NNN June 2011

Ne ws NNN

Issue 10 • June 2011 • www.issuu.com/nationalnubiannews In this issue: • • • •

The Deadly Delivery New Laws May Restrict Blacks and Poor People From Voting in 2012 North Mozambique Overwhelmed By Asylum Seekers New Laws May Restrict Blacks and Poor People From Voting in 2012

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Editorial

CONTENTS

03 05 07 09 12 16 17

THE OUTSIDE WORLD TOLD BLACK KIDS WHEN I WAS GROWING UP THAT WE WEREN’T WORTH ANYTHING. BUT OUR PARENTS SAID IT WASN’T SO, AND OUR CHURCHES AND OUR SCHOOLTEACHERS SAID IT WASN’T SO. THEY BELIEVED IN US, AND WE, THEREFORE, BELIEVED IN OURSELVES. Marian Wright Edelman

CONFERENCE AGAINST ACADEMY SCHOOLS

THE DEADLY DELIVERY

SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGES RE-THINK POSITIVE DISCRIMINATION? BSN NETWORKING NIGHT

HELP SAVE KYE

ESCAPE, DISCOVER, ILLUMINATE

NNN Send us your news, information and events. Email us: nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com

June is synonymous with Father’s Day, Ascot, Summer solstice, Diabetes Awareness week and so much more including:

• • • • •

National Safety Month Caribbean-American Heritage Month (United States) Black Music Month Men’s Health Month Cataract Awareness Month

http://www.wincalendar.com/June-Calendar/June-2011-Calendar.html I’m glad June is here because we have all survived “Judgement Day” scheduled for 21st May! It has now been re-scheduled to 21st October - so you can relax a little!

Black Music Month takes place in June. President Jimmy Carter, who on June 7, 1979, decreed that June would be the month of black music. For the past 28 years, presidents have announced to Americans that we should celebrate Black Music Month.

British Black Music Month (BBMM) is a BritishBlackMusic.com/Black Music Congress (BBM/ BMC) initiative started in 2006. It takes place throughout June into mid-July. BBMM offers an opportunity to celebrate domestic black music, discuss issues, better understand the music industry, and network. It’s not aimed exclusively at Africans nor at just those in the music industry. BBMM2011 sub-themes are activism and Africa. BBM/BMC works with partners to deliver its programmes. http://www.britishblackmusic.com/ If you have or know someone with diabetes, do go along to various programmes being organised during Diabetes Awareness Week http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Get_involved/Diabetes-Week/ Diabetes Week is Diabetes UK’s annual UK-wide awareness and fundraising week. This year Diabetes Week is 12–18 June 2011.

The information in this magazine should be regarded as confidential and is intended for the addressee only unless explicitly stated. If you have received this message in error it must be deleted and the sender notified. The views expressed in this message are personal and not necessarily those of NNN unless explicitly stated.

Don’t forget Dad - whatever your relationship with him! Father’s Day is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. It is celebrated on the third Sunday of June in many countries and on other days elsewhere. It complements Mother’s Day, the celebration honoring mothers.

Alison

HELP SAVE KYE CARPENTER

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NNN Team Editor: Alison Hewitt Contributors: Esther Austin & Franklyn Edwards Artwork: Trevor Muckett

Saturday 11 June 2011

CONFERENCE AGAINST ACADEMY SCHOOLS:

THE FIGHT FOR QUALITY STATE EDUCATION Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS 10.30am – 3.30pm

The evidence from up and down this country and from abroad is that Academy schools, Charter schools and Free schools do not improve attainment overall and increase the segregation and exclusion of the poorest and most disadvantaged children. There is no justification for putting the provision of publicly funded education into the hands of private companies, which would seek to profit from it. The Government’s reform programme is driven by ideology and prejudice, and not by evidence or concern for the wider public.

• Skew the distribution of education funding resources,

• • • • • •

redirecting hundreds of millions of pounds to selected schools. This is money that would be better spent on supporting existing schools, Make the education of students left in mainstream state schools worse, Lead inevitably to school closures, Break up existing common admission arrangements, Disrupt local democratic planning of school places, Undermine local authorities and the existing processes for democratic control and accountability, Undermine national pay and conditions for teachers and other staff.

Despite its rhetoric and threats, the Government lost the first phase of the argument, as very few state schools applied for and were granted Academy status. Now, Conservative local authorities across the SERTUC region are seeking to compel all their schools to apply for Academy status.

communities, elected politicians and trade unionists need to work together to highlight the cost to the community and detriment to educational outcomes from Academy Schools and to assure those who runs schools, staff, parents and students that education services provided by the state offer a better option for our young people.

And School Governors, especially those who are trade unionists, have a key role in the mobilisation against applications for Academy status.

This conference is the next step in the crucial campaign against the Government’s Academy Schools reform proposals.

This conference will include key note speakers, breakout groups and dedicated sessions for School Governors. It will be action orientated, the objective being building capacity for local campaigns to fight proposals for Academy Schools.

The conference is open to trade unionists, School Governors, teachers, support staff, parents, community campaign groups and elected politicians. It is free to attend. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Places will be given on a ‘first come basis’ so please apply early.

Unfortunately, SERTUC cannot offer childcare but attendees might wish to contact their union for support.

Delegates may register by phone, calling SERTUC on 020 7467 1220 Delegates may register by email, contacting sertucevents@tuc. org.uk

So we are now in a fight to save every school!

Parents, students, teachers, support workers, school governors,

Or delegates may return this registration form by post to: SERTUC, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS www.issuu.com/nationalnubiannews • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com • 3

Thursday 16th June at 8pm

Liminal Space presents the European premiere of SIX ROUNDS by award winning African- American playwright John ADEkoje and is directed by Prav MJ. Six Rounds is a hard hitting drama about life for black kids on the streets and the problems they face with guns, the police and other members of the community. “Snitching” and the consequences of gun crime are a strong theme in this play. A Hip-Hop DJ cuts and scratches in the background to the beat of life on the streets. As ADEkoje writes “The young with the aggression of hip-hop & Rock and Roll carry the petals of hope. This is the texture and fabric of this play.”

HARLEM GOSPEL At The Broadway Theatre Catford Broadway, London SE6 4RU 8:00pm The Most famous Choir in the world return to the UK on their 25th Anniversay tour following their recent sell out performance at the Royal Festival Hall.

The Harlem Gospel Choir have travelled 3 million miles to share their unique Gospel Music with audiences in their thousands. From China to Australia, Russia to Alaska, the Choir have performed for Roylty, Presidents, Nelson Mandela, the pope and at the internationlly broadcast memorial for Michael Jackson.

In this new era of hope and change, they reflect the renaissance of Harlem’s culture. Their harmonious songs of love, hopeand inspiration will touch the depths of your soul, lift your spirit and take your breath away.

