bHM Magazine - The Official Guide to Black History Month UK 2012 by Talent Media

inside... History Arts Culture Music Film

London 2012

Olympic Tribute

Plus....BHM Highlights 2012... Don’t Miss Out!

The BAME network supports those efforts – providing a platform for employees to air their views, create a real sense of community and bring the EDF Energy vision of ‘capturing the value that difference brings’ to life.

Because, ultimately, that’s what EDF Energy is all about.

As part of this, the network ran a focus group for its members across the business. The feedback was simple. Employees felt that they would benefit hugely from increased

The Legacy Champions Project, an initiative launched by ten colleges across the six Olympic boroughs, sets out to engage and inspire young people from a diverse range

Celebrating Black SUPPORTED BY: 1 History Month. Creating An independent guide including advertisements distributed in the Guardian on behalf of TALEN T MEDIA LTD who take sole responsibility for its contents. a brighter future. But more than developing their own employees, EDF Energy is dedicated to extending its beliefs to the community too.

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Contents

A word from the Prime Minister

Inspire a generation - London 2012 Olympic Tribute

12 Protecting your

heart - The British Heart Foundation

16 Proud Jamaican

Daughter - Diane Abbott talks about 50 years of independence in Jamaica

34 Cutting through

the confusion precarious - Sickle cell and Thalassemia screening

70 Creating a

73 Uniformed

Noah’s tenor debut - The Noah Stewart interview The Africa Channel - Whats on

during Black History Month

58 Channel 4 - All inclusive 4

60 Santander -

Recognising everyone as an individual

Brighter future EDF Energy

Services - The Patricia Gallan interview, DAC of professionalism at the MET

75 Listings

Highlights across the UK

94 Teach UK -

Tollgate Primary School celebrates Black History Month 2012

68 Meet the

Plus much much more……..

Jollof Pot Fusion - The African Cafe

Adebanjos - Hilarious British TV comedy

Published by Talent Media Ltd, Studio 37, The Riverside Building 64 Orchard Place London E14 0JW

bHM 2012 would like to thank the following supporters: Santander, The Africa Channel and EDF energy. Also thanks to bHM contributors: Diane Abbott, Bell Ribiero-Addy and Chukwudum Ikeazor.

E: info@talentmedia.org T: 020 7001 0754 W: www.talentmedia.org

Front Page Pic courtesy of George Powell. www.georgepowellphotography.com Publishing Director: Darren Waite - Editor: Claire Byrd - Sub Editor: Rob Ingham Design Editor: Chris Powell - Sales and Advertising: Darren Waite / Stephanie Matthews

An independent guide including advertisements distributed in the Guardian 3 on behalf of TALEN T MEDIA LTD who take sole responsibility for its contents.

Prime minister

Celebrating Black History Month. Creating a brighter future. We’re dedicated to a future of lower carbon energy for our customers. But as a company, we’re about more than just that. We’re about the people who work with us – celebrating their cultural diversities and capturing the value that their differences bring. Because to be inclusive is to broaden horizons, to reach new heights and to better reflect the communities we work in. Find out more at www.edfenergy.com/careers

Olympics

Inspire a Generation bHM says well done to the Olympic Champions of London 2012....... Over 2,700 exceptional projects have been inspired by the London 2012 Olympic Games to do something special in their local communities. They have been awarded the Inspire mark and are part of the London 2012 Inspire programmeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exceptional family of projects. They are all united in their ambition to use the Games as the inspiration to make real and lasting change.

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Olympics

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Olympics

“

Thank you everyone for helping me make my dream come true. It’s incredible to do it in London in front of such an amazing home crowd! I just had to give it everything at the end. It will take a while to realise I’m finally Olympic Champion!! I honestly can’t believe it. Thank you! x” Jessica Ennis

Above: Anthony Ogogo Bronze Boxing Men’s Middle (75kg) Right: Nick Skelton riding Big Star, Ben Maher riding Tripple X, Scott Brash riding Hello Sanctos, Peter Charles riding Vindicat Gold Equestrian Team Jumping

Christine Ohuruogu Silver Athletics 400m

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Olympics safely assume they were not talking about Ovid, Chaucer or Shakespeare.” He makes the point: “Efforts to make education more ‘relevant’ to black people can be both patronizing and harmful. The Western literary canon should be taught to everyone.” I run a charity called Generating Genius, which specifically targetsof very the talented Developing teachers future black boys from the inner-city, not continues to be a long standing ethos at play football but to become Bath SpatoUniversity. scientists and engineers. We pick them up aged 11 and work with Teaching is an important and increasingly them right to the point where they popular choice of career for graduates. It’s a go to University. career whereSpeaking you can inspire inquisitive minds at a recent by bringing your own knowledge andSchool creativity conference at the London to your subject. It offers security of Economics ourjob boys were and a structuredasked careerif they pathwere along with a starting ever affected salary of atbyleast £21,500. All of these the postcode wars. Theythings said are particularlyno.important in the that current economic They explained by aged climate. 16 through the Generating Genius summer programmes they had Bath Spa University has a long tradition of Initial studied science at most of the Teacher Education back over 60 years. UK’s top dating universities. According toIts teacher education programmes are also highly one of our boys from Lewisham, rated by “My the world qualityhad regulator Ofsted, become biggerhaving recently achieved Grade 1 ‘Outstanding’ than gangs. I now have a route,across every agewhich phaseis all - Primary andImperial Early Years, the way to SecondaryCollege.” and Further Education training. This boys wanted confirms the Our University’s status aasway notout onlyofthe the strait-jacket of their in postcode best teacher training university the South because they were ashamed West, but not among the very best in the country. of their backgrounds but because had genuinely become the are Each yearthey a diverse group of graduates of their universe. in Primary recruited masters to PGCE programmes At present 47 and Early Years and aOxbridge range oftakes Secondary per cent of itsart intake private subjects. These include and from design, biology, Thistechnology, is a crisis given that ICT, chemistry,schools. design and English, only 7music, per cent of students are PE, mathematics, modern languages, from these privileged physics, physics with maths and institutions. RE. In addition 40 children from FSM (on there areOnly subject knowledge enhancement free school meals) got into Britain’s courses in physics and maths, which are ideal for Universities last year. And only graduatestop whose degree is not fully relevant to one from an African-Caribbean the subject chosen to teach. background got a place at Oxford. The current government is in a www.bathspa.ac.uk/courses/teaching/ double bind. It wants to see more Email: teaching@bathspa.ac.uk students from poor backgrounds Telephone:in01225 875875 the top universities and it has

Olympics

Jessica Ennis Gold Heptathlon

Above: Anthony Joshua Gold Boxing Men’s Super Heavy (+91kg) Right: Tom Daley Bronze Diving Men’s 10m Platform

Olympics

Top: Nicola Adams Gold Boxing Flyweight Above right: Mo Farah Gold Athletics 5000m & 10000m Above: Rebecca Adlington Bronze 400m freestyle Right: Greg Rutherford Gold Athletics Long Jump

Images by George Powell - George Powell is based in London and works all over the world. George started in the ski and snowboard industries, moving into cycling, fitness and lifestyle, athletics and team sports. The first shot that he thinks of is â&#x20AC;&#x153;harnessing the energy and aspirations of a sportâ&#x20AC;? but also works in literal profiling with creative portraits that tell the story. His biggest accolade to date was his appointment as the sole in house photographer to Team GB for the entire games of London 2012 from preparation to Hero Parade. -www.gppics.com Thanks to the British Olympic Association/Team GB

Olympics

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Protecting your heart

Olympics

People of African Caribbean descent are more likely to experience high blood pressure, stroke and type 2 diabetes than their European counterparts, so this Black History Month find out how you can protect your heart without taking the fun out of life.

This leads to abnormally high glucose (sugar) levels and can increase the risk of fatty deposits to build up in your arteries. If you have diabetes, or even if not but you want to keep your risk of heart and circulatory disease as low as possible, the following will help:

Heart and circulatory disease is the UK’s biggest killer and if you’re African Caribbean you could be at greater risk. But fortunately, the disease is largely preventable and with Advert a few small lifestyle changes you can help protect your heart now and in the future. British Heart

• Doing more physical activity • Eating a healthy, balanced diet • Controlling your weight and body shape

The term ‘heart and circulatory disease’ covers all diseases of the heart and circulatory system including heart attacks, angina and stroke. Having high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, being physically inactive and eating a poor diet are all risk factors that can increase your likelihood of developing heart and circulatory disease. But read on for our top tips of how you can reduce your risk from each one.

1. Blood pressure Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in your arteries. You need a certain amount of pressure to keep your blood flowing but if this is too high – generally considered to be anything above 140/85mmHg – it can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. You can reduce your blood pressure by: • Doing more physical activity • Keeping to a healthy weight • Cutting down on the amount of salt you eat • Cutting down on alcohol • Eating more fruit and vegetables • Stopping smoking

2. Diabetes Diabetes significantly increases your risk of developing heart and circulatory disease, and it can cause other serious health problems too. Diabetes develops when your body doesn’t produce enough of a hormone called insulin, or when the insulin doesn’t work effectively.

3. Eating Well Eating too much saturated fat is bad for your heart, and so is too much salt. If you’re of African Caribbean descent, you’re even more sensitive to the effects of salt, which can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure and stroke. But cutting back doesn’t mean you’re consigned to a bland and boring diet. We’ve got a series of recipe cards showing how to make traditional and tasty dishes, such as curry goat with ginger and sweet potato and mango and pear cobbler, with a healthier twist. You can order these from our website. Eating well also helps you control your weight – another way you can reduce your risk of heart disease. While ensuring you stick to the recommended daily limits for alcohol will help your heart too.

4. Smoking Smoking damages your heart and can cause the build-up of fatty material in your arteries. Yet around one in four African Caribbean men and women currently smoke. Giving up smoking is the single most important thing you can do to improve your heart health. Once you’ve decided to stop smoking, getting support is the next essential stage. Your GP practice nurse should be able to offer information, advice and support on things such as: • Practical tips on how to stop • Local stop smoking services Medication to help you, such as nicotine replacement therapy 13

Olympics

More information You can find out more information, order our recipe cards and download our Healthy Living, Healthy Heart booklet designed specifically for African Caribbean communities at bhf.org.uk/africancaribbean If you’d prefer to speak to someone, you can call our Heart Helpline on 0300 3303311

5. Physical activity Getting active helps to improve your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, control your weight and reduce your risk of developing diabetes. It’s also a good way of relieving stress. The best activity for heart health is ‘moderate intensity’ rhythmic (aerobic) exercise. Moderate intensity means you should feel warm, and breathe more heavily than normal, but should still be able to talk. Brisk walking, cycling and swimming are good examples. To protect your heart, you need to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. One way to tackle this is by doing 30 minutes of activity at least five times a week.

©British Heart Foundation 2012, registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426).

Olympics

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Proud Jamaican

Daughter A “ Diane AbbotT MP joined in the euphoria of Jamaica’s momentous 50th Independence celebrations

s a proud daughter of Jamaica, the 50th Independence celebrations were a monumental occasion. The outstanding performance of the Jamaican Olympic team, led by Usain Bolt, was all too perfectly timed, adding to the international euphoria. Jamaicans draped in the national colours celebrated all across the country, whilst the Jamaican flag flew high above local and national Government buildings - cementing our presence, importance and influence in Britain.

People of colour have been moving 16

to Britain since the days of Queen Elizabeth I in the late 16th century. But as many will know, the major influx of migrants moved to Britain in the wake of World War II – they were brought to serve King and Country and they served beyond the call of duty. The original Jamaican community in Britain were a mixture of ex-service men and students; these students like Michael Manley came to Britain to study and then went home to Jamaica and became leaders and politicians of their time. The loyal and brave service men went to work in the public sector; from Birmingham

Jamaicans draped in the national colours celebrated all across the country, whilst the Jamaican flag flew high above local and national Government buildings - cementing our presence, importance and influence in Britain.”

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“

On 11 June this year, I celebrated 25 years since my election as the first Black woman ever to be elected to British Parliament. So I know all too well the political challenges originally conquered by the Black British Diaspora.”

to Manchester, and Liverpool to London. They brought their wives and families over and went on to become nurses, teachers, bus drivers and local government officers. These same people made huge advances, in all fields right across British society. The really key and interesting thing for me is the way in which Black women in Britain have progressed since then. This is why in 1992 I launched ‘Black Women Mean Business’, with the aim of making Black Women business owners aware of the services, support and advice available to small businesses, and to make the financial services sector and the different business advice services, more aware of the needs of Black women business owners. Indeed, Britain is a very different place to the country that it was

18 18

when my parents left Jamaica in the 1950s. It was intolerant of difference, despite the fact so many children of the Commonwealth helped rebuild Britain in the late 1940s; it had an economic slant towards the rich and connected, and it was hugely layered and ordered. Coupled with campaigns and a constant movement for social change, Race Relations legislation developed over decades to alter the way Britain delivered for her minority groups. Finally, we were given the chance to fully participate in society and hold equal standing. On 11 June this year, I celebrated 25 years since my election as the first Black woman ever to be elected to British Parliament. So I know all too well the political challenges originally conquered by the Black British Diaspora.

