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International Year for People of African Descent Issue No. 5 • January 2011 In this issue... Tribute Event For The New Cross Fire 30 Years On • Benjy Myaz • Haiti 1Million Trees A Year • Dionne Warwick Supports World Hunger Day • The Con-Dem Posse • Esther Austin • Sistatalk and1 soNNN much more! News January 2011 • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com
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NNN Editor Alison Hewitt Contributors Esther Austin Dianne Corriette Sonia Brown Viv Ahmun Artwork Trevor Muckett
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International Year for People of African Descent On 18 December 2009, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the year beginning on 1 January 2011 the International Year for People of Afrikan Descent résolution 64/169). The Year aims at strengthening national actions and regional and international cooperation for the benefit of people of African descent in relation to their full enjoyment of economic, cultural, social, civil and political rights, their participation and integration in all political, economic, social and cultural aspects of society, and the promotion of a greater knowledge of and respect for their diverse heritage and culture. The General Assembly encourages Member States, the specialized agencies of the United Nations system, within their respective mandates and existing resources, and civil society to make preparations for and identify possible initiatives that can contribute to the success of the Year. Download further information by clicking below. http://www.haringey.gov.uk/united_nations_general_assembly_resolution_64_169.pdf
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October 2010
Issue No. 3 • November 2010 In this issue... Jamaican Mothers Exhibition • Helping Haiti • Buju - Not A Easy Road • Angie Greaves • National Adoption Week • World Diabetes Day and so much more!
Issue No. 4 • December 2010 In this issue... Raise A Toast to Denise Ward • Yannick Koffi • Cracking Presents For 1 NNN News December 2010 • Christmas • HELP • Being In A Good Space Emotionally • Sistatalk and so much more!
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BMH UK’s director secures listing in Black Women in Europe: Power List 2010 Black Mental Health UK’s director Matilda MacAttram has secured a place alongside a millionaire philanthropist, European royalty, senior politicians, and business leaders that are showcased in the first ever Black Women in Europe’s Power List. Selected for her track record in raising the profile of the plight of one of the most marginalized groups in the UK, MacAttram has been noted in this Power List for her ground breaking work in changing public perception around the debate on black people and mental illness. Ranked as social activists MacAttram is also commended for her leading role in a three year campaign to ensure the removal of the innocent DNA from Briton’s National Criminal DNA database, which is an issue that affects large sections of sections of innocent people from the UK’s African Caribbean communities. As much an educational tool as it is an accolade of the achievements of black women across the continent, Black Women in Europe™: Power List is likely to be a benchmark for black female achievement for many years to come.
My Shopping Genie Saturday 29th January at 6.00pm in Nottingham.Venue tbc. Going Global with My Shopping Genie. Learn about the Shopping Genie business opportunity Meet the UK’s first Black Global Genie distributor, Cynthia Litchfield and hear how she achieved success. Download your free Genie application from www. myshoppinggenie.com/ifayomi and check out www.jointhegenie.com for details of the business opportunity.
The list includes 58 women in Europe in six categories. The categories are business, lifestyle, media, politics, social entrepreneurs and NGOs. This year’s Black Women in Europe™: Power List 2010 were chosen from nominations from the general public and editor Adrianne George and coeditor Mark Derek McCullough based on their achievements and sphere of influence. ‘When Michelle Obama was named the most powerful woman in the world this year I noticed that of the 6 other black women on the list none of them lived in Europe. So I was inspired to create ‘a list of our own’ Adrianne George editor of Black Women in Europe’s Power List said. It is an honour to be included in the Black Women in Europe’s Power List 2010. This list is a reflection of the changing face of Europe. The authors have managed to identify high achievers who are doing amazing work which is based less on tradition and titles but more on creative influence and that is where the work of Black Mental Health UK lies. I find it so inspiring read about so many other black women breaking through many of the gender and racial barriers that in previous years would not have been thought possible.’ Matilda MacAttram said.
Mahogany Bridal Show This event will be taking place on Sunday 20th March 2011 @ the Holiday Inn Bloomsbury, London. If you would like to exhibit or feature in the bridal fashion show then we would suggest that you book (by putting down a deposit or full payment asap) as we have very limited places this year due to previous exhibitors pre booking from last year. Please contact us. www.mahoganybrides.com
New Prime Time Documentary TV Series Does the country of your parents’ or grandparents’ birth fascinate you? Would you consider moving there for a better standard of living? Britain may once have seemed like the land of opportunity, but now, with the downturn in the economy, thousands of British born people are leaving for the promise of a better life where their families came from originally – in countries like Africa, India, China, Hong Kong and the Caribbean. Ricochet, the makers of Channel 4’s ‘No Going Back’ and “Super Nanny” are producing a new TV series that follows this trend for a new documentary series.
