Black History Month

OCTOBER 2012

BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN BRISTOL

Dance and Theatre Music Exhibitions, Talks and Workshops Networking Walks

Photo: Rosemary Early Years Centre - Chris Bahn

Introduction 3

Introduction Mark Simmons Photography, Acta Community Theatre

Contents 4

Dance and Theatre

6

Music

10 Exhibitions, Talks and Workshops 13 Networking 14 Walks 15 Other 16 Calendar

Black History Month is the celebration and exploration of the culture and history of Britain’s African and Caribbean communities. October will be jam-packed with events celebrating the contribution made to society by these communities. The brochure is structured by theme, with a calendar of events on the back page.

Many of the events taking place this year will focus on independence. 2012 sees the 50-year anniversary of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Uganda’s independence; events concentrating on this historic celebration will mark the changes and successes of these countries since independence was achieved. Some events will look further back in time and take you on a journey to an age where slavery dominated the lives of many. However while an appreciation of the past is essential we must not forget to look forward to the future and the youth of today.

2012’s summer of sport laid down a challenge of “inspiring a generation”, a challenge that should be applied to every area of life, not just sport.

Our theme of Black History Month, or rather the challenge, is to inspire a generation to be proud of their heritage and help turn this pride into achievement.

Thank you to everyone who helped to create these events and we hope you will join us in celebrating this iconic month by attending the many exciting events taking place in October.

18 Beyond October Designed by BCC, Bristol Design BD3037 Compiled by Kathryn Mitchell (Intern) – University of the West of England

If you would like this information in a different format, for example Braille, audiotape, large print or computer disc or community languages, please contact us on 0117 922 2329

4 Dance and Theatre

Dance and Theatre 5

Tavazia Dance – Sensual Africa

Dance and Theatre

DATE

Breathing Fire - Celebrating Black History Month DATE PLACE TIME COST

13th October St Werburghs Centre, 2:30–4pm, doors open at 2pm £6/£3 concession, free for under 12’s.

Playback theatre is a unique form of interactive theatre enabling audiences to tell their stories.

Audience members are invited to share moments from their lives. They then see them being brought to life as the company immediately recreates the essence of their story using voice, movement, dance, music and song.

Judith Desbonne: 07795 091 269 breathingfire@hotmail.co.uk / www.breathingfire.co.uk

PLACE TIME COST

Malawi…untouched, pure, raw, natural, unearthed, mysterious, rich in culture and life… SENSUAL. Tavaziva returns to Circomedia with Sensual Africa, a choreographic work of art crafted with sublime precision following Bawren Tavaziva’s inspirational trip to Malawi. They inject their own interpretation on the complexities of the fascinating Tambuka and Chews Tribes’ movements and music, exploring the distinctive rituals that boys and girls go through to become men and women.

Rebecca Fitzgerald: 0117 924 7615 rebecca@circomedia.com / www.circomedia.com For tickets contact the Colston Hall Box Office: 0117 922 3686

We Have Overcome DATE PLACE

Redcliffe Community Show – an Acta partnership with St Mary Redcliffe Primary DATE PLACE

22nd and 23rd October Local venue TBC

TIME COST

6pm–7pm £1

An original community theatre production made up of traditional stories from the different cultures represented in the Redcliffe community.

Created and performed by year 3 and 5 schoolchildren, together with adults from the Redcliffe area.

Helen Tomlin: 0117 953 2448 Helen@acta-bristol.com / www.acta-bristol.com

26th October Circomedia, St Paul’s Church, Portland Square 7:30pm–9pm £13/£9 (concessions)

TIME COST

29 October Malcolm X Centre 7:30pm £3

An original community theatre show by the Malcolm X Elders Theatre Company, who tell their own stories of moving from the Caribbean in the 1960’s to make a new home in Bristol.

First performed at Acta’s Coast international festival of community theatre, and currently touring schools.

Mark Simmons Photography, Acta Community Theatre

Helen Tomlin: 0117 953 2448 info@Acta-bristol.com / www.acta-bristol.com

6 Music

Music 7

The Free Migrations Global Gathering

Music

DATE PLACE

Mango Spice DATE PLACE

6th October St Paul’s Learning and Family Centre

TIME COST

1pm–3pm Free

Join members of the award-winning skazz (Ska-Jazz) band, Jazz Jamaica, for this fun and interactive performance workshop, journeying with them to Jamaica.

Immerse yourself in Caribbean culture and learn Jamaican folk songs and ring dances; discover the stories behind the rhythms, words and movements.