Black people have achieved many things politically in Britain, but we still have so much more to do. There is a new generation of young, proud members of the Diaspora emerging on Britain’s political scene. They are joining political parties, campaigning in elections and making a change. They are conscientiously determined to make a difference - actions that make someone like me hugely proud.

Diane Abbott is MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington For more information on Diane Abbott MP: www.dianeabbott.org.uk For more information about Black Women Mean Business: www.bwmb.org

Family Mosaic is proud to support Black History Month 59

LIKE JENIENNE, YOU COULD BE THERE FOR LONDON On a packed morning commuter train, an argument breaks out. A passenger carrying a large rucksack is unaware that he’s buffeting the person next to him. Crammed in like sardines, tempers flare, voices are raised and one starts punching the other. If you were on that train what would you do? Would you intervene or raise your paper and pretend it’s not happening? Some people know exactly what to do. Jenienne did. She stepped in, diffused the situation and arrested the offending commuter. She’s a volunteer police officer. “IT GIVES YOU THE CONFIDENCE TO GO AND HELP PEOPLE.” Growing up, Jenienne thought a lot about becoming a police officer. Her mum had wanted to join but couldn’t apply due to height restrictions that were in place at the time. Thinking they would apply to her too, Jenienne put it out of her mind. When she realised that they were no longer in place, she rekindled her interest. And when she found out that she could volunteer as a special constable in her spare time to see if she liked it, she jumped at the chance. “WHEN I REALISED THAT ANYONE COULD BE A SPECIAL, I DID IT STRAIGHT AWAY.” Her husband, Robert, admits he wasn’t too keen on the idea at first. But seeing how well prepared Jenienne is for every patrol has put his mind at ease. Since she joined over three years ago, she’s had extensive training. And with the support of regular officers and the same powers of arrest as them, she’s confident dealing with any situation – something that Robert witnessed first hand on their morning commute.

“IT’S GREAT ACTUALLY. I TELL PEOPLE THAT MY WIFE’S A SPECIAL CONSTABLE ALL THE TIME.” More than that, though, he’s seen how it’s benefitted Jenienne as a person. Robert’s always seen the caring, open side to her – and he knew that attitude would be a real asset out on the streets. But now she’s also more assured and responsible. And, playing an active part in the community, Jenienne feels as if she’s really making a difference to people’s lives. Which is precisely why she wanted to be a volunteer police officer in the first place. “I LOVE THE FACT THAT YOU CAN GET GENUINE, HEARTFELT THANKS FROM PERFECT STRANGERS.” Jenienne is here for London. You could be there for London too. To find out more please visit www.metpolicecareers.co.uk

FIRST CLASS

Rated outstanding by Ofsted, Bath Spa University regularly holds Initial Teacher Education events for those wanting to find out more about becoming a teacher and the full range of PGCE programmes on offer.

Take your first step, visit: bathspa.ac.uk/teaching

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Benefits of membership Be NA NAHT is an independent trade union and professional association representing over pro 28,500 leaders in education in England, 28 Wales and Northern Ireland across all Wa phases in the 0-19 age range. ph We support our members through: Education management and •E employment advice; e Legal support; •L Negotiations on pay, conditions and •N pensions; p • Influencing educational policy making across all phases; • National and local conferences and local branch networks; • CPD training programmes and bespoke consultancy; • Publications, guidance documents and personalised website; • Access to wide range of value-added services for individual members and schools 55

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Museum

Brazilian Visionary Arthur Bispo do Rosario

his amazing display at the V&A brings together over 80 artworks ranging from sculptures, hand-embroidered banners and garments, showcasing the variety and creativity of Arthur Bispo do Rosario (1909-1989), one of Brazil’s most recognised and admired artists. Admitted to a psychiatric hospital at the age of 29, Bispo’s creations were made in complete isolation from the art establishment. However his ‘outsider’ art has long been celebrated for its skill and imaginative approach to working with everyday found materials. The work on show demonstrates his fascination for the re-appropriation of objects such

as buttons, bottles, paper, card and cutlery, which he manipulated to create elaborate sculptural pieces.

Until 28 October 2012 Admission free Rooms 17a and 18a V&A South Kensington Cromwell Road London SW7 2RL Tel. +44 (0)20 7942 2000 www.vam.ac.uk

We have the technology

The UK requires modern, battle winning forces to defend its interests and to contribute to strengthening international peace and security. These forces increasingly depend on scientific and technological advances to maintain their ability to operate effectively; this means the provision of technologies of tremendous speed, power and capacity to deliver a decisive operational edge. We are: The Ministry of Defence, Defence Engineering and Science Group. Organisation Description: Government Department. The DESG is the team of thousands of engineers and scientists within the MoD. DESG offers you many benefits including: 1. Probably the very best graduate development scheme for engineers and scientists available in the UK – fully accredited by IMechE, IET, ICE, RINA, RAeS, IoP and IMarEST. 2. Considerable investment in support of your personal professional development; along with a wide range of exciting placement opportunities (including placements in industry). 3. An accelerated path to Chartered or incorporated status in your engineering or science profession; with the DESG it’s possible for you to achieve professional Chartership in just four years. 4. A truly rewarding career. MoD projects are fascinating, valuable, unique and sometimes highly classified. Degree Disciplines required: A multitude of engineering disciplines and science with an emphasis on physics. Applications: Apply on-line via our website (click ‘How to Apply’). See www.mod.uk/desg for closing date. Undergraduate Sponsorship: Visit our website (click ‘Student Opportunities’ for details).

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The MoD is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Museum

bHM Insight Talks 16 October - African Adventures with Monica and Sally-Anne A unique opportunity to see and touch some of The Hunterian’s amazing objects which are not currently on display. Monica Callaghan (Hunterian Head of Education) and Sally-Anne Coupar (Hunterian Curator) will be there to show you some incredible and unusual historical African artifacts. This talk takes place in the Hunterian Museum.

30 October - David Livingstone

Tuesdays 2, 16 and 30 October 2012 at 1.00pm Short lunchtime talks to celebrate Black History Month featuring original artefacts that reflect the diversity of our acclaimed collections. Admission free.

2 October - Fraülein Engelhardt by artist Marie-Louise von Motesiczky (1906 - 1996).

Hunterian Curator Peter Black talks about this new acquisition, a painting titled Fraülein Engelhardt by MarieLouise von Motesiczky. Motesiczky was an Austrian artist who escaped to London in 1939 and worked there in isolation until her death in 1996. This very early painting focuses on her favourite theme, the face of an old woman, and treats it as an African wooden mask. This talk takes place in the Hunterian Art Gallery.

An insight into the famous Scottish explorer David Livingstone (1813 1873) and his links with Africa and the University by Professor John Briggs. Livingstone visited Africa as a missionary in 1840, and went on to explore the interior of the continent on a number of expeditions. This talk takes place in the Hunterian Museum.

University of Glasgow The Hunterian University of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland Tel +44 (0) 141 330 4221 hunterian-enquiries@glasgow.ac.uk

Museum

AwArd-winning documentAries Watch an award-winning series that casts new light on the life of one of the most revered people of our time, Nelson Mandela.

Mandela. 5-part series - UK Premiere Every Thursday at 8pm from 4th October Picture: Mandela, The Hero of A Nation

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sky 209 www.theafricachannel.co.uk

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Contact: 0800 731 1845 www.pactcharity.org/info info@pactcharity.org 25

Museum

Get into the

Guruve

Rococo Women by Godfrey Banadda

Museum

ontemporary African is getting a world profile through Guruve, a small ethical business promoting the best of local African art. Guruve encourages artists to create original works of art and also encourages talented artists to have self-belief and to refuse to sell their work to others for sub-standard offers.

(top) Nature and Beauty’ by Charles Nkomo (round left) Nyebe (Going Home) by Njogu Touray (women sculpture) Celebration by Boet Nyariri

Guruve also supports local African charities. It was established in 2000 to promote the very best in contemporary African art. A whole continent’s creativity has been largely ignored and as Guruve says: “We want to change that. But we are also an ethical business - we want to convince African artists that some international patrons can be fantastic people to deal with, who bring good business and build strong friendships.” Guruve is committed to bringing some of the income from sales back to the artists and to funding opportunities for young aspiring artists.

www.guruve.com

Museum

The Autograph Collection Established in 1988, Autograph ABP (Association of Black Photographers) is a charity that works internationally to educate the public in photography by addressing issues of cultural identity and human rights. It achieves this through education programmes, exhibitions, publishing, and the creation of an archive of culturally diverse photography that is accessible to the public for research. Its collection includes the work of outstanding photographers such as Faisal Abdu’Allah, Bandele “Tex” Ajetunmobi, Rotimi Fani-Kayode, Armet Francis, Sunil Gupta, Dennis Morris and Yinka Shonibare.

www.autograph-abp.co.uk info@autograph-abp.co.uk Dennis Morris, Dalston Boys. Downs Park Road café. Hackney 1975

Museum

A d v e r t National Audit Office

A DIVERSE WORKFORCE The role of the National Audit Office (NAO) is to audit the financial statements of all government departments and agencies, and many other public bodies. We also report to Parliament on the value for money with which these bodies have spent public money. As well as providing accountability to Parliament, we aim to bring about real improvements in the delivery of public services. The NAO is an organisation that sees difference and diversity as a positive strength and is committed to realising the business benefits of a diverse workforce. Our equal opportunities policy has the full support of senior management and all staff are respected as individuals: their diverse qualities, experiences and contributions are valued. If you are interested in a career with the NAO or would like to find out more about the range of career opportunities we can offer you please visit: www.jobtrain.co.uk/NAO/Index.aspx 157-197 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9SP Telephone 020 7798 7000 www.nao.org.uk

We aim to reﬂect the diversity of the public we serve

Museum

Home front

memories V ery little attention has been given to black British and West African and Caribbean citizens who lived and worked on the ‘front line’ during the Second World War. Yet black citizens were under fire in cities like Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool, London and Manchester, and many volunteered as civilian defence workers, such as air-raid wardens, fire-fighters, stretcherbearers, first-aid workers and mobile canteen personnel. Many helped unite people when their communities faced devastation. Black children were evacuated and entertainers risked death when they took to the stage during air raids. The colonies also played an important role in the war effort: support came from places

as far away as Trinidad, Jamaica, Guyana and Nigeria.

whose contribution to the war effort has been overlooked until now.

Author and historian Stephen Bourne unearths a hidden history of Britain and the Second World War highlighting the contribution to the British war effort made by black Britons. These include community leaders Dr Harold Moody, Learie Constantine, BBC broadcaster Una Marson, London air raid warden E. I. Ekpenyon, fire watcher Esther Bruce (an adopted aunt to Stephen Bourne), bandleader Ken Snakehips Johnson and black senior citizens who have been interviewed by Bourne about their memories of the home front in West Africa and the Caribbean. Mother Country tells the story of some of the forgotten Britons

‘Mother Country’ - Britain’s Black Community on the Home Front 1939-45 (The History Press, 2010) by Stephen Bourne.

bHM Event Stephen Bourne will be appearing at the IWM on October 6 2012 for an event around his book ‘Motherland Calls’ and on October 13 2012 for an event around his book ‘Mother Country.’ Imperial War Museum (IWM) London, Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk

Museum

During the First World War many West Indians joined the British army to defend Britain. At first Caribbean people of African, Anglo-Indians, European and mixed races all joined the regular regiments. Most of these recruits were living in the United Kingdom, but many paid their own cost of travel across the Atlantic to enlist. In 1915, the British West Indies Regiment was established and 15,000 men enlisted; of whom 10,000 were from Jamaica. People from the British colonies ignored their state of entrenched poverty and under-development to lay down their lives during the First World War in defence of Britain, our former slave and colonial masters. The British West Indies Regiment

served in practically every theatre of war with the exception of Gallipoli. The people of the West Indies also gave generously, contributing nearly £2 million to the British government war funds and charities in the UK. They also provided sugar, rum, fruit and fuel oil. Greater still, they presented an aircraft to the RAF. Evidence of West Indian contribution to the war effort can be found in photographic and written data housed at the Imperial War Museum covering the period 1915 -1918.

Recruiting and Training in the West Indies: Trinidad: A recruiting meeting held at Port of Spain, Trinidad, 1916. Credit: IWM Q 52436 Jamaica’s first Auxiliary Territorial Service unit at drill during the Second World War. Grenada: A platoon of West Indian troops parading for musketry instruction during the First World War. “

Imperial War Museum Lambeth Road London SE1 6HZ 020 7416 5320 www.iwm.org.uk

Archives

1. Liverpool NUT pamphlet

2. Young Black Playwrights season pamphlet 3. Black Young Men Positive Image Education Project pamphlet 4. Artrage front cover 5. Pamphlet item from a collection of creative writing, with editorial note by Ansel Wong.

