Black History Month Events

From Monday 2nd to Saturday 7th October 2006
BBC7 or www.bbc.co.uk

Bumper broadcast on BBC Radio of the adventures of the black boy-hero,

Abraham Hannibal

Abraham Hannibal BBC radio is marking Black History Month 2006 in many ways, not least by broadcasting the whole of two exciting children’s adventure novels with a young black hero during the first week.

From Monday 2nd to Saturday 7th October, the BBC children’s programme The Bigtoe Radio Show is broadcasting daily instalments of Abraham Hannibal and the Raiders of the Sands and Abraham Hannibal and the Battle for the Throne by Frances Somers Cocks, read by Maynard Eziashi. Two episodes will be broadcast from 4.00 to 4.30 pm every day, except on Saturday, when four episodes will be broadcast, spread out between 4.00 and 6.00 pm.

The two books tell the thrilling adventures, based on fact, of an African boy, Abraham Hannibal, who was captured as a slave and ended up in far-away Russia. Here he became rich, famous, and a general in the army - and the ancestor of "the Russian Shakespeare", Alexander Pushkin.

You can listen to The Big Toe Radio Show via the BBC website, www.bbc.co.uk, or on BBC 7 which you can find on: Freeview channel 708, digital satellite channel 0131, ntl: home channel 866 or Telewest channel 910

The two books, Abraham Hannibal and the Raiders of the Sands, (ISBN 0954403401, price £5.99) and Abraham Hannibal and the Battle for the Throne (ISBN 095440341X, price £6.99), are published by The Goldhawk Press, and are available from bookshops or from www.amazon.co.uk. To contact the author for storytelling or writers’ workshops, email f.somerscocks@btopenworld.com.

Wednesday 4th October 2006, 1 pm (Please check time with venue)
Birmingham

GENEALOGY

Black Genealogist - Paul Crooks to visit Local History Group to talk about family History for African Caribbean people. Connecting History project team in support. Open to all Local History Groups and interested groups in Yardley.

Venue: Kents Moat Library, 55-57 Pool Way, Birmingham B33 8NF. Info: 0121 464 5755.
Next Birmingham Event

Thursday 5th October 2006, 1.15 pm - 1.45 pm
Norwich

AFRICAN ART AS HISTORY

African art as History Speaker: Professor John Mack, School of World Art and Museology (UEA). At the turn of the 20th century, with colonialism in place, sub-Saharan Africa held an ambiguous place in the European imagination. The 'discovery' of African art did something to dislodge this negativity, but the supportive ideology of 'primitivism' remained complicating. This talk explores the interface between these divergent views.

Venue: Meet at Gallery reception, Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ.
Adm: Free. Info: 01603 593199. |

Friday 6th October 2006, 7.30pm
Durham

Durham Literature Festival

Anthony Joseph: "The African Origins of UFOs"

The award-winning Trinidad-born writer ANTHONY JOSEPH will open this year's Durham Literature Festival at The Studio - Gala Theatre, Millennium Place, Durham by reading extracts from his accomplished first novel The African Origins of UFOs - an experimental work of metafiction, myth and science fiction. Anthony is a creative and forward thinking writer & performance poet, whose views and literary visions are respected by intrigued audiences and readers across the global literary scene.

"I hope my event will enable people to appreciate the multifaceted nature of British writing and open their minds to new voices and new ways of using language," said Anthony.

Anthony's Durham Literature Festival curtain raiser will enthuse the audience with material drawn from inspirational elements that have been influential in his life. He wants people to enjoy a fresh cultural experience as he reflects and utilises his Trinidadian roots. The subjects he uses include: his family life spent growing up in Trinidad; his 17-years spent living in the UK [he moved to this county in 1989]; Trinidadian history [in particular the story of Daaga who tried to walk back to Africa from Trinidad in 1837]; science fiction; George Clinton's Funkadelic; John Coltrane and 1970's black American poetry. If you combine all of the aforementioned ingredients you are left with an evening of fascinating view points - the event is being staged in partnership with Colpitts Poetry.

Tickets are priced £8 (full) / £6 (concs) and can be purchased by contacting the Gala Theatre box office on (0191) 332 4041. For a full Durham Literature Festival programme please visit www.literaturefestival.co.uk.

Durham Literature Festival 2006 is a Durham City Arts project, supported by: Durham City Council; Arts Council England, North East; Durham County Council; Independent Northern Publishers and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Friday 6th October 2006
London - Camden

Camden BHM Events

Nubian Jak award winning board game
Family quiz game fun for all the family
4 pm until 6 pm
Free

Swiss Cottage Library, 88 Avenue Road, London NW3 - 020 7974 6522

Next Camden BHM Event(s) | LB Camden BHM Website

Friday 6th October 2006, 12.15 pm
London - Haringey

Kwame Kwei Armah: A Platform for Experience.

Playwright/Actor Kwame Kwei Armah discusses the content of his plays such as Elmina’s Kitchen that opened to rave reviews in London’s West End in 2005. Nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for ‘Best New Play’, Kwame’s other writing credits include: Fix Up, Bitter Herb and Big Nose.

Free | Everyone welcome | Refreshment available

Bruce Castle Museum, Lordship Lane, N17 8NU | Tel: 020 8808 8772

Next Haringey Event | Download Full Haringey Prog (MS Word Doc 715 kb)

Friday 6th October 2006, 11 am - 6 pm
London - South Kensington

BLACK VISUAL ARTS IN BRITAIN

Talks and lecture series. Over three Fridays, art historian Peter Ashan explores the history and the development of Black artists working in contemporary Britain.

Venue: V&A, South Kensington, Cromwell Rd, London SW7. Info: 0207 942 2211 / office@vam.ac.uk
See also Friday 13th October and Friday 20th October

Saturday 7th October 2006, 7.30 pm
Birmingham - Handsworth

AFRICAN FASHION SHOW

Fashion show of clothes designed by a Gambian Fashion designer.

Venue: Handsworth Library, Soho Road, Birmingham B21 9DP. Info: 0121 464 1185 | Next Birmingham Event

Saturday 7th October 2006
London - N17

Stylisters Presents

Running & Missing? But Stop!

Youth Conference

Stylisters Youth Conference

Why are so many youngsters running away from home?

Talks, drama, discussions, special guests, rep from David Lammy office.
Meshak and Rimmel – hip hop dancers
Open discussion 12 - 4pm
Faciliated and chaired by young people.
From 4 to 5 pm - recite your poetry & perform it theme “running away”.
Free entrance & refreshments.

This event has now been moved to Northumberland Park School, Worcester Avenue, London N17, behind Tottenham Hotspur Football Ground | Buses 149, 259, 349, 279. Get off at Park Lane Road. Tel Lorna on 0208 376 1919

Saturday 7th October 2006, doors open 7pm and Showtime 8pm sharp
London - Catford

Da Comedy Room @ Lewisham

"The Many Modes of the Kwaku"

Featuring comedy from Kwaku in his 1st and long overdue One Man Comedy Show.
At The Broadway Theatre, Catford, London SE6.
Tickets £12.50.
Call the Box Office on 0208 690 0002/ 07985 212145 or visit: www.myspace.com/dacomedyroom
Next Da Comedy Room Event

Saturday 7th October 2006, 2 pm - 5 pm
London - Dalston

RITES OF PASSAGE – HEALING THE PAST

An introduction to African rites of passage for people of African descent. Come alone or with friends and family. Choose in which direction your life should go. Disabled access.

