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uk
Origin Men take on a 3 day bike ride from London to Paris!!
How impressive!!! Ten men of African and Caribbean descent, embark on a 3 day bike ride London to Paris, led by Captain Adisa Stephen-Ezeocha, with the participation of Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa and Pablo Reid who are the co- founding members of Origin and 7 Origin facilitators and volunteers, departing from London in the early hours of the morning on Friday 31st May to reach Paris on Sunday morning.
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In addition to fundraising for the program « Origin », they will also pay tribute to the late American professional cyclist Martial Walter know as « Major » Taylor, who won the sprint event at the 1899 world track championships to become the first African American to achieve the level of cycling world champion and the second black athlete to win a world championship in any sport. He raced in the U.S., Europe and Australasia between 1901 and 1904, beating the world's best riders and competed several times in the « Parc des Princes », Paris. Taylor fought racial prejudice he encountered on and off the track and became a pioneering role model for other athletes facing racial discrimination.
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« When the idea of London to Paris on a bike first came-up, I remember thinking... “damn crazy” but what I actually said was “...how about Brighton?” shared Pablo Reid on his Facebook account. Pablo Reid has got many « strings to his bow » and an impressive resume as the founder of British Cultural Archives in Brixton and as co-founder of the project Origin for which the bike ride aims to raise £6,000 and, to this day, has already exceeded its target.
But as Pablo explains « The whole cycling initiative started to become much more than a fundraiser […..] I started to see an opportunity to journey with the ORIGIN men, through a seriously challenging ordeal. Then I saw the question of ‘talking the talk’ or ‘walking the walk’? You know, we often say that we want young people to broaden their horizons and to come out of their comfort zones but how often do we demonstrate this in our own lives? »
And these men have consistently aimed to be a source of inspiration and strength to the younger generation through the Origin Project which came into being in 1999. Last year, for instance, they also succeeded in raising £13,000 against the initial target of £6,000 as they fought in « a white collar boxing » competition for which they trained for 6 months, all for the benefit of the many young men’s lives they are empowering through Origin, a Pan-Afrikan « Rites of Passage » program to take young African and Caribbean boys from childhood into manhood.
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As these courageous and connected men engage with the young people as mentors, older brothers, fathers, they create an ecosystem involving parents and communities. The program is holistic and aim to create a nurturing, stimulating and safe environnement where both children and parents feel supported through life challenges. Origin promotes African ancestry and heritage consciousness, identity formation and community belonging. Origin doesn’t want to plug into the whole « Black youth in deficit » narrative but encourages both youth and parents to embrace personal development, explore themselves, their aspirations, lives and roles.
Boys preparing to pass into manhood and below Origin co-founders Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa on the left, Pablo Reid in the middle and Adisa Stephen-Ezeocha on the right
To play your part and support Origin now, click the link below:
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Click here to support Brothers In Paris - ORIGIN organised by Toksy Toks
For this year's fundraising challenge TeamORIGIN has swapped the boxing gloves from last year for two wheels this year. On Friday 31st May 2019, ORIGIN facilitators and graduates will be cycling ...
To follow their progress and itinerary, suscribe to their blog.
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This year, ten of our Facilitators are cycling from London to Paris to raise money and awareness for the charity. On the 31st May '19, the team of novices embark on an epic 200 mile journey from our
Akala, Stormzy, Trevor Nelson and more lead the honouree line up for this year’s Black Magic Awards!
THE ANNUAL BLACK MAGIC AWARDS HOSTS ITS FIRST EVER MEN’S EDITION THIS JUNE AT THE CRITERION THEATRE, LONDON
Returning to London’s The Criterion Theatre on Monday 10th June (2019), The Black Magic Awards will look to celebrate and honour the brilliant accomplishments of inspirational black men from across TV, Film, Music, Comedy, Fashion and the Community.
