Black History Month South 2021 Magazine

BLACK HISTORY

MONTH Celebrating our past, present and future

#BlackHerStory2021 October 2021 1

Black History Month to shed some light on those hidden stories.

Welcome to Black History Month 2021.

Lou Taylor Director BHM South CIC

as history. Genealogists and even more powerful DNA sequencing continues to more indisputably determine that our species goes back in its roots to a common ancestor in Africa a mere few hundred thousand years ago. However, citing that it would be hard to define any of us as truly indigenous. And declaring that we all descend from movements elsewhere, and are profoundly mixed.

One could say that we’re mixed (up) people, with shared history to equally shout about… what’s that? Louder you say!

Olu Rowe Black History Month Co-Ordinator

The past 12 months has been a rollercoaster of change for all of us, from compulsory masks, Lateral flow testing and vaccinations to world politics and climate change.

Within this level of change there is always opportunity for reflection and to some extent a level of nostalgia for days before the ‘new normal’ The great thing about immersing oneself in history is that it’s static, the events are irrefutable but the perceptions and understanding can change and that is the purpose of Black History Month, to look at the events and the hidden stories to celebrate these stories and help create better understanding between all communities. Our theme this year is #BlackHerStory 2021 highlighting the contributions and achievements of our mothers, sisters, aunts and cousins both past and present. From Mary Seacole, Rosa Parks to Michelle Obama, history has been shaped by the accomplishments and tenacity of women in all areas of life, many of who, have been overlooked or under appreciated so this year we want 2

Gary Orr CEO Abri If we, you the reader and I the writer of these words are connecting through this, then I’m sincerely blessed. And I hope that in some way I can bless you back. It’s on the basis of that kind of equilibrium, that hope springs eternal. For my personal 2021 BHM introduction/greeting, I want to warmly acknowledge ‘the converted’, with whom we annually share, strive and or converse with. But also, further extend metaphorical hands of welcome to those who might just want to drop in, debate or perhaps, respectfully and intellectually challenge the realm of BHM activity. Whilst we might tangle over some of the inaccuracies or not! of historical documentation or not! of the last two to five thousand years; the period of time that is generally defined

We’re long-time supporters of Black History Month Southampton and it’s an honour to witness inspiring community action and to hear important stories being told.

The past 12 months have seen us create the space for more conversations about inclusion and belonging so that we can learn what else we can do. We’re engaging with colleagues, customers, and partners to enhance equality in the places we work and to make sure our organisation is the most inclusive it can be.

The communities we support are richly diverse, so too is our workplace. We will continue to champion diversity in everything we do to ensure that every individual is empowered and has the opportunity to thrive.

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Hampshire Constabulary

Black women are increasingly knocking down barriers and making a statement to others that they should and can be represented in all aspects of life and in whatever roles they choose.

In recent history, we have seen Michelle Obama become the first Black First Lady and inspire millions as an independent successful person in her own right.

Tessa Sanderson was the first British Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal in 1984, leading the way for many more medals from Black women up to and including this year’s Olympics.

Diane Abbot was the first Black woman to become a Member of Parliament in 1987.

This year we have seen history in the making with Sophia Dunkley becoming the first Black woman to play cricket for England.

I am so proud to lead as a chief officer and I’m proud to be a police officer in the United Kingdom, where we have rich and diverse cultures and communities and a strong heritage of tolerance and understanding.

When considering Black women in history from a policing perspective, Sislin Fay Allen is the name that comes to mind.

Sislin was Britain’s first Black female police officer when she joined the Met in 1968. Sadly, she passed away in July of this year.

At the age of 29, Sislin Fay Allen put on the uniform for the first time and paved the way for women and ethnic minorities.

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As part of the Windrush generation, she’d arrived in Britain from Jamaica six years before joining the police and had been working as a nurse at Queen’s Road Hospital, Croydon, until looking for a change of career. Although Sislin only remained with the Met for four years, in that time she helped to change opinions and attitudes towards what British policing should look like.

The list goes on of role models and trailblazers. Alongside this we have those rarely spoken of influential Black women, from history to the present day, who are mothers, carers, friends and allies for other Black women, who support and encourage others to take up positions, follow their dreams and achieve against all the odds.

Sislin, at the time, could not know how inspirational her appointment would be to other women from many different backgrounds and ethnicities. Since that time we’ve seen the numbers of Black women increase in policing and, with that, more are reaching senior ranks.

The progress is slow, but steady, and the police service remains committed to ensuring that Sislin’s legacy lives on and that we will, in the not too distant future, be able to add the first Black female chief constable to our list of our Black women in history.

Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney,

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The Mayor Alex Houghton

Saint George Catholic College

UEFA Euro 2022 and the involvement of local Black women in the Other ethnic group were more likely to be poor and were the most likely to be in persistent poverty. Around 1 in 4 children in households headed by people from an Asian background or those in the Other ethnic groups were in persistent poverty, as were 1 in 5 children in Black households. The 2018 annual census of school pupils in Southampton revealed that 37.2% of pupils were from an ethnic group other than White British.

Councillor Alex Houghton was elected to represent Peartree Ward in 2015 and then re-elected in 2019. He has lived in Southampton all his life, growing up in Bitterne where he attended local schools (Bitterne Manor Primary School and St George Catholic Boys School) and subsequently Southampton University where he graduated in 2013.

From 2005 to 2011, Alex was a member of the Southampton City Youth Parliament and in his work as a councillor he believes in the importance of all parts of Southampton having a voice in council decision making. As well as his work as a ward councillor, since 2015, Alex has been a member of the Council’s Health Scrutiny panel. This has developed his focus on health issues across the city and the council’s important role in improving the health of residents”.

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“Saint George Catholic College is very proud to be a part of black history month. Over many years our students have worked together to raise the awareness of racism, to educate each other about respect and values but also to celebrate the success of black people.

Our students have produced videos, poems and songs that demonstrate the thoughts and feelings of our students in society today and the challenges they face. One of our students, Nina Hart in year 10 has written a piece on black women as part of the theme of this year’s black history month. As a school we could not be more proud of how diverse our community is but also how conscious we are that we need to continue to educate all students, to give them a platform to express their concerns without feeling anxious or worried so that they feel listened to and their thoughts and feelings will be supported. Through Mr Ndabala’ s leadership, our EARA Team of staff and student advocates we are committed to black history month and what it stands for.”