Venue: Studio C7, Bradbury Street Workspaces, 3 Bradbury St, London N16. (rail: Dalston Kingsland).
Adm: £2, £5 children under 10 Free. Info: 0208 925 4807

Saturday 7th October 2006, 3 pm - 7 pm
Luton

BLACK WOMENS NETWORK SEMINAR

Guest Speakers, Light entertainment, Food & Refreshment.
Venue: Hightown Community Centre, Concorde Street, Luton. | Next Luton Event

Saturday 7th October 2006, Phone info for time
Southampton

ART: SLOW LIFE EXHIBIT WORKSHOP

Coinciding with Black History Month, this workshop celebrates inventions patented by people of African/Caribbean heritage from the 19th Century to the present day. Participants will create celebratory drawings and collages, showing how inventions have or will evolve over time, and their impact on the future.

Venue: Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton. Info: 02380 319631. |

Saturday 7th October 2006 & Sunday 8th October 2006, 12 noon - 1 pm & 2 pm - 3 pm
London - Lambeth

TOGETHER

Learn about African, Asian and Caribbean service men and women in the Second World War during this hands-on drop-in session for families.

Venue: Victoria Main, Imperial War Museum London, Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ.
Adm: Free. Info: 0207 416 5320.

TEMOWO - THE MISSION

With a rare ability to make you feel like you're listening to a whole orchestra rather than just a single guitarist Femi Temowo has been a central part of Soweto Kinch's band for the past four years. Don't miss this opportunity to experience his solo 'mission'.

Venue: Andy Hamilton Studio, The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU.
Adm: £5, conc £3. Info: 0121 333 2400 - Box office: 0121 333 2444

Sunday 8th October 2006, 3.00 pm
London - N1

Forgotten Woman: the life and travels of Mary Seacole

Written and performed by Cleo Sylvestre

Cleo Sylvestre as Mary Seacole Cleo Sylvestre vividly brings the amazing Mary Seacole to life in her much acclaimed one woman show. Afternoon tea and a chance to chat will be available after each performance.

Forgotten Woman is suitable for audiences of all ages and lasts just under an hour. It was first performed in London 2005 during Black History Month at The Florence Nightingale Museum, it has subsequently been seen at The Museum of London, The National Portrait Gallery, St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington, and The House of Lords at a fundraising evening for a Mary Seacole permanent memorial. This autumn Cleo will also be performing in Scotland and London, she can be contacted via the website www.rosemarybranch.co.uk or on the box office line 0207 704 6665

Cleo Sylvestre grew up in London. While at Camden School for Girls she bunked off one morning to meet her boyfriend, Mick Jagger, and record To Know Him is To Love Him with The (then unknown) Rolling Stones. Her first West End appearance was with Sir Alec Guiness in Simon Gray's Wise Child for which she was nominated Most Promising Newcomer. The show was seen by Sir Laurence Olivier and not long after Cleo was invited to join The National Theatre where she played Nurse Norton in Peter Nichols' The National Health or Nurse Norton's Affair'.

During her time at the National she became a well-known face on tv as a regular in Crossroads, playing Meg Richardson's adopted daughter Melanie. She was also one of the original factory girls in Coronation Street. Cleo also appeared in such classics as Up The Junction, Cathy Come Home, and Til Death Us do Part, for a time she presented Play School and was a regular in Grange Hill, these days you may well catch her in The Bill.

She has made a series of films for Isaac Julien, one of which Vagabondia, was shortlisted for The Turner Prize in 2001.

Cleo has had an extensive career on stage playing at The Young Vic ( touring to Broadway and Mexico), Oxford Playhouse, Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh and Derby Playhouse. More recently she played opposite Sir Antony Sher in his play I.D at The Almeida in Islington and this summer worked at The Oval House in their season of Southern African Plays. She has been co artistic director of The Rosemary Branch Theatre in north London for the last 10 years.

£8.00/£6.00(concessions)

The Rosemary Branch Theatre, 2 Shepperton Road, London N1 3DT
24 hr. Box Office 0207 704 6665
See also performance on the 15th October

Monday 9th October 2006
London - Camden

Camden BHM Events

Ahmed Farah Idaajaa
'Somali Oral Poetry: It’s functionality and relation to the society in the past 2 centuries.'
7.30 pm until 8.30 pm
Free event

Queens Crescent Library, 165 Queens Crescent, London NW5 - 020 7974 6243

Next Camden BHM Event(s) | LB Camden BHM Website

Tuesday 10th October 2006
London - Camden

Camden BHM Events

Grime Time
4 pm until 6 pm
Age 12-18
From beginners to advanced, share, demonstrate battle your MC rapping skills an afternoon with SLAMbassadors from the poetry society slam team.
Free
Holborn Library, 32-38 Theobalds Road, London WC1 - 020 7974 6345/6

Keith Waithe (see pic left) & Sandra Agard
Treasures of the Rain Forest: Share the excitement of this natural wonder through music and stories
Age 3-6
11 am until 12 noon
Free
Highgate Library, Chester Road, London N19 5DH - 020 7974 5752

Next Camden BHM Event(s) | LB Camden BHM Website

Tuesday 10th October 2006, 7pm
London - Clapham

COURTTIA NEWLAND

Author Courttia Newland who will be discussing his book The Dying Wish which was published this year as part of the BBC RaW Quick Reads Series.

Venue: Clapham Library, 1 Northside, Clapham Common, London SW4. Info: 0208 678 5933.

Wednesday 11th October 2006, 5 pm – 7 pm
London - Haringey

Book Launch: Cy Grant: A Member of the Royal Air Force of Indeterminate Race (2006)

Cy Grant Book Cy Grant’s achievements are at once inspiring and too numerous to mention. The first Black man to appear regularly on British TV screens on the BBC’s Tonight programme, Cy Grant is perhaps most affectionately known as the voice of Lieutenant Green in the puppet TV series Captain Scarlet. An accomplished stage and screen actor (Grant appeared in Shaft in Africa, amongst other films) he is also a published author of a number of books and tonight he launches his account of life in the RAF, including his service during WW2, and the achievement of reaching the rank of Flight Lieutenant.

Free | Everyone welcome

Hornsey Library, Haringey Park, London N8 9JA | Tel: 020 8489 1118

Next Haringey Event | Download Full Haringey Prog (MS Word Doc 715 kb)

Thursday 12th October 2006, 10 am - 4 pm
Liverpool

STEALING HISTORY

A day of workshops and debate which discuss museums and cultural property . An event to stimulate discussion by encouraging participants to consider the various issues surrounding repatriation and how museums represent Britain's Black community. Speakers include Dr Barbara Bush (senior lecturer in history, Sheffield Hallam University), Dr Claude Ardouin (head of the African section, department of Africa, Oceania and the Americas at the British Museum), and Dr Ray Costello (historian of Black British community).

Venue: Lecture theatre, 4th floor, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AQ.
Adm: Free. Info: 0151 478 4814. | Next Liverpool Event

Thursday 12th October 2006
London - Camden

Camden BHM Events

Delia Jarrett-Macaulay winner of the Orwell prize for political writing
Delia will discuss her first novel Moses, Citizen and Me.
7.15 pm until 8.30 pm
Free

Kentish Town Library, 262-266 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 - 020 7974 6253

Next Camden BHM Event(s) | LB Camden BHM Website

Thursday 12th October 2006, 7.30 pm
London - Haringey

Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones: The Black Farmer

Charismatic Black entrepreneur of the year 2005, Britain’s ‘Black Farmer’ and prospective parliamentary candidate for Chippenham in Wiltshire, Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones pays a visit to Haringey to encourage our young aspiring business talent.

Free | Everyone welcome.

