Newsletter October 19
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Do you like our newsletters? Want a shorter more frequent one? Let us know. In this issue: • Radio Update • Groups • Black History Month • Ziska’s Story • Louise Bennet Poem • Anansi & Snake story • Douglas, A history of Ethiopia • Coffee or Tea • What’s in a name? • Word Game • Volunteering & Fundraising • Puzzle • Greg’s Art Attack • Pet’s corner • COVID Update • Recipe • Social Media links • Credits
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2020, 8thEdition BUMPER EDITION
Black History Month October 2020 Our Heritage Celebrating diversity! Important contact info. Headway SELNWK contacts Community Organiser: 07817 951055 Main Office 020 30581013 Headway UK helpline@headway.org.uk 0808 800 2244 Health service emergency Dial 111 or email 111.nhs.uk Samaritans 116 123
Introduction…We hope you are enjoying the newsletter. October is Black History Month the theme is “Our Heritage: Celebration and Achievements” so we are celebrating the diversity of our membership in this bumper edition and on social media. Remember the blue boxes include suggestions for you to get involved. If you do not want to receive the newsletter, please email triciareilly@headwayselnwk.co.uk or tell your Key Worker Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
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We started this month mid-way through National ABI week. Did you follow our posts on social media? These stats are shocking and really show the need for national campaigns like ABI week.
Radio Update Initially we created our own radio show to keep members and their families entertained and engaged. With Quizzes, Live music, Special guests and more, hoping to replicate a day in the life of Headway without being there. Now our new weekly Radio Planning Group (RPG) scheduled for every Monday 1 p.m. connects members together to create new shows. And they can connect via zoom or phone if they prefer. We continue working with members on a 1:1 basis remotely. Our last live show was Wednesday 23 September 2020. However, we will be back with a new look and feel. Above all our members’ journeys remain our focus. Therefore, we may reintroduce live shows going forward when our members want them. We ‘re capturing their journeys along the way to share with you. To keep updated on the progress of our new radio shows visit our social media pages. Our first ever member show is currently being produced by Greg and will be airing shortly, keep an eye out for it on our website and social media pages. Find out how Greg is being supported to start his own groups and actively get involved in the development of Headway SELNWK. We are looking for more members to get involved in this amazing opportunity. Have you ever wanted to be a DJ? Now is your chance! Call Tricia now on 07817 941055 or email her at triciareilly@headwayselnwk.co.uk . Watch this space! Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association
190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
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Update on Group Activities
BLACK HISTORY MONTH Black History month runs from 1-31 October, remembering and celebrating important people and events in the Black community. We asked members and staff what that means to them.
Ziska’s story Tell us a bit about yourself I was born in the UK but both my parents are from what I call the country part of Jamaica. I had a head injury - a stroke - some time ago and Headway has helped take care of me. Right now I'm just trying to get on with things and enjoy myself. I like making jewellery and I play the keyboard – hobbies I’ve developed since my injury. But right up there is cooking. After my stroke I couldn't remember how to cook. A
Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
Page | 4 therapist had to help me relearn those skills so I could make the West Indian meals I'd forgotten how to cook. When you think about the achievements of Black people in Britain and around the world, who stands out for you? I’ve given this a lot of thought. For me it’s a Jamaican poet called Louise Bennett. I’ve grown up with her poetry and she’s someone I loved and wanted to be like. She’s funny and a bit of a joker I think, like me. A ‘plain old country lady’, with a strong Jamaican accent but with a sophistication about her. Black History month feels particularly important this year given the Black Lives Matter campaign coming out of the US. What are your thoughts? As I see it all lives matter but with black lives a lot of things revolve around crime and violence. The black lives matter campaign sends a strong message that black lives do matter. I don't support black people retaliating in confrontations but I do support their overall aims. You're a mother and a grandmother. Do you think your children and grandchildren would benefit from learning more Black history at school? I’ve got two sons and six grandchildren whose ages range from 18 to eight. Five of them are already taller than me! They keep me going. As far as I'm aware not much black history is taught in schools. We’re taught about the Saxons and the Tudors etc but I think everyone should have the chance to learn something about the achievements of Black people and Asians and other ethnic groups. Just something in the curriculum, a couple of times a week, even if its only snippets. I want my family to know about their culture, their history and who they are. Every time I see my grandchildren I talk about my father and the customs that I was brought up with. Passing on my past to my family is very important to me. When I speak to my family I talk about where I come from and I speak in the Jamaican patois (dialect) which makes everyone laugh. I want my grandchildren to know who they are, regardless of where they were born. What did you learn when you first went to school?
Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
Page | 5 Not to speak with a strong Jamaican accent! Though I was born in this country, for the first seven years of my life I stayed at home with my parents and didn't really understand that I was in England. We had a house with a large garden where we raised chickens and grew our own vegetables. When I first went to school nobody understood me because I had such a strong accent. They called my dad into school to say he Coming soon: Catch up with Ziska talking about Black History month on Headway SELNWK Facebook, Twitter and our new website had to teach me to speak English properly but he couldn't really help. Jamaican was what he knew.
Louise Bennett – Land of dreams There’s a place where children keep their dreams Where all is not what it seems The land is blue, the sky is green It’s the strangest sight you’ve ever seen The dogs miaow, the cats say woof The clouds are made from cotton fluff Where fairies, witches and dragons fly Where bats can see through one big eye! The sheep all moo, the cows all bleat People walk on hands not feet! Night-time sun and daytime stars Unicorns sailing in their cars Chickens tweet and birds cluck cluck The pigs are quacking like a duck
Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
Page | 6 When the owl starts hooting and the moon turns red It’s time for children to go to bed And when asleep they catch their dreams In a land where all is not as it seems!! Anansi and Snake Anansi claims his fame
Tiger was the undisputed king of the forest. Tiger Lilies were named after him. Tiger Moths were named after him. And the stories of the forest were called Tiger Stories. Anansi was a nobody in the forest hierarchy. When the animals gathered together, they would ask idle questions like "Who is the strongest animal?" or "Who is the bravest?" All together, they would chorus "Tiger!". And just to poke fun, they would say, "Who is the weakest?" Like a church choir, they would all sing out "Anansi!". Anansi got sick and tired of it all. One day he met Tiger face to face in the forest. Anansi bowed low to Tiger, but Tiger did not acknowledge Anansi in the least. He had no time to waste on such an insignificant speck. "Tiger," said Anansi, "you have it all. Can't you just ease me up and let me have one thing named after me?" Tiger wanted to ignore Anansi, but his curiosity got the better of him. "And just what is it you want to bear your name, Anansi?" "The stories," replied Anansi. "I want them to be called Anansi stories." Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
Page | 7 Now Tiger loved those stories and did not intend to give them up to this crawling nobody. Still, even the undisputed king of the forest needed a laugh sometimes. So he said to Anansi, "If you can do one small thing for me, I will let you call the stories Anansi stories or any other name you like." Anansi didn't like the sound of this. "What one thing would that be, Tiger?" he asked cautiously. "Nothing too hard... just capture Snake for me by the end of the week, and all the stories will be known as Anansi stories forever more." Good thing Anansi had eight legs to stand on, because at least four of them buckled same time! This Snake was not your flimsy garden variety snake. Snake of the jungle was big. Very big. And Anansi was small. Very small. But Anansi could think big, so he said, "I'll do it." At that, there was a huge burst of laughter from all the other animals who had been eavesdropping on the conversation. They went home, tears of amusement rolling down their faces. Anansi went home, very worried. But thinking. This was on Monday. Next day... Anansi went on the trail he knew Snake travelled on every day. He made a large noose out of a strong vine, and placed some of Snake's favourite berries inside it. He hid in the bushes, holding the other end of the vine. Snake came slithering along the path. He spied the berries and his mouth watered. But he also spied the noose. He lay the weight of his body on the vine, then reached in and ate the berries quickly. Anansi tried and tried but he could not pull the vine to close the noose. Snake's body was too heavy! Next day... Anansi went a little further down Snake's favourite trail, and dug a pit in the ground. He placed a luscious hand of ripe bananas in it, then Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
Page | 8 smeared the sides of the pit with grease, so that Snake would slip in when he tried to get the bananas. Snake came along the path. He spied the bananas and his mouth watered. But he also spied the grease. So he wrapped his tail around a thick tree trunk, then reached into the hole with his head and ate the bananas. If he had lips he would have licked them. He raised his head out of the pit, unwrapped his tail, and slithered away. Next day... Anansi made a square trap out of sticks, with spaces on three sides, and a door on the other. He put some mangoes inside. Soon a piglet came along and went straight for the mangoes. He didn't notice when Anansi shut the door behind him. Anansi figured that Snake could get inside the trap through the spaces, but that he would be too fat to get out after he had eaten the piglet. Snake came along and saw the piglet. The creature was so terrified when he saw Snake that he went berserk, squealing at the top of his lungs and smashing the trap into pieces. The piglet fled into the bushes, and Snake's mouth did not even get the chance to water. Anansi muttered to himself, "Fool-fool, good for nuttn pig." Next day... It was Friday, the end of the week, and Anansi was still Snakeless. He went directly to Snake's house, and sat outside, looking dejected. Snake came out and looked at Anansi in surprise. "But you bright, eeh? All week long you trying to catch me, and now you sitting here barefaced in mi yard?" Anansi looked at Snake and sighed. "Yes, is true. But I was trying to catch you for a worthy cause. Now the other animals will continue to talk behind your back." "What you talking about, Anansi? What they saying about me?" Anansi said, "Well, I really shouldn't be telling you, but they saying that you believe you are the longest thing around, and that you think you are God's gift to longness, when even the shortest bamboo around here is longer than you!"
Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
Page | 9 Snake was outraged. "Measure me, Anansi, measure me! Cut down the longest bamboo you can find and let me shut up those backbiters!" Anansi ran and cut down the longest bamboo. He rested it on the ground and Snake stretched out beside it. "Call them, Anansi. Let them see that nothing around here can test me!" Anansi scratched his chin. "Well, Snake, there's a problem. You look longer than the bamboo, but how do I know that when I go up by your head you not crawling up to look longer, and when I go down by your tail you not shifting down on that end?" "Tie mi tail, then Anansi. if you don't believe me." By this time curious animals were gathering around to watch. Anansi tied Snake's tail tightly to the bamboo with some vines. Then he said to Snake, "Stretch, Snake, Stretch. You almost there. Stretch till you eyes shut and you can't stretch no more." Anansi had never seen a snake sweat. Snake stretched till his eyes were squeezed shut, and in a flash Anansi tied his head to the pole, then his middle. The animals who had been watching were silent. There was no laughing at Anansi this time. He had said he would capture Snake, and he did. And from that day to this, the stories have been called Anansi stories. Jack Mandora, mi nuh choose none! https://www.real-jamaica-vacations.com/anansi-stories.html
A history of Ethiopia - Douglas becomes filmmaker Douglas, a member, has recently finished an ambitious project to chart the history of Ethiopia – and its connection with Britain – from the Second World War up to the turn of this current century. Douglas has used footage from the Imperial War Museum as the centrepiece of his 45-minute film. Re-mixed and edited by Douglas himself, the footage shows British, South African and Indian troops fighting with rebel Ethiopians in 1941 to drive out the Italians from the country. The film then follows Ethiopia after the war. It depicts the rise Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
P a g e | 10 of Haile Selassie who returned to the Ethiopian throne following his fiveyear exile in Britain. Intriguingly Selassie had a close connection with the Queen which Douglas brings out in the film. Selassie was overthrown in 1974 and a military junta came to power bringing in its wake mass killing and famine. The film ends with their overthrow, Bob Geldof’s Feed the World global initiative to help world famine and the following more settled years. Feed the world music clip link The history of Ethiopia is something close to Douglas’s heart. He is an Eritrean and Eretria and Ethiopia were united until Eritrea regained its independence in 1993. Douglas uses his own captions and traditional Ethiopian music to breathe life and understanding into the country’s turbulent past. “I wanted to get people’s attention and remind them of what happened” he said. The film is currently not available online and has to be shown through a projector. Douglas got a very enthusiastic response from the local Ethiopian community on the film’s first showing and hopes to bring the film to a wider audience once COVID 19 restrictions are lifted. Douglas is a prolific chronicler of people and their lives. He’s previously published a number of photographic books on Brixton and its social and cultural life and is currently working on a photographic essay on the Gulf War, entitled ‘Welcome to London’. Brixton Pictures
Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
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Coffee or Tea We'll be asking someone every issue to answer the same questions but the answers might surprise you! This issue it’s Temi’s turn.