Four 2nd or 3rd generation British families will be given the opportunity to ‘road test’ a new life in the country of their parents or grandparents for several months, to find out about jobs, schools and housing. They might like it so much; they decide they want to stay. If you and your family are thinking about making such a move, or have always wanted to find out what life would be like where your parents or grandparents come from; then please contact us on the following: Call: 01273 224 816 Email: familyroots@ricochet.co.uk Web: www.Ricochet.co.uk nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com
Uprising Thursday 10th February 2011 TARA Arts, 356 Garratt Lane, London SW18 4ES Start Time:19:30 The award winning author Alex Wheatle MBE was abandoned by his Jamaican born parents as a young boy and spent his childhood in a brutal children’s home. As a teenager he made a living hustling on the riot-torn streets of Brixton, but after a spell in prison he began to build a new life. Alex’s novels include Brixton Rock and East of Acre Lane. His latest novel Brenton Brown is due to be released in the Spring of 2011. The performance will be followed by a book signing. Books can be purchased in advance at www.tara-arts.com ‘One of the most exciting writers of the black urban experience.’ The Times
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An evening to mark the 30th Anniversary of the New Cross Fire
the memorial plaque for the New Cross Fire fallen The plaque unveiling scheduled for the 14th January 2011 has been postponed. At the time of publication, it is planned that the ceremony will take place on the 18th January 2011 however this is not confirmed. Subscribers to the NNN mailing list will be notified of any updates by email
2011 Bring it on! On Sunday January 18, 1981 a devastating house fire killed 13 young black people during a birthday party in New Cross, South East London. The black community accused the London Metropolitan Police of covering up the cause, which they suspected was an arson attack motivated by racism. The protests arising out of the fire led to a mobilization of black political activity, but nobody has ever been charged in relation to the fire. Kwame Kwei-Armah hosts this event to mark the 30th Anniversary of the New Cross Fire incorporating music, film, spoken word and discussion to remember the young lives lost and the impact the New Cross Fire has had on the lives of Britons today. The event hopes to be an inspiring and uplifting remembrance with contributions from Alex Pascall OBE, Professor Gus John, Menelik Shabazz, spoken word from Courttia Newland, El Crisis and Albany Associate Artist Zena Edwards and music from The Queens of Lovers Rock Carroll Thompson and Janet Kay.
Black London’s Film Heritage Submissions are invited from any organisation or individual holding film material which depicts an African-Caribbean presence in London. To be considered for inclusion in this project, submissions for previewing will be accepted on all formats, but if possible preferably digital or VHS tape. We welcome films featuring all styles, subjects and occasions that you consider significant to share: family, community, groups and associations and we are particularly interested in films that feature the earliest pre and post war years. A compilation programme of archive film material will be produced and will be available for bookings in cinemas, alternative
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venues, community groups, film societies, and membership organisations across the capital. Supporting materials and information concerning further access to available archival resources will compliment the programme. This request is for immediate effect as our project runs until 31st March 2011 so if you would like your material to me considered for inclusion please contact the Curators - June Givanni and Imruh Bakari at blfheritage@gmail.com tel: 07943 450 334 by 17th December 2010.
NNN News January 2011 • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com
2011 will be a tough year for a lot of people. Advice, don’t keep it to yourself, you will not be the only one having a hard time, a problem shared is a problem halved. Do what you believe and believe what you do. Sometimes you will come against a brick wall, don’t walk away from it, look at different ways to get through, over and pass that brick wall. Others will try and hold you back through many forms of distractions. You may lose a few friends in your journey next year, but ask yourself, were they really true friends. Stay focused. 2011 must be a year of no excuses or reasons as to why you cannot achieve something or chances are you will remain static and eventually find yourself in a deeper rut than you are now. Have fun!!! To many people forget to enjoy life and forget tomorrow is owed to no-one, this year I have seen and heard about too many people passing away, so as they say and as old as it maybe be, live today as your last. Finally, thank you for all your support over 2010, it’’s been hard due to the influence of multi-million pound social networks but we are holding our own as a network for the community and have seen significant growth to which was not possible without the support of our sponsors and advertisers and of course you. Thank you so much! There will be the usual year to year changes and upgrades here at blacknet and as always new features for you to enjoy! Have a wonderful new year, bring it in with style and passion! Oh and if you have not done so already... join us over on blackprofiles. co.uk you’ll meet some wonderful people there and it’s a great communication network Follow at blacknet on blackprofiles.co.uk www.blacknet.co.uk www.blackprofiles.co.uk www.blackchat.co.uk www.bnvillage.co.uk
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This Month In History January 1, 1863 - President Abraham Lincoln issues Emancipation Proclamation January 2, 1965 - Martin Luther King, Jr. calls for non-violent protests if Alabama Blacks are not allowed to register and vote. January 3, 1624 - William Tucker first African American child born in America. January 4, 1971 - Congressional Black Caucus formed. January 5, 1943 - George Washington Carver, agricultural scientist, died. January 6, 1831 - The World Anti-Slavery Convention opens in London. January 7, 1890 - William B. Purvis patents fountain pen. January 8, 1811 - Charles Deslandes leads slave revolt in Louisiana. January 9, 1866 - Fisk University is founded in Nashville. January 10, 1864 - George Washington Carver, agricultural scientist, born. January 11, 1985 - Reuben V. Anderson, first African American to be appointed to Mississippi Supreme Court. January 12, 1948 - U.S. Supreme Court rules that African Americans have the right to study law at state institutions. January 13, 1990 - L. Douglas Wilder becomes first African American U.S. governor (Virginia) since Reconstruction. 1913 - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated becomes the 2nd Black Greek Letter Organization. January 14, 1975 - William T. Coleman named U.S. Scretary of Transportation. January 15, 1908 - Alpha Kappa Alpha, first African American sorority, is founded at Howard University. January 16, 1978 - NASA names Black astronauts: Maj. Frederick D. Gregory, Maj. Guion S. Bluford, and Dr. Ronald McNair. January 17, 1942 - Three-time heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali born. January 18, 1856 - Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, pioneer heart surgeon, born. January 19, 1969 - UCLA renames its social science buildings to honor alumnus Ralph Bunche. January 20, 1977 - Patricia Roberts Harris becomes U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the first black woman to hold a Cabinet position. January 21, 1936 - Former Congressman Barbara Jordan born. January 22, 1949 - James Robert Gladden becomes first African American certified in orthopedic surgery. January 23, 1891 - Dr. Daniel Hale Williams founds Provident Hospital in Chicago, One of the first schools of nursing for black students in the US January 24, 1865 - Congress passes 13th Amendment which, on ratification, abolished slavery in America. January 25, 1851 - Sojourner Truth addresses the first Black Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. January 26, 1954 - Dr. Theodore K. Lawless, dermatologist, awarded the Springarn Medal for his research in skin-related diseases. January 27, 1961 - Leontyne Price made her Metropolitan Opera debut. January 28, 1787 - Free Africa Society organized in Philadelphia. January 29, 1926 - Violette Nealy Anderson becomes the first Black woman lawyer to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. January 30, 1979 - Franklin Thomas named president of Ford Foundation. January 31, 1986 - August Wilson’s Fences, starring James Earl Jones opens at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre.
