April 8, 2023

BUSINESS • Oja - Oja is an online grocery store that specializes in African and Caribbean foods, with plans to expand into other cultures in the future. Their mission is to make it easy for people to access foods from all cultures, regardless of where they live. They offer fast delivery and aim to eliminate the need for poorly stocked world food aisles or traveling to market stalls. The company has recently received investment from Raheem Sterling, as reported on Instagram. Visit the Oja website for more information. https://oja.app/ • Wood & Water Restaurant -Situated in the heart of Brixton, within walking distance of Brixton Underground and Overground stations is Wood & Water; an exciting restaurant and bar offering modern British cuisine with a Jamaican soul. Formerly Three Little Birds, this new restaurant has a wide selection of rums and delicious cocktails. Serving up bottomless brunch on weekends, which includes unlimited rum punch, mimosas, & prosecco for 90 minutes to be enjoyed with banana pancakes, avocado on toast and Jamaican breakfast. This spot offers small plates, in the evenings, allowing guests to explore a range of flavours such as their signature curry goat croquettes with plantain ketchup, or torched mackerel with coconut relish, cucumber and herb foam that celebrates British produce whilst combining them with Jamaican spices. They have a creative vegan offering with jerk cauliflower, roasted squash and charred baby gem. Their menu changes every 3-4 months keeping things fresh and interesting. With low lights and plush furniture Wood & Water is ideal for date nights, nightcaps and everything in between. The service is warm, the food is unique and the cocktails are memorable. Open Wednesday-Sunday, with warm island hospitality and a unique menu, what's not to love? https://woodandwater.uk/ • Dar Leone - Dar Leone is a UK-based business that offers a variety of stylish and unique products for global travellers. Their products include clothing, accessories, and home decor items, all of which are inspired by African design and culture. Dar Leone aims to celebrate the diversity of African culture and to create a connection between Africa and the rest of the world through their products. They work with artisans and designers from across the continent to create their products, which are all made with high-quality materials and attention to detail. Whether you're looking for a new outfit, a statement piece of jewelry, or a beautiful home decor item, Dar Leone offers a range of options that are sure to delight and inspire you. https://www.dar-leone.com/ EVENTS FROMTOEVENTVENUECityMarch 25, 2023May 7, 2023For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too HeavyApollo TheatreLondon For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy is a theatrical production that is set to run from March 25, 2023, to May 7, 2023, at the Apollo Theatre in London, UK. The play is a moving and intimate portrayal of the mental health struggles of young black men. It explores the complex issues surrounding depression, anxiety, and suicide that are often stigmatized in the black community. Written by award-winning playwright, Nia Wilson, the play is a poignant and powerful piece that speaks to the experiences of young black men and their struggles with identity, masculinity, and mental health. The production promises to be an emotional and thought-provoking experience that will leave audiences moved and inspired. It is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the intersections of race, gender, and mental health in contemporary society. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this powerful piece of theatre at the Apollo Theatre in London, UK. FROMTOEVENTVENUECityJune 3, 2023June 3, 2023Spirit of the Caribbean Annual Ball 2023TBDLondon The Spirit of the Caribbean Annual Ball 2023 is a highly anticipated event that will take place in London, UK on June 3, 2023. The event promises to showcase the vibrant and colourful culture of the Caribbean through music, dance, fashion, and food. Attendees can expect an unforgettable night of entertainment, featuring performances by talented Caribbean artists and DJs. The dress code for the ball is black tie and traditional Caribbean attire, so guests are encouraged to dress to impress. The venue for the ball is yet to be determined, but it will undoubtedly be a stunning location that reflects the spirit of the Caribbean. The event is open to anyone who wants to experience the lively and joyful culture of the Caribbean, regardless of their background or nationality. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the Spirit of the Caribbean. Mark your calendar for June 3, 2023, and get ready to dance the night away in London! FROMTOEVENTVENUECityMay 16, 2023May 16, 2023An Evening with David OlusogaBrighton DomeBrighton Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion with David Olusoga, a British-Nigerian historian, writer, and broadcaster. This event will take place on May 16, 2023, at the Brighton Dome in the United Kingdom. David Olusoga is known for his work on British history and the legacy of the British Empire. Through his writing and television documentaries, he has shed light on the often-overlooked contributions of people of color to British society. During this event, Olusoga will share his insights on the impact of colonialism and racism in British history and society. He will also discuss his latest book and his experiences as a historian and broadcaster. This event is a unique opportunity to engage with one of the most influential voices in contemporary British history. Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening. FROMTOEVENTVENUECityMay 19, 2023May 19, 2023Gary Younge in conversation with Daniel TrillingWanstead LibraryLondon Gary Younge, an award-winning British journalist, author, and broadcaster, will be in conversation with Daniel Trilling, an author, journalist, and editor of the New Humanist magazine. The discussion will take place on May 19, 2023, at the Wanstead Library in London, UK. During the event, Gary Younge and Daniel Trilling will engage in a wide-ranging conversation on various topics, including politics, society, culture, and media. They will share their insights and perspectives on the current state of affairs in the UK and beyond, as well as their views on the challenges and opportunities facing the world today. The event is open to the public, and tickets are available for purchase online or at the venue. It is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in current affairs, journalism, and intellectual discourse to engage with two of the most prominent voices in British media. Don't miss this exciting event, and join us for an evening of insightful and thought-provoking conversation with Gary Younge and Daniel Trilling. FROMTOEVENTVENUECityJune 17, 2023June 18, 2023Africa OyeSefton ParkLiverpool Africa Oye is a vibrant music festival that celebrates the best of African and Caribbean music, culture, and arts. The festival takes place annually in the United Kingdom's city of Liverpool, and this year's event will be held from June 17th to June 18th, 2023, at Sefton Park. The festival features an incredible lineup of musicians, artists, and performers from throughout the African continent and its diaspora. Attendees can expect to enjoy a diverse range of music genres, including afrobeat, reggae, highlife, and more. In addition to the music, the festival also offers a range of cultural activities and workshops, including dance classes, art exhibitions, and food stalls serving authentic African and Caribbean cuisine. Africa Oye is a family-friendly event, and children can enjoy a dedicated kids' zone featuring storytelling, face painting, and other fun activities. Overall, Africa Oye is a fantastic celebration of African and Caribbean culture, music, and arts that is not to be missed. If you're in Liverpool in June 2023, be sure to attend this incredible festival! BOOKS TitleAuthorRating AmazonRating on GoodreadsTime ComeLinton Kwesi JohnsonTBDTBD Published: April 13t The poems in Time Come explore themes of racism, oppression, and resistance. Johnson's writing is rooted in the experiences of black people in Britain and the struggles they face in a society that is often hostile and discriminatory. The book is divided into two sections: "Inglan is a Bitch" and "Di Great Insohreckshan". The first section focuses on everyday experiences of racism and the struggle for survival in the face of adversity. The second section explores more political themes, including the Black Power movement and the fight against colonialism. Johnson's poetry is known for its use of Jamaican Creole and its powerful rhythms, which are influenced by reggae music. His work is both political and personal, giving voice to the experiences of a marginalized community and celebrating their resilience and strength. Overall, Time Come is a powerful and important collection of poetry that shines a light on the experiences of black people in Britain and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. TitleAuthorRating AmazonRating on GoodreadsThe Voice 40 Years of Black British LivesThe VoiceTBDTBD "The Voice: 40 Years of Black British Lives" is an insightful and thought-provoking book that delves deep into the history of the Black British community. Written by the team at The Voice newspaper, this book is a celebration of the publication's 40th anniversary and provides a comprehensive overview of the struggles, achievements, and contributions of Black Britons over the past four decades. The book is divided into three main sections, each covering a different era of Black British history. The first section focuses on the 1980s and the fight against racism and discrimination. The second section covers the 1990s and the emergence of Black British culture and identity. The final section looks at the 2000s and the ongoing struggle for equality and representation. TitleAuthorRating AmazonRating on GoodreadsUntil Proven InnocentNicola Williams4.4