Coffee or Tea? Tea – there is nothing as refreshing as a nice cup of Tea. My favourite at the minute is Twinnings Lady Grey. I love drinking it accompanied with a nice doughnut. Pure Heaven. As a lover of all things sugary, Bailey’s a massive favourite Cats or Dogs? Dogs – they are after all a man’s best friend Fish & Chips or Roast Dinner? Fish & Chips – especially with Heinz ketchup – scrumptious. Another favourite of mine is Jollof Rice and plantain. This is a staple dish in many Nigerian households; including mine but somehow I never get bored eating it. I should add a caveat that I eat proper Nigerian Jollof and not the fake one from another certain African country which will remain unnamed (but if you know, you know ) XBox or Xmen? Xmen – I love Wolverine especially since Hugh Jackman has played him in the films. Those who know me well know that I love being silly and laughing and one of my favourite comedy programs is a Nigerian based series called ‘Jenifa’s Diary’. It’s about a Nigerian village girl who moves to the capital city, Lagos trying to learn English with shocking results...You’ve heard the saying ‘seeing is believing’; well in Jenifa’s case ‘hearing is believing’
Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
P a g e | 12 Shopping or Sport? Sport – I love both watching & doing sports especially Football. Football is the beautiful game, after all. Also, Football has been a unifying factor in Nigeria; which is where I was born. In a country that suffered a devastating Civil War in 1967-70; and many smaller but equally devastating conflicts since then; it has always seemed that there was more that separated us than united us a people. However, when the national football team (The Super Eagles) play; it seems like all the centuries old division never existed. It is a beautiful thing to experience and words cannot fully describe it Iphone or Android? I used to be an iBaby but after a recent let down by my iPhone, I am enjoying my newish Samsung Galaxy J4+. Early Bird or Night Owl? Early Bird – I love waking up at 4am and just meditating and listening to the birds singing Springsteen or Beyonce? Neither – I love Classical music especially Vivaldi and I am a huge fan of 80s music and my favourite song at the moment is Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears. Also, on occasion, I love listening to Afrobeats music. My favourite track in the genre is Yanfante by Fode Baro. The style is very much in the tradition of the Fulani-Mandingo griots. Although Fode Baro is from Guinea, the Fulani people are spread all across West Africa and are called by different names in each country in the region. For example, they are alternatively called Fulbe, Fula and Peul in French speaking West Africa. I am fascinated by the Fulani people especially since part of my heritage is Fulani
The word ‘name’ in the Cambridge Dictionary is defined in the following ways: (1.)
The word or words that a person, thing or place is known by Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
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The opinion or reputation that someone or something has Someone who is famous or who has a good reputation
As stated above, we are all defined by our names. It is the first characteristic that differentiates us from each other and signifies that we are unique individuals. As such, the naming of any child tends to be a very important occasion across the world. In places like the United Kingdom and the United States of America, the trend is now for parents to choose names that are influenced by popular culture such as Blue Ivy, Suri, and Exton, to name but a few colourful and unique examples. However, on the African sub-continent, the naming of a child takes on an extra dimension that is influenced heavily by culture, religion and history. Most people and in particular those at Headway SELNWK know me simply as Temi. However, at birth my mother gave me the names: ‘Temitope Oluwaseun Ayodele’. Later, at about the age of 13, I added the name ‘Sarah’ to the list as a homage to my late grandmother whom I adored. As you can see, apart from the name ‘Sarah’ which is Hebrew; the others are all names that derive from the Yoruba language. Thus, what follows below is their meanings: • Temitope – ‘Mine is worthy of thanks or gratitude’ • Oluwaseun – ‘God, I thank you’ • Ayodele – ‘Joy comes home’ Some of you may ask, why so many names? Well to explain this, we must rewind a little bit and talk about the background.
1.
Nigeria
Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
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Nigeria is a country located in West Africa. Its population which numbers slightly over 200 million people consists of over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 distinct languages. The three largest ethnic groups are: the Hausa-Fulani in the North, Yoruba in the West and Igbo in the East of the country. Together, these 3 ethnic groups make up 60% of the total population of the country.
Personally, my ethnic origins are a mixture of the various tribes and people groups. So, in other words, I am a bit of a mongrel. However, my mother who is also of mixed ethnic origin identifies mainly as Yoruba. Hence, the Yoruba names given to me at birth.
2.
