This year marks the 100th year anniversary of the two World Wars of the Western powers. Many soldiers from the commonwealth and the colonies, laid down their lives for the same cause out of respect for their ruling countries.
On November 11th, 2014 at Windrush Square near the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, London there will be a commemorative silence at 11:11am followed by the unveiling of an African and Caribbean War Memorial honouring those who laid down their lives to help Britain's war effort.
October has been Black history month in the UK since approximately 1987. In the earlier years it was simply individual councils acknowledging achievements by the Black community in the UK and abroad. It has grown over the years and continues today.
You can read up on Black history in the UK from the following websites
Of course there are many many more resources out there and books too but these are a good place to start exploring the topic. You don't have to wait for specific time in the year to begin reading your history.
Today marks the 176 year anniversary of Emancipation Day in Jamaica. Slaves were freed and slavery ended on 1st August 1838. Slavery itself in the British colonies was ended four years earlier in 1834 but it was made official in Jamaica on Emancipation Day.
Martin Luther King Jr. has been given a Washington DC honour in the mall. His statue is made out of granite and is about 9foot tall. To read more click here
I found it interesting that Guardian article pointed out the crowd that gathered for the unveiling and presidential speech were predominantly African - American. There is some controversy over the inscription. Maya Angelou gives her thoughts in this article. What do you think?
I did a review of this book called The Help towards the end of last year. One of my readers commented that the book will be made into a film. I was so pleased to hear that. The book is such a good read worth reading before you see the film.
I am dismayed to read on the blogs and on twitter that there is so much controversy surrounding this film in America. The main issues people have it is that is a film showing Black women as maids. I have no issues with this. African Diaspora people need to embrace their past and history. No other race seems so set on forgetting. We know that in today Black women occupy many different areas of work and continue to strive and do well. So why the controversy. I feel more of our history should be told in film and books, both good and bad.
Is it a case that we need to pull out the beautifully researched and presented books of Chancellor Williams. Who discusses African history from before European and Asian interaction where kingdoms where spoken of as Dynasties. If all you can see in The Help is a movie that puts black women in a bad light you have missed the point. I suggest you read the book and decide if the film is for you. There is more to these women then just being somebody's maid. You will not know that if you do not read the book or see the film.
I hope it does not take long to reach UK shores. I could do with an adult night at the cinema. Have you read the book or seen the film? What are your thoughts?
Fifty-five years ago, the late Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat for a white person. She was subsequently arrested and put in Jail. Google have remembered this day with a Google Doodle illustration. This is not on the Google UK version but on Google USA.
As a result the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott took place and lasted for about 381 days. This one act alone pushed the Civil Rights Movement into full force.
Oprah announced on her live show that she is ending her show!
I am browsing Google reader and twitter and somehow come across this article from USA Today. I had double check the title. Ms Oprah Winfrey will end her show in 2011 after 25 years. Wow! I am older than the Oprah Show but have always known Oprah to be on TV from my early years in the states and all through the continuations of my life in my birthplace the UK.
Oprah is amazing. If only I could be in the audience one day for one of those fab giveaways. I would of course need to sort out a babysitter. Who or what or if , will it be possible to find another great human being that transcends races and genders and continents the way Ms O has done for so many years. An African American woman achieved this. In times when Black people are still being hated on Ms O maintained and now will move forward onto pastures new.
Oh my I just hope Diva TV gives us constant repeats after 2011. I will save my emotions for September 2011 when season 25 draws to a close in the meantime here is a quote from her website about why she is ending her wonderful show still watched by millions.
Here is the real reason: I love this show. This show has been my life. And I love it enough to know when it's time to say good-bye.
Twenty-five years feels right in my bones and it feels right in my spirit. It's the perfect number—the exact right time. So I hope that you will take this 18-month ride with me right through to the final show.
Please read more about the departure and her plans for the future on her website.