6. Teaching and Racism Education Journal 1980 7. Social and Arts Events Black Independent Film Season 1990 8. Social and Arts Events ‘Flat Feet’ by Movement Angol Dance Company c.2008

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nyone who witnessed the arrival of the Jamaican Olympic squad last summer, mingling amongst the local community and chilling out at the barber shops in Birmingham where they were based prior to the start of the games, will realise that barber shops play an important part in black male culture. The NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme could be coming to your local next. The NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme is the world’s first linked antenatal and newborn screening programme. It offers antenatal screening for sickle cell and for thalassaemia to pregnant mothers, and tests fathers if appropriate, as well as offering routine bloodspot screening of all newborn babies with sickle cell in England. As part of its work, it has been raising awareness of both sickle cell thalassaemia and tackling some of the misconceptions that exist. For example, one of the most common

Cutting through the confusion precarious misconceptions is that children inherit the conditions from their mothers and not their fathers. This is a theme which is highlighted in the Screening Programme’s Family Legacy DVD when Femi, the father of a newborn baby, refuses to acknowledge that his son’s sickle cell condition could only have been inherited if both he and his wife were carriers. As part of this work, the men are entertained as if at a cinema, by a showing of the Family Legacy film, which is followed up by an open forum session by Iyamide Thomas, the Regional Advisor of the Sickle Cell Society who says: “Another big misconception about both sickle cell and beta thalassaemia major is that

“

people think that these conditions only affect specific ethnic groups. This is not the case. It is true that both conditions have a tendency to affect particular ethnic groups more because of the gene’s occurrence in defence against malaria. For example, the NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme reports that 1 in 7 African and one 1 in 8 Caribbean newborn babies are carriers of the sickle cell gene. It may also surprise you that 1 in 450 white British newborn babies are also carriers. Sickle cell and thalassaemia are genetic conditions and therefore can affect men or women of any race, culture or background.” To further increase their learning, the male audiences are sent home

The NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme is the world’s first linked antenatal and newborn screening programme“

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with a goody bag which includes the Screening Programme’s new ‘Test for Dads leaflet’ which was reproduced primarily for men to understand their role in passing on genes to their children. The Programme has completed an ambitious plan of reaching over 1,000 young sexually active men through their local barber across various parts of London, a task which is currently being rolled out in other parts of England. The facts are. Sickle cell disease and thalassaemia are serious inherited blood disorders. All pregnant women in England should be offered screening early in pregnancy.

Carrying a gene for sickle cell or for thalassaemia means that you are healthy but you could pass the disorder to your children. Screening is important for men. Babies can only inherit the disorders if their mothers and father carry a gene for sickle cell or for thalassaemia. Testing for sickle cell or for thalassaemia can be done at any time in life. Ask your GP for details.

To watch the Family Legacy or find out more about screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia visit http://sct.screening.nhs.uk or http://sct.screening.nhs.uk/ familylegacy

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The Programme has completed an ambitious plan of reaching over 1,000 young sexually active men”

Feature

Untold Histories

sing statistics as her starting point, Dr Kathleen Chater has uncovered a rare insight into everyday life in England and Wales dating back to the 1660s. The starting point for Untold Histories was Kathleen Chater’s desire to delve into her family history. Aware that one of her ancestors, born around 1803, was black she started to investigate the lives of black people in Britain during the long 18th century when Britain was conducting its transatlantic slave trade. Finding that published works then available were based on a handful of untypical cases, she set up a database, now numbering over 4000 entries from a range of sources – parish records, newspapers, inquest documents, diaries, Old Bailey trials. She used these to extract statistical information

about sex ratios, ages, geographic origins and distribution in England and Wales. But the book is not just about figures. It is also about the lives and experiences of black people in England and Wales from about 16601807: the names they took or were given; the marriages they made; the children they had; how they earned their livings. They were not treated legally any

“

different from the indigenous population and though some undoubtedly faced prejudice, this was mainly in terms of class and religion rather than colour. Their stories span the entire social range, from Nathaniel Wells, the son of a slave, who became under-sheriff of Monmouthshire, a JP and the local Master of the Fox Hounds to Anne Duck, daughter of a respectable man who became a serial criminal, acquitted by various courts

But it is important to recognise that the lives of those people of African ancestry who came to Britain as a result of the slave trade were often absorbed as yet another strand in the ethnic mix that has created modern Britain.”

Feature

19 times before being hanged. The majority of black and asian people, however, lived quiet, law-abiding lives. Their descendants – some of whose stories appear in the book – were not stigmatised as they were in America. Ethnic origin is not mentioned after the first generation, and not always then. Dr Chater found that the word ‘black’ was very imprecisely applied. There were never any legal definitions to indicate the proportion of African ancestry an individual had. People from the Indian subcontinent and dark-haired, dark-skinned ‘white’ people were also described as ‘black’ right up to the 1930s. She also soon realised that whether or not people were identified as black depended primarily on their status under the poor laws. Those like the shopkeeper Ignatius Sancho, who

The Cock & Hen Club and All Max are from a series of illustrations by George Cruikshank of Life in London, a phenomenally successful publication of the early 19th century by Pierce Egan. The first edition of Life in London, or the Day and Night Scenes of Jerry Hawthorn, esq and his elegant friend, Corinthian Tom, accompanied by Bob Logic, the Oxonian, in their rambles and Sprees through the Metropolis appeared on 15 July 1821. It’s generally known as Tom & Jerry

were householders with the vote, or even just resident for more than a year and earning a living, were not distinguished from their white neighbours. The book shows that during the period of the British slave trade, black (and asian) people in Britain were not treated differently from anyone else. This is a revealing insight. Many historical writings have highlighted cruelty, repression and discrimination. But it is important to recognise that the lives of those people of African ancestry who came to Britain as a result of the slave trade were often absorbed as yet another strand in the ethnic mix that has created modern Britain.

Talk: Black people at the Old Bailey Wed 17 Oct, 8pm, Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, N1 2UD and follows them around various high and low-life venues. All Max in the East is intended to parody Almacks, the upper-class salon, in the West. The All Max characters Dusty Bob the coalheaver, Black Sal and Mungo (the baby) were so popular that china ornaments were made of them. In the high life venues, black people are shown as servants, in the low-life as just part of the general population. Forfeits shows a high-life venue.

Speaker: Kathleen Chater Organised by: the Islington Archaeology & History Society, www.iahs.org.uk Admission: £1/free to members Kathleen Chater was a researcher at the BBC for 15 years. Her PhD on black people in England c16601807 was published by Manchester University Press in 2009. She holds a diploma in genealogy and the history of the family.

Jack Tar Admires the Fair Sex is attributed to Thomas Rowlandson. Crime was an equal opportunities employer and this depicts the commonest crime involving Black people at the Old Bailey during the long 18th century. The two women (sometimes one black, one white, like Anne Duck and her various partners in crime) are going to get the sailor drunk and steal his money. Sometimes it’s a black sailor or servant who is robbed like this by two white women.

Theatre

Choir Boy

in London T

arell Alvin McCraney’s piercing new play set in an all boys, all black, American prep school scores a gospel refrain of the politics of minority and masculinity. Determined to make his mark like those before him, Pharus is hellbent on being the best choir leader in the school’s 50 year history. But in a world built on rites and rituals, how will he conform to expectations and gain the respect he desperately needs? Choir Boy was commissioned by, and is a co-production with, Manhattan Theatre Club. It is supported by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, Sloane Square London, SW1 Tel: 020 7565 5000 until 6 October 2012. Tickets: £20. Mondays all tickets £10

Create a family,

Adopt

Come to one of our information sessions and find out everything you need to know about adoption. Information sessions are held at Wood Green Library, Business Lounge. Start 6pm (finish 8pm)

17 October 2012 14 November 2012 12 December 2012 To register your place: Call 020 8489 4610 Email fostering.adoption @haringey.gov.uk

Satur da sessio y n 17 No vemb er 1 Harin 0 - 12pm gey C ivic C entre

www.haringey.gov.uk/adopt www.haringey.gov.uk

Theatre

Live at the

Hackney Empire

The Hackney Empire, London presents classic South African jazz, the best of comedy and a tribute to Jamaica throughout October 2012

Songs Of Migration multi-talented, soulful and dynamic 10 - 14 October Sibongile Khumalo. An incredible new jazz musical with Hugh Masekela and Sibongile Khumalo Songs of Migration is a musical tribute to the great songs of migrants across the African continent created by internationally acclaimed trumpeter, composer and lyricist Hugh Masekela, and written and directed by award-winning director James Ngcobo. It features the

Following the discovery of minerals in Gauteng and other parts of South Africa during the late 19th century, indigenous people started to migrate to the towns that had emerged out of the mining operations dumps. These new migrants brought with them their music, traditional costumes, musical instruments, songs, ceremonies and dance. The prospects of work in a community where citizens could afford to pay to

Sweet Jamaica! 28 October Heartbeat Entertainment Proudly Presents Sweet Jamaica! The Ultimate Black History Month, Jamaica’s Olympics Success & 50th Independence Celebrations!

Hugh Masekela Songs of Migration

Starring International Reggae Star, The Crown Prince of Lovers Rock Stevie Face, fresh from his successful

have a good time drew musicians to the rapidly growing golden city of Johannesburg. They left their ancestral homes and gathered in this cosmopolitan town, assembling an extraordinary mass of musical talent. Songs of Migration rewinds the tape and tells stories about South African music and history, with rich musical scenes on the train that was seen as a separator of lovers, breaking up families as it moved raw materials to and from the ports for imports and exports.

tour of the USA. The Princess of Jamaican Reggae JC Lodge, the Queens of Lovers Rock Kofi & Sylvia Tella, Peter Hunnigale, Roger Robin, The Real McCoy’s favourite Mr Frazier & Top Jamaican Comedian PingWing.

Many more artistes to be added to this spectacular night to celebrate & honour Black History Month, Jamaica’s 50th Independence and Jamaica’s Olympics 2012 Success!!

Theatre

The Brixton Bard

J, poet and playwright, Alex Wheatle, MBE visits Huddersfield with ‘Uprising’, an autobiographical performance written and performed by Alex and inspired by his critically acclaimed novels ‘Brixton Rock’ and ‘East Of Acre Lane’.

Alex’s books include ‘Brixton Rock’, ‘Checkers’, ‘The Dirty South’ and ‘Island Songs’. His second novel, ‘East of Acre Lane’, won the London New Writer’s Award (2000). His latest book, ‘Brenton Brown’, was published in June 2011. In 2008, Alex was awarded an MBE for services to literature.

there were no police there for hours. Young guys and young girls were just looting and smashing up shops, I didn’t see a political edge to it - I do see an anger there, but I’m not sure they know how to express that anger in a positive way because I do believe they have things to protest about, I really do.”

Following 2011s sell-out tour to mark the 30th anniversary of the Brixton riots, the award-winning author takes audiences on a journey through Britain in the ‘80’s (when Alex was jailed for his part in the Brixton Riots) and on to him becoming The Brixton Bard.

Alex says: “It is my story through rhyme, song and varied experiences. It looks at situations like when I was given up into social services care, how I moved into the Surrey countryside into a children’s home when I was two years old, and how I survived on the Brixton streets and my memory of the Brixton riots.

UPRISING is performed at the LBT on its only Yorkshire date of a national tour. It is presented both as part of BLACK HISTORY MONTH and UPRISING - a year-long series marking the 200th anniversary of the Luddite Uprisings in West Yorkshire. There will be a post show Q&A and book signing with Alex.

“What happened in 1981 and then again in 2011 [with the summer riots that began in London but swept the UK] seem to have very similar backgrounds. Back in ‘81 there was a financial crash, lots of unemployment and deep, deep cuts to services for the working classes.

UPRISING TUESDAY 9 OCTOBER, 7.45PM. TICKETS £12 / CONCESSIONS £10

Alex Wheatle was born in 1963 to Jamaican parents living in London. He spent most of his childhood in a children’s home, which he left at 14 to live in a hostel in Brixton. At 18, he was involved in the Brixton riots and went to prison for three months. On his release, he continued to perform as a DJ and MC under the name Yardman Irie, moving onto the performance poetry circuit as The Brixton Bard in the early ‘90’s.

BOX OFFICE 01484 430528. Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen’s Square, Queen Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2SP. www.thelbt.org

“But from what I saw in Clapham Junction, it was opportunism and 41

Music

Muzik Kinda Sweet From Stevie Wonder, Grace Jones and Big Youth, Pogus Caesar’s unique photographic book documents how black music in its Reggae, Soul, Jazz and R&B tributaries of sound has changed and renewed itself over the decades.