Adults to be accompanied by a child.

Stella Quinlivan: 0117 9145470 stella.quinlivan@bristol.gov.uk / www.livelyupfestival.com

DATE PLACE

6th October Stag and Hound

TIME COST

6pm onwards Free but donations welcome

Join us as we celebrate Black History Month and declare We Are: Here! Special hosts, cabaret performances, live music and a very special performance from Penny Bizarre based on Josephine Baker, famed for her civil rights activism.

DJ’s play homage to Jamaica’s musical influence as we celebrate Jamaica50 along with some special Kingston punch at the bar!

Daryn Carter: daryn.carter@uwe.ac.uk / www.wearefest.com

A Nu Civilisation Orchestra Tribute to Joe Harriott: Parallel DATE PLACE

10th October St George’s Bristol Concert Hall

TIME COST

8pm–10pm £16

The Lively Up! Festival celebrates 50 years of Jamaican independence with the Nu Civilisation Orchestra (which includes Gary Crosby, Nathaniel Facey and Byron Wallen). Presenting a sizzling tribute to jazz genius Joe Harriott, the incomparable saxophonist who revolutionised British jazz in the fifties with his Caribbean infused free jazz.

Box Office: 0845 40 24 001 www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk / www.livelyupfestival.com

TIME COST

6pm–11pm Free, exit/re-entry at any time

The Global Gathering is a celebration – through music – of the exhilarating cosmopolitan diversity of Bristol and the South West. Packed full of world music, St George’s comes alive with the most eclectic line-up of top-class world musicians, drawn from many of the great migrant cultural traditions.

Box Office: 0845 40 24 001 www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Pre-Kwanzaa Kulcha Kabaret Dinner and Dance DATE PLACE

We are: Here – Black History Month

14th October St George’s Bristol Concert Hall

19th October Malcolm X Centre

TIME COST

6:30pm–4am Dining and Kabaret £35, Kabaret only £17

John Lynch Afrikan Education Programme Presents in Association with Ujima Radio the Pre Kwanzaa Kulcha Kabaret Dinner and Dance featuring Macka B and a 3 hour variety show.

Tickets available at Genesis Records and Georgina’s Stapleton Road, Glen’s drive in – Malcolm X Car Park, Afro Delight Café Dean Street.

Donna Whitcliff: 07747462404 or 07767763630 jlaep@hotmail.com / www.facebook.com/jlaepbristol

DJ Derek DATE PLACE

19th October The Plantation Caribbean Bar & Restaurant

TIME

COST

9:45pm for 2 hours, followed

by Vicar of Skaville till 3am Free before 9pm, £3 after

DJ Derek is a famous Bristol born DJ, known for his reggae mixes and his use of convincing Jamaican patois! Recently awarded the Lord Mayor’s medal and having turned 70 this year, DJ Derek transcends race and age to bring us the best music from 60’s Ska and Rocksteady to contemporary artists.

Richie Bryan: 07979 262227 richiebryan@hotmail.com

8 Music

Music 9

Batch & The Band DATE PLACE

TIME COST

27th October Plantation Caribbean Bar and Restaurant Band 9:30pm–Midnight. DJ till 3am Free before 9pm, £2 after.

A celebration of the music and dance of Senegal. Batch sings his songs in the Senegalese language ‘Wolof’, however language does not obstruct his music and the passion can be heard and understood by all. Batch’s energy as a dancer is as vibrant and colourful as the patchwork clothes of his BayeFall people.

Richie Bryan: 07979 262227

Celestine and the Band DATE PLACE

20th October Plantation Caribbean Bar and Restaurant

TIME

COST

Band 9:30pm for 2 hours, Vicar of Skaville till 3am Free before 9pm and £3 after

Celestine is a local Bristol born singer with mixed Bajan/Jamaican parentage.

She will be celebrating the best of black music with a mix of soul classics, Motown greats and her own original material. With her fantastic band supporting her, get ready to get your groove on!

Richie Bryan: 07979 262227

richiebryan@hotmail.com

Love Music Hate Racism DATE PLACE

24th October UWE Student’s Union, Red Bar

TIME COST

7:30pm £8

We are proud to invite you to join us to enjoy local music; Dub Mafia, Bashema Hall, C-Froo and Crinkle Cuts. Our music is living testimony that cultures can and do mix. It unites us and gives us strength, and offers a vibrant celebration of our multicultural and multiracial society.