The Business Lounge, Wood Green Central Library, High Road, Wood Green, London N22 6XD
For further details contact: Peter Randolph Tel No: 020 8489 2758 or mobile no: 0794172 3547

Next Haringey Event | Download Full Haringey Prog (MS Word Doc 715 kb)

Thursday 12th October 2006, 7.45 pm
Luton

COLOUR

Colour is an ensemble play about the lives of nine people living in multi-cultural Britain. Blending the hip-hop sounds of DJ silky G and the poetry of Nzwing Knight, colour paints a portrait of urban life as a person of colour in Britain. Presented by Nine Red.

Venue: The Library Theatre, St George’s Square, Luton.
Adm: £5. Info: 01582 547 474. | Next Luton Event

Thursday 12th October 2006, 2.30 pm & 7.30 pm
Luton

PLAYING IN THE LIGHT

A touring set of films about the way we see with a focus on race and identity, asking essential questions about the way modern world is framed. Playing a part focuses attention on the performers role within the context of film and its reflection upon society from a racial perspective.

Venue: Hat Factory, 65-67 Bute Street, Luton:
Adm: £3.50, conc £2.50. To Book: 01582 547474 | Next Luton Event

Thursday 12th October 2006 - Launch Night, 7.30 pm @CCA &

Friday 13th October until Monday 16th October 2006
Glasgow @CCA & GFT Cinemas

DOCUMENT 4 : International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival

On Launch Night: Screening of 'La Isla la durmiente' - David Martín de los Santos, Cuba 2005 - 58 mins

Illusions, hope and faith are the weapons that we create to survive in the face of adversity. Religion, superstition and art are the spaces where we can develop the concepts created my our imagination to fight suffering. The Cuban citizen is a dreamer, and this film attempts to make a trip towards a real Cuba, as real as its dreams.

Screening 90 films over 4 days - for the full programme please see: http://www.docfilmfest.org.uk

Tickets: Single Screenings £2/£4 - Day Passes £5/£10 - Weekend Passes £15/£30 - Asylum Seekers Free
Venues: CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3JD | GFT, 12 Rose Street, Glasgow G3 6RB

Plus independent / radical book fair

stalls at CCA throughout the festival
titles with which you can make a positive change in the world cornerstoned by AK Press: making available radical political books, pamphlets, media and other materials published by independent presses, not the corporate giants, the sorts of books that are less-and-less publicly available.

Document Festival, 15 Argyle Court, 1103 Argyle Street, Glasgow, Scotland, UK, G3 8ND
t: +44 (0)141 4290185 m: +44 (0)7963 476204 e: docfest@gmail.com | www.docfilmfest.org.uk

Friday 13th October 2006, 6.00 pm
London - Wimbledon

Black Heroines

The Director of Education, of the 100 Black Men of London will give a presentation on black women whose lives have made them everyday heroines to inspire us all. Including Sojourner Truth (pictured right), Harriet Tubman (who feature in the production Stamping, Shouting and Singing Home, 6 October - 3 November - see ongong events) - also Queen Nzinga who led armies into battle against European slave raiders, Lieutenant Sanite Belair who fought in the Haitian revolution, Una Marson the first black woman to have her own radio show in 1941, Dame Joceclyn Barrow, Waris Dirie and many more!

The Floella Benjamin Story: Coming to England (film)

Floella Benjamin was one of the first black women on national TV. An amusing and inspirational film dealing with the difficulties of leaving your homeland for a new country, facing up to racism and achieving against all the odds.

All people are welcome to attend but children under 5 are not recommended.
This event is free and can only be booked via the Box Office on 020 8543 4888

Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19
http://www.polkatheatre.com
Contact 100BMOL on etf@100bmol.org.uk

Friday 13th October 2006
London - Camden

Camden BHM Events

Promoting the paperback publication of her book Check Mate, Malorie Blackman will discuss her book and sigh copies. Rasheed Oganlaru will interview her.
5 pm until 6 pm
Free
Camden Town Library, Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt Street, London NW1 - 020 7974 1563

Kwende Anbessa-Ebanks reads from his latest book and will sign copies Rastafari Livity, an insightful look at the Rastafari way of life, which has recently been reprinted. With music provided by the Reggae artists The Tamarind Brothers.
7 pm until 8.30 pm
Free
Kilburn Library Centre, 12-22 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 - 020 7974 1965

Next Camden BHM Event(s) | LB Camden BHM Website

Friday 13th October 2006, 11 am - 6 pm
London - South Kensington

BLACK VISUAL ARTS IN BRITAIN

Talks and lecture series. Over three Fridays, art historian Peter Ashan explores the history and the development of Black artists working in contemporary Britain.

Venue: V&A, South Kensington, Cromwell Rd, London SW7. Info: 0207 942 2211 / office@vam.ac.uk
See also Friday 20th October

Saturday 14th October 2006, 10 am - 5 pm
Liverpool

LIVERPOOL'S BLACK COMMUNITY: A HIDDEN HISTORY

A lecture with Dr. Ray Costello, who reveals the hidden history of Liverpool's Black community. Drop in.

Venue: Merseyside Maritime Museum, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AQ.
Adm: Free. Info: 0151 478 4999. | Next Liverpool Event

Saturday 14th October 2006 & Sunday 15th October 2006, 1 pm - 4 pm
Liverpool

BLACK INSPIRATION

Explore Black history through art workshops inspired by true stories of the people who appear in the Transatlantic Slavery Gallery. The event is led by artist Karl Eversley. Families drop in.

Venue: Merseyside Maritime Museum, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AQ.
Adm: Free. Info: 0151 478 4999 | Next Liverpool Event

Saturday 14th October 2006
London - Camden

Camden BHM Events

Big Draw - Colour Africa: Children’s art workshop
2 pm until 4 pm
Family event
Free
Swiss Cottage Library, 88 Avenue Road, London NW3 - 020 7974 6522

Next Camden BHM Event(s) | LB Camden BHM Website

Saturday 14th October 2006, doors open 7pm and Showtime 8pm sharp
London - Hatch End

Da Comedy Room @ Harrow

"Mek Mi Laugh"

Featuring Felicity Ethnic, Shirza Mirza, Kwaku and Redz hosted by Annette Fagon.
At Harrow Arts Centre, Uxbridge Rd, Hatch End, Middx, HA5.
Tickets £11.50 & £13.00.
Call the Box Office on 0208 428 0124/ 07985 212145 or visit: www.myspace.com/dacomedyroom
Next Da Comedy Room Event

Sunday 15th October 2006, 1.30 pm - 6.30 pm
London - Wimbledon

Nubia Pamper Day - Nubian Sisters day - Inner health outer Nubian radiance

Nubia Pamper Day is an event that was inspired by a need to revisit traditional patterns of bonding experienced by African communities through touching as a way of nurturing and holistic healing. This way of collective pampering promotes an overall sense of being within comm.-unity as well as individual well-being. Imagine the love expressed in sisters grooming each other; a back being massaged, necks & shoulders rubbed down just so; fingers tenderly titivated, toes tugged, nails nipped, faces touched and tingled, amidst all this smiles and laughter, exchange of stories and old time healing remedies – a Princess in a moment as your head is wrapped and fuss is made at your beauty unveiled – catching two meditative winks on a facial table – arising, relaxed, rejuvenated, loved. A hug for the friends you made as you go on your way. This is the inspiration for Nubia Pamper Day.