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The sweetness is embedded in the music, in the lyrics, the head rush. It’s that electric tingle up your spine when you hear the first pulsating heartbeat of an Augustus Pablo dub or the notes from Courtney Pine’s saxophone steadily soaring towards heaven. Sometimes tragedy will shadow a performer, like Lynden David Hall, but their musical legacy will live forever. Black history is brim full of hope and sadness, achievement and frustration. There are times when the creative milk went stale and the contractual honey turned sour. The people in these images all have an authenticity that speaks up for them. Up close you can feel their talent, but you can also see 42

how fragile their lives are. This is the bittersweet truth that is sometimes airbrushed out of their lives; that’s essentially what I wanted to capture in the book.” Pogus Caesar In a 30-year career of taking pictures, Pogus Caesar has uniquely captured moments of everyday life with a simple Canon 35mm camera, spontaneously recording the unfamiliar, as well as the celebrated and the iconic. Author and historian Paul Gilroy remarks: “These images record a unique period in what would come to be called Black British life. Pogus Caesar’s emphatically analog art is rough and full of insight. He conveys

the transition between generations, mentalities and economies.” All images are available as silver gelatin photographs, printed from archival 35mm negatives. Limited Edition of 12 Dates of photographs are also available. All images courtesy of Pogus Caesar/OOM Gallery Archive. All Rights Reserved Pogus Caesar’s photographs include... Grace Jones: Birmingham 2009 Stevie Wonder: Birmingham 1989 Gail Ann Dorsey: Birmingham 1988 Lynden David Hall: Birmingham 1999 Cameo: Birmingham 1986 Burning Spear: Birmingham 1985 Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry: Pinewood Studios 1987

Music

Burning Spear, Birmingham 1985

Lee Scratch Perry

â&#x20AC;&#x153; Grace Jones

In a 30-year career of taking pictures, Pogus Caesar has uniquely captured moments of everyday life with a simple Canon 35mm camera, spontaneously recording the unfamiliar, as well as the celebrated and the iconic. â&#x20AC;&#x153; Stevie Wonder

Music

Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tenor debut 44

oah Stewart’s musical development started in Harlem where he studied classical music at The Harlem School of the Arts. At age 12, his choir teacher encouraged him to pursue a music career; he began doing voiceovers for Sesame Street and television school specials, and won first place in the New England Music Competition in Boston. Stewart attended Fiorello LaGuardia High School, where he performed his first opera (La Costanza in Amor Vince L’inganno). He also sang back-up vocals for pop artists such as Hootie and the Blowfish, Mariah Carey, and Coolio. During this time, Stewart developed a passion for opera, languages, art song, oratorio, and concert repertoire, and has since committed himself to pursuing a stunning operatic career. This year Stewart became the first black musician to top the British classical music charts with his debut album “Noah”.

bHM: What first inspired you to get involved with classical music?

Music a small role in Verdi’s Macbeth and the leading tenor fell ill during a performance. I switched into his costume at intermission and went on as MacDuff. It was a tremendous boost of confidence that prompted me to move back to New York City and secure my first manager. I have been working ever since, though there were still ups and downs as far as breaks in my schedule in the beginning.

bHM: What role have you enjoyed the most? NS: My favourite role to date is still Rodolfo in Puccini’s La Boheme. As a kid, I wanted nothing more than to be with my friends each and every day, riding the adventure waves of life and discovering love. The romantic and beautiful city of Paris has always been one of my favourites. I come from humble beginnings, but always have had a passion for my music. Rodolfo is a poor poet who feels like a millionaire when writing. I never get tired or bored of performing La Boheme.

Noah Stewart (NS): I auditioned for my Junior High School choir as an elective so I would have more activities during the school week. In choir I was exposed to not only classical music, but also jazz, musical theatre and gospel music. Singing in different languages really interested me. I suppose that’s why I fell in love with opera later as a student. I found that music helped me express myself in a way that no other discipline could.

bHM: Who do you admire in the classical world?

bHM: What was your first big break?

bHM: Can you tell us about your classical training?

NS: My first big break came at San Francisco Opera when I was singing

NS: My classical training started in junior high-school, where I first

NS: What I admire about the classical world is that I’m still discovering vast works of composers of past, and also great works of modern day composers. Last year was a year of many debuts for me. Not only debuting operatic roles, but debuting songs and oratorios and my first album.

studied and performed the music of Bach, Handel and Mendelssohn. High-school was very exciting for me. I was a sponge, soaking up Italian, French and German repertory. By senior year at La Guardia HighSchool, I already had performed as a soloist for the masses and oratorios of Mozart, Brahms, Mendelssohn and Orff with full orchestra and chorus. I also performed my first opera when I was sixteen years old with chamber orchestra. After La Guardia, I was accepted to Juilliard on scholarship where I completed my BM. After three years of struggling in New York City as a host, cater waiter, receptionist, carpenters’ assistant and watch seller, all while coaching and taking lessons with Igor Chichagov, who was the pianist coach for Rosa Ponselle (the God Mother of opera), I was accepted into the Merola Program. It was an eleven week internship at the San Francisco Opera. At the end of the summer, I was one of four singers selected to become a young artist in San Francisco. I still coach and take lessons regularly as I continue to work on my technique as well as new roles and song repertory.

bHM: What role would you like to play? NS: I’ve been very blessed to have sung many of my favourite heros of opera. I would like to sing my first Duke in Verdi’s Rogoletto and also Riccardo in Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera (Masked Ball).

Noah Stewart’s debut album, “Noah“, is out now. (Decca).

Fashion

Fashion World

nother of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top events this summer was Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) with sixty of the best African and African-inspired fashion designers under one roof at London Spitalfields. BHM talks to Ronke Ademiluyi, the powerhouse behind the long-awaited showcase.

designers an affordable showcasing platform, and create awareness for them among fashion buyers and the general public. While we have a wide array of African and Africaninspired designers in the Diaspora, it is a challenge for them to find a good platform to reach a global audience, so giving them this opportunity was our initial aim.

BHM: Why did you first form African Fashion Week London (AFWL)?

BHM: How did you go about choosing the designers?

Ronke Ademiluyi (RA): AFWL began from the desire to give African 46

RA: Soon after we established AFWL as a platform for African and African inspired designers in the Diaspora,

Fashion we found this platform also proved appealing to Africa designers from around Africa who were willing to travel to London to have the opportunity to reach an international audience. Hence both in its first and second year, AFWL has attracted designers not only based in the UK, US and Europe but from parts of the continent as well, such as Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal. BHM: What has been the response by the mainstream UK fashion industry? RA: We have not had any contact from them yet, but we are delighted that the mainstream media has been supportive of both the event and the designers participating, giving us a wider audience.

Designer: Afro Fanatic Photographer: Simon Klyne

Designer: Adebayo Jones Photographer: Rob Sheppard

Fashion

Designer: Green Mamba-Design Photographer: Simon Klyne

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Designer: Ella And Gabby Photographer: Karyn Louise

In as much as fashion is about creativity, it is also about business, so we would like to see African fashion designers make a sustainable income from what they do, maybe a few of them designing for mainstream brands.â&#x20AC;?

Designer: Yutees Photographer: Simon Klyne

BHM: Where do you see the future of African Fashion designers in the next five years? RA: In as much as fashion is about creativity, it is also about business, so we would like to see African fashion designers make a sustainable income from what they do, maybe a few of them designing for main stream brands. In order to make this come true, as AFWL we will continue to create a platform and put the spotlight on emerging and 48

established design talents of African origin. BHM: Where can we get the clothes? We are in the process of opening a one-stop shop for African designs, but in the meantime you can access them via our website. www.africafashionweeklondon.com Designer: MIA by Mia Nisbet Photographer: Karyn Louise

BLACK HISTORY MONTH ON THE AFRICA CHANNEL This October, The Africa Channel on Sky 209 marks Black History Month by focussing on historic moments and inspiring human stories from the 20th and 21st centuries. The stories in our documentaries clearly hold significance beyond the bounds of Black History Month, but to bring them together in October allows us some time for reflection, and a chance to broaden our perspective of the world.

Cuba, An African Odyssey Part 1 and 2, Saturday 27th October at 9pm Examining the close relationship between Cuba and several A f r istates c a (including South Africa, Angola and the Congo) African Channel during the Cold War. Rare footage and interviews with key Advert figures, including Fidel Castro and Nelson Mandela, shed light on this little-known history.

Mandela Every Thursday from 4th October at 8pm Nobel Prize winner, Nelson Mandela, appears in the UK premiere of a stunning 5-part series chronicling his life story – from rural beginnings to election as South Africa’s first democratic president. Mandela brings a refreshing angle to this well-known narrative, and tells a broader story about the politics of struggle and reconciliation.

Kofi Annan’s Suspended Dream Thursday 18th October at 9pm Another African Nobel Prize winner – Kofi Annan – discusses the challenges he faced during his two terms as Secretary General of The United Nations. Annan reveals the key moments in his childhood that shaped his ambitions for the future and cemented his faith in human compassion.

Wole Soyinka, Child of The Forest Thursday 4th October at 9pm A third Nobel Prize winner is profiled in this documentary, offering a fascinating portrait of the celebrated Nigerian writer and intellectual. With a broad range of high quality content from drama to sport, music to news and documentaries, The Africa Channel is the premier global TV channel inspired by Africa. Join us this October for programming that informs, commemorates and inspires.

Pictures: Projek Mandela; Kofi Annan’s Suspended Dreams

sky 209 www.theafricachannel.co.uk

The Faculty of Education Knowledge is Precious

Manchester Metropolitan University’s Faculty of Education is one of the UK’s leading, internationally recognised, educational centres.

The University’s Education and Social Research Institute (ESRI), based at the Didsbury campus, is ranked by the Times Higher as 8th out of 81 UK educational research units based on the government’s research assessment exercise and is a ‘world leading’ centre of excellence.

The Faculty has a longestablished reputation for initial teacher training. Ofsted rated our PGCE Primary and Secondary and BA Primary (QTS) programmes as ‘Outstanding’ in their 2011 inspection.* There is a strong partnership with 1,300 North West schools and 81% of our newly qualified teachers opt to live and work in the region. We also provide professional training in Youth & Community Work, Early Years & Childhood Studies and Education Studies. In addition, the Faculty has

an extensive continuing professional development portfolio for qualified teachers and education professionals. Specialisms include languages, inclusive education, education and business management leadership, counselling and mentoring and urban education.

The educational aspirations and achievements of thousands of inner city learners are being raised through their involvement with the University’s worldleading Centre for Urban Education (CUE). For further details visit www.mmu.ac.uk/education *Full report at www.ofsted.gov.uk/ inspection-reports

MMU Advert

We train inspirational teachers Rated Ofsted ‘outstanding’ for our initial teacher training, we offer: • BA (Hons)/PGCE Primary and PGCE Secondary, all with QTS • Extensive teaching practice in at least two schools • A commitment to equality of opportunities • Strong mentor and tutor support • Careers and employability advice • Alumni network and NQT support programme

“I couldn’t have asked for a more exciting, challenging and fulﬁlling year. I left the course with even more passion and enthusiasm than when I started.” Rachel Davies, PGCE Primary

Interested? Visit www.mmu.ac.uk/education

Comment

Finding our ID Bell Ribiero-Addy examines issues of identity as a proud Black Britain who is equally proud of her Ghanaian heritage

he concept of identity is an extremely important one as it essentially defines us. There is no doubt that this notion can be confusing for a Black person living in Britain, or at least it has been for me. This was summed up brilliantly in a play called “Belong” by Bola Agbaje about a Black MP of Nigerian heritage who finds himself too Black from Britain, too British for Nigeria, and not knowing where to call home – a concept I can identify with.

to my horror told me that I was not from Ghana. I could never profess to have lived the experience of those in Ghana, so who was I to come from such a privileged country to tell them how they could do things better?

From a young age it was clear that, to me, Britain was a country of mostly white people and my family were not from here. Given the racial tensions that existed it is not surprising that I initially adopted my parents identity - Ghanaian that happened to live in Britain.

He was absolutely right. A proud daughter of Ghana I am, but a fully fledged Ghanaian I am not. This does not disqualify me from comment, concern or indeed actions to improve the nation of my heritage. But I and others should be careful not to sound like a colonialist who believes that Africans, or Caribbeans for that matter, need to be told how to run their nations, regardless of our heritage. It is condescending and inherently wrong. Moreover I would never stand for people outside of the Black community in Britain telling us what is best for ourselves.

On a trip to Ghana after finishing university, I seriously considered moving ‘back home’. Having developed a love of politics, I found myself in a country where people seemed to talk about it all the time and I believed I had all the answers. During one such debate in a local drinking spot, my cousin starkly and

In this I find my own identity. I am privileged to be able to draw from my Ghanaian background, but I also recognise where I was born and bred. I belong to a very distinct, worldrenowned and highly-acclaimed group of individuals, ‘Black British’. We are Olympic gold medallists, doctors, poets, lawyers, performers

Bell Ribiero-Addy, National Black Students Alliance (NBSA)

and politicians. Some of us are first generation, or fourth generation, or even refugees. We have our own culture, our own history and quite clearly our own identity. I believe that Black people in this country are slow to call themselves British (save on a form), partly because of racism but also because we do not want to detract from our other heritages. But I have come to realise that my acceptance of this does not take away from my Ghanaianess nor should it anyone else’s. We are Britain, because what has made Britain ‘Great’ is thousands of years of immigration. In believing and understanding this contribution and this right, I find myself with an identity that I can be comfortable with – Black British.

“

I am privileged to be able to draw from my Ghanaian background but I also recognise where I was born and bred”

Probably The World’s Greatest City. . . M&M Beauty advert

Why not be part of it? Archivists…Ecologists…Planners… Policewomen…Security…Tour Guides Just a few of the hundreds of roles at the City of London – a truly historic place that’s open to everyone. Sounds like we might have a role for you? Then check out our website: -

www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Jobs_and_careers 100 | BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2010 |

www.blackhistorymonthuk.co.uk

Hair & Beauty

Guru

Natural Hair

Hair & Beauty

“

Textured hair styles are everywhere. Box Braids, Twists, Sexy Cornrows, Bushy Afro’s all work the runways of Paris, Milan, Africa Fashion.”

