Black History Month South : 2023 Programme

Celebrating the significance of our heritage & identity in the south

WELCOME

TO

BLACK HI

BOOK DESIGNED BY INJEKTMEDIA.COM COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: © NOSA MALCOLM 2023 FEATURING ANDRE FERGUS, ANN CATO, BEVERLEY DOWDELL, GORDON BENN, LLOYD MUIRHEAD, TONI BANNISTER, VILMA SCOTT, YVONNE HARRIS CONTENT & EDITING : LOU TAYLOR WWW.BLACKHISTORYSOUTH.COM

MONTH

ISTORY SOUTH In the year that marked 75 years since the arrival of the HMT Windrush, it is fitting that our theme for this year’s Black History Month is Heritage. The contributions made to Business, Art, Music and Education by a generation that had to deal with racism and many other obstacles cannot be underestimated.

It’s by standing on their shoulders and their creativity, optimism and resilience that subsequent generations have been able to make advancements across all sectors albeit in small increments.

This Black History Month we will celebrate the significance of our heritage, and the impact it has had on shaping the diversity of talent and identity of UK culture. From untold stories of resilience and triumph to the artistic expressions that have been woven into the fabric of history both locally and nationally.

Heritage is not a static artefact of the past; it breathes life into our present and drives our dreams for the future. It’s what should empower us to work towards creating a world where equality and justice prevail. Drawing strength from the battles fought and won by people like those of the Windrush Generation. Together let’s make sure we continue to strive for a better tomorrow.

Lou Taylor DIRECTOR

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#HERITAGE

ENRICHED BY Whilst we rightly continue to challenge against a number of stubborn corners of society. Be that persons, institutions or sections of communities in the UK or world wide. I’m warmly encouraged by the many people from different backgrounds and cultures; people of different colour, who earnestly stand alongside us in the quest for equality. I’m also struck by what I’ve learned from more of our younger generation.

Essentially that yes, we should always remember the past and continue to improve the future.

But that we must also have more emphasis on celebration. Well, we hear ya… our theme for this year is surely an ideal fit for that sentiment.

May we, and all our much appreciated BHM allies be cordially enriched by #Heritage For too many years inequality has been weaponised against us, to break our spirit and at its worst, to dehumanise us. Obscuring what should automatically be an accessible birth right.

The building blocks for undoing this can only truly equip us spiritually and manifestly when aided and abetted by equality. When/where we are freely able turn over every stone that might just reveal discarded or hidden truths about our antecedents. To know the regal, strong, creative and brilliant shoulders we stand can, only be an immense blessing to us; anchoring our identity, bolstering our self worth and sure-footing our pride with the gift of Heritage.

Olu Rowe COORDINATOR

BLACK HISTORY MONTH SOUTH

IN MEMORIAM

Anver Jeevanjee RACE CAMPAIGNER

Godfrey Brandt RACE CAMPAIGNER

LEST WE FORGET 04

KEY NOTE SPEAKERS Cllr Laurent’s early life was growing up in a farming community in North Devon. Life has progressed to and through her career in hospitality and catering to become a city Councillor. She is proud to represent her residents since 2016 using life experiences to try to help make a difference.

She has sat on various panels including Children and Families Scrutiny Panel and Learning and Disability Partnership Board among others.

As a long-term volunteer member of Southampton Sunday Lunch Project, now Joint Chair, they feed people in need, lonely or homeless every Sunday, an entirely local Charity.

They receive a good homecooked, two or three course meal free of charge. The Charity rely entirely on donations to support this work, no one should go hungry. Over 100 wonderful volunteers give their time for this.

Louise (pronouns she/her) is a TEDx speaker, an aspiring CEO and a multiaward-winning equality specialist. She has 13+ years of experience in delivering culture change through strategy development, training, stakeholder engagement, and programme management - with a fire to shake and disrupt the status quo. She is a mentor with Just Like Us and a trustee at Watershed and is passionate about giving back to her community.

Her specialism is in race equity, LGBT+ inclusion, and mental health across Higher Education and the charity sector.

Louise has a strong intersectional approach to her work and is passionate about bringing stakeholders together through innovation and creativity to create change.

Working for the welfare of people is important to Cllr Laurent and she feels it is a privilege.

Louise Ndibwirende Goux-Wirth

Councillor Valerie Laurent

T E DX S P E A K E R

L O R D M AYO R O F S O U T H A M P T O N

The theme for Black History Month this year is “Heritage”, and how we interpret that can tell us something about ourselves and something about the society we live in.

As Black people we have many identities that can relate to, where we were born, whether we are a product of more than one ethnic group, the religion we have adopted and sometimes just the identity that we feel most comfortable with….. notwithstanding those who are in denial of their “Blackness”. As children of migrant communities there is always the pressure to adapt to our present circumstances. Such an adaptation can sometimes leave us conflicted but no matter how hard we try to resist there is still a residue of our past in our DNA, sometimes physically and sometimes psychologically, which can manifest itself in the most unexpected ways, and in some instances either by over identification, or purposeful distancing.

There is much evidence to suggest that the more we look like the majority population the easier it is for us to assimilate or as they say….blend in.

This can relate to the fairness of our skin, the

straightness of our hair, the shape of our nose and the colour of our eyes and some argue that these factors can challenge our will to commit to positions that identify us with more strident issues relating to the condition of Black people in the UK. Education or lack of it has played a massive part in helping us to fully embrace our heritage as Black peoples dispersed all over the world. The universal narrative about Black people….what they are, who they are….what have they ever done has played a significant part in contributing to a negative awareness of our own heritage. What we are taught in school and what we are not taught in school can do a great deal of damage to young minds that may never recover.

When I was at school, I was very often embarrassed when the subject of slavery came up in the classroom; being one of the few Black boys in the class. I could feel the sly looks from the white boys in the class either feeling embarrassed for me or amused by the fact that this was my history. Images of fully clothed white explorers in pith helmets, and Black people in varying states of undress looking decidedly “uncivilised” were commonplace. At that time and sometimes now history was taught from a colonial perspective and the glorious histories of the African continent were not told and the fact that the African continent was responsible for many great advancements in

world history was very often ignored. Was this truly the legacy of my people? I am not altogether sure whether the narrative is much different now and whether the second, third and fourth generations of Black people in the west are conversant with positive histories of Africa and if the legacy of slavery is still the dominant one in the history of Black peoples and continues to perpetuate this singular narrative!