There has been much written in recent months that highlights the extreme lack of diversity in the England Lionesses squad which is argued to be represented across the board from grassroots to elite. A squad announcement in February 2021 featured an all-white 23 player squad and only two non-white players featured in the 2019 World Cup team; to compare the men’s squad at the 2018 World Cup featured 12 black players. Suzanne Wrack (for The Guardian) wrote about the reasons for the lack of diversity at the highest level which is mirrored in the differences in opportunity at grassroots. The disparity in resource between the male and female game means there are less teams, less scouting networks, and less outreach programmes, meaning girls have to travel further to find even basic provision. Another key factor is the economic barriers for black and Asian families; The Cabinet Office Race Disparity Audit, published in 2017, said: “Asian and Black households and those

The comprehensive and robust Legacy Plan for Southampton will seize the opportunity to shine a light on women’s and girls’ football and build a new generation of players, coaches, referees and fans. In everything we do, we will do our best to engage under-represented groups, irrespective of protected characteristics and social backgrounds.

By providing opportunities locally and ensuring affordability we will aim to diversify participants and create new role models across the game to inspire the next generation. There will be opportunities for women and girls of all ages to try football for the first time, whether that is within a FA Weetabix Wildcats fun football session for the youngest age groups or a ‘Find Your Feet’ Recreational or even Walking Football session for a slower-paced introduction to the game. There will be funding and support for those interested in coaching and volunteering and ensuring that all environments are female friendly.

To find out more: www.thefa.com/competitions/ uefa-womens-euro-2022/legacyprogramme www.thefabrochures.co.uk/ legacysoton/ 7

The Southampton Black Archives Programme

First Black Player Volunteers Needed! for Southampton FC

Alf Charles: First Black Player for Southampton FC 1937 is honoured with a Black Plaque: Thursday October 21st 12-2pm-The Stage Door, Guildhall Square, Southampton to be unveiled by Saints Ambassador Francis Benali

Black people have been in Southampton for over 500 years. From 1546 when Jacques Francis was the leading salvage diver in the UK to Alexander Patterson who was the landlord of a Southampton pub at the turn of the century; and of course, the more recent Windrush generation and there is much history of the Black presence in between.

The history of Black peoples can be found in many aspects of the city’s history but has never been assembled in a manner that can be easily accessed.

This programme is essentially pulling together the various histories in a manner that not only can be accessed; but evidence that we were here as part 8

of the legitimate history of the region; which is very often air-brushed out. This could include documents, photographs, films, oral history, artefacts, and anything else that can bear testimony to the Black presence.

The main organisations that are involved in this process are Black History Month South, Southampton University, Solent University, Southampton City Council and The John Hansard Gallery. There is also a Black Archives Reference Group composed of individuals in the local Black communities who will oversee the project; and if you would like to be part of that group, please contact us at don@donjohn.co.uk

Alfred Pious Charles was a Trinidadian footballer who made one appearance, as an inside forward in the Football league second division with Southampton in 1937. He was one of the earliest Black players in English professional football and the first black player to sign for Southampton.

He has been commemorated by a plaque at St Mary’s Stadium, which also celebrates the contributions of all black Saints players. A further plaque is scheduled to be placed in Guildhall Square, Southampton, amongst other Black History luminaries. Alf Charles may have made just one appearance for Saints first team; but it was enough to secure him a momentous place in the club’s history books.

Please join us if you can to celebrate this moment. The Stage Door, Guildhall Square, Thursday October 21st 12-2pm

In 2022, a new exhibition about Southampton and Slavery will open in the Southampton Stories gallery in SeaCity Museum and Southampton Museums and Archive needs volunteers to help find the slavery connections in its collections.

You will be uncovering these stories in the city archive (at the Civic Centre) exploring maps, documents, newspapers and other evidence.

You will get to access a unique collection, hear from experts and help shape the content of the exhibition itself. Your research and findings will be used to create the exhibition, as well as online content which will remain available after the exhibition has finished.

The first session will take place in early November, details to be confirmed. This session will give an introduction to the project and a chance for volunteers to start exploring the archives.

More sessions will continue throughout the winter and museum and archive staff will be available to support the volunteers. Attendance at every session is not mandatory.

If you are interested in volunteering (or would like more information) please contact Curator of Maritime & Local History Collections, Maria Newbery on maria.newbery@southampton.gov.uk.

Please note Maria works part time, her usual office hours are: Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

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Black Stories: Southampton

Why Black History belongs to everyone Nonetheless, it still begs the question as to who could and should be involved . Well, of course, everyone should be involved.

However, from a white perspective “White Communities” need to concede that the histories of Black people are intimately intertwined with their history, socially, politically, historically, and genetically., and no matter how pure blooded they may think they are it is likely that the blood from other ethnic groups is pumping in their veins.

Black History… Some say what is that all about; and who is “allowed” to get involved is a question that may be dependent on who you are and how you see yourself relevant to the issue. The rise of the Black Lives Matter movement attracted people from a variety of racial backgrounds and encouraged people who otherwise may have been cautious about being involved into the fray and perhaps indirectly contributed to the early dissolution of this “uprising”.

A new publication by Don John features 20 stories and events that outlines the presence of Black people in the city from the 16th century. It features people like Jacques Francis the diver, Alexander Patterson who managed a Southampton pub at the turn of the century and Bob Marley who popped up in Swaythling in 1973… and of course Muhammad Ali in Hedge End in 1971.

This publication indicates that there is some unacknowledged history of the Black presence still to be uncovered and told. It is very often the stories with human faces that personified the issues 10

they represented. The book is available from October Books, Portswood, Southampton or online: https://www. octoberbooks.org/blog/black-storiessouthampton and also at The John Hansard Gallery 142-144 Above Bar St, Southampton SO14 7DU There will be an online event on Thursday October 7th at 7pm, hosted

by October Books where Don John will talk about the book followed by a Q&A. Details will be circulated nearer the time.

Back in the day the term “Black was loosely applied to anyone who was not white and were subjected to the slings and arrows of racial discrimination and racial harassment. I remember many of my Asian and Chinese background friends and colleagues happily sharing the well-known phrase “I’m Black and I’m Proud” ; and standing side by side with those of African/Caribbean descent.

However, over the years it soon became clear that the different communities were pursuing different objectives and the reality was that the only thing that bound us together was the “Racism” that cared little for those distinctions.

Moreover, the question that challenges many regarding their involvement in Black History Month may be how Black they have to be to legitimately involve themselves in Black History Month. At one time in the UK, it seemed to be the preserve of people from the Caribbean and people from the African continent were not sure whether they should be involved. Religion also played it’s part in determining the identity of “Black” people and some felt that their Christian identity or Muslim identity trumped any notions of Blackness.

Then of course there were those of mixed race who were also not sure whether they were dark enough to qualify regarding their black identity and their legitimate association with black History and whether any connection was a betrayal of their association with white members of their family.

Well I guess the bottom line is that all humans are descended from a black woman from the heart of Africa, and there ain’t no escaping that, so as far as I am concerned Black History belongs to each and every one of us… so please get involved.

