| Black History Walks,Talks & Films |
Black History is longer than a month..
Black Supermen. March 21 2012 | |
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"Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a Bee
Muhammad Ali, Martial Artist
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The Black History of Superhero Movies
Marvel is known for producing comics and nowadays superhero movies. X Men, Spider Man, Hulk, Iron Man and soon..The Avengers, are all hugely popular movies with thousands of fans. The fact is that the first Marvel superhero to really make money at the box office was Blade: Vampire
 | | Superhero, Blade |
Slayer. Many people are unaware that Blade was originally a comic and one, of very few, black superheroes. The first Blade movie released in 1998, starring Wesley Snipes was so popular that two more were commissioned, each one making more than 100 million dollars. ( strangely enough despite that success Marvel did not issue a new Blade comic ) It is the success of the Blade movies that gave Marvel the confidence, and some would say the cash, to invest in other superhero movies that are now commonplace. It's an interesting fact that Blade is a combination of black superhero and African martial artist and there are several events in this newsletter which explore those themes and the crossover into mainstream popularity. Perhaps if the pilots in Red Tails had busted some karate moves then the movie would have been released in Britain. Wesley Snipes in real life is known as a master of three different martial arts and is also a very 'conscious' brother. This attitude to racial issues can be seen throughout the films in particular when one vampire asks Blade 'Can you blush ?'. Snipes produced and narrated the excellent documentary 'A Great and Mighty Walk' detailing the ancient history of Africa based on historian John Henrik Clarke's life story.
While many parents rushed their children to see the more family friendly Hancock, this superhero poses many of the problems referred to in White Scripts, Black Supermen ( Sunday 25th March, see below) While white heroes like Iron Man, Spider Man, Thor have their flaws.. Iron Man is egotistical and sometimes alcoholic. Spider Man is initially selfish and irresponsible. Thor is headstrong and disrespectful. Hancock has all of these negative traits and more. Hancock, a black 'superhero' is lazy, dirty, smelly, uncouth, alcoholic and prone to indecent assaults on white women. Such behaviour is demonstrated within the first ten minutes of the film. Thats bad enough but then he is convinced by his new
 | | What kind of Superhero is he ? |
friend, whose life he saves, to go into prison. The first thing he does in prison is force one man's head up another man's backside in what can only be seen as a metaphor for what can indeed happen in prison. When he gets out of prison he wants to 'kiss' his new friends wife, who we later find out is his sister..sort of. Which of the white superheroes has ever been portrayed'' in this way far less volunteered to go into prison, then insert things in strange places ? Captain America would never be rude to kids or slap womens backsides even the maddened Hulk does the right thing by pure instinct whereas Hancock had to be incarcerated before he became responsible. Many children were happy that for once, they could visit the cinema and see a superhero that looked like them. Unfortunately with Hancock there were so many negative stereotypes present it undermined the all too rare 'heroic' representation of black men. |
 | | Comic expert Sundiata describes Blade's origins as a Pan Africanist slayer of European colonial 'vampires' and the metaphor of sickle cell blood as an anti-vampire weapon |
White Scripts and Black Supermen UK Premiere
Plus Q & A with Super Producer Terry Jervis
Sunday 25 March 3pm to 6pm
Cottons Caribbean restaurant
70 Exmouth Market, London EC1
Entry �8.00 first come, first served. Pay on the door
Tube: Angel (10 mins walk)
Dr. Jonathan Gayles of Georgia State University produced "White Scripts and Black Supermen: Black Masculinities in American Comic Books" - to help make sense of the contradictions in comics. "I grew up frustrated with comic books because the majority of the super heroes were white. Later as an adult I found many of the images and story lines offensive although I didn't as a child," said Gayles "So I decided to produce a documentary film looking at the first Black Super Heroes and the way in which black masculinity is represented in comic books." Gayles is an associate professor of African American Studies.  Through interviews with prominent artists, scholars and cultural critics, along with images from the comic books themselves, his documentary examines the degree to which early black superheroes generally adhered to common stereotypes about black men. From the humorous to the offensive, early black superheroes are critically considered.