Information supplied by www.theblackmarket.com
Sickle Cell Society
Information, Counselling and caring for those with Sickle Cell Disorders and their families.
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Benjy Myaz “A fine line separates musicians who play music to live and those who live to play music. I live to play music…it is my life” Benjy Myaz was born in a little town called Haddington, Hanover, on the island of Jamaica. He and his other seven musical siblings were exposed to music at an early age, playing with the band in their father’s church. Benjy quickly learned the guitar and was always eager to play at devotions in primary school and do rehearsals with the church groups. He went on to study music at Herbert Morrison Technical High School in Montego Bay. After leaving school in 1984, Benjy taught music for two years at the high school level and began further studies with private tutors earning tertiary accreditation from the London Royal School of Music. Benjy’s professional musical career began when he started working in Jamaica’s tourist industry, playing in most of the north-coast hotels for nearly eight years. During that time, Benjy applied and received a scholarship to Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Faith, in its divinity, wouldn’t have it that way. He, however, went on to develop skills in bass playing, arranging, songwriting, and music production; and his career as a musician is credited to his vast knowledge about music. This musician has command of at least seven instruments, with his first love being the Bass. This he owes to diligent studies and an innate love for music. According to Benjy, “When a musician is formally trained, it allows him or her to appreciate the origin and growth of music. It gives you deeper perspective about your craft.”
his album “Time Together” to promote its release. He also performed at “Midem ‘97” (France); an Anguilla’s annual “Moonsplash”, held in March 2007, where he appeared as bassist and musical director for Bankie Banx, and has been since 1997; taking a break in 2008 and 2009; and returning in 2010 for a special 20th Anniversary concert of which was a recipient of a Long Service Award . In 1999, he received a Nomination Medal & Certificate from the Grammy Committee for being a part of Toots and the Maytals Grammy-nominated album. To date, Benjy has released four albums. His debut album, “Intimate Relationship” was released in the U.S. in 1997. “Time Together” was released in Jamaica and Japan in 1998; and the U.S. in 2000 (VP Records). His own label, My’ Werks Music, released “Long Story Short”, the third vocal album, in November 2005. Prior to completing “Long Story Short”, Benjy produced an instrumental album titled, “You’ve Got Me”…the first of its kind ever produced in Jamaica - featuring the sound of the Bass as the lead instrument up front. “You’ve Got Me” – also on his My’ Werks Music label – was officially released, in Jamaica, in October 2009. Music lovers are going to love experiencing this side of Benjy Myaz. In order to accomplish the variations, he utilized his knowledge of other instruments to transform the bass’s melodies. He states, “The Bass was always an accompanying rather than a lead instrument and the concept was to create melodies and not make them sound repetitious or monotonous.” This instrumental album he says, “was strongly inspired by fusion musicians like: Herbie Hancock, George Duke and, in particular, bass players Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Jaco Pastorius.” It has international appeal, but does not leave out the ‘Reggae feel’, which, Benjy says “…brings back the album to its grass roots.” Benjy continues to tour and perform in Jamaica and on the international scene, always creating new music and recording new sounds. According to Benjy, “I am about chasing creativity, not the competition.”
As a producer, he got his first big break in 1986 when he arranged and produced a remake of Brooke Benton’s classic, “So Many Ways”, performed by Dennis Malcolm, which went to the number one position in Jamaica, England, and New York. With hopes of touring as a bassist, Benjy became a member of the Rhythm Kings Band, touring with several artistes including: Jimmy Cliff, Culture, Toots and the Maytals, Shinehead, and J.C. Lodge. His other credits include appearing as a bassist for the chorale, Sounds of Blackness and also Jimmy Cliff. During this period, he realized his other dreams: singing, writing, and arranging music. The nineties afforded him the opportunity to produce, write, arrange, and collaborate with top Reggae/Latin/Pop/Gospel/Folk/Urban recording artistes such as: Third World, Garnet Silk, Ken Boothe, Joan Myers, JoannaMarie, Pam Hall, Michael St. George, Bankie Banx, Freddie McGregor, and Jazz Pianist Onajae Allan Gumbs. Myaz has written and co-produced several projects with ace producer, Bobby Digital, including tracks on Sizzla’s album, “The Real Thing” and Capleton’s “Reign of Fire”, among others. He has also produced several musical projects for Fyah Wyah. As a solo act, he performed alongside international artistes: Jeffrey Osbourne, James Ingram, Gladys Knight, Angie Stone, Kevon Edmonds, Bankie Banx and Peabo Bryson at the Buzz Production’s “To Mom With Love” concert series held in Jamaica. He performed at “World Food Day” (Nov. 2000) at James Bond Beach, Ocho Rios; “Reggae Sumfest” (Jamaica’s premier music festival); and the “Jamaica Jazz Festival”. In 2010, Benjy delivered memorable performances at the annual “Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival” – both in Kingston and at the Greenfield Stadium in Trelawny. Benjy says one highlight of his career, was performing his first single, a cover of “Love You Higher” at the Prime Minister’s Ball in 2000, alongside international recording artiste Randy Crawford (who had originally recorded the song) to her surprise and delight. Prior to that memorable performance, having released the cover in 1995, it had been receiving massive airplay and has become a classic in the annals of Reggae music. On the international scene, Benjy toured Japan following the launch of
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Earthkeepers Helps Haiti
What’s the sum of one bootmaker, two non-profit partners, five communities and six tree nurseries? 1 million trees a year that will provide food, shelter, fuel and forest cover. In January 2010, Timberland and its two non-profit partners, the Yéle Haiti Foundation and Trees for the Future, joined forces to build “Yéle Vert” – a new community based reforestation project in Gonaives, Haiti. The program consists of six tree nurseries, which are managed by local farmers, and that will produce more than 1 million trees annually. Haiti has the unfortunate distinction of being one of the most environmentally degraded and poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Less than 2% of the country’s original forests remain. This is a result of a long history of unsustainable land use practices and a continuing dependence on trees for fuel wood and charcoal for cooking and heating needs. Haiti’s deforestation is causing a decline in soil fertility, extensive flooding, and depleted groundwater supplies. Recent hurricanes have caused major destruction, not only from their winds, but from raging currents of water racing down the bare slopes. Forested mountains are now bald and lush landscapes are being
overtaken by desertification. Hope and opportunity exist in the form of community based projects like Yéle Vert, a sustainable program of tree planting, agricultural improvement and environmental restoration. To date, working with local farmers and farming groups the six Yéle Vert nurseries are producing trees that will reforest degraded hillsides, produce sustainable charcoal and fuel wood and produce biodiesel. Additionally, the farmers are planting multi-purpose fast growing trees – including Leucaeana leucocephala, Swietenia macrophylla, Jatropha curcas, and Moringa oleifera, which will grow on their degraded lands and help them establish intensive hillside farming practices. In return for their help with the nurseries, the farmers receive supplies of seeds and fertilizer for their farms and environmental training at the Yéle Vert training and resource center located at the central nursery.