Don John Race & Diversity Consultant (Hon. Doctor of Arts) Founder Black History Month 11

Women in history the Second World War, Bader enlisted in the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI) at Catterick Camp,Yorkshire. She was dismissed after seven weeks when it was discovered that her father was not born in the United Kingdom. On 28 March 1941 she enlisted in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), after she heard that the Royal Air Force (RAF) were taking citizens of West Indian descent. She trained in instrument repair, which was a trade newly opened to women. She then became a Leading Aircraft Woman and was eventually promoted to the rank of corporal.

Mary Jane Seacole ( 23 November 1805 – 14 May 1881) was a British-Jamaican nurse, healer and businesswoman who set up the “British Hotel” behind the lines during the Crimean War. She described this as “a mess-table and comfortable quarters for sick and convalescent officers”, and provided succour for wounded service men on the battlefield, and nursed many of them back to health. She had met the most famous nurse in history ‘Florence Nightingale’ for 5 minutes during the Crimean War. Coming from a tradition of Jamaican and West African “doctresses”, Seacole displayed “compassion, skills and bravery while nursing soldiers during the Crimean War”, through the use of herbal remedies. She was posthumously awarded the Jamaican Order of Merit in 1991. In 2004, she was voted the greatest black Briton.

Lilian Bader (18 February 1918 – 13 March 2015) was one of the first Black women to join the British armed forces.

Lilian Bader was born at 19 Stanhope Street in the Toxteth Park area of Liverpool to Marcus Bailey, a merchant seaman from Barbados who served in the First World War, and a British-born mother of Irish parentage. In 1939, at the onset of 12

by activist groups. She features on lists of inspirational Black British women and in June 2020 was brought to wider attention with a Google Doodle.

Dame Sharon Michele White DBE (born 21 April 1967) is a British retired civil servant. She is currently Chair of the John Lewis Partnership, having previously held a variety of roles in the Civil Service.

She was the Chief Executive of the British media regulator Ofcom from March 2015 to November 2019,[1] and was Second Permanent Secretary at HM Treasury from 2013 to 2015.[2] She was the first black person, and the second woman, to become a Permanent Secretary at the Treasury.

Olive Elaine Morris (26 June 1952 – 12 July 1979) was a Jamaican-born Britishbased community leader and activist in the feminist, Black nationalist, and squatters’ rights campaigns of the 1970s. Morris was a key organiser in the Black Women’s Movement in the United Kingdom, cofounding the Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent in London and support groups in Manchester. She joined the British Black Panthers and squatted 121 Railton Road in Brixton.

Morris died at the age of 27. Her life and work have been widely commemorated, both by official organisations – Lambeth Council named a building after her – and

Diane Julie Abbott MP (born 27 September 1953) is a British politician who has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for Hackney North and Stoke Newington since 1987. She is the first black woman to be elected to Parliament, and the longest-serving black MP in the House of Commons.

A socialist member of the Labour Party, she served in Jeremy Corbyn’s Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Home Secretary from 2016 to 2020.

Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama (born January 17, 1964) is an American attorney and author who served as the first lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. She was the first African-American woman to serve in this position. She is married to Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States.

Rosa Louise McCauley Parks (February 4, 1913 – October 24, 2005) was an AfricanAmerican activist in the civil rights movement best known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott. The United States Congress has honoured her as “the first lady of civil rights” and “the mother of the freedom movement”.

Doreen Delceita Lawrence, Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, OBE (née Graham; born 1952) is a British Jamaican campaigner and the mother of Stephen Lawrence, a black British teenager who was murdered in a racist attack in South East London in 1993. She promoted reforms of the police service and founded the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust.

She was appointed to the Order of the British Empire for services to community relations in 2003, and was created a Life Peer in 2013.

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Voice FM 103.9…

Celebrates Black History Month BLACK: The autobiography of Tobias Taitt This story recognises the condition of many of those who were the children of the “Windrush Generation”. This was a time when the first pioneers from the Caribbean raised children, who some argued, were caught between two cultures. Some of these children refused to accept the racism that their parents endured, and this very often led to conflict with the authorities. Set primarily in Southampton it exposes the relationship between Black communities, social services and the police.

Many faced serious issues of “identity”; having been exposed to negative and disparaging information about their “Blackness”. Some were accused of being “difficult” and were either suspended or excluded from school. Others were defined as being Educationally Subnormal (ESN) and were sent to schools to deal with their “inadequacies” 14

and some ended up in prisons and mental health institutions and this pattern remains an issue today. All these factors contributed to poor self-image, poor selfesteem, and poor self-belief.

Tobias Taitt tells his story and shines a light on this condition. A little told story of a young black person growing up in an almost exclusively white environment, without the safety net of a Black community for support. The story is told with humour, candour, pathos, and brutal honesty.

This book has now been converted into a graphic novel by talented animation artist Anthony Smith and will be launched during Black History Month as well as being promoted with the support of the Cartoon Museum in central London.

Voice FM 103.9 is a non-profit community Radio Station that serves the city of Southampton. We are based at the YMCA, Graham Road in Newtown, in one of the most diverse areas of the city and probably the region.

Voice FM aims to be not only the ‘Voice’, but also the face of Southampton. We are looking for people from all communities to get involved in our programmes, social media platforms, events and community projects.

If you are interested in getting behind the mic, interviewing, journalism, production, social media, or the technical side we want to hear from you. We have a great team and can offer the training and support to help you achieve your ambitions.

We also offer a wide range of value sponsorship and advertising opportunities for local businesses and organisations to get their message to thousands of Voice listeners every day, and enable us to provide the

entertainment and opportunities that we do for the city.

We are also seeking to widen the output to reflect the Southampton communities such as the Indian and Pakistani, African/ Caribbean, and Eastern European communities and if any individuals would like to discuss this further, please do contact us.

Don John’s legendary Soul Train and Bobby & Barry’s Soul & R’n’B Montage every Tuesday between 7-9pm are great examples of programmes celebrating the musical heritage of Black communities.

Charlie Hislop Voice FM Voice FM is a Media Partner of Southampton2025, Southampton Pride and Black History Month Contact: Voice FM through info@voicefmradio.co.uk or visit www.voicefmradio.co.uk

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Raising awareness of Prostate Cancer in

Black Men

Black History Month South has been successful in receiving a Communities Against Cancer grant, to help raise awareness amongst our communities, about prostate cancer and the increased risk to Black Men. Prostate Cancer will affect 1 in 4 Black men, compared with 1 in 8 men from other ethnic backgrounds. We also know that Black men aged 45+ are at greater risk of prostate cancer.

This is a stark figure that needs to be realised so men can take appropriate action to ensure they are tested when needed because the earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcomes and survival rates will be.

