If You Would Like This Information About Camden Black History Month in Large Print Or Braille, Audiotape Or in Another Language, Please Contact 020 7974 4590

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If you would like this information about Camden Black History Month in large print or braille, audiotape or in another language, please contact 020 7974 4590.

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4590 London Borough of Camden Tel: 020 7974 4590 Email: [email protected] www.camden.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth 4590

Published August 2006

4590 Design: www.priceassociates.co.uk BLACK HISTORY MONTH OCTOBER 06 CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF BLACK COMMUNITIES IN CAMDEN

most events are free something for everyone www.camden.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth

www.camden.gov.uk/blackhistorymonthwww.camden.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth

Welcome to Black History Month in Camden 2006

Camden is proud to present a fantastic Black History Month programme for 2006 that celebrates the achievements and history of Black African and Caribbean communities who live and work in the borough. I am delighted that this year’s theme is “the spoken word.” As a linguist myself I place great value on the use and importance of language. The activities this year cover a wide range of different forms including rap, writing, song, film and performing arts. These events involve many local groups and organisations, ranging from the Roundhouse to Nostalgie Ya Mboka, a local Congolese radio station. Although I only became Leader following the local elections in May, I have been a Camden Councillor in West Hampstead for over 12 years and have the pleasure of working with many of the groups and organisations taking part in Black History Month. I am really pleased that the events cover the length and breadth of the borough, as well as catering for many different tastes and interests, and that most are free or low cost. I hope you enjoy taking part.

Councillor Keith Moffitt, Leader of Camden Council

London Borough of Camden Black History Month 2006 01 About Black History Month in Camden

The following pages list the events taking place in Camden to celebrate Black History Month. Most are free of charge. Venue details can be found on page 12.

For any changes and updates to this programme, please visit www.camden.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth Camden has supported events marked (GF) with grant funding. If you would like to apply for a grant for an event for Black History Month next year, please contact Camden Arts and Tourism on 020 7974 1647 or [email protected] Camden libraries have programmed a great range of free events to raise awareness and provide opportunities to learn more about Black history and culture. There are family events taking place in all Camden libraries throughout October, encouraging all ages to come along and learn, share, discuss and celebrate Black History Month.

As well as the public programme, Camden Play Service will be running locally themed activities at Playcentres and After School Clubs. Further information is available from Camden Play Service on 020 7974 1519.

02 London Borough of Camden Black History Month 2006 Ongoing events www.camden.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth

On Screen Wordsmiths

A special series of screenings arranged with the BFM Film club,The Bloomsbury Festival, George Padmore Institute and the Renoir Cinema. Screenings will be followed by panel discussions with special guest speakers. Queens of Sound – A Herstory of Reggae and Dancehall (Dir. Sandra Krampelhuber 75 min) 10 October, 6.30pm Swiss Cottage Library

Finally Sayin What I Really Mean (Dir. Monique Woods 75 min) 21 October, 4pm Renoir Cinema

4 Real Kenya (Dir. Sol Guy and Joshua Thome 24 min) 22 October, 12 noon Renoir Cinema

Dream To Change The World (Dir. Horace Ove 75 min) 22 October, 12.25pm Renoir Cinema

Please check the listings guide, organised in date order, for full details about each film. For further information about the discussion panels and ticket prices, email: [email protected] or call: 020 7974 4590. Book tickets at Curzon Cinema for the screenings at the Renoir Cinema – See venue listings. Clockwise from top: John La Rose, Dream to Change the World, K'naan: 4Real Kenya