Founded in 2017 by Comedian, Actor and Film Producer Kojo Anim and Editor and Entrepreneur Annika Allen, the Black Magic Awards is dedicated to recognising the epitome of black excellence. Honourees already announced include; US and UK Film and TV Actor Aml Ameen ( Acting Honour), award-winning Actor and Director Noel Clarke ( Film Honour) accomplished Rapper, Author and Political Activist Akala ( Influence Honour) Brit and Mobo-winner Stormzy ( Inspiration Honour), BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ and Presenter, Trevor Nelson MBE ( Radio Honour), Comedian and Actor Richard Blackwood ( Comedy Honour), Anti-knife Crime Activist Amani Simpson ( Community Champion) and more will be awarded on the night.
This year's ceremony will be hosted by Kojo Anim, and will include musical performances, guest features, as well as a special commemoration to rapper Cadet (Letter to Krept, Advice) and TV and Film Director Victor Adebodun (The Intent, Venus vs Mars). Following the success of the past two years with the women’s Black Magic Awards, which saw the likes of Emeli Sande, Angellica Bell, Munroe Bergdorf, Angela Griffin, Vanessa Kingori MBE, Gina Yashere, Angie Le Mar and Yolanda Brown turn up to collect their honours, this year marks the inaugural men’s edition which is set to become an annual awards ceremony.
“We are at a time where so many people continue to push negative stories about young black boys and men, but not many are sharing the stories about the magic that has come and continues to come from them; says Kojo Anim, co-founder of The Black Magic Network This is what we’re doing, reminding everyone of how boys from underprivileged communities grew into men who refused to lose with the cards they were dealt. It’s time to celebrate their magic.”
Annika Allen, co-founder of The Black Magic Network also adds: “This is our third year of the Black Magic Awards and to introduce the men’s honourees feels really special. Come June, we look to recognise some phenomenal men who have broken the mould within their careers and are a shining example within their respective industries. We are excited and humbled to host an evening with so much black excellence under one roof!”
The Black Magic Awards show is organised by The Black Magic Network and provides honours to black men and women from across numerous industries that have paved the way and celebrates their illustrious talents yearly.
Tickets are now available to purchase (see link below)
www.criterion-theatre.co.uk/the-black-magic-awards
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AWARD CATEGORIES:
Acting Honour – Aml Ameen (TV & Film Actor)
Radio Honour – Trevor Nelson MBE (Radio 2 and BBC 1Xtra DJ)
Television Honour - Ortis Deley (Presenter)
Film Honour – Noel Clarke (Actor, Writer, Producer & Director)
Music Honour – Lethal Bizzle (Rapper and Grime MC)
Inspiration Honour - Stormzy (Musician & Rapper)
Comedy Honour – Richard Blackwood (Comedian & Actor)
Brand Honour – Trapstar (Lee and Mikey Trapstar)
Influence Honour - Akala (Hip Hop Artist, Writer and Social Commentator)
Legend Honour – Megaman (Founder of So Solid Crew, Rapper & Producer)
Impact Honour – Colin Batsa (Co-founder of EGA Music Group & Music A&R)
Community Champions –
- Action Jackson (Motivational Speaker),
- Michael Pusey MBE a.k.a CK Flash (DJ, Youth Worker & Founder of Peckham BMX Club),
- Brixton Soup Kitchen (Brixton based service for homeless people)
- Amani Simpson (Anti-knife Crime Activist & Youth Leader)
Some of the honouree line up for this annual Men's Black Magic Awards!
Join the conversation and follow for more news and updates on: Facebook @theblackmagicnetwork Twitter @theblackmagicnw Instagram @theblackmagicnetwork #BlackMagicAwards2019
ABOUT THE BLACK MAGIC NETWORK
The Black Magic Network is a black lifestyle and entertainment network that provides a platform to showcase positive stories about diverse groups like no one else can. Entertaining, authoritative and insightful, we produce and feature exciting and arresting TV, film and written content that highlights life experiences, passions and culture. We empower and inspire. We listen and advise. We engage and promote debate.
YOUNG BLACK BUSINESS AWARDS YBBA 2019 LAUNCH!
Photo Credit: Emerzy Corbin
What an inspiring launch night listening to renowned international speakers sharing their passion and endorsing the YBBA's initiative to celebrate, reward and financially invest in our upcoming generation of young black innovative, creative and fierceless entrepreneurs, both men and women alike.