at the community nurseries, check out these videos. Timberland invites Facebook users to join us in supporting the Yéle Vert program by participating in the Timberland Earthkeepers Virtual Forest application. The more trees growing in the virtual forests of the Facebook community, the more real trees Timberland will plant in Haiti (up to one million trees total). With the participation of the Facebook community, Timberland will support the expansion of the Yéle Vert program to other communities in Haiti by establishing additional nurseries from which the trees planted on behalf of the users of the Timberland Earthkeepers Virtual Forest application will be grown and planted. So start planting and help us to reforest Haiti. Click here to download the facebook application
To learn more about the Yéle Vert program, meet some of the farmers and see the results
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The Con-Dem Posse As I prepare to say goodbye to 2010 and tentatively welcome in 2011 with all that it will bring for our communities, I find my self reflecting on the UK General Election, and the relevance of its outcome to Diasporians in the UK.
Viv Ahmun ‘We must begin preparing to function more as partners and communities than individuals and consumers of useless products’
I was rushing to a meeting in Westminster when the news broke about Gordon Brown’s ill timed remark about Rochdale voter Gillian Duffy, that lapse of judgment put the final nail in the coffin of his electoral campaign, after a microphone picked up an unguarded remark in which he described Mrs Duffy as a “bigoted woman”. I remember thinking how whipped and broken Brown looked as he shuffled back to Mrs Duffy’s home to apologize, I think even he realized at that point that whatever he touched was destined to turn to dust. For the first time in the UK, we also had American style debates with the party leaders going head-to-head live on TV, which gave Nick Clegg and his party an unexpected boost in the polls that sadly for them did not translate into votes on polling day, I can’t help but think some viewers treated the debates as though they were an extension of Simon Cowell’s X Factor. The three live debates, which ran for 90 minutes without a break and were broadcast over three successive Thursday evenings, breathed new life into the electoral process.Younger people and large numbers from minority groups became engaged in the electoral process as a result of the debates. Social networks like Facebook decided the winners and losers of each debate long before the TV pundits, press, and party Spin Doctors had a chance to project their versions of reality on to the public. Operation Black Vote (OBV), along with the 1990 Trust, Peace Alliance and over 50 other key campaigning organizations worked hard to make Black Briton aware of the 113 marginal seats across the country that they could sway and in so doing determine the next government of the UK. The Black Manifesto produced by the OBV led group, provided critical information on the burning issues for Black people in the UK, and their election rally entitled Black Britain Decides, brought together nearly 2000 Black people to hear from Harriet Harman, Labour deputy leader, shadow chancellor George Osborne and Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman Vince Cable, while Tory leader David Cameron and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg both recorded messages which were broadcast in the hall. The politicians were grilled on issues such as police use of stop and search powers and the DNA database, with those attending the event expressing concerns about disproportionate targeting of Black people. The result of all this activity was the first
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coalition government in more than 30 years. It is argued that the Scottish and inner City Black vote prevented Cameron from achieving a majority. The Com-Dem Coalition’s recent actions in relation to a whole raft of issues central to the quality of life for Black people in the UK, leave me in no doubt that 2011 will be an extremely challenging year for our communities. On average, five times more Black people than White people in England and Wales are imprisoned, and 1 in 4 people in prison is from an ethnic minority background. We can expect to see these figures increase as a direct result of the Comprehensive Spending Review, and the disproportionate impact the subsequent cuts will have on Black communities in terms of redundancies and the dismantling of essential frontline services supporting the poorest communities in Britain. The near trebling of university tuition fees, and cessation of the Education Welfare Allowance (EMA), will impact disproportionately on young people in Black communities already finding disproportionality in the education system increasingly difficult to navigate. The fact that Britain is the cocaine capital of Europe and is also home to the highest rates of cannabis use, means that we must brace ourselves for major increases in mental ill health and criminalization in our communities as our youth turn to drugs distribution and misuse in order to overcome the 50% unemployment rates they face, and chronic boredom and frustration. I take no pleasure in painting a bleak picture of what is in store for our communities, but I believe that to be fore warned is to be fore armed. With the majority of job losses yet to come and interest rates set to treble, we must begin preparing to function more as partners and communities than individuals and consumers of useless products. We must begin to think in entrepreneurial terms on an international level, and build on the modest successes achieved at the last election if we are to achieve a brighter future for our children in the years to come.
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Getting the Most Out of Your Life in 2011 If you didn’t feel that you got the most out of 2010, have no worries, Sistatalk will help to support you to grow, learn and achieve more of the things that you want in your life in 2011.
