Originally published 2017
By Paul Dickson
Danny Keen, Norfolk Black History Month Chair explained: “Our theme this year is celebrating 70 years of the Windrush Generation. Coincidentally, it turned out to be the year that a British Prime Minister had to apologise for the dreadful mistreatment of black British citizens by successive governments.”
“I am Jamaican, from the same cohort who have been cruelly victimised. Fortunately for me in the early 1970s, I became aware of the Government’s announcement that Caribbean people living in the UK needed to become naturalised, as we were joining the Common Market.”
“Despite the injustice meted out to Caribbean immigrants, we won’t let the Government spoil the party! We are going to dance to Salsa and groove to Jamaican Jazz during Norfolk Black History Month. There’s lots to celebrate! We invite everyone to enjoy and explore the joyous impact of black culture on British society.”
“This year we have two major historical landmarks,” added Danny Keen. “The centenaries of the end of World War I, and the centenary of women being able to vote. In World War I many black people volunteered to fight for King and Empire. As a Norfolk resident, I am proud that two sons of Thetford, both of whom had grandmothers who were African slaves, served with outstanding gallantry. Major Prince Frederick Duleep Singh, and Captain Noel Glaysier Minns MC, DSO, MD served during World War I when the military rule book banned black or coloured people from becoming officers.”
“During World War I Princess Sofia Duleep Singh opened a hospital and tended to wounded soldiers herself, she was also a prominent suffragette, and went to India to promote the rights of her people.”
Windrush and the American Civil Rights Movement – Danny Keen art exhibition. A selection of work that Danny Keen created in the 1960s in response to the American Civil Rights Movement.
Britain on Film, Black Britain, featuring film from 1901 to 1985. Free event, but tickets must be booked in advance.
Nelson T Gombakomba Jr. & Guests – an evening of laughter, spoken word, musical entertainment and intellectual debate all examining Black History Month and celebrating black consciousness
Jazz & The Windrush – a salute to the music of the 1940s with Vic Brown & The Band
Caribbean Voices celebrating a century of Caribbean women’s writing, hosted by Dr Claire Hynes, UEA.
Jose Ferrera & his Cubanda , Salsa Extravaganza.
NIGHTCLUBBING – Rachael Young and her badass band of super humans embrace Afrofuturism and the cult of Grace Jones
African Drumming with Millicent Chapanda. Workshop costs £3 per person. Book via Sheringham Library, t 01263 822874.
An evening with former England cricketer, Devon Malcolm with Jamaican buffet dinner. Please book in advance, email [email protected] .
Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black celebrates dancers of black and Asian descent, showcasing technique, precision and grace in specially commissioned pieces.
Commemorating the black volunteers of World War I.
Jazz & The Windrush – a salute to the music of the 1940s with Vic Brown & The Band.
Pablo Fanque Norfolk’s Black Legend, celebrating 250 years of the circus, an evening of entertainment for all the family. T 01603 568364 for tickets.
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