Box Office: 020 8690 0002 Saturday June 18 2011

QUALITY TIME 2011

Annual Father’s Day Event Brighton Beach, Madeira Drive, Brighton 08:30am - 9:00pm

A fun day out in Brighton for men and children. Brighton has a wide variety of things do and see including:

• Brighton Pier, The famous pebble

beach and fairground attractions.

• There will also be Fathers vs

Children: Football and Rounders competitions.

• Visits to museums and exhibitions.

For further information visit: www.100bmol.org.uk or e-mail: qt@100bmol.org.uk Tel: 0870 121 4100

Thursday May 5th at Plan B 418 Brixton Road London SW9 from 7.30-11.30pm.

DJ J-Den, the composer for Six Rounds will be on the decks. There will be a Six Rounds raffle with some amazing goodies - LUKE have kindly donated a jacket, Eddie Otchere whose iconic image of Raekwon from Wu Tang Clan is on the flyers has given an image from the Hip Hop World from the 80’s, Ringtone boxing have donated a boxing class. The Audience Club that has free tickets for theatre shows have donated a free membership for a year and Daughters of Lilly, an innovative skin range company, a goodie bag. For guest list please RSVP to Prav MJ pravmj@mac.com , 07799 412 328.

Liminal Space Productions has teamed with charitable organizations and has dedicated four of the performance nights to the four causes to raise awareness and funds. The charities have been chosen to accompany the themes of Six Rounds. Benefit nights are the following: Tuesday June 7th Brook http://www.brook.org.uk Brook is the country’s largest young people’s sexual health charity. For over 45 years, we have been providing sexual health services, support and advice to young people under the age of 25. Harriet Gill, CEO of Brook will be attending that night.

Thursday June 9th Red Cross New Zealand Earthquake Appeal Six Rounds leading actress Catriona Toop, who plays Amy, is from Christchurch, and has been personally affected by the recent earthquakes in the area. Catriona, as well as the LSpace team would like to offer their support in contributing to the aid for providing relief to the destruction caused in the area.

Friday June 10th Art Saves Lives http://artsaveslives.co.uk Founded by Dean Stalham in 2009 who discovered that ‘art saved his life” while in HMP Wandsworth. Liminal Space are supporting ART SAVES LIVES to raise funds to build a much needed community theatre and arts space in one of London’s most socially deprived areas -New Cross June 14th 2011 Terence Higgins Trust http://www.tht.org.uk Terrence Higgins Trust is the leading and largest HIV and sexual health charity in the UK. CEO of the charity Michael Brady will be attending. June 14th will be dedicated to THT cause and the great work they carry out in the UK. The shows will be taking place at the LOST Theatre, 208 Wandsworth Road, London, SW8 2JU and will be running for 4 weeks, from the 7th June till the 2nd of July.

For tickets and further information http://www.losttheatre.co.uk

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THE DEADLY DELIVERY

CHILDBIRTH TO BE MADE SAFER

Excessive bleeding following childbirth is the leading cause of maternal deaths in the developing world, but the World Health Organization (WHO) has now approved the use of misoprostol, a drug that considerably reduces this risk.

Misoprostol is a uterotonic (drug causing the uterus to contract and lessening blood loss) that can prevent post-partum haemorrhage (PPH). It is stable at room temperature and can be administered in tablet form.

The decision to add the drug to WHO’s Model List of Essential Medicines for PPH prevention is “an affirmation” for countries and providers who want to use it, said Ndola Prata, associate professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and a director at Venture Strategies Innovations, a women’s health NGO, who co-wrote the documents supporting the misoprostol application.

Governments are not bound by WHO’s list, but it heavily influences national health ministries, and the inclusion of misoprostol will make it easier for governments to procure the drug, and at lower cost, health experts said.

The WHO committee on essential medicines, which met in March, approved misoprostol “for the prevention of PPH in settings where oxytocin [principal drug for PPH] is not available or cannot be safely used”, according to a report released this week.

New research “suggest[s] there may be a benefit from use of misoprostol by traditional birth attendants or assistants provided with training on the use of the product at home deliveries”, the committee said in its report.

Many health experts say misoprostol would be most effective in reducing maternal deaths if put in the hands of local health workers, and not administered only at hospitals. Globally about one-third of births (some 45 million), mostly in the developing world, take place at home without a doctor, nurse or trained midwife, according to WHO. Source: http://www.irinnews.org

women 0 0 0 , 0 an 35 e more th essly du l e s n e s still die causes e l b a t n d to preve ancy an n g e r p to related h. childbirt n who a m o w each e And for nds mor ies. a s u o h t dies, ing injur t a t i l i b e suffer d www.issuu.com/nationalnubiannews • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com • 5

Franklyn Edwards MANAGING RELATIONSHIPS In previous articles we have explored some of the benefits of being positive & alert to opportunities, benefits linked to networking & ways of quickly striking up & developing rapport.

In this article we will now consider how to maintain those relationships developed.

So let’s start by looking at keeping those lines of communication open, following our initial meeting. Let’s assume the process had been started with a follow-up email after an initial meeting. That initial email may have included a few things gleaned during the conversation in the hope of demonstrating a real interest in that person’s accomplishments.

That email may also have been followed by further emails or telephone enquiries about the addressee’s health or wellbeing, you may even have forwarded emails on topics you believed would be of interest. You may have also made telephone calls seeking an opinion or introducing them to someone with similar interests. These are just a few things that could be done to help nurture a relationship following any initial meeting.

Repeating the above with everyone you meet could invariably lead to opportunities to support each other & may result in being notified of an interesting article, a job offer or a tender opportunity that could ultimately result in a benefit for you or your organisation.

My first contract followed an introduction by a colleague to an experienced consultant with whom she had a good working relationship. We had both worked for a national regulator so had similar experiences, although mine was current & we offered similar services. During our conversation I learned that she had been speaking recently to a very senior executive who required the services of a consultancy with knowledge, relevant to being subjected to external regulation.

Following our meeting, we met the senior executive & I was able to negotiate a contract to prepare a self assessment which highlighted the quality of services they offered & the benefits to users. The report was well received & was instrumental in the organisation receiving a favourable two star rating with positive prospects for improvement.

My introduction to the consultant was nothing more than a brief chat over coffee after being introduced. Our chat included a brief oral resume of my experience, skills & plans for the future.

She returned the favour by outlining her experience, skills & elaborated on some of her triumphs & pitfalls.

Our initial meeting was brief but had sowed the seeds of collaboration & resulted in work. Things will not always be as straightforward, or happen as quickly as this did. This was an exceptional case, which demonstrates how quickly an introduction or a meeting can lead to a relationship that could result in 6 • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com • www.issuu.com/nationalnubiannews

significant benefits.