UWE Students’ Union: 0117 3282555 vpcommunityandwelfare@uwe.ac.uk

richiebryan@hotmail.com

“Dub Plate to Dub Step” Ujima 98FM Radio Broadcast

by Bristol Young People DATE PLACE TIME COST

29th–31st October Broadcast from Ujima Radio 1–2pm Free

A youth led documentary style Radio show created and broadcast with Ujima radio 98FM by 17-25 year olds recently trained as part of a Young Roots Heritage Lottery Project. It will reference cultural and music trends from the early 50’s vinyl Dub Plate records, tracing Reggae & Dub Sound System classic drum beats through to Dub Step artists of 2012.

Researchers have created their own material and sourced historical elements with support from Dr. Edson Burton, Ujima presenters, M Shed, Watershed and Bristol Records Office.

Online web resource available at the end of the year on www.ujimaradio.com / caroline@ujimaradio.com

10 Exhibitions, Talks and Workshops

Exhibitions, Talks & Workshops

Film and Book Readings 11

Samuel Gist and the Gist Slaves: Bristol and Virginia History DATE

Afrikan History Month Assemblies and Class Workshops DATE

TIME COST

Available throughout October and November to all schools in Bristol School hours Fee to be discussed on contact

A series of Afrikan History Month workshops and assemblies. Conducted

by RA Cultural Consultancy Services, these workshops clarify the original concept behind Black History Month, looking at the founder, Carter G Woodson and covering subjects relevant to PSHE, citizenship, and global issues. Methods include; participatory, involving students in negotiating skills, developing thinking, enquiry, discovery and expressing opinions.

Elizabeth Small: 0117 9712456 / 07921 770827 / 0117 9541753 ameena@blueyonder.co.uk

Author Talk DATE PLACE TIME COST

3rd October Bristol Central Library, College Green 6pm–7:30pm £3 per person, tickets on the door – places limited

Nikesh Shukla – an exciting new author will talk about his writing and how he became interested in writing and the obstacles he faced in publishing. His novel “Coconut Unlimited” was short listed for the “Costa First Novel Award”. His writing “Generation Vexed” has featured on BBC2, Radio 4, Esquire, The Sunday Times and The Guardian.

Munawar Hussain asif.khan@bristol.gov.uk Reading Lists for African and Caribbean literature available at Bristol Central Library.

PLACE

18th October M Shed Studio 2

TIME COST

6pm–7:30pm Free, no booking required

Talk by Madge Dresser, Associate Professor of History, University of the West of England. Beginning with the extraordinary story of Bristol’s Samuel Gist, which spans Bristol, Virginia and London, this talk will reconsider the links between Bristol and colonial Virginia in relation to the slave economy and the social networks generated.

Catherine.littlejohns@bristol.gov.uk http://humanities.uwe.ac.uk/regionhistory/rhcnew/index.htm For venue details contact the M Shed: 0117 352 6600

Rebel DATE PLACE

18th October The Drama Studio, Fairfield High School

TIME COST

7pm–8pm £5 adult, under 16’s free

Join students of Fairfield school as they conjure a multi media odyssey from the plantation to multicultural Bristol, taking in the spirit of freedom and creative genius that has sprung from the Caribbean islands and liberated the world.

‘Rebel’ is based upon work created by young students supported by writer, storyteller and historian Dr. Edson Burton.

All funds raised from ticket sales will go towards publising a book of the students’ work to share with schools across Bristol.

Leah Marks: 0117 952 7100 ext. 124

lma@fairfield.bristol.sch.uk

Black History Month Celebration DATE PLACE

23rd October The Vassall Centre

TIME COST

10am–2pm No cost, but lunch is not provided

The Black members group BSGPF is celebrating Black history. This is an opportunity for all adults with learning difficulties and their carers to celebrate Black History Month by collecting information from stalls and attending workshops to enhance cultural awareness. There will be a chance to taste different food and learn about different cultures.

Valerie Mower and Fred Miller: 0117 953 6910 Valerie@bsgpf.org.uk

12 Exhibitions, Talks and Workshops

The Real Count of Monte Cristo?

TIME 24th October 6:30pm–7:30pm PLACE COST Foyles, Cabot Circus Free, booking on-line required Alexandre Dumas’s The Count of Monte Cristo is a classic adventure story which has been told and retold many times on film and television. But who was the real Count of Monte Cristo? It’s a story of race and slavery and a forgotten black hero.

Tom Reiss, author of The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal and the Real Count of Monte Cristo talks about perhaps the greatest unknown soldier ever.

