Week of 7th October: Revitalise Nigeria Summit, Women in Business, History of the Jamaican Maroons, Mulatu Astake, How Black People Won World War 2, BSN Annual Ball, Miss Nubian 2013, AFRUCA Summit, Lord Pitt Memorial Lecture.

Nga’n deen def (hello in Wolof)

Proud To be African Clothing trusts you are having an Excellent Black History Month.

This week there is a fine selection of talks, conferences and seminars from the 3^rd Revitalise Nigeria Business and Investment Summit, Women in Business (in conjunction with City of London Police so be on your best behaviour!), Lets Talk Africa! Amos Bursary Supporters Meeting, Transforming Legal Aid, AFRUCA Summit on African Families and Tax and Transparency in Nigeria at the Houses of Parliament.

Music from Ethiopian jazz legend Mulatu Astake, supported by the sublime Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara. Focus Organisations Best of Africa with Debra Debs, Babyoul and Grupo Lokito and Lekan Shobiyi.

Films such as Goodbye Bafana, Freedom Riders, African Shorts and others.

Gala events like Miss Nubian 2013 and the Black Solicitors Network Annual Ball.

Back History Month Events like How Black People Won WW2, Reading Achebe, Celebrating Diversity, Black People and the Old Bailey

Enjoy this sunny Sunday and the week to come!!

Monday 7^th October

From 9.30am to 4.00pm NWBN and City of London Police host Women in Business: Rock Your Vision, Brand and Profits Conference and Expo at Wood Street Police Station, 37 Wood Street, EC2P 2NQ. This day of advice, information and strategies will have networking opportunities, presentations and opportunities to market your company, brand or self to a select audience. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 10.00am is The 2014 Roots Festival Reception at the Hilton London Metropole hotel, 225 Edgware Road, W2 1JU hosted by The Gambia’s Minister of Tourism and Culture Honourable Fatou Mas Jobe-Nije, this event seeks to promote the 2014 edition of the 2014 International Roots Festival in Juffureh, Gambia (where Roots author Alex Haley traced his descendant Kunta Kinte to). The reception is FREE to attend. More information on the festival here.

From 12.00pm to 8.00pm ONiT!PR presents Re-introducing Oshun Art Exhibition at Shinobare Studios, 1 Andrews Road, Hackney, E8 4QL. This 10 day inter disciplinary exhibition curated by Janine Francois encapsulates an all female collective working within visual arts, movement and poetry, with workshops and talks on different days. Register for this FREE exhibition here.

At 5.30pm is The Amos Bursary Supporters Meeting at Linklaters LLP, 1 Silk Street, EC2H 2QY. Where guests can meet and network with the Bursary students, peer mentors, professional mentors, other business professionals and supporters Hosted by Daniel Danso (Linklaters LLP) with Nishma Chauhan (SEO London), guest speakers Edwin Broni-Mensah (GiveMeTap) and Modupeola Abiola (InternAvenue). Register for this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm Lewisham Black History Month presents The Ska Phenomenon: In conversation with Lez Henry at Manor House Library, 34 Manor House Library, Old Road, Manor House, SE13 5SY. The evolution of ska will be the subject of conversation with Dr Lez Henry (aka DJ Lez Lyrix. This is a FREE event

Tuesday 8^th October

From 9.00am to 5.00pm Nigeria-magazine.com presents the 3^rd Revitalise Nigeria Business and Investment Summit at the Thistle Marble Arch Hotel, Bryanston Street, Marble Arch, W1H 7EH. Themed Unlocking Investment Opportunities, it will feature a Davos Style Panel. Keynote speakers, guest speakers and networking sessions focussing on the fastest growing economy in Africa. Speakers include Ibrahim Hassan Dankwanbo (Governor of Gombe State), Ambassador Lawal, (Nigeria High Commission), Clive Carpenter (Business Council for Africa), Peter Brown (London Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Francis Nwokedi and Elizabeth Uwaifo (Fasken Martineau LLP), Mark Norris and Scot Lister (Standard Bank), Chidi Uweano (Codub Consulting), Ted Wigzell (London Means business) and many more. Register for this FREE event here

At 6.00pm Pop Up Picture House presents: Goodbye Bafana at North Chingford Library, North Countess Road, E4 7EN. This true story about a South African prison guard who’s life was profoundly changed by the prisoner he guarded for 20 years. Register for this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm is Reading Achebe at Forest Hill Library, Dartmouth Road, SE23 3HZ in which Sandra Agard speaks of the legendary Chinua Achebe reading Things Fall Apart and examining his literary legacy. This is a FREE event

At 7.30pm Mulatu Astake will be performing at The Village Underground, 54 Holywell Lane, EC2A 3PQ to celebrate the release of his new studio album ‘Sketches of Ethiopia’. The father of Ethio-jazz will be playing for 2 nights at this venue. Tickets are £16.50 from here.