Prostate cancer has many treatment options and many men will live a long life after their diagnosis, provided the cancer can be treated from an early stage. If you are a black male, aged over 45 and/or have a history of prostate cancer in your family, then regardless of experiencing any other symptoms, it is recommended that you request a PSA test from your GP. This is a simple blood test to begin with, which will determine whether further investigation might be needed.

Information about the PSA test, is available on the Prostate Cancer UK (PCUK) website: prostatecanceruk.org/prostateinformation/prostate-tests The PCUK site, also has a lot of helpful information about spotting the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, if you have 16

Jay Shah MBE

noticed any changes or you are worried about a family member who may be at risk of prostate cancer, then please take action and speak to your GP. We will be sharing videos of men who have recently been for their PSA test, later this month as well as supporting the local NHS with their prostate cancer messaging.

Pompey in the Community equality, diversity and inclusion lead, Duke; kindly shared his recent experience of going for his PSA test; “my dad said to me, it is so important that you go and get this checked out…I was that guy who thought it was very intrusive and that’s what stopped me from going.

Then I spoke to my daughter and she encouraged me to go for the exam” “Basically, it’s an easy process, they did a blood test and yesterday I got my results back and my results came back as normal. I don’t know why I was worried, it was a simple examination where they took some blood.”

If you would like to share your experience of going for a PSA test, or being diagnosed with prostate cancer, please do get in touch or feel free to visit the Cancer Matters Wessex website, where you can find out about many other ways you could get involved and help to spread the message to friends, family, colleagues and communities across the South. cancermatterswessex.nhs.uk/prostatecancer-campaign/

We are delighted to share with you the brilliant news that Jayanti Shah (Jay) was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020.

In the 70s,80s,and 90s Jay also worked with the Southampton Race Equality Council; contributed to Race Sub-committee of the City.

Jay has devoted his spare time entirely as a volunteer to promote anti-racism both on a local and national level since the 1970s. 50 years of voluntary service to Southampton and area

Jay has done more than just give a consistent message about anti-racism; he still gets people to listen to the message.

An uncompromising champion of racial justice, Jay came to Southampton in 1968 to Southampton University.

He has campaigned, as a volunteer in Southampton, for racial justice and equality for the past 50 Years.

He set up Positive Message Limited and with BHM founder Don John, they used it to promote and build Black History Month since 2005. Jay was part of the team which transformed this into a significant event in the Southampton City calendar; and planned for succession for others to take over in 2015.

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Legacies of Southampton and Portsmouth and memorials which have strong connections with black communities as a way of sharing the stories of those from local communities and across the globe who served and died.

Using in particular the naval base at Portsmouth and the CWGC Naval Memorial, as well as the CWGC Hollybrook Cemetery plots in Southampton with their unique diversity and others along the south coast, we will trace the development of black communities and their contribution to the area during and following the world wars.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is developing a pilot project with Black Poppy Rose to engage initially with communities in the Southampton and Portsmouth areas of southern England. The project will focus on using CWGC records, cemeteries 18

We will engage with universities, youth groups, ethnic communities and elderly congregations to help us understand their community histories, during and following the wars, expanding on the naval connections with Portsmouth and the Solent to explore access to the waterfronts, where the ships came

in, how people started out in a new country and what it meant to them. In particular we will draw out the female narrative, exploring what it was like to be a woman in those times with little freedom, a child or an immigrant.

Our pilot will commence in October 2021 which is also Black History Month and we will use the war as a platform to focus on the contribution of black communities. Using CWGC and other archive material we will research local tours and produce activity packs for groups and create volunteering opportunities for people of all ages.

Contact details: Selena Carty Selena@blackpoppyrose.org Cultural & Ancestral Consultant Afro Centric Genealogist

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Southampton Home From Home Launching April 29th

A Black History Month South Film Production

As part of the Mayflower 400 commemoration Black History Month South have produced a short film looking at migration through the eyes of 5 people from different corners of the globe, that have made Southampton their home.

Calender of Events

Renes -Haiti

October 1st SEED - 8pm Turner Sims Southampton Building 52 Salisbury Rd, Southampton SO17 1BJ

Dennis – Fiji Aysha – South Africa Abi – Nigeria Edy – Poland Each telling their story of their early life in their homeland, the experience of arriving in Southampton and how they have maintained links to their cultural heritage while making Southampton their home of choice.

Black History Month South is a Community Interest Company working alongside a range of partners to create a vibrant inclusive Black History Month and highlight significant dates and events through the year.

Southampton Home From Home 20

For further details or a free dvd copy email – blackhistorymonthsouth@ gmail.com www.facebook.com/groups/ BHMSouthampton http://bit.ly/BHMSouthYouTube https://www.blackhistorymonthsouth. com/film-home-from-home

September 30th 11am Black History Month Launch Online Event www.facebook.com/groups/ BHMSouthampton

3rd October Janine Johnson – Songs of Bond, The Concorde Club Stoneham Ln., Eastleigh SO50 9HQ October 7th 7pm Black Stories Southampton online lecture by Dr Don John Hosted by October Books info@octoberbooks.org October 9th The History of Soul The Concorde Club Stoneham Ln., Eastleigh SO50 9HQ October 10th 10.15am Black History Black Plaque awarded to The West Indian Club SLIC, St Mary’s Road, Southampton, SO14 0BB 15th October Leo Green Orchestra presents – The Songs of Stevie Wonder. The Concorde Club Stoneham Ln., Eastleigh SO50 9HQ 21st October RUSH A Joyous Jamaican Journey MAST Mayflower Studios 142, 144 Above Bar St, Southampton SO14 7DU

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Black Women and Social Media

I am a Black woman, born in Southampton and I am pleased to see “Black Women” as the theme for this year In recognition of black experiences within the UK, I feel it crucial to mention the continuous contributions of black women in terms of spreading awareness of cultural representation and social issues.

Often being the main presence in protests for civil rights, feminist campaigns, demonstrations against police brutality and government mistreatment, black women continue to represent every aspect of black identity. With race and racism engulfed within the present mediascape, black women are the front runners in spreading cultural awareness and knowledge whilst offering support to those feeling isolated within their own communities. As black women are placed between the harsh intersectionality’s of racism and sexism, in past and present environments, they may face criticisms including brutal stereotyping, especially within working institutions.

However, modern social media platforms have provided many women with instruments of expression that can uplift 22

Stories from Grandma

others going through similar situations.

Social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and TikTok provide realistic depictions of diverse black women whilst also enforcing sociality with others.

