Marcus Garvey: An Overview Of His Life, Influence & Legacy Monday Oct. 31 6.30pm @ Brent Civic Centre www.bit.ly/GarveyOverview

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This mailout is sent by BritishBlackMusic.com/Black Music Congress (BBM/BMC), which covers music industry and community activities associated with BBM/BMC, Akoben Awards, BTWSC, TAOBQ (The African Or Black Question), African Histories Revisited (AHR) and RE:IMI (Race Equality: In Music Industry)

Oct 27 2016

Greetings Sean

What a week - we finally staged the 'As Long As You're Of African Heritage...' play on Sunday, followed by lively discussions on African identity issues. Feedback's been so encouraging, we'll be exploring further performances in and out of London. On Monday, we kicked off Harrow African History Season 2016/17 - the Xtra History Sessions continue at Harrow Mencap on Mondays (check web link below for confirmed dates; Anthony Thomas is the Living History subject on Nov. 14, and Faithless guitarist and anti-racism activist Dave Randall talks Rock Against Racism on Dec. 5), and Monday Oct. 31 we're at Brent Civic Centre for a Marcus Garvey presentation.

The music events intersperse this edition, and don't forget the BBM Eventbrite page, which has details of our BBMM@10 music industry courses, competitions, etc.

This is a BUMPER and the very last BBM Newsletter for 2016, so down for the rest of what's happening - there's loads!!

Remember we're retiring the editor@BritishBlackMusic.com account, so please update your records using bbmbmc@gmail.com.

Finally, you can catch the great 'Lover's Rock Monologues' touring England, or reach the end of this Newsletter, where there's a link to Hayes FM's Sylvia and Adran's superb lover's rock podcast - enjoy!.

Peace,

Kwaku
bbmbmc@gmail.com
www.BBM.eventbrite.com
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From its humble premiere last Sunday as part of Tower Hamlet's African History Month offering, the feedback from the Q&As that followed the performances of 'As Long As You're Of African Heritage...', has been such that we'll be exploring big things for the play that, erm, explores African identity within a Diasporan context. It wasn't just about Kwaku's questioning dialogue, the reggae music that spoke to the issues, but there was also humour, which was accentuated by the fine acting by Oluyemi Cole-Wilson, Schiekellle Collu, Davina Cole, Kwame Bentil and Olivette Cole-Wilson. Watch this space for updates.

Marcus Garvey Bust Legend Re-Affirms His Identity. Presentation @ Brent Civic Centre Monday Oct. 31, 6.30pm

Come and find out on Monday Oct. 31, 6.30-8.30pm  a bit more about Marcus Garvey - who he was, what he did, why as a unifying pan-Africanist icon, it's important that his bust is at Brent Museum and that he is regularly celebrated. Not to mention what his connection is to the founding of African History Month in Britain! Garvey also highlighted the need for African self-confidence and empowerment, which are crucial as we deal with IDPAD (International Decade For People Of African Descent) issues. His UNIA-ACL (Universal Negro Improvement Association-African Communities League) organisation had chapters across the world - from the US, to Jamaica, Trinidad, Haiti, Panama, Costa Rica, India, Papua New Guinea, Gold Coast to South Africa, etc. Asked whether he was Jamaican or African, Marcus Garvey answered, saying: "I will not give up a continent for an island." Word! Check out the audio-visual presentation The Life And Legacy Of Marcus Garvey at Brent Civic Centre. Young people very welcome: www.AfricanHistoryPlus.eventbrite.com

For update on the Dr. Julius Garvey and family-led campaign in the US for Garvey's conviction to be quashed and for him to be exonerated, check out: http://justice4garvey.org, and follow @justice4garvey.

