And The Beat Goes On...

Following on from the launch of Shangwe's 3rd anthology, Hair Power Skin Revolution and in true Shangwe style and spirit, I hosted the first reading event at the Poetry Cafe, in Covent Garden, London, on 21st June 2010. Over 40 people attended and six contributors read a rich mix of their poems and personal essays and with an eager and interactive audience, an inspiring questions and answers session followed. The line up went as follows:

Daniella Blechner read her poem, Hair We Are, and provided a double-act, supported by Andrina George.

Nicola Greenwood read her poem, Hair Place

Cristina Odigie-Bulnes read her personal essay, Colourful Perceptions

Amanda Epe read her personal essay, Brighter Days for African Beauty

Nehanda Buchanan read her hair story, Hear My Lifetime Hair Journey

Scherin Barlow Massay read her poem, No Lye! and her personal essay, A Journey of Self Discovery.

I also read my poem, My Hair.

Judging from the positive and warm vibes in the room and the conversations I had during the break and at the end of the evening, the event was enjoyed by all, despite the nerves that a few contributors shared as they read/performed for the first time.

I felt the evening was a wonderful start to the book's reading programme, especially blending the poems with personal essays and I now have a few ideas on how to approach future readings.

Photos in ascending order:

Contributors & Nicole Moore, courtesy of Winston Greenwood.

Contributors

Daniella Blechner & Andrina George

Nicola Greenwood

Cristina Odigie-Bulnes

Amanda Epe

Nehanda Buchanan

Scherin Barlow Massay

Remaining photos, courtesy of Nicole Moore

Shangwe's 3rd Book Launch

On the evening of 11th June 2010, Shangwe's 3rd anthology Hair Power Skin Revolution was launched. The event was held at Edmonton Green Library, North London. Over 50 people attended, including 20 anthology contributors and their friends and family.

The Launch Host, award-winning Akuba Quansah, led the evening by providing an In Conversation style of interview with me, covering questions on my inspiration for the book, my role as editor, links with the previous two anthologies, insights gained through the contributions, the publishing process and my future aspirations. Akuba then invited questions from the audience.

Six anthology contributors - Christine Collymore, Nicola Greenwood, Tracy Henry, Michelle Hubbard, Bola Odeyemi and Akuba Quansah then read their poems, which brought their contributions to life to a well received audience.

Wine and light refreshments were then served, courtesy of Edmonton Green Library, and networking followed. I enjoyed the night alot, particularly meeting the contributors and their guests and felt we all participated and celebrated in true Shangwe style.

Photos in ascending order:

Akuba Quansah & Nicole Moore

Michelle Hubbard

Christine Collymore

Nicola Greenwood

Tracy Henry

Bola Odeyemi

Akuba Quansah

Photos courtesy of Ursula Troche and Yolande Deane.