BASHY'S TUNE - BLACK BOYS

Constructive emcee, Bashy, is presenting a positive image of black boys with his pioneering tune, simply titled Black Boys.
The song is dedicated to brothas making movements towards success.
More specifically, Bashy gives props to Dizzee Rascal, So Solid Crew, Jermain Defoe, Swiss, Trevor Nelson, Sway, Kodjo, Steve Sutherland, his Father and many others.

The self-proclaimed 'social/street commentator' also puts aside his past issues with Wiley by stating "….that's why no matter what we had, I still gotta' shout out Wiley. He built a scene. Amongst us black boys he built a dream".
The fact that he mentions Wiley (credit where credit is due right?) shows Bashy's maturity as a person and an artist.

Don't worry ladies; Bashy doesn't forget the sistas, as he mentions a few "ebony dimes" like Sade, Ms Dynamite, Keisha White and others.
Also Bashy tells me a remix dedicated to us sistas, is on the way and will feature Ms Dynamite.

When asked what inspired Black Boys, Bashy explains "We don't celebrate our black people's successes and I've had enough of it".

Positive praise for black boys (and girls too) is rare, it is more likely that black boys are associated with negativity and are often stereotyped as hooligans and gun wielding thugs.
So hearing such lines as "no we ain't hooligans, just young and talented Nubians," was a refreshing delight to my ears.

The song also coincides with Black History Month which is celebrated every October in the UK.

A big shout out to Bashy, because music isn't just about who can move the most units (someone enlighten 50 Cent), it's also about sending out a message and Bashy's got it locked.

You can vote for Black Boys on MTV Base– get voting people because this song is worth it!

BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2007

October is Black History Month (BHM) in the UK and there are many events/activities that will be taking place, to enable us to reflect and learn about the contributions of the black community, celebrate their achievements and discover black history.

There are loads of things to do this month, get involved and you’ll be spoilt for choice. For more information visit your local council’s website or click here.

Happy Black History Month!

REV. JESSE JACKSON VISITS UK TO DISCUSS ECONOMIC EQUALITY

Civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson, Diane Abbott, Lee Jasper, Doreen Lawrence and many other key BME figures graced the Economics of Colour conference in Westminster last week.

The conference was part of the Economics of Colour five day tour which is being headed by Rev. Jackson up and down the UK. The event commemorated the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery conference whilst also launching Equanomics UK, a 1990 Trust initiative which is “committed to equality through economics”. The initiative aims to “strive to change the face of equalities and provide an even playing field for all deprived members of society, through combined efforts of the grassroots, the private sector, educational institutions and political organisations”.

The conference began with a presentation showing BME (black minority ethnic) key figures such as Nelson Mandela, Angela Davies, Gandhi, Maya Angelou, Tupac Shakur and Bob Marley – just to name a few. Each figure received a round of applause and cheers as the audience stood in admiration and pride.

Tony Benn, former MP and Cabinet Minister was the first to deliver a speech and he told the audience “treat people as you wish to be treated yourself,” he then went on to say that all the great religions teach us this.

Dipen Rajyaguru from the Hindu Council UK urged that the BME community needed to “mobilise their votes” and Rajyguru called for unity in order for us to gain economic justice and empowerment.

Tahir Alam from the Muslim Council UK also called for unity and collaborative working.

Simon Woolley of Operation Black Vote declared “I am a proud descendant of a slave,” he then went on to say “to me they weren’t slaves that was my family”.

Diane Abbott who recently celebrated 20 years as an MP, touched on the issue of gang/gun crime and how it is not an issue specific to black youth but an issue that concerns disaffected, alienated poverty stricken youth. Abbott also discussed the failure of schools to black children and the desperate need for political and economical advancement of the BME community.

Rev. Jackson was last to speak and he delivered a gripping speech in which he informed the BME community that we must not “self-degrade”. The two times presidential candidate also said “in Britain we are not beggars and borrowers, we are buyers, menders, investors and builders” and we need to demand “economic power because we spend”.

EVENT: RISE FESTIVAL

Superstar artists such as Kelis, Jamelia, K'naan and one of Naija's finest – 2Face; graced the Rise festival with their presence at Finsbury Park.