Spectacular! British crime fiction has a dazzling new voice in Nicola Williams' Tony ParsonsThe gripping new courtroom thriller following barrister Lee Mitchell in her most controversial case yet Lee Mitchell is a young barrister from a working-class Caribbean background: in the cut-throat environment of the courtroom, everything is stacked against her. On her doorstep in South London the 15-year-old son of the pastor at the local Black church is shot, and the local community is shattered. All evidence is pointing to infamously corrupt, racist police officer Sergeant Jack Lambert as the irredeemable suspect. His own boss - rebel-turned-copper Danny Wallace - is certain he is guilty. Against her will, Lee is strong-armed into defending him. With cries of 'Black Lives Matter!' echoing in the streets, Lee is at the centre of the turmoil as lies, anger, and mistrust spiral out of control. With the line between her personal and professional life becoming increasingly blurred, Lee keeps asking herself the same question: How can she defend the indefensible? TitleAuthorRating AmazonRating on GoodreadsIt’s Not That RadicalMichaela Loach For too long, representations of climate action in the mainstream media have been white-washed, green-washed and diluted to be made compatible with capitalism. We are living in an economic system which pursues profit above all else; harmful, oppressive systems that heavily contribute to the climate crisis, and environmental consequences that have been toned down to the masses. Tackling the climate crisis requires us to visit the roots of poverty, capitalist exploitation, police brutality and legal injustice. Climate justice offers the real possibility of huge leaps towards racial equality and collective liberation as it aims to dismantle the very foundations of these issues. In this book, Mikaela Loach offers a fresh and radical perspective for real climate action that could drastically change the world as we know it for the benefit of us all. Full of candour and hope, It's Not That Radical will galvanise listeners to take action, offering an accessible and transformative appraisal of our circumstances to help mobilise a majority for the future of our planet. TitleAuthorRating AmazonRating on GoodreadsThe Money Basics: Manage money, plan for the futurePeter Komolaffe4.94.7 "The Money Basics: Manage money, plan for the future" is a comprehensive guide to help readers learn how to manage their finances effectively. Written by Peter Komolaffe, the book covers a wide range of topics, including budgeting, saving, investing, and retirement planning. The book is designed to be accessible to readers of all levels of financial literacy. It provides practical advice and step-by-step instructions to help readers take control of their finances and achieve their financial goals. The author uses real-life examples and case studies to illustrate concepts and make them more relatable for readers.

PODCASTS/RADIO Black All Year Country: UK Description: Black History Month is all well and good and serves a purpose, but people are Black all year. So, we celebrate, recognise, support, educate and campaign all year round. Hosted by Steph Edusei, an Ashanti-Geordie woman who is a leader and coach, this podcast draws shares the content from Black All Year events as well as exclusive podcast material. Source: Podcast

Seasoned Sessions Country: UK Description: Seasoned Sessions is a weekly discussion where two of Seasoned’s producers – Hanifah and Ada – chat about the Black news and trending topics of the week. From music and entertainment to politics, Ada and Hanifah’s conversations delve into topics that are sometimes overlooked in media, and the Seasoned Sessions podcast will celebrate blackness in spaces where it's often uncredited. Seasoned is a channel dedicated to creating and sharing content that resonates with the Black British experience. Source: Podcast Breaking Mississippi Country: UK Description: This is the explosive inside story of James Meredith's battle to smash the system of white supremacy in the most racially segregated state in 1960s America. By becoming the first black person to apply to the all-white university of Mississippi – Meredith will draw in the KKK and JFK – and trigger the largest number of troops ever deployed for a single disturbance on US soil. Across 10 episodes and with US public radio journalist Jenn White as our guide - James Meredith takes us from his childhood in rural Mississippi where racism runs deep – to a pivotal flashpoint in US civil rights history that will be described as the last battle of the American Civil War. Source: BBC Sounds

FILM/TV Get on Up: The Triumph of Black America Medium: TV Story: Get on Up: The Triumph of Black America is a documentary that is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. The show is a celebration of Black culture and its impact on America. The documentary takes a look at the evolution of Black music and how it has influenced the world of entertainment. It also explores the role that Black people have played in shaping American history, from the era of slavery to the modern day. Type: Documentary Where: BBC iPlayer Big George Foreman Cast: Forest Whitaker, Jasmine Mathews, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Sonja Sohn, Khris Davis, Sullivan Jones, Philip Fornah. Medium: Film Story: Fueled by an impoverished childhood, George Foreman channeled his anger into