Black History Month: Reclaiming Narratives
'In reclaiming the narrative, we are first and foremost stepping up to the plate and being vocal, being the change that we want to see.'
By Leila Uddin, BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics 28/10/2024
On Tuesday the 8th of October, at Lambeth Town Hall, Lambeth Council showcased local talent in an evening of artistic displays, panels and performances in honour of Black History Month. The event offered a powerful tribute to the heritage of the local Black community, centring on this year’s theme of ‘Reclaiming Narratives’.
The event’s main curator, Wayne Campbell, decorated the hall with his photographs, which depicted the London demonstrations of 2020, sparked by the death of George Floyd. When questioned about the inspiration he has found in this year’s theme, he emphasised his position as a visual activist. He explained, ‘In reclaiming the narrative, we are first and foremost stepping up to the plate, being vocal and being the change that we want to see.’
Campbell’s own exhibition in Brixton Village, “A Celebration of Demonstration,” encourages visitors to write messages on the walls, to add their voices to the noise. His son, Sky Campbell, was also present as an artist who drew illustrations throughout the evening - he features in the popular photograph “Kids” as a child.
The first performer was Lara Grace Ilori, a poet and member of the Brixton-based organisation Poetic Unity. Lara read two original poems, the first of which was written especially for the event. It paid homage to the legacies of Black figures such as Mary Seacole, whose contributions have paved the way for the present generation. Her second poem took its name, ‘Good Trouble’, from a phrase coined by 60s American human rights advocate John Lewis. Ilori jokingly encouraged the audience to come to their own definition of what this good trouble may be.
Then, in a surprising twist, the audience themselves were invited to join the conversation. Different questions were laid out and each group engaged in their own round table discussions, as everyone in the room shared their personal experiences. One attendee quoted the unsung activist Olive Morris when discussing local heroes that deserve more commemoration - ‘The only way to fight oppression is to become part of the fight.’ Morris has a council building in Lambeth dedicated to her, and locals were proud to hear her name spoken.
The main event of the evening was the panel discussion, featuring prominent activist figures in the community - Lisa Anderson, who is the director of the Black British Archives, Ros Griffiths, leader of the organisation “Friends of Windrush Square”, Marc Thompson, a pioneering advocate for HIV Awareness and LGBTIQ Rights in Britain, Darrel Blake, a historian and social activist leader, and Wayne Campbell. Each speaker brought their individual expertise, discussing how the theme of Reclaiming Narratives can reshape Britain’s understanding of Black identity.
Blake stressed the importance of reframing education to include the perspectives of Black ancestors, asserting that much of today’s curriculum remains Eurocentric. He explained that many people inadvertently internalise Western ideals of Blackness, which can be negative at times. “So how can we reclaim the narrative?” he asked. “Well, let’s make Black beautiful.”
As October draws to a close, if you find yourself interested in learning more about Black History in Britain, the Black Cultural Archives is holding some great events in the months to come. Nevertheless, Reclaiming Narratives by Lambeth Council demonstrated how it is vital for Black History to be platformed and celebrated - not just in October, but year-round.