Charlotte Mensah

harlotte Mensah, salon owner and award-winning creative director is leading the way in the celebration of natural hair styles.

If you take a close look, textured hair styles are everywhere Box Braids, Twists, Sexy Cornrows, Bushy Afro’s all work the runways of Paris, Milan, Africa Fashion. Braids and twists adorn the heads of your favourite celebrities so it’s no wonder that textured hair is beautiful hair.

they already have, especially when it comes to their own hair. We want longer, fuller, thicker hair with more manageability, control, flexibility and options. Well I have one word for you - Texture!!! “Texture will give you everything you are seeking for; textured hair allows you to have it all.”

Charlotte Mensah, internationally renowned natural hair guru, is the owner and creative director of Hair Lounge London. With over 25 years experience in all hair types she remains extremely passionate about the hair and beauty industry.

Charlotte served her apprenticeship in the late 80s at Splinters, London, the pioneering Afro salon, under the tutelage of Winston Issacs. So it’s not surprising to discover that she has gone onto become one of the leading Afro Natural Hair stylist to come out of the UK.

As Charlotte says: “Most woman desire something other than what

As a proud Ghanaian, Charlotte is currently in the early development

stages of The Charlotte Mensah Academy. The academy aims to offer less fortunate young Ghanaians an opportunity to learn a vocational skill that will enhance their lives and their families lives too. Also very close to Charlotte’s heart is her own charity L.O.V.E (Ladies of Visionary Empowerment) that she has just setup in honour of her late Mother.

Hair by Charlotte Mensah Hair Lounge London 347 Portobello Road London W10 5SA. Tel 020 8969 9444 www.hairlounge.co.uk twitter @hairlounge1999 Photography by Krzysztof Grychnik.

Hair & Beauty

Amazonia Organics Applying What Comes Naturally

f you want to ensure that your hair and beauty products are made from only natural organic ingredients, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find many that claim to be exactly that. Dig a little deeper and the chances are that many of those all-natural credentials go no further than skin deep. Amazonia Organics is bucking that trend though. Not only can it back up its 100% organic and fair trade stance, it has also introduced a ground-breaking product to the market. Amazonia Organics Hair & Body Butter is designed to work on all hair and skin types but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on afro hair that it really comes into its own. Increasingly, women with afro hair are looking for gentler alternatives to the harmful chemicals in traditional straightening treatments. Amazonia Organics Hair & Body Butter, formulated using plant oils such as jojoba, natural vitamin E and murumuru butter, a powerful emollient sourced from the Amazon rainforest, mimics the straightening effects of traditional relaxers on afro hair. This easy-to-use treatment, already a big hit in Brazil, is starting

Hair & Beauty

“

This easy-to-use treatment, already a big hit in Brazil, is starting to gain popularity in the UK with people who have used it reporting hair that’s left feeling soft, shiny, silky and visibly more nourished.”

to gain popularity in the UK with people who have used it reporting hair that’s left feeling soft, shiny, silky and visibly more nourished. Ron Foley of the Business Hair Studio says: “In my 30 years of specialising in afro hair I have never come across a product quite like this. The effects on afro hair are truly sensational.” The product suits all hair types, not just afro, and women are also extolling its virtues as a moisturising skincare product, praising its effects on dry and damaged skin. Jo Sollinger, founder of Amazonia Organics says: “I am from Brazil and proud that our products promote sustainable growth in the Amazon rainforest. We work closely with our partners Beraca to maintain the highest standards of Fair Trade, avoid damage to the delicate ecosystems of the Rainforest and ensure that

local people have a premium flow of income through all the seasons.” Multiple award-winning hairdresser Marcia Johnson is offering 10% off an Amazonia Organics hair treatment at her salon Rougz Hair & Beauty Salon in Finchley until 31 November 2012. Call 020 7431 4440.

If you want to experience the Amazonia Organics conditioning treatment at the Business Hair Studio in Dalston, call Ron Foley 020 7254 7762 For more information or to buy Amazonia Organics visit the website: www.amazoniaorganics.com or email: info@amazoniaorganics.com follow on twitter: @ AmazoniaOrganic and ‘like’ Amazonia Organics on Facebook.

Channel 4 advert

Who wants TV without colour? Channel 4 is proud to promote diversity in all parts of our business. On and off screen. To find out more go to channel4.com/diversity

DIVERSITY PLEDGE

All inclusive

Colin Campbell-Austin is the People Development Manager at Channel 4. One of his top priorities is to champion Channel 4 being an ‘all inclusive’ employer.

BHM: Can you tell us about Channel 4? CCA: Channel 4 is a unique organisation: a public service broadcaster with a distinctive creative remit, funded within the marketplace, existing to provide a range of distinctive, challenging and provocative content. Our portfolio includes Channel 4, E4, More4, Film4, 4Music, 4Seven and 4oD (our bespoke video-on-demand service for current and archive content). As a publisherbroadcaster, Channel 4 is required to commission UK content from the independent production sector. We are a major investor in the UK's creative economy, working with around 300 creative companies from across the UK.

CCA: Yes of course. All our programmes are full time paid positions lasting from 12 to 20 months.

Production Trainee Programme Want a career in production? This programme is open to anyone of any age from any background. All we ask is that you are passionate about TV.

Internships You’ll spend the best 12 months of your life working in one specific area of Channel 4. A mix of office and production based paid internships are up for grabs every year.

BHM: What does your role involve? CCA: As People Development Manager I, along with my team, help give the fantastic people we have the opportunity to be the best they can be through their personal development. The team also manages a number of the Channel 4 work related programmes, which are aimed at people who are interested in developing their media career and networking opportunities for potential future employers. I also work with Oona King on diversity and the CDN (Cultural Diversity Network). BHM: Why do you enjoy working for Channel 4? CCA: Channel 4 is an amazing place to work. Everyone is very passionate about television and making a difference in their own unique way. I can be Colin here. Because of this I’m very proud to say I work at Channel 4. BHM: You mentioned that you and your team manage the Channel 4 work related programmes. Can you tell us a little about these schemes?

Apprenticeships If like me you feel that College or University is not for you, our apprenticeships are an excellent way of gaining both a NVQ and workplace experience.

Graduate Programme This scheme is open to people who have been to University and are ready to enter the world of work. You will gain hands on experience and gain an MA in creative leadership.

Scholarship Programme Our scholarship programme is not for the faint hearted. While working at Channel 4 you are given the opportunity to study and gain a PhD..

BHM: Channel 4 has a reputation for championing diversity. How does this extend to its recruitment? CCA: We pride ourselves on the wide range of passionate and talented people that we employ. It’s well known that a diverse workforce promotes creativity, which for us is the life blood of what we do. We strongly believe that our creative thinking, both on and off screen is significantly better by embracing diversity in its widest sense. By attracting people from all backgrounds and walks of life, we have created an environment in which everyone feels free to be who they are at work. BHM: What is the top priority in your role in terms of diversity? CCA: In a nutshell playing my part in helping Channel 4 better reflect a multi-cultural Britain off screen. As well as ethnicity I am also focused on five other strands of diversity: disability, age, gender, class and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender) and promoting Channel 4 as an ‘all inclusive’ employer. BHM: Do you remember the first programme you watched on Channel 4? CCA: It was Desmond’s (now available on 4oD). I had never watched a programme before that related to what family life was like for me. No my dad wasn’t a barber, but culturally ‘WOW’. Channel 4 then became the one to watch for me, I would think of it as the cheeky channel. Their fearlessness with programmes that reflected real life, including swear words! BHM: Can you tell us about your own cultural heritage? CCA: I’m mixed heritage. My dad was black from Jamaica and my mum is white British. I was born in Reading. I now live in Brighton.

Banking & Finance

At Santander we recognise everyone for the individuals they are

t Santander, our diverse spectrum of customers and colleagues from all walks of life keep us focussed on continuously improving the way we do business.

on cultural practices, faith and beliefs shared by both our diverse workforce and our customers.

By embracing the skills, knowledge and experience of our people, we are better able to understand the needs of our customers. This is core to our strategic goal of becoming the best bank in the UK.

At Santander, we are proud to be Champion members of Race for Opportunity. We support their campaign aims as we know that having a more diverse leadership team and workplace, whilst reducing ethnic minority youth unemployment is good for business, as much as society as a whole.

We value the strength in difference and are honoured to again celebrate Black History Month.

Committed

Innovative

Santander strives to be a great place to work and we want to support our people in building a successful career.

Not just lip service, we recently celebrated success at the Employers’ Network for Equality and Inclusion Awards. As well as winning the Excellence in Training award, our Santander Diversity Support Team was also recognised for their work in providing advice and guidance to our customer-facing teams who encounter customer related diversity issues. To further encourage a culture of inclusion at Santander, we have introduced a Cultural Awareness Network raising awareness

Our Talent programme is committed to helping our people deliver their best. Just some of these initiatives are:

A specially designed support structure for school leavers, interns, graduates and those people in the beginning stages of building a career.

Bespoke senior leadership development programmes enhancing mentorship and coaching skills a successful programme for discovering and nurturing talent. We’re committed to providing a range of benefits to suit our people’s individual needs and lifestyles. Some of these benefits include in-house gyms, flexible working, child care vouchers and a 24/7 employee assistance help-line. At Santander, we also believe in giving back, and our people are encouraged to get closely involved in community based programmes. At Santander we believe in attracting, developing and retaining a skilled workforce who are in tune with our diverse customer base. This will move us forwards in meeting our aspiration of becoming the best bank in the UK.

www.santander.co.uk

“A person is a person because he recognises others as persons.” Bishop Desmond Tutu

Banking & Finance

Make a difference by contributing to our work Citizens Advice is the UK’s largest advice charity. We help people resolve their problems and are equipped to deal with any issue, from anyone. Last year we helped over two million people. The diversity of our staff, volunteers and clients help shape who we are and the services we provide. That’s why we welcome applications from everyone.

Our National Black Workers Group provides support and networking for black, Asian and minority ethnic volunteers and staff in bureaux and Citizens Advice, and advises on issues of race equality within and outside of the Citizens Advice service. For job vacancies and volunteering information visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk

AwArd-winning documentAries Discover the untold story of the pivotal role that Cuba played in Africa’s fight for Independence. Cuba, An African Odyssey, Part 1 and 2 Saturday 27th October at 9pm Picture: Cuba, An African Odyssey

148x105_BHM_ad.indd 2

sky 209 www.theafricachannel.co.uk

03/09/2012 19:37

Film

Africa

on Film The BFI 56th London Film Festival, (10 – 21 October 2012) features some inspiring African Films Accession

South Africa - Dir-Scr Michael J Rix. Prod Anita Callander, Michael J Rix. With Pethro Themba Mbole, Vusumuzi Ndumo, Nomsa Msiza. A deeply shocking but masterful film that follows John, a young man HIVpositive man trying to cure himself of the virus. The hand-held camera stays with John (unflinchingly played by Pethro Themba Mbole) as he hangs out with his friends and has unprotected, passionless sex with several local women. He later finds

out that one of the women is HIVpositive. When a friend tells him that sex with a virgin is an instant cure, John follows that option; and the nightmare begins... Material

South Africa - Dir-Scr Craig Freimond. Prod Ronnie Apteker, Robbie Thorpe. With Riaad Moosa, Vincent Ebrahim, Joey Rasdien. Cassim is a young Muslim man who works in his father Ebrahim’s material shop. Ebrahim dreams of his son one day taking over the business, even if it’s struggling to survive. Ebrahim is embroiled in a 30-year feud with his brother over a matter of principle; and in contrast the brother’s shop is flourishing. Cassim has meanwhile discovered that he has a talent for stand-up comedy, but when Ebrahim finds out about the sideline, Cassim

finds himself in direct conflict with his father. Sleeper’s Wake

South Africa - Dir-Scr Barry Berk. Prod Ken Kaplan. With Lionel Newton, Jay Anstey, Deon Lotz. This skilful debut explores grief and healing against a backdrop of an eerie and remote South African coastline. John Wraith is in his mid-forties and is regaining consciousness in hospital. Learning that his wife and daughter have died in a car accident because he fell asleep at the wheel, and troubled by guilt, he retreats to an isolated coastal village to recuperate. Here he meets Jackie, a vulnerable teenage girl who, with her father and brother, is also traumatised by loss. This is a dangerous liaison that has devastating consequences.

Film Tall as the Baobab Tree (Grand comme le Baobab)

Senegal - Dir Jeremy Teicher. Prod Jeremy Teicher, Mala Bawer. Scr Jeremy Teicher, Alexi Pappas. With Dior Kâ, Oumoul Kâ, Cheikh Dia. Coumba and her little sister Debo are the first in their family to go to school. They live with their father, mother and elder brother in a remote African village and the family depend on their cows and goats as the only source of income. When their brother is injured when he falls out of the Baobab Tree, the family’s survival is threatened. Their father decides to sell 11-year-old Debo into an arranged marriage. Torn between loyalty to her elders and her dreams for the future, Coumba hatches a secret plan to rescue her young sister from a fate she has not chosen. An exquisitely performed and beautifully photographed drama that is a marvel to watch. The Pirogue (La Pirogue) Senegal - Dir Moussa Touré. Prod Eric Névé, Oumar Sy, Adrien Maigne.

