LOSING CONTROL - 3RD NOVEMBER 2015

It was a good day and there was lots of control and not much in there that showed me disruption in the way the event was organised, managed and presented. I had good chats with the organisers about this but none of the presenters and speakers reflected me as a black man and a member of the audience. I was told they chose the best speakers and not by colour. Which is good. By that definition the event reinforces the staus quo. Which maintains control and does not disrupt.

I know many non-white and diverse faces that can speak well and through their work disrupt. Bert Williams, M.B.E. of the Black History Project; Mosaic - working with black and mixed parentage families; Allsorts LGBTQ Youth Group; The Black Minority and Ethnic Community Partnership(BMECP); Sussex University - all based in Brighton.

I want to see more variety next year.K

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CANCELLED

19th OCTOBER 2015 - BLACK HISTORY MONTH CANCELLED

After twenty eight years of struggle to establish an identity, presence and acceptance I was sort of surprised to learn that Black History Month doesn’t happen in Wandsworth. This was while attending an event – 2000 years of British black music (delivered by Kwaku). It was held at Battersea Library which is run by Better/Greenwich Leisure Limited.

Wandsworth has Diversity month instead to “reflect ....all individuals and cultural groups within our borough” The librarian let slip the connection to funding, or the lack of funding or the chance to save money.

So you can wipe out the struggles, achievements and existence of a whole race by renaming their day. After fifty years in the U.K. and a thirty year career contributing to the life of the NHS my mother’s (and that of many, many others) recognition is that. 

Why am I complaining? 

I should listen to David Cameron and “move on” (October 2015). 

Black History Month has been celebrating the contributions and history of black communities and individuals since 1987.

I accept the realities of funding in our supposed times of austerity. Will Holocaust Memorial Day in January, LGBT History Month in February and International Women’s Day in March be cancelled? Or renamed?

Let’s hold our breaths and see what happens once the seasonal light displays come down (formally known as Xmas lights).

It is easy to talk with cultural groups about what they want celebrated and how.

How was the black community involved in this decision?

Looking forward to hearing the views of the Council Leader, local press and others.

On September 25^th after twenty years of sharing the home with my late mum I am moving. The house in London is sold and I am house hunting to eventually settle in Hove, East Sussex.

I am now on a six month sabbatical from work. I loved my role as a Conflict Resolution Trainer for Ikon Training, Ipswich. But it is now time to rest, reflect, travel and find a new home.

Barrington's coffee shop, Edinburgh.

I started my sabbatical with some days full of nothing – rubbish t.v. and junk food. Then had my first trip to Edinburgh for the festival. What a great city for strolling around, lots to see and a chilled out feel. I saw the comedian Stewart Lee plus a couple of other shows on the Fringe. Then I spent a few days in Doncaster with my great friends there - shopping, eating, walking, and visiting York. And had my first taste of a Jaimie Oliver’s restaurant, which was better than I expected. I managed to complete three rolls of film and am enjoying taking photos again – old school. And I invested in a new Canon digital camera – impressive. So much, in so little – new school.

The Mound, Edinburgh.

Valencia, Spain this year and in 2016 a trip to Cuba and America will be my next on my travels. Cities like Canterbury, Liverpool, Berlin and Prague also sound good.

The independent investigation in to the poor treatment of my mother by wandsworth council and the care home she was in has begun.

Contact me if you would like to see a copy of the report and are willing to send feedback letters to the council.

Keith

BLOGGING ON THE MOVE-The Edinburgh Festival 2015

Hello, let's give it a try. I have just eaten a lovely meal at the jollof  hub on, Chapel

Street , Edinburgh. Great West African food. Lamb chops, plantain, and jollof of rice. Chatted to a friendly guy sitting here but the next people weren't so cheery. I completed my second roll of film today. Great to be creative and play. I also visited two good record stores and got a Luther vandross album from the list. Lots of new dad's to watch. And on Friday I should sign the contract on the house. And move out on the 18th September.  One era ends and a new one begins. Blogging on the move could be here.KS 

WELCOME BACK MY FRIEND

I have just looked at my blog -  whole year since my last post. It's been an eventful time. Big changes.
So it's time to start writing again.
chat soon.

21ST DECEMBER 2013 - HAPPY EVERYTHING!

It's been a busy few months and there is alot to write about. And it feels like time for a break and rest first.

Enjoy family, friends and the flavour of the season. Plus bung on lots of weight with eating and drinking.

then......

K

19th OCTOBER 2013 - SPACE!

Space is what I am creating over these weeks. Clearing out the draws; packing things away; washing the dust and grime away; finishing things off and then starting anew with other things. Thoughts, actions,objects - where ever the energy takes me. And also where I want to go. 

Big yawn - U.S.A. fiscal cliff - jump off it.

Time for space and to stop and stare and create a life with a balance of care.

It is also time to enjoy and celebrate what I have. So stop and stare.

A poor life this is if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare. 

William Henry Davies(3 July 1871 – 26 September 1940. Monmouthshire / Wales)

K