The West is in great danger of only offering the history of Africa and Black peoples from the moment Europe interacted with Africa and the subsequent Transatlantic Slave Trade followed by colonialism. Should we not contextualise that time by explaining what was going on in Africa before European intervention. How does this absence of context contribute to our understanding of the big picture. Should we not also explain how the relationship between this country and the colonies contributed to the wealth of the nation and in part to the economic condition of each and every one of us. We are presently having discussions with Sea City Museum Southampton about the slavery exhibition “Sugar, Politics and Money” an exhibition about Southampton and The Transatlantic Slave Trade”; to determine the merits of practically contextualising the exhibition with evidence of Africa before colonisation.

Sometimes individuals find themselves having to make choices as to which part of their heritage they should identify with most and is it a betrayal if they gravitate to one more than the other. I believe that it is important to acknowledge all the ethnic backgrounds that we have and take the best from both; but if you choose to ignore certain aspects of your heritage because your appreciation of one of your identities has been poisoned by misinformation and disinformation, written from a European perspective, you may need to think again.

If we are to truly respect our heritage as Black people our minds must search beyond the place where we happened to be born whether that is London, Southampton, New York or Kingston Jamaica because we all in our hearts know where our families originated from, and we all make choices about whether we are interested in identifying with that part of our heritage and that may be a consequence of our colonisation background.

Sometimes heritage is all about what we choose to remember or what is the path of least resistance.

Don John FOUNDER

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Supporting Black History Month

02381 980 072 www.awaazfm.co.uk DAB (South Hampshire)

South Hampshire’s Biggest Multi-language Community Radio Station

Supporting Black History Mo

SUPPORTING BLACK HISTORY MONTH SOUTH 2023

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CELEBRATING

DIVERSITY

WITH HAMPSHIRE & ISLE OF WIGHT FIRE & RESCUE Jamie Kelly HIOWFRS

I know I speak for Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin, and the Combined Fire Authority when I say how proud we are that HIOWFRS are able to host and be a key sponsor of the launch of Black History Month South 2023. For decades now we have served the growing and diverse communities of Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and will continue to do for years to come.

This will be my second year involved in the BHM South event and writing this led me to reflect on the importance of BHM and the question that immediately came to mind was ‘why only a month? Whilst I don’t believe we should limit this celebration to a single month, it is a valuable opportunity to remember and celebrate the impact of black people on our local history and the country as a whole. When we look back to 1948, there can be no argument to the benefits and positivity the Windrush Generation brought to the city of Southampton and the ‘British Way of Life’.

HIWFRS are proud of our diverse workforce and are committed to make ourselves an employer of choice for all our communities, whether as a station-based firefighter, firefighter in control or in one of our many supporting roles based across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.. We welcome everyone reading this to consider a career within the sector, either for yourself or somebody you know who wants to serve and protect our community. We are continually looking for people to join our team in a number of functions.

Community Serving our community, and keeping it safe, is the reason that we exist, and we offer a number of ways of doing so beyond the response to a fire, including Safe and Well visits for vulnerable members of our community: Workplace Safety Our Protection team regularly engage with business owners to ensure that they are doing everything they can to keep themselves and their customers safe by following the correct laws and legislation .

I am really looking forward to the continued relationship that we have with Black History Month South and am really excited about the month ahead, and beyond. I also hope that a career within HIWFRS is one that you or somebody close to you will consider.

For further information, please use the links or email below. www.hantsfire.gov.uk/safety/the-workplace/ www.hantsfire.gov.uk/safety/home-safe-home/ www.hantsfire.gov.uk/careers/become-afirefighter/ www.hantsfire.gov.uk/careers/join-our-team/ www.hantsfire.gov.uk/about/inclusion-anddiversity/ EDI@hantsfire.gov.uk

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INCREASING THE AWARENESS OF

BLACK HEALTH FOR THE COMMUNITY Our Heritage and Health Statistically the black community account for 4.2% of the UK population (Census 2021). Yet we lead in statistics for obesity, and higher prevalence for diabetes, high blood pressure compared to the national average.

We do have to understand the role played by genetics when it comes to our health; but socioeconomic factors have a significant impact too. Living in a western society the black community often experience low levels of employment, limited access to good quality food, and living in highly polluted cities.

the Transatlantic Slave Trade as they would use herbalism to treat injuries and illness from plantation life. Also, those slaves that escaped slavery foraged for herbs and food on the long journeys to freedom.

Bidii exists to highlight health disparities, and where we can illustrate positive changes that can be made to tackle issues such as fitness, diet and nutrition. In modern society with advances in food production, for example, have changed our diet to include more heavily processed products.

However, historically we have a strong legacy of living a holistic lifestyle in synergy with nature.

However, in modern western societies we see so much has changed. Our food consumption, overall physical activity and much more is nothing like centuries before. With several health disparities between the Afro Caribbean community and the wider population; we are seeing health issues developing at a much younger age for our community than the national average. Cancers, diseases and diabetes are just to name a few.

Herbalism and Bitters African history includes figures such as Imhotep who is considered to be the founder of ancient Egyptian medicine. Herbalism had a spiritual element; and he is known for his use of herbal medicines to treat patients and perform surgeries.

The continent of Africa has a long history of herbalism. Using the natural environment for our health and vitality. These teachings were crucial and travelled with enslaved Africans during

Rastafarianism Rastafarianism is one of the most commonly known movements with a focus on eating food in its natural state and avoiding any meat, dairy and artificial additives; known as an Ital diet.

Rastafarianism observes the principle of food being natural, and fresh from the earth.

Bidii aims to provide a better understanding of great lifestyle changes that can be made to improve the health issues currently experienced by the Black community. We aim to look back at the lessons from past generations and appreciate the many teachings.

For more information please visit www.bidii.co.uk

Interested in becoming a Trustee?

Who are we?

Stop Domestic Abuse provides refuge and tailored one-to-one support for adult victims and children affected by domestic abuse across the whole of Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton Stop Domestic Abuse is a feminist organisation striving for inclusivity and equality. We want to be an organisation that is reflective of the communities we serve; therefore, we actively encourage and welcome applications from women from black, Asian, other minority ethnic groups and diverse cultures, who are currently underrepresented on our board.

Trustee Brochure

Who are we looking for?

New Female* Trustees will enjoy working with a dedicated team exploring new ideas and projects, alongside the delivery of existing services. Ideally all new Trustees will have an understanding of domestic abuse.

Bringing a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills the Trustee will have the ability to think creatively and offer fresh perspective and will engage with all stakeholders.