"Although they were super heroes, the devices that were in place again made the story lines reflect white male understanding of black masculinity." Characters in the documentary include Lothar , Waku, Prince of the Bantu, Gabriel Jones, The Black Panther, The Falcon, John Stewart, Luke Cage, Tyroc and Black Lightning |
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 | | Black Kung Fu Experience - Grand Master Tayari Casel describes the African nature of martial arts |
First Ever UK Screening of
The Black Kung Fu Experience
Special screening preview by Black History Walks
Plus Q & A with anthropologist and martial artist, Dr Lez Henry
Friday 30 March 6.30-9pm
Kensington Library Theatre
Phillimore Walk W8
Tube: High st Kensington (5 min walk)
Tickets: ONLINE ONLY, (not on the door) �8.00 from
http://www.wegottickets.com/event/159722
Book in advance now to avoid disappointment. To join to our mailing list for future such events click here
This action-packed documentary chronicles Kung Fu's black pioneers and heroes, exploring the intersection of African American and Asian cultures from Bruce Lee to the Wu-Tang Clan. The film traces the rise of the black kungfu experience in the 1960s and 1970s, and then reconnects with the contemporary martial arts scene at the 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple, legendary birthplace of Kungfu. The film underscores the Chinese and African American experiences as they evolve differently yet converge in unexpected ways, and how they challenge political and social persecution - as diverse as the Qing government's oppressive rule in China, British colonialism in Hong Kong, and entrenched American racism - with the unique vehicle of kung fu.The Black Kungfu Experience chronicles black pioneers, including famous actors and lesser-known practitioners, who became respected masters in a world dominated by Chinese and white men, as well as two younger martial artists who take us to the cutting edge of modern kungfu. Theirs is a story of transformation tracing how kungfu was - and still is - a unique crucible of the black experience. This story also illustrates that kungfu is frequently less about flash and style, kicks and punches, than it is about community, identity, and building bridges.The art that emerges from this multi-ethnic synthesis includes the "Blaxploitation" kungfu genre of the early 1970s, kungfu imagery in the Jamaican reggae world, and finally, the absorption of kungfu iconography in hip-hop music and urban youth culture. Special thanks to Martha Burr and Mei Juin Chen. www.blackhistorywalks.co.uk |
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 | | 'So that was the name of that African-Roman General ! Wait 'til I get to school tomorrow ! ' |
Black History Walks listed Top Ten best guided walks in London by The Guardian... Read more
Being Afro-German, I was very happy to attend two of the Black History walks and am still amazed today by how much I learned about the many traces and hints of the African and Caribbean roots, influences and "contributions" which made London what it is today.
I am sure that similar walks could and should be organised in the bigger cities of Germany, too, but, unfortunately, Germany is still 2 or 3 steps behind in that aspect...
Having worked in the city for a couple of years, the "St. Paul's-tour" was a real eye-opener! For years, I passed so many buildings and places, which are linked to slave trade and exploitation, on a daily basis without noticing, although some of the hints and signs are literally in our faces, including the name of my tube-station.. The guide's knowledge and passion were fascinating and I liked the way in which he involved the participants; I also met interesting people, with whom I am still in touch. I have already convinced a few friends to join me for the next walks and can only recommend this to everyone.
Next Walks...
Saturday 7 April St Pauls 2.30pm. Sunday 8 April Trafalgar Square 11am Sunday 8 April Notting Hill 2pm Bank Holiday Monday 9 April Elephant & Castle 11am To book or get more details click here
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 | | Foot Care Healing Remedies from Africa. Do you have dead skin, fungus, bunions, funny toes, hard heels, back pain, headaches or 'stinky' feet ? |
Your Feet are your Health
Thursday 22nd March 6.45-8.45pm
Pimlico Academy
Lupus Street SW1
Tube: Pimlico (5 mins walk)
�6.00 pay on the door. First come, first served
A two hour 'hands on' (or feet on) session with Jamaican and Somali Chiropidists. Your feet mirror your general health but they are often severely neglected compared to eyes, teeth and hair. Such conditions as arthritis, diabetes, nerve and circulatory disorders can show their initial symptoms in the feet and 'minor' foot ailments can be your first sign of more serious medical problems.Women have roughly four times as many foot problems as men. Get the answers you need and find out how you can prevent problems with headaches, backaches, pregnancy and circulation problems by simple footcare with Chiropidist Joanne Williams-Roberts. Ms Roberts operates out of Dermacia Pharmacy at 260 Upper Street Islington and can be booked for private consultations on 0207 359 1126. |
 | | US TV reports that black children Receive Less Attention, Harsher Punishment And Lower Grades In School. Does this apply here ? |
What Can I do to Support my Child Through School ?
Saturday 24th March 3.00-5.00pm
Pimlico Academy
Lupus Street SW1
Tube: Pimlico (5 mins walk)
�6.00 pay on the door first come, first served.
Neil Mayers is the author of Gifted at Primary, Failing by Secondary. After advising hundreds of parents over his 15 years as a teacher in England and the USA; and witnessing his unorthodox methods result in top exam results for 95% of his students, he decided to read more |
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 | | BHW screening of Black Power Mixtape at Venezuelan Embassy. |
Black Power Mixtape
plus Q and A
Sat 24 March 2 to 4pm
London Metropolitan University
Womens Library, 25 Old Castle Street. Ph 0207 320 2222
Entry �6.00 .