Going against previous, often demeaning, stereotypes of black women in the media, these photo and video sharing platforms allow women to explore various aspects of their identities whilst sharing inspirational messages on an international scale. Social media hashtags such #blackgirlmagic, #blackgirlsrock and #melaninqueen, were created by black women to uplift others against the cruel reality of mistreatment on and offline. With black women often setting the current trends in fashion, art and music, it allows the celebration of black talent, that can be recognise globally.

As often marginalised in society for being black and female, many black women feel disengaged and unable to express their true selves, this can feel like having no voice. Viral videos depicting relatable everyday black experiences bring familiarity to the community, whilst sharing cultural knowledge to various other racial groups. Representation that is completely lacking in popular media like TV and magazines, can be expressed through these media platforms. For example, black hair and makeup tutorials on YouTube and Instagram are crucial for those who don’t have access to hairstylists or have no inspirations from a Eurocentric based media. As trivial as it seems, as a black woman myself, growing up in a predominantly white space, video and photo sharing provided solidarity with others and a picture of black feminine identities that is unseen in the media.

These images are untainted by censorship and act as public resistance against negative tropes about black women.

Kiya Connelly

grandma had to boycott a cinema so that they would stop segregating their movie theatres. Suddenly these stories weren’t something I could use to comfort me when I missed her; they would make me sad knowing a lovely and caring person such as my grandma had to miss out on things I get to experience so frequently, like having black friends and going to the cinema. Over time, I realized that my grandpops, great aunt and great grandparents would have experienced racism as well.

I am so lucky to live in a time and country where racism can be addressed, although sometimes I can personally relate to her stories from my experiences at school. But I am lucky to live in a world where as a black female I am able to stand up for myself and help others stand up for themselves too.

I am a student at St George Catholic College, and I am pleased to see that the theme for Black History Month 2021 is “Black Women” My grandma always told me stories about her youth as we sat on her sofa in the USA. She would tell me of her friends and her classmates, stories that could make me laugh along with her as she recalled these moments.

Even though the world we live in today is still so far from perfect and racism is far from eradicated, I am blessed, because I can see a difference between her youth, and mine and I can still sit with my grandma and listen to her stories today. I will never forget the happy stories, or the sad ones; but I am able to smile about the progress that has been made. Nina Hart

I always loved her stories, and the way she would speak so smoothly, like silk, as she told them. I memorized these stories, and upon returning to the UK, I played them in my head when I missed her.

But as I got older the stories changed and she told fewer stories of doubledutch in the playground, or dolls in the back garden and more stories of her experiences with race- how she and her sister were the only black students in their classes, how at university my 23

Shelina Permalloo

The Concorde Club 2016. The Telegraph reviewed the restaurant in 2020 and described it as ‘very heaven’. Shelina also does a lot of private catering and corporate project work including virtual cookalongs and weddings.

Shelina recently appeared on John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen as well as a regular judge back on MasterChef.

She is also a panellist on the esteemed Radio 4 The Kitchen Cabinet chaired by restaurant critic Jay Rayner.

After winning MasterChef, Shelina worked on various TV projects such as Lorraine, This Morning, Sunday Brunch, The Food Network and then worked in various London-based restaurants.

Shelina was previously a Project Manager in the field of EDI and is passionate about diversity and equality.

Her restaurant is held together by an all-female management team which is very rare in the field of hospitality which Shelina is very proud of, her restaurant Lakaz Maman which has achieved a TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award 2021 making it the top 10% restaurant in the world chosen by TripAdvisor. Shelina is the Ambassador for Southampton’s City of Culture bid alongside Southampton’s Craig David.

Her first book Sunshine on a Plate was published by Ebury Press in 2013 and contains recipes inspired by Mauritius.

Her second book The Sunshine Diet was published in 2015.

Shelina is very active on social media and can be found on Instagram and Twitter @shelinacooks and on Facebook where she regularly posts videos and stories on food.

Shelina went on to open her first restaurant “Lakaz Maman” a Mauritian Street Kitchen in Southampton in April

Shelina Permalloo www.shelinacooks.com www.lakazmaman.com

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BLACK HISTORY

MONTH Celebrating our past, present and future

3rd October JANINE JOHNSON - Songs of BOND 9th October HISTORY OF SOUL 15th October LEO GREEN ORCHESTRA presents SONGS OF Stevie Wonder 6th November THE REAL THING 12th November PATTI BOUYLAYE - Songs of Aretha 19th November THE STYLISTICS 20th November ANGELO STARR and the Team

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For more information or to place an advert in our next issue please email: blackhistorymonthsouth@gmail.com 24

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Proud To Be a Social Entrepreneur Amplifying the Region’s Black Voices

The theme of this year’s Black History Month is Proud To Be. We caught up with one of our 2020 Black History Month South Award winners, and BHM South Launch co-host, Veronica Gordon, to find out what she is Proud To Be. The broadcast journalist turned social entrepreneur is the founder of Our Version Media, a social enterprise dedicated to increasing positive and authentic representation of the south’s black communities.

Veronica, complete the sentence: “Proud To Be….”

Proud To Be… a BHM South award winner for amplifying black voices in the south! Proud To Be… a mum, a black woman, Caribbean, British, Southampton-born and raised, part of a huge Caribbean family, a community activist, founder of Our Version Media and, of course, a co-host of BHM South’s official launch event!

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So, what’s happened over the year since your Award?

A lot! I’ve led Our Version Media through its first year in business, which was challenging at times because of the pandemic and lockdowns. Thankfully Our Version Media’s Community Manager – aka my Business Enterprise graduate daughter – and I managed to adapt so we could continue our work.

On top of that, Our Version Media has grown, and earlier this year we moved into our very first office, in the new MAST Mayflower Studios in Southampton city centre.We are absolutely loving it there!

It’s such a vibrant space to be in!

Our Version Media has also become one of the official media partners of Southampton’s UK City of Culture 2025 Bid. Being born and raised in this city, that’s something I’m really proud of that. I love Southampton and am keen for the city’s black communities to be

involved in the bidding process. On top of that, through Our Version Media’s media skills training, we’re helping local people to tell their own stories, which is shining a spotlight on the city’s diversity.

than three quarters said they don’t feel fairly and accurately represented in local news coverage. 75% felt local media negatively portrayed black people, with the majority saying the media was more likely to cover stories

How are you amplifying black voices?

By equipping people with digital media skills to tell and share their own, authentic stories. This makes positive stories more visible and empowers people to control the narrative of the stories told about them. I’ve created a best-selling, community-focused Mobile Storytelling training course by combining my mobile journalism and community activism know-how to empower local people to film and edit impactful videos using their mobile phone. I’ve now trained more than a hundred people – black and other, from teenagers to pensioners – in mobile storytelling.

about black people that were crime, violence or drugs related.

Why is that important to you?