This is an unpaid voluntary position for which proper and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. *This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

For more information visit: stopdomesticabuse.uk @southerndas

Registered Charity Number 1146773

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TURNER SIMS SOUTHAMPTON:

As a music venue, Turner Sims Southampton is passionate about connecting communities locally and globally through the joy of live music. So much of that joy is shaped by Black history and the invaluable contributions of Black musicians. Without such contributions the jazz, classical and global music that fills our stage As abe music Turner Sims would very venue, different.

and help create a truly inclusive and diverse music industry. We’ve invited them to challenge us, while we collaborate to lead positive change.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Meanwhile, on stage we continue to present the finest British and international artists this autumn. We welcome MOBO Award-winning saxophonist YolanDa Brown with here paved the way forand those soul who have. a played fusion ofor reggae, jazz on It’s a chance to feel proud of artists, such as Soweto Saturday 30th September and a Southampton is passionate Kinch, Peter Edwards, and Denys Baptiste, who we’ve nurtured in their early careers.

It’s also a moment to Forabout Turner Sims, Blackcommunities History Month live version of her hit CBeebies Band connecting reflect and challenge ourselves to do more to tackle is alocally time toand celebrate thethrough incredible on Sunday 1st October. globally the Jam inequity in music and wider society. musicians who've played here or joy of live music.

This year we’ve partnered with Black Lives in Music paved the way for those who have.

Soul singer, producer and pianist to combat racism and help create a truly inclusive It's a chance to feel proud of artists, Reuben - who fame So much of that joy is shaped

by Black and diverseJames music industry.

We’veshot invitedto them to and the invaluable challenge us, whilewith we collaborate to lead positive such as Sowetohistory Kinch, Peter Edwards collaborating superstars from contributions of Black change. Meanwhile, on stage, we continue to present and Denys Baptiste,musicians. who we've Stormzy to Herbie Hancock Without such the finest British and international artists this autumn. contributions, theIt's jazz, We welcome on MOBO Award-winning saxophonist nurtured in their early careers. performs Thursday 26 October. classical, and global YolanDa Brown with a fusion of reggae, jazz, and soul also a moment to reflect and music that fills our stage on Saturday, September 30th, and a live version of would very different. challenge ourselves to dobemore to Exciting young drummer, producer her hit CBeebies Band Jam on Sunday, October 1st. tackle inequity in music and wider and composer Romarna Campbell For Turner Sims, Black Soul singer, producer, and pianist Reuben James society. starts December with a bang on History Month is a time - who shot to fame collaborating with superstars to celebrate the incredible from Stormzy Herbie Hancock - performs on Friday 1st to December with her jazz musicians who’ve Thursday, October 26th. Exciting young drummer, This year we've partnered with Black and hip hop trio. producer, and composer Romarna Campbell starts Lives in Music to combat racism December with a bang on Friday, December 1st, with her jazz and hip-hop trio.

For more information on our October events please visit: www.turnersims.co.uk

PASSIONATE ABOUT MUSIC & DIVERSITY Opened in July 2019 initially as a pop-up vinyl shop, and now a fully established record store, Overdraft Records is a one-ofa-kind venue in Southampton’s Shirley neighbourhood.

sound community hub, welcoming everyone from new record collectors to vinyl veterans, good music enthusiasts, sessionable ale fans, and Mexican street food lovers all under one roof. www.overdraftrecords.co.uk 383 Shirley Road, Southampton, SO15 3DJ

Proudly championing diversity and heavily stocked genres such as soul, jazz, funk, reggae, DnB, Jungle, Blues, Hip Hop, Dub, Ska and music of black origin, this shop doesn’t shy away from celebrating the rich tapestry of musical heritage and the city’s music scene. In addition to its exceptional vinyl offerings, Overdraft Records nurtures emerging talent from the city, hosting intimate in-store performances and featuring some of the best vinyl spinners from Southampton’s vibrant DJ culture spanning a massive 40+ years.

They caters to night owls by staying open late every day of the week, serving up a fine slice of vinyl with a beer on the side. It’s more than just a store; it’s a

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POETRY THE WINDRUSH

CAME

They stole us by chains Then the Windrush came A plea from the Queen you see Workers are needed as mother country is struggling A plea from afar so my people heeded And so the journey started The Windrush Generation Not knowing was to be expected As families were disrupted And parents departed to our mother country The Windrush started And what a day when the ships sailed in with hundreds of workers The journey started To the streets they thought that was paved in gold Apprehension, elation, great expectation for the opportunity to travel to the mother country

WORDS BY JENNY GORDON No one could foresee the writing on the wall No Irish, no dogs, no blacks And here they were without a home In a cold foreign country Look how far we’ve come It was our love ones who bore the pain They were shunned and shamed and spat upon and called names and resented But still others came looking for a better life in our mother county Those days were long and hard But still they battled on.

Through turmoil and determination To keep the promise To our mother country

A WINDRUSH NURSE WORDS BY STEVINA SOUTHWELL

I am a proud hardworking Jamaican, with big Island dreams; Of becoming a nurse for the mother nation, all was not quite as it seems?

Raised in Jamaica the beautiful Caribbean, in those days under British rule.

I learnt about Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole when I went to school.

They were the ones that shaped me and influenced my path; Not knowing the hardships to follow and incurring wrath.

In the beginning I desired to be a teacher; But that was not going to feature.

As when I applied it was nursing that came my way; This was the catalyst for my future and where I was going to stay.

My desire in helping others within my community; Inspired my nursing training in Jamaica’s top University.

The emphasis was on total patient care and their mental wellbeing; I guess nowadays this is something, we are no longer seeing.

Recruiters came to our Island for nurses to be found; Even Enoch Powell, which now may seem profound.

They needed us to go to England, to support the National Health.

Islanders like me come from across the Commonwealth.

After 3 years of nursing and midwifery in my island home; I wanted to specialise in intensive care, which meant venturing on my own.

In 1971 my new adventure had begun; I was full of anticipation and excitement, as I was young.

There was no one to meet me at the airport, when I arrived.

I was told to take the train to Southampton I was feeling nervous inside.

I boarded at the nurse’s home; I did a post grad in intensive care; Nurses did everything back then, with passion, hard work and flare.

I would strip the patients bedding and clean around the bed; I took temperatures, blood pressure and pulse making sure they were also fed.

30-40 patients would be in one ward; I checked and recorded everything, no chance of being bored.