I have always heard about the history books being re written to make things more appeasing to certain ethnic groups. During the same time that Jesus was given blonde hair and blue eyes, Egypt was also given a bit of a skin bleach. I do want to look into this further. This video gives me a good starting point. Before anyone says things like this could never happen, remember L’Oreal often lighten Beyonce’s complexion and give her a nose job. Surely she is light enough.
Check out the video. Look at the facts and do your own research as my lecturer would always stress.
I am feeling a little out of the loop at the moment. I usually know what is coming on television and the various events that are coming on. Though thankfully I was on the NHS Direct website and they have a wonderful feature for Black History month in the UK.
The NHS live well Black History Month section gives a different twist on celebration of life. So as well as celebrating our worldwide spoken and unspoken history and presence , we should celebrate our health (something I need to do). To mark the occasion the NHS celebrate the life of 7 health heroes making positive changes to their lives and others.
Are you taking part in any of the celebrations? Have you come across any worthwhile articles? Please let me know.
Whilst at the You're Beautiful Woman event I went to last week. I had the pleasure of meeting some innovative and inspirational black entrepreneurs. I love magazines but cut down on them dramatically. However this magazine caught my eye.
It is called Ninetynine magazine. Olumide Solanke is one of the creative forces behind the magazine. He spoke to me about it with such joy. You could tell that care and thought has been taken to create this rarity in Black British society. It is filled with stories of UK Black achievers in every level of society. Their mission states that they aim to “identify, inform and celebrate the achievements of proactive black people in the UK”.
It is quite a new magazine a unisex one at that. I have the 2nd issue which has been a very lovely read. Tim Campbell from the Apprentice is the cover star, who shares his life since Apprentice and his current role and founder of the Bright Ideas Trust. This issue explores the need for role models, family values, young mentors , food, money and much more.
I will definitely be subscribing , that way I do not miss a copy. The subscription fee may not be a discount like my Glamour mag. Though it is so worth the read and will save me searching for this brilliant magazine. Have you read it, if so what do you think? I think this is just what Black Britain needs. A positive inspirational magazine from the UK.
Introducing the 1st ever Black Miss England 2009. Her name is Rachel Christie and just happens to be the niece of Linford Christie. Just like her uncle, she is an athlete and aims to compete at the 2012 Olympics.
My friend posted this clip on Facebook. I was so moved by what he had to say. I so agree that we should choose our words carefully. The N-word needs to be laid to rest like yesterday. Watch the clip and let me know what you think.
I just got back off my long weekend break to see this. My aunty was impressed and so was I. Its what a funeral / memorial should be about celebrating life of the one who has passed away. The song at the beginning of the service by the choir was just right. Soon and very soon we are going to see the king indeed. It brought it back to God for me.
I loved the way the family hugged the performers and thanked them. Did you see the brother all wearing sparkly white gloves. MJ’s trade mark or rather a signature look.
Many media are complaining that the kids are being paraded. I do not agree. I know what it is like to lose the parent who has raised you from day dot. When Paris took the mic, she addressed her “daddy” . She did not address anyone else. She expressed her love for the best dad she has ever known. I pray for you Paris and your siblings may the Lord keep you guys together. Race is being brought up too. No matter what he did and did not do. He was an African American and even he never denied that.
AEG and the Jackson family have done a good job. It was sensible too because after all Michael Jackson has some serious hardcore fans.
R.I.P. MJ …….. your musical legacy will live on forever.
I am still in shock about the passing of Michael Joseph Jackson. I was getting ready for my bed when I heard the news on Twitter, Sky and Fox news. He passed away on 25th June 2009 with his brother Jermaine by his side. He is said to have suffered a cardiac arrest and currently an autopsy is being carried out on his body to identify the true cause of death.
He was such a talented soul. The media fell in and out of love with him through various stages of his career. Though one thing is for sure he has the most loyal fans ever in the whole world. His passing and sent shockwaves around the globe. Especially since he was due to start a 50 date tour starting at the O2 arena in London next month.