Donna Wilson in charge of YBBA project management and Viv Ahmun in charge of the Strategic vision shared in turn how crucial it was to push a different narrative about young black people and young black people in business.
This project was created to ensure that our next generation of entrepreneurs, visionaries, city builders, leaders and creatives are firmly located in the driver's seat of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It intends to spark one million black led 21st century startups and they are on a mission to get as many organisations, givers and policy makers as possible involved with the project.
Donna Wilson, YBBA Project Manager and Viv Ahmun, in charge of Strategic Vision
The nominations for 2019 are now open. For more info, please click on their website below!
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The Young Black Business Awards (YBBA) was created to ensure our next generation of entrepreneurs, visionaries, city builders, leaders and creatives are firmly located in the driver's seat of the ...
Photo Credit: Emerzy Corbin
1980 cult movie Babylon finally got a U.S. release 30 years later!!
Brinsley Forde in the 1980 cult reggae movie 'Babylon.'
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BABYLON * Official Trailer HD * Kino Lorber Repertory & Seventy-Seven
Franco Rosso's BABYLON * U.S. Theatrical Premiere March 8 in NY at BAM * March 15 in LA BUY TICKETS for NYC at BAM: http://bit.ly/BabylontheMovie_NYtix BUY TICKETS for LA at Laemmle Glendale: ...
"For years, it was impossible to get eyeballs on 'Babylon" unless you ponied up for a bootleg — Forde recalls seeing copies “that looked like they were recorded off of fuzzy TVs, going for $400 on eBay.”
But because of both the reggae-soundtrack connection and its revolutionary stance, folks still sought Babylon out wherever they could. After the film finally came out on DVD in England in 2009, a whole other generation caught up with it. Grime musicians started namechecking it; Dizzee Rascal’s “Can’t Tek No More,” which takes it name from part of the toast that Blue delivers during the movie’s climax, enlisted Forde himself to sing the hook rather than merely sampling it. And its gritty, street-level sense of reportage — the way it sometimes makes you forget that you’re not watching a work of fiction — hasn’t lost its sense of urgency. “No one was showing this world on British screens at that time,” Forde says. “No one.’" - Source: Rolling Stone
Read the full article below:
'Babylon' Rising: The Resurrection of a Controversial U.K. Reggae Movie
How 'Babylon' - a 40-year-old cult movie that's considered the great British reggae movie of the '80s - finally made it's way to the U.S.
AMANI - the TRUE story of a knife crime survivor on a quest to empower 2 MILLION YOUNG PEOPLE!
‘AMANI’ is a short inspirational film, starring Joivan Wade, Leroy Logan MBE and Duayne Boachie, based on the true inner reflections of Amani Simpson, producer and co-writer, after he was stabbed 7 times. This powerful autobiographical piece takes the the audience on a rollercoaster journey of faith and self-discovery.
AMANI SIMPSON has already been featured on BBC London News, ITV News, London Live & in the Evening Standard. After battling PTSD, he has rebuilt his life through social enterprise and personal development over the last 7 years. He is on a mission to EMPOWER 2 MILLION YOUNG PEOPLE to make positive choices and aspire higher before it’s too late. He plans to take the film and empowerment workshops into schools, prisons, YOS and PRU’s from March 2019.
AMANI was released online on Sunday 13th January 2019 and reached over 1 million views in less than a month.
What the press is saying:
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Man stabbed 7 times aims to make short film to tackle knife crime
Man stabbed 7 times aims to make short film to tackle knife crime A man from Enfield, who survived being stabbed seven times by a gang has launched a campaign, to try and share his story with ...
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Stabbing victim tells personal journey: I'm so glad I was knifed
A young Londoner today said he was "glad" he was stabbed as it had given him the opportunity to warn others of the dangers of knife crime. Amani Simpson was stabbed seven times when he intervened in
As well as raising awareness of the project, Amani & Aviard Inspires are also seeking public donations towards their £35K GofundMe Campaign: see link below
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Click here to support AMANI'S STORY - Short Film Project organized by Aviard London
Thank you for visiting my GoFundMe page: Here's why I need your support from the public via donations and/or sponsorship: In order to begin to offer programmes to schools, prisons and PRUS we will ...