Wednesday 9^th October

From 12.00pm to 8.00pm is ONiT!PR’s Re-introducing Oshun Art Exhibition at Shinobare Studios, exhibition curated by Janine Francois encapsulates an all female collective working within visual arts, movement and poetry. There will be a head Wrapping Workshop with Sister E at 7.00pm Register for this FREE exhibition here. 

From 2.30pm to 5.30pm is Introduction to Africa at the Sackler Centre, Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL exploring textiles and prints within the V&A’s collection of African artefacts and a self guided tour ‘Spotlight on Africa and the Diaspora’. This is a FREE event no booking required

At 5.30pm UCL Institute of the America hosts Filming the History of the Jamaican Maroons at Lecture Theatre 103, 51 Gordon Square, UCL, WC1H 0PQ. This seminar features the documentary Akwantu: The Journey’ filmed in Jamaica, Ghana, Canada and the USA about Jamaican Maroons, rebel slaves of west African origin who defeated the British military and formed independent indigenous communities in Jamaica in the mid 18^th century. Dr Harcourt Fuller will discuss the documentaries making, complex history and present his forthcoming book. Register for this FREE seminar here.  

At 6.00pm The Black Solicitors Network presents Transforming Legal Aid: Next Steps in the Epworth Room, Wesley Hotel, 81-103 Euston Street, NW1 2EZ. Speakers Yvonne Brown (BSN), Adekunle Tijani (Cotisens Ltd), Joe Mensah- Dankwah (Foresters Solicitors Ltd) and Chelsea Thomas (Abbey Solicitors) will discuss the BSN’s response to the consultations and debate the issues and formulate proposals that will allow law firms respond to the challenge of reform. Register for this FREE event here.

At 6.00pm Hart Culture CIC presents Ousmane Sembene Lecture Series (1) at Hart Culture CIC Headquarters, Thameswater Gateway, E16 2EW. Presented by Ekua Agha (University Lecturer) this first lecture is themed Man is culture. Tickets are £5.00 from here.

At 7.45pm Kush Film Boutique presents Freedom Riders Screening and Discussion at Riverside Studio, Crisp Road, W6 9RL. This documentary features the powerful story of the 400 black and white Americans who risked their lives in 1961 to travel together and beat segregation in the US Deep South. There will be a follow up discussion by Kwaku of BBM/ BMC and historian Sean Creighton. Admission is £9.50

At 8.45pm the ICA hosts Africa First Shorts in the ICA, The Mall, SW1Y 5AH featuring 4 short films about memory, tradition and modernity from new filmmakers in Africa. The films are Adamt directed by Zelalem Woldemariam (Ethiopia), Kwaku Ananse directed by Akosua Adoma Owusu (Ghana), Twaaga directed by Cedric Ido (Burkina Faso) and Security directed by Mark Middlewick (South Africa) Tickets are £12.50 from here.

At 7.30pm Mulatu Astake will be performing at The Village Underground to celebrate the release of his new studio album ‘Sketches of Ethiopia’. For this second night the father of Ethio- jazz will be supported by Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara. Tickets are £16.50 from here.  

At 7.30pm is The White Witch of Rose Hall at The Broadway Theatre, Catford Road, Catford, SE6 4RU. This play of a legendary Jamaican y inspired by true events is retold by Somon James Collier and set in 19^th century West Indies against the backdrop of the abolishment of slavery, voodoo, murder, betrayal and lust. Tickets are £14.50 from here. 

Thursday 10^th October

At 12.00pm The Royal Africa Society presents Tax and Transparency after the G8: Nigeria and Beyond in the House of Commons, Palace of Westminster, SW1A 0AA. Chaired by Richard Fuller MP (Nigeria All Party Parliamentary Group), Ken Igbokwe (PwC West Africa), Alhaji ML Abubakar (Nigeria’s Joint Tax Board), Emma Seery (Oxfam GB). This panel brings together some of the authors of the White Paper on tax and transparency. Register for this FREE event here.

At 5.30pm is Beach Tomato and Black Tomato Be The BI Pop UP Bar in Units 48-49. Shoreditch Boxpark, 2 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6HT. This slice of the British Virgin Islands will be popping up for 2 days in Shoreditch as an authentic island beach bar (without the beach of course!). More details about this FREE event here.