Sonia Brown
‘When you can articulate well what you do, you’ll become even better at it.’ Thomas Leonard
Whether it’s sticking to a healthier eating plan; implementing a regular exercise regime; giving up smoking; earning more money; starting that course or business you always wanted or simply bringing more peace into your relationships; not all of us have the motivation and discipline that is required to change the habits that bring about positive change or improvement in our life. So for those, who need support to ensure that their aspirations are not thwarted at the first hurdle, it’s time to get focussed and clear as you become the person you most want to be. Sistatalk has developed an amazing success programme aimed at helping women stay on track to reach their goals. Designed by Sonia Brown (founder of Sistatalk, National Black Women’s Network and Let’s Talk Business) and delivered by a diverse and talented host of acclaimed coaches and trainers, this success programme will be the most affordable, comprehensive resource and success plan ever created for those looking to beat the odds of achieving their New Year goals. If you are committed to achieving success then let Sistatalk help you create something new in your life by taking the first steps to changing the habits and behaviours that stop you .from achieving the things that are important to you. We all know New Year’s Resolutions don’t work for the majority of people so this success programme has been designed to help you navigate the challenges and pitfalls that stop you achieving your life’s vision and goals. With only 10% of people who set New Year’s resolutions taking the necessary action to see their dreams manifest in their life, it’s makes sense to work with a team of professionals who can give you the inspiration, tools and techniques to get you to the next level.
drivetime with...
This dynamic 12 step programme is delivered through monthly meetings where you will learn, network, mastermind and more importantly, feel empowered to take action, grow and continually transform yourself. Each month the Sistatalk Success Programme focuses on a new area of your life led by proven experts who will help you to: Develop structure and direction in your life Let go of limiting thoughts and behaviours that stop you living life with confidence, peace and joy Find greater focus and clarity to make your goals happen faster and in the shortest possible time This month’s workshop will be facilitated by Patricia Benjamin (Capital Life Coaching) who will help women to rediscover their fabulousness; and supported by the dynamic and highly acclaimed author, fitness expert and passionate advocate for total health expert, Jacqueline Harvey. There is no better way to get the support you need to in order to exceed expectations and evolve in your personal, professional and business life. This amazing Success Programme will keep you on track, help you take action and more importantly, keep you motivated to achieve the life of your dreams! No matter how well meaning your intentions it’s never been easier to design and live the life you know that you really want. So don’t hesitate to make this affordable investment in a future that promises to boost your career, business and personal life. The Sistatalk Success Programme kicks off on Wednesday 26th January 2011 at the Holiday Inn Bloomsbury. For more details on our structured training, help and support call 0845 467 1148 or email info@nbwn.org and join us on this life changing journey.
angie greaves
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Media Trust’s Lydia Frempong wins Precious Award
GB KIZOMBA COMPETITION Throughout Great Britain’s main Cities from Mid January to Mid March 2011 Eliminations will take place in London, Birmigham, Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham and more location to be confirmed. Whether you’ve been dancing Kizomba and Semba all your life or just for the last few months, get to participate. there are great prizes to win and fun to be had! Calling all contestants and promoters interested in taking part to register their interests via email. This series of elimination and the GB Semi-final are part of CIK, Championship International of Kizomba.
Media Trust’s business development manager, Lydia Frempong from North Cheam, has won the ‘Leadership within the Workplace’ award in the 2010 Precious Awards. The awards, which celebrate the achievements of inspirational women of colour in business and leadership, took place on 8 November 2010 at The British Library. Lydia Frempong said: “‘Winning this award is an absolute honour, my life’s mantra is to be inspirational and to help make positive change happen. My passion, drive and appetite for life have led to me winning this wonderful award. I am so proud to have been recognised for my leadership work at Media Trust, I feel even more empowered to encourage and support others”. Foluke Akinlose MBE, Founder of Precious Online Magazine and Network, said: “The Precious Awards were launched to celebrate and highlight the vital contribution women of colour are making in business and in the workplace. I think in these difficult times it takes courage to open up your working life for scrutiny and this year’s outstanding winners reveal just a hint of some of the great work these women are doing. These awards are about showcasing and applauding talent and determination and the valuable contribution women of colour such as Lydia make. I’m delighted that the importance of the awards has been recognised with a message of support from the Prime Minister David Cameron and I’m looking forward to charting the continued success of all the winners. These are definitely women to watch.”
For more information contact Maria on 0796 720 4891 or visit: www.mdentertainments.org
The Miracle Baby of Haiti Doc. The Miracle Baby of Haiti follows the extraordinary chain of events that led to the rescue of Landina Seignon and the many individuals and organisations that played a role in saving her life. At barely a year old, has cheated death many times over and endured agonising injuries The inspirational story will be broadcasted on Tuesday 28th December at 9pm on Channel 4.
