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.
It was Derby Caribbean Carnival last weekend. I walked the procession route with my kids and friends. This is a video of some the highlights. We had typical British weather, rain sun thunder lightning all in one day. The troupes still put on a good show despite the mixed weather.
Check out this video that was made for Vogue where Lupita shows off her hair braiding skills. She explains that she had a bad experience in America with her hair so when she was back in Kenya her Aunt showed her how to braid hair. This became a talent that she would use to style the hair of her friends.
It is definitely nice to see an African celebrity who is one of Hollywood's current darlings showing off Black culture to the masses. Hair braiding is a very old tradition that is passed down the generations. As the years go by more creative ways are developed. Mothers daughters aunts teach the younger ones to do this. Nowadays if you are not able to braid hair there is a plethora of tutorials online to show you how. Some traditions are just meant to be for eternity.
Yes to Lupita showing off African cultural tradition!
MultiChoice's Africa Rising, is a campaign focussed on creating shared value, designed to inspire Africans to become involved in community-based social investment projects.
I really do love the theme of this song and the campaign it is for. Africa as a continent is rich. It is about time that Africa and her many countries stand up and be great. To be great every African at home and abroad must do their part to help propel their communities forward. Have a listen to the song and tell me what you think.
The artist featured in this song are Tiwa Savage, Davido, Sarkodie, Micasa, Diamond and Lola Rae.
I saw this on FB though after doing a Youtube search it came up that this was indeed 3yrs old. It is of an American university choir singing a traditional Jamaican song called "Long Time Gal".
Below is a video showing a more traditional way the song is sung. I think the Michigan choir did a very good interpretation. Enjoy.
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.
October marks the month of awareness for Black History in the UK. Many people fight against this month whilst forgetting that the UK history books are filled with purposely left out events. Not many schools in the UK teach anything about Slavery, African dynasties or the civil rights movement in the USA. I am pro Black History and anything that encourages people to spend time to get to know it, is alright with me.
African history pre-dates slavery. It is this history that is often neglected. Have you seen the hieroglyphics. This part of ancient history people often gloss over the fact that Africans of dark complexions and features were around and doing great things. You just cannot settle for what people tell you. In the UK Black British history usually stops at Mary Seacole and the Windrush era. Yet Olaudah Equiano was a 18th century writer and anti-slavery campaigner and Cornelius is said to be the 1st recorded African in London whose time dates back to 1593. Even back then racism was around as Queen Elizabeth banished Africans and Black moors from England. Yet a century later they wanted to know Africans for their own material gain.
No harm in learning your history. Especially when you already know everyone else's.
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.
I have missed a few carnivals this year. I used to make it to at least 5 across the UK each year. However priorities change. If I am able I will take the kids to Notting Hill, London Carnival’s children’s day. The only carnival in the UK that gets major coverage like mud fest music festivals is Notting Hill. There are many many Caribbean cultures spread throughout the UK. Many of those communities have their own carnivals. Including the small cities. Though if London is out of reach Leeds carnival is spread across the same days.
Today I went to Derby Carnival procession day. It was okay. It was something to do and helped to wear out the kids. Certain stewards (e.g. number 27), just need to work on their people skills. The police need people skills too. You do not start off rude and expect because you are wearing a yellow vest or badge you will be respected. A simple please or just general manners goes a long way. The costumes that me and my friends saw, were lovely. I pray I can go to Trinidad & Tobago for their carnival and have a week long party. That is something I would love indeed.If I had the time I would set up my own carnival troupe playing the best steel pan and soca vibes around. I would do my research.
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.
Judging by what the media and various aid agencies show you. It would be easy to assume that Africa is just one big ole land mass of poverty and destitution where staying alive is a job all in itself. This may ring true for certain parts of Africa in some cities. However there is a vibrancy in Africa the media will not readily talk to you about.
Sisters Chioma and Oluchi Ogwuegbu have made it their mission to highlight all that is good in Africa. They are travelling by road and embracing Africa and her people various cultures in it’s beauty. Their journey began July 2008 and is destined to end July 2009.
After the journey which is funded by themselves and donations, they will write a book and short film as well as help other young Africans make the journey too. That to me sounds really good.
People forget that Africa is where life began. The oldest fossils are in Africa. Africa has a wealth and history that pre-dates many of these younger nations around today.
Please take a look at the site and read about their journey and Celebrate Africa.
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.
I must say i do love blacknet. It has become a good source for me on finding out current black intellectual thought. Also just a nice gathering of black people discussing various issues not seen in the mainstream press. Anyway in their book section i have been introduced to the work of Chancellor Williams author of "The Destruction of Black Civilisation: great issues of race 4500BC to 2000AD".
Its like wow. I mean i did know some of the stuff in there but it has put a lot of things into perspective. Black people have so much to be proud of. One thing is for sure I hope i can research some history myself. The book has inspired me to learn more. It covered stuff like the christian fasith system which africans already believed in before the missionaries. it covered impact of christianity followed by islam and the ensuing slavery.
We need more black scholars to tell black history from a black perspective too many historians are wearing blinkers