Modern nursing is very different it’s about academics and getting a degree; No time to spend with patients and giving them a cup of tea.

I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years; My role as a nurse has been rewarding, and at times has bought me to tears.

Not everyone welcomed us, due to the colour of our skin; We were seen as second class and would take in on the chin.

Now the NHS is quite a diverse place to be; There are people of every colour, and race that we now see.

My nursing career has served me well and made me who I am today.

A young woman who came from Jamaica now England my home to stay.

The Windrush generation played a major part in serving and building the NHS; Our hard work and dedication has made it world class and is the very best.

The NHS is vital and is a national treasure; We must appreciate its importance and value it forever.

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AMPLIFYING VOI In the vibrant city of Southampton, the lifeblood of community connection thrives through its strong and diverse community radio.

With a rich tapestry of voices, perspectives, and passions, Southampton’s community radio stations serve as a vital platform for local residents to come together, share their stories, and celebrate the remarkable diversity that defines this coastal city. Whether it’s music that transcends genres, thoughtprovoking discussions, or cultural showcases, these radio stations play an indispensable role in fostering unity and understanding within Southampton’s dynamic community.

THIS IS SOUL w/JIM BAKER

VIBRANT VIBES

SO:LATE w/JUDE ONE EIGHT

Tuesday 7pm

w/KEISHA EDWARDS

Thursday 10pm

Unity 101.1 FM / unity101.org

Tuesday 7pm

Fiesta 95 FM / fiestafm.co.uk

Unity 101.1 FM / unity101.org Hosted by the Black music missionary Jim Baker, bringing you a soulful mix of R&B, Old School, funk, and urban music, complete with interviews with renowned artists and musicians.

Tune in for the latest news and stories from the vibrant Black British, African, and Caribbean communities, along with updates from across Africa and the Caribbean Islands. But that’s not all! Immerse yourself in the rich sounds of reggae, soca, and afrobeats presented by the wonderful Keisha Edwards.

Join Jude One Eight as he celebrates our finest sounds and emerging talents. With an ear to the ground of what’s going on in Southampton and beyond, navigating through the auditory landscapes of our community, unearthing the hidden gems of fresh bands and gifted solo artists who are shaping the city’s musical identity.

ICES

MEET THE SHINING STARS OF LOCAL RADIO

VOICES OF AFRICA w/VICTORIA UGWOEME

KING CULTURE w/JAMILA NANOZZI

Tuesday 4pm

Monday 12pm

Voice FM / voicefm.co.uk

Voice FM / voicefm.co.uk

Bringing you a broad range of interests around African people: such as Culture, Vibes, Music, Food, Education, Agriculture, History, shared experience and achievements. Africa has a very diverse culture.

The culture of each ethnic group is so authentic in nature. Here is an opportunity for Africans and Individuals who have lived or visited Africa, to share their stories with the wider audience on the show.

Voice FM welcomes Jamila Nanozzi, a recent Mechanical and Manufacturing engineering graduate and a skilled men’s braider and hairstylist, who leverages her influence to educate young boys and men about self-care and grooming; catch her hosting two lunchtime shows on Monday, starting at noon with the Lunchbox Quiz, where she shares her expertise in science and engineering, followed by King Culture at 1 pm, where she offers valuable advice on skincare, haircare, and hygiene for young men.

SOCA SHOW w/COCO P Tuesday 8pm Voice FM / voicefm.co.uk Get ready to groove and shake to the ultimate fusion of musical flavours with Coco P. A hot blend of Soca, Chutney, and Calypso Music, infused with a generous dash of Reggae, Dancehall, and Bollywood for a sonic journey that transcends borders and takes you on a wild ride through the vibrant sounds of the Caribbean. From the streets of Trinidad to the clubs of Jamaica, this electrifying mix is set to ignite your soul. It’s time to turn up the heat and let the Caribbean spirit take over!

SOUL TRAIN w/DON JOHN Tuesday 7pm Voice FM / voicefm.co.uk One of the longest running shows on the station, this weekly broadcast that brings you a wide variety of Soul Music from Blues and R&B to Hip Hop and Afrobeat. Don weaves into the show issues of social interest that impact on the condition of Black communities and promotes activities in the region that connects to Black and inner-city communities.

Having been on the air for over 10 years, it’s one of the most long-lasting shows in the region that speaks directly to issues that relate to the social circumstances of Black communities.

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Marcus Garvey famously wrote: “A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots” -

PRESERVING BLACK HISTORY

NEW ONLINE ARCHIVES LAUNCH Black Archives South is a comprehensive photo, film, audio and resource library of Black people in South of England: freely available for all including, young people, students, academics, and enthusiasts in Southampton and beyond.

The project will create a permanent and impactful repository of information, materials, and artefacts that are dedicated to telling the history of Black people with regards to the city of Southampton covering, remarkably, at least five hundred years.

By raising awareness, appreciation and celebration of the long-term presence and immense contribution of Black residents and visitors to

the south of England, we educate contemporary society about the origins, heritage, cultures, professions and impacts of the local Black community. We also aim to bring clarity and truth to an often obscured, inaccurate or derogatory historical narrative.

Southampton and the region have been collecting evidence of the Black presence for decades.

Much of the evidence is scattered all over the region and plans have been made to assemble this information in locations that are available and accessible. The establishment of the Black Archives South website is the beginning of this process.

If you have photos, films, documents, and materials please feel free to contact BAS and to discuss how this information can be preserved. www..blackarchivessouth.org

G OUR

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EBONY ROCK FROM MURAL TO DOCUMENTARY

A short documentary film has been produced, chronicling the story of Ebony Rockers, a 1970s Reggae band, formed in Southampton in the slipstream of the ‘Rock Against Racism’ movement. The film examines the band’s career from a sociopolitical perspective and records the unveiling of a giant tribute mural in their home city, over 40 years after the original formation.

In 2022 a mural was placed in central Southampton recognising the achievements of 1980s Southampton reggae band Ebony Rockers, this was also marked by the production of a 14 min short film celebrating that important tribute.

There will be a special event during Southampton Film Week on a date to be determined to celebrate the numerous nominations and awards that the film has received subsequently.

The film “The Ebony Rockers Mural”, directed by Richard David and produced by Montaj Media Village has achieved beyond its expectations.

