Brixton Culture Capital | 03.10.2024
Brixton Black History Month
Brixton, where the resilience of the British Black community started, stands at the crossroads of British Black history. It's not just a geographic location; it's a heartbeat, a symbol of endurance, and a beacon of black progress. This Black History Month, we celebrate the individuals and the movements that have shaped both Brixton and the Black British narrative.
From the Windrush Generation, who arrived in Brixton and transformed the area into a thriving cultural hub, to the activists who fought tirelessly for racial equality, Brixton has been a center of empowerment. The likes of Claudia Jones, who founded the first Black British newspaper, and Darcus Howe, a civil rights campaigner, set a powerful precedent for activism and advocacy. Cultural icons like Linton Kwesi Johnson gave voice to the struggles of the Black experience in the UK, using spoken word and reggae to inspire a generation.
Beyond the activists, creatives like filmmaker Horace Ové and artists like Lubaina Himid have showcased the richness of Black British culture through their work, leaving indelible marks on the arts.
In celebrating Black History Month, we honour not just the legacy of these trailblazers but the continued influence of Brixton as a space that fosters cultural pride, social change, and artistic expression. Brixton's influence on Black British history reminds us of the importance of reflecting on our past, as it is only by understanding where we come from that we can truly embrace the future with the same courage and creativity.
This week, we'll explore Brixton's deep roots in Black history and the stories of those who've shaped it. Stay tuned!
Black Food in Brixton
Let's start by highlighting some of the Black foods in Brixton.
Brixton is home to some of London's most authentic and diverse Black-owned restaurants, offering a taste of African and Caribbean heritage through incredible cuisine. Here are the top spots to check out for an unforgettable meal:
Original Flavours: For classic Jamaican cuisine, this Brixton Village gem is well-loved for its rich jerk chicken, curry goat, and oxtail. It's the perfect spot to experience traditional Caribbean flavours.
Light of Africa—Located in Granville Arcade, this restaurant serves delicious Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes, including vegan and vegetarian options like injera, stews, and lentils. It's favourite for its hearty, authentic African food.
Veg and Tings is the go-to spot for those who want to enjoy Caribbean flavours with a plant-based twist. Veg and Tings serve up delicious vegan versions of classic Caribbean dishes, including curries, plantains, and rice.
Enish Brixton: Specializing in Nigerian cuisine, Enish is a must-visit for its authentic Nigerian flavours. Dishes like jollof rice, pounded yam, egusi soup, and peppered meats take centre stage, delivering a bold taste of West Africa.
Jollof House Kitchen – If Jollof House Kitchen:h flavorful taste of Ghanaian jollof rice, look no further than Jollof House Kitchen. Located in the heart of Brixton, this spot serves up Ghanaian classics that are sure to satisfy.
Alhaji Suya Brixton: Famous for its Nigerian-style suya (spicy grilled meat), Alhaji Suya Brixton is the place for lovers of smoky, spicy street food. It offers an authentic taste of West African barbecue.
Brixton's food scene celebrates the diverse cultures of the African diaspora, and these restaurants are just a few examples of how Black-owned businesses continue to shape the culinary landscape. Whether after fiery West African dishes or hearty Caribbean plates, Brixton is where you'll find the best Black cuisine.
CULTURE AND EVENTS:
BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPECIAL
My Dad, Mr Brixton with Claudette Parry Laws
Date: 7th October
Courtney Laws OD, OBE (1931 – 1996) spent decades of his life uplifting the Black community from the cornerstone of Black culture – Brixton. Join his daughter for an illustrated talk on her father and her podcast, My Dad, Mr Brixton at Brixton Library.
Black Culture Market
Date: 5th October
If you're looking for food, drinks, gifts, cards, unique art, jewellery, male grooming kits, skincare, clothes, accessories and more, all created by Black businesses, head down to The Department Store for Black Culture Market’s Black History Event.
Reclaiming Narratives: Black History Month
Date: 8th October
Head down to Lambeth Town Hall for an evening of exhibits, performances, entertainment and discussion on how we can and will reclaim narratives in the local context. Honour our heroes, embrace our stories, and empower and educate. It’s free!
The Black Men's Consortium Performance Event
Date: 26th October
Enjoy three exciting new performances from the Black Men’s Consortium. These pieces touch on topical issues that are relevant to black and brown men and their communities. There will also be an interactive Q&A session at the end. Tickets here.
Brixton Black History - Wikipedia Edit-a-thon
Date: 29th October
Want to contribute to the world’s biggest online encyclopaedia? Head on down to Brixton Library to write about and enhance articles about Black people, history and society for Wikipedia, sharing Black History with the world.
Encounters with James Baldwin: Celebrating 100 years
Date: 16th October
Join Kadija Sesay, Michael McMillan, Gabrielle Beckles-Raymond and a selection of other contributors at Brixton Library to celebrate 100 years of trailblazing African American author James Baldwin’s powerful influence on the world.
Carnival Clash - The Reunion at Brixton Jamm
Date: 4th October
There’s always time to party. Saxon Sound will be blessing us with a journey through Roots, Reggae, Dub, and Rampage Sound will take us through to hip-hop, Dancehall, R&B, garage, jungle, and more. Tickets here.
TheBccList Film Guide: Must watch films at Ritzy Cinema
For Black History Month, the Ritzy Cinema in Brixton is hosting a special screening of the film A Life Less Safe on Thursday, October 10th, from 6-8 PM. The film explores the experiences of Black and other racially minoritized people living with severe mental health and physical health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The screening will be followed by a Q&A and panel discussion with participants, researchers, and policymakers, focusing on the health inequalities faced by these communities and potential solutions(King's College London)( ARC South London).
If you're interested, you can register for the screening here.
My Old Ass: In this fresh coming-of-age story, an 18th birthday mushroom trip brings free-spirited Elliottface-to-face with her wisecracking 39-year-old self.
Joker: Folie à Deux: Arthur Fleck is institutionalised at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker. While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that's always been inside him.
The Teacher: A Palestinian school teacher struggles to reconcile his risky commitment to political resistance with his emotional support for one of his students and the chance of a new relationship with a volunteer worker.
Megalopolis: The City of New Rome must change, causing conflict between Cesar Catilina, a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian future, and his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero who is committed to a regressive status quo.
For tickets and more information, visit The Ritzy Picturehouse.
WEAR YOUR CULTURE CAPITAL
Exciting news, Brixtonians. We’re launching a referral scheme where you can win a hoodie, tote bag or t-shirt by telling your friends to sign-up to TheBccList newsletter. Keep an eye out for more details, and hit the button below to start building up your points. There’s also a day pass from our partners at Impact Brixton up for grabs!
BRIXTON DISCOUNTS
Every week, we onboard a new local restaurants, bars, and other establishments that join the movement and offer our readers something special. Click here to see the full list of discounts you can use at your favourite Brixton spots, including from MEZZA ME, EN ROOT, MAMALAN, CLOVER’S and more.
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