WMC Launches Black History Month in Style
Wales Millennium Centre launched Black History Month in style today with drum and dance performances and special guest appearances.
The morning opened with the official drum call from Pa-Modou Sowe. The musician was an instant crowd pleaser, who persuaded a cold and fragile gathering to join in with his music with a chant.
“What you just chanted means hello, thank you and goodbye in Gambia. Often words there have many meanings as oppose to the UK where there are often many words have one meaning.”
The opening speech was given by Abu-Bakr Madden Al- Shabazz, a black and Islamic history specialist who gave everyone an interesting taste of black Welsh history.
This was followed by an energetic samba dance, all the way from Gambia. Members of the audience participated in dancing jumping crazily, while in contrast the percussionists swung their arms in a relaxed manner but timed with absolute precision; catching us all out with five false stops.
Mark Taylor the new Chief Executive of the WMC said
“I look forward to meeting more members of this fascinating multicultural place as I settle into this role.”
Next, the gathering was delighted with a piano performance from graduate Catherine Wright, from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Other guests included Nick Capaldi, Chief Executive of the Arts Council Wales who surprised us all with a sombre poem by D. Wilcot, Patti Flynn singing Amazing Grace/ You’ve got a friend and Nigel Howells executive of the sports, leisure and culture department at Cardiff council.
The host got down to the real issue however, when he put right a frequent misconception of Black History Month, that it is not just for black people, but that it is about cultural integration and education.
“One of the important messages is that Black History Month is it's not just for black people.”
Humie Webb continued the meaningful tone of this message by adding that while there was lots going on they were not just here to sing and dance, just as we are not defined by the colour of our skin.
“People need to think about why we are celebrating Black History Month, one of the things that allows prejudice is lack of education sometimes people will let others think and speak on their behalf; use your education wisely.”
The event finished off in the same way had started, with the closing drum call from Pa-Modou Sowe and some ecstatic dancing.
The finale event is on the 30th October which promises more workshops and live performances; experience another culture.
For full listings of the activities going on in Cardiff throughout the month, have a look at www.bvsnw.org.uk
Photos by Inga for BVSNW