However generally speaking, introductions can take an eternity to materialise into something worthwhile. In fact it may never bear fruit. Most introductions will not result in work. The most they may bring are friendships, sources of information, knowledge & a database of expertise. However, some relationships will result in work, & could lead to repeat work too. So every relationship should be viewed as potential for developmental opportunities or work.

During a term of interim management at a housing organisation, I developed a relationship with one of the senior managers there.

That relationship resulted in being recommended to another organisation that had been searching for a consultant to review their youth engagement programme. The recommendation ultimately resulted in the award of a project to deliver that piece of work. The work carried out was appreciated & resulted in repeat business with that organisation.

My consultancy has since been invited back to the housing organisation where I played an interim role, to deliver a range training packages. I am pleased to say that they were extremely satisfied & we continue to discuss the delivery of new work because a real, meaningful relationship has been developed between our respective organisations.

Another opportunity arose when an ex-colleague called out of the blue with the offer of a piece of work. Engaged as project director to deliver a re-provision contract for a local strategic partnership consisting of the local authority, health service & housing association, he needed a project manager to help deliver that project & I fitted the bill.

The project had fallen behind time & measures were needed to prevent further slippage, possibly clawing back some of the lost time & ensuring delivery was within budget. An experienced project manager had to be brought on board & I met the requirements.

We had previously worked closely together & being aware of my knowledge & project management experience, there was no hesitation in bringing me on board.

It is obvious from the examples given above that striking up relationships and managing them well, can lead to untold & unexpected opportunities. This reinforces the old saying of, ‘it not being what you know, but who you know.’

The majority of contracts secured by my own consultancy & others has been secured through contacts known to those consultancies & this once again highlights the importance of networking & then nurturing those relationships developed.

SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGES SOS has nearly 500 villages in 132 countries. Each SOS Children’s Village is comprised of approximately 10 - 15 houses, with 6-12 children in each house.

Each house has an SOS mother who cares for the children as if they were her own.

The children grow up as brothers and sisters and become part of the larger local community.

For just $30 per month, you can sponsor an SOS orphan or an SOS Children’s Village and make a difference in the lives of children in need.

Sponsor A Child When you sponsor an SOS child, you make it possible for your sponsored child to grow up in a secure environment. Your

contribution helps us to meet the child’s daily needs, guarantees medical assistance and also ensures quality education for the child. Thanks to your help, we are in a position to support the development of the child in the best possible way, and to prepare him or her to reach their full potential and lead an independent life.

Sponsor a Village When you sponsor an SOS Village, you help to cover the costs of all children living in that village. Your contributions make it possible for each SOS Child to receive a high-quality education, along with the meals, education, clothing, and support that they require to grow up to be independent adults.

Investment To sponsor a child or village, we ask for an investment of just $30 per month. By becoming a sponsor, you are establishing a long-term relationship with an SOS child. You will be sent a renewal letter on an annual basis that will give you the opportunity to make any necessary adjustments to your pledge. In addition,

you may always contact us by email or by phone.

Personal Connection As a child sponsor, you will establish a long-term relationship with an SOS child.

You will watch your sponsored child grow up and get insight into life in their shoes.

You and your sponsored child will become acquainted through: A welcome packet containing your sponsor handbook, a photograph of your sponsored child, biographical information, and a detailed description of the SOS Village and native country; Annual progress report every summer about your child; Holiday greetings, a recent picture of your

child, and a report on village activities; Notification of your sponsored child’s birthday and an opportunity to send your child a birthday gift via the SOS-USA office; and Letters that you may write to your child.

Some sponsors even choose to visit their sponsored child or village. These visits are arranaged through our Sponsorship Office and require 4-6 weeks advance notice.

Your sponsorship will continue until your SOS child has finished their education or training, and is ready to lead an independent life. At this point, SOS would be honored if you would choose to sponsor and establish a personal connection with another orphaned child.

As a village sponsor, you will receive special reports twice a year, which will update you on the village and its various projects. You will also receive photographs and anecdotes about village life along with holiday greetings.

Website: http://www.sos-usa.org Email: sponsors@sos-usa.org

Saturday 4th June

YESS - OPEN DAY Bernie Grant Arts Centre Town Hall Approach Rd London N15 4RX 10am - 1pm A fun packed afternoon combining taster sessions from all of our Brand New Courses and special celebrity guest appearances from TV, Theatre, Film and West End Stars!!!

Don’t miss the opportunity to perform on stage with a mystery celebrity guest from the West End , plus the chance to win a FREE scholarship to one of our fantastic courses including our Summer Musical Theatre course!!!

The FREE Taster sessions include elements from all of our 6 fantastic courses, Musical Theatre, Behind the Scenes, Film Hair and Make-up, Presenting, Acting on screen and Shakespeare.

Sign up online today to book your place, limited places available so be quick!

Special Celebrity Guests on the day include: Kate Batter, Katy Hanna & Marc Vastenavondt from Phantom of the Opera, Simon Shorten from Les Miserables, Mark Griffin from Gladiator & NCIS, Catherine Kirkwood TV producer/director for BBC/CITV/ FIVE/Disney/ Nickelodeon & Transient Film from Riverside Studios who’s films broadcast on the BBC and ITV. If you are 11-18, have a passion for film, dance, drama and singing or just love to perform and would like more information about YESS please contact Rachel Lloyd on 07737 799 216 or rachel@yess-stageandscreen.com

BERYL BROWNE FOUNDATION Who Is Beryl Browne? The short answer is she is the mother of Ulric Browne who plays Winston (the market extra) in Eastenders and looked after my mum when we were little. Ulric used to baby-sit me and my siblings! Judy Browne (Ulric’s niece) is a dear family friend who I grew up with. Please do all you can to support this project and to find out how, visit: http://www.berylbrowne-foundation. org.uk

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Wednesday 22 June 2011

Saturday 4th June 2011

WORKING WITH DIFFERENCE THE IMPACT OF DIFFERENCE ON WORKPLACE BEHAVIOUR Metanoia Institute13 North Common Road, Ealing, London W5 2QB from 9.30 to 4.00 This workshop will be interactive and dynamic (no PowerPoint) and designed to take participants on a journey towards a greater understanding of how personal difference impacts on their lives at work.

It will:

• enable people to explore more about • • • •

their own diversity and the impact it has on them in the workplace. examine why people respond the way they do. show how, in spite of differences, people can forge strong bonds between each other. demonstrate how working relationships are strengthened when personal difference is recognised. explain how equality best practice and legislation compliance can be achieved by “Working with Difference”.

• improve one-to-one relationships with managers, colleagues and customers/service users/clients.