Yoruba
As mentioned above, the Yoruba are an ethnic group that are primarily found in the southwestern part of Nigeria. However, they are not confined to this area alone but are spread across large swathes of Western Africa in places such as Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana. Moreover, due to the transatlantic slave trade they are also found in far flung places such as Cuba and Brazil, where they have made a lasting impression. For example, in the state of Bahia in Brazil, in the 19th Century, it was once reported that the Yoruba were the most numerous and influential of the slaves in that state.
Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
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3.
Yoruba Naming Traditions
According to traditional Yoruba beliefs people live out the meanings of their names. This is because names are seen as spirits. As such, a huge amount of effort is put into the naming of a child. In fact, there is a common saying in Yoruba which is ile ni a n wo, ki a to so omo l'oruko (“one pays attention to the family before naming a child"). In essence, detailed research must be undertaken into the tradition and history of a child’s relatives when choosing a name. This has led to families adopting long-standing traditions for naming children. For example, a family of hunters could name their baby Ogunbunmi (Ogun favours me with this) to show their respect to the divinity who gives them metal tools for hunting. Meanwhile, a family that venerates Ifá may name their child Falola (Ifa has honor).
Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
P a g e | 16 So, considering what has been written above; some of you may ask whether I have lived up to my names? Well, judging by what my mother says to me every week, I think the answer is a definite yes What is in a name? For people of African descent like myself – the answer is everything.
Word Game Try and find as many English words of 3 letters or more using the letters of the following word – each letter of the word can only be used once in each word. (e.g. words from PEOPLE could include peep, pope, lope). The word this issue is Empress Windrush Email your list to newsletter@headwayselnwk.co.uk by 1st November and we will publish who found the most words and who found the longest word. Jane McDonagh is this issues winner with 60 words – wow! As well as collection (10 letters) she found several 8 letter words. A small prize will be winging her way, although given the current restrictions it might take a bit of time.
Volunteer update and fundraising Fundraising training - how high can we go? One of our volunteers recently went on a training course to learn how to fundraise for Headway SELNWK. Sally, who’s been volunteering for Headway for three years, took up the offer last month to attend the free two-day course. The course was organised by GAVs Metro who support the local voluntary sector in Greenwich. Sally, a self-confessed newbie to fundraising, found the ZOOM-based course to be an eyeopener. “The course was very focussed and comprehensive. I can now appreciate the time and effort that goes into Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
P a g e | 17 a successful fundraising bid and I’ve got some useful pointers now about how to go about it,” she said. Fundraising is all about seeking money from sources who are sympathetic to your organisation’s aims. Significantly some of Headway SELNWK activity is funded by charitable organisations, businesses and individuals. “In this time of COVID we need additional financial sources more than ever to develop innovative and engaging services for our members at the same time as filling gaps from our traditional funding sources,” said Tricia who heads up volunteer recruitment. “Fundraising is a crowded market and we’re a small organisation. Getting our enthusiastic volunteer base to help with fundraising is key”. As a first step we’re delighted that Waitrose has agreed to include us in their Community matters scheme – in non-Covid times each month each store chooses 3 charities for fund raising. They hand out green tokens at the till and the customer then picks their preferred charity. Last year the Beckenham Branch kindly included us in the scheme. At present they are not handing out tokens. Instead they are choosing 3 charities each month to share the £1000 set aside for funding, so each charity receives £333. They have very kindly chosen us for the October draw. We have also received £166 from Little Waitrose Sidcup. Thank you so much! We plan to use both donations as a seed fund to set up an on-line drama group. Unfortunately, our application to The Chapman Charitable Trust for our online drama group was not successful. However, our partners The Blue Elephant Theatre have submitted an application to another funder – fingers crossed!
Puzzle Try this word search puzzle. Look for the surnames (bold & underlined) of the people listed - associated with the improvement of black lives – particularly in the USA. The names are in a straight line from left to right, from top to bottom or diagonally from top left to bottom right. A description of why these people are famous is given below. Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
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Some background dates: Underground railroad – set up in early 1700s and ended after the Civil War – a network of escape routes and safe houses to help slaves escape to non-slave States and other countries. Harpers Ferry Raid – 1859 – John Brown led an attack on a military store at Harpers Ferry where, many escaped slaves had settled. He hoped to equip a slave rebellion in the South. The attempt failed and he lost 3 sons. American civil war – 1861 – 1865 American civil rights movement – late 1940s to late 1960s • March on Washington 1963 • Civil rights act 1964 • Voting rights act 1965 • Fair housing act 1968
Sojourner Truth – (1797 – 1883) – Born a slave, she escaped with her infant daughter in 1826. In 1828 she was the first black woman to win a case against a white man when she went to court to recover Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
P a g e | 19 her son. She was an active campaigner not only for equal rights for black people but also for all women.