Our Version Media is tackling media racism. Last year we surveyed black people who live in Southampton. More

It gets worse. When we asked people how this made them feel, they said: “depressed”, “sad, misunderstood and stereotyped”, “concerned for the younger generation”, and “unwanted, angry and frustrated”.

In fact, our survey revealed a link between the type of coverage and people’s wellbeing: on seeing a positive local black story, people said it made them feel “fantastic and included”, “uplifted and proud”, and “inspired”.

Our Version Media is empowering people to tell those positive stories themselves.

What’s next for Our Version Media?

To remain focused on our mission to increase positive and authentic representation of black communities.

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We’re continuing our media skills training – which is free to black people who live in Southampton. We’re also continuing our diversity and inclusion work, where we work with Hampshirebased organisations – such as Solent Mind and Solent NHS Trust – to increase engagement with and improve services for the region’s black communities.

Plus, we’ve got a few major projects and partnerships coming up which we’ll announce over the coming months. And we need to expand our team soon so plan to announce two new roles.

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How can we keep up to date with Our Version Media?

We share a lot of our news and opportunities through our emailing lists. People can sign up by clicking Subscribe on our website www. ourversion.media. We also share things via socials. We’re on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn @ ourversionmedia

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Portsmouth responds to “Stop & Search with ”Know Your Rights “Pompey in the Community” is an award-winning charity which harnesses the motivational power of Portsmouth Football Club. A club run by its community, for its community. To promote education, healthy living and sporting participation and achievement among vulnerable and disadvantaged people of all ages. It has responded to the disproportionate numbers of young black men being stopped and searched by the police by publishing the Flash

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cards. The cards are an educational tool- not a tool to fight against the police.

For further information please contact: Duke Harrison-Hunter: Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator.

E: duke@pompeyitc.org.uk T: 07703 589992

Join The Rush Theatre Company as they tell the story of Reggae music and the Windrush Generation and hear how their music took the world by storm.

Band. Get ready to dance to the music of Desmond Dekker, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, Lord Kitchener, Millie Small and many more.

Narrated by comedian John Simmit and featuring ska, rock steady, calypso, gospel, lovers rock, dancehall and Reggae played live by the JA Reggae

Address: 142, 144 Above Southampton SO14 7DU

Bar

St,

Phone: 023 8071 1833 31

Southampton: The Blackness

This ten-minute film was commissioned

by Mayflower400 Southampton to illustrate Southampton’s relationship with migrant communities. The film was directed and produced by Olu Rowe, Don John & City Eye and showcases five Black stories/events that left a footprint on the city’s history:

• The connection to international saxophone player Joe Harriott who is buried in Bitterne Southampton

• Alexander Patterson who came to Southampton at the turn of the century and was a landlord of a Southampton pub and his son Louis Patterson who was a war veteran and a local hero in Shirley.

• The SS Mendi, a South African Ship that sunk off the coast of The Isle of Wight with the loss of life of over 600 Black South Africans who on their way were to fight for this country.

• The arrival of the so called “Windrush Generation” and the mural in St. Mary’s Southampton dedicated to their memory.

• The visit of Muhammad Ali to a supermarket in Hedge End just outside Southampton.

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The West Indian Club

The film is weaved together with spoken word from Olu Rowe and soundtrack music written and performed by Sam Adams and Karl Vanden Bossche. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=jNfdLK0cIt8

The West Indian Club Aka The African/ Caribbean Centre… To be honoured with a “Black Plaque”: Sunday October 10th 12 Noon - St. Mary’s Rd. Southampton

The Club was also a venue where there were educational Saturday classes for children, where older people could meet and where Black histories could be shared.

The Southampton West Indian Club was the first established migrant community centre in the city in 1975. The West Indian community came mostly from Jamaica and St. Vincent, but smaller numbers came from other Caribbean countries like Barbados and Trinidad. They settled primarily in Newtown and St. Mary’s in a part of town that was sometimes called “The Derby Road area”.

The West Indian club was also host to famous artists like Sugar Minott and Gregory Isaac but was also the home of local sound system Maka Foundation, local reggae band Ebony Rockers and Craig David played there in his early days.

Many people remember it as a friendly, colourful and vibrant part of the city and despite lack of investment was a place where many from migrant communities felt safe and distanced from the racism that was toxic in other parts of the city The West Indian Club was a place where Caribbean people could safely partake of the culture that they had left behind.

The West Indian Club is best remembered as a place where people from all ethnic backgrounds came together as one people and were able to escape from the outside world for a few moments.

A Black Plaque will be unveiled by the first Chair Theo McKenzie at the place where it once stood during Black History Month and the date will be Sunday October 10th at 12 Noon.

Don John Race & Diversity Consultant 33

TURNER SIMS Southampton

seed.

Friday 1 October 8pm

Saturday 13 November 8pm

Formerly known as SEED Ensemble, seed. is a Mercury Award nominated tenpiece band led by alto saxophonist and composer Cassie Kinoshi.

London-based composer, arranger and alto-saxophonist Cassie Kinoshi is currently working in theatre, film, contemporary dance and both the jazz and classical performance worlds. Alongside performing with her large ensemble seed., Cassie has worked as a curator for the Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room alongside Moses Boyd as well as writing and arranging music for events such as Women of the World Festival 2017. She also featured as a part of Soweto Kinch’s BBC Four show Jazzology and is regularly invited as a radio and live panel guest to discuss politics, society and music. Cassie also works as an educator and workshop leader, her most recent work being at the EFG London Jazz Festival 2019 for Serious’ Womxn Make Music performance at the Southbank Centre.

The band presents a stellar line-up featuring some of London’s most upand-coming young jazz musicians. West African and Caribbean influenced groove, seed. explores a blend of genres through original compositions and improvisation.

Their debut release Driftglass (Jazz Re:freshed, 2019) features the track Afronaut (feat. XANA) which won the Ivors Academy Award 2018 (formerly known as BASCA, British Composer Award) for Jazz Composition for Large Ensemble.

Presented by Music-Net. Music-Net is a partnership between producer and promoter Root Music and Inner City Music, owners and operators of historic Manchester music venue Band on the Wall, funded by Arts Council England. www.turnersims.co.uk/events/seed/ www.cassiekinoshi.com/

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Ashley Henry

We are delighted to welcome South London pianist Ashley Henry with his trio.

One of a new generation of musicians that have been raised with a wide range of influences, Ashley is clearly influenced by hip-hop but has his roots firmly in jazz.

Having recently embarked on world tours with Loyle Carner and Christine & The Queens, Henry has a rapidly growing international profile.

My music is a straight-up reflection of who I am; London in all its mixed-up glory. The immigrant in me has musical roots traced back to the 1940’s, so it’s important my music reflects that jazz narrative across different genres and generations.