For those of you who have had your eyes and ears glued to the ground, the Rise festival is a free anti-racist music event held every summer (since 2000) by the Mayor of London. The festival aims to stand against racism, fascism and promote London's diversity.

Other activities at the festival were a fair ground, children's play area and exhibitions (where you could get some freebies).

Not even the dodgy English weather could stop the thousands of people who came to watch the performances, eat some good food, enjoy the activities and the atmosphere whilst supporting a good cause on the 15th of July.

Along with the main Rise festival stage there were also six other stages which included an African Village stage (which saw the likes of 2Face), a Mela Stage (which exhibited Asian artists and culture) and an Underground Stage where unsigned artists could do their thang.

Unfortunately for me I didn't get to witness much of the other stages but what I did see at the main Rise stage was definitely worthwhile. Despite being in the pouring rain when the UK R&B hottie Jamelia began her performance, the crowd received her very well – jumping and bubbling whilst Jamelia sang her tunes which included her smash hits "Thank You" and "Superstar". Jamelia was lovely; I enjoyed her performance and judging from the crowd's cheers I'm sure they did too.

A shout out needs to go to the DJ (don't know his name - my bad) who played all the hot old school and new school jams, keeping us entertained in between performances; especially when Kelis was taking forever (don't worry she made it up to the festival goers in the end).

The boss Kelis was announced to come on stage TWICE – the second time was by Choice FM's tag team Kat and RB ("Ooh we love you RB, watch you everyday on MTV" - sorry I couldn't help myself) but still we were waiting for like a gazillion years. So when the eccentric singer finally came on stage, I was screwing but that didn't last long as my fowl mood was soon lifted by Kelis' hyped, refreshing and entertaining performance. After singing what felt like 50 songs that I wasn't familiar with, Kelis then sang all my tunes including "Bossy", "Lil Star", "Millionaire", "Trick Me" and "Milkshake" (at which point the crowd was sooooo crunked - Lil John would have been put to shame). Kelis is quite a performer - my girl was doing the tic toc, bum flicks and dropping it like it was hot; at one point I was questioning her sanity but I guess that's Kelis for you.

Sadly after Kelis' performance my legs had given up and I made my way home, without witnessing the Dustyfoot Philospher aka K'naan. However the Rise festival was still a nice event, if you missed out then that's a shame but there's always next year.

EVENT: INSPIRE

As a lover of poetry and music immediately this event captured my interest when it was brought to my attention (thank you Jadine and Serena). Inspire is a weekly open mic night dedicated to the arts (poetry, rapping, singing, comedy, dancing – I'm sure you get the picture).

So Thursday evening the girls and I made our way to NIA Bar in Camberwell, showing up early of course (cause Doyin doesn't like standing and I wanted good seats) and yes we managed to get the BEST seats in the hizzhouse, right up front (thank you Floetic Lara)!!!!!

The NIA bar (formerly known as the Cube) is a great comfy setting (especially when you have such great seats); it was definitely a nice mellow vibe. The bar fitted in with my student price range (£1.50 for soft drinks you know) and so did the free entry; so it was all good.

Now as for the actual event, WOW…I was blown away. The hostesses Floetic Lara and Lyrical Healer were just amazing hitting us with the neo-soul flavours, they were so warm, welcoming and soooo talented. The performers were great and varied; there was deep poetry from Realitie, thought provoking Hip Hop from J The Exodus, a beautiful piece was played to us by Pipes with his flute and I can't remember anymore names but everyone was fabulous!

Inspirational is an understatement because this event more than inspired me, I was touched and moved beyond belief. Inspire gets 5 out of 5 stars from me, I will definitely be going again and if anyone wants to come down as well the info is below.

INSPIRE (FREE ENTRY) @ NIA BAR – 58 CAMBERWELL CHURCH STREET, LONDON SE5 and it starts at 7pm (for open mic sign up) or 8pm-11pm for the actual show and there's a DJ till late. Oh yeah remember it's on Thursdays and for more info here is Inspire's myspace www.myspace.com/inspireevents

STEREOTYPING BLACK YOUTH......AGAIN

I discovered an article on the Telegraph newspaper website today which I thought I would bring to your attention. The article detailed the tragic murder of a man in which police believe witnesses are keeping quiet. However a poem was left on lampposts and bus stops that allegedly names the killer (who is said to be a black male) and how he disposed of the murder weapon. The article then goes on to say that the author of the poem “uses street slang which suggests he may be black himself”.

