October was Black History month in the UK. At JAF we acknowledge and celebrate Black history all year round, but October is a time where numerous events and activities specifically highlight Black history, heroes and culture.
Although it wasn’t planned as one of our BHM events, JAF Co-Founder Joseph Maye appeared on Galaxy Afiwe online community radio station on the 8th of October after being invited to Dr. Aboo Ratata’s show to discuss JAF and his new transport-based young adult initiative in the Gambia (more to come on that in a future blog post!). The interview was well received and had listeners calling in to pledge support and contribute ideas.
The Highlight of our Black History month contributions was supporting the annual BHM event at Pollards Hill Library on 27th October, organised by Merton Labour Councillor Joan Henry. Joan has been running the event for the past four years and JAF has been involved for the past three. The theme of this year’s event was Black Evolution and Policing. Speakers on the day included our Co-Founder Joseph who spoke to the audience about the works of the Jimmy Asher Foundation and shared some of his future goals to help a wider network of children and young people globally.
The Hon. Prophet Newton, Herbalist and owner of the Ital Vital Herbs shop in Tooting Broadway Market was also a featured speaker and gave a talk on ‘Connections to our Ancestors’.
Captain Rambo Shakur discussed ‘Support within Black Communities’ and the need for self-sufficiency without reliance on the Government or Police force to solve pressing issues within the community.
Brother Minister Malak delivered an engaging talk on the main theme of ‘Black Evolution and police brutality’ and echoed Captain Rambo’s sentiments on mutual support in the community. The audience were also treated to a teaser clip by Justin Jah Redz of 3re Souls Production, showcasing their new Afro-Futuristic Sci-Fi Documentary ‘Heart Thy Spirit’. Justin also informed the crowd about their weekly Film and Performance Media programme for young people at Pollards Hill Youth Centre.
JAF Co-Founder Tafari Samuel was invited once again this year to Newham College to deliver a workshop on UK Black Heroes & Heroines on 30th October. Unfortunately the talk was cancelled due to schedule changes but we hope to deliver it again next year as we have done in previous years.
To see video clips of the event visit our instagram page at www.instagram.com/jimmyasherfoundation
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