DATE

Andrew Kelly: ideas@gwebusinesswest.co.uk www.ideasfestival.co.uk/?p=4541

Discovery Day for Black History Month: Africa 25th October 10am–1pm TIME City Museum & Art Gallery, Curiosity COST Free, donation towards PLACE Gallery and Schools Room pottery costs One of the Museum’s regular Discovery Days is focused on Africa this month.

Be inspired by the different cultures of Africa through looking closely at Museum objects and making your own coiled pot to take home after studying one made

by Lady Kwali in Nigeria.

Sue Giles: 0117 922 2635 sue.giles@bristol.gov.uk / www.bristol.gov.uk DATE

Discovery Day for Black History Month: Africa TIME 26th October 10:30am–1pm COST M Shed Free We will have some of the items in the African collections out for handling and discussion. Be inspired by the different cultures of Africa through looking closely at Museum objects.

Sue Giles: 0117 922 2635 sue.giles@bristol.gov.uk / www.bristol.gov.uk DATE

PLACE

Ah Fi We Art Exhibition TIME 27th October 12noon–6pm COST Kuumba, Hepburn Rd Free An Art Exhibition featuring a stunning collection of art by local Afrikan-Caribbean artists. Paintings, photographs, prints and more, this event is not to be missed!

Beaula McCalla: 07979 107 765 kaymccalla@yahoo.co.uk DATE

PLACE

Networking 13

Networking BME Voluntary & Community Sector Fair Money, marketing and meeting – forging partnerships DATE PLACE TIME COST

25th October Conference Hall, Bristol City Council, Council House 1pm–6pm Free

Now in its third year the BME VCS fair brings together agencies and individuals who share a common goal in seeking to improve their engagement with and share the learning from working with BME communities. A great opportunity not only to network with others but also, importantly to share your work through a five-minute presentation.

To book a free stall space and or speak at the events please email simon.nelson@bristol.gov.uk or call 0117 922 2358 for further information

Ask About Me DATE PLACE TIME COST

27th October Holiday Inn, Cabot Circus 5–8.30pm Free for 16–19 years and £25 per head for professionals

An intergenerational 3-course dinner and networking event, providing a platform for local professionals to connect with aspiring young people from inner city Bristol; with the aim of finding suitable life and career mentors/mentees. Confirmed guests include Peter Main (Lord Mayor of Bristol) and Jeremy Cook OBE (BTEC).

Poku Osei: 07930147193

Poku.osei@byep.org.uk

14 Walks

Walks Bristol City Centre Tours – Afrikan Symbols DATE

PLACE TIME

COST

1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 23rd, 28th, 29th, 31st October Meet at St Mary Redcliffe Two tours per date, morning and afternoon Introductory price of £7, booking essential, places limited.

Other 15

Other Afrifest DATE PLACE TIME COST

5th October Westbury on Trym Methodist Church 6pm–10pm £10 per person

DATE PLACE TIME COST

6th October Malcolm X Centre 12noon–10pm Free

Afrifest is an annual event that aims to recognise, display and share diverse African and Caribbean heritage, history and cultures as part of Black History Month. The activities are based on the themes of “Emancipation – A celebration of the Caribbean at 50” and “Olympics – Equality at the Heart of every sport” Peninah Achieng: 07862 729 407 Africanvoicesforum@yahoo.co.uk / africanvoicesforum.org.uk

RA Cultural Consultancy Services presents a tour that proudly displays images originating from North, East, and West Afrika. Many of these symbols presented tell tales of the Egyptian period known as Kemet. Images can be seen on local government, religious and commercial buildings. Tour suits all ages.

Every One Reach One Recruitment Campaign

Elizabeth Small: 07921 770 827 / 0117 971 2456 ameena@blueyonder.co.uk

The NHSBT in partnership with Uijima Radio will host a recruitment drive at Gallery shopping Centre Broadmead Bristol. This recruitment drive will be supported by local entertainers, children's activities including face painting , speakers sharing their inspiring heart-warming stories, and local artist performances that will celebrate the gift of life through song, dance and spoken word. We would like to ask everyone to reach one new friend or family member, bring them along on the day and enrol to become a blood donor.

Let's make Black History Month an amazing year for blood donation this year!

Geraldine Parker: 0117 9217502 Geraldine.parker@nhsbt.nhs.uk

Old St Pauls Carnival Procession Route Podcast Launch Event DATE PLACE TIME COST

26th October Meet outside Circomedia.