£40 for a choice of 4 Pamper treats. Choose 4 from:
Manicure, hand massage, full facial, foot spas, African Head/Dress wrap, Makeup application (fashion fair/MAC make up), use of hand held shiatsu massager or physio professional massager

Extras*: Head massage, neck, back & shoulder, foot massage, pedicure, reflexology

Also includes: Yoga for relaxing into the day, light health aware lunch and tropical juices & herbal teas, plus a bazaar to purchase healthy/beautifying/natural goodies and a free raffle.

Products used: Nubian Natural Shea butter.

* extras to be paid for in addition to the four choice of treats.

Venue: 74 Haydons Road, Wimbledon, South London, SW19 1HL
(Tube: South Wimbledon- Northern line, buses: 200,219,57,493,152)

Info: Michelle – nubiapamper@yahoo.co.uk or on tel 85422538 mob 07946742243

Places limited – book early

Sunday 15th October 2006, 3.00 pm
London - N1

Forgotten Woman: the life and travels of Mary Seacole

Written and performed by Cleo Sylvestre

She has made a series of films for Isaac Julien, one of which Vagabondia, was shortlisted for The Turner Prize in 2001.

£8.00/£6.00(concessions)

The Rosemary Branch Theatre, 2 Shepperton Road, London N1 3DT
24 hr. Box Office 0207 704 6665

Monday 16th October 2006, 10 am - 8 pm
Luton

BLACK INVENTORS & SCIENTISTS

Black Inventions and Innovations exhibition from New York featuring over 150 authentic inventions plus many patent designs, personal letters, brief biographies and motivational posters will be touring schools throughout the week including Lealands high, Lea Manor high, Leagrave primary, Hillborough junior and Challney girls. The exhibition will highlight the accomplishments of Black people in the fields of science, health, aerospace, computers, engineering and transportation. For more information contact David Lewis on 01582 538222.

Next Luton Event

Thursday19th October 2006, 7.30pm (doors open at 7.00pm for refreshments)
London - Haringey

Evening Talk: The African Abolitionists

Enjoying cult status normally reserved for rock stars, Dr Hakim Adi returns to the museum to deliver his annual lecture for BHM. With occasional wry humour and ease of pace, Dr Adi guides us gently towards an informed view of the road to abolition. You may ask yourself, where was Dr Adi when I was at school?

Free

Bruce Castle Museum, Lordship Lane, London N17 8NU | Tel: 020 8808 8772

Download Full Haringey Prog (MS Word Doc 715 kb)

Friday 20th October 2006, 11 am - 6 pm
London - South Kensington

BLACK VISUAL ARTS IN BRITAIN

Talks and lecture series. Over three Fridays, art historian Peter Ashan explores the history and the development of Black artists working in contemporary Britain.

Venue: V&A, South Kensington, Cromwell Rd, London SW7. Info: 0207 942 2211 / office@vam.ac.uk

Friday 20th October 2006, 7 pm until 8.30 pm
London - Camden

Camden BHM Events

A Jamaican Exile/Cy Grant
A public reading of a work in progress, presented by Pascal Theatre Company, from a new novel by Dorrel McFarlane (pseudonym Merandamaud) which tells the story of a 16 year old Jamaican girl forced to come
to England by her parents in the 1950s. The reading will be followed by a discussion with Cy Grant, an ex Flight Lieutenant with the Royal Air Force and prisoner of war. He is also cofounder of DRUM, the first Black Arts Centre and is considered the first Black face to appear regularly on British Television.

Free event
Swiss Cottage Library, 88 Avenue Road, London NW3 - 020 7974 6522

Next Camden BHM Event(s) | LB Camden BHM Website

Saturday 21st October 2006
Birmingham

CELEBRATION - African Heritage Arts Day Celebration

CAASS UK will be holding an innovative arts and activities event in Birmingham to explore different African media of self-expression. This is a chance to celebrate African History Season with the Birmingham public through music, arts, games, culture, film, food, drink and much much more.

Venue: Victoria Square, Birmingham City Centre.
Contact Frederick at CAASS UK Tel: 0121 2497755, Fax: 0121 4106780, Mobile: 07720431026
Email: caassuk@yahoo.co.uk

Saturday 21st October 2006
London - Camden

Camden BHM Events

International Black Day
This event is an afternoon of entertainment and education presented by the CarAf Centre to celebrate Black history by profiling significant contributions, achievements and events. There will be a range of performances of music, drama and poetry.
2 pm until 4 pm
Free Family event
Swiss Cottage Library, 88 Avenue Road, London NW3 - 020 7974 6522

Keith Waithe (see pic left) & Sandra Agard
Treasures of the Rain Forest: Share the excitement of this natural wonder through music and stories
Age 3-6
11 am until 12 noon
Free
West Hampstead Library, Dennington Park Road, London NW6 1AU - 020 7974 6610

Next Camden BHM Event(s) | LB Camden BHM Website

Saturday 21st October 2006, doors open 7pm and Showtime 8pm sharp
London - Hounslow

Da Comedy Room @ - Hounslow

“Mek Mi Laugh”

Hosted by Richard Blackwood featuring comedy from Nathan, Annette Fagon, Babatunde, Fumbi, Prince Abdi and Marlon.

At The Paul Robeson Theatre, Treaty Centre, 44 High Street, Hounslow, TW3 (Near Hounslow Central Station). Tickets £11.50. Call the Box Office on 08454 562840/ 07985 212145 or visit: www.myspace.com/dacomedyroom

Saturday 21st October 2006
London - Deptford

The Tru Reggae Story

Reggae Dancehall Culture: The Hidden Voice of the black experience in London.

Nu-Beyond in association with The Albany, Deptford, London, SE6, cordially invite one and all to join us on Saturday 21st October 2006, to share in a unique and historic experience.

The day will be split into two parts; an afternoon and a late night session.
In the afternoon session 2 - 5.30 pm, a group of 15-17 year olds will present, in various formats, the results of a
2006 summer school research project they conducted into a 'hidden history' of Reggae Dancehall Culture in London during the 1970s to 1980s. The highlight of this session will be the premiere screening of their documentary 'THE TRU REGGAE STORY', which features interviews from a cross section of people involved in the reggae music business. The documentary also includes live performances from Maxi Priest, Sister Audrey, Macka B, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Tippa Irie, Lorna G, Tenor Fly and Top Cat to name but a few. Free.

Their findings will be exhibited for three months at the BLACK CULTURAL ARCHIVES, Kennington, London, SE11 as of Monday 23rd October 2006 - January 2007.

As if this isn’t enough there will be a live event at the Albany that night, 10 pm - 2 am, featuring Tippa Irie, Papa Levi, Top Cat, Tenor Fly, Mighty Champion, Lorna G, and Dirty Desi. Special PAs by Sister Audrey and Peter Hunnigale. Compéres for the night will be Cinderella, Lezlee Lyrix and special guest appearance by Asher Senator
Entry - £7, £5 concs, cheap as chips rate for under 25s

The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8 | www.thealbany.org.uk | 020 8692 4446

www.nubeyond.com - 020 8480 8068 | www.bcaheritage.org.uk - 020 7582 8516

Monday 23rd October 2006
London - Camden

Camden BHM Events

Keith Waithe (see pic left) & Sandra Agard
Treasures of the Rain Forest: Share the excitement of this natural wonder through music and stories
Age 3-6
11 am until 12 noon
Free
Chalk Farm Library, Sharpleshall Street, London NW1 - 020 7974 6526

Next Camden BHM Event(s) | LB Camden BHM Website

Monday 23rd October 2006, 2 pm - 3.30 pm
London - Ilford

Redbridge Museum Black History Month Half term Events

Beautiful Birds: Storytelling and craft for all the family

Listen to stories about Jamaica’s beautiful national birds and create your very own humming bird!