Scr Eric Névé, David Bouchet. With Souleymane Seye Ndiaye, Laïty Fall, Malamine Dramé ‘Yalenguen’. Retired Senegalese fisherman Baye Laye is persuaded to captain a wooden fishing boat – a pirogue – to lead 30 men and a stowaway woman on a dangerous journey across the seas to Europe for a better life. Initially hesitant, Laye agrees to go, driven by aspirations for his own family. The trip gradually descends into disaster as the pirogue’s human cargo fight for survival against the

treacherous conditions of the Atlantic Ocean. A well-crafted melodrama that is compelling to watch. The Repentant (La Repenti)

Algeria - Dir-Scr Merzak Allouache. Prod Yacine Djadi. With Adila Bendimerad, Khaled Benaissa, Nabil Asli. Algerian director Merzak Allouache delves deep into his country’s tortured soul with this powerful look at the lingering effects of extremism and civil conflict. During the 1990s, Algeria suffered a civil war between the government and Islamic fundamentalists that left tens of thousands of people dead. As part of a deal to end the violence, the Algerian government offered amnesty to any jihadists who would come down from their mountain hideouts, renounce violence and reintegrate themselves into everyday society. One such ‘repentant’ is Rachid who, with the help of a kindly police officer, finds a job in a cafe. There he meets an embittered local pharmacist, paving the way for the disclosure of secrets that have the potential to tear them apart, and leading to an emotionally

devastating finale that audiences will find unforgettable. Virgin Margareda (Virgem Margareda)

Mozambique - Dir Licínio Azevedo. Prod Pedro Pimenta. Scr Licínio Azevedo, Jacques Akchoti. With Sumeia Maculuva, Iva Mugalela, Hermelinda Cimela. The year is 1975 and Mozambiquans are celebrating the end of colonial rule. It’s early evening and dozens of women are getting ready for a night out. Outside a very busy club, prostitutes are plying their trade. The Marxist revolutionary soldiers round up the women and all are considered to be prostitutes, including Margareda, a 16-year-old virgin from a nearby village who has been in town to buy a trousseau before her wedding. They are taken by bus into the deep forest, where they are systematically abused under the watchful eye of the ruthless Comandante Maria João. A harrowing film that reveals the violence perpetrated against women in this country at the end of colonial rule.

Film

Only Connect

ndulge your Mind, Body and Soul connection Images of Black Women (IBW) with International Black Hairitage Film Festival. An afternoon of films, Q&A and holistic workshops with a Mini Beauty Market to celebrate and explore issues around natural living and reproductive justice, Intl Black Hairitage Month celebrates the culture, holistic health and economics of people of African Descent worldwide.

in film. Over three days, the festival presents the best of challenging cinema offering alternative images of a figure still very much invisible. IBW is a portal for groundbreaking and forward-thinking filmmaking and debate.

Images of Black Women (IBW) Film Festival has acted for nearly a decade as the only advocate for change in the representation of black women

International Black Hairitage Month reginakimbell@aol.com

For more details please visit: www.imagesofblackwomen.com Black History Walks info@blackhistorywalks.co.uk

internationalblackhairitagemonth.com

MEE and The Village Productions Int Pauletteh_g@yahoo.co.uk More info: www.meevillage.com Black History studies info@blackhistorystudies.com www.blackhistorystudies.com The New Black Film Club priscilla@tnbfc.co.uk Exploring the MIND * BODY * SOUL* CONNECTION through films Sun 28 October 2012, 3pm to 8pm, Tricycle Cinema, 269 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 7JR

Advert

Hackney

Opt to ADOPT Down says that “by adopting Christine, I have not only transformed her life but also indulged my self with joy of being a parent” Adoption is rewarding and we are very proud of our adopters. You could give children a brighter and happier future by adopting them. We have African and Caribbean children who need a loving and caring home. We offer a dedicated support package to our adopters at pre and post adoption stage. To find out how you could transform a child’s life by contacting Hackney’s Adoption Service with contact details below:

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For more information call 08000 730 418 or email adoption@hackney.gov.uk or visit www.hackneykids.org.uk

Food

Jollof

Pot Fusion

A Ghanian foodie couple aim to bring the best of West African food to the heart of the WestEnd 66

Food

“

Having the opportunity to showcase our cuisine to the heart of London has been a dream for many years for Lloyd and I and something we’ve discussed at length with one of Britain’s most respected chefs, Raymond Blanc, during our time on The Restaurant.“

ounded in 2003 by Adwoa and Lloyd Hagan-Mensah, Jollof Pot is a leading Ghanaian catering company and made a name for itself through the runaway success of its street food stalls ‘Spinach & Agushi’ which introduced Ghanaian food to the masses via bustling stalls in Exmouth Market, Broadway Market and Portobello Market. They also featured in Raymond Blanc’s TV show The Restaurant. Jollof Pot offers the full dining experience arm of the company and provides an innovative menu of traditional, contemporary and fusion dishes, inspired by Ghana. This month, Jollof Pot opened the doors to their new venture, The

African Cafe by Jollof Pot, located in Covent Garden, in the centre of London’s West End. Future plans for the husband and wife duo include opening the first fine dining West African restaurant in London, putting West African cuisine on the map for all to enjoy. For the Covent Garden cafe, Jollof Pot offer a selection of instant West African cuisine fusion such as puy lentils, avocado, parmesan and jollof rice salad.

I and something we’ve discussed at length with one of Britain’s most respected chefs, Raymond Blanc, during our time on The Restaurant. To have this as a reality and to be working in association with such a well respected organisation like the African Centre, Covent Garden, we’re extremely excited to take the Jollof Pot brand to the next level. ”

The African Café by Jollof Pot opens everyday between 11am – 8pm.

Co-founder and head chef, Adwoa Hagan-Mensah says: “Our customers trust us and our food. Having the opportunity to showcase our cuisine to the heart of London has been a dream for many years for Lloyd and

Television

Meet the Adebanjos The hilarious hit British TV comedy Meet the Adebanjos which follows the life of a south London British- African family was an online phenomenon with over 750,000 views and is now an award-winning Sky TV hit.

eet The Adebanjos follows larger-than-life patriarch Bayo (Wale Ojo - Johnny English Reborn, The Guard) who regularly clashes with his wife and two teenage children. Their problem with him is his frequent mishaps and dated, traditional African values which Bayo tries to drum in-to the reluctant British household. Throw into the mix a middle age non paying lodger (Aunty Funke), who is desperately seeking a husband, and an azonto dancing Pentecostal pastor, the house and the show is one of constant chaos, laughter and entertainment. 68

Created by Debra Odutuyo and Andrew Osayemi, the story of how the show was created is one of perseverance and determination. “For the past five years I have been working on this project and trying to sell the concept of the sitcom to mainstream broadcasters in the

“

UK,” says Odutuyo. “After countless rejections, in 2011 I resolved not to give up on my dream by spending the last two years doing everything I possibly could do to raise money to film 8 episodes. I eventually raised enough money from private investors to produce a broadcast

The obvious route is the BBC route but what do you do if that just is not going to happen? Do you moan and complain or do you go out there and make it happen?”

Television

“

After countless rejections, in 2011 I resolved not to give up on my dream by spending the last two years doing everything I possibly could do to raise money to film 8 episodes. I eventually raised enough money from private investors to produce a broadcast quality show. I then decided to try the online route and put a clip online and it just blew up” quality show. I then decided to try the online route and put a clip online and it just blew up”. The clips from the series turned it into an online phenomenon which lead to TV companies from all other the world getting into touch. The show has now launched in over 10 countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and South Africa becoming an international hit. This lead to UK’s very own The Africa Channel (SKY 209) striking a deal to show the sitcom weekly and it now airs every Friday at 9pm as one of their top shows.

In 2011 the show was being awarded three awards at three different award shows – Beffta Awards, NEL Awards and lastly a Zaffa Award. “The reason this show resonates with so many people is because it is funny and it is authentic,” says Osayemi, a former City banker who set up MTA Productions with Debra. “The obvious route is the BBC route but what do you do if that just is not going to happen? Do you moan and complain or do you go out there and make it happen? By choosing the latter we have been able to see that there is a yearning for Black British

Family friendly content and this is what we intend to keep producing.” Not resting on their laurels in 2012 MTA Productions have taken things to a higher level by adapting the successful TV show into a hilarious family theatre production, ”Meet the Adebanjos Live In Theatre”, which they launched to soldout audiences at Broadway Theatre, Catford London in July. The theatre featured the full cast from the TV show and their hilarious performance left the audiences crying with laughter and at the end leed to standing ovations! Due to the fantastic reviews and amazing reaction, plans are already in place for the show to return in November across the UK.

Please visit the show’s website www.meettheadebanjos.com to see more from the show, to find out when the next theatre date will be and when Season two is going to be released! 69

Celebrating Black History Month. Creating a brighter future. EDF Energy celebrates cultural diversity. An attitude reinforced by the launch of their BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) Employee Network in November 2011. Serving customers from all walks of life, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to EDF Energy that cultural differences are not only understood, but reflected in the people they employ and everything they do. Which is why theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working hard to become a more culturally aware business.

Because, ultimately, that’s what EDF Energy is all about.

As part of this, the network ran a focus group for its members across the business. The feedback was simple. Employees felt that they would benefit hugely from increased career support. Which is why the mentoring scheme was born. It’s a scheme that aims to improve engagement for BAME employees, develop their talents, help them make better career decisions, and, most importantly, teach leaders that different cultural perspectives bring different ideas about nuclear safety.

The Legacy Champions Project, an initiative launched by ten colleges across the six Olympic boroughs, sets out to engage and inspire young people from a diverse range of backgrounds on sustainability issues. As the largest generator of low carbon electricity in the UK and partner to the project, EDF Energy is perfectly placed to raise awareness of such issues and drive a more clued-up society for generations to come.

But more than developing their own employees, EDF Energy is dedicated to extending its beliefs to the community too.

There are a range of opportunities at EDF Energy. To find out where you fit in, visit www.edfenergy.com/careers

Deborah St. Clair-Thomas has worked at EDF Energy for the last eight years and has experienced the benefits first-hand: ‘I’m proud to work for a company that’s so forward thinking and always looking for ways to meet employee and customer needs. As a black working mum and member of the EDF Energy BAME Employee Network,

I believe EDF Energy to be inclusive. The network regularly holds events that employees from all backgrounds can attend, which is a great way to meet new people and build your personal network. And as well as offering huge support to employees like me, it recognises that by attracting a diverse workforce, we can create an environment where we value and respect each others’ differences. I believe that every individual employee has a responsibility to promote, support, and share our ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Because it’s in an environment like this that inspiration and innovation thrive – creating a challenging workplace, and delivering strong business performance.’

Television

union.org

celebrate the

hmistnot hr

UNITE the Union Celebrating Black History Month UNITE the Union extends Black History Month Greetings to everyone and pays tribute to the contribution that black people have made in all areas of our society, including at work and in trade unions.

RACE FORWARD Tackling race discrimination in the workplace

The Membership of UNITE is made up of workers from across all industries, in the Public, Private and voluntary Sectors throughout Britain and Ireland.

Unite the Union is committed to:-

www.unitetheunion.org

• Challenging Racial Bullying & Harassment in the Workplace

• Confronting Racism and Fascism which divides communities

• Dealing with Lack of Promotion of Black Workers

• Working with Employers to develop effective workplace policies on Race Equality and making sure they are acted on

• Proper Implementation of Legislation for Black Workers • Justice and Fair Treatment for Migrant Workers

• Combating Race Discrimination in Getting a Job

General Secretary: Len McCluskey National Ofﬁcer for Equalities: Collette Cork-Hurst

TO JOIN UNITE THE UNION

visit www.unitetheunion.org 72

Tel: 0207 611 2643 (ref. BHM 2012)

Uniform Services

Patricia Gallan:

Unintentional History Maker

hukwudum Ikeazor talks to DAC Pat Gallan, the highest ranking minority female officer who is making her mark in the history books. When Sislin Faye Allen joined the Met Police in 1967 she made history by becoming the first black female police officer in Britain. She was celebrated by the press, the police and the community and probably sometimes quite to the irritation of the young woman who just wanted to get on with her job. At the time of her enlistment the idea of a black Chief Constable in England was probably as distant as the idea of a black President in the United States - yet as we know the march of progress may be slow but is ultimately unstoppable. The US has a black President and the UK has had a black Chief Constable. Ms Allen resigned from the Met a few years later to pursue other careers but, having breached the mindset and cultural barrier, as did her predecessor by a year, Noel Roberts, the inevitable slowly but surely began to occur. As Black and Asian men joined the police, Black and Asian women were trickling in too, unknowingly making the important and often ignored point that race equality and progress

were not just about men but women too. All too often in the past and today the fruits of progress in the campaign for equality (as in other fields of human endeavour) are plucked by men in the name of their “community” as if the men there are all about community. In 1987, twenty years after Sislin Faye’s historic enlistment, a young Scotswoman of Scottish/African parentage, Patricia Gallan, joined the Met as a constable. After her training she was posted to London’s East End where some of the Met’s toughest policing districts were situated. After a few years on street patrol, she soon joined the CID from where she later moved on to several other departments. Her geography of service includes uniform patrol and the CID in the East End, the Crime Intelligence Branch (SO11) at New Scotland Yard, National Crime Squad where she led on undercover policing and Merseyside Police which she joined as an Assistant Chief Constable in 2006 in charge of operational support, her portfolio covering everything from Serious Organised crime, counter terrorism to the mounted police. As her career progressed she furthered her academic and other

Patricia F. Gallan QPM Deputy Assistant Commissioner Directorate of Professionalism Metropolitan Police Service

“

A quiet achiever, Ms Gallan does not join in the celebration and “fuss” about being the first female ethnic minority Deputy Assistant Commissioner or the “first” of anything, modestly stating in an interview that just wants to get on with it and “do a good job”. 73

Uniform Services ,professional credentials. She is a trained barrister and has a Master’s degree from the University of London and a diploma in criminology from Cambridge. In 2006 she was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal. In early 2012, she rejoined the Met and was appointed Deputy Assistant Commissioner. A quiet achiever, Ms Gallan does not join in the celebration and

“

She is a trained barrister and has a Master’s degree from the University of London”.