Tube: Aldgate East
Found in a basement these are 40 year old never-before-seen interviews with Angela Davis, Stokely Carmichael, Huey P Newton, Kathleen Cleaver, Eldridge Cleaver, Harry Belafonte, Bobby Seale, Minister Farrakhan. Also featuring Erykah Badu, Talib Kweli and Mario Van Peebles. The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 is unique. The amazing..click to read |
 | | Dr. Frances Cress Welsing on racism in schools from "Hidden Colours" |
Hidden Colours plus discussion
Sat 24 March 6.30pm
Entry �6.00 . Tube: Walthamstow
Phone to register: 07939 540 826, 0208 509 7598
Hidden Colours is an astonishing documentary about the real and untold history of African people around the globe. It discusses some of the reasons the contributions of African and Aboriginal people have been left out of the pages of history. The film features scholars, historians, and social commentators who detail amazing facts such as:
*The original image of Christ
*The true story about the Moors of Europe
*What the original people of Asia looked like
*The great West African empires
*The presence of Africans in America before Columbus |
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 African Odyyseys Double Bill
A Hole in Babylon (1979) and The Mangrove Nine (1973)
Plus Q and A with film legend, Horace Ove
Sat 14 April 2pm-5pm
BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road SE1.Entry �5.00
Tube: Waterloo www.bfi.org.uk Both these films are based on actual events. Hole in Babylon is a dramatisation of a major incident in 1975 when Nigerian and Jamaican members of the newly formed Black Liberation Army robbed the Spaghetti House restaurant in London. They planned to 'tax babylon' and raise funds for anti-racist activities. A famous siege with 9 hostages developed. The police denied any racial motive and denounced the robbers as pure criminals. The Mangrove Nine is a re-released documentary from the director of Babylon. It features the aftermath of a Notting Hill protest against police harassment which culminated in the arrest of nine people - including a young Darcus Howe - and a headline case at the Old Bailey. This case also illustrates the fight for Black British Civil Rights as the local Black Panthers were involved. Frank Chrichlow, who was recently honoured by Nubian Jak and Black History Walks with a plaque outside what used to be the Mangrove restaurant, also features. This is a must-see event for anyone remotely interested in British black history |
Red Tails: The Story so Far..
 | | Red Tails: fact based film on elite black fighter pilots of World War 2. Funded by George 'Star Wars' Lucas after Hollywood said they could not fund or market such a film as it as it had an all black cast. |
This week (March 20th) brought the news that Disney had lost 200 million dollars on the film John Carter, Warlord of Mars. It's the most expensive Hollywood flop this decade. John Carter is the story of a white American Confederate (pro-slavery) soldier who is transported to Mars where his Earth-trained muscles give him superhuman abilities. The film is based on a book by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Burroughs was also the author of Tarzan, which spawned several movies and tv series. The Tarzan stories in print and on screen consistently showed black people as stupid, lazy and cowardly whereas white people were shown as intelligent, brave and hard-working. Tarzan could be described as a superman as he is faster, stronger and smarter than any of the African
 | | John Carter was also a Marvel comic book superhero in the 1980s. |
people he lives amongst. In fact in the original books, Tarzan spent his time making war upon the Africans and would often lynch them.
The themes of racial superiority are also present in the John Carter novels as the Confederates fought to uphold and maintain slavery. John Carter, the movie was released in the USA on March 9 and is in UK cinemas right now. In fact it is even in Chinese cinemas. Red Tails the true story of a heroic all black fighter pilot squadron in World War 2 cost 58 million US dolars to make and recovered 49 million, so far in the US box office. It is normal that some US 'blockbusters' will not cover their costs in the US market but will go on to make money from the overseas release. So how is it that Red Tails which came out on January 20, debuted at number 2, had a decent box office performance and is barely 10 million away from covering its production budget has still not been released outside of the USA, while a film that totally flopped to the tune of 200 million dollars is already here and in China ?
 | | 200 million dollar flop but still selected for release in England unlike Red Tails. |
Why is Red Tails not given the same opportunity that so many other films have ? Rumour has it that 20th Century Fox, who own the rights to Red Tails in the UK, may release it around June to coincide with the Olympics and the anniversary of the D-Day landings. There willprobably be very little pre-publicity and it might be given a week in the cinemas. That is how you sabotage a perfectly viable film and create a self fulfilling prophecy that 'black films dont sell' . Those of you familiar with the BBC TV may recognise the pattern of films with positive portrayals of black people screening at 11.30pm or 1am with no advance warning. One solution to this blatant discrimination is to patronise BHW's screenings and fill out the various venues such as the BFI. Alternatively line up selected dvds or subscribe to online stations or the Africa Channel.More solutions in next months edition. |
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Like our Facebook Page for latest news, free tickets and competitions .Thanks to Sylvia and Christiana for these items
 | | European Union Advert shows African, Asian and Chinese martial artists as threatening to white women |
Postgrad researcher at Kings Louise Timbers is looking into why West Africans/African-Caribbeans might be subject to greater risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. They want to meet people and find out what they eat. Those who want to be part of the research project (and meet the criteria), can find out more via 07950 302 043
 | | Muslim School Girls are Wu Shu Martial arts Champions ! Watch them demonstrate with swords, spears and naked fist |
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Coming soon..!
Nubian Jak Plaque for Dennis Brown Sat 7 April in Harlesden
African Superheroes Day
The Black History of the Olympics
Fibroids workshop
Six Pack, Chest and Abs.. get the body she wants
New Walk featuring Mary Seacole and her adventures
New docu-drama about black soldiers in the Battle of the Bulge
Images of Black Women festival. Films by and about Black Women 13 to 15 April
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