Venue: Gloucester room, 1st Floor, Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 1EA
Cost: £5 family ticket (up to 4 people), or £2 individual tickets
Bookings: 020 8708 2317 (Redbridge Museum)
Next Redbridge Museum Event

Monday 23rd October 2006 to Friday 27th October 2006, 12 noon - 1 pm & 2 pm - 3 pm
London - Lambeth

TOGETHER

Learn about African, Asian and Caribbean service men and women in the Second World War during this hands-on drop-in session for families.

Venue: Victoria Main, Imperial War Museum London, Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ.
Adm: Free. Info: 0207 416 5320.

Tuesday 24th October 2006, 10.30 am - 12.30 pm and 2 pm - 4 pm
London - Wanstead

Redbridge Museum Black History Month Half term Events

Make and Play Your Own Mancala Game

Arts and crafts event | Age range: 7+

Children will make the board and counters of one version of this game popular in African countries , then learn the rules and play the game!

Venue: Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road, Wanstead, London E11 2RQ | 020 8708 7400
Cost: £2 per child payable on the day
Bookings: 020 8708 7400 (Wanstead Library)
Next Redbridge Museum Event

Wednesday 25th October 2006, 10.30 am - 4 pm
Liverpool

THE ART OF BATIK

Taking inspiration from African designs including wax prints produce your own artwork on paper or cotton using the traditional techniques of batik.

Venue: Merseyside Maritime Museum, Albert Dock, Liverpool.
Adm: Free. Info: 0151 478 4999/ 4441.

Wednesday 25th October 2006
London - Camden

Camden BHM Events

‘A’ is for Africa
Ifeoma Onyefulu, author of ‘ A’ is for Africa shares traditional Nigerian games and stories in this
workshop for ages 6-11.
Free
11 am-12 noon at Holborn Library, 32-38 Theobalds Road, London WC1 - 020 7974 6345/6
2 pm -3 pm at Regent’s Park Library, Compton Close, off Robert Street, London NW1 3QT - 020 7974 1530

The Ones We Left Behind Book Launch
Introducing Lorna Holder’s new book which encompasses stories from many communities of families separated by continents.
Funded by Heritage Lottery Fund.
7.30 until 8.30 pm
Free event
Swiss Cottage Library, 88 Avenue Road, London NW3 - 020 7974 6522

Next Camden BHM Event(s) | LB Camden BHM Website

Wednesday 25th October 2006, 10 am - 12 noon for 3-6 year olds, 2 pm - 4 pm for 7-12 year olds
London - Ilford

Redbridge Museum Black History Month Half term Events

Fantastic Nigerian Fashion!

Create traditional Nigerian caps, learn to tie a head wrap, draw colourful patterns on fabric, and take part in a mini fashion show! This links to the Museum's 'Lagos to London' display

Venue: York Room, 1st Floor Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 1EA
Cost: £2 per child
Bookings: 020 8708 2317 (Redbridge Museum)
Next Redbridge Museum Event

Wednesday 25th October 2006, 11am
Luton

LADY LYRICS

The African Caribbean Elders Day Centre celebrates BHM with Lady Lyrics, a Gospel Comedienne. Come and have a belly full of laughs. Caribbean food, cakes and refreshments available.

Venue: African Caribbean Elders Day Centre, Trinity Road, Luton.

Thursday 26th October 2006
London - Camden

Camden BHM Events

Poetry Competition Draw
The culmination of a poetry competition organised by Camden Central Radio and Camden Libraries. The theme is Black icons and events in Black British history. Beyonder the performance poet will judge the winning poem. The top five entries get a day at Camden Central and their entries will be broadcast on the Camden Central radio weblink
www.ccradio.org/programmes/soc_culture.htm
Free
4.30 - 6.30 pm
Queens Crescent Library, 165 Queens Crescent, London NW5 - 020 7974 6243

Next Camden BHM Event(s) | LB Camden BHM Website

Thursday 26th October 2006, 10.30 am - 12.30 pm
London - Chigwell

Redbridge Museum Black History Month Half term Events

Make and Play Your Own Mancala Game

Arts and crafts event | Age range: 7+

Children will make the board and counters of one version of this game popular in African countries , then learn the rules and play the game!

Venue: Hainault Library, 100 Manford Way, Chigwell, Essex IG7 4DD | 020 8708 9206
Cost: £2 per child payable on the day
Bookings: 020 8708 9206 (Hainault Library)
Next Redbridge Museum Event

Friday 27th October 2006
London - Camden

Camden BHM Events

Island Song – Alex Wheatle
Alex Wheatle will discuss his latest novel Island Song and will be joined by Voce UCL’s gospel Choir – singing Gospel, R&B/Soul and African music.
Free
7.30 pm until 9 pm
Chalk Farm Library, Sharpleshall Street, London NW1 - 020 7974 6526

Next Camden BHM Event(s) | LB Camden BHM Website

Friday 27th October 2006, 11.00 am - 11.45 am for 3-6 year olds, 2.00 pm-3.00 pm for 7-12 year olds
London - Ilford

Redbridge Museum Black History Month Half term Events

Afro-Caribbean storytelling and poetry

Listen to stories from Jamaica and Nigeria and to the witty poems of Benjamin Zephaniah, specially chosen by other children. No bookings required but sessions will start promptly. Free

Venue: 1st Floor exhibition area, Clements Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 1EA
Information: 020 8708 2317 (Redbridge Museum)

Sunday 29th October 2006, 1.30 pm - 6.30 pm
London - Wimbledon

As a Black History Month special a day has been added for Nubian Brothers to enjoy this unique experience

Nubia Pamper Day - Nubian Brothers & Sisters day - Inner health outer Nubian radiance

Extras*: Head massage, neck, back & shoulder, foot massage, pedicure, reflexology

Also includes: Yoga for relaxing into the day, light health aware lunch and tropical juices & herbal teas, plus a bazaar to purchase healthy/beautifying/natural goodies and a free raffle.

Products used: Nubian Natural Shea butter.

* extras to be paid for in addition to the four choice of treats.

Venue: 74 Haydons Road, Wimbledon, South London, SW19 1HL
(Tube: South Wimbledon- Northern line, buses: 200,219,57,493,152)

Info: Michelle – nubiapamper@yahoo.co.uk or on tel 85422538 mob 07946742243

Places limited – book early

Monday 30th October 2006
London - Camden

Camden BHM Events

Lemn Sissay
Author and Poet Lemn Sissay reads from his writings.
7 pm until 8 pm
Free
Heath Library, Keats Grove, London NW3 - 020 7974 6520

Next Camden BHM Event(s) | LB Camden BHM Website

Tuesday 31st October 2006
London - Camden

Camden BHM Events

An audience with Benjamin Zephaniah

Benjamin will discuss his new book “J” is for Jamaica
Poet Marsha Prescod will interview him
6 pm until 8 pm

Limited seating arrive early to avoid disappointment
Free event

LB Camden BHM Website

Kilburn Library Centre, 12-22 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 - 020 7974 1965

Tuesday 31st October 2006, 7 pm
London - Clapham

LEMN SISSAY & POETRY INTERNATIONAL

Poetry to Inspire, and hosted by one of the UK’s top poets. Lemn has published and edited poetry collections, written plays and performed on national radio and TV.

Venue: Clapham Library, 1 Northside, Clapham Common, London SW4. Info: 0207 926 0717.