Xtra History & Reasoning Sessions are family-friendly history meetings that take place on a Monday, 6.30-8.30pm (frequency varies, so do check Eventbrite page) at Harrow Mencap (Harrow On The Hill). The 2016/17 programme is curated by Kwaku for Akoben Awards. For more details or to book the Nov. 12 Living History session with community activist and author of 'Community Organiser: A Story Of Community Oeganising In London' (Reklaw Education, 2016) Anthony Thomas and Dec. 5 Rock Against Racism: How Music And Culture Can Build Unity session with anti-racism activist and Faithless and Slovo guitarist Dave Randall: www.HarrowBHM.eventbrite.com

Aug. 21 2017 Remembering Aug. 23: International Day Of African Resistance Against Enslavement (Kwaku)
May 22 2017 Reframing Marcus Garvey In History (Everol Wilson)
May. 8 2017 African British Civil Rights (Tony Walker)
April 3 2017
Highlighting The Liberation Works Of Ras Seymour McLean (Shango Baku)
Mar. 27 2017 Sound System – The Political Power of Music (Dave Randall)
Dave is a left-leaning musician with Faithless and Slovo and author of 'Sound System – The Political Power Of Music' (Pluto Press 2017). He will be delving into his book, published in March 2017, to highlight a number of stories on the engagement of music within politics and anti-racism activism. Signed copies of the hot off the press book will be on sale.
Mar. 20 2017 Changing the Narrative – African Identity Through The Media Lens (Ade Banjoko)
A presentation and discussion exploring the representation of African identity in the media today and its impact on African youth. A look at the issue and some concrete ways in which to change the narrative. Presented by the London Parents Action and Resource Centre (PARC).
Mar. 13 2017 Highlighting African Herstory (Nana Asante)
Mar. 6 2017 Living History With Winston Trew: Down With The Cause Of Youth Activism & Beyond
Feb. 20 2017 Now is the Time – Why We Can’t Wait (Dr Angela Herbert MBE)
The author of ‘Martin Luther King, Now Is The Time – His Dream To Influence Education Today’ (2016) will present a range of statistics that show the obstructions African people in the UK appear to constantly trip over.  The presentation will encourage us to use obstacles as stepping stones through practical support, academic and economic cohesion to bring change.
Feb. 13 2017 Look For Me In London (Khesumaba Michael Jess)
The fascinating story of Hon Marcus Garvey's life in the capital and the impact his radical philosophy has on African people in 21st century Britain.
Feb. 6 2017
Living History With Cecil Gutzmore: From Student To Community Campaigns & Beyond
Jan. 23 2017 Living History With Dr Leroy Logan: The Feds, 5-0, Been There & Done More Besides
Dec. 19 2016 Young Peoples’ Take On IDPAD 2015-24 (T.B.C)
Booking now: Dec. 5 2016 Rock Against Racism: How Music And Culture Can Build Unity (Dave Randall)
Dave is a left-leaning musician with Faithless and Slovo and author of 'Sound System – The Political Power Of Music' (Pluto Press 2017). He tells the story of the Rock Against Racism (RAR) movement - in the 1970s, the left was faced with a rising far right in the shape of the National Front. After Eric Clapton made comments praising Enoch Powell, a new initiative was launched to use the rock and pop world to bring together people to fight racism. Rock Against Racism proved key in beating back the fascist tide. Four decades on, we now face a post-Brexist racist surge and a new need to build movements that can counter racist bigotry. Dave highlights what part can music and culture play in this fight.
Booking now: Nov. 14 2016
: Living History With Tony Thomas: From South London Estates To Community Organising In London & Beyond. Tony Thomas, author of 'Community Organiser: A Story Of Community Oeganising In London' (Reklaw Education, 2016), will talk about his role within London's community and political activism in the 2000s, from leaving school without qualifications to post-graduate studies, selling Afrocentric resources, building the Hip-Hop Generation UK collective to internatiional renown and its demise following the demolition job done by Andrew Gillingham's 'Standard' articles on Ken Livingstone's mayoral adviser Lee Jasper and projects associated with him, to shedding his dreadlocks, sharing panels with the likes of Simon Woolley and Rev. Jesse Jackson, to getting Barack Obama and Bill Clinton to sign his copies of their autobiographies.