I hear so many people - young, old, from a variety of races and backgrounds that use “street slang” frequently; in fact it seems to be a fashion trend. So it amazes me that the Telegraph came to the ill-informed and stereotypicl conclusion that because the poem was written in "street slang" this “suggests he may be black”.

Click here to view the article.

BNP ARE "BIG LOSERS"

Many candidates from the neo-Nazi BNP party failed to win seats during local elections; despite there being 750 candidates this week. The BNP also lost seats that they had previously occupied, reports Black Information Link.

Click here to get the full story.

LACK OF BLOG POSTS

Hi people!

Sorry about the lack of posts, it's just I have gone into hibernation as my exams are just round the corner (wish me luck)! As soon as my exams are over I will be back to posting regular blog entries. However whilst I am gone there are websites such s The Voice, Black Information Link and New Nation; that will provide you with information in regards to "Black Youth Empowerment".

Thank you for your participation, it is much appreciated and if like myself you have got exams coming up then I wish you the best of luck.

Take care, HRH Dee xxx

BLACK CHRISTIAN LEADERS DENOUNCE PM'S COMMENTS

Black Christian leaders are saying the Prime Minister’s comments about black communities do not recognise the work the community (especially black churches) are doing to tackle criminal gangs, reports Inspire Magazine.

Bishop Joe Aldred, the Secretary for Minority Ethnic Christian Affairs for Churches Together in England, said: “I’m not sure where the Prime Minister has been, or who he’s been talking to, if he thinks black communities have not been denouncing the gangs and gang activity".

Bishop Aldred went on to say "what we need is better support for those initiatives working with young people, parents, schools, and community groups, to help to give (particularly to our young boys) some sense of a better code of behaviour, aspiration, and a sense of belonging.”

Clicke here to read more.

PRIME MINISTER PINPOINTS BLACK YOUTH

PM Tony Blair is reported to have quoted a black pastor of a London church out of context by saying "when are we going to start saying this is a problem amongst a section of the black community" in a speech he made yesterday.

Mr Blair said the recent violence should not be treated as part of a general crime wave, but as specific to black youth. He said people should forget political correctness and stop "pretending it is not young black kids doing it".

After his speech Tony Blair answered questions (in regards to the reasons behind this "proplem that is specific to black youth") and went on to say he thinks "it is to do with the fact that particular youngsters are being brought up in a setting that has no rules, no discipline, no proper framework around them."

Community leaders are angered by the Prime Minister's comments as they believe that Mr Blair is ignorant and is failing to provide support for black led efforts to tackle the problem.

Keith Jarrett, chair of the National Black Police Association, whose members work with vulnerable youngsters, said: "Social deprivation and delinquency go hand in hand and we need to tackle both. It is curious that the prime minister does not mention deprivation in his speech."

LONDON MAYOR BLAMES RAP MUSIC, TV AND FILMS

This is London reports today that the mayor of London, Ken Livingstone "launched a tirade" against violent films, tv and gangstan rap because he considers them the reason why Britain is so violent.

He claims the current spate of violence in Britain and society's moral breakdown was due to some rap music. The Mayor went on to suggest that metal detectors should be installed in all schools to stop youth knife crime.

Click here to read the article.

BLACK FATHERS TO BLAME?

The Telegraph newspaper website writes that the National Union of Teachers (NUT) urged Black fathers to take greater responsibility for their children's education to stop teenage boys turning to gun crime and gang culture.

The NUT claim many black boys had an "anti-academic" disposition but it was up to schools, parents and the pupils themselves to turn this situation around.

The issue of rap artists glamorising gun crime crept into the article also and it was stated that “many Afro-Caribbean parents themselves who have children at school have been socialised in a culture of low expectations and low aspirations".

To read the Telegraph article please click here.