London Borough of Camden Black History Month 2006 03 Detention 50 Years of Lluambo The Ones We Left Behind Holborn Library Makiadi and TPOK JAZZ Swiss Cottage Gallery 26 September-13 October Listen at 2 October-4 November Mondays and Thursdays 10am- www.resonancefm.com/audio.htm Mondays 10am-7pm, Tuesday, 7pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays Every Saturday in October Wednesday and Fridays and Fridays 10am-6pm 1.30-2.30pm 10am-6pm, Thursdays Saturdays 10am-5pm Free 10am-8pm, Saturdays 10-5pm Free Repeated Thursdays 7-8am on Free Isabelle Merminod is a Resonance 104.4 FM or online. Exhibition of photographic photojournalist specialising in On 6 June 1956 the orchestra images, oral recordings and a human rights, social issues and TPOK Jazz was formed in continuous screening of Lorna political movements. For eight Leopoldville (capital of the then Holder's play Departure Lounge years she co-ordinated the Belgian Congo). The orchestra which focuses on the decisions London Detainee Support Group, went on to become one of the made by members of Caribbean an NGO, which arranged visits most famous in Africa and their and other communities in leaving to immigration detainees at a songs reflect the social history their homelands during the 1950s detention centre close to Heathrow of the Democratic Republic of and 1960s. It explores the impact Airport. This exhibition depicts the Congo. These four broadcasts on their children, families and experiences of asylum seekers recount the bandleader's stories the communities left behind, and and immigrants and the damaging through music and words. the decisions they now face on effects of detention. whether to stay or return to their birthplace in their later years.

Lorna Holder's book, The Ones We Left Behind will be launched at Swiss Cottage Library at 7.30pm on 25 October. See page 11 for details.

Detention Lluambo Makiadi The Ones We Left Behind

04 London Borough of Camden Black History Month 2006 www.camden.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth

Abayudaya: The Jews of Uganda (GF) The Jewish Museum 3 October-12 November Monday to Thursday 10am-4pm, Sunday 10am-5pm (Closed 8 and 15 October) Adult £3.50, Senior citizens £2.50, Children/students £1.50, Family ticket £8, Museum Friends free. Rena Pearl’s photographic exhibition tells the fascinating story of the Abayudaya (“Children of Judah” in Lugandan), a small community of Ugandan Jews living near villages in Eastern Uganda. Their story is remarkable because their knowledge and practice of Judaism developed in isolation over several generations, without any significant contact with world Jewry until the 1990s.

A talk will also be held as part of the exhibition programme on 31 October at 7pm. Admission for the talk is £5 (students and Museum Friends £4), includes entry to the Museum galleries from 6pm. Advance booking is recommended.

Rabbi Aaron Kintu Moses praying (fourth day of mourning for his six month old baby boy)

London Borough of Camden Black History Month 2006 05 Listings

Launch of Black Music writing workshop, Abe Gibson History Month including a showcase Rhythm of the City 30 September, 7-9pm of songs and a lively 3 October, 6.45-8.15pm Swiss Cottage Library competition St Pancras Library Free 2 October, 8.30-10.30pm Free The fantastic line up for Kilburn Library Centre To commemorate the fiftieth this event includes: Free anniversary of London Transport’s Young Face of Africa Dance This workshop marks the start recruitment drive in the Caribbean, Group - 5-14 year old dancers of the poetry competition event award-winning poet Abe Gibson adorned in beautiful coloured judged by Beyonder on 26 pays tribute to Black British Zulu/Ndebele costumes, October with the theme of Black heritage in an event organised Urban Spirit Performance Poet, icons and events in Black British with London’s Transport Museum. Beyonder Performance Poet - history. The top five entries get uses literature as his ‘canvas’ a day at Camden Central where and digital arts as his ‘paintbrush’ they can learn how to be a radio Nubian Jak to bring his words alive, presenter or technician, and their 6 October, 4pm-6pm Africa China - uses the Ajegunle entries will be on the the Camden Swiss Cottage Library sound, mixing reggae and Central radio weblink at Free dancehall with local African www.ccradio.org/programmes/ See 2 October for details. rhythms. soc_culture.htm

Treasures of the Rainforest Nubian Jak 2 October, 11am-12noon 2 October, 7.30-9pm Heath Library Holborn Library Free Free Keith Waithe and Sandra Tenth anniversary launch of the Agard lead this lively workshop award-winning board game. for 3-6 year olds, sharing their Participants of all ages can try out excitement for the natural wonder the latest edition on a life-size set, of rainforests through music and where people become the pieces stories. and dice are used.

