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Black Cultural Archives Opening

7/29/2014

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PictureImage Copyright: Natalie Cooper 2014
What a privilege to be at the opening of the opening of the Black Cultural Archives on Thursday 24th July 2014! There were performances and talks from the likes of Akala, dub-poet Linton Kwesi Johnson, the amazing author and founder of OWAAD Stella Dadzie, channel 4 journalist Simeon Browne and one of my favourite historians Dr. Hakim Adi. I also spotted Sol Campbell and Benjamin Zephaniah photobombed one of my pictures! It was a beautiful evening and the community came out in droves.

Though I was not able to get in to visit the Black Women in Britain exhibition due to queues so long (people having travelled down from as far as Scotland and Australia!), I was also fortunate enough to be invited to donate my African Musical Instruments book which was the least I could do in return for an impromptu birthday present!

The Black Cultural Archive was founded in 1981 with the aim to collect, preserve and celebrate the heritage and history of Black people in Britain. The BCA is the UK’s first dedicated Black heritage centre in Brixton, London in July 2014 with the new location allowing greater access to the archive collection, dedicated learning spaces and an exciting programme of exhibitions and events that explore British history from a unique perspective.

I did meet many of my peers of the 25-30 age bracket and it was great to see some children here too; getting the history to the young ones is of course a great concern I address in my own work, but we also take the time to remember those who passed in the 30 year wait before their dream came to fruition. Len Garrison founder of the BCA died of a heart attack in 2003 aged 59. He was arguably the most important figure in the black British community's exploration and understanding of its history. A historian, poet and educationist, his work in creating and developing materials based on the experience of African and Caribbean pupils gave a major impetus to the development of a multicultural curriculum in British schools.

So come down and celebrate his and our legacy with a coffee (it's free entry after all!) between Tuesday and Sunday!


Free entry
Tue - Sun 10:00 - 18:00
1 Othello Close, London SE11 4RE
020 7582 8516

Sources: 
The Guardian Newspaper: Len Garrison: Recording the history of black Britons for future generations
Black Cultural Archives website: www.bcaheritage.org.uk

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Upcoming stalls for July and August

7/10/2014

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The Africa Live Festival @ The Elephant & The Nun
Saturday 16th August 2014, 12pm - 7pm 
Burgess Park, Southwark, London, SE5

The Africa Live festival 2014 has been invited to bring the very best of African Culture in its entirety to the Elephant & The Nun. It will be the only place throughout the entire event where the public will be able to buy African influenced bespoke goods, enjoy arts and crafts, fashion, holistic therapies, live music and sample the true diversity of cuisine representative of the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa itself.

What is the Elephant & The Nun?
The Elephant & The Nun is set to be London’s quirkiest Festival, a real celebration art, music and culture. The Elephant & The Nun began in 2011 and was characterised by a series of eclectic events that took place through the borough of Southwark from Elephant & Castle all the way to Nunhead (hence the name )

This year, rather than having lots of events across Southwark, it was decided to combine all of these events into one spectacular festival in the stunning redeveloped Burgess park.

"...one of the best free events celebrating African culture in London. Over the years we have held several events and have been supported by many organisations including but not limited to, Grace foods, Jamaica National, OHTV, The Voice Newspaper, BBC London, LycaMobile, and Afriqyah airways."

This means that the day will be packed with activities, there will be performances from the National Theatre, comedy cabaret from Pull the other one, a funfair from George Irvin, super 7 sports from the sports clubs based in the park , opportunities to  try something healthy with The Creation Trust & incredible edible, pop up performances and a wonderful main stage of world music from Local Global.

 The Africa Live Festival will be situated in the very heart of the event surrounded by the world music stage, national theatre, pop up performance spaces and the Pull the other one cabaret tent.

Travel directions:
There is limited parking available so we recommend using public transport

Buses:
•53, 63, 78,168, 172, 363, 453 Old Kent Road entrance *(recommended entrance)
•12, 35, 40, 45, 68, 468 Camberwell Road entrance
•42, 343 Albany Road entrance
Tube: Elephant and Castle (Northern or Bakerloo line)
Rail: Elephant and Castle
Car park: Albany Road
Bike park: Chumleigh Gardens off Albany Road


Source: http://theafricanmarketday.com/#the-africa-live-festival

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The African Market at Spitalfields
Saturday 26th July 2014, 11 - 5pm 
16 Horner Square, Spitalfields, London E1 6EW

Open The Gate is proudly hosting their unique alternative fair, The African Market, featuring a selection of the most talented designers from Africa and inspired by African cultures.

The African Market showcases original & ethical fashion, accessories, jewellery, shoes as well as arts & crafts, homeware, natural beauty products, books, music, arts and more. Local & international charities are also represented, promoting their actions and raising awareness but also funds by selling goods.

And in addition face-painting, glitter tattoos and other kids activities all afternoon!

Also visit: http://www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.com/the-market/saturday-market/the-african-market

Source: http://openthegate.org.uk/


Past Events

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UZIMA -  Natural Holistic Expo
Saturday 19th July 2014, 12 - 10pm
Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, WC1R

An annual event that promoting Health & Lifestyle, Hair & Beauty, Fashion & Culture.
African Market - An abundance of exhibitors providing goods and services in health & wellbeing, natural hair & skin care, arts & crafts, jewellery & adornment, books & education, fashion wear.​
Presentations and Workshops - Presented by professionals and leading experts in Health Awareness, Hair and Skin Care, Raw Food and Nutrition, Holistic Lifestyle and Natural Remedies.​​
Cultural Showcase - Live stage performances by artists showcasing their talent in Storytelling, Traditional Music, Spoken Word, Comedy, Hair & Fashion Design, African Drum & Dance, Drama, Youth Empowerment.​ Hosted by Usifu Jalloh.
Complimentary Therapy - Indulge, relax and treat yourself with a massage, reflexology, body and skin treatments.
Source: http://www.uzimaexpo.co.uk/

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    Natalie Cooper is the author of the African Musical Instruments and African Patterns Books.

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