“fuss” about being the first female ethnic minority Deputy Assistant Commissioner or the “first” of anything, modestly stating in an interview that just wants to get on with it and “do a good job”. In reality this is what most police officers set out to do and if by some accident of chronology or history they become noted as the “first” they always seek to rightly remind the public that the “job” is the important thing. Whatever Patricia Gallan thinks, for reasons of history her achievements and appointment are historically noteworthy and will be talked about. If black police and minority police officers were by now sufficiently commonplace and nearly enough representative of London’s diversity then her appointment would have just been another footnote in the day’s news, and in colloquial terms

“no big deal” and she probably would not be remembered today as the highest ranking minority female officer in the service or the “first”. The young girl who set out from Lanarkshire in Scotland 25 years ago just to get a job in the police ended up becoming a big news maker by her achievements. As it goes, she is a role model for young people from all communities, especially young ethnic minority women and young women generally. If there are any lessons from her story they must include the message that success requires investment, time and dedication.

Chukwudum Ikeazor Police Constable & Writer Diversity & Citizen Focus Directorate, Metropolitan Police Service, London

Uniform Services

Highlights Of bHM 2012 Events Nationwide The following are just a few selected highlights of the many events taking place in the UK for Black History Month. For full listings of what is on in your area, please see www.blackhistorymonthuk.co.uk or contact your local council

7575

Uniform Services

Youth Achievement Awards

oung people from around the UK will be recognised once again at the UK’s premiere ceremony – The 4th Annual BYA (Black Youth Achievement) Awards taking place at The Tabernacle, 35 Powis Square, W11 2AY. The BYA Awards recognise and reward 8-25 year olds of African / Caribbean heritage in a number of categories, providing a platform for young achievers and leaders to be celebrated, whilst also promoting positive images and role models for future generations to be inspired and motivated by. Nominations for the awards are made between April and August and received from around the country. The categories that young people can be nominated in include: •

Performing, Creative and Literary Arts

•

Business & Enterprise

•

Choices (changes to lifestyle)

•

Community

•

Education

•

Sports

•

S.T.E.M (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

The BYA Awards ceremony is an amazing event. A 3-course dinner will be accompanied by live music from Rising Tide, which is a Hackney based charity that nurture and develop raw talent and have produced artists such as Labrinth. The awards provide a unique opportunity for the finalists to become BYA Ambassadors who go on to enjoy a wide range of personal development training sessions with a number of corporate and professional supporters. Through this up-skilling, the Ambassadors are able to offer peer support, advice and guidance to other young people as part of BYA’s mission to improve and increase life chances for all.

Black Youth Achievement will take place on Saturday 10th November 2012, 6pm The Tabernacle, London W11 2AY

LISTINGS

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

The awards provide a unique opportunity for the finalists to become BYA Ambassadors who go on to enjoy a wide range of personal development training sessions with a number of corporate and professional supporters.â&#x20AC;? 77

Listings

Brighton & Hove and across Sussex

his year sees another worldclass programme of arts and cultural events, kicking off in September, lasting through to November, all marking the contributions Black and ethnic minority people make to our region. We have visual arts, music, film, literature, arts and crafts, theatre, fashion, food, sport and more. Black History Month is run by volunteers with a shared aim: we want to create a space for you to enjoy the rich variety of heritages, languages and cultures that enrich our society.

October 6/7 – The Far Pavilion, Arabic culture festival in Arabesque tent, Pavilion Gardens - Sandpit Arts 10 – ‘BME comic book workshop for children & young people’, Brighton - Writing Our Legacy 20 – Writing Our Legacy presents historical and modern Asian authors, Crawley Library 20 – Legacy Film Festival - 1.30 screening 23 – Debate: “Do We Need Black History Month?”, Pavilion Theatre 24 – Inua Ellams critically acclaimed play ‘black t shirt’, Brighton Dome

Photo credit: Black History Month street party, 2010. Photo by Paul Jackson

25 – Legacy Film Festival - 6.30 screening

27– Legacy Film Festival film screenings, Old Courthouse & Duke at the Komedia 27 – Kora Festival, Sallis Benney

November 9 – Kanda BongoMan, Brighton Pavilion - African Night Fever 17– Latin Voices Live! Day of the dead celebration, Brighton Museum and Dome – Writing Our Legacy Bandbazi launch oral history, photographic portrait and archive exhibition, Like Sugar in Milk: Stories of Zoroastrian Migration to the South East of England.

For more information, see http://brightonblackhistorymonth.org.uk/

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Celebrating history. And planning for the future. Newham College is proud to be playing an active part in Black History Month 2012. Our commitment to equal opportunities and diversity is, however, an important focus right throughout the year. The majority of our workforce – some 50% - comes from BME communities and 53.3% BME academic staff. We’re pleased with all our achievements so far - we achieved the Investors in Diversity stage 2 in March 2012 - but there’s no room for complacency. Our Equality & Diversity Committee is fully representative of the College and monitors our work on an ongoing basis. And we’re always looking for new ways to enhance our recruitment, induction and training processes to ensure they continue to be some of the very fairest. If you’re interested in working or studying in a unique environment, where you can make the most of your talents, interests and aspirations, then please visit us at www.newham.ac.uk or call 020 8257 4450. Talk by Text users please call 020 8257 4461.

Believe it, achieve it Join the learning revolution

Reggae Rocks A message from the British Reggae Awards 2012 “The British Reggae Industry Awards (B.R.I.A.) is committed to bringing reggae music to a world audience, promoting UK based reggae music to an international market and creating an event where reggae music can be appreciated in a prestigious awards ceremony. The B.R.I.A. through the years will be committed to rewarding all those that are involved in the positive promotion and delivery of reggae music, ensuring that the reggae music industry develops and grows not only in the U.K. but also

Internationally. The B.R.I.A. will be encouraging the next generation to develop reggae music, which has so much to offer and can be used to inspire, uplift, encourage and promote peace, positivity and love. There is a need for a unified approach to delivering reggae music to the people and it is our aim that, once again, The British Reggae Industry Awards can achieve this movement.”

The B.R.I.A. Ceremony will be taking place at the IndigO2 on Saturday 13th October 2012 www.britreggae.com 79

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The Mahogany Bridal Show 2012 80 80

Listings The Mahogany Bridal Show, Europe’s longest established show for African Caribbean brides, grooms and family members will be taking place on Sunday 21st October at the City of Westminster College in the West End in London. The show is now in its 15th year and continues to grow from strength to strength. The exhibition attracts hundreds of guests from across Europe who attended to view displays from exhibitors that include everything a bride requires for that all important day; from decorative features such as chocolate fountains and champagne fountains to photography, cake decorators, wedding planners and menswear to name but a few. There are two fantastic fashion shows featuring an array of designers who showcase everything from traditional, alternative and African inspired wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses as well as menswear. This is not the type of bridal show where you come to see lots of traditional white wedding and bridesmaids dresses, but if you are looking for something different, bright, colourful and original, then the Mahogany Bridal Fashion Show is the place to come to as it brings you some of the best alternative bridal designers that the UK, Europe, the Caribbean and Africa has to offer.

E-mail: info@mahoganyinternational.com Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.mahoganybrides.com/ or by calling 0845 388 7249 / 07971 388687. Tickets are £10 (buy one get one free if purchased in advanced) or £10 per person at the door. Children under 16 are free.

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See Jackie Kaye

at Birmigham Book Festival

riting West Midlands, the region’s literature development agency, stages this festival to reflect the cultural diversity of Birmingham. From the 4th-13th October the Festival hosts events that range from the delights of acclaimed writers Liz Lochhead, Jackie Kay, Simon Armitage, Patrick Gale, David Edgar, Tiffany Murray, Peter F Hamilton, Femi Oyebode, Caitlin Moran and Stuart Maconie, to the beauty of dramatic poetry performance Being Human, a production made in the Midlands by the Belgrade, Coventry, Midland Creative Projects and Bloodaxe Books that has received rave reviews. Jackie Kay will deliver a sermon from the city’s Cathedral taking in some of the themes in her new 82

short story collection (Thursday 11 October). This book celebrates the richness and power of dream-life to inspire, to repair, and to make real. It plays with the theme of reality, and as Jackie Reads some of them she will offer her own commentary on the points where the physicality of our lives blurs into an alternative reality and sometimes into a new awakening or spirituality. The festival is not just for audiences. There is plenty for developing writers, too. Join us for a day of writing workshops (Saturday 13 October) on subjects from short plays to short stories, poetry, scent association and researching non-fiction. And students in the West Midlands might want to enter a team for our student showcase, Off Campus (Monday 8 October), in the city’s wonderful Bacchus Bar.

To book tickets contact The BOX: 0121 245 4455 or visit www.birmingham-box.co.uk www.birminghambookfestival.org Twitter: @bhambookfest

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Body A

screening of films. “Temporary Sanity: The Skerrit Boy Story” that features Jamaican dance culture in New York, followed by “Ebony Goddess: Queen of Ile Aiye”, about a Brazilian women resisting European beauty standards with dance. The talk will be delivered by Nathalie Montlouis and guests who will

explore the perception of African/ Caribbean traditional and modern dance and their portrayal in the mainstream media, followed by discussion and performance by Caribbean dance group Zil’Oka. This event is presented by Southward Council in association with imagesofblackwomen.com (annual film festival showcasing films by and about black women) and

blackhistorywalks.co.uk (walks, talks and films on the African history of London).

Films and Talk: “Performing Black Bodies”, Sat 13 Oct, 6pm to 9pm, Peckham Plex, Rye Lane, London SE15, free. Further event details: www.southwark.gov.uk (search: Black History Month 2012) 83

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Liverpool

The International Slavery Museum

he International Slavery Museum opened in August 2007 and in March 2010 welcomed its millionth visitor. It is the only museum of its kind to look at aspects of historical and contemporary slavery as well as being an international hub for resources on human rights issues.

huge visitor numbers and impact, but there is now a pressing need to tell a bigger story because of its relevance to contemporary issues that face everyone. www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The transatlantic slave trade was the greatest forced migration in history. And yet the story of the mass enslavement of Africans by Europeans is one of resilience and survival against all the odds, and is a testament to the unquenchable nature of the human spirit. In 1994, National Museums Liverpool opened the Transatlantic Slavery Gallery, the first of its kind in the world. This gallery has achieved 85

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Images Of A

Paradise Lost

Oil boom, Delta burns: photographs by George Osodi 86 86

Listings A photographic exhibition looking at the impact of the oil industry on the lives of people in Niger Delta opens at Liverpool’s International Slavery Museum. The Nigerian born photo-journalist, 37, witnessed first hand the exploitation of one of Africa’s largest deltas by multi-national companies. People who live in the oil rich state have had to live with environmental catastrophes for decades. Since the 1950s, oil spill after oil spill in this part of Nigeria have left areas polluted and seen traditional livelihoods destroyed. Severe economic deprivation within communities stands in sharp contrast to the enormous oil wealth of the area. George Osodi photographed people living in the Niger Delta from 2003 to 2007 to highlight the brutal conditions they were living in. George Osodi said: “Most people tend to take oil and petrol for granted. Few people ever question where it comes from and what impact it has on people and communities. “Nigeria is the sixth largest oil supplier in the world which generates immense wealth for the oil companies and the government. But 70% of the population live on less than one dollar a day.”

National Museums Liverpool, 127 Dale Street, Liverpool L2 2JH www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk Follow us: Twitter: www.twitter.com/slaverymuseum

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Lewisham BHM Fuller details of events listed below and more can be found at www.lewisham.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth 88

Listings Thursday 27 September 8-9pm Free Lewisham Library Nadia Maddy introduces The Palm Oil Stain Meet author Nadia Maddy at Lewisham Library and discover more about her novel, The Palm Oil Stain.