Dionne Warwick & Friends World Hunger Day The Ambassador Theatre Group have kindly donated London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre to host a concert to raise awareness and funds for The Hunger Project’s programmes. Starting at 7:30pm and running until around 10:30, the concert stars the legendary Dionne Warwick; Multi-Grammy Award Winner, Natalie Cole; The First Lady of Musical Theatre, Elaine Paige; International Opera Star, Simon Keenlyside; The UK’s Queen of Soul, Mica Paris; The Royal Ballet’s, Steven McRae; the incredible voices of the London Community Gospel Choir; Louise Dearman and Rachel Tucker from West End Musical, Wicked; Jazz Singer Jumoké Fashola,
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introducing singer/songwriter, David Elliott and all are supported by the full orchestra of the Southbank Sinfonia. The artists will perform some of the greatest songs in popular music.The aim of the concert is to raise significant awareness of the very first World Hunger Day and the inspiring work of the Hunger Project to bring an end to hunger and poverty. It is also hoped that significant funds will be raised for our work in 13 countries across Africa, South Asia and Latin America. To get more information, click here for ticket and booking information click here
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Nominate a Christian Woman for a Wise Woman Award
The bible makes it clear that women who fear God are to be praised, and there’s no doubt that there are many women within the Christian community and beyond who are making strides within their chosen ministries and business endeavours, who fail to get the acknowledgment and respect they deserve for the work that they do. With this fact in mind, Wisdom for Women International has joined forces with Keep The Faith magazine to hold the 7th Wise Women Awards to give honour to and recognise the contribution and achievements of women who, as stated in Proverbs 31, ‘fear the Lord’. Christian women from the black community and beyond, who have made an impact in the church and wider society, will be able to attend an inspirational and memorable awards ceremony that will take place on Saturday April 2nd, 2011 at the Hilton London Kensington Hotel, 179 – 199 Holland Park Avenue, London W11 4UL. Guests at the Wise Women Awards will enjoy a three course meal, entertainment from some of the UK’s leading gospel artists and an awards ceremony, where women, nominated by YOU, the public, will be presented with a prestigious award. The Wise Women Awards promises to inspire, uplift and inform, and provide a platform where some of the major achievements of black Christian women in Britain will be highlighted.
The Millione Foundation is asking people to toast locally and help globally! It’s that time of year when everyone is getting ready to celebrate and to spend time with friends and family. The Millione Foundation, in conjunction with ActionAid, is asking people from the African and Caribbean community here in the UK to choose a bottle of Millione as their festive fizz. By choosing this sparkling rose Frizzante they will be treating themselves plus treating kids in Sierra Leone to get an education. So this year when stocking up at your local supermarket for the party season, make sure Millione, the wine that not only looks good, tastes good but also does good, is top of your shopping list, a stocking filler, or at the bottom of your Christmas tree. EMMA THOMPSON, STEPHEN FRY and JACK DEE head a list of well known faces backing the wine with a conscience, Millione. EMMA THOMPSON said: “Oh that‘s lovely... full of hope and joy and that’s the best taste I’ve ever tasted in a wine.” Most importantly, for every bottle sold, £1 goes towards building community-run primary schools in Sierra Leone, West Africa. The aim is to sell one million bottles to raise a million pounds. With that, 20 new schools will be built to educate 10,000 children a year for years to come. Since its launch in September enough bottles have already been sold to start building the first school at the beginning of 2011. Millione only costs £7.99 so it makes the perfect party drink at the office or around the dinner table, as well as a great gift for friends and family. When choosing this tipple you can enjoy a delicious drink and feel good about the fact that you are actually making a difference to the lives of those who really need it. For a Christmas full of life and hope make sure that everyone’s glass is topped up with Millione.
The Young Designer Show and Awards A non-profit making project based in London England. We seek to work in partnership with like minded individuals who empathise with our vision. Our Vision is to present an international platform for dynamic young designers who can find their niche as individuals and become a brand in their own right. The Aim of our Young Designer Show and Awards and its related events is to increase the number and visibility of young and exceptionally gifted multi-cultural designers, and to encourage them to reach their true potential, by rewarding those who excelled both creatively and academically. The awards is designed to raise awareness of multi-cultural cutting edge designers, and are open to young people aged 9-25 years who have a passion for fashion, who have an ability to do intensive research and have a natural enthusiasm for the subject. For more information or to sponsor the project contact Joanna Marcella Event Organiser Fashion Designers’ and Craft Makers Network Mob: +44 (0) 7940 647 102 Tel: +44 (0) 208 986 8411 Email: youngdesignerawards@hotmail.com http://youngdesignerawards.weebly.com
Find out more about Millione at www.oneinamillione.com
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Positive Out of Adversity Five years ago faced with the dilemma of redundancy, I embraced the opportunity with nothing but excitement.
Encouragingly, Medway were awarded a highly rated three stars with promising prospects for improvement.
The opportunities were numerous, to start a new business, buy a franchise, go on holiday or find a new job. Some would quake at the thought of unemployment, losing an income, facing the uncertainty of finding a new job, maybe earning less than before, having to make numerous job applications or competing against new graduates. But losing my job was a blessing in disguise, a great opportunity, one that would allow me to realise a dream. I now had the start-up funds needed to launch my own business. I could now realise my dream.
AEC have worked with all sectors, private, public and voluntary. We have presented a series of management training workshops and this has resulted in training becoming a part of what we do.
Arbouin Edwards Consulting was launched in August 2005 with a name reflecting its ownership. The partnership was amicably dissolved after three years and the company renamed Accelerated Excellence Consulting, Limited to prevent having to change the website address of www.aeconsulting.co.uk. A management and training consultancy, AEC was originally launched to support organisations subject to regulation, prepare for external scrutiny. Able to use our previous experience as regulators, we were ideally placed to support organisations using our knowledge of knowing what works in performance improvement. We were able to expertly support organisations to positively present their achievements coherently. The company started better than expected. Without finishing and implementing our marketing plan, we received our first order to prepare Medway Council’s self-assessment prior to their inspection.
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At AEC, we sourced our business in variety of ways, introductions/referrals, word of mouth and through the tendering process. Each method has its merit. However, most of our business is gained through referrals or repeat business. Networking is also crucial to winning business as people will usually employ people they know and trust.
achievement, it’s a constant motivation. Assignments we’ve undertaken includes producing self-assessments, reviewing projects or services, investigating claims of discrimination, developing action and business plans, , evaluation frameworks, procedures manuals or other discrete pieces of work like grant making and charity applications. As mentioned, training became an important part of our services. We provide training to councils, housing associations, hospitals and Primary Care Trusts. We’ve also delivered training on behalf of other consultancies. We’ve developed and delivered mentoring schemes for Transport for London and Peer Mentoring Schemes for Hackney Community and West Thames Colleges amongst others.
Our experiences suggests that tendering is the least rewarding method because it’s tedious, time consuming and costly. For small and medium enterprises, this is usually the least productive way of securing work.