Following the success of the 26-yearold’s Easter EP, the genre-blurring pianist heads to Turner Sims with music from his debut album Beautiful Vinyl Hunter. https://www.turnersims.co.uk/events/ ashley-henry/ 35

Southampton Prize for Black Student Writing

JACQUES FRANCIS AWARD 2021

JACQUES FRANCIS AWARD 2021

This award is given to

This award is given to

This award is given to

Abdourahman Sanneh

Hawa Sanneh

Jasmine Crook

For Outstanding Writing

For Outstanding Writing

For Outstanding Writing

We are delighted to announce that the winners of the first “Jacques Francis Prize for Black Student Writing” are Jasmine Crook, Hawa Sanneh and Abdou Sanneh.

This prize celebrates and commemorates the deep history and extraordinary stories of “Black” people with a strong connection to the great city of Southampton. Jacques Francis was born on an island off the coast of Guinea in about 1528; as an eighteenyear-old he was employed as a diver to 36

Son of an African Migrant

JACQUES FRANCIS AWARD 2021

rescue goods and weapons from sunken ships off the Hampshire coast, including Henry VIII’s The Mary Rose. Living in Southampton, in 1548 he was the first black African to give evidence in an English court. The winning entries will be published in a fascinating new book about Southampton as a migrant city and also highlighted by Black History Month South.

Abdourahman Sanneh they called me Son of an African migrant Born in Southampton Raised as a Gambian itions Followed Gambian customs and trad the tribal languages Became familiar with the accent and heritage was How huge and diverse my Gambian And the stories and journeys they told I always strived to build on my heritage my history alive Utilizing my culture as a tool to keep the lens pton to remember their past through Allowing the black minority in Southam of a black teenager blacks stices and discrimination held against My poetry unveils the experiences, inju in Southampton nts‘ experiences living in Southampton My poetry was partly inspired by pare media Southampton was informed by the UK Their initial dreams and perceptions of and excellent jobs with amazing pay Southampton has towering skyscrapers Residents were living their dream lives different Southampton was On arrival they were shocked by how ything they felt isolated and struggled with ever Living in Southampton for the first time A massive shock isolation ple to talk to my mum often cried in My dad at University, with no black peo better Things have changed since then for the ans in the city they were the first generation of Afric ght Due to the isolation my parents thou re the arrival a history of receiving migrants long befo It became clear that Southampton has of my parents Jackson all Privateer, Ascupart, Don John and John Black john, Jacques francis, the Black contributed to the growth of the City tre these stories including an excellent thea I was fortunate enough to learn about production on SS Mendi at NST s in about the tragedies of African migrant SS Mendi unveiled the untold stories Southampton waters great fall of the SS Mendi A grim day to be remembered as the of the black minority in Southampton Forever to be in the hearts and minds ld in our schools and colleges These hidden black stories were unto es in Southampton black communities Yet they are important part of black stori 37

Southampton Prize for Black Student Writing... Continued The Salvage Diver The First r word.

- the first to bear witness, the first to bea My name is Jacques and I am the first are far too many will follow, for your ways of life There is none before me and I doubt shallow. down deep e a mockery of me, but I have dived You may choose not to listen or to mak and Mary would agree, neither is this man a thief.

For I am not a slave, a liar or captive and ds as truth but I am just one man.

I know you will not listen or bear wor One man against all. any worth.

- the first to speak the truth and have My name is Jacques and I am the first to be heard. . A man of this earth and a man needs My skin may be dark but I am still man free. the masses, for I am a diver and I am I will not be silenced or drowned by

By Jasmine Crook

Re: Letter to my black head teacher

Head Teacher St. Mary Dear Miss Miller,

t Dad Re: Conversation with my Migran I had with my dad, as my n atio recent convers I would like to share with you the in. Born and experience of the world we live 8, my dad and I had a different perspective of ily fam ing called Gambia from a farm era, 6 in a West African sunny country l onia tcol pos in born generations. He was em syst dad was the first to go to school in er batt n whe time the at ce, independen e mak years after the country attended its to s urce ges, villagers share scarce reso was still in place in most of their villa

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its peak. at the outskirt of the village was at ends meet, rice-farming and fishing and the grow they food people feed on the r their Although there was little money but, afte look p grou port sup ge py. Their villa for fish they caught and they were hap ices serv as a way of providing a welfare live to sick and disabled by farming for them tried y The nts internalised growing up. pton. them. These are the values my pare into us whilst growing up in Southam the them e of by these values and inculcat one in born was I gh. thou were different Our experiences and perspectives rnet wifi, have access to everything from inte we ld, wor the in s ntrie variety wealthiest cou to ss acce d, money to buy things we nee and online resources, computer games, car , hen kitc d gne desi l s, tap water, wel us nd of fashions, education, our own room arou ld wor the of ing and s and underst us for TV. These informed our experience easy were sharing with us. Whilst it was ging and challenges the values are parents llen cha was it were born and brought up, to integrate into the communities we ck as stated by my dad: sho ural cult for my parents and often a at

anyone. I arrived eye opener for me. I did not know The journey to Southampton was an me up. It was cold ing pick is one I then realised that no Southampton coach station at 10pm. many people but they for the weather. I tried to speak to and I was dressed inappropriately little interactions. very er, spap new y were reading their did not understand my accent. Man ared tense and hurried from different planets. People appe We looked like a group of strangers me and showed me to e cam man fortunate though, a and little time for anything else. I was hampton changed B and B for the night. My life in Sout how to use a phone box to call a expected me to they ity, mun com university and in the university and overtime with ups and downs. At the the to read the map to be able to navigate the toilets even know everything. First I had to learn use to able be to s posters, leaflets, flyer clothing, s, the city, then read every single notice, food an ain anything to you. Access to Afric to learn had properly because no one would expl We . mum your and me massive challenges to ly. By the time cultures and prayer rooms posted a rent diffe ren child our up ght brou ly and to cook differently and dress different bians in the city we started reaching out to a few Gam I finished my MSc and PhD program support group called I am the chair of the biggest African and set up support groups. Today nations, systematic rimi disc of s case ons. Despite isolated welcoming city The United Voice of African Associati and hampton is one of the most diverse racisms and issues of inequalities, Sout feeling at home. for migrants in the South and I am g

transformin the community now and my dad is My parents are well integrated into e passion in sam the . My dad and I shared lives in Northam and St. Mary’s area s prefect I clas a As . now e and we feel at hom helping the communities to thrive I will help ple that need help and in the long run would like to continue helping peo ities excel.