These nominations have included The Portobello Film Festival London: Best Music film and finalist

for best Documentary, Kuumba Film Festival New York: Best Documentary Afro Brix Film Festival Milan: Best Multi Cultural Film, Race to Justice Film Challenge Los Angeles: Nomination, SPE Media Festival Denver: Best Cultural Film, nomination for best documentary at Accra Indie Festival and finalists for the International Black & Diversity Film Festival in Toronto. The film is also being screened at a major Black Film Festival in Connecticut. As a finalist in the Canadian Festival, it will receive a further screening in New York next spring. This year it also appeared as an official selection in the Rhode Island Black Film Festival and the Queens International Black Film Festival in East New York.

At this Event Director Richard David will receive the Kuumba film Festival award trophy for Best Documentary and Mykaell Riley Senior Lecturer, Director for The Black Music Research Unit Westminster University and a founder member of the legendary band Steel Pulse will be the keynote speaker. Rick Blackman, author of ‘Babylon’s Burning’, the acclaimed story of music’s battle against racism in Britain will also speak.

Montaj Media Village are a Southampton Based film company and the production team has decades of experience in making films that have a social conscience and are rooted in the experiences of peoples in the Southampton region and their short promotional film will be screened alongside the Ebony Rockers Mural film.

KERS

03 2 1

OUR WINDRUS

LEGAC A series of iconic photographic portraits of Southampton members of the Windrush generation will be on display on shop windows and digital billboards in Southampton city centre throughout October

From 2021–22, members of the local community who are part of the Windrush generation were invited to record their oral histories for Black Archives South. Southamptonbased photographer, Nosa Malcolm has collaborated with these members of the community to create striking portraits that represent their personal stories. These portraits have been combined with excerpts from their oral histories by the renowned graphic designer Greg Bunbury from Black Outdoor Art. Windrush Legacy aims to commemorate, celebrate and educate about the role that the Windrush Generation have played in making Southampton stronger, culturally richer, and more inclusive. This is a partnership project between Black Archives South, Black History Month South, Black Heritage Group, John Hansard Gallery, Southampton City Council, and University of Southampton with support from the UK Government’s Windrush Day Grant Scheme 2023.

For exact locations and more details of the iconic images please visit : www.cocreatingpublicspace.co.uk WINDRUSH LEGACY PHOTOGRAPHY: © NOSA MALCOLM, 2023 TOP LEFT: KERWIN ROGERS TOP RIGHT: VILMA SCOTT MIDDLE RIGHT:ANDRE FERGUS BOTTOM LEFT: GORDON BEN BOTTOM LEFT: TONI BANNISTER

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WINDRUSH

ARTWORK STORM IN A TEACUP, MICHAEL ELLIOTT (2018)

This October new artworks by Jamaican artist Michael Elliott and Nigerian artist Mary Evans will be on display on shop windows and digital billboards in Southampton city centre.

At the beginning of their collaboration, Michael and Mary’s artworks featured on billboards across Jamaica in February 2023 as part of Black History Month celebrations in the Caribbean. Windrush Portraits is the conclusion of their transatlantic artistic collaboration and their new artworks will be presented at the same time in both Southampton and Jamaica as part of Black History Month UK.

These new artworks have been developed through exchange visits and working with communities in Southampton and Kingston, Jamaica. Michael Elliott visited Southampton and participated in Windrush Day events in June 2023, and Mary Evans visited Kingston, Jamaica in July 2023.

Windrush Portraits celebrates the individuals, highlights the injustices, and commemorates the important contribution of the Windrush Generation to the UK’s recovery in the post-war period.

Windrush Portraits has been developed in partnership between John Hansard Gallery, Black History Month South, Black Archives South, Kingston Creative, Jamaica as part of Co-Creating Public Space that is funded by Arts Council England.

K IN THE CITY Michael Elliott and Mary Evans Various locations throughout October www.cocreatingpublicspace.co.uk

PLEASE DO NOT BEND, MARY EVANS (2015)

Mary Evans and Michael Elliott in Kingston, Jamaica, July 2023

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BLACK ARTIST SPOTLIGHT:

“The majority of African masks have closed eyes – closed to this world, but open, inwardly, to another”

KIALY TIHNGANG

AT GOD’S HOUSE TOWER

Fetissoes is a new body of work by Kialy Tihngang, commissioned by ‘a space’ arts in partnership with Black History Month South and exhibited at ‘a space’ arts’ headline venue, God’s House Tower, a 700-year-old ancient monument in the heart of Southampton’s Old Town.

working across textiles, sculpture, moving image, and costume. I interrogate themes of personal identity – typically Blackness and queerness – from ambiguous and absurd angles, reimagining old histories and speculating on new ones. Afropresentism, retrofuturism, obsolete technologies, and anachronistic advertisements inform my practice.

Kialy Tihngang is a multidisciplinary artist based in Glasgow. As a British-born Cameroonian, Kialy’’s research-based practice focuses on colonial European misrepresentation, extraction, and demonisation of West African cultural practices, but also on her own misremembering, misreading, and romanticisation of said practices. Primarily, she designs artefacts from reimagined histories and speculated futures.

My most significant body of work is ‘Useless Machines’ (2021). It is a series of moving interlocking laser cut wooden sculptures, wrapped in waste fabrics and hand-stitched, and a single-channel video ‘advertising’ the sculptures, as a darkly humorous response to electronic waste dumping (a neo-colonialist practice whereby wealthy countries dump their irreparable electronics into less affluent countries in the global south, increasingly in Africa).

For this commission, Kialy speculates that a group of enslaved African people jumped overboard their captors ship into the ocean and combined European maritime technology (the master’s tools) with fetishes (African religious objects with magical powers) to create tools to safely return home underwater. These tools take the form of six wearable sculptures, displayed in the Main Gallery space. An accompanying video showing the artefacts in action will be exhibited in the Barker Mill Project Space along with a procued soundtrack in collaboration with singer, producer, and songwriter Not Sarah that mines our shared British-Cameroonian identity and speaks to the oral sharing traditions of both African religions and enslaved African people.

“My name is Kialy Tihngang, and I am a Glasgowbased interdisciplinary artist and designer,

‘Useless Machines’ was selected for Bloomberg New Contemporaries and QUAD (Derby)’s ‘Play During The Pandemic’, as well as being shortlisted in ARTS THREAD x Gucci Global Design Graduate Show and Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre’s The Next Thing Moving Image Award.

My show at God’s House Tower, Southampton. called, ‘Fetissoes’, will investigate colonial notions of African ‘idol worship’ by developing the aesthetics of ‘Useless Machines’ into totemic 2metre tall artefacts. It will also feature a moving image piece exploring West African pre-colonial religious traditions through the lens of electronic waste. As a person of Cameroonian heritage, I want to do justice to West African spiritualism, which is still vilified and deliberately misunderstood.