Who are these workshop for?

The workshop is ideal for people looking to increase their understanding about the impact that diversity has in the workplace. It is particularly for those who want to develop their role as best practice practitioners. “Working with Difference” is a proven tool in management, human resources and team and leadership development.

Facilitator Michael Lassman has over twenty-five years experience as an equality and diversity practitioner, coach and trainer.

He has developed a dynamic approach to this complex area of work, blending both his experience and creativity.

Workshop Outcomes Participants will:-

Booking Information

• understand what their own diversity

Book online, email via the website or call the office for information or to reserve a place.

• •

means and how it affects them at work. gain a deeper insight into other peoples’ differences and how to respond to them more positively. learn to make connections through difference.

Equality Edge Ltd. 6 Argyle Road London N12 7NU. Telephone 020 8445 8447 or visit http://www.equalityedge.org.uk

From Tuesday 31st May - Sunday 12 June 2011

Happy Soul Festival The UK’s premier celebration of Black and minority ethnic film and arts exploring wellbeing, is pleased to announce its 2011 programme.

The award-winning festival, now in its fifth year, will take place 31st May – 12th June, and is dedicated to raising awareness of wellbeing and mental health in the Black, Asian and other minority ethnic communities where these issues are often stigmatised.

your support is needed!

Celebrities participating in this year’s event include: Former heavyweight champion Frank Bruno, British songstress Mica Paris, Korean actress Kim Khobbi, Arinze Kene (Eastenders), film director Vadim Jean and Got to Dance Finalist Turbo.

8 • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com • www.issuu.com/nationalnubiannews

HOME FROM HOME FUND RAISING DANCE The Alchemist Bar 225 St Johns Hill SW11 It’s Back. Last year was the boat ride, this year your feet will be on land eating, rocking and grooving all night till 4am at the Home From Home Fund Raising Dance in conjunction with Caribbean Unity Entertainments.

Home From Home is a new charity set up for the homeless in Trinidad & Tobago who have fallen on hard times and give them the opportunity to improve their condition of life by promoting their physical, mental and spiritual well being. All proceeds go to establish a new home.

Entertainment by: Martin ‘Big Pappy’ Jay, Daddy ‘Superjam’ Ernie, Solo the ‘Cool Entertainer’ and One Love Hi-Tech “East London’s Finest’. So come and support us in making other lives more bearable.

Apart from major ticket outlets you can purchase your tickets online via PAYPAL at http:// improvinglifethroughempowerment. blogspot.com Visit: http://hfhfoundation.website. orange.co.uk or facebook Home From Home to get updates.

They’ve come a long way from the one-day pilot event in Sutton in 2007 supported by the South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust. This year we’re running a 13-day festival running across six London boroughs with events and film screenings taking place in Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton, Wandsworth and our latest addition - Greenwich, in collaboration with Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust.

The free festival will provide audiences the opportunity to view and attend more than 15 screenings of - African-American, Asian, Korean and British films and community events - taking place in Wandsworth, Kingston, Merton, Sutton, Richmond, Greenwich and Lambeth, which explore wellbeing issues within BME communities. t’s set to be a great few weeks, which they hope will build on the festival’s success in raising awareness and de-stigmatising mental health issues in Black and Minority Ethnic communities in London for more information, visit: www.happysoulfestival.co.uk

PARLIAMENTARY OUTREACH Parliamentary Outreach spreads awareness of the work, processes and relevance of the institution of Parliament, encouraging greater engagement between the public and the House of Commons and House of Lords.

The work of Parliamentary Outreach includes: Delivering free training explaining the work of Parliament Promoting engagement with Select Committee inquiries

Wednesday 15th June 2011

Showing how the public can get involved with legislative scrutiny

IS IT TIME TO RE-THINK POSITIVE DISCRIMINATION?

Demonstrating Parliament’s relevance to each part of the UK

Birkbeck College, Room G16, Malet Street, London WC1E 7H 6.00pm - 7.30 pm

The Parliamentary Outreach service works in partnership with a diverse range of organisations, from local community groups and businesses to national campaign networks and NGOs.

The Ethnic Diversity at Work Group, in association with the Department of Organizational Psychology at Birkbeck, invites you to a free event to explore whether it is time to reconsider the use of positive discrimination in recruitment in the UK.

For further information on how your organisation can get involved with Parliamentary Outreach, please contact Parliamentary Outreach, Houses of Parliament London SW1A 2TT Telephone: 020 7219 1650 E-mail: parliamentaryoutreach@parliament.uk

bajaicanblessings

for the best in cultural & carnival paraphernalia

Many will be familiar with the issues of adverse impact faced by Black and Minority (BME) applicants in the UK. However, a recent research paper suggests that, in spite of the widespread use of job descriptions, competency based interviews and fair recruitment training, BME applicants still experience much lower success rates for jobs than White applicants. This study (by group members Marc Adams, HR Equalities Manager for Richmond Council) examined the differences in recruitment outcomes between BME and White applicants in 9 public sector London-based organisations and found that White applicants were more than twice as likely to be appointed than BME applicants.

In his talk, distinguished academic Professor Mike Noon, will be arguing that a real paradigm shift is needed - one that may require us to fully engage with the notion of positive discrimination - if we are to make significant progress in reducing adverse impact in the recruitment and selection of BME applicants.

Speakers for this seminar are: Mike Noon: Professor of Human Resource Management at the School of Business and Management, Queen Mary University of London and hosted by the Ethnic Diversity at Work Group (Sponsored by the Division of Occupational Psychology) & Department of Organizational Psychology, Birkbeck, University of London.

This seminar invites you leave your prejudices at the door and think again about positive discrimination. It answers the charges levelled at the concept by critics. It explores the varied meanings of the concept and resultant forms that positive discrimination can take. It challenges you to consider whether some of these might be applicable and valuable to contemporary organisations. It explores how such approaches might be related to ‘business case’ and ‘social justice’ rationales for equality, diversity and inclusion.

This is a free event. To book a place on this event, please complete the Questback form: http://goo.gl/5AnMh

Tel: 07717 218 104 email: bajaicanrad@aol.com

Please note that places are limited and early booking is advised.) For enquiries about this event, please contact: Tinu Cornish: tinu@coachforchange.co.uk Tel: 07941 955 147 www.issuu.com/nationalnubiannews • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com • 9

Virgin Unite, the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group and Virgin Holidays, the UK’s number one long haul holiday company have today announced that applications are being accepted at the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship Caribbean powered by Virgin Holidays.

The Centre, which will open this September, will support entrepreneurs to create and grow small businesses, ultimately generating jobs for the region.

The Branson Centre’s mission is a comprehensive one. Rather than attempting to teach ‘entrepreneurship’, it will seek to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with practical business skills, access to coaches to offer guidance, mentors to share their experiences and access to financing opportunities to enable growth.