Southampton’s deprived commun Yours Sincerely, Hawa Sanneh (10yrs old) Year 5

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Hetain Patel: Trinity Until 30 October 2021 John Hansard Gallery is proud to present Trinity, the biggest solo exhibition to date by the highly acclaimed artist Hetain Patel. Trinity is also the name for an ambitious new film by Patel, the final part of a trilogy being premiered at John Hansard Gallery. Working with dance, martial arts and sign language collaborators, Trinity represents Patel’s most significant film so far.

Alongside Trinity, John Hansard Gallery is showing the first two films from the trilogy:

Mary Evans Saints and Saviours 21 September - 6 November 2021

Black Heritage Quilt by members of Black Heritage Southampton 21 September onwards

For Black History Month, John Hansard Gallery is delighted to have commissioned Mary Evans to create artworks celebrating Southampton’s vibrant diasporic communities and history.

John Hansard Gallery is pleased to exhibit a handmade quilt made by members of Black Heritage Southampton. The quilt was created from workshops led by artist Shoshanna Goldstein in 2008. This creative and social activity involved local people coming together to share stories, whilst using their new skills to reuse fabric to striking effect.

Evans is concerned with identity politics, belonging and separation. She is interested in how the social, cultural and political dynamics of modern Britain are also the legacy of Britain’s imperial past.

Her fascination lies in the journey via which people arrive and settle through emigration and Diaspora.

Evans creates installations by making cut outs of pictorial images to create work based on historical or social interest. Her hands-on approach allows her to maintain the handcrafted quality of the work in keeping with the image’s simplicity.

For Southampton, she will create a series of site-specific works appearing across our city in October.

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Inspired by Barbara Brackman and her book ‘Facts and Fabrications, Unravelling the History of Quilts and Slavery’, the design uses the Ohio Star.

This is a traditional pattern that has its roots in the American Civil War and antislavery movement at that time.

Black Heritage is a local charity promoting the welfare of members of the Caribbean community in Southampton.

Started in 1988, the group was formed to support older members of the African Caribbean community, providing a place to meet new friends and socialise.

Don’t Look at the Finger (2017) and The Jump (2015). The exhibition also features a number of related new sculptural works, which incorporate costumes and action figures of characters from the films, as well as a film merchandise ‘Gift Shop’.

Trinity is presented in partnership with New Art Exchange, Nottingham and will be shown there from 29 January to 24 April 2022.

For more information on John Hansard Gallery’s programme, please visit www.jhg.art.

Image credits:

Don’t Look at the Finger

Trinity

Hetain Patel, Don’t Look at the Finger, film still, 2017. Commissioned by Film and Video Umbrella, Manchester Art Gallery and Quad.

Supported by Arts Council

Hetain Patel, Trinity, film still, 2021. Commissioned

by John Hansard Gallery, New Art Exchange, Sadler’s Wells, Gulbenkian and Motwani Jadeja Family Foundation. Supported by Hayward Gallery Touring for British Art Show 9 and Arts Council England

Mary Evans Sojourn, installation image, Layers, La Banque Art Centre, Bethune, France, 2019. Courtesy the artist

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The Value of Black Hair

The United Voice of African Associations (TUVAA)’s New Book: TELLING OTHER hiSTORIES plus information on source material and further reading. The book also contains a migration timeline, a walking trail around key sites in old Southampton, and some colourful artwork and poetry contributed by young members of TUVAA who took part in a children’s workshop.

From twist outs, to braids, hair wraps and the silk press, it is clear that current afro hair trends are making a big impact on the fashion and beauty industry as Black women negotiate the politics surrounding identity and culture. The expression of beauty through hair has historically been a key signature of Black culture that women have used as a personal expression of who they are, and it has been incredible to acknowledge the ingenuity and innovation that Black women have utilised – from straightened and processed, to weaves and wigs.

However, for every Black woman, the relationship with her hair is an emotional one, as we explore styles that fit our personal beauty standards as well as how we are perceived in the workplace.

It is no surprise then that hair has been a sensitive topic of discussion for decades, loaded with oppressive stereotypes that have enforced discrimination and social hardships on Black women and men more than any other cultural group.

Unfortunately, in the UK much of this journey has been marked by the lack of access to Black hair salons across the country. In 2017 a study by the Hair & Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA) revealed that there were 35,704 beauty salons in the UK, but only 302 Afro42

Caribbean salons. It is clear that there is a major gap in the professional expertise of UK hairdressers to address this need, and now new National Occupational Standards (NOS) guidelines for hairdressing published in June have been updated to cater for those with afro and textured hair, thanks to campaigning from the British Beauty Council. It is now compulsory for all hairdressing students to learn to cut and style afro and textured hair, and is an important step forward in addressing the oppressive hair stereotypes that have enforced discrimination and social hardships on Black women and men more than any other cultural group. Change is coming, and is long overdue. Addressing hair inequality in salons is just another way of recognising Afro hair as beautiful and worthy of care.

Sharon D Lloyd is Race and Equalities Advisor for Education Pillar with the British Beauty Council. She is also Senior Academic and Course Leader for several degrees including MA Makeup and Hair Design Futures, BA Makeup and Hair Design. Lloyd’s leadership focuses on fostering critical thinking in conjunction with creative practice.

Sharon D Lloyd FHEA, PGCLTHE, MA

Case studies range from the well-known, such as the Tudor salvage diver Jacques Francis, who worked on the Mary Rose to the toddler Zoe Loanda trafficked to Brazil from Angola in the nineteenth century by Portuguese slave traders. Zoe was rescued by a British Naval vessel and eventually settled in Southampton. Stories include that of the great Shakespearian actor Ira Aldridge, Black John a medieval carpenter and the heiress Anne Morse, the book is in full colour with over 150 illustrations.

Early Black History in Southampton c1500-1900 The Hampshire Archives Trust gave a generous grant to The United Voices of Africa Association in 2020 in response to the need to for a publication on early black history in Southampton. Dr Cheryl Butler worked with TUVAA, and with the generous research support of other historians and local history societies to bring together a colourful group of case studies of ordinary and extraordinary black people that had lived in Southampton since the middle ages. The book is divided into chapters looking at the late medieval, Tudor, eighteenth century, and Victorian periods up to the First World War, with an overview of each period, short stories and detailed cases studies

The publication is available from Sea City Museum www.seacitymuseum. co.uk. Information on other outlets are available from TUVAA at 89 Cranbury Ave, Southampton SO14 0LS or contact Dr. Abdoulie Sanneh (TUVAA chair) at a_sanneh@hotmail.co.uk

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Abri proudly supports Black History Month

We’re passionate about making a positive difference and every person we work with has an important role to play in that.

Everyone is different, everyone is unique and we want to work with talented people with big ideas to help communities thrive.

We have exciting opportunities open now, visit www.abri.co.uk./careers to find out more.