be free refreshments and networking from 6.15pm to 6.45pm, followed by screening of ‘What They Said I should Be’ DVD. The event takes place on Friday 8th October, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at The Space, Willesden Green Library Centre, 95 High Road, NW10 2SF African Voices can be purchased at The Willesden Bookshop, 95 High Road, London NW10 4QU, (020 8451 7000), Playfare Resource Centre, 30 Craven Park Road, Harlesden, NW10 4AB, (0208 965 7433), New Beacon Books, 76 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, London, N4 3EN, (020 7272 4889), Centerprise Bookshop, 136-138 Kingsland High Street, Kingsland Dalston, London E8 2NS, (020 7923 7745, and via Amazon.co.uk To Book: (Pre-Booking necessary) btwsc@hotmail.com or telephone 020 8450 5987.
Roger Robinson introduces ‘Suckle’ As part of Lewisham’s Black History Month celebrations, author Roger Robinson will be introducing his book ‘Suckle’ at Lewisham Library on Thursday 1 October. A new publication from a writer chosen by Decibel as one of 50 writers who have most influenced black British writing over the past 50 years. In a world where black music and writing is often criticised for macho posturing, Roger’s choice of book title is interesting. His selfdeprecating wit makes his work hugely enjoyable both on the stage and off the page. This event was organised by Lewisham Council in In association with Flipped Eye publishing. It is aimed at ages 16 and over and signed copies will be available on the night. Contact details: 020 8314 9800