In doing so, it will support the sustainable development of small businesses and jobs in the Caribbean.

Sir Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group, said: “Entrepreneurs are the life blood of major economies and can help create thriving communities that in turn generate jobs. Do you have what it takes, if so we would love to hear from you.”

Virgin Unite and Virgin Holidays have identified the following ten qualities that hopeful applicants will need to possess:

• Great Potential – do you have a small business that is really starting to fly and is ready to go to a whole new level?

• Savvy business beginnings – are you aware of market potential and can you look at the horizon to map your future?

• A ‘more than money’ approach to

doing business – are you thinking social and environmental, and how your business might do good and make money?

• Business street smarts – can you

quickly assess the bottom line of an opportunity?

• A dollop of risky realism – do you

know when to move ahead and when to stop and take stock?

• Cart loads of energy, pace, enthusiasm and unstoppable drive – you never say never

• A pair of big ears – we want listeners who can act on advise, improve and grow

• An elevator pitch about your business

that you deliver brilliantly again, again and again

• Worldly wise owls – you will know

about the social and environmental aspects that will impact your business and you’ll have plans as to how to maximise or mitigate against them

• You recognise your weaknesses, but play to your strengths

While these ten points are a must, preference will also be given to applicants if: Their business idea could support the Caribbean’s tourist industry – and therefore Virgin Holidays’ objective to giving something back to a region which has welcomed its customers since 1998.

They are between the ages of 18 – 35.

Virgin Holidays, which sends hundreds of thousands of customers to the Caribbean each year, is the lead business sponsor

of the Centre and has committed £2 million over the next decade to support the initiative. Managing Director, Amanda Wills, comments: “This represents another landmark as we and our partners at Virgin Unite bring the Centre to life. Over five million Virgin Holiday customers have enjoyed the unique energy of the people and the beauty of your places here, and it is not an understatement to say tourism is the lifeblood of the Caribbean. It will continue to thrive with the kind of new business ideas that this Centre will nurture.

We’d urge anyone with an idea they think could be the future of tourism here to apply to the Centre without delay!”

The Branson Centre’s Chief Development Director, Lisa Lake said, “I feel very passionate about the Centre and I’m delighted that Virgin Holidays and Virgin Unite have chosen the Caribbean. The region has so much talent and the Centre is a fantastic opportunity to create an active and effective hub for that to be harnessed, acting as a force for good by supporting aspiring entrepreneurs.”

Virgin Unite CEO, Jean Oelwang, comments “We are at the start of the journey in building an incredible Centre to support entrepreneurs in the Caribbean. We are very excited to be welcoming our first group of entrepreneurs to the Centre in preparation for a September launch and are also calling out to other partners to join Virgin Unite and Virgin Holidays in supporting the growth of the exciting new initiative.”

Please go on line at www.bransoncentre. org to download the latest application.

Send completed forms to caribbean. applicants@bransoncentre.org by the 13th June.

NATIONAL NUBIAN NEWS SUPPORTS 10 • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com • www.issuu.com/nationalnubiannews

NORTH MOZAMBIQUE OVERWHELMED BY ASYLUM SEEKERS Thousands of frustrated Ethiopian and Somali asylum seekers trying to make their way to South Africa have been marooned in overcrowded camps in northern Mozambique since the government introduced measures limiting their movements.

The Maratane Refugee Camp in Nampula Province, which normally accommodates around 5,500 long-term residents from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Rwanda, now has a population of over 10,000, while an additional 1,000 asylum seekers are staying at a temporary site in the coastal town of Palma, near the border with Tanzania.

“We did our best to expand facilities - building additional shelters, [drilling] boreholes, and by procuring food and non-food items, but given the sheer volume of the numbers, we’re obviously overwhelmed,” said Girma Gebre-Kristos, country representative of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Mozambique.

A steady stream of Ethiopians and Somalis started arriving in Mozambique in 2010, mostly by boat, but as long as the number of new arrivals at the Maratane Camp roughly equalled the number of departures, authorities were able to cope, GebreKristos told IRIN. However, this changed unexpectedly at the beginning of 2011, when the number of new arrivals increased significantly and the government of Mozambique put in place strict measures controlling the movements of asylum seekers outside the camp.

Gebre-Kristos said groups of Somalis and Ethiopians making their way south towards the border with South Africa had been picked up by police and returned to Maratane.

Aderito Matangala, acting head of the National Institute for Refugee Assistance (INAR), the local government counterpart of UNHCR, explained that while the law in Mozambique allowed asylum seekers freedom of movement, they first had to complete a registration process at the camp, which took three months.

even before being granted refugee status,” Matangala told IRIN, and many Somali and Ethiopian asylum seekers chose to come to Mozambique because of its reputation for treating refugees well.

We did our best to expand facilities...but given the sheer volume of the numbers, we’re obviously overwhelmed”My personal view is that not all of them want to go to South Africa,” he said, noting that some of the new arrivals were economic migrants rather than genuine asylum seekers.

Reports in recent weeks that the local police commander in Palma had deported about 150 Somali and Ethiopian asylum seekers to Tanzania, and that four Somali asylum-seekers were shot dead by border police on 29 April in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique’s most northerly province, suggest that police and immigration officials are not always aware of their country’s obligations to asylum seekers. The government is investigating the shooting and the deportations.

UNHCR and INAR are appealing for help to deal with the food, shelter, water and sanitation needs of the new arrivals in Maratane and Palma. So far the World Food Programme and the Mozambique Red Cross have stepped in with contributions of tents and food.

However, the situation in Palma remains dire. The camp is located next to a swampy, mosquito-infested area with no potable water, but Gebre-Kristos said an alternative location had been identified and would be ready soon.

Besides a lack of infrastructure, the Maratane Camp is struggling to balance the needs of the new arrivals with those of more established residents from the Great Lakes region, many of whom are involved in self-reliance projects and no longer need food assistance.

By contrast, said Gebre-Kristos, the newer residents were often “frustrated and angry young men who think their journey to South Africa has been interrupted”.

“The existing law gives [asylum seekers] freedom of movement www.issuu.com/nationalnubiannews • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com • 11

Saturday the 18th June 2011

REBUILDING THE BROKEN WALLS OF KENYA .

Ealing Christian Centre, 268 Northfield Avenue London W5 4UB Following up on the success of the meeting held on the 19th of March 2011, Jane Kiguru Wamae and the Steering Committee wish to invite you for our next prayer meeting for our country Kenya.

Friday, 3rd June 2011

BSN NETWORKING NIGHT Venue to be confirmed From 6:30pm The BSN invites you to join us for social and professional networking in good company. Our events are equally popular with lawyers and professionals from a wide range of other sectors.