Monday 1 October 7-8.30pm Free (Pre-book a place) Deptford Lounge Calypso and Quadrille evening with Alexander D. Great and Januka From the first day in October, the 50 year anniversaries of independence both in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago are a feature which recur in this year’s programme in Lewisham. Pre-book via The Albany online or T: 020 8692 4446.

Monday 1 & Tue 2 Oct 7.30pm £8/£14 The Albany Mother To Mother One unforgiving moment in an ordinary day has repercussions beyond the imaginable for one Mother in Cape Town. A moving piece of theatre performed by Thembi Mtshali-Jones.

Jacob Sam-La Rose comperes as local young people from Lewisham’s Speaking Volumes project celebrate their creative work at Deptford Lounge and launch a touring collection of contemporary poetry on National Poetry Day. Prebook via The Albany online or T: 020 8692 4446.

Thursday 4 October 8pm £8/£14 The Albany My Exile is in My Head Enjoy this high energy dance and physical theatre piece inspired by Wole Soyinka’s prison notes, which explores the themes of solitude and exile.

Friday 5 October 7.30pm £12/£18 Broadway Theatre Jackson - Live in Concert The Broadway Theatre expect another full house for the return of Amir Sharma’s portrayal of Michael Jackson in his prime. Amir will be joined on the stage by a cast of musicians, singers and dancers who work their way through all the hits.

Friday 5 & Saturday 6 October 7.30pm £8/£14

The Albany And The Girls in Their Sunday Dresses A play which opens with a chance meeting as two women in Cape Town queue for rice and find they have more in common than meets the eye.

Friday 5 October 8pm £8/£14 The Albany Thirst With dance, physical theatre, song and African storytelling, Thirst follows the journeys of water-carriers from an African village that has run out of water.

Sunday 7 October 7pm £8/£14 The Albany Sibikwa Arts African Indigenous Orchestra The exuberant nine-piece orchestra will evoke the true spirit of South Africa through their lively jazz and afrobeat. This will have you on your feet in a rousing finale to the Afrovibes Festival at The Albany.

Part of the Afrovibes Festival 2012.

Thursday 4 October 7-8.30pm Free (Pre-book a place) Deptford Lounge Speaking Volumes on National Poetry Day with Jacob Sam-La Rose

Thursday 11 October 8-9.30pm Free Lewisham Library 50 Up: Spoken word and open mic with Inspired Word Creative arts group Inspired Word 89

Listings provide their own take on this year’s 50 year anniversaries in the Caribbean at an evening of spoken word at Lewisham Library, which concludes with open mic.

Saturday 13 October 10.30am-Noon £5 Meet at 439 New Cross Road S.I. Martin’s Black History Month Walking tour Renowned historian, S.I. Martin will lead a 90 minute Black History Month theme walking tour of Deptford and New Cross taking us back through the centuries as we pass local landmarks. Tour is limited to 16 places. Up to 2 children may accompany paying adults. Pre-book via The Albany online or T: 020 8692 4446.

Saturday 13 October 2.15-3.15pm Free (Pre-book a place) S.I Martin trends current research in Black British history S.I Martin speaks about his recent research work and use of resources such as the Black Cultural Archive and National Maritime Museum, which can be visited locally. Prebook via The Albany online or T: 020 8692 4446.

Monday 15 October 4-5pm Free Forest Hill Library The voice of El Crisis Amazing spoken word artist El Crisis is the special guest at an open to all session of Forest Hill Library’s weekly theatre group for 12-18s. 90

Tuesday 16 October

Thursday 18 October

7.15-8.30pm Free (Pre-book a place) Manor House Library Sandra Agard performs Steal Away

7-8.30pm Free (Pre-book a place) Deptford Lounge Deptford’s Black maritime history: S.I. Martin and El Crisis

Sandra Agard’s new dramatic monologue Steal Away tells the story of Harriet Tubman as seen through the eyes of a runaway slave. Places must be pre-booked for this performance written for adults. Accompanied children aged 11 and over are welcome.

Deptford’s black maritime history explored by S.I. Martin at an evening to be opened and concluded with the extraordinary chant, shanty and imaginary journeys of El Crisis. Prebook via The Albany online or T: 020 8692 4446.

Thursday 18 October 11am-4pm Free Calabash Centre Calabash Centre Black History showcase Do you still have your country of origin National Costume? Here is the opportunity to show off your costume and dance moves. To be a part of this spectacular event contact the Calabash Centre on 0208 461 3420.

Saturday 20 October 3.30-4.15pm Free (Pre-book a place) Catford Library Discovering Science Club Lewisham-based Discovering Science Club are showcased at a family event featuring scientists of African descent. Children aged under 8 must be accompanied.

Thursday 25 October 7-8.30pm Free (Pre-book a place) Manor House Library Jamaica 50 years on from Independence Distinguished historian Cecil Gutzmore’s take on 50 years of Jamaican independence and song from Brenda Rattray.

Thursday 25 October 7.30pm £5 The Golden Lion Sydenham Film Club present Marley Screening of the fascinating 2012 bio-documentary on the life and

Listings music of Bob Marley at a convivial venue.

Friday 26 October 7.30-8.30pm Free (Pre-book a place) Crofton Park community library Caribbean Community Choir and writer Steve Smith An evening with song from the Caribbean Community Choir and a talk from Steve Smith, author of British Black Gospel.

Saturday 27 October Noon-9pm £10 Moonshot Centre Moonshot family fun day IRIE! Dance Theatre invite you to step back in time to the Moonshot Centre in the 70s & 80s. This all-dayer with dance and many other family attractions will give an account of what the iconic Moonshot was like back in the day.

Saturday 27 October 8pm £15/£17.50 The Broadway Theatre The Prophet Kwaku The Broadway Theatre is the place to go with The Prophet Kwaku venting his controversial, but very funny spleen. He’s been labelled the black cousin Alf Garnet never had. Dig Out Dem Roots with Sharon Tomlin. Sharon Tomlin, a founder of the Carib Geneaology and Family Research Service, invites you to pre-book to Dig out dem

roots: her Caribbean Family History workshop. Book through the library 020 8314 7299). Places are limited.

To contact listed venues and book:

Saturday 3 November

The Albany Douglas Way Deptford SE8 4AG www.thealbany.org.uk T: 020 8692 4446

2-4pm Free (Pre-book a place) Downham Library Dig Out Dem Roots with Sharon Tomlin

Broadway Theatre Rushey Green, SE6 4RU www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk T: 020 8690 0002 Calabash Centre

Sharon Tomlin, a founder of the Carib Geneaology and Family Research Service, invites you to pre-book to Dig out dem roots: her Caribbean Family History workshop. Book through the library 020 8314 7299). 15 Places only.

Saturday 3 November 2-4pm £5-8 (Pre-book a place: accompanied children free) Deptford Lounge Black History Month Sing Out! You can be part of a barnstorming sing-out performance at Deptford Lounge. Local artist Brenda Rattray will introduce her house band, the Lewisham Inspirational Community Choir, local dance groups, rehearsed Open Mic and the opportunity for you to join in with a community sing-out. To join the Lewisham Inspirational Community Choir or perform at this event please contact Brenda@nicepeople.co.uk. Pre-book via The Albany online or T: 020 8692 4446. The Council and artist are supporting Demelza Children’s Hospice through this event.

Lewisham Park Housing Association 24-26 George Lane SE13 6HH T:020 8461 3420. Catford Library Laurence House Rushey Green SE6 4RU T: 020 8314 9113 Crofton Park Community Library 375 Brockley Road SE4 2AF T: 020 8694 9373 Deptford Lounge Giffin Square, SE8 4RJ T: 020 8314 7299 Downham Library Health & Leisure Centre 7-9 Moorside Road BR1 5EP T: 020 8314 9705 Forest Hill Library 82 Dartmouth Road SE23 3HZ T: 020 8314 7653 The Golden Lion 116 Sydenham Road, SE26 5JX www.sydenhamfilmclub.org Lewisham Library 199-201 Lewisham High St SE13 6LG T: 020 8314 9800 Manor House Library 34 Old Road, London SE13 5SY T: 020 8314 7794

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BHM

Rich Mix

Listings Formidable Fusion presents: Kele Le Roc Monday 1st October 2012 Produced by Formidable Fusion, MOBO award winner Kele Le Roc, is back for one night only to reclaim her throne in British Urban and Dance music. 7. First 100 tickets: £12.50, £15 thereafter

best friend Akeyo, in the next village. Handa is taking 7 delicious fruits as a surprise – but 7 different animals have 7 very different ideas… could you resist the sweet-smelling guava?

Open The Gate CIRCUS: “The African Market” (day) & “Africa’s Cow Foot!!!” (evening) Sunday 7th October African Market - 12pm – 7pm, Africa’s Cow Foot – 8pm. African Market: Free, Africa’s Cow Foot: £10 / £7 advance.

Numbi – A Night of Afropolitan Dandy’s Saturday 6th October NUMBI live shows are a series of cross-cultural events from the Diaspora. The programme aims to bring a visible Diaspora, especially Somali cultural presence, into London’s landscape through collaborations and cultural dialogue. £5 students & concessions / £10 advance / £12 door

Little Angel: Handa’s Surprise Sunday 7th October, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, & 2, £6 / £5 for LBTH residents Travel to Kenya and follow in Handa’s footsteps as she journeys to see her

VIGOUR is a captivating triple bill of African contemporary and Contemporary dance. Performed by a fierce cast of female dancers, Keneish Dance uses physicality and form to question the ways in which we communicate with one another. Exploring personal, cultural and social experiences, VIGOUR includes a unique installation piece, created in collaboration with sculptural artist Heidi Luker.

Mwalimu Express Sunday 21st October, 2pm / £10 / £8 concessions

Open The Gate proudly presents a full day & night of events: The African Market in the afternoon is a renowned Design and Arts Fair family event, followed by ‘Africa’s Cow Foot!!!’ an exclusive magical & vibrant cabaret night of African Storytelling and Live music in the evening.

All aboard the legendary MWALIMU EXPRESS as we pull into African cities and bring you awesome music from around the continent – balafon, mbira, talking drum, molo, oud and kora are just some of the instruments to be featured live by the amazing musicians we meet at each destination.

Tilt’s London Liming

Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA

Tuesday 9th October, 7.30pm, £7 / £5 concessions Tilt’s London Liming is a spoken word party transporting the cosmopolitan vibe of Trinidad ‘liming’ culture to London - a chilled-out carnival vibe at which people can mix, drink and dance. UK’s best spoken word performers interspersed with Soca, Brazilian, Reggae, Hi-Life and dance tunes.

T. 020 7613 7661 / F. 020 7613 7499 / www.richmix.org.uk Follow us: facebook.com/richmixlondonE16LA Twitter: @richmixlondon

VIGOUR Friday 12th October, 7.30pm, £10/£8 concessions

Teach UK

elebrating black achievement and black history allows our children the opportunity to understand the huge contribution made to society by men and women who have had to overcome barriers of prejudice and discrimination. This history of our diversity is important to acknowledge and celebrate and it gives context, relevance and meaning to all cultures that represent modern Britain. At Tollgate Primary we are rich in diversity and our culturally inclusive curriculum offers children an awareness and understanding of the inequalities in society and encourages children to stand up and make correct choices. Our culturally inclusive curriculum celebrates the lives of extraordinary individuals and events that have had impact on

the course of history. We see it as essential to promote positive imagery of black men and women to reflect their contributions to the arts, science, education and culture and this in turn acts as a strong motivational force to a future generation of children. This Black History Month 2012 we will be using the Black History Month KS2 study units throughout the month of October and our assembly themes will celebrate inspirational lives and the key historical events of the civil rights era in the 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and the apartheid struggle in more recent times Tollgate will also be holding events this month which we will include an International evening, sharing and celebrating our cultural traditions and a few careers events led by successful black men and women across a wide range of professions. More

details can be found on our website. We will also be encouraging mums and dads to come in and work alongside their children in the classroom. Also during the month of october we will be holding African story tellers workshops and African drumming workshops.

Tollgate Primary school is in Newham, East London, Barclay Road, E13 8SA - for more information visit their website @ www.tollgate.newham.sch.uk

BE THERE FOR LONDON

Teach UK

“SHE LOVES THE FACT THAT YOU CAN GET A GENUINE, HEARTFELT THANKS FROM A PERFECT STRANGER” VOLUNTEER AS A POLICE OFFICER SPECIAL CONSTABLES · 16 HOURS A MONTH Robert knew that his wife, Jenienne, had always wanted to be a police officer. So it wasn’t a surprise when she told him she wanted to volunteer to see what it was like. He admits he was a little concerned at first but not anymore. Seeing how well prepared she is for every patrol has put his mind at ease. Since she joined over three years ago, she’s had extensive training. And with the support of regular officers and the same powers of arrest as them, she’s confident dealing with any situation. More than that, Robert’s seen how the role’s benefitted her as a person. She’s more assured, compassionate and responsible. And playing an active part in the community, Jenienne feels as if she’s really making a difference to people’s lives. Which is precisely why she wanted to be a volunteer police officer in the first place. Jenienne is here for London. You could be there for London too. To find out more more please visit www.metpolicecareers.co.uk

Let’s be exceptional

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