Other info
Starring: Joivan Wade (The First Purge, Shiro’s Story), Leroy Logan MBE (Former Superintendent of the Police) & Duayne Boachie (Hollyoaks)
Directed by: Richard Kattah of Little Drops Productions (Timelin3, To The Power Of Ten)
Black History Activity Books - A huge success!!
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Home | Black History Activity Books
The Black History Activity Books are designed to educate children on role models and figures whilst stimulating their minds with puzzles and activities. Have fun and learn whilst getting to know ...
The Black History Activity Books have been designed to inspire and educate young people on some of the greatest figures in history. The books use a series of puzzles and activities to stimulate the minds of the reader whilst aiding them to learn in a fun and exciting way.
"We believe that it is our responsibility to inspire and educate our children about their history. There are many positive black role-models that are truly inspirational. No longer will they be kept away from us and hidden in the shadows and there contributions to be ignored! We highlight these role-models, giving young people a greater sense of self thus building confidence. We believe that educating young people about our achievements, contributions to society and this civilisation is of paramount importance".
Their Launch in 2018 was a major success!! Click on youtube link below for their latest video:
The preparation for their second Black History Month event in 2019 is already well under way and 900 tickets have already been booked in less than a week!! Make sure to register online as soon as possible!!
Read on to book your ticket today!!
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Black History Activity Book Launch 2.0
Due to the huge success of the first Black History Activity Book Launch on Sunday the 7th October 2018, we are back by popular demand! We entertained over 2000 visitors and over 100 stallholders. As
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-history-activity-book-launch-20-tickets-55127629223
REFLECT COUTURE CHILDREN'S COLLECTION 2018-2019
This family-run business was set-up to provide a broader range of culturally specific children's apparel and initiate the foundation to build upon the original designs and concepts to embed a children's brand synonymous with quality and cultural character.
Our family consists of (3) children (18, 14), with the youngest 4 years old and the face and ambassador of the brand.
The collection currently consists of Premium Long-Sleeve T-Shirts (Black & White), ranging from ages 6months to 7 years (larger sizes on request), Children sized Cups / Mugs; and the boys and girls Back-to-School Bags /Rucksacks. All available with the original Zummi and Mosiah designs.
For more info contact us at:
(E) reflectcouture@gmail.com
Follow us on:
(INSTA) @reflectcouture
(TWITTER) @reflectcouture
(FACEBOOK) @reflectcouture
Alternatively, visit us at: www.reflectcouture.com and send us any queries 24/7 on the chat portal. We'll endeavour to answer any questions and assist with navigating around the site.
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REFLECT Cultural Couture Apparel Homepage website children's wear collection, family business 2018/2019 long-sleeve t-shirt, cups, bags, girl boy black image
Kwanzaa is approaching, learn to Ujamaa!!
For more info, check out https://blackhistorystudies.com/
As Kwanzaa approaches, there is no better time of the year to discover or re-discover the crafts of Black artisans for gift ideas. On Saturday 1st December, Black History Studies put on a Black Market which we had the pleasure to check out!!
In line with the Ujamaa principle of Kwanzaa (economic cooperation) which aims at building and growing our businesses together and using our collective economic force for the benefit of the entire community, we are delighted to present a number of them and would encourage you to check their products for your festive seasons shopping.
For more info, continue to read on:
To order your copy, click link below
The Black History Colour ing Book
The Black History Colour ing Book
https://noordinarybookshop.co.uk/the-black-history-colour-ing-book
To order your jumper, click on site below
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Clothing & Beauty | United Kingdom | MelaNative
MelaNative brings you Empowering and Historical Clothing Designs - Natural & Cultural Beauty Products. Unique Designs, Fantastic Quality, Great Price. Based in the UK. Join Us & Go MelaNative.
To order, visit their website
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We also had the opportunity to interview Nate The Lyricist, a spoken word artist who just released a track called BUY BLXCK (click on link below to listen to the track) and Paul Muhammad, the founder of the Money Mob movement on the importance of collective economics for the Afro-Caribbean communities which would be featured in 2019 in a short documentary on the importance of collective economics for Afro-Caribbean communities.