This will be a fantastic way for you to meet contacts that you can develop throughout 2011.

The Black Solicitors’ Network (BSN) was formed in 1995 to promote the interests of black solicitors, for support and sharing information, to participate in consultations, initiated by the Law Society and other Government bodies, in relation to matters which affect black solicitors.

The BSN was recognised as a Law Society Group on the 17th July 2003.

A not-for-profit company, the Black Solicitors’ Network aims to be the primary voice of black solicitors in England and Wales.

The BSN is committed to achieving equality of access, retention and promotion of black solicitors within the sector.

Over the years membership has grown to over 5,500 by 2007. An inclusive rather than exclusive organisation, our reputation is such that we also attract, and welcome, members from across the cultural and diversity spectrum.

Partners The BSN works with a range of partners and associates which include; corporate law firms, banks, and government institutions, here and abroad. Additionally we also work with smaller niche companies and organisations to ensure that a wide range of members’ needs can be supported at any one time.

As a network we feel it is important to continue to meet and engage with new and diverse organisations, and so always invite and welcome approaches from potential new partners.

If you have an idea, arrangement or project that you feel might benefit our members, please do not hesitate to contact us, as we are always happy to explore new possibilities and work with new partners.

Entry is free and no advance booking is necessary.

If you have any questions just send an email to : events@blacksolicitorsnetwork. co.uk To see BSN website, copy, paste & click http://www.blacksolicitorsnetwork.co.uk/ events?view=eventdetails&id=72

AMW ASSOCIATES CONSULTANCY LTD We are a Community Interested Company specialising in business and management consultancy based in London. We are a BME (Black & minority ethnic) owned company and have extensive experience in both public and private sector management. http://www.amwassociates-consultancy.com 12 • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com • www.issuu.com/nationalnubiannews

This prayer meeting and others to follow is an invitation and a call to each Kenyan here in the UK and beyond to come and in prayer, humility and repentance seek God’s grace for healing, reconciliation and lasting peace in our beloved country Kenya.

You need not belong to a particular church or group. Come as you are -as a Kenyan - and together let us pray for one another and for our country. That we may gain the grace and courage to live every day aware that we are better united than divided, to understand that peace is better than violence and that together we can and shall make a difference.

Together in prayer, our God will listen and rebuild the broken walls in our lives and in our country Kenya. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

100 BLACK MEN OF LONDON As a group of concerned AfricanCaribbean men, the 100 Black Men of London seek to improve the quality of life in our communities and to enhance educational and economic opportunities through pooling together our collective resources. The 100 Black Men of London recognise the challenges confronting our youth today and will endeavour to provide leadership and support. In essence, to create an environment where our youth are motivated to achieve and empower themselves to become economic and moral shareholders in the communities we serve.

For more information, visit: http://www.100bmol.org.uk

Wednesday June 13 2011

OWLE50+

50+ women: making our voices heard London Metropolitan University, Henry Thomas Room , 166-220 Holloway Road, London N7 8DB

Thursday 2nd June 2011

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO SPECIAL GUEST MUNTU VALDO

Symphony Hall Broad Street Birmingham B1 2EA From 7.30pm For over forty years, the voices of Ladysmith Black Mambazo have married the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions to the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music. The result is a musical and spiritual alchemy that has touched a worldwide audience representing every corner of the religious, cultural and ethnic landscape.

The group has worked with numerous artists from around the world, including Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban, Dolly Parton, Ben Harper and many others. Their musical efforts have garnered praise and accolades within the recording industry and they have received fifteen Grammy Award Nominations and three Grammy Award wins.

With life expectancy rising and health improving even more people will be aiming to work well into their 50s and 60s. Today’s 50+ women are carving out new roles, at work, in society, balancing the traditional and the caring with adventures, innovations, new ideas.

To book tickets for this concert, visit the Symphony Hall website: https://tickets.thsh.co.uk/Online/mapSelect.asp?BOset::WSadmissions::admission::perf ormance_id=B5446553-6586-49C9-81B2-31408595C47B or telephone 01217 803 333

In response to a growing demand by over 50s to improve their skills and employability, OWLE50+ and London Metropolitan University launched a dynamic range of workshops for women over 50.

This includes: • Lifeskills and confidence building • Employability, enterprise and earning • Health • Community skills and volunteering • Developing and presenting ideas This pioneering transnational EU Grundtvig project, funded by the EU EACEA Lifelong Learning Programme is run by London Met’s Centre for Micro Enterprise (CME), in partnership with Norkőpping Kommun , Sweden, and Tecnopolis, Bari, Italy.

What are the main issues for 50+? Come and interact with our expert panel, who all have a role with 50+ women, voice your opinions, meet some older women who are re-launching their lives, and find out about the project.

Contact Hilary Farnworth to book telephone 0207 320 1573, email hilary. farnworth@londonmet.ac.uk or visit www.owle50plus.euOWLE50%2B%20 %20flyer%20May%220%202011.doc Funded by EU Lifelong Learning Programme

Thursday 2nd June 2011

BLACK WOMEN AND FIBROIDS Dana Centre 165 Queen’s Gate South Kensington London SW7 5HD 7pm - 9pm Following the oversubscribed seminar on black women and breast cancer in July 2010 there were a number of requests for a similar event on fibroids. Fibroids are growths within the womb which can result in mild pelvic pressure to quite severe pain, heavy menstrual bleeding during sex, miscarriages and problems conceiving. These problems can often cause significant emotional distress.

Fibroids may be difficult for women to detect themselves. Even if fibroids have been correctly diagnosed the automatic solution was to have the entire womb removed. This seminar will take us through what fibroids are and alternative solutions. We will hear from fibroids survivors as well as health practitioners with mainstream and alternative therapies. To book: Call 020 7942 4040 or e-mail tickets@danacentre.org.uk www.issuu.com/nationalnubiannews • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com • 13

Esther Austin Hello once again my gorgeous people. Hope you are balancing life and all its complex and sometimes challenging moments in between the laughter and fun. I had the pleasure of being invited to the Brahma Kumaris’ 40th Anniversary Celebration yesterday and was touched by a wonderful talk by Dadi Janki. She spoke about love, humility, compassion and mercy. One question she poised to the audience was, “Who Am I?” indeed who are we?

We are the soul, therefore we are not defined by the external, by the material, but by our Soul. Therefore all the qualities such as love, compassion, mercy and serving humanity is what life is really about and searching for and working on finding peace within and maintaining that peace. As she spoke I could feel some of my ‘stuff’ dissolve. Balancing looking after my mother who is recovering from cancer, and trotting between North West and South East whilst also continuing with my work had me feeling quite overwhelmed on a few times and I needed to be taken out of that space. Then Dadi Janki said something quite profound.

