In some African traditions, the griot held the story of the local people - the village, family or clan. The griot pulled together the strands of the story which represented the various people who took part in it. Kept these strands and held them safe. Savoured them, treasured them. Wove them together to form a cloth, a whole that blended the assorted colours and shadings into a pattern which told the story of the people.
The people then heard their story. Their tongues sang it. Their feet danced it. Their hips swayed it. Their hands drummed it. Their fingers carved it. The stories of their ancestors, treasured, remembered, shared, and preserved for future generations. Click here to read the article on Celebrating Black Heroes and Sheroes.
My new poem, The Blood, explores how the history of the enslavement of African people informs our creative and artistic expression. You can read it Click here. It’s long, so it takes a few moments to load.
Please add your comments to my blog, Click here.
My workshop, Celebrating Black Heroes and Sheroes, will use creativity to explore and celebrate African cultural heritage. It is open to all men and women of African descent. The workshop is on Saturday 8th October at Peckham Library. Details are Click here.
Len Garrison, founder of the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, is one of the people interviewed in my e-book, Black Success Stories. Click here to download it.
I am still seeking additional stories to add to my site. For more information, Click here.
My new article, "Promoting and Celebrating Black Success", appears in this month's "Ethno News" magazine, available free of charge from Black Business Initiative, (020) 7708 3900 Click here, Click here
African Heritage Month (BHM) UK began as a celebration of the contributions of African people. You can read an article by Kubara Zamani of Nubiart Sound Radio about the African origins of Black History Month UK Click here.
I wish you all an inspiring, educational and uplifting African Heritage Month.
Peace and blessings,
Zhana
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