Community

I pulled out this Evening Standard article ' Girl on the Run ' because I’ve been an avid fan of Lenora Crichlow ever since she starred in 'Sugar Rush' and 'Material Girl' – two of my favourite programmes. Carnival in Salvador, Bahia © MisBeee Writes She then went on to act in the successful drama 'Being Human' before becoming the first Black actress to play the lead in British film 'Fast Girls'. The film, which was inspired by Olympics, was released weeks before London hosted the Games. But what I didn’t know about this accomplished actress is she is the daughter of the late Frank Crichlow. Crichlow senior was an influential member of Notting Hill’s West Indian community. He helped to establish the world-famous Notting Hill Carnival, which is staged every August Bank Holiday in London.  Frank hailed from Trinidad and married Lenora’s English mother Lucy Addington. He was a man for the people and campaigned for housing, civi...

Remembering our past image © MisBeee Writes As we remember the war dead 100 years after the First World War started in 1914, let’s spare a thought for Second Lieutenant Walter Daniel John. Tull was the first Black outfield player in Britain, which means he played outside goal, and the second Black professional footballer after Ghana-born Arthur Wharton. Tull also enjoyed a six-year footballing career which included playing at Clapton and Northampton. He also toured Argentina and Uruguay while playing for Spurs He gave up football to fight for his country during the First World War. As a soldier, he also rose through the ranks to become the first Black infantry officer in the British army. His achievements came at a time when people of colour were not allowed to assume such positions due to military law. Tull's bravery and skill was such that he was even recommended to receive the Military Cross for heroism on the Western Front in the First World War.  ...

My dear brother gave me a gospel CD to listen to, which I am ashamed to say, stayed on my living room table for weeks before I ventured to pick it up and play it. Image © Bernard Taylor' - debut album' I'll Wait on You' If I am honest, the reason was purely a pre-judgement based on my past and at times negative experiences with Christianity and a fear of being preached at. And yet, the music and message behind every one of the 13 tracks on the album lifted my spirit and emotions in a way I never would have expected. The album, especially the first and my favourite track 'Heaven Heaven' is an eclectic mix of sounds that draw on strong Latin rhythms, rolled up in reggae beats, brassy instruments and an 80s edge rippling with a modern twist - not your average kind of gospel album but its producer Birmingham-based Bernard Taylor is not your average kind of guy. Taylor’s music engenders positivity and courage that seems worlds away from t...