I would just like to ask whether this is the “demonising” of black youth (males in particular) or do black youth have a problem with education and crime that other youth don’t? Or possibly is this a cultural problem – are black fathers to blame?

BARONESS AMOS' OBSERVATION ON SLAVERY

I found an interesting article by Baroness Valerie Amos, Leader of the House of Lords and she was recently voted the most powerful and influential black woman in Britain. In the article she gives her observations on slavery. To read the article click here.

BLACK BRITISH HISTORY BOOK

Black British History has been documented in a book titled "The Oxford Companion to Black British History" and it was reviewed in the Independent newspaper today. The book has been described as "essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the long and fascinating history of black people in the British Isles". Click here to read the review or click above to buy the book.

VIOLENCE AGAINST MUSLIMS

The British National Party (BNP) and other neo-Nazi groups are threatening violence against Muslims over plans to build a mosque, Black Information Link reports on their website today. Click here to read more.

"RACISM: A HISTORY"

A programme titled “Racism: A History” which examines the impact of racism in the 20th century was aired yesterday on BBC Four at 9pm.

The insightful programme discussed various issues such as slavery, stereotypes of black people in the media, African-Americans, colonisation, South African apartheid, Government legislation, Enoch Powel’s “Rivers of blood” speech, the civil rights movement in America, Race riots in Britain, the National Front movement, the tragic Steven Lawrence murder and the McPherson report.

The programme showed disturbing images of lynched and burnt black people in America and discussed their experiences of racism. “Racism: A History” also discussed that the humiliation and suffering of African-American’s was mirrored in Africa due to colonisation.

King Leopold was discussed also during the programme who realised the immense wealth of Africa, he deceived people by claiming to want to “educate and civilise” Africans. He created a 90,000 strong army to enforce his cruel regime. One of Leopold’s lieutenants wrote “the only way to civilise the Africans is by the whip”.
Colonisation led to an enormous loss of human life where the population of Africa was slashed from 20million to 10 million.

Dr Bambi who spoke on the programme talked about Human zoos where Africans where put on display like animals.

The Congolese genocide where 10 million people died which is greatly ignored nowadays despite the large loss of life, was voiced on “Racism: A History”.

Viewers were also enlightened about the origins of racism as a term. We were told that the word racism came about with the Nazi’s horrific treatment of the Jews.

The programme also talked about the current state of the world, how inequality still persists as those in India and Africa are living in poverty. It was said that in the United States most African-Americans are also living in poverty with the unemployment rate too times higher for black people than whites.

Lee Jasper, Senior Policy Advisor on Equalities for the Mayor of Greater London also featured on the programme in which he said: “We are still seeing an impact on black people’s lives due to racism.”

YOUNG BLACK BRITAINS ENSLAVED BY SELF-PITY

Journalist Brendan O’neil writes a piece for the Guardian comment is free section today and it is titled “Enslaved by self-pity”.

He believes that “the idea that black people are 'emotionally scarred' by slavery is borderline racist".

He then went on to write:
Young black Britons risk being enslaved by self-pity thanks to the dodgy deterministic arguments of various community workers, commentators and officials. Click here to read more.

SLAVERY APOLOGY CAUSING DISPUTE

Some members of the black community have been demanding an apology for Britain's involvement in the slave trade, and last week the Mayor of London did apologies which was published in this weeks issue of The Voice.

The Mayor writes in the paper:

The British government must formally apologise for it. All attempts to evade this are weasel words; delay demeans our country.

Some members of Britain agree however there are those who feel today's Britain doesnt have to apologise for the slave trade because it happened 200 years ago. One of those people is journalist, Mick Hume who explains his opinion in this article (click here to read).

At the commemorative event I attended on Saturday, lecturer Dr Hakim Adi (a guest speaker at the event) when asked about a slavery apology, he replied: "If Tony apologised would you believe him?" he then called the Prime Minister, Tony Blair "a here today and gone tomorrow politician".

COMMEMORATIVE EVENT FOR ABOLISHMENT OF SLAVE TRADE ACT

Tomorrow marks the 200th anniversary of the abolishment of the slave trade act in Britain and BBC London, the British Library and the Roots initiative held a commemoration event yesterday in aid of the anniversary.

