October Black History Month! Knowledge Is King!
October Black History Month! Knowledge Is King!
Illustration by Bro. Jeorge
Featuring images of: Viola Davis, Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, Carter G Woodson & the UK Black Power Movement ( circa 1970's )
Greetings Black Secret Progressives,
As we enter the month of October, here in the UK and in many parts of Europe we celebrate Black / African History Month. Black History Month was founded by the great historian Carter G Woodson as Black History Week in 1926, and is celebrated in the US in February to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In the UK BHM came into being in October 1987, and was the initiative of Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, a coordinator of special projects at the Greater London Council (GLC). Designed with the purpose and intent to include Black History within the education curriculum, to inspire and inform children of African descent. It’s launch in the UK celebrated and coincided with the 150th anniversary of Caribbean emancipation, Marcus Garvey’s centenary and the Organisation of African Unity’s 25th anniversary.
Akyaaba Addai-Sebo has been quoted as saying;
"We settled on the propitous month of October when the weather was not cold and children were fresh after the long summer vacation and had less to worry about exams and tests and the camaraderie was strong as they shared experiences. We believed that they would absorb more if their living environment buzzed with positive vibes, instructions and images about themselves and their origins, thus celebrating who they are as "Africans", who gave the world the concept of monotheism (the worship of a one and only God); who helped to install the first electris lighting system in London, Amsterdam and New Yorker, in the person of Lewis Latimer, a pioneering partner of Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla (credited with lighting the world) and many more."
The Black Secret shares the same ethos as Akyaaba Addai-Sebi the architect of British Black History Month. We also believe in the transformative power of learning and studying Black History. Knowledge is the key to true self awareness, inner confidence and external productivity. This is why we put together The Black Secret Education Project.
October is going to be our busiest month so far, with The Black Secret holding and taking part in many live engagements and events. If you live in the UK, you can catch us at various events held in London and Birmingham throughout the month. We look forward to meeting all of you 'Progressives' who can be live and present at any of our BHM events.
PS: For our International 'Progressives' and those who can't be in London or Birmingham when the events take place, look out for those events of ours which are also being streamed live on Eventbrite and Zoom as well.
Some of our Events during Black History Month 2022
Exclusive Private Screening of The Woman King - Birmingham
The presentation will be led by Robin Walker also known as 'The Black History Man'. Robin will unpack and shed light on the history, irony and controversies behind the actions and motivations of the state of Dahomey and its meteoric rise and fall.
The woman King is a historical epic inspired by true events that happened in The Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful statues of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Friday 7th October
Time: 4pm
Price £20.35
Cineworld Birmingham, 181 Broad Street Birmingham, B15 1DA
https://shoobs.com/events/73582/birmingham-black-film-club-the-woman-king-presentation
With also a possible London screening and presentation of The Woman King led by Robin Walker later in the month: TBA
African History – Brixton Library
Robin Walker, ‘The Black History Man,’ will give an informative and inspiring talk on the latest discoveries in the field of African History. Shedding light on the wonders of African Cultural achievements and contributions, as well as exposing the staggering breadth and depth of African Civilisations, not commonly discussed. This talk will take you on journey of intriguing History from the Ancient period right through to the modern era. An enlightening talk bound to transform the way you see and think of Black History.
Tuesday 11th October
Time: 3pm – 5pm
Price: Free Entry
Address: Brixton Tate Library, Brixton Oval, London SW2 1JQ
this is live on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/414013574747 and on Facebook at https://fb.me/e/2XAnfCEIq
African Architecture – Streatham Library
Robin Walker, ‘The Black History Man,’ will give a talk on fascinating new discoveries in African architecture and building design. Robin will discuss and showcase the latest evidences of grand state, religious and municipal buildings as well as sophisticated personal residences throughout Western, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa in Ancient and Mediaeval times. A real eye opener that will change the way you view and think of African architecture.
Tuesday 18th October
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Price: Free Entry
Address: Streatham Tate Library, 63 Streatham High Rd, London SW16 1PN
This is live on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/414045099037 and on Facebook at https://fb.me/e/22KuxjPBJ
Lambeth Library Black History Month brochure is available at www.lambeth.gov.uk/bhm
Afrikan Literature - on Zoom
Danny Thompson’s presentation ‘The Afrikan Literary Heritage’ is a visual journey through the African development of written language. From the earliest cave art to complex pictographs, ideographs and syllabaries. He reveals the African origins of the Greek and Roman alphabets. And demonstrates how African concepts are still in use today.
He presents examples from the full range of Ancient African literature. Books of Wise Instruction, storytelling, songs and poetry. He shines a light on lesser-known African mediaeval texts. From epic poems rooted in African chivalry to university textbooks to scientific manuscripts. As well as how Africans used indigenous written language in their anti-slavery, anti-colonisation struggles.
Join author and historian Danny Thompson for a fascinating journey through the history of writing and Afrikan literature.
Monday 17th October
Time: 7pm via Zoom
Price: £11.37
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/afrikan-literary-heritage-tickets-416235099387
We will also be live at:
The Official Black History Activity Books: Launch & Expo 3.0
The Biggest Black History Event & Cultural Market in UK.
A family day full of fun & education. Celebrating Black History & Culture, Black Excellence & Unity, Natural Hair & Beauty.
Featuring: International Speakers including Mfundishi Jhutyms, Nova Felder. Joined by Paul Obinna, Leon Marshall & Charles from Ankh Ra
Over 100 vendors, Fashion Show, Presentations, Performances.
Saturday 29th October
Time: 12noon – 9pm
Venue: TBA
Location: Birmingham
What People are say about The Black Secret
Click on the image below to view video
If you're still thinking about joining us, this is a great time to be a part of The Secret Black. With our Phase 2 content recently launched on the Ancient Period, featuring classes on the Histories and peoples of Ancient Egypt / Kemet, Sumer, Elam, Hannibal the Great and Carthage, Black Asia and much, much more. Why not take advantage of our special price offer, available on our website.
"Self pride is the catalyst for achievement and there is no greater 'truth' than knowing yourself." - Akyaab Addai-Sebo
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