BEMA NETWORK UPDATE Thanks to the eighty plus of you that came along to the event I chaired at the Tomlinson Centre Dalston last night (March 31). Entitled ‘Hackney Remembers - Race, Belonging and the First World War’, this BEMA volunteer led event was supported by the Windrush Nurses Foundation and Beyond, the London borough of Hackney, The Imperial War Museum, and Every Generation Media. Intended to generate ideas about the kind of activity the borough of Hackney might wish to organize in remembrance of the contribution and sacrifices made by the borough’s even then diverse community, the meeting produced many ideas and points of views. There were excellent contributions from panellists Dianne Abbott - Member of Parliament for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, Local Councillor Patrick Vernon, former Chief Executive of Hackney Council Professor Jerry White from Berkbeck College (University of London), the inimitable and powerful Professor Gus John (former and first African Caribbean Director of Education in not just Hackney but the UK) and not least from the audience members. Susanne Bardette introduced ‘Whose Remembrance’, a short film sponsored by the Imperial War Museum. It gave a flavour of the contributions made by and attitudes towards services personnel from the Caribbean and various other parts of the British Empire. The film elicited some strong views and questions from the audience for the panel to address. It was generally accepted by those in attendance is that informative as the film undoubtedly was; there is a story or perhaps many stories waiting the telling. Time though, did not really allow for the development of the ideas put forward. However there was much networking going as most of the enthusiastic audience remained for more than half an hour after the end of the event partaking of the Caribbean and UK style snacks and beverages, and listening to live background music provided by an excellent trio of a Calypsonian guitarist, a steep-pan player and an African drummer. If the demand proves to be there and we have the capacity to do so, we will try and organise further meetings where specific and achievable ideas may be progressed, although there is no reason why others can not do so as well. We at BEMA are acutely aware that most of the artwork, poetry etc depicting WWI action and consequences are a little one dimensional and is hoping to commission some research into the work done by African Caribbean, Asian and other so called Empire artiste of the period. If able to do we will be organising a seminar on the issue. We are also keen for other suggestions and will support these whenever and however we can. Donations of time and money We were please to receive over £500 donated by the congregation of the Hackney Unitarian Church in Newington Green during the month of February. We would welcome further donations towards the £5000 required to develop a professional website and to produce promotional literature such as publicity literature and banners, and to support our volunteer programme for 20014/15. If we are in receipt of financial support form the community it will free us up to put on events that do not require us to make the compromises necessary to function. Even though we have an excellent team of volunteers, we are few in number and would gladly accept further contributions. Just make an inquiry if you wish to know more about the network. Ngoma
Posted on: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 14:39:23 +0000
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