Nate the Lyricist on the left performing and Caro Sika interviewing Paul Muhammad on the right
We would also like to bring to your attention the online directory of our partner Lobby Noir which lists Afro-Caribbean businesses and entrepreneurs for free and help your business grow outside organised and cultural markets. Peace and love to all!!!!
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1er Site de Référencement des Commerces et Services - LobbyNoir
1er site de référencement des commerces et services de la communauté, pour promouvoir l'Afroprenariat. Consommer noir, promouvoir les commerces et services ce phénomène mène vers la croissanc...
Caro Sika sporting out Gitas Portal Headwraps at Black Market Extravaganza - Photo Credit: GraphikVision
Boubacar Kafando and Zaama Nooma at Hootananny, Brixton
Boubacar Kafando interviewed by Caro Sika
Boubacar Kafando and members of the Zaama Nooma Band
The actual band came together in 2010. The meaning of the band's name is "united we are stronger" in the Mossi Language, which is the dominant language of Burkina Faso, which counts approximately 70 languages and makes it a multicultural country, as many African nations. Boubacar Kafando and the band's love for people and unity really translate in their love for music; and the expression of their music is to call people to leave in harmony and love each other. They equally address the need for social justice and inequalities or injustice they see around them. It naturally makes perfect sense that the latest album of Boubacar Kafando, released in 2016, is called "faut pas se diviser", we must not be divided.
For more info about Zaama Nooma, Afrobeat band, check the link below:
Caro Sika and the Zaama Nooma Band, Hootananny
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Boubacar Kafando & Zaama Nooma Band | Biographie | boubacarkafando
Boubacar KAFANDO, virtuose du N'goni et de la Kora, artiste compositeur interprète et leader du groupe Zaama Nooma Band...
Their musical project is, however, far beyond the music industry alone. Zaama Nooma is also the name of the charitable organisation Boubacar Kafando founded in 2007 with the aim to pass on the musical heritage of Burkina Faso and sub-Saharan Africa to the youth. It accomplishes its goal through different actions such as musical workshops (Djembe, Kora), concerts, educational activities such as the repair and manufacture of instruments and research and preservation of endangered instruments. A cultural centre "le centre culturel Zounoogo" also opened its doors in 2009 in the town of Saponé, Burkina Faso.
For more info, https://www.boubacarkafando.com/association-zaama-nooma
It is evident that Boubacar's passion and commitment for music is integral, touring throughout the world and raising funds for the work of his charity and he is actively working at promoting the band so that they can comfortably make a living from the art and their craft. That is one of the reason Boubacar Kafando loves performing in London which he considers to be a multicultural city, very open to African Culture and music.
For my part, I have loved seeing Boubacar Kafando and the Zaama Nooma band perform. I loved the energy, the fusion of rock and the traditional rhythmic of the Kora and other traditional instruments.
For Boubacar Kafando's and the Zaama Nooma's Band next concerts, find all the dates on https://www.boubacarkafando.com/
Photo Credit: Giuliano Eboulia
It is evident that Boubacar's passion and commitment for music is integral, touring throughout the world and raising funds for the work of his charity and he is actively working at promoting the band so that they can comfortably make a living from the art and their craft. That is one of the reason Boubacar Kafando loves performing in London which he considers to be a multicultural city, very open to African Culture and music.
For my part, I have loved seeing Boubacar Kafando and the Zaama Nooma band perform. I loved the energy, the fusion of rock and the traditional rhythmic of the Kora and other traditional instruments.
For Boubacar Kafando's and the Zaama Nooma's Band next concerts, find all the dates on https://www.boubacarkafando.com/
Gida Live & San Mei Gallery present 'An Evening with Eshe Escoffery'
Gida Live & San Mei Gallery present 'An Evening with Eshe Escoffery'
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Gida Live !! & San Mei Gallery present An Evening With Eshe Escoffery
Tonight we enjoy a relaxed Q & A session with Eshe Escoffery and Eon Irvin (Crackers Radio) We'll find out more about her musical journey from life with the talented family group The Escofferys to ...