Frederick Douglass - (1818-1895) – Born into slavery, he escaped in 1838 on the underground railroad. After settling in Massachusetts, he tried to join the Methodist Church but the local branch still practiced segregation, so he joined the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. He became a licensed preacher in 1839. He used his oratorical skills, he became an advocate of equality for all races, sexes and creeds. After a 2-year tour of the UK (including all of Ireland), he returned to the States and set up an abolitionist newspaper. He was also active in the Underground railroad. During and after the civil war, he was active in campaigning for equality. He had several political posts which helped in this endeavour.
Harriet Tubman - (1822-1913) – was born into slavery. Her owner threw a heavy metal weight which hit her on the head causing a traumatic brain injury. She had dizziness, pain and spells of insomnia throughout her life as a result. She escaped slavery in 1849 and became active in the underground railroad. Acting as escort it was claimed she “never lost a passenger”. She met John Brown and helped in the planning of the raid on Harpers Ferry (see above). She joined the Union army and was the first woman to lead an armed expedition. After the war she became active in the women’s suffrage movement.
Booker T. Washington – (1856 – 1915) – was born into slavery but was only 9 years old at the end of the civil war so his family were emancipated before he reached adulthood. In 1881 he founded an agricultural college for the higher education of black Americans. He became an influential speaker and played a major role in black politics. He understood that it was important to engage sympathetic white Americans in the black cause to end segregationist laws. He expanded the number of model schools and set up a system which meant expansion continued even after his death. He was so influential that the Republican party presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Taft sought his advice.
Elijah McCoy – (1844 – 1929) – was the son of fugitive slaves living in Canada. He went to a segregated school until the age of 15, when Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
P a g e | 20 he was sent to Edinburgh as an apprentice. In Scotland he became certified as a mechanical engineer. He moved to Michigan where, despite his qualifications, he could get a job only as a fireman and oiler. He set up a machine shop in his home and developed systems for automating oiling of steam engines. Over the years he obtained at least 57 patents. He did not have the funds to develop the devices so sold the patents to his employers or investors.
G.W. Carver (1864 – 1943)– George Washington Carver was the most important inventor and scientist in agriculture in the early 20th century. He developed ways to improve the soil, particularly in cotton fields. He was also a keen environmentalist.
Rosa Parks (1913 -2005) – was arrested for refusing to give up her seat in the “colored section” of a bus when the white section had become full. This led to the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955 which in
turn started a nationwide campaign to end discrimination on public transport. Finally, in 1956 the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation laws were unconstitutional. Nelson Mandela (1918 – 2013) – A giant in history. The son of the chief of the Madiba clan, he renounced his claim to the chieftainship to become a lawyer. In 1944 he joined the African National Congress to campaign against apartheid in South Africa. He was imprisoned from 1964 to 1990 but remained active in the party and became a focus of campaigning throughout the world. On his release, he became deputy president of the ANC and, shortly thereafter, president. He negotiated with de Klerk, the then president of South Africa to arrange a peaceful transition to democracy and abolition of racial discrimination. He was president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
Jackie Robinson – (1919-1972) – was born into a share cropping family in the South and suffered considerable prejudice while a child. He proved an able sportsman as a child. He obtained a place at the University of California (Los Angeles) where he excelled in sports. In 1942 he was drafted into the army and placed in a black army unit. After a delay caused by his colour, he was admitted into officer training and eventually became a lieutenant. After the war he Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
P a g e | 21 continued his sporting career. He played in the all-black baseball league for a few years. The clubs in the main league did not recruit black players but eventually, after several abortive attempts, he joined the Montreal Royals as the first black player in the International League in 1945. During his sparkling career he suffered considerable racial abuse. He became a symbol of racial integration.