From top: Africa China launch event, Treasures of the Rainforest

06 London Borough of Camden Black History Month 2006 www.camden.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth

Border/Clash with Writing Black Staceyann Chin see left for Ahmed Farah Idaajaa Staceyann Chin Histories Seminar profile. 9 October, 7.30-8.30pm 8 October, 7.30pm 9 October, 6.30-9pm Queens Crescent Library Shaw Theatre British Library Delia Jarret-Macaulay has Free £8/£6 concession £6/£4 concession published three books, including This event will highlight Somali www.staceyannchin.com British Library Box Office Moses, Citizen and Me, which Oral Poetry and its relationship Shaw Theatre Box Office Tel: 020 7412 7222 received the 2005 Orwell Prize for with Somali society over the past political writing. Tel: 0870 033 2600 Mon-Fri 10am-5pm two centuries. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm email: [email protected] Si Martin's Incomparable World email: shawboxoffice@ tells the story of three Black This panel discussion involves Grime Time newendtheatre.co.uk exiles living in eighteenth-century prominent Black British writers 10 October, 4-6pm Staceyann Chin is a pioneering London. His non-fiction, Britain's and historians. They will debate Holborn Library slam poet from the American Slave Trade accompanied a black literature and provide Free TV programme HBO Def Poetry Channel 4 series. Slam. Border/Clash blends slam practical advice on how to get From beginners to advanced, published and develop a career share, demonstrate battle your poetry, autobiographical story- Klive Walker is a Toronto-based in writing. Speakers will focus MC rapping skills. An afternoon telling and political commentary writer whose articles on reggae on the importance of producing, with SLAMbassadors from the as Chin paints the journey from have been published in Canada developing and writing Black Poetry Society slam team. Age her Jamaican childhood through and the UK. Dubwise is his first histories. Invited panel members 12-18 years. the discovery of her sexual book. identity and political voice in include: New York. She will be supported Venue provided courtesy of the Robert Beckford’s book God by Mz Fontaine. British Library. The Show will be raising funds and the Gangs, attempts to for the Black Cultural Archives provide some theological tools Museum and Dyslexia Support. for understanding the rise of disaffection among Black urban Venue provided courtesy of the youth. Shaw Theatre.

From left: Robert Beckford, Delia Jarret-Macaulay, Si Martin, Klive Walker Staceyann Chin

London Borough of Camden Black History Month 2006 07 Queens of Sound – A Herstory of Reggae and Dancehall Concert for Black Kwende Anbessa-Ebanks 10 October, 6:30-8:30pm History Month (GF) 13 October, 7-8.30pm Swiss Cottage Library 11 October, 11am-12noon Kilburn Library Centre Free Afro-Caribbean Elders Free This feature-length documentary explores the long-neglected female Day Centre Kwende Anbessa-Ebanks reads side of Reggae and Dancehall music in Jamaica. Three generations of Free from Rastafari Livity, an insightful female Jamaican musicians recount their struggle for acceptance in this A concert by Connaught Opera look at the Rastafari way of life, male-dominated business. Featuring a number of world-famous names to celebrate Black popular music. which has recently been reprinted. including Marcia Griffiths, Sasha and Queen Ifrica, as well as a wide With music provided by the range of female journalists, broadcasters and academics, who provide Tamarind Brothers. an in-depth understanding of the Jamaican music scene from a female Delia Jarrett-Maculay point of view. This screening will be followed by a panel discussion on 12 October, 7.15-8.30pm the role of women in reggae. Kentish Town Library Colour Africa – part of Free the Big Draw 2006 Delia Jarrett-Maculay recently won 14 October, 2-4pm the Orwell prize for political writing Swiss Cottage Library and will discuss her first novel Free Moses, Citizen and Me in this talk. This children’s art workshop will be a lively family event.

Malorie Blackman 13 October, 5-6pm Camden Town Library Free Malorie Blackman will be discussing her book Check Mate, which is the dramatic final part of the award-winning Noughts and Crosses trilogy. Malorie will be interviewed by Rasheed Oganlain.