12noon–4pm Donations accepted, cost for refreshments

The podcast will feature an inter-generational docu drama guiding listeners through the route taking in Easton, Eastville and St Pauls. Interviews, poetry, dance and actors will animate the route that encompasses tales of legend, myth and mystery.

What is a bust of Edward Colston doing hidden in the heart of Easton and why were Bristol Rovers known as the ‘Black Arabs’? Tour suits all abilities.

Cleo Lake: 07771 825 035 www.jahlakekoncepts.com Anybody wishing to submit memories or images please email: info@jahlakekoncepts.co.uk

DATE PLACE

13th October Castle Park

TIME COST

10am–4pm Free

Afrinique’s Afrikan Market DATE PLACE

27th October Kuumba 20-23 Hepburn Road, St Pauls

TIME COST

12noon–6pm Free

Take the chance to purchase beautiful African Accessories, clothes, literature and greeting cards whilst enjoying great tasting Caribbean food and pastries Don’t miss The Kwanzaa Afrikan market!

To secure a stall please email info@afrinique.co.uk Naa-Adjeley Kwei and Robert Owoo 07534 294 851 www.facebook.com/afrinique

16 Calendar of Events

Calendar of Events 17

October 2012 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

1

2

3

Bristol City Centre Tours begins

7

8

Thursday

4

5

Author Talk

9

10

Friday

6

Afrifest

11

12

15

16

17

18

Redcliffe Community Show

28

19 Samuel Gist and the Gist Salves Lecture Rebel

22

29 We Have Overcome “Dub Plate to Dub Step” Broadcast

23

24

Black History Month Celebration

Love Music Hate Racism

Redcliffe Community Show

The Real Count of Monte Cristo?

30 “Dub Plate to Dub Step” Broadcast

13

Every One Reach One

The Migrations Global Gathering

21

Mango Spice We Are: Here – BHM Afrifest

’Breathing Fire’ Celebrating BHM

Nu Civilisation Orchestra

14

Saturday

25

DJ Derek Pre-Kwanzaa Dinner and Dance

26 Discovery Day for BHM: Africa BME Voluntary & Community Sector Fair

Tavaziva Dance – Sensual Africa Discovery Day for BHM: Africa St Paul’s Procession

20 Celestine and the Band

27 Ask About Me Ah Fi We Art Exibit Afrinique’s Afrikan Market Batch & the Band

31 “Dub Plate to Dub Step” Broadcast Please turn the page for events happening beyond October....

2 18Introduction Beyond October

Beyond October 19

Signpost and Rite Direkshon Film and Ting “The Story of Lovers Rock” 12A

Beyond October

DATE

Jamaica and the Caribbean: Beyond the Boundary DATE PLACE TIME COST

PLACE

23rd November Easton Community Centre

TIME COST

7:30pm–9:30pm £3

The Story of Lovers Rock is a film that tells the history of how Lovers Rock music defined a generation in the late 70’s & 80’s hugely impacting on British Pop Culture. A film for the young, to make musical connections and for the mature, to reminisce. Suitable for children.

Fri 2nd – Sun 4th November Watershed See www.watershed.co.uk See www.watershed.co.uk

This 3-day programme of events celebrates and reflects on 50 years of independence for Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago. Engaging and insightful, Brian Meeks Beyond the Boundary will not only consider the political and cultural and economic development of these countries since independence but also their impact on the Caribbean Diaspora in Bristol and the UK. Events include a one-day conference featuring international and UK based expert speakers such as Brian Meeks, film screenings, poetry and spoken word readings and roundtable discussions.

Hilary Banks: 0117 955 9987 director@projectsignpost.org.uk

Catrin John: 0117 927 5100 www.watershed.co.uk / info@watershed.co.uk

Afrika Eye Film Festival DATE PLACE

9th and 11th November Watershed

TIME COST

8pm £8/£6.50 per screening

Celebrate African Culture with the best films from Jamaica, Chad, Congo, Bristol and many places in-between. Themes are “Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago at 50” and “Healing”. Enjoy our gala opening and live music after party, watch films, attend discussions, bring your kids to workshops and join us for the gorgeous closing film.

Ingrid Sinclair: 0117 924 6129 afrikaeye@googlemail.com

Disclaimer Bristol City Council is not responsible for the content of these events. The views and opinions presented by organisations at events do not necessarily reflect the views of the City Council. Bristol City Council endeavours to supply full and accurate information in the resource. However it cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies and any inconvenience this may cause. For further information on events use the contact details given per event.