He is survived by 3 children, his mum, his dad and 8 siblings.
Rest In Peace ……may God bless your soul.
There is loads of information on the web about his passing. It is well worth the search to update yourself on the late MJ.
Whilst I was at work I had a quick browse on the BBC website. Their news is slacking a bit as I was looking for a headline event I saw on Sky News. Anyway I came across this article, which states that Tidjane Thiam is now the 1st Black person to be a boss on the FTSE 100 indexed companies.
His new position will commence in October as Prudential’s Chief Executive. He previously was employed by Aviva and was also Minister of Planning and Development.
So It is now official that Barack Hussein Obama is now officially the President of the United States. Well done.
Anyway the same day America swore in change I celebrated my birthday. Well I went out for a meal at a posh Chinese a few days before. It was a lovely affair. I am truly blessed with some wonderful friends. God is good to me.
On Tuesday I spent the day having my eyebrows waxed. I always get bumps, but I was given some after wax treatment. The bumps didn't appear the same day, but some are there. Maybe I need to wax them more often so the skin gets used it. I also spent a couple hours in the hairdressers having my 100% natural hair treated, trimmed and flat ironed. Yes I use heat on my hair. Change is good sometimes.
At work I got some lovely comments as my style changes so often but the most bizarre comment was 'its so soft'. Now I must wonder what was it supposed to feel like. Mmm. Certain comments you just know you are gonna get. One work colleague she was so lovely, she just said my hair looks nice and that she likes all the syles I wear. So I do wonder what they will say when they see my afro in the summer?????
There is something about Obama that has the world buzzing. I loved the way he was dancing and really getting down with people on inauguration day. Michelle looked gorgeous as usual. Apparently her eyebrows was considered too high and so was re-grown and lowered to soften her look.
Well the world is watching America now. Let's see how this president turns out.
I did not really get into too much about Obama only because there are loads of articles around.
I know I am a bit late adding my twopence to this historic event. But what a momentous time in history we have just experienced. Lewis Hamilton finally crowned the F1 champion,which in my opinion he was robbed of last year. Then there is Mr Barack Obama who believed in himself and is now the 44th elected President in USA.
My twitter friends are mostly American and I have been able to read some thought provoking stuff leading up to the campaign. Oprah was right when she said that her support was not based on the fact that he was black (mixed race for you modernist folk). Though because he was offering a change that America needed.
The whole world held their breath but it was soon apparent as the votes were rolling in that America wanted the same change that the world desired. It is like the child has finally grown up. Of course there are many rampant issues that rage on in yanksville but this is a sign. I have never seen Americans so happy after an election. Have you?
I really thought McCain would win but at the same time did not want him too. He is just a bush clone. His VP choice Sarah Palin did not help his cause as at all. Michelle Obama has carried herself well. She speaks so elegantly and thoughtful. I say thoughtful as you can tell she is aware of the impact that words have.
It is a very inspiring moment too. I have never viewed my race as a barrier to get from A to B. Many will try to use that against you. It just means you have strive for success that lets them know you mean to handle your business and get yours. I understand sometimes it can make you struggle but never give up.
I am going to spend some time reading up a bit more on Mr Obama. He has two books , 'Dreams from my Father: a story of race and inheritance 'and 'The audacity of hope'. These are in my Amazon UK basket. I have 3 books I need to read first.
I was sent a text message by a good friend that said
Rosa Parks sat so Martin could walk
Martin walked so Obama could run
Obama is running so our children CAN FLY!
Our ancestors, our elders fought for this. So now Martin's Dream is a reality (almost). The UK does not have a dream ethos to betterment of oneself. It's the American way to turn your dreams into a reality. I pray that our youth who are out there killing one another put down their weapons and start dreaming a better life into existence for themselves.
Lets inhale and embrace this moment. Inauguration day is my birthday. I might just have to somehow take a trip overseas to full embrace the moment. Otherwise after my birthday meal I will watch it live on TV.