Africans For JC Values & BTWSC/African Histories Revisited present Making The UN International Decade For People Of African Descent (IDPAD) Work For Us Conference
It's a meeting looking at a) how the Decade can enhance work African people and African-led organisations are doing, b) what we would like to come out of the UN's IDPAD 2015-24 Resolution, by highlighting specific outcomes, and c) networking, and learning from what individual Africans and African-led organisations at home and abroad are doing. Saturday Nov. 12, 1-4pm at Unite The Union Building, 128 Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8TN (Holborn). Free. To book: www.AfricanHistoryPlus.eventbrite.com or contact: Awula Serwah, btwsc@hotmail.com

You can find out more details and book at our related Eventbrite pages:
www.AfricanHistoryPlus.eventbrite.com for history and community events
www.HarrowBHM.eventbrite.com for history and community events in Harrow
www.BBM.eventbrite.com for music industry-related events

Runnymede Trust officially launched its www.ourmigrationstory.org.uk website yesterday. Explore its rich and diverse migratory history content from here.

BCA (Black Cultural Archive) is looking for African and African-Caribbean people from all walks of life doing something positive for its #EVERYDAYHEROES project. Send them a 5 second video about yourself, occupation and a positive quality that describes you, to unsung@bcaheritage.org.uk 

If your entry is accepted, it will be featured in a national campaign to highlight and normalise African success as well as fundraise for the Archive to ensure its sustainability as an independent repository of African History and heritage. 

Congratulations to Dame Betty Asafu-Adjaye, founder of Mission Dine Club, which celebrated its 30th anniversary earlier this week. At a ceremony to mark the anniversary Dame Betty and the Queen's Lt Ms Mei Sim Lai presented certificates and kente sashes to the many people who've supported the charity, which works with the elderly, vulnerable, and young people. Former Harrow Mayoress and BTWSC co-ordinator Awula Serwah was among the recipients. For more details: missiondine@hotmail.co.uk,

CMEAC (Committee For Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns) marks its 30th anniversary with a year-long programme, starting with a celebration of African and ethnic minority saints 'Eucharist For All Saints' on Nov. 1, 5pm at St Paul's Cathedral (EC4M 8AD). World renowned mezzo soprano Melanie Marshall will sing during this special All Saints Day service. Free. All welcome - no booking required.

Community Meeting To Save South London Community Hub 365! The property on 365 Brixton Road, London SW9 7DA (a stone's throw from Brixton police station on the corner of Gresham Road and Brixton Road) has been a hub for African organisations for decades. That's where PASCF (Pan-Afrikan Society Community Forum holds its weekly Friday evening meetings). They face the threat of the London borough of Lambeth closing it down. Hence this emergency meeting this Friday Oct. 28, 6.30pm. If you can, turn up at venue to show your support or email: pascfevents@gmail.com, or call Sis Njeri of Moyo wa Taifa on 07958 660 061 or njeri4freedom@yahoo.co.uk.

Join Luton Black Men Community Group for another FADE (Film And Discussion Event) this Sunday Oct. 30, 3-5pm 3pm at Luton Irish Forum, 102 Hitchin Road, Luton LU2 0ES: www.lutonblackmen.org

Flash Musicals Film Club screens a film on the first Friday of the month, followed by a discussion on a topic inspired by the film. There are light refreshments before screening, plus complementary popcorn! Cost: £7 (adults), £2 (children). Next Friday Nov. 4, 6.30pm, watch the 2014 Forest Whitaker-starring psychological thriller 'Repentance'. Venue: Flash Musicals Youth Theatre, Methuen Road, Edgware, Middx HA86EZ (Edgware tube/bus station). To book tickets or for further information, please contact Terry Revill. Email: flashmusicals@aol.com. T: 07956 846375/020 8930 993.

Sample and cherry-pick your favourite Akala tracks, such a 'Malcolm Said', 'Maangamizi', 'The Thieves Banquet', 'Fire In The Booth Pt. 1', etc or buy the 24-track career-defining 'Ten Years Of Akala' (Illa State) compilation album by the conscious rapper. Click here.