Working in partnership with others will support our development and longevity, consequently we’ve entered into a number of strategic alliances with other consultancies and will often do work on their behalf, or vice versa.
Jumping through the right hoops will see you meet tender requirements, get shortlisted and may invited to interview. If offered the contract, your approach will be scrutinised and deliverables agreed. If unsuccessful, there is the option of requesting feedback, which will help you identify areas for improvement when putting together subsequent tenders and presentations.
We’ve also had to become creative in sourcing clients and work, becoming more alert to opportunities and prepared to step outside our comfort zone.
There will be always be setbacks when tendering but despite this, being a business owner will be nothing but euphoric. Every time I tell someone I’m a business owner and outline my achievements or give an insight into the projects we’ve undertaken, I’m enthused and motivated. This process of affirmation energises and me gives a feeling of
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An example of becoming creative and alert to opportunities was our engaging in a relationship development arrangement with an employment agency that was looking to break into the education and local government markets. For making introductions, we received a retainer and a percentage of every contract entered into, as a resulting of those introductions. With a pledge to exceed our clients’ expectations, we continue to offer a first class, tailor made service that meets their needs. ot97 released a statement today revealing that DJ Cipha Sounds would be suspended indefinitely for disparaging comments he made about
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How will life be different for you in 2011? Every year on January 1st people sit and make a promise about the difference they will make in their life over the next 12 months. A new year signals the opportunity to start again, leave the bad stuff behind and change our life for the better.
Diane Corriette Diane Corriette is an internet entrepreneur who uses the internet to build a full time income and work from home. If using the internet to build a business that provides value is something you are interested in visit http:// www.anonlinebusiness.net and find out about a seminar taking place in February 2011
By January 30th a huge majority of people who made a promise to do something different have gone back to their old habits and patterns. Their plans have been forgotten and the excuses, reasons and justifications as to why it just won’t happen have already taken over. Why is it so easy for us to abandon our dreams? I was recently reading “In Search Of Our Mothers Gardens” by Alice Walker, which told a story about black women in the 30s – the mules of the world – their struggle just to get through each day, their desire to paint, draw, and/or write, that lies deep within them but that would never surface because of their black skin. They would have given anything to live now where we have access to so much. It made me wonder if we have let our ancestors down. If they could come back and see what opportunities we have compared to the opportunities we take do you think they would be proud? If they compared the number of us under achieving, failing in business, fighting between each other, stuck in prison to the number of us succeeding in business, working together, making a difference in the world – would they jump for joy or feel a pang of disappointment at our lack of participation?
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I live in the best way I know how. For me, my life is great. My goals for 2011 include taking further steps towards being financially free and it is my belief that passive income will help me get there. Using the internet to build an online business that I can be proud of and that contributes to the people I serve. The great thing about the internet is anyone can do it and it really doesn’t take much to get started. My financial freedom will help me give back to the causes I am passionate about (young entrepreneurs and the elderly) – while supporting worldwide causes like Kiva (give money to help people start a business in poorer countries) I will also use my financial freedom to enjoy life. To travel the world and to show my children how easy it is to be an international nomad! I will do all of this with my trusted laptop by my side so that at any time I can open it up, run my business, switch it off and go enjoy living. I live, dream and breathe my goal and with the grace of God I take steps towards making it happen every year. Life throws me challenges and with God’s help I rise above them and continue walking tall. What do you live, dream and breathe? How is your life going to be different in the next year, the next 3 years, the next 10 years? Only you can answer that question and if you are uncertain prayer, reflection and meditation are great tools to get you started. I wish you the best for 2011. I hope it is filled with laughter, love and new opportunities.
Maybe it doesn’t matter. After all they are dead and gone so what do I care about the sacrifices of a woman who decided she was no longer going to sit at the back of the bus, or a man who ‘had a dream’? Why do I need to live to make them proud.....???? I wish I could answer that question for myself and maybe it doesn’t need answering. What I know is that black people died so I could sit and type this article, black people died in horrific ways so you could sit and read this article and while I am here I want to make sure that I do all I can to make a difference as a way to thank them. I don’t feel the need to be a billionaire or invent the cure for cancer. I develop my goals and live my life ensuring that I do the best that I can do in all situations, no excuses, no reasons and no justifications. When I mess up (and I do) I dust myself off and I keep going. I love, I laugh, I contribute to my community and
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A SERVICE FOR HAITI JOIN US FOR A TIME OF REMEMBRANCE, REFLECTION & RENEWED HOPE.
SUNDAY 16 JANUARY 2011 AT 6.30 PM WESTMINSTER ABBEY Preacher: The Reverend The Lord Griffiths of Burry Port In conjunction with United Haitians in the United Kingdom www.uhuk.org
Registered Charity No: 1133997 All are welcome Tickets are not required www.westminster-abbey.org
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Post Christmas Dinner & Dance Holiday Inn London Coram Street Bloomsbury London WC1N 1HT Time 7pm - 2am Organised by Barbados Overseas Nurses Association (B.O.N.A). Part proceeds to support children with Leukeamia For more details telephone: 020 8640 8293 - Marie 020 8378 5327 - Cynthia 020 8765 4696 - Julia 01883 344 5327 - Patrick / Shirley 07950 634 893 - Daddy Vince 07968 846 827 - Jeff Gilkes
An Audience with Krunch
The Leeds Black Awards 2011 For years there have been people in the African / Caribbean community that have done jobs and filled roles that have benefited others of their community.
