Black History Month 2024: Reclaiming the Narrative
‘We are not makers of history. We are made by history.' These great words of Dr Martin Luther King best suit Black History Month’s 2024 theme: Reclaiming The Narrative. It’s a way of looking into the past and retelling stories with a fresh perspective from voices we’ve heard little from. This is also our aim at Creative Connex to amplify community voices by connecting people. In this booklet we share some of our exciting projects, talks and cultural events and will share more of our work and our partners during Black History Month.
DR ROGER GRIFFITH MBE
WINDRUSH HERITAGE PROGRAMME
Since the launch of his book My American Odyssey From The Windrush to the White House at the Watershed Bristol in 2015, Roger and the Creative Connex CIC team have embarked on several community-based academic, artistic and activist projects to highlight the contribution of Caribbean communities through the generations.
The Windrush Heritage Programme is the name Roger has given these initiatives to commemorate and celebrate this. We have compiled films, information sheets, photographs, social media, essays, and resources for future generations.
Windrush Heritage Programme Highlights
From The Windrush To The White House book, launched in 2015.
Windrush Citizenship and Compensation Initiative to support people affected by the Home Office scandal.
Advisor to My Future My Choice Top Trumps Card heritage project featuring prominent Black Bristolians and Black Britons, Crossing Coasts.
Support Caribbean Elders in their civic society engagement and well-being.
Articles on the Windrush Generation published in local and national press.
Windrush Heritage Programme Highlights
UWE Bristol Windrush Generations Project. Educational resources and engagement with local community leaders, stories, films and campus visits by elders for intergenerational projects.
Work with Guy Bailey who sparked the Bristol Bus Boycott campaign to make films and promote his role as a community leader that changed the course of Britain’s history.
Animated film and resources explaining the Windrush Generation’s journey and contributions.
Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Bristol Bus Boycott including a commemorative bus decorated with local campaigners.
Local support community projects to St Pauls Carnival and Curiosity UnLtd.
National working with Windrush 100 committee and promotion of Windrush Network report.
Public and academic lectures for Rest Less and UWE Bristol.
THE ABC OF DR GUY BAILEY OBE
Activism, Bus Boycott, Community Lifelong-Learning.
Wed 02 October 2024 18:00 - 21:30. 2X112, X Block, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Frenchay, Bristol, BS16 1QY.
The event will celebrate the life of UWE Bristol alum and Honorary Graduate, Dr Guy Bailey OBE. The evening will also be a chance to connect with UWE alumni on the role universities play in empowering communities and students. Enjoy conversation, poetry and a night of celebrating activism, academia and community learning. The event is part of the Bristol Distinguished Address Series. Roger will be hosting the event.
The Malcolm X Elders, Evergreens, and Golden Agers Caribbean elders groups are Bristol treasures. For nearly 50 years, they've provided a vital lifeline for over 150 Caribbean elders in St Pauls and Easton. Here, they find friendship, support, and activities that keep them healthy, active and connected in civic society.
This year, thanks to generous Bristol funders, the groups have secured £47,000. These funds cover essentials such as rent, refreshments, and a part-time key worker. However, to maintain their activities we need to raise an additional £12,000.
We are working with Alive Activities to set up a fundraising campaign called S.O.C.A. Save Our Caribbean Activities. This will help preserve the well-being and legacy of Bristol's Caribbean elders. Together, let's ensure our Elders continue to thrive! Please follow our social media and website for further details.
FINDING YOUR ROOTS BRISTOL
WearepleasedtoannounceanewfantasticprojectFinding YourRootsBristol.Thisoffersanextraordinaryopportunityfor a Bristol family with African-Caribbean ancestry to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery. This initiative provides a unique bursary to explore one family’s ancestral history,unlockingthestoriesofthepasttoshapeyourfuture. Throughtheproject,wewillsupportafamilyfromBristoland recordtheirjourneyofdiscoveryintotheirancestralroots.
DISCOVER YOUR HERITAGE. CONNECT WITH YOUR PAST.
OUR PUBLIC BHM EVENTS
Breaking the Dead Silence Book Launch
15t October, 7.00pm–9.00pm, Widcombe Social Club, Bath
Come join us for an exciting evening celebrating the launch of a new book reflecting on the aftermath of the toppling of Bristol’s Colston statue, the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement and the subsequent heritage ‘culture wars.’ Meet the authors, engage in a discussion about how heritage could be more inclusive in Bath and Bristol and get your copy signed.
Roger embarks on a powerful journey of self-discovery with his essay "Memoryscapes: My Roots & Routes." This compelling essay explores the complexities of Black British identity, weaving together personal experiences with historical insights From the lasting impacts of the Transatlantic Slave Trade (TTEA) through the generations. It is a celebration of Black resilience and cultural expression.
16 October, 2.30pm 5.15pm, M Shed, Bristol https://www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/mshed/walking-tour-breaking-the-dead-silence/
Breaking the Dead Silence Book Launch
16 October, 6.45pm 9pm, M Shed, Bristol https://www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/m-shed/booklaunch-breaking-the-dead-silence/
Tedx Bristol
Roger delivered a TEDx Bristol talk covering his Life Long Learning Journey from building site to social entrepreneur, You can watch it here https://bit.ly/RGTedXBristol and email me your thoughts on infocreativeconnex@gmail.com
BLAC awards nomination
Roger was honoured to be nominated for services to Arts and Culture in the national BLAC awards which will be held in West Bromwich on 27th October https://blac.org.uk/2024finalists/
A SELECTION OF OUR PARTNER EVENTS
Commemorating Hallie Selassie's Visit to Bristol
10th October, 5.00-7.30 pm, Portland Square, St Pauls, Bristol
Join the Bristol Legacy Foundation and Fairfield House for an evening commemorating the 70th anniversary of Emperor Haile Selassie's historic state visit to Bristol in 1954. This special event, hosted in partnership with the Royal Br https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/remembering-h-i-m%3A-the70th-anniversary-celebration-of-emperor-haile-selassie-iscivic-visit-to-bristol-to-circomedia/359084301/
Diane Abbott Book Launch ‘A Woman Like Me’ with Bath Arts Collective
24th October, 7pm, St Swithins Church, Bath
We have two pairs of free tickets to give away courtesy of our partners Bath Arts Collective we work with through Emblaze of Paper Nations. This is for our subscribers or if you know someone who would like to attend from an underrepresented or low-income group. Simply email infocreativeconnex@gmail.com to be entered into our prize draw.
ABOUT CREATIVE CONNEX
Our Creative Connex CIC team of Azelie, Ben, Millie, Chloe and Roger have been busy revamping our website and building our services as a digital marketing agency. We also incubate Gnisha and the Black Seeds Network project. We are a social enterprise dedicated to building social inclusion. We achieve this by:
Leading impactful projects: We develop and run projects focused on racial justice and community cohesion throughout the WECA region.
Empowering diverse communities: Our projects address a wide range of issues and events that are relevant to diverse communities.
Championing under-represented voices: We provide highquality, affordable digital marketing support to grassroots organisations and groups that may not have the resources for professional promotion.
Amplifying cultural narratives: We craft compelling stories that showcase the positive impact of community work, fostering deeper connections within communities and reaching a wider audience.
Building a network of success: We have a strong track record of collaboration, working with clients such as the High Sheriff of Bristol, First Bus and UWE Bristol. Our network includes community organisations, radio stations, and diverse networks across the South West.