The Passage of Time – Uncovering the Untold Histories of the Transatlantic Slave Trade included lectures, discussions, performances and activities that took place at the British Library.
At the start of the occasion we were introduced to singer Juwon Ogunbe who welcomed us with music by former slave turned composer Ignatius Sancho. One of the songs Ogunbe performed was titled Kate of Aberdeen. I was surprised at the powerful voice the small singer had and he belted out the songs superbly.

Actors Patrick Robinson and Jan Lower brought to life the writings of Thomas Clarkson and Olaudah Equiano with their performance.

Middlesex University lecturer and Historian, Dr Hakim Adi presented a lecture titled An Examination of the Wider Historical Context of the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. He stated in response to the heavy media coverage about abolitionist William Wilberforce that “Africans themselves played a leading role in the abolishment of slavery”. Dr Adi gave an example of Olaudah Equiano. He also discussed how the 1807 abolishment act didn’t end slavery, even after the 1830’s when slavery itself was made illegal “Britain’s meddling” in Africa did not cease - he gave the example of colonialism. Throughout the event Dr Adi stressed that “we are our own liberators”.

Peter Herbert, a barrister and chair of the Society of Black Lawyers, addressed The Legacies of Slavery for Contemporary British People. Herbert touched on the use of the word n*gger within the black community and he said it was “not possible to celebrate such a word”.
In fact a member of the audience said she found the use of the word “black” just as offensive as n*gger because it “shows that you look at colour first” and she would rather be called “African”.

Those present where invited to document their thoughts on the Slave Trade and its Abolition in a commemorative book.

The event ended with a debate chaired by BBC London’s Dotun Adebayo. The question of “What Should the legacy of the Anniversary be?” was discussed by a panel of Dr Hakim Adi, Peter Herbert, Esther Stanford of the African reparation movement UK and assistant comment editor at The Guardian, Joseph Harker.
The audience added ideas such as a slave trade museum in London being built, a black current affairs programme on TV, a commemorative coin, killing African debt and empowering black youth.

Black youth was a subject raised throughout the event in fact one person in the audience voiced that they (the adults) should pledge to black youth to make Britain a better place. There was also focus on education as many felt that the education system and media do not present the whole picture of black history which often left black youth clueless.

I asked Paulette Harris-German, Roots Project Coordinator BBC London/Arts Council England what inspired this event and she stated: “It is important to acknowledge the contribution of Africans to this country in an artistic as well as academic way.”

Natasha Tannis, 31, teaching assistant, from Clapton stated: “Today has been a truly inspirational day; it has been a real eye opener into what happened in the history of black people. As a black mother I truly believe education is important for our young people and we need to educate our children and teach them about black history.”

The debate was recorded and will be broadcast on radio tomorrow on the Sunday Night Special with Dotun Adebayo and Valley Fontaine from 8pm to 10pm on BBC London 94.9FM.

ABOLISHMENT OF SLAVE TRADE COMMEMORATION

If you are wondering why there has been an upsurge in articles and media coverage about the slave trade then you definately need to read this post.

This sunday marks the 200th anniversary of the British Parliament's abolition of the slave trade act in 1807. However the 1833 Slavery Abolition Act outlawed slavery itself throughout the British Empire and slaves did not gain their final freedom until 1838.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said Britain is to hold an annual commemoration day to remember its role in the slave trade, as well as the fight to end it. He told The Guardian daily that he expected the day would be sometime in June and said it could provide an opportunity for the country to consider how it could help modern day Africa. Prescott also stated: “Like the Holocaust, we are learning to talk about the slave trade more openly and more honestly."

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are asking people to take time this coming weekend to reflect on the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade and use the anniversary of the Act for its abolition as a springboard for taking action to tackle the impact of the trade's legacies today, including examples of human trafficking and oppression across the globe.

Events are being held this weekend to commemorate the abolishment, in fact tomorrow I will be visiting the “Passage of Time – Uncovering the Untold Histories of the Transatlantic Slave Trade” event held at the British Library in conjunction with the BBC.

Other events that are taking place can be viewed by clicking here.