She said: “It’s my honor to sit on the seat of respect, internally.”

Therefore any shift in our state has to start internally and I left last night feeling, inspired, empowered and ready to kick into gear again. The session ended with a beautiful meditation and I had re-energised once again.

Stuff happens, yet I always say, seek resources around you to help and empower you through. Life will throw things at us, but whatever works for you whether that is cycling down a hill legs of pedals, going for a walk, talking it out with a friend - do so. No man is an island. Ok, What’s happening in town!

Walthamstow Library Talks Wednesday, 1st June - The Power of Forgiveness Wednesday 22nd June - We are the Sum of our Thoughts: Do we therefore Create our Reality?

At the Walthamstow Library High Street Walthamstow London E17 7JN from 6.30pm-8.30pm

This space will accommodate 8 people. (The group has been kept small due to the intimate nature of the workshop.)

If anyone would like to stay overnight at the cabin, please contact: Pat on 07941 606306, Email: aprias18@yahoo.co.uk for more information. Rates per night are extremely reasonable.

The INSPIREME Road Show - “On the Sofa with Esther” Coming in a few months time at a venue near YOU. I will be taking the INSPIREME Show on a tour of the UK, meeting with many wonderful individuals, light workers etc whose mission it is to inspire and empower YOU from a place of truth, authenticity and love. People in the industry who walk their talk. The aim of this Roadshow is not to indulge in the whole ‘reality’ nonsense about celebrity psychics or celebrity spirituality. This road show is about keeping it real. This road show is about TRUTH, this road show is about AUTHENTICITY, the road show is about EMPOWERING you. The INSPIREME show is here to empower and inspire YOU to be the best that you can be, serving the spiritual needs of humanity. Simple.

Dates and times to be posted shortly for more details visit: www.qarmabroadcast.co.uk May’s INSPIREME shows will be up online by the end of the week on www.spectrumradio.net. So do take a listen to the crazy and fabulous fastest talking woman, Fran Capo who launched by first show with me and the dynamic Beatrice Davis from the USA and listen in to conversation with Salle Redfield about The Power of Prayer and Felicity Warner about Soul Journeying.

Programme Schedule for June on the INSPIREME show will be (drum roll): 3rd June - Anna-Louise Haigh, The Soul Whisperer - www.annalouise.com.

Saturday 11th June and Saturday 2nd July 2011 Meditation and Visualisation Mini-Breaks with Esther Austin, Colchester The Spiritual Cabin, Close to Colchester/Frinton (approximately 1.30 hours from London)

10th June - James Redfield, Author or The Celestine Prophecies, will be talking about his latest book, The 12th Insight. Visit http://www.celestinevision.com for more information.

17th June - Danielle Henderson - Psychics and Empowerment?

What’s the connection? www.harleystreetpsychics.com

11am-5pm Are you in need of some ‘ME’ time in a peaceful and tranquil setting. Needing to get back to your centre away from the hustle and bustle of life?

Join me on a day’s intimate mini break to re-energise, rejuvenate and most of all find a place of solace in a world that is hectic, stressful and which can often be overwhelming. This one day mini break will bring back the balance you need in your life. The day will consist of meditation, visualisation, journaling, contemplation and journaling by the sea at a very tranquil setting.

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24th June - PILLOW TALK with Roxana Hewitt and husband about TANTRA. www.healingwithroxana.com

Visit the Esther Austin Website http://www.estheraustinglobal.com/

NEW LAWS MAY RESTRICT BLACKS AND POOR PEOPLE FROM VOTING IN 2012

By Charlotte Young

HINES WARD & KYM JOHNSON WIN DANCING WITH THE STARS

It appears Florida Gov. Rick Scott is a fan of the days when discriminatory voting practices were in place to discourage African Americans from voting because he recently signed into law a bill that blatantly disenfranchises those who are black and poor.

First, his new law has cut early voting days from 15 to eight. Those who move to another country are prohibited from changing their addresses at the polls—such a stipulation would affect college students and working poor people who move a lot. Thus, their ballots will be cast as provisional ballots, and studies show these ballots tend to be cast out. The worst part of Scott’s new law is that third party groups who register voters must turn in all new registration forms in only two days compared to the previously allowed 10 days.

Thank God for Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, which requires certain states (such as Florida) to get a pre-clearance from the Department of Justice before changing voting practices.

Besides Scott’s new law, Rev. Jesse Jackson is calling attention to how proposed state laws requiring photo identification for voters, along with Congressional reapportionment and state legislation that restricts the bargaining power of labor unions, will all weaken the black vote.

The requirement for state-issued photo IDs at the polls means that millions may not vote in the 2012 election because they don’t have licenses or birth certificates and cannot afford to get them, said Jackson. He added that there are 5.5 million blacks in America who are of legal driving age but do not have a driver’s license.

According to BlackAmericaWeb, there are several states considering photo IDs, including Ohio, Wisconsin, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Montana, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas.

Now, it is true that congressional reapportionment and labor union bargaining power may create a setback to the black community and should be addressed quickly. But what’s so wrong with requiring a photo ID? There comes a time when we need to stop coddling people and tell them, for instance, to get a photo ID. How else could people make credit purchases, get on planes, file taxes and get into nightclubs without a valid ID? Rev. Jesse Jackson, please take that issue up with your supporters.

This story and more can be viewed at: http://atlantapost.com

The deadline for the next edition of NNN is

1700 hours on Friday 24th June 2011 15 • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com • www.issuu.com/nationalnubiannews

Oh, what a night! Whether it was the Black Eyed Peas performing “Don’t Stop the Party” or celebrity cameos of Brandy, Joey Lawrence and Sarah Palin, last night’s finale of Dancing With the Stars did not disappoint! And oh, by the way, the winners were crowned, too!

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Hines Ward and dancing partner Kym Johnson snagged the coveted prize, the ultimate win, the mirror ball.

After Hines and Kym performed the samba and he ran over to kiss his mom, perhaps that was an indication of the stellar night to come. Before earning a perfect 10, Carrie Ann Inaba said, “You learned how to lead in the dancing and you lead you partner out of an injury.”

Len Goodman added, “Dance is the product, what is so appealing about you is the packaging.”

Read more here: http://www.okmagazine.com/2011/05/hines-ward-kymjohnson-win-mirror-ball-trophy-on-dwts/

SATURDAY 4 JUNE 2011

THE HONOURS SYSTEM & COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS BERNIE GRANT ARTS CENTRE Tottenham Green, London N15 4RX From 2pm Come along and hear how anyone can make a difference,bringing distinction to the lives of others, exemplifying the best sustained service, and demonstrating innovation and entrepreneurship.