Ongoing Events

Click on links below for details

Theatre & Poetry
Colchester, Harlow, Hatfield, London (Barking, Deptford, Edmonton, Harrow, South Woodford), Luton, Norwich, St Albans - From Thurs 5th October to Wed 8th November 2006 - Master Juba
London - Tuesday 3rd October to Monday 6th November 2006 - Stamping Shouting and Singing Home
London - 11th October 2006 to 11th January 2007 - musical with mix of soul, gospel, and rhythm & blues - Caroline, or Change

Music & Dance
London - Thursday 26th October 2006 until Sunday 31st December 2006 - The first exhibition on Black Dance - ‘Black Dance’ in Britain, 1930's to 1990's - Moments
London - Every Thursday - African Dances Classes

Exhibitions: Arts, Crafts, Photography, Multimedia
London - Saturday 1st October 2005 to Monday 31st October 2006 - Horniman Museum - Amazon To Caribbean: Early People of the Rainforest - Special Event: Oswald Hussein Amerindian Carvings - until 13th Oct 2006.
London - 26th September 2006 to 13th October 2006 - Photojournalism Exhibition - Detention
London, Greenwich - 4th October to 31st October 2006 - Exhibition of images from the 18th century onwards - Portraits from the Past
London, Redbridge - Thursday 12 October to Saturday 9 December 2006 - 'J is For Jamaica' & 'Nigeria to Redbridge'
Nottingham - October 3rd until October 8th 2006 - African Art (Commercial Exhibition) - "Honour the past, celebrate the future"

Literature
Borehamwood, Hemsay in Norfolk, London (Hornsey, Lambeth, Swiss Cottage, Whitehall) - Between Saturday 7th October 2006 and Sunday 22nd October 2006 - Readings & Appearances by Cy Grant

Film
Edinburgh - Friday 20th October to Sunday 29th October 2006 - Africa in Motion (AiM) African Film Festival

Youth Education
London - Every Friday - Training children & young people for Lamda acting examinations
London - Thursdays from 28th April 05 - Youth Education - 11-16yr olds Budding Musicians Club

11th October 2006 - 11th January 2006
London - National Theatre

A sensational new musical with an electrifying mix of soul, gospel, and rhythm and blues

CAROLINE, OR CHANGE

Book and lyrics by Tony Kushner, music by Jeanine Tesori

Caroline, or Change Set in Louisiana, in the immediate aftermath of the Kennedy assassination, this moving and unforgettable musical follows the relationship of Caroline, a black maid, who befriends the young son of a Southern Jewish family.

Tony Kushner, author of award-winning Angels in America, sets this intimate story against a thrilling musical score by Jeanine Tesori.

The 23-strong cast includes Tonya Pinkins, who received huge critical acclaim for her portrayal of Caroline in the Broadway production, and Clive Rowe who has appeared in Carousel, Guys and Dolls (National Theatre) and Simply Heavenly (Young Vic Theatre).

'An extraordinary new musical. You feel that mixture of terror and rapture that arrives on those rare occasions in theatre and in life when you genuinely don’t know what’s going to happen next.'
New York Times

Tickets £10 - £37.50
Box office 020 7452 3000 www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/caroline
National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX

October 3rd until October 8th 2006
Nottingham

EXHIBITION - "Honour the past, celebrate the future"

Kafele Kafele is celebrating African History Season by offering a 10% discount on all its items for the entire month of October. A week-long event will be held at the View From the Top Gallery (in Waterstones) in Nottingham. "We are aiming to inspire individuals to use African art and design in their home and offices."

Waterstones, 1-5 Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham
9 am - 7 pm Wednesday to Saturday
10.30 am - 5 pm Sunday

For more info contact Kafele on 0115 960 2323 or 0798 008 0775
http://www.kafele.co.uk/

Thursday 12 October – Saturday 9 December 2006
London - Ilford

'J is For Jamaica' & 'Nigeria to Redbridge'

Redbridge Museum will have 2 exhibitions for Black History Month in October. 'J is For Jamaica' will feature poems by the world-famous Benjamin Zephaniah and beautiful photographs by Prodeepta Das. Based on a recently published book, this special display is a unique chance to find out more about the people and places of this Caribbean island.

There will also be a display called 'Nigeria to Redbridge' about the life of John Anyanwu, a Nigerian tailor who like many Africans, came to study in London in the 1950s. After returning to Nigeria, John built a successful clothes business. His son now works in Redbridge and is also a fashion designer. This display will give a fascinating insight into Nigeria in the 1960s.

Opening: Tuesday - Friday 10 - 5; Saturday 10 - 4
Free Admission
Redbridge Museum, 1st Floor Exhibition Area, Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 1EA
020 8708 2317

4th October - 31st October 2006
London - Greenwich

Portraits from the Past

"Portraits from the Past" is an exhibition which presents a selection of rarely-seen images of people of African and Asian heritage, from the 18th century onwards. Some are photographs; the earlier ones are engravings printed in early books and publications, where even the method of representation chosen raises many questions about how White illustrators thought about their non-White subjects.

Some of the 19th-century images show scenes from around the British Empire, or the American Civil War then raging; others show the early Black and Asian presence in Britain as servants, workers, sailors etc. Many ofthe more ephemeral, least documented items such as individual family portraits, picture-postcards and cigarette-cards are full of puzzles, awaiting someone to come forward with observations and clues that would help us to interpret them, and so rescue a little bit more history: to identify perhaps a place, a time, a trade, or a clue from fashion...

But you don't need to turn historical detective to enjoy this collection. See where theses people were living and how they worked, bought provisions and enjoyed daily life! Look at the fashions they wore then and how they dressed their hair. Celebrate the far-flung network of lives in migration as they came together to weave the multicultural world of London today.

And meet some extraordinary characters whose family heritage you might not have expected, such as celebrated actor Ira Aldridge.

All images come from the collection of Anita Mckenzie.

Greenwich Heritage Centre, Artillery Square, London, SE18 4DX | 020 8854 2452

26th September 2006 - 13th October 2006
London - Camden

Detention

Isabelle Merminod is a photojournalist specialising in human rights, social issues and political movements. For eight
years she co-ordinated the London Detainee Support Group, an NGO, which arranged visits to immigration detainees at a detention centre close to Heathrow Airport. This exhibition depicts the experiences of asylum seekers and immigrants and the damaging effects of detention.
Free
LB Camden BHM Website

Holborn Library, 32-38 Theobalds Road, London WC1 - 020 7974 6345/6

Mondays and Thursdays 10am-7pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10am-6pm, Saturdays 10am-5pm

Friday 20th October - Sunday 29th October 2006
Edinburgh

Africa in Motion (AiM) African Film Festival

NEW AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL TO CELEBRATE THE DIVERSE TALENTS OF THE VERY BEST IN AFRICAN FILMMAKING FROM ACROSS THE CONTINENT

Feature films, documentaries, shorts and a ‘Lost Classics’ series - Screenings of 25 films from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Egypt, Chad, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and other African countries

Stop and Stir Arts Ltd is delighted to announce the first annual Africa in Motion (AiM) film festival: the very first event of its kind to take place in Scotland.

The Wooden Camera Despite the depth and breadth of filmmaking on the African continent, African cinema remains one of the most underrepresented cinemas worldwide. Opportunities to see African films in Britain are very rare, yet some of the most evocative and imaginatively original films have been created on the African continent since the 1950s. Now AiM will offer audiences in Scotland the chance to view some of the best and most hard-to-find of African films. The extensive programme includes some of the most significant African classics, unearths a number of "lost classics", as well as showcases contemporary groundbreaking films.