Just like Akala, Silas Zephania is a conscious rapper with a seriously deep reservoir of African history knowledge and acute obserrvation of current social issues, which effortlessly seep into his rhymes. He's worth supporting! Check out his latest EP 'Land Of The Forgotten Wisdom' with beats by Ashem Soundz.Click here to sample or buy.

Jackie Robinson and George Dekker of The Pioneers - the reggae trio who hit the charts with ska 'Long Shot Kick The Bucket', and reggae crossover 'Let Your Yeah Be Yeah', are planning a 50th Anniversary Tour for 2017/ Click here to be kept up to date.

Joyful Noise presents Nigerian juju-high life singer Tope 'Ten Ten' Aboyade's debut London performance on Nov. 6 at east London's Vortex Jazz Club. She'll be performing songs from her 'Gratitude And Progress" (Estee Tommy). Click here to book.

Interested in free music industry updates? Then why not subscribe for free to musicbizworldwide.com?

Now in its 3rd year, Capital Xtra DJ Abrantee Boateng's Afrobeats Live returns to London's Jazz Cafe on Sunday Nov. 27. This edition is headlined by Ghanaian rapper Joey B, and showcases UK acts as Ray, KC Pozzy, Zizibo, Vianni, BM, B2L, Jozie, New Age Muzik, Mad J, P Rocs, C. Boy, Jozie and a surprise guest will be the icing on the cake! Click here to book.

Alicia Keys features in Ethos Media's documentary on the David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong'o starring Disney movie 'The Queen of Katwe', released last week. The movie's based on the real-life story of a young Ugandan chess prodigy who rises from poor circumstances in Katwe to the top of the women's chess world! You can access free official community and educational resource from: www.EthosMedia.org/QueenofKatwe

Europe's Black History And Spoken Word Conference takes place Saturday Oct. 29, 12-5pm at Walthamstow School For Girls, Church Hill, London E17. It's part of Waltham Forest Black History Month curated by Black History Walks. Includes presentations on the African presence in Europe going back 2000 years, African Soldiers In European Tribal Wars, plus spoken word performances hosted by Nat Nye and Stella B. Click here for full details or to book.

'Generation Revolution' is a feature-length documentary film that brings to screen the powerful story of London’s new generation of mostly young African and Asian activists engaged in changing the social and political landscape in the capital and beyond. Click here to check for a screening near you.

Journey to Justice (JtoJ) aims to inspire and empower people to take action for social justice through learning about human rights movements. JtoJ's first project is a touring exhibition focused on the US civil rights movement and its music, which tells the extraordinary story of some of the less well-known women, men and children involved. It also highlights some of the many struggles for freedom in the UK. The exhibition will be houses in east London's Rich Mix in December. Click here for more details.

Click here to check out the coronation of the 40th Oba of Benin last week, and discover some of the old, and contemporary, history of this old kingdom and long royal lineage.

The Tackling The BME Attainment Gap is a free conference for parents, teachers, tutors, students, mentors and all with an interest in education. It takes place Saturday Nov. 19, 2-5pm at Room M602, University of Westminster, Marylebone Campus, 35 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LS. Keynote speakers: Betty Joseph (London Black Teachers Network, NUT), Moyo Sankofa (Maths subject leader), Bekeowei Okoro (BAME officer, University of Westminster Students Union) and Ade Banjoko (Chair). Click here to book.

The Celebrating The Life And Times Of Cy Grant exhibition will be at the Marcus Garvey Library in Tottenham from Nov. 1-30. It's a great opportunity to find out about this WWII aviator, entertainer, lawyer, actor and arts practitioner.

 

One of the films premiering, as part of the Royal African Society's Film Africa festival across London celebrating the best contemporary cinema from Africa and its Diaspora (Oct. 28-Nov. 5), is 'Shashamane'. It's a documentary examining the realities of the Diasporic African settlers on the plot of Ethiopian land donated by Emperor Haile Selassie nearly 70 years ago to all Africans in the Diaspora who wish to resettle in Africa. Click here to watch the trailer, and here to book for the screening on Tuesday Nov. 1, 6.30pm at Brixton's Ritzy Picturehouse.