Arthur Torrington CBE will discuss how the British Honours System works and show you how to nominate colleagues for national and local awards.

Ballet Black is a professional neo classical ballet company for international dancers of Black and Asian descent. Founded

by Cassa Pancho in 2001, Ballet Black is based in Covent Garden, London and runs educational schemes that include a Saturday ballet school in Shepherd’s Bush and the Ballet Black Associate Programme for teenaged and professional dancers of black or Asian descent.

For more information, visit: http://www.balletblack.co.uk

HELP SAVE KYE Little Kye Carpenter-Mark, who lives in Southall, London, celebrated his 3rd birthday on the 18 May 2011 but his smiles hide his desperate fight for life against leukaemia.

Kye was diagnosed with childhood Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) just before his 2nd birthday in Spring 2010. His mother Laura Carpenter and family noticed that Kye had been suffering for a long period of with recurrent flu-like symptoms that just wouldn’t go away. Tina Carpenter, Kye’s grandmother said ‘as a mother of 6 and grandmother told me something just wasn’t right, and we asked doctors to investigate further’. Kye was referred to Hillingdon Hospital and blood tests revealed Kye’s platelets, the cells that control blood clotting, were very low and initial treatments had no effect After 4 months of investigations and many anxious moments, specialist doctors finally detected small leukaemia cells in Kye’s blood and diagnosed AML. Having AML (Acute Myeloid Leukaemia) means Kye’s immune system struggles to fight even minor infections and produce healthy platelets, red and white cells. This leaves him in a very vulnerable and life-threatening condition, even socialising with other children can be very dangerous. Although AML develops very quickly and symptoms can appear within days or weeks, it can be quite difficult to identify because the symptoms of persistent infection, fever, easy bruising or bleeding and tiredness are often mistaken for other common illnesses in children and adults.

Join us to support Kye Carpenter-Mark and others at the ACLT ‘Super Donation Day’ donor recruitment drive on: Saturday 18th June - Choice FM Global Radio 30 Leicester Square London WC2H 7LA from 11am till 4pm

Wednesday 1st June 2011

A GALA EVENING WITH WOLE SOYINKA

In support of Collective Artistes Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre Purcell Room, London From 7:45PM Wole Soyinka, one of the world’s most renowned poets and playwrights, will discuss culture and politics with Southbank Centre’s Artistic Director Jude Kelly OBE in benefit of Collective Artistes Theatre Company. Wole Soyinka won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1986.

Booking: Southbank Ticket Office on 0844 847 9910 or www.southbankcentre. co.uk For more information email: chip@collectiveartistes.co.uk

www.issuu.com/nationalnubiannews • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com • 16

Saturday 18 June

BIGGING UP BLACK WOMEN ON SCREEN BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road SE1.

11am-1pm then 2-5pm A day of talks and screenings celebrating the talents and achievements of African and Caribbean actresses, and exploring their struggle to contribute to excellence in UK film and television. In the morning Corinne Skinner-Carter (Empire Road, Pressure) will join filmmaker and author Nia Reynolds for an illustrated discussion of her work. In the afternoon, scriptwriter Ade Solanke of Spora Stories will chair a panel discussion with actresses Cathy Tyson, Ellen Thomas, Nikki Amuka-Bird and Cassie MacFarlane, and look to the roles and stories of tomorrow For more information, visiti: www.bfi.org.uk

BLACK WEB PORTAL BlackWebPortal is the only site that is 100% African-American owned. The BWP is a portal, implying that it first offers search functionality and then a bunch of other services that make it easier for you, our audience to find what they are seeking. If a search tool is not leading the site, the site is not a portal. http://www.blackwebportal.com Friday 3rd June to Thursday 30th June 2011

ESCAPE, DISCOVER, ILLUMINATE Group shows typically encompass a range of creative styles and influences under one synonymous umbrella. arc Gallery presents Escape, Discover, Illuminate, an exhibition by a collective of Haringey-based visual artists, who are truly culturally diverse and distinctively broad in creative approaches, yet coincide in subject matter. Subtle political consciousness, the powers of nature and elements of religiosity and journeys meet with individual methodologies.

Liz Sutherland’s landscapes and cityscapes in the main portray memories of real places. In these works, she records with dynamic flair, the effects of the calm and volatility of nature on the lush, verdant, native flora observed in Cuba.

The themes of air and sea abound in

NNN

CARIBBEAN FASHION WEEK

ITZCARIBBEAN.COM

Caribbean Fashionweek 2007 was launched on Monday February 12 at a glitzy reception in London. This years event takes place 8th to 13th June 2011 at National Indoor Sports Centre, kingston, Jamaica

The original online resource for the Caribbean community and Caribbean culture in the UK, business and services directory, articles and information. View over 3,000 pages of information relating to all things Caribbean in London and around the UK

http://www.caribbeanfashionweek.com

http://www.itzcaribbean.com/

Caroline Rault’s fanciful images of birds and sea life. She employs an unfettered use of colour, which flows and overlaps within her compositions in textile fashion.

These are accompanied by representations in the form of harlequins and elements of the circus.

Wendy Charlton constructs North African cultural motifs in a collage of vignettes and Bohemian transience - still sought by travellers. These hints at the sensorial experiences of ‘the grand tour’ - the cool inner courtyards and interior architecture of traditional riads, separating the visual confectionery and exterior bustle of the streets. On the same continent, Ed Spring uses a comparably pared down ethereality - visualisations of a vessel in paper, softwood and a concoction of shadows and sunlight, which might indicate a yearning to travel. His other mixed media work on the malaise of the African continent in socio-economic and environmental iconography is represented in colours of liberation - contrarily, the mass of the continent is depleted of its mineral and

natural history resources for the sake of tourism and consumerism.

The vessel maintains buoyancy in one of Graziano’s waterscapes of the River Thames in suburbia, applied in a ‘violence of colour’ - atypical of London climes.

His large fauvist-like canvases in heavily textured acrylic challenge the viewer’s imagination to touch the surface with their eyes. The subject of tactility overlaps with the ‘osteo-art’ of sculptor, Olu Shobowale, who returns to the arc Gallery space, having wowed viewers with his offerings last season. Shobowale’s recent ‘skeletons’ articulate the ideology of consumption and recycling as religious utility, paleontological replications and adornment.

Akin to Shobowale’s sculptures are the themes of life, decay and rebirth; the core beliefs of Christianity. In this instance George Ioannou’s gold illuminated iconographic themes of Greek Orthodoxy portray canonical figures set against architectural types and cultural Arcadian landscapes.

The deadline for the July edition of NNN is 1700 hours on Friday 24th June 2011

17 • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com • www.issuu.com/nationalnubiannews

www.issuu.com/nationalnubiannews • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com • 18