The Lost Classics programme will feature films from the early work of pioneering African filmmakers - for some of these films there is only one print still in existence and original English subtitles have been created especially for the screenings at AiM. Many of the films featuring at AiM have never been seen in the UK before.

Yeelen Directors whose work will be featured include veteran Senegalese filmmaker Ousmane Sembene, widely regarded as the “father of African cinema”; Egyptian filmmaker Youssef Chahine, who received a lifetime achievement award at Cannes in 1997; Senegalese filmmaker Safe Faye, the first sub-Saharan African women to direct a feature-length film, Kaddu Beykat in 1975 (which will be screened at AiM); and Malian director Souleymane Cissé, who won the Prix du Jury at Cannes in 1987 for his stunning film Yeelen, AiM’s opening film.

Film screenings are accompanied by a range of free complementary events including panel discussions, workshops and a symposium, presented by high-profile critics, theorists and filmmakers, as well as events for secondary school children. Throughout the festival African musicians, poets and artists will perform and exhibit their work in the Filmhouse café. Books, art work and CDs will be on display and for sale in the Filmhouse foyer.

Filmhouse Cinema, 88 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh | Box Office 0131 228 2688

For more information and full programme visit www.africa-in-motion.org.uk or www.filmhousecinema.com.
Concessionary discounts and ticket deals will be available.

Images featured - Right: The Wooden Camera - Left: Yeelen

Between Saturday 7th October 2006 and Sunday 22nd October 2006
Borehamwood, Hemsay in Norfolk, London (Hornsey, Lambeth, Swiss Cottage, Whitehall)

Readings & Appearances by Cy Grant

"A Member of the R. A. F. of Indeterminate Race" - Woodfield Publishers 2006

Saturday 7 October, Lambeth Library 3pm. Reading.
Sunday 8 October Fanderson Convention, Appearance, Borehamwood, Herts
Wednesday 11 October, Hornsey Library, 3-4 pm Reading
Thursday, 12 October, MOD Launch We Were There Exhibition Appearance, Memorial Court, Whitehall
Friday 20 October, Swiss Cottage Library Reading, Address: Avenue Road, London. 6.30pm
Sunday 22 October, Cult TV Festival Appearance, Hemsay, Norfolk

A Member of the R. A. F. of Indeterminate Race The title of the book is taken from a caption below a picture of the author in the German Newspaper, Volkischer Beobachter, in July 1943. "Ein Mitglied der Royal Air Force von unbestimmbarer Rasse!" Presumably this was meant as a propaganda exercise for Nazi Master Race doctrine, implying that the RAF had to resort to the recruitment of people of unknown or ‘undeterminable' race to fight their wars for them.

Indeed, from a limited perspective, there is an element of truth in this. During World War II, the Royal Air Force had changed its mind about the recruitment of 'men of colour" into its privileged ranks, and by 1941 it was even prepared to recruit them from the colonies. Cy Grant was one of the first to be recruited as aircrew as well as being commissioned as an officer. As a navigator of a Lancaster bomber, Cy and his crew were shot down over Haarlem in Holland during the return leg of only their third mission, in just four days, over Germany. This perioid from March to July 1943 marked the start of the massive air offensive over Germany known as the Battle of the Ruhr in which the RAF sustained its greatest losses during the entire war.

The book is not about any heroics on the part of the author but rather an account of his prisoner of war experiences over a period of two years, time enough to reflect on the uniqueness of his situation, fighting a racist Nazi regime whilst himself being subject to racism in his own backyard, a situation albeit tempered by the exigencies of the threat to Britain.

After the war Cy Grant qualified as a Barrister at law in 1951 when it was not only difficult for a black person to get into Chambers but to find any form of employed as a lawyer. As a result he was forced into Show business and managed to pursue a successful career. He was the first black face to be seen regularly on British television appearing on the TONIGHT Programme for BBC TV in the late 50s singing the news in calypso. Well known as an actor and singer, among his stage credits are his performance of Aime Cesaire’s Cahier D’un Retour Au Pays Natal (Return to my Native Land) - on tour as a one-man show for 2 years - and Othello with the Leicester Repertory Theatre Co. He has appeared in the films Sea Wife, Shaft in Africa, At the Earth’s Core, and Calypso and in the TV plays Home of the Brave, Man from the Sun, Freedom Road, Cindy Ella, and The Encyclopaedist. He was the voice of Lt Green in Captain Scarlet and has also appeared in concert at Queen Elizabeth Hall [1981] and in cabaret. His recent radio features include Calypso Chronicles, Panning for Gold, Amazing Grace and Meditations on the Tao Te Chingt [ BBC World Service] Daylight Come (on the 50s calypso craze) and The Wild Blue (For Radio 4’s The Archive Hour)] He has recorded 5 LP’s, 2 for World Record Club and is acknowledged as a pioneer of Black British History in Blackstage, an oral history published by the Theatre Museum, London. As a cultural activist he was Chairman/co-founder of DRUM, the first black arts centre in London in the 70s and Director of Concord Multicultural Festivals in the 80s.

He is the author of Ring of Steel: pan sound & symbol, Macmillan Caribbean 2000, the story of the evolution of the Trinidad Steel pan, the transmutation of industrial waste material into the 20th Century’s only acoustic musical instrument. His latest book Blackness and the Dreaming Soul, Shoving Leopard, 2006, takes up the amazing story of his life experiences in Britain after the war in his search for identity and meaning. He is a member of the Scientific & Medical Network and an Honorary Fellow of the University of Roehampton.

Thursday 26th October 2006 - Sunday 31st December 2006
London - Covent Garden

Presented by The Association of Dance of the African Diaspora at the Theatre Museum

‘Black Dance’ in Britain, 1930's to 1990's - Moments

The first exhibition on Black Dance

‘Black Dance’ in Britain, 1930's to 1990's - Moments An exhibition at the Theatre Museum in Covent Garden this Autumn staged by The Association of Dance of the African Diaspora (ADAD) highlights the enormous contribution made to theatrical dance by Black practitioners. The stories of the numerous Black dance artists who worked in Britain between the 1930s and 1990s, and their contribution to Britain’s cultural history will be documented through photographs and video during Black History Month. Photographs have been sourced from leading photographers such as Roger Wood and Baron, Dee Conway and Chris Nash as well as the archives of the Laban, National Resource Centre for Dance and the New York Public Library. Some, from private collections will be exhibited for the first time.

Talented artists to be featured include: Namron, Cathy Lewis, Greta Mendez, Carol Straker, and Kenneth Tharpe who danced with mainstream companies such as Rambert Dance Company, London Contemporary Dance Theatre and English National Ballet. The exhibition also offers polemical debate with political material from Arts Council reports, and detail on the formation of organisations such as Minorities Arts Advisory Service (MAAS). The contribution by the Manpower Service to the formation of notable dance companies such as MAAS Movers, Ekome, Adzido and Kokuma is also charted.

Phoenix Women Other key dance companies featured that have shaped Black British Dance history include Phoenix Dance Theatre in the 1980s, Jiving Lindy Hoppers, Delado, JazzXchange, Bullies Ballerinas, Badejo Arts, RJC, and Union Dance Company.

A booklet will be published in 2007 which will have more information on the underlying exhibition themes, transcripts of interviews and oral history sessions with some of the dancers featured. An education programme will run alongside the exhibition consisting of a series of oral history and dance workshops and performances as well as an evening of dance on film. These events will be hosted by some of the dance practitioners featured. ADAD hopes the exhibition will encourage more similar projects aimed at documenting the contribution of these amazingly skilled dance artists to Britain’s cultural history.