Pioneering African book retailer and publisher New Beacon’s 50th Anniversary continues on Thursday Nov. 3, 7pm at the George Padmore Institute (GPI) near Finsbury Park, with Publishing For Activism. The panel exploring the politicism and activism of publishing include Michael La Rose and Roxy Harris. Free. To book: 020 7272 4889 or newbeaconbooks@btconnect.com.

You can find out more details and book at our related Eventbrite pages:
www.AfricanHistoryPlus.eventbrite.com for history and community events
www.HarrowBHM.eventbrite.com for history and community events in Harrow
www.BBM.eventbrite.com for music industry-related events

Visit the BBM/BMC Eventbrite page for details of our BBMM @ 10 courses, competitions, etc. Look out for details of a seminar on monetising music rights in the digitalsphere: www.BBM.eventbrite.com.

On Saturday Oct. 29 the families and friends of those who have died while in the custody the state will hold their annual UFFC remembrance procession from Trafalgar Square to Downing Street. They will assemble at 12pm at Trafalgar Square for a silent procession (to start at 1pm) along Whitehall followed by a noisy protest at Downing Street. The UFFC was set up by the families who had lost loved ones at the hands of the state to challenge the injustice in the system. It began as a network of African and Asian families, because disproportionate numbers of BME people were dying in police custody. It has now grown to include families of all races that die in custody. Also, Kadija George has a We Demand Justice for Sheku Bayoh petition - click here to read.

'Lover's Rock Monologues' is a most wonderful music theatrical experience! Wonderful songs, singing, banter between the three performers Janet Kay, Carroll Thompson and Victor Romero Evens, and fun audience engagement! Enough said - if you haven't seen it, catch it at Leicester (Oct. 28), Manchester Oct 30), London (Oct 31) or Norwich (Nov. 2). Click here for full details.

Hackney Museum has a strong track record for producing well-grounded and engaging African-history-focus exhibitions during African History Season. This year's exhibition, which goes on until Jan. 21 2017 is People Power: Black British Arts And Activism In Hackney 1960s-2000s. It explores aspects of African British arts and activism which have developed in Hackney since the 1960s. Please note: the exhibition will be very busy until 3pm every day during October and November with visiting schools. Click here.

Another exhibition worth checking out is Vision, Voice & Power – Black Women Artists in Britain on Thursday Nov. 10, 7-9pm at The Black Cultural Archives, 1 Windrush Square, Brixton, London SW2 1EF. It features African women artists in Britain who have played a significant role in the vitality of contemporary British art. Makeda Coaston, exhibition co-curator for No Colour Bar: Black British Arts in Action 1960-1990, will facilitate an interactive evening featuring a presentation by artist and curator Marleen Smith. Narrating the struggles for visibility and resilience, Smith will discuss key works by African women artists from the 1980s to present times, highlighting artistic work and themes that continue to provoke, challenge, and uplift womanist dialogues. Special guest artists, Claudette Johnson and Sokari Douglas Camp, will be featured to share perspectives and insights from their artistic journeys. £7. Click here to book.

Brixton '81@35 Organising Group in conjunction with The Mile End Institute present The 1981 Uprisings @ 35 Criminal Justice, Community and the State takes place on Saturday Nov. 5, 10am-6pm at Peoples Palace, Lecture Theatre 1, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road. This one day conference will bring community groups, policy makers and academics together to reflect on the 35th anniversary of the Scarman Report, authored in response to the inner-city uprisings of 1981. Confirmed speakers include: Gus John, Donna Sinclair, Cecil Gutzmore, Marc Wadsworth, Stafford Scott, Gareth Peirce, Suresh Grover and any others. Free. Click here to book.

This Churches Together In England's National Pentecostal Symposium And Celebration event takes place Saturday Nov.26, 9.30am-8.30pm at Kensington Temple, Kensington Park Road, London W11 3BY. It will profile pentecostalism in England - classical, neo-pentecostal, charismatics, African, European, Asian, African-Caribbean - as a dynamic multi-ethnic, multi-denominational ecclesial stream; part of the whole church in its spiritual, social, economic and political missional life in this country.  It will feature Pentecostals while welcoming other Christians, people of other and no faith. Click here to book.

