Lon-art Creative powered by Tower Hamlets offered two events to reflect on what it is to be a Black British woman. First a physical panel talk, taking place at Restless Being, to discuss about the journey of Identity of the Black women in the UK, and an online workshop that will open a conversation about ‘colourism’, ‘sexuality’, ‘hair’ herstories led by our Shero artist Rachelle Romeo.
The events highlighted the herstories of black women in Britain, their experiences, struggles and achievements through the art.
The panelists explored the impact, evolution and journey of women of African and Caribbean heritage in the UK.
The event included live music & poetry and a panel discussion exploring our lived experiences. The speakers, all British artists and activists, shared how they explore identity within their work. Additionally, we heard about a research exploring the identity of African Diaspora Women presented by researcher and Lon-art’s Trustee Carolyn Baguma.
Black women are often overlooked in our society due to a lack of education about intersectionality. How do Black women navigate being British when visually they do not blend into society like their white counterparts and when they often face barriers that differ to other women of colour?
In this workshop, led by Sheroes artist Rachelle Romeo, participants explored the identity and experiences of the Black British women through collage and assemblage.
To commemorate Black History Month myself and several guests had the pleasure of attending a special panel talk. Black Sheroes: Journey to Identity.
Highlighting the herstories of Black Women in the UK. The event, a collaborative effort by Lon-Art Sheroes and Tower Hamlets Council – delved into the untold experiences of Black British Women and the journey of their evolving identities as part of the African Diaspora.
Held at the Restless Beings Root25 venue in Bow, the gorgeous decor complemented the intimacy of the conversation perfectly. The panel consisted of Carolyn Baguma, Burungi Kawooya and Elizabeth Dawotola. And was moderated by Louise Akorfi. They offered vulnerable insights and anecdotal revelations on their personal journey.
Those in attendance were privy to conversations dissecting the common challenges Black Women face, existing in predominantly white spaces. Representation or lack thereof in media, particularly before the Internet age. How they honour their native cultures and themselves. Whilst simultaneously attempting to dispelling outdated narratives and stereotypes.
The evening festivities kicked off with a performance of music and poetry by Officially Corazon. And the night concluded with a research presentation by Carolyn Amulinde on African Diaspora identities, highlighting the intersectional experience of Black British Identity’s and allowing the audience to participate. I for one really enjoyed the BHM panel talk and would love for there to be a continued, coordinated effort to promote these spaces. Both physically and digitally.
Corazon Baguma
Culture Asylum
