On 19th May, I was invited by a friend, Annette Sylvester, to a celebration of The Black Cultural Archives’ projects ‘Documenting the Archives and Oral Histories of the Black Women’s Movement.’ The event was held at the Karibu Education Centre, Brixton. Annette is a volunteer on the project.The event was very well attended and I was glad I arrived a bit early so as to grab a seat. I was well pleased to see that the programme included Stella Dadzie, co-author of The Heart of the Race, and wished I had brought my copy along for her to sign. Stella’s presentation was on The Black Women’s Movement – why it should be remembered and preserved. It reminded me of all the great work that my sister colleagues and I have been involved with over the years, in particular Nehanda Black Women’s Organisation, based in North London, where I was a Trustee and a Community Development Adviser for eight years from 1995 - 2003.
While we were listening to the projects’ feedback, nibbles (pizza, vegetable rolls, apple juice) were being served. Later a Caribbean buffet was arranged so my friend and I grabbed a table and got stuck in. We enjoyed a plate of rice ‘n’ peas, fish, plantain, a chick pea dish, and salad, followed by a plate of fresh fruit – mango, pineapple, strawberries, grapes and melon. Bottles of wine and water were provided to accompany our meal.
I left well satisfied and full, not only with food but with a richness of how important and inspiring the work of the Black Cultural Archives is. The event was a great success and I did lots of networking and exchanging of business cards. I am feeling enthusiastic so will be putting myself forward as a volunteer writer very soon.
To find out more about the Black Cultural Archives visit:
http://www.bcaheritage.org.uk/
To find out more about Nehanda Black Women’s Organisation visit:
http://www.nehanda.org.uk/
Photos from top to bottom:
Me, Stella Dadzie, Paul Reid, Director, Black Cultural Archives and Annette Sylvester (far left) and project volunteers.
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