At 6.00pm Inspirational YOU presents Lets Talk Africa- Opportunities, Enterprise and Social Change at YouTube Studios. This lively studio debate will offer exciting opportunities for those starting a business or seeking a career change. Hosted by Belinda Otas (Editor, New African Woman) Hazel Eki Aggry-Orleans (Eki Orleans), Brendon Christian (Law), Yemisi Bokinni (Medical Student) and others. Register for this FREE event here.

 At 7.00pm Avril Nanton presents Black People at the Old Bailey 1674-1913 at Coombes Croft Library, High Road, White Hart Lane, N17 8AD this little known period of history takes Old Bailey Trial Records of the period 1674 to 1913 to give an idea of how many black people lived in London during this period by looking at crimes committed against them or their employers as well as those who have committed crimes. This is a FREE event.

At 7.30pm Buraka Som Sistema will be performing at the Village Underground. The Angolan kuduro techno grime act will be performing their only set in London backed by a live band. The show will be preceded by screening of the documentary about them; Off the Beaten Track. Tickets are £15.95 here

Friday 11^th October

From 6.00pm is Black History, Krio heritage in Southwark at The Crypt,St Peters Church, Liverpool Grove, SE17 2HH. This Quiz night is an entertaining and educational way to learn about Sierra Leones, Krios and their links to Southwark. You can register a team at this FREE event by email or phone 01689 768 005. 

At 6.30pm the British Caribbean Association presents the Lord David Pitt Memorial Lecture at City Hall, 110 The Queen’s Walk, SE1 2AA. Hosted by Jennette Arnold OBE (London Assembly) in the presence of The High Commissioner for Honduras, The Hon Bruce MD Pitt and Amanda Pitt. The keynote speaker is Dr Gertrude Shotte, followed by a panel discussion and a Q&A. There will also be entertainment by The Alliouagana Singers and Steel Pan and a Caribbean finger buffet. For more information on this FREE event check here.

From 6.30pm to 8.30pm is V&A Connects- Union Black: From the Decks to the Runway at the Sackler Centre, Victoria & Albert Museum, in which curators Tony Charalambous and Jacqueline Springer explore the journey of sound, and culture. Speakers include DJ Norman Jay MBE and Professor Carol Tulloch (University of the Arts) and stylist Karen Binns. Book this FREE event here. 

At 7.30pm comedienne Ava Vidal will be at Culture Space, Canada Water Library, 21 Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7AR. The Edinburgh veteran who is a regular on the circuit and on TV shows sich as Mock the Week and Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow will be performing material based on her intriguing past as a single mum, prison officer and boarding school rebel. Tickets from £10.00 from here.

At 8.00pm Focus Organisation presents The Best from Africa at Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, Dalston, E8 3JT. Featuring Cameroonian Neo soul/ afrobeats singer Debra Debs, Congolese/ Latin music band Grupo Lokito, French reggae band Babyoul and The One Drop and DJ’s JP Kairo and Yaaba Funk. Admission is £6.00 here.

Saturday 12^th October

At 3.00pm Avril Nanton presents Black People at the Old Bailey 1674-1913 at St Ann’s Library, Cissbury Road, Tottenham, N15 5PU this little known period of history takes Old Bailey Trial Records of the period 1674 to 1913 to give an idea of how many black people lived in London during this period by looking at crimes committed against them or their employers as well as those who have committed crimes. This is a FREE event

At 8.00pm is Embassy Saga with Oliver Samuels at The Broadway Theatre, Catford. The renowned comedian’s latest production involves a family as it ponders its decision to leave Jamaica for good. Tickets are £26.50 from here. 

From 9.30am to 5.30pm is the AFRUCA Summit on African Families in London at Holiday Inn Bloomsbury, Coram Street, WC1N 1HT. Themed Supporting Parents, Protecting Children,  this conference aims to explore the many issues faced by African children and their parents and generate ideas and solutions to combat them. Hosted by Vuyiswa Ngqobongwana (Press TV), convened by Modupe Debbie Ariyo (AFRUCA) with chief host Meg Hillier MP (All Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria), keynote speaker Simon Hughes MP (Deputy Leader Liberal Democrats), special guests of honour Chola Chama (Zambian Deputy High Commissioner), Richard Taylor OBE (Damilola Taylor Foundation), Muzvare Betty Makoni (CNN World Hero). There will be special performances by Jesse Appiah and African dances by Ethiopian and Ugandan dance troupes. There will be 6 different workshops as well as the speeches and a plenary session. Get more information and register for this FREE event here.   