Clockwise from top left: Carolyn Cooper, Tanya Stephens, Macka Diamond, Queen Omega

08 London Borough of Camden Black History Month 2006 www.camden.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth

ID Indigenous A Jamaican Exile/Cy Grant Poetry Slam Diaspora (GF) 20 October, 7-8.30pm 20 October, 7-11pm 16 October, 7pm-12midnight Swiss Cottage Library Roundhouse Freedom Space Lock 17 Middle Yard Free £1 donation on the door £6 A public reading of a work in In partnership with the A spoken word event using the progress, presented by Pascal Roundhouse Summer University media of poetry, singing, acting Theatre Company, from a new Programme, this youth poetry and other artistic expressions novel by Dorrel McFarlane slam – with MC Nii Ayikwei to interpret the idea of ethnic (pseudonym Merandamaud) Parkes – will engage young Black Omar minority identity in Britain. The which tells the story of a 16 year people and the wider community Finally Sayin' What I event will enable 10 young old Jamaican girl forced to come in creating innovative forms of Really Mean performers from diverse cultural to England by her parents in poetry. The theme will be Black 21 October, 4pm backgrounds to showcase their the 1950s. The reading will be Histories. Contestants will work Renoir Cinema followed by a discussion with on their entries throughout the talents. Performers will include Free Cy Grant, an ex Flight Lieutenant summer and will perform their final traditional African dancers Winner of the ‘Audience Choice with the Royal Air Force and pieces at the poetry slam held performing to a mix of traditional Award’ 2006 at the Atlanta Hip prisoner of war. He is also co- at the Roundhouse. Winners will Ghanaian music, Hi Life with Hop Film Festival, this feature- founder of DRUM, the first Black be judged on applause and all modern Hip Hop and a South length music documentary Arts Centre and is considered the competitors will receive a prize. African Opera singer who will fuse includes interviews with first Black face to appear regularly For competition details please visit classical opera with more modern musicians, poets and social on British Television. www.cbwg.org.uk/ African opera in the languages of activists to explore the question Xhosa, Afrikaans, English www.roundhouse.org.uk/ of what and who defines ‘good’ and Dutch. music. The film features a number of artists, often labelled as ‘neo- soul’, but this film questions what this term actually means. Is it misleading and who has control over this name? A range of contributing artists including Saul Williams, Jill Scott, Lalah Hathaway, David Banner and Omar discuss the issue of how music is redefined and packaged

Cy Grant Nii Ayikwei Parkes Jill Scott for mass audiences.

London Borough of Camden Black History Month 2006 09 Buried Pasts (GF) International Black Day Dream to Change The World 21 October, 10am-5pm (GF) features an interview with John 22 October, 10am-9pm 21 October, 2-4pm La Rose, founder of New Beacon Crossroads Women’s Centre Swiss Cottage Central Library Books, the Caribbean Artists’ Free Free Movement and the George Two-day workshop organised This event is an afternoon of Padmore Institute. Horace by the All African Women’s entertainment and education Ove, the renowned Trinidadian Group and Women Against presented by the CarAf Centre filmmaker, presents this interview Rape focusing on Kay Adshead’s to celebrate Black history by alongside material from John’s award-winning play The Bogus profiling significant contributions, career and interviews from a wide Woman and her new play Bones achievements and events. There range of colleagues. The result is as source material and a creative will be a range of performances of a thought-provoking, enjoyable springboard. Kay Adshead will music, drama and poetry. and inspiring record of John’s life, also prepare a short piece for ideas and beliefs. (75 min) the workshop to introduce new themes. The pieces devised in the 4REAL Kenya and workshop will be presented in a Dream to Change Treasures of the Rainforest final performance. The World 23 October, 11am-12noon Book places in advance on 22 October, 12 noon Chalk Farm Library 020 7482 2496. Renoir Cinema Free Free See page 6 for details. 4 Real Kenya traces an unforgettable journey through Kenya with Somali refugee, poet ‘A’ is for Africa and MC, K’naan – ‘The Dusty 25 October Foot Philosopher’. Now living in Holborn Library 11am-12noon Canada, K’naan returns to Africa Regent’s Park Library 2-3pm to film his first music video for Free his song Soobax, a protest song Ifeoma Onyefulu, author of against the warlords of Somalia. ‘A’ is for Africa shares traditional This rare view of contemporary life Nigerian games and stories in this in East Africa highlights Kenya’s workshop for ages 6-11. vibrant hip hop scene. (24 min) Image from Bones, play by Kay Adshead