Maya Angelou (1928 – 2014) – was a poet, diarist and actress
among other things. She was active in the civil rights movement. Her works are still very influential and several of her sayings are commonly quoted – three being • I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel • If you don't like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude • Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible
Martin Luther King Jr (1929 – 1968) – There is no need to
describe Martin Luther King’s career as everyone knows it. Suffice it to say he was the greatest civil rights leader from 1955 to his assassination in 1968. Memorable speeches – “I have a Dream” – one of the most chosen items on Desert Island Discs – “I’ve been to the mountain top” and “How long, not long”. One of his major events was the march on Washington. There is an optional bank holiday in the States on the Third Monday in January and many people in the UK celebrate it.
Etta James – (1938 – 2012) – was a popular and influential American singer with a broad range of work over several genres.
Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
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Coping with lockdown – a suggestion. If your interested in art, why not join the Digital Art School – open to all – It is run by a London-based mental health charity and involves leading artists running on-line workshops. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hospital-rooms-digital-art-schoolregistration-108847580042
Greg’s Art Attack – my challenge!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eNc8u3FN40 This you tube tutorial was very helpful. It showed me how to get the proportions of the brown horse right. I’ve also progressed on the white horse as you can see.
Pet’s Corner – Hannah’s (Volunteer) dog I have a dog called Pepper, she is a West Highland Terrier Cross Border Terrier and believe it or not she’s 11 years old!! Whenever I am out with her everyone is so shocked that she’s not a puppy! She is Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
P a g e | 23 a very calm and gentle dog and loves having cuddles with people on the sofa! She also has an Instagram page - @peppersgreatadventures so be sure to check that out and give her a follow!!
Pepper
Recently my older sister got a puppy over lockdown, Paxo, she is a Cocker Spaniel Cross Springer Spaniel and is 3½ months old! Pepper and Paxo don’t seem to get along so well at the moment, particularly because Paxo always wants to play, whereas Pepper prefers to chill out in the sun or sleep!!
Paxo
Covid update Due to the current rise in infection rates throughout London and other parts of the country we have taken the decision to not return to Community and Centre support before January 2021. We are continuing to keep updated on local and national developments which inform all our decisions to return to face to face support safely. If anything Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
P a g e | 24 fundamental changes before January we will be in contact with you. In the meantime, we have diverse and exciting ways with which to support you via 1:1 remote support, zoom groups, telephone support etc. We would love to hear from you in regard to how you would like to be supported so please let Tricia our Community Organiser know on 07817 951055 or email her at triciareilly@headwayselnwk.co.uk NEW monthly Question & Answer (Q&A) Sessions with our Senior Management Team We would like to offer you the opportunity to talk to us directly about our plans relating to COVID 19 and other topics. In addition to the weekly Member Peer Support Groups on a Wednesday 3-4 p.m. and the Carers and Family group the First Thursday of every month 7-9 p.m. (both on zoom). We are introducing general Question & Answer (Q&A) sessions each month when you can ask the Senior Management Team (Andrea, Tony and Tricia) questions directly. We have scheduled three sessions per month, one in the morning, one in the afternoon and one in the evening in the hope that you will be able to find at least one session suitable for you. If you are not available and would like to discuss a particular topic you can always contact our Senior Managers via email – Andrea (Director of Finance & Operations) andreakeeling@headwayselnwk.co.uk , Tony tonyhart@headwayselnwk.co.uk (Director of Strategy & Business Development) or Tricia triciareilly@headwayselnwk.co.uk (Community Organiser) Dates: October 2020 Monday 26 October 2020 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday 27 October 2020 11.00 – 12.00 p.m. Wednesday 28 October 2020 2.00 p.m. – 3.00 p.m. November 2020 Monday 23 November 2020 6 p.m. – 7.00 p.m. Tuesday 24 November 2020 11.00 – 12.00 p.m. Wednesday 25 November 2020 2.00 – 3.00 p.m.