In the 16th century, Portuguese explorers were the first Europeans to make contact with Africans on the shores of modern-day Sierra Leone, where their settlement set off a chain of events leading to the transatlantic slave trade. These explorers considered Sierra Leonians to be ‘idolaters and sorcerers …ruled by witchcraft, placing their faith in oracles and demons’ , and deemed their religious objects such as masks, statues, and staffs to be ‘the heathen equivalents of the little sacramental objects common among pious Christians’ . They called them ‘fetissoes’, or fetishes: objects believed to have powers - idols worshipped by the Africans due to their ‘lack of abstract thought’ .

During the Middle Passage, slave traders often threw enslaved African people off the ships due to illness, lack of supplies, or, as in the case of the 1781 Zong Massacre, simply to claim reimbursement from insurance companies. However, many enslaved people jumped overboard of their own volition, choosing to succumb to the unknown waters of the Atlantic Ocean rather than remain in captivity. Their motivations are ambiguous; it could be read as a defeated last resort, or as an act of resistance against their enslavers.

I am interested in African and diasporic mythology that explores the latter interpretation, particularly the myth of the Flying Africans. This arose after a group of enslaved Igbo (an ethnic group mainly present in modern-day Nigeria) people were transported to Georgia in 1803 and enacted mass suicide by walking into a creek and drowning. In Gullah (an African-American ethnic group present in lowcountry U.S.) myth, the Africans grew wings and were able to fly back home across the Atlantic.

These traditional African water deities had been demonised by Euro-Christian colonialists, and the religious objects used to venerate them have been simplified and infantilised by art historians. Many of these priceless fetishes were looted, dispersed, and hung in European museums as pieces of art rather than instruments of worship. I am interested in the interior lives of these objects, packaged and transported overseas with more care than the enslaved people that were also looted from Africa.

The Benin Bronzes, unpolished and splayed on the British Museum’s sterile white walls, seem particularly frozen in time, raring to spring into action. The press in 1897 were “Intrigued and perplexed that work of such technical expertise and naturalism had been found in such quantities in Africa” , and throughout the 20th century this attitude has manifested in pseudo-archaeological theories attributing these skillfully crafted objects to Egyptian or Portuguese craftsmen, ancient underwater civilisations, and aliens, amongst others. This assumption of Black African intellectual inferiority directly reinforces the “lack of abstract thought” required for the socalled ‘idol worship’ of fetishes. Divorced from their former magical lives and hung up by corrupt custodians as pieces of ‘primitive’ art, are these fetishes in a dormant state, patiently awaiting their return to ritual use?

Fetissoes Exhibition Launch Saturday 7th October, 6pm-9pm www.godshousetower.org.uk

Due to my Cameroonian heritage and having lived in the Ivory Coast as a child, my upbringing was scattered with casual references to traditional African water deities, such as Mami Wata, a beautiful, deadly spirit akin to a European mermaid. During family visits to Cameroon, I watched masked juju processions with the fear and awe of both a British-born interloper and a child. My time in the Ivory Coast was filled with Nollywood (Nigerian cinema) movies that depicted these deities and their often ill-fated interactions with mortals. As an adult in Britain, I catch glimpses of these films at the hairdressers, on obscure TV channels, and on social media.

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LEARN ABOUT OUR OWN CITY’S RICH

BLACK HISTORY A Black History of Southampton

Black Stories: Southampton

by Don John & Stella Muirhead

by Don John

Shining a light on a crucial, yet often overlooked, facet of Southampton’s history is the book ‘A Black History of Southampton: 16th Century to 21st Century’ by Don John and Stella Muirhead.

This comprehensive work provides a layered exploration of the city’s Black history, countering the common misconception that Black presence in Southampton began only with The Windrush Generation.

John and Muirhead meticulously chart a timeline from the 16th to the 21st century, bringing to the forefront the significant roles that Black individuals and communities have played in shaping the city’s identity. Beyond a catalogue of events, this book offers a vivid portrayal of real lives and stories, underscoring the enduring impact of Black contributions to Southampton.

‘A Black History of Southampton’ serves as a valuable resource for those keen on understanding the breadth of the city’s history. By spotlighting the untold stories of Black individuals and communities in Southampton, the authors offer readers a unique opportunity to appreciate the diverse influences that have shaped the city over centuries.

Unearthing a rich array of narratives from Southampton’s past, ‘Black Stories: Southampton’

by Don John offers readers an engaging journey through the city’s history. The book features 20 carefully curated stories and events, tracing the presence of Black individuals from the 16th century to the present.

Showcasing a spectrum of personalities, from the noteworthy Jacques Francis the diver, to Alexander Patterson who managed a Southampton pub at the turn of the century, and even pop culture icon Bob Marley, who had surprising connections to the city. These stories serve to illuminate the diverse experiences and significant contributions of Black people in Southampton.

‘Black Stories: Southampton’ is more than just a collection of tales; it’s a call to recognise and appreciate the depth of Black history in the city.

The stories in this book, often tied to recognizable human faces, provide a personal and relatable perspective on the issues they represent.

Both books are available at October Books Portswood & The John Hansard Gallery

LOCAL YOUTUBE STAR GOES GLOBAL

TAMIA THOMAS In a world where dreams are often brushed aside as mere childhood fantasies, Southampton’s Tamia Thomas, Creator of Tamia Tomato, a name that’s become synonymous with animated creativity and YouTube stardom, proves that sometimes those youthful aspirations can lead to extraordinary achievements.

From a young age, Tamia harboured a dream that many would consider improbable, but with unwavering determination and a tablet in hand, she transformed this dream into a reality that now boasts over 1 million people around the world watching her cartoons!

“Ever since I was little I always wanted to be a YouTuber. I told my mum this and she laughed, thinking it was cute. Years later, at 13, I started my own business and have over 1 million subscribers.

It all started when I was young, I got my tablet and started to watch content on YouTube. I was absorbing all the content and I couldn’t stop watching. I started to get inspired by different content creators because they made me smile whenever they posted, I would always check my notifications and check up on their channel.

Normally, you would get scolded for being on your devices for too long but your parents never thought about how you could benefit from it.

I started posting random content in the pandemic to experiment with the algorithm, then got the idea to animate popular games. Then YouTube shorts came out, and I saw people making animations on shorts so I did it too. I started taking YouTube seriously on September of 2022, the first short blew up. 3.9M views… I kept posting and each time my views kept growing. Not a single short below 1 million views. So many people are supporting me to get where I am today within 10 months”

Follow the adventure: www.youtube.com/@TamiaTomato 31

BLACK FILM MAKER SPOTLIGHT:

KARTEL DER In the world of cinema, there are those who follow the script, and then there are those who write their own. Kartel Derrick, a rapper, DJ, and music producer, is one of the rare talents who decided to forge his own path in the realm of film making.

To him, the journey from music to movies was a surprising and unexpected one, but as he recalls, it was a path that had been subtly laid out in his creative mind from the beginning.

“An old friend once asked me, ‘what took you so long to do visuals?’ I honestly answered that producing film was never a plan of mine, it was purely music. Then my friend reminded me of when I used to make up a film based on what we could see around us, and to them, it was just a matter of time until I evolved into the role I have now!

My name is Kartel Derrick, a Film director and producer. Though not my birth name, it is a stage name I’ve been known for as a rapper, Dj and music producer. My first taste in videography was making music videos. I grew up around talented musicians around me, and in my surroundings, there are no opportunities for these guys to showcase their talent, and I wanted to do something about it. I was managing an artist and we hired a videographer however after being let down with the edit, I decided to do it myself, and never put the camera down since.

I studied Music & Media management at University of Gloucestershire, and I was able to further my videography skills there, though my course mainly focused on the music and business side of things.

I finished University in 2014, picking up a best student entrepreneur award for starting my own company and maintaining success as part of my work placement. After education I moved back to Portsmouth as that was where the passion came from, being able to provide services to people like me so they can have more of a chance in achieving their dream. In Portsmouth we built a successful recording studio and regularly plan events in which artists can perform.

Once these platforms were established that gave me time to fully invest time into film as that’s where I want to now focus on. Music Videos aside, I’ve been fortunate to work within boxing creating short Films ‘Days in’ which covered the fighters’ life in fight week, and also co-produced ‘On Resistance Street’ due to release this November.

May 25 2020, to be specific, is when I was inspired into film and documentaries. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, I had never experienced racism until I came to UK, but after the death of George Floyd, I was invited to do a speech at the local BLM protest, and naturally I started documenting the whole event. Afterwards, I invited some guests on my podcast to discuss their experiences further, and the more they came forward, the more I saw the need to make a short film on the matter.

RRICK ‘The Black Experience: South’ is the short film I’m working on, and will be ready for submission at the film festival in Southampton.

This piece questions the ignorant statement frequently echoed the there is no racism in UK, to explore racial experiences, in the past, now, and the impact of BLM Protests. In times like this, some people found their voice and spoke up, I realised I could make these voices even louder with my vision!

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A POWERFUL & JOYOUS NEW PRODUCTION OF THE SEMINAL PLAY

AT MAYFLOWER STUDIOS Upcoming revival of Athol Fugard, John Kani & Winston Ntshona’s Sizwe Banzi is Dead, which runs at the Southampton theatre from 6–14 October 2023.

The production marks the first time that MAST Mayflower Studios has staged a classic South African play and is part of the theatre’s ongoing vision to provide inspiring experiences for everyone, and to be a creative hub and centre of excellence for culture in Southampton. We spoke to director, John Pfumojena, to find out more.

What can audiences expect from the play?

To enjoy the presentation of this African Township Theatre style which is not common or prevalent on British stages. It’s a very witty and playful 2 hander show considering context.

Created and first performed in Cape Town, 1972, this a significant work in South African theatre, dealing with the issue of identity in the apartheid era. This era was a period of institutionalised racial segregation which ensured that South Africa was dominated by white citizens who had the highest status.

What was it that drew you to this play?

I read this play almost everyday for the two years of English Literature study at Prince Edward School in Zimbabwe, and probably gave it more attention than the other texts, admittedly. It was then that I vowed to stage this play at some point.

It is important to me as a Southern African creative to expose more sub-saharan theatre styles and classic stage plays to the wider UK audience.

The play is originally set in 1970s apartheid South Africa. What parallels do you think can be taken from modern day life?

The themes in this play are so relevant today as we navigate immigration, refugees, visas, racism in a world that is supposed to have advanced post colonially. I think these issues are still relevant and resonant today, especially in light of recent events such as the Black Lives Matter movement, and the rise of authoritarianism and nationalism in some parts of the world.

As the Director, what are the most important elements in bringing the show to life?

Co-creation and collaboration highlight an integral part of Bantu and Southern African culture, where traditionally there was never a word for theatre because we lived our theatre through rituals, cultural ceremonies, celebrations and the like.

Why should people come to see this play?

Watching this play is a great introduction to classic Southern African Theatre which also doubles as a little history of the time and region. Regardless of backgrounds, we can all relate to themes of identity and even something as simple as losing your name.

Sizwe Banzi is Dead plays at MAST Mayflower Studios from Friday 6 - Saturday 14 October, before touring regionally.

For Tickets please visit: www.mayflowerstudios.org.uk

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STILL SITTING IN ACKNOWLEDGING ISSUES RELATING TO THE LEGACY OF THE WINDRUSH 22nd June 2023 marked the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush; a ship that brought hundreds of migrants, or ‘immigrants’ as they used to be called, to the UK. Windrush Day has become a key, symbolic moment in the story of the Black British contribution to this country and the broader post-war migration from across the Commonwealth and beyond that helped create the modern multi-racial Britain that we have today.

The Windrush Generation: Still Sitting in Limbo took place on Thursday 8th June at The John Hansard Gallery in central Southampton. Invited guests joined key national figures for an evening of discussion and conversation acknowledging issues relating to the legacy of the Windrush Generation; both the positive impact of this legacy as well as how a ‘Hostile Environment’ was encouraged that seriously impacted on the condition of African/ Caribbean communities across the country, and here in Southampton.

June 8th was also the third anniversary of the original screening of the BAFTA winning BBC drama Sitting in Limbo in June 2020. Sitting in Limbo was based on the experience of one of the victims of the Windrush Scandal, Anthony Bryan, and was written by his brother, novelist and

L

screenwriter Stephen Thompson.

Having been falsely accused of being an illegal immigrant, Mr. Bryan was arrested and twice sent to immigration removal centres, where he spent a total of five weeks, before being booked on a plane for deportation to Jamaica; a country he had not been back to in the more than fifty years since he arrived in the UK as a child. While the contrived uncertainty of his citizenship was eventually settled, the issue of compensation remains unresolved. Anthony Bryan, and many others like him, are still ‘sitting in limbo’.