10 London Borough of Camden Black History Month 2006 www.camden.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth

The Ones We Left Behind Island Song – Alex Wheatle Book Launch 27 October, 7.30-9.30pm 25 October, 7.30-8.30pm Chalk Farm Library Swiss Cottage Library Free Free Alex Wheatle will discuss his Introducing Lorna Holder’s new latest novel Island Song and will book which encompasses stories be joined by Voce UCL’s gospel from many communities of Choir – singing Gospel, R&B/Soul families separated by continents. and African music. Funded by Heritage Lottery Fund. See details of associated exhibition page 4. From left: Lemn Sissay, Benjamin Zephaniah Lemn Sissay 30 October, 7-8pm Heath Library African Enlightenment Poetry Competition Draw Sharing Stories: a spoken Free – Spread the Word (GF) 26 October, 4.30-6.30pm word event celebrating Author and poet Lemn Sissay 26 October, 6.30-8.30pm Queen’s Crescent Library Black History Month (GF) reads from his writings. Samuel Lithgow Centre Free 26 October, 7pm Free The culmination of a poetry The Upper Room A week of creative and competition organised by Free An audience with educational workshops for Camden Central Radio and One-day workshop with refugees Benjamin Zephaniah young people of all ages to Camden Libraries. The theme is and asylum seekers from the St 31 October, 6-8pm celebrate Black African culture, Black icons and events in Black Michael’s Refugee project using Kilburn Library Centre including workshops on African British history. Beyonder the creative writing to develop their Free mask making, drumming, performance poet will judge the own spoken word performance Award-winning Benjamin story-telling and jewellery winning poem. The top five entries pieces. Group members will Zephaniah will discuss his making. The workshops will get a day at Camden Central and be encouraged to share some new book J is for Jamaica in culminate in a final public their entries will be broadcast on of their own history, as well an interview with poet Marsha performance bringing all the the Camden Central radio weblink as creating pieces inspired Prescod. workshop participants together. www.ccradio.org/programmes/ by significant Black historical Limited seating – Please arrive soc_culture.htm figures. The final pieces will be early to avoid disappointment. accompanied by music and will be performed in the end show, which will be open to the public.

London Borough of Camden Black History Month 2006 11 Venues

Afro-Caribbean Elders Kentish Town Library Shaw Theatre Day Centre 262-266 Kentish Town Road NW5 Euston Road NW1 86 Abbey Road NW8 020 7974 6253 0870 033 2600 020 7372 0862 Kilburn Library Centre Swiss Cottage Central Library British Library 12-22 Kilburn High Road NW6 Swiss Cottage Gallery Euston Road 020 7974 1965 88 Avenue Road NW3 020 7412 7332 020 7974 6522 Lock 17 Middle Yard Camden Town Library Camden Lock NW1 The Upper Room Crowndale Centre 020 7267 1577 8 Greenland Street NW1 218 Eversholt Street NW1 020 7482 5941 020 7974 1563 Queens Crescent Library 165 Queens Crescent NW5 Chalk Farm Library 020 7974 6243 Disabled access: for Sharpleshall Street NW1 full access details please call 020 7974 6526 Renoir Cinema Brunswick Shopping Centre WC1 the venue directly, or contact Crossroads Women’s Centre 020 7837 8402 Artsline: 230A Kentish Town Road NW5 The box office: 0870 850 6927 Tel/textphone/minicom 020 8878 2909 (online booking also available on 020 7388 2227 or www.curzoncinemas.com) Heath Library www.artslineonline.com Keats Grove NW3 Roundhouse 020 7974 6520 Chalk Farm Road Transport: call London London NW1 8EH Transport Information on Holborn Library 020 7424 9991 020 7222 1234 32-38 Theobalds Road WC1 020 7974 6345/6 Samuel Lithgow Centre 69-75 Stanhope Street NW1 Jewish Museum 020 7267 1577 129-131 Albert Street NW1 020 7284 1997

12 London Borough of Camden Black History Month 2006 Feedback www.camden.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth

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Name You can help us to improve the events and the brochure by taking Address a minute to let us know what you think. Email Phone number Entries will be put into a draw and the winner will get a £50 Amazon voucher • Would you like to receive details of any of the following (please tick): Events for young people (under 18) Complete and return the form by Friday 17 November to Events for older people (over 60) Community Festivals Camden Arts and Tourism, Visual and Public Art events Performing Arts events London Borough of Camden, Heritage events FREEPOST LON 8138, Diversity events (including Black History Month) London NW1 0YS Or drop it in at any Camden library. • What is your gender? Male/female

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London Borough of Camden Black History Month 2006