Britain’s leading black-led theatre company, Talawa, presents Krunch. Injected with wit and insight and bursting with energy, they reflect on what it means today to be young, Black and British. Who are you? Where are you from? From the colour of your skin to the size of your chin, nose, hair and even the clothes you wear. What makes me, me? And what makes you, you? Flying through topics from Facebook to freedom, surveillance, politics and X Factor, their lyrics are thought-provoking and creative. Mix poetry with krumping and a live set by DMC Supremacy champion DJ Matman and the results are fresh and explosive. Watch temperatures rise as voices find expression, energy collides, boundaries are pushed and a new style of theatre is formed. Krunch is a blast. Be there! Wednesday 2 - Friday 4 March, 7.30pm. Matinee Wednesday 2 March, 2.30pm at the Albany. Douglas Way. Deptford. London Box Office 020 8692 4446
These people have gone about these jobs selflessly and tirelessly with no thought of gaining any reward other than a job well done. However simple these roles have seemed they have played a vital role in maintaining the fabric of what it means to be African / Caribbean, from the food, to the music, to the style & fashion. ‘It had occurred to me that these people DESERVE some kind of recognition, and what better recognition than that of your peers. This is the reason why I decided to establish the ‘Leeds African /Caribbean (Black) Awards’ as a platform for those who are doing great and valuable things for their community without the accolades’ said the founder Richard Smith Sr. There have been other community award ceremonies but these have failed to encompass the wider community. The aim of these awards is that they are for the community, by the community. Richard continues, ‘I would also hope that these awards will inspire others who are striving to elevate the community by helping them to realize that in this time, positive steps must be rewarded’. If you feel that you know any deserving individuals in any of the categories, then use your vote and show them that you recognize their contribution or simply want to know more information about the event, you can visit their website http://www.leedsblackawards.com/index.php
Hot 97 released a statement today revealing that DJ Cipha Sounds would be suspended indefinitely for disparaging comments he made about Haitian women on the air. During a segment about giving out condoms to help reduce the spread of AIDS in Haiti Cipha “joked” that he didn’t have to worry about HIV because he didn’t “mess with Haitian women.” The remark incurred numerous angry calls to the station and angry emails online. The DJ apologized but community leaders were not satisfied and a press conference was held outside of the station.
Tell everyone about your events, send the information to nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com
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Ladies Look Great, Look After your Feet I don’t know about you ladies and gents but what is it about people who step out looking like Miss World or Mr Hunk the Dunk and then that whole illusion is destroyed when you look down at their feet. Ok ladies’ I’m sorry but I got to go there with this. Don’t get me wrong ladies, I love you I really do and it’s painful to turn against you like this, but sometimes you gotta be cruel to be kind. Ok peoples stick with me now, just bear with me on this. As women, especially during the summer, we like to look better than our best. We want to look as if we are ‘hot sauce’ or ‘spicy and nice.’ Every woman wants to walk the street as if she’s Miss World or Sophie Loren.
Esther Austin ‘Gone are the days when a woman dressed according to her body shape and size, now everyone’s into the short’
To be honest, elegance is a bit of a swear word nowadays because if we can squeeze into it then its on. If we can bend over in it, even if it is from the waist to the hip (no point trying to conform to touching the toes, we’d have to swallow in our gut) we’re dragging it on with a lot of inhaling and swallowing in and clenching of our stomach and buttock muscles. Gone are the days when a woman dressed according to her body shape and size, now everyone’s into the short, tight, I’m so sexy look and bless, if they actually owned a mirror or if their family had the balls to be honest, many women would not be leaving the house as they do. Being a bit judgemental here........hmmmm – yes I am. Girlfriends you can do sexy in a tracksuit believe me. It’s not what you wear but how you wear it. Wearing sandals is usually a time to take note of an area of the body that we usually ignore. Once we’ve put on our face masks so that we no longer resemble who we really are, and have our chests out on display all else that should matter becomes secondary. After all, the guys are only interested in a pretty face, a pair of tits and if the clothing is tight and fitted, it makes no difference if we’re shaped like a shoe horn or a rectangle with boobs, they’re gagging for us. But woman to woman now – what is it that is a real turn off and really sucks? Ok, ok a man wearing crocodile shoes and white socks has always been laughable even a man wearing sandals and socks is like yuk what’s happening dude? But seriously let’s leave the men alone for a moment. What is it ladies that just kills an outfit so dead that it would be less painful to be shot will a pellet gun and have a weasel shoved up your nose than to recognise this problem? Ok let me let you onto the secret. The worst thing a woman can do, when she is all dressed up and looking fine is to put on sandals and not have creamed her foot bottom. I’m not joking now. How many times have you admired a lady for looking finer than roast beef on a bed of roast potatoes and thought ‘damn.’ How often has someone walked past you and you’ve literally zoned out because she is carrying her body like sex on a bed of strawberries and cream and oozing charisma. Then the ‘hell no’ sirens go off because my girl has dry, cracked heels and toe nails that should’ve been on a dinosaur. Stay with me now. Ladies, if you’re going to put it together, then put it all together, together if you catch my drift. It’s like going out for a meal at the Ritz and leaving your dentures indoors. There is nothing more off putting than a woman sitting looking all sexy, her shapely legs crossed and her toe nails are scratching the paint off the chair leg. I haven’t finished yet. There is nothing more unsightly than a pretty gal walking away from you, swinging her hips which are singing to you ‘hey baby wanna piece of me’ when the heel is saying ‘boy, times have been hard on the rail road.’ It just does not add up. It’s not right. So here’s a piece of advice from someone’s daughter, a mother, a human being for heaven’s sake. Cream up and look after. If the toe nail clipper no longer works on those claws, you can purchase a chain saw for as little as £10 on ebay I would presume. If Vaseline and the peppermint cream no longer works on those heels then I hear tarmac is the next best thing. Ladies, you gotta find a way to heal that stuff. You’ve got to look the whole part and come correct. Can you imagine after a steamy night out, you cuddle up to your man, fall asleep and the next morning his legs look as if he’s been attacked by a lawn mower? Keep it simple and elegant ladies. Dress according to your body size and shape and look after those gorgeous feet of yours, because they say so much about you. For more funny stories from Esther visit: www.laughatlifewithme.blogspot.com nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com
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