The exhibition is funded by Heritage Lottery Fund.

More information on the exhibition can be found on: www.adad.org.uk

Theatre Museum, Russell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7PA

Free Entrance
Museum Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday 10.00 - 18.00

ADAD’s mission is to facilitate the development of a strong infrastructure for dance of the African Diaspora in Britain. ADAD works to raise the profile of dance practices with origins in African and Caribbean cultures. This covers a wide range of dance forms including traditional and urban dance forms as well as Capoeira, Samba, Jazz and Tap.

Tuesday 3rd October - Monday 6th November 2006
London - Wimbledon

Stamping Shouting and Singing Home (Black History Play)

Stamping Shouting and Singing Home "..had a great great granma. She took Sojourner Truth as her name. I am her great great granddaughter. I am Mama's daughter. I am Lizzie Walker..."

It is 1950s America, the Deep South; a world on the verge of change but still tainted by everyday injustices and the remnants of slavery.

Lizzie and her family long for progress, inspired by their ancestor Sojourner Truth, freedom fighter, and just one of the many heroes the history books forgot. With Sojourner's dreams pumping in their veins they fight their own battles, old and new. But when the fight takes a life, can they summon up her courage and keep dreaming, or will it destory them?

Polka is proud to present this moving and joyful play, interpersed with the uplifting melodies of African spirituals. Come and share in a celebration of freedom which echoes powerfully in today's world.

Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19
http://www.polkatheatre.com

Thursday 5th October - Wednesday 8th November 2006, various times - see below
Luton, London (Deptford, Edmonton, Harrow, Barking, South Woodford), Harlow, Colchester, Hatfield, St Albans, Norwich

Master Juba A co-production between theatreis, the new organisation developing and delivering Theatre for Young People in the East of England, and Greenwich & Lewisham Young People's Theatre. In partnership with the Library Theatre Luton and The Albany.

Master Juba

Writer/ MICHAEL McMILLAN // Director/ STUART MULLINS // Producer/ JEREMY JAMES
Choreographer / DE-NAPOLI CLARKE // Designer / SOPHIA LOVELL SMITH
Lighting Designer / JANE MACKINTOSH // Composer / SIMON McCORRY

Master Juba / JUNIOR LANIYAN
Mary\Old Jo / AYESHA ANTOINE
The Showman / DUNCAN HENDERSON
Jack Diamond\Boz / DAVID LUNDON
The Lady\The Backer\The Bookie / LUANNA PRIESTMAN

Based on the real life story of William Henry Lane, a brilliant, young, black dancer of freed slave heritage, brought to London by PT Barnum in 1848 to dance, as “Master Juba”, for Queen Victoria.

Elevated to stardom by Charles Dickens, Juba Throws down the gauntlet in a bid to become the ‘champion dancer of the world’. If he wins he will be freed from the Black Face mask of the minstrel and escape his freed slave heritage.

Juba changed the face of dance in this country forever; by fusing Irish dance with Black dance he created a lasting legacy to the world: tap dance.

An evening of outstanding entertainment for audiences 13 years+

Master Juba will be presented in selected venues in London and the East of England this Autumn:

October
Thu 5 Library Theatre, Luton 7.30pm
Fri 6 Library Theatre, Luton 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Sat 7 Library Theatre, Luton 3.00pm & 7.30pm
Tue 10 The Albany, Deptford 7.30pm
Wed 11 The Albany, Deptford 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Thu 12 The Albany, Deptford 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Fri 13 Millfield Arts Centre Edmonton 7.30pm
Sat 14 Millfield Arts Centre Edmonton 7.30pm
Mon 16 Harrow Arts Centre 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Tue 17 The Playhouse, Harlow 7.30pm
Wed 18 The Broadway, Barking 7.00pm
Fri 27 Mercury Theatre, Colchester 7.30pm
Tue 31 Hackney Empire 7.30pm

November
Wed 1 Weston Auditorium, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield 7.30pm
Thu 2 Redbridge Drama Centre, South Woodford 8.00pm
Fri 3 Trestle Arts Base, St Albans 7.30pm
Sat 4 Trestle Arts Base, St Albans 7.30pm
Tue 7 Norwich Playhouse 7.30pm
Wed 8 Norwich Playhouse 1.00pm

Winner of the 2006 Meridian Theatre Award given by Interact in association with Meridian Theatre Company

www.masterjuba.co.uk

Every Friday, from 6.30 pm to 9 pm
London - N17

Training children & young people for Lamda acting examinations

Stylisters

The Stylisters children and youth voluntary performing arts group are now training children and young people for their level 1 and level 2 Lamda acting examinations, leading to accredited acting examinations with London Academy of Music and Drama in December 2006. Our track record - over 18 young people have passed their Lamda examinations with merit and distinction.

Insurance fee £10.00 examination fee £23.00

At the Northumberland Park School, Worcester Avenue, London N17

Tel Lorna 0208 376 1919

Saturday 1st October 2005 to Monday 31st October 2006
London - Forest Hill

Part of the Caribbean Rewind Series

Amazon To Caribbean: Early People of the Rainforest
@ The Horniman Museum

The Horniman Museum - Amazon to Caribbean: Early People of the Rainforest will tell a lesser-known story of the Caribbean, looking at its pre-Columbian history and the cultural links between the Amazon people like the Wai Wai of Guyana. The exhibition will also feature the work of contemporary black artist, from both Britain and the Caribbean, who are interested in this aspect of Caribbean heritage and explore it through their art.

ADMISSION FREE

Amazon to Caribbean Special Events: BHM 2006

Oswald Hussein
Fri 15 Sept to Mon 9 Oct - Every Wednesday to Sunday 10.30 am – 5.30 pm
Watch Oswald Hussain, from Guyana, create beautiful carved objects.
Temporary Exhibitions Gallery | Free admission

Horniman Museum, 100 London Rd, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ | 020 8699 1872 | http://www.horniman.ac.uk/

Thursdays from 28th April 05
London - Stratford

Midi Music Company is currently running the following for 11 - 16yr olds;
Budding Musicians Club for 11 - 15 yr olds: 10 week short courses in MIDI Technology, Vocals, Drums & Keyboards
Thursdays 4.30 - 6pm
Starts 28th April to 7th July & 29th Sept to 8th Dec 2005 (Run on a regular termly basis)
Price: £20 per term. We also run CICAS (Creative Industry Careers Advice Service, formerly known as CATS) for 16 to 30 yr olds interested in developing careers in the cultural & creative industries; film, tv, music, theatre, fashion, radio, dance, visual arts etc.

CICAS is currently available at MMC and we hope to expand the service pan-London by the autumn, working in partnership with WAC Performing Arts & Media College, YCTV, Theatre Royal Stratford East and Raw Material. (Awaiting results of LDA application!) FREE service.

We are also hoping to develop a Budding Musicians Club Band workshop programme for 11 to 18 yr olds from the autumn (Application made to the Big Lottery Fund).
For more information on our programme check out our website www.themidimusiccompany.co.uk

Every Thursday 7pm
London - SE15

AfriKarib Dance Fusion
"Get fit, active and healthy, learn African & Caribbean dance styles to the sounds of Zouk, Soukous, Hi Life, Hip Life, Soca, Calypso & traditional. No experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm. No need to book, just turn up for class and join in. Children 5-6pm £2-50, Adults 7-8.15pm, £4. Venue: 'La Cabana' aka Blues nightspot, 43 Peckham High Street Peckham SE15.
Nzinga Dance 0208 314 5328 nzingadance@aol.com http://www.nzingadance.org.uk