BBC DRAMA SITTING IN LIMBO STARRING PATRICK ROBINSON

Stephen Thompson was born in Hackney, London to Jamaican parents. He is known for his novels Toy Soldiers, Missing Joe and No More Heroes. He was also nominated for an Emerging Talent: Fiction BAFTA in 2021 for Sitting in Limbo. He had previously lectured in Creative Writing at the University of Winchester and was living in Southampton when he sadly passed away on May 26th 2022.

CREDIT: BBC/LEFT BANK PICTURES/DES WILLIE

LIMBO PHOTOS: SHARON JOHN STILL SITTING IN LIMBO THURSDAY 8TH JUNE JOHN HANSARD GALLERY

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History Through the Black Experience History Through SALUTING SISTERS theOUR Black CELEBRATING WOMEN OF COLOUR! This book aims to bring the Black narrative to the broadest possible audience. It is not just for one should not be set aside for one month, or over community but wishes to draw all communities into an understanding, awareness and celebration of used in TV advertising to demonstrate inclusivity, an often underrepresented aspect of history. Hanging on what happened on this day throughout the year, the reader is encouraged to consume a daily dose of the Black the highs, lows, orstory seenexperiencing as other, or labelled as Black history. We excitement, despair, challenges and successes.

Simon returns to Southampton to introduce us to pioneering women of colour, their stories, ABOUT THE AUTHOR achievements and influence.

never existed in some parallel universe, separated, having our own history.

Experience

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SIMON HUDSON

Volume Two: July – December NEW EDITION

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SIMON HUDSON

Volume Two: July – December NEW EDITION

EMPOWERING

MULTILINGUAL COMMUNITIES ENHANCING ENGLISH READING SKILLS & CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH Read Easy Southampton and Isle of Wight is proud to support Black History Month. Many from ethnic minority communities are very often multilingual; our structured approach helps those who want to be able to improve their ability to read in English and those who would like to be part of the coaching team to make this happen.

We know that many adults struggle with reading, and we are fully committed to helping anyone who comes forward. We offer free, confidential 1:1 coaching for anyone over the age 18 who finds

reading difficult .Hassan is one of our readers and says “I can read better so life is easier and I feel more confident. One Reader and one Coach means I can stop and ask questions.”

We also know that people from all communities and all backgrounds get a lot from volunteering. If you would like to join our large and growing team of volunteer reading coaches, you will be trained and supported throughout your time with us. No experience required, just enthusiasm and a desire to help someone learn to read.

WANT TO ADVERTISE WITH US NEXT YEAR?

BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2024 ADVERTISING RATES FULL PAGE £120 HALF PAGE £85 QUARTER PAGE £45 For more information or to place an advert in next year’s issue please email us : blackhistorymounthsouth@gmail.com

Good community relations start with communication Do you know any adults who need help with their reading?

Or are you willing to help someone learn to read?

To find out more,

Allison Walker | Tel: 07392 517334

please contact: Email: southamptoncoordinator@readeasy.org.uk readeasy.org.uk

readeasy.org.uk © Read Easy UK. All Read Easy groups are legally and financially independent local organisations, affiliated to Read Easy UK (Registered Charity: 1151288)

BHM SOUTH 2023 CALENDAR 12th OCT

Pascal Matthias: In Conversation 1 OCT st

Black Business, Art & Music Festival Black Art Exhibitions, Black owned traders, Live music, djs, Steel Band, African Drumming, Comedy, Dance, African & Caribbeian food.

11am-6pm - Free Entry Guildhall Square, Southampton

Join Pascal Matthias, our new Associate Vice-President EDI and Social Justice, to continue the discussion through a series of open, informal, semi structured conversations.

7:30pm - Free Entry University of Southampton, 12th OCT

Saluting our Sisters.

Celebrating Women of Colour!

Author Simon Hudson introduces us to pioneering women of colour, their stories, achievements and influence.

7:30pm - Free Entry 1st OCT

Central Library, Southampton

Yolanda’s Band Jam Saxophonist Yolanda introduces kids to the joys of music and a live version of her hit CBeebies Band Jam

22nd OCT

What’s Love Got To Do With It?

The exciting International sensation live show celebrating the music of Tina Turner is getting back on the road with a huge tour across the UK and back with a brand new cast!

7:30pm - Free Entry Central Library, Southampton 26th OCT

This is not a film club x Oxford Music

For this month’s film club, Kialy Tihngang has nominated a selection of Nollywood films (films made in Nigeria) that have inspired her practice.

6:30pm - 10pm God’s House Tower, Southampton

3pm - £16/Student & under 18 £8 Turner Sims, Southampton 15th OCT 7th OCT

Fetissoes Exhibition Launch

Darren Harriott

6:30pm-8pm

Darren was the first black British male ever to be nominated for the Best Comedy Show Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2019.

He’s now a rising star and will be touring the UK WITH his 2023 show ‘Roadman’.

God’s House Tower, Southampton

3pm - £16/Student & under 18 £8

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Fetissoes and listen to the artist Kialy Tihngang give a short talk about her work, influences and processes.

Engine Rooms, Southampton 19th OCT

Artist Voices In Conversation (Online) 8th OCT

The Drifters The Drifters are back on tour in the UK performing all their classic hits including ‘Saturday Night at the Movies’, ‘Under the Boardwalk’, and many more!

Guildhall, Portsmouth

For this Artist Voices event, a special guest moderator will lead a discussion between artists Kialy Tihngang and Ebun Sodipo unpacking and demystifying key topics and issues of the visual arts ecology.

6:30pm-8pm - Free Online https://godshousetower.org.uk/

26th OCT

Reuben James

Soul singer, producer, and pianist Reuben James - who shot to fame collaborating with superstars from Stormzy to Herbie Hancock performs on 8pm - £9-£18 Turner Sims, Southampton 27th OCT

Luther

The world’s premier show in celebration of The Velvet Voice, Luther Vandross, fronted by international tribute Harry Cambridge and his 10-piece band.

The Anvil, Basingstoke www.anvilarts.org.uk

www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk

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Abri is a proud supporter of Black History Month.

We believe that everyone should have access to the same chances in life.

Everyone is different, everyone is unique.

We want to work with talented people with big ideas to help communities thrive.

We have exciting opportunities available now.

Visit www.abri.co.uk/careers to find out more.