becoming an Olympic Gold medalist and World Heavyweight Champion, followed by a near-death experience that took him from the boxing ring to the pulpit. But when he sees his community struggling spiritually and financially, Foreman returns to the ring and makes history by reclaiming his title, becoming the oldest and most improbable World Heavyweight Boxing Champion ever. Type: Drama When: April 28, 2023 Breaking Cast: John Botega, Selenis Leyva, Nicole Beharie Medium: Film Story: A Marine war veteran faces mental and emotional challenges when he tries to reintegrate into civilian life. Type: Thriller When: August 26, 2022 Where: Amazon Prime Dating Black S2 Medium: Web Story: Dating Black S2 is a reality show that airs on BET UK YouTube. The show revolves around Black singles who are looking for love and companionship. In each episode, a group of contestants go on dates with each other and participate in various challenges to test their compatibility. Type: Reality WH Edition: April 8, 2023 Where: YouTube WHO is WHO? Dr Willard Wigan Background: Dr Willard Wigan is an internationally renowned British artist famous for his micro-sculptures. Born in Birmingham, England in 1957, Wigan struggled with dyslexia and other learning disabilities while growing up. However, he found solace in creating small sculptures from a very young age. At the age of five, Wigan began making small houses and dolls for ants using rudimentary tools like a sewing needle and a scalpel. His fascination with small objects inspired him to create micro-sculptures, which are so small that they can fit inside the eye of a needle or on a pinhead. Despite facing numerous challenges, Wigan persisted with his passion for micro-sculpting. He taught himself how to make tiny sculptures using a steady hand, a microscope, and homemade tools. Wigan's sculptures are often made from materials like grains of sand, hair, and even spider silk. Wigan's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums all over the world. His sculptures have been collected by celebrities such as Prince Charles, Sir Elton John, and Simon Cowell. In 2007, Wigan was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for his services to art. Apart from his artistic endeavours, Wigan is also a motivational speaker. He often gives talks to young people, inspiring them to pursue their passions and overcome obstacles. Industry: Artist Noam Mouelle Background: Noam Mouelle, a PhD student from France, was part of the Cambridge University team that won this year's boat race against rivals Oxford. and is believed to be the first black competitor of the men's event. The event, which has been going on for 194 years, saw Cambridge beat Oxford by one-and-a-third lengths on the Championship Course, with Mouelle playing a key part in the team. Mouelle studies particle physics at Cambridge, having grown up in Paris, and followed in the footsteps of Daphne Marschenko as she became the first black rower in the women's boat race back in 2015. Industry: Athlete, Student Peter Komolafe Background: Peter Komolafe is a financial expert and TV personality with a remarkable story of resilience and success. Born in Nigeria, he moved to the UK at the age of 16 to pursue his education. After graduating, he began working in finance and quickly rose through the ranks. However, in the early 2000s, he hit a rough patch and found himself homeless and in debt. This experience had a profound impact on Komolafe and motivated him to turn his life around. He started taking personal finance seriously, learning about budgeting, saving, and investing. He also began sharing his newfound knowledge with others, helping them take control of their finances and avoid the pitfalls that he had faced. Komolafe's efforts paid off, and he eventually became a financial coach and TV personality, sharing his expertise with a wider audience. He is currently part of an executive team of a Fortune 100 company located in Canary Wharf, where he continues to make a significant impact in the financial world. Through his work, Komolafe has helped many individuals and businesses achieve financial stability, offering practical advice and strategies for managing money effectively. He is a true advocate for financial responsibility and is committed to helping others avoid the difficulties that he faced earlier in his life. Overall, Peter Komolafe's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of taking control of your finances. His story is an inspiration to many and serves as a reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Industry: Author, Finance, TV TOP 10 FOR APRIL 1. Get tickets for August in England Lenny Henry's new play. 2. Take your partner to see Rye Lane at the cinema. 3. Book a table at Tatale Restaurant in the Africa Centre. 4. Binge on Dating Black Series 2 on BET UK (YouTube). 5. Book dinner at Parks Edge Bar & Kitchen. 6. Take a black history bus tour. 7. Buy tickets for the Africa Oye Festival in June. 8. Go see For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy. 9. Have dinner and drinks at Ayanna's in East London. 10. Enjoy Sunday lunch at the Prince of Peckham or take a sip and paint class.