From 12.00pm to 4.00pm is Celebrating Diversity 2013 at the Catford Wanderers Sports Club, Beckenham Hill Road, Bromley, SE6 3NU. This afternoon will involve bingo, African drumming and dancing, Irish dancing, arts and crafts, jewellery making, football, tennis coaching, food and refreshments and a free raffle. This is a FREE event, just turn up!

From 12.00pm to 4.00pm is Black History Month and World Mental Health Day at Gilroy Hall, Cambridge House, 1 Addington Square, SE5 0HF. This afternoon of film, discussions, presentations and drumming celebrating the history of community in African and Caribbean cultures and exploring its role in mental health and well being. This is a FREE event

From 2.30 pm to 4.30pm is Celebrating Black Atheist History on the First Floor, Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet Street, EC4Y 1AA. This event celebrates black atheist history with a talk recognising the place of black atheists during Dr Martin Luther Kings March on Washington in the US and a screening of a video created by Professor Chris Stringer (Natural History Museum). This will be followed by guest performances by Ivorian Master Drummer Henri Gaobi, comedian Jodeba, magician Nayim Kahn and comedian Lola Tinubu. Register for FREE here. 

At 5.00pm is the Miss Nubian Foundations 4^th Annual Black History Month Extravaganza at the Hilton Paddington, 46 Praed Street, Paddington, W2 1EE. This spectacular event will feature seminars, drama by the Black Arts Theatre Production, dance by the Ignition Dance Troupe, cultural displays, a fundraising auction, fashion shows and performances by UK breakthrough artistes such as S.F, Mazey Banks, Deoba Authentic, Ornela Ebama, Wearey Int, Dlux, Komo, Valaentine and a mystery guest.  And of course the Miss Nubian Grand Finale with the After Party taking place in the Steam Bar. Tickets are £25.00 (£10.00 concs) from here.

At 6.00pm is the UCL BHM 2013- The Slam in the Jeremy Bentham Room, Wilkins Building, University College London, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT. This talent show will feature performers from UCL and beyond showcasing their talents in front of an audience and professional judges, hosted by Alim Kamara and featuring spoken word artist Anthony Anaxagorou, Tshaka Cbampbell, TarMan, GREEdS, Sophia Thakur, Kemi Taiwo, JJ Bola and Massiah Sky. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm is the Black Solicitors Network Annual Awards Ball and Dinner at Grange Tower Bridge Hotel, 45 Prescott Street, E1 8AX. The event will feature a drinks reception 3 course dinner with wine as well as awards for the Promising Junior Lawyer and Outstanding Solicitor with dance floor entertainment led by DJ Shaq D. There will also be a raffle with proceeds going to the ACLT, tickets are £75.00 from here. 

At 7.00pm is Lekan Shobiyi’s Parlour (Chapter 1) at Mama Jumbe’s, 350 Katherine Road, E7 8NW. The guitarist will be playing tracks from his latest album with special guest artists Debra Debs and Akin VoGg, playing a wide variety of genres from jazz to Afrobeat to pop, RNB and World music, tickets are £15.00 from here. 

Sunday 13^th October

From 12.00pm to 8.00pm is ONiT!PR’s Re-introducing Oshun Art Exhibition at Shinobare Studios, exhibition curated by Janine Francois encapsulates an all female collective working within visual arts, movement and poetry. There will be Stories and Visuals about Oshun by Jacob Joyce at 7.00pm Register for this FREE exhibition here. 

From 2.00pm to 4.30pm Black History Walks presents How Black People Won World War 2 at the Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ this detailed and extensive look at the African, Caribbean and Asian war effort during the second world war. From Nigerian troops in Burma to Caribbean pilots in the RAF. Register for this FREE event here.

From 3.00pm to 6.00pm is Beyond Forgiveness- My Journey From Darkness Into Light at The Warehouse, 13 Theed Street, SE1 8ST. This talk with Pie-Pacifique Kabalira Uwase is based on his book Beyond Forgiveness about his experiences during the Rwandan massacres which he experienced when he was 14 after escaping to South Africa he became a car guard as he worked his way through college eventually getting selected for the prestigious Mandela-Rhodes Scholarship Programme. In the forthcoming back he describes not just how he managed to survive and thrive but find compassion for the perpetrators of the massacre. Tickets are £15.00 from here.

At 5.00pm is Jazzmo’thology presents JAMMIN at Bar 414, 414 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8LF, with live music featuring Dorian Ford (keyboards) Heidi Heidelberg (vocals), Mao Yamada (double bass) and Jose Joyette (drums). This is a FREE event and if you have an instrument and wish to join in, all the better!