Eclipse Theatre is looking for 15 Audience Members to help us spread the word about Revolution Mix, the largest ever national delivery of African British stories in regional theatres. It's an opportunity to help  leave a lasting legacy in the workforces of regional theatres. Applicants need to be based in or near: Birmingham, Bristol, Coventry, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Salisbury or Sheffield. Interested? Get your skates on, a closing date is this Friday! Learn more here. And listen to artistic director Dawn Walton discuss Revolution Mix here

OK, he's a Jamaican reggae artist, but with autumn definitely upon us, it's worth checking out Likkle Lightning's 'Sunshine'. The punchy, socio-conscious newly released single reminds us of that fast-fading memory of sunny days. Click here to listen to 'Sunshine', which is taken from the ‘Conditions Of Life’ album.

OK, so Bob Marley's another Jamaican reggae artist - but then he transcends any geo-limits. Anyway Kwame Kwei-Armah has a new play, 'One Love: The Bob Marley Musical', which tells the story of a man propelled from rising reggae star to global icon. But when his beloved homeland of Jamaica is on the brink of civil war, he is called upon to unite his people with his music and his message. It's set for a Mar. 10-Apr. 8 2017 run at at Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Click here to watch Kwame talking about the play and to book. It's worth pointing out here that I also have a Marley "musical" in works!

Windrush Foundation co-founder Arthur Torrington  will be the main speaker at an event hosted by Assembly Member and Deputy Chair of the GLA Jennette Arnold, called Investing In Black British Heritage. It takes place Friday Dec. 2, 6-8.30pm at Mayor Sadiq Khan's new garf City Hall. Admission's free.

In case you aren't aware, Africa Centre has relocated from its sold property in Covent Garden to a newly purchased property in Southwark. Now it seems the management is looking to democratise its processes by calling out to stakeholders to attend a number of two hour consultations starting at 6pm on Nov. 10, 17, 23 and Dec. 8. Hopefully the focus is not just a tour of the four story building, but also its constitution and transparency about how it will engage with stakeholders. For more info: www.africacentre.org.uk/events.html

Interested in cooking traditional African & Caribbean food? Then why not enter this year's Best African & Caribbean Food Competition? It's aimed at domestic and professional cooks. And there's a £6,000 prize to be shared among the winners the competitions, including Best Caribbean Rum Cake (Nov. 6), Best Jollof Rice (Nov. 12), Best Soups Of West Africa (Nov. 20, Dec. 4), Best Caribbean Rum Cake (Dec. 4), and Best Soups Of The Caribbean (Dec. 11). Events take place across various London venues. Entry is free:
competitions@afrikanfoodhall.com. For more details: www.afrikanfoodhall.com

There's a joint Afrika Bantu And Queen Mother Moore Fund Raising Dance on Saturday Nov. 26, 9pm-4am for the benefit of the two south London supplementary schools. It takes place at the Karibu Centre, 7 Gresham Road, Brixton, London SW9 7PH. Call 07477122252.

I'm feeling the bass-heavy, reggae-vibed and socio-conscious 'African Lives Matter'-facing rap 'Black Man Strain' by Mohammed Yahya & Beat Thief feat. Ahmad Ikhlas. It's the kind of track you want to rewind multiple times. Don't believe me? Click here to listen or download for free, and here to watch the video! A street anthem in the making!

After listening to Hayes FM presenter Sylvia Smith's delightful 'I'm An Educator' interview with south London-born Mbeke Wasame, who's an educator, trainer, consultant, and well-travelled (US, Jamaica, Ghana, Cameroon, India, Malaysia...), person and worked as a poetess, photographer, not to mention a headteacher at a top private school in Accra,Ghana, I discovered Sylvia & Adran's fantastic lovers rock set, which lovers of big people music should be listening to now! Click here for those memory lane, feel good vibes.

BritishBlackMusic.com

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