Remember Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
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Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
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Recipe TEMI’S JOLLOF RICE RECIPE P.S. This is not my personal recipe, but it is the one that I use whenever I want to cook jollof. I have modified it for my taste so if you want the full recipe, it can be found at https://food52.com/recipes/61557-classicnigerian-jollof-rice Please note that this recipe is designed for a large container so you can reduce the amounts of the ingredients if you cook in smaller quantities. Ingredients 1/3 cup oil (I highly recommend coconut oil for its aromatic scent; however ordinary vegetable oil will work just as well) 6 medium-sized fresh plum tomatoes, chopped 4 large red bell peppers – discard the seeds 3 medium-sized red onions (1 sliced thinly, 2 roughly chopped), divided 1/2 to 1 hot pepper, or to taste (for the brave amongst you, Scotch bonnets are worth a try but be warned!!!) 3 tablespoons tomato paste/ puree 2 teaspoons (Nigerian – style) curry powder 1 teaspoon dried thyme 2 dried bay leaves 5 to 6 cups stock (vegetable, chicken, or beef – Knorr stock is always a winner for me) or water, divided 4 cups uncooked converted long-grain rice, rinsed Salt, to taste Black and white pepper, to taste Extra: sliced onions, tomatoes Method 1. In a blender, combine tomatoes, red bell peppers, chopped onions, and Scotch bonnets with 2 cups of stock, blend till smooth, about a minute or two. You should have roughly 6 cups of blended mix. Pour into a large pot/ pan and bring to the boil then turn down and let simmer, covered for 10 – 12 minutes 2. In a large pan, heat oil and add the sliced onions. Season with a pinch of salt, stir – fry for 2 to 3 minutes, then add the bay leaves, curry powder and dried thyme and a pinch of black pepper for 3 – 4 Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
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3. 4.
5. 6.
minutes on medium heat. Then add the tomato paste/puree – stir for another 2 minutes. Add the reduced tomato – pepper – Scotch bonnet mixture, stir, and set on medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes till reduced by half, with the lid on. This is the stew that will define the pot. Add 4 cups of the stock to the cooked tomato sauce and bring it to boil for 1 – 2 minutes. Add the rinsed rice, stir, cover with a double piece of foil/baking or parchment paper and put a lid on the pan—this will seal in the steam and lock in the flavour. Turn down the heat and cook on low for 30 minutes. Stir rice—taste and adjust as required. If you like, add sliced onions, fresh tomatoes and stir through.
We don’t have a picture this time but Tricia, our Community Organiser is going to try this recipe out and will take photos of the results which we can share next time! Serve and enjoy
Call for more recipes: We hope to include a recipe each week so please send your favourite recipe to newsletter@headwayselnwk.co.uk
Your ideas count Please tell us what you think of this newsletter – any suggestions for improvement? News you would like to share (especially if positive)? -email newsletter@headwayselnwk.co.uk
Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
P a g e | 28 Our Social Media Monthly round up in case you’ve missed anything on our social media pages Please like and share our Facebook and Twitter Pages Facebook: @Headway South East London North West Kent
Members’ groups – weekly timetable (also at beginning of this newsletter) Black History Month: • Join Trinity Laban for socially distanced concerts and more celebrating the music of Black composers • Link to dance, music and performance shows this month Peer Support Group goes live. Every Wednesday from 3pm. Check it out on You Tube! Surveys and support for people with Memory Loss Action for Brain Injury (ABI) week September photo of the month – winner announced New logo for Headway SELNWK as voted by Headway community Carers and Family Members Group Weekly updates. Every Monday here on Facebook
Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
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Facebook: @Headway SELNWK Radio
Join the team working on Headway SELNWK community radio
Twitter: @SELNWKHeadway
Peer Support Group. Every Wednesday from 3. How to join up.
Note: These are the only social media platforms we currently use. There are other versions e.g. HeadwaySELNWK which ARE NOT in use by us. We hope you enjoy this edition of Headway SELNWK’s newsletter as we have very much enjoyed putting it together! If you would like to join our Newsletter Team please contact Tricia on 07817 951055 or email the team at newsletter@headwayselnwk.co.uk
Newsletter Production Team: Greg Thorn – Member, Volunteer & Art Attack Lead Jeff Clare – Member, Volunteer, Peer Support & Topical Issues Lead Jen Gillard – Volunteer & Editor Sally Miller – Volunteer & Lead Reporter Hannah Bridges - Volunteer Patricia Reilly (Tricia) – Community Organiser & Staff Lead
Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
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Contact our Community Organiser Tricia on 07817 951055 or email her at triciareilly@headwayselnwk.co.uk She will have a conversation with you about what you want to get out of your volunteering role. Together you will develop a role that is beneficial for both parties.
Are you a member?
Headway South East London & North West Kent Ltd Registered Charity No. 1084323 Affiliated to: Headway The Brain Injury Association 190 Bagnall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF