BHM 2013 Video Showcase | Grada Kilomba, Writer and Professor in Gender Studies

Black History Month 2013
Video Showcase

Grada Kilomba

Professor at the Humboldt Universität – Berlin, department of Gender Studies

Author of the book ‘Plantation Memories’

Video Source | YouTube.

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BHM 2013 Spotlight | John Abraham Godson, Forerunner Of The Four Thousand

Black History Month 2013 Spotlight
John Abraham Godson

A Nigerian, John Abraham Godson became Poland’s first black Minister in 2010. His success has been hailed as a landmark in a country where there are just 4,000 black people.

Image Source | GoldenLine.

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BHM 2013 Video Showcase | Patricia Scotland, Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Black History Month 2013
Video Showcase

Patricia Scotland,
Baroness Scotland of Asthal
Barrister, Former Shadow Attorney General, Former Attorney General of England and Wales

Video Source | YouTube.

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BHM 2013 Video Showcase | Kanya King MBE, MOBO Awards Founder

Black History Month 2013
Video Showcase

Kanya King MBE
Founder of the MOBO Organisation and MOBO Awards

Video Source | YouTube.

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Event: Re-introducing Oshun | 7th – 17th October 2013

Re-introducing
Oshun

An interdisciplinary project using photography, film, prose and objects to re-discover black women’s bodies as sacred places of intimacy, sensuality and beauty.

Featuring an all-female collective working within the mediums of movement, visual arts and poetry, 'Re-Introducing Oshun' demystifies the omnipresent gaze placed on black women's bodies by, "creating images of black women that look, talk, feel and love like us and in doing so presenting our own truths."

More information on the Guest Projects Africa page.

When:


October 7th 2013 To October 17th 2013

Where:

Guest Projects (Shinobare Studios)
1 Andrews Road
London E8 4QL

Lyric Hammersmith
1 Lyric Square
King Street
London W6 0QL

Admission Cost:

FREE entry for Shonibare Studios
Tickets are £5 for Lyric Theatre

Event Schedule:

In addition to the exhibition, the following workshops and talks will feature:

Head-Wrapping Workshop with SisterE
Wednesday 9th October | 7pm

Stories and Visual about Oshun by Jacob Joyce
Sunday 13th October | 7pm

'Wombs of Wisdom': Womanhood, Spirituality and Obeah
Monday 14th October | 7pm

'Booty Don't Lie:' Black Women's Bodies, Gender and Sexual identities
Wednesday 16th October | 7pm

Organiser:

Hosted by Yinka Shonibare MBE
Funded by the Arts Council England

Contact Info:

Re-introducing Oshun Tumblr page

Image Source | Image courtesy of Re-introducing Oshun and video courtesy of TheSaydz YouTube channel.

Click here for more upcoming events!

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Stepping Out Of The Shadow To Show The World Our Own Inner Light

"... It's that singular representation of black people … of black women
in society ...
It's that feeling of being told you're not important enough or
worth being recognised."

In the final part of our interview with Marie, creative director and founder of the jewellery line Light of Marie Jewels, we discuss what ‘social invisibility’ means to her, and who she looks up to for mentorship and inspiration. As we conclude the interview, Yaaya asks Marie to highlight her most proudest moments to date and her exciting future projects.

And so the conversation continues …

Social Invisibility & Creating Equal Opportunities

 

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Yaaya:

One of our core principles is centred on bringing more attention to social issues that affect black girls and women in Europe. One of these issues is social invisibility. What does 'social invisibility' mean to you?

Marie-M J:

Social invisibility for me is that lack of representation of that … how do I say it, 'singular'? Yes, it’s that singular representation of black people …of black women in society, especially in the media. It's that feeling of being told you're not important enough or worth being recognised. For instance, if you asked me to name a famous black actress in France, I honestly wouldn't be able to immediately give you more than one name [Firmine Richard]. My goodness. Back then and even now.

Yaaya:

Do you feel there are sufficient equal opportunities for black women to showcase their creative talents?

Marie-M J:

Now? Yes, because there are many shows and exhibitions especially those catering for the black community. The only thing is that sometimes they can be very expensive.

Also, what I would say is that there needs to be more [consistent] focus on quality, and we need to learn how to work together better and be more professional. You know, not try to cut corners because I have been to some shows and sometimes I ask myself “why did we do that?” I feel from the bottom to the top we have to demand excellence of others and ourselves.

Yaaya:

If corners are being cut to save money, do you think then the underlying issue is a lack of sponsorship from our black communities and the wider European community?

Marie-M J:

Yes! I'm sure if we did our homework we'd be able to find people to help with sponsorship, we'd be able to do great things. And I think it is good you pointed out getting sponsorship from our black communities. I think this important for women to have more high-quality shows to showcase their work. We [black people] need to support and uplift ourselves.

Yaaya:

You mentioned in passing that you attended the Salon Boucles d’Ebène exhibition, an expo of products and services for the Afro-caribbean community in France. How important do you think such events are for the black community in France?

Marie-M J:

It is a way for us to know what is going on in our culture and a way for us to network and reunite to see each other. Also, I learn so much about my skin and my hair from events like that, because you wouldn't typically find them in the [mainstream] magazines.

Yaaya:

To what extent do you feel these exhibitions do enough to bring national exposure to the interests and cultures of the Afro-caribbean community in France and thus assist with social integration?

Marie-M J:

I think these events are great for the black community. People from other races in France also attend these events, but it is usually because they know other black people. I don't think these events are yet nationalised in a way that would draw all different races of people from all over France to one place. I think what is missing is the backing of the media. As well as inviting the black media stations, we need to also try to invite the other French media too [to do coverage of the events].

Mentors & Role Models

 

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Yaaya:

A while ago we posted on our blog the question, “who do you consider to be your mentor/role model?” We pose the same question to you.

Marie-M J:

My role model and mentor would have to be my mum. She worked incredibly hard, I mean I can't remember a day when she was off-sick from work. She is so strong too, such a strong woman, she taught me how to be one: “No-one can stop you from doing what you want to do, no-one can stop you from growing, no-one can stop you from being educated ...”

My dad is also my role model. He also repeatedly told me the same: “You can do it, if you want to become someone you can do it. I know it is going to be hard to do it here [in France] because you have racism, but do not let anyone stop you!” This is what I teach my son. I also mentor my god-daughter, she lives in France and works as a make-up artist.

Yaaya:

As a black woman, how important to you do you think it is to be mentored by (a) a fellow woman, and (b) a fellow black woman?

Marie-M J:

I don't think race or gender is always important when it comes to choosing your mentor. However, what I will say is that I feel I would be able to get more advice from a black woman, because what she went through I might also go through. So in that respect, it might be difficult to completely identify with a white woman, because she might not be able to understand from personal experience what I have or will go through. But as a woman, yes I believe I would be able to get great advice from another woman, full stop.

Celebrating The Journey Thus Far. Celebrating The Journey Ahead.

 

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Yaaya:

What would you say are some of your greatest personal and professional achievements to date?

Marie-M J:

My jewellery line! (Laughs). Also, I am going to be going back to school again to get my postgraduate certificate. So it's going to be hard balancing everything, but I am excited and ready.

Yaaya:

What are some of your future projects you are most excited about that our readers should look out for?

Marie-M J:

With my brother, we're trying to set up a foundation in France for people to know more about sickle-cell and how to live with it. In London, there are support groups and services for people with sickle-cell, but not so much in France. So we want to change this and help improve the quality of life for people with sickle-cell.

With my jewellery line I am going to be experimenting more with perspex.

Yaaya:

Perspex … like ‘acrylic glass’?

Marie-M J:

Yes. I love perspex: the cutting and the polishing. I am also looking into designing and making ties using different prints and unusual textiles. I'd love to design my own prints as well.

And So The Conversation Ends … For Now :)

 

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Yaaya:

Marie, so what we'd like you to do is complete the following sentences with what immediately comes to mind.

A support system is important because ...

Marie-M J:

It helps people to better develop themselves.

Yaaya:

Ambition to me means ...

Marie-M J:

Growing.

Yaaya:

I still find it a challenge to …

Marie-M J:

To live with my illness.

Yaaya:

Success for me is ...

Marie-M J:

Giving 100% effort and completing a task that I set my mind and heart to do.

Yaaya:

Yaaya to me represents …

Marie-M J:

Women that are naturally confident with their own beauty, history and culture. It is a place to find truths about black women as told by black women.

This post concludes the final part of our interview with Marie-Maimoona Jeannot. Find out more about Marie’s jewellery line via her blog at Light Of Marie Jewels, Twitter at @LightOfMarie and Facebook at @LightOfMarieJewels.

Catch-up on the earlier parts of our conversation:

Part 1: Marie-Maimoona Jeannot, Introducing The Light Of Marie
Part 2: The Becoming Of Her Independence
Part 3: A Perspective: Being A Black Woman In Europe

Image Source | These images do not belong to Yaaya. Images courtesy of Marie-Maimoona Jeannot (Light Of Marie Jewels)

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A Perspective: Being A Black Woman In Europe

"You know it's only going to be less than ten years since we've had the first black journalist [Harry Roselmack] on mainstream television."

In Part 3 of this four-part post, Marie retrospectively speaks on her experiences as a black woman in Europe, and her opinion on the state of social-integration amongst black communities in France.

And so the conversation continues …

Black People in Europe: Her Experience.

 

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Yaaya:

You are a French-native. Where is your family from originally?

Marie-M J:

Martinique, it's a French island, so we are French-Caribbean. My parents migrated to France in the 1940's, and since then they've lived there [France]. I was born in Paris, France.

Yaaya:

What was it like growing up in France as a black woman?

Marie-M J:

It was hard because … (Sighs) Parts of France was and still can be racist. So I was having to fight people's prejudices all the time because of stupid, ignorant things that was said or done. [For example,] the bus stop: you've been queuing there and somebody cuts the queue in front of you. You speak up to tell them “excuse me, I was here first”, and then they tell you “F**king N***er, what [are] you doing?”

Yaaya:

Do you feel there has been any progression in the way black people are treated in France?

Marie-M J:

I don't know if I would say things are better. Now it's just a bit more hidden.

Yaaya:

In what way is it hidden? Do you mean people aren't overtly using the N-word?

Marie-M J:

No, no … that word is still used. It's more like you're not going to hear in the media any news about racial [injustices].

Yaaya:

Hmm …

Marie-M J:

You know it's only going to be less than ten years since we've had the first black journalist, Harry Roselmack, on mainstream television. You never really saw a black person on [French] television stations unless he was a clown. They try now to have more ethnic minorities on TV, but there are not enough. Not enough at all.

When I came to London almost twenty years ago, I went to open a bank account and I saw a black manager. I was so shocked, because you would never ever see that in France. Never … a black person being a manager of a bank?! Never, no way! That's not possible. I would say the majority of the black people in France are working for the government: for France telecommunications, as the police on estates, or as cleaners. In the private sector, you won't find lots of black people there. There is not much.

When I was younger, my parents would say to me “you need to make sure you have a wage every month, so you need to have a secure job.” My mum wanted me to work with her at France Telecoms. But I told her “no, that's not me. Mum, I can't … that's not me.”

Yaaya:

What about when you were a younger girl, when you're going to school? Were those prejudiced attitudes also prevalent there as well?

Marie-M J:

Not really. I grew up in Bondy, one of the suburbs in Paris. This is where a lot of the black people lived. So I saw people who 'looked' like me. My best-friend was also from Bondy, she still lives there. So I wasn't exposed to prejudiced attitudes then because I was surrounded by a large African and Caribbean community.

Yaaya:

Like you said, France has a mixture of different African and Caribbean communities. What is your opinion on social integration in France between the African communities and the Caribbean communities?

Marie-M J:

In France you have many of the communities belonging to African countries once colonised by France. Like Senegal, Zaire or Congo, and Cameroon etcetera. But there was that underlying tension between the French-African and French-Caribbean communities. Less so now, but sometimes the tension is still there.

Yaaya:

Why do think it was like this?

Marie-M J:

I think for the generation before mine that were French-Caribbean, if you told them they were black and African, they might have responded “no way, I am not” because for them they were completely French. They were from Martinique or Guadeloupe or Guyana, or any one of the other French-Caribbean countries. That stirred problems about superiority and inferiority. It's a shame, because I think it's important to recognise where you really come from and acknowledge where your ancestors came from. I mean, we were all brought out to the Caribbean.

I can't speak for everyone, but I know that because I am black I am also African. There's no doubt there for me. Now, the real open question is “where do I come from [in Africa]?” Everyone says I have got features of a Cameroonian. But I honestly don't know, I would like to know though: I am trying to find it out because I don't know anything about my African heritage.

Yaaya:

How does that make you feel? Do you feel like a part of your identity is missing?

Marie-M J:

Yes, there is a big gap because I would like to know where I come from. The culture of where I come from. The history of where I come from. I don't really know anything about my mum's side because she lost her parents when she was seven years old. For my dad, his father wasn't his [biological] parent. Also , my granddad passed away. He was a bricklayer and some bricks fell on him, and there weren't good medical facilities back then so he developed gangrene and died. So I don't really know anything about my father's side either.

Even as I tell you that I am Caribbean. I feel more French than Caribbean because I've lived in France for twenty-three years. I've never really lived in Martinique, the longest I had stayed there was two months for holidays. So regarding knowing about my Caribbean or African culture etcetera … I honestly don't know [much].

The other reason why filling this void or gap in my identity is important is because they say sickle-cell is genetic, and sickle-cell trait is more prevalent with people from [sub-Saharan] Africa.

Yaaya:

What perceptions do you think are held of black people in France?

Marie-M J:

There is a lot of stereotyping. “We are love hip hop music, we love to party, we are always late and we are lazy”. In France, when you are looking for a job, they ask you to put a picture of yourself on your CV. If they think you are from Northern Africa, you know Morocco or Tunisia, then [your CV goes] straight into the bin. If you are black, then some may go in the bin and some they may keep.

About black women, the stereotype is that we are loud. But I think people confuse being outspoken and voicing what you think with being loud. However, compared to the black men, we are considered more docile.

Yaaya:

Can you draw on any obvious or subtle social differences between living in England and living in France as a black woman?

Marie-M J:

For me, I find that living in England as a black woman is better. Easier. I won't say this is the same [opinion] for all black women emigrating from France to England, but for me I find there are more opportunities for education and jobs. Compared to France, I find that here in England people care less about my gender and race. Again, this is my personal experience, I wouldn't generalise this for all black women.

Yaaya:

What does it mean to you to be a black woman in European society?

Marie-M J:

Wow. How do I answer that? (Pauses to think) I'd say in France, it's often a struggle to be a black woman because you can't just be good or great. You need to be the best at everything because you prepare yourself to believe that there is only one spot available for a black woman. When I was younger, I was modelling. Every single agency I'd seen had at most three black girls in their books. The dark-skinned one, the one that was my colour, and the light-skinned one. And that was it. So if you went to an agency and you saw three black girls already in their books, then there was no point in staying because you weren't going to be able to have a place.

However, I think it's important to be yourself and not compromise who you are in this process of trying to the best. I don't apologise for being myself, for speaking up to voice my opinion especially when injustice is happening.

Look out for the final post of Yaaya’s conversation with Marie, where we understand her interpretation of social invisibility, the importance of mentoring, and her achievements and future ambitions.

Do you also identify with any of Marie’s experiences living as a black person in Europe? Leave your comments below to join the conversation, we’d love to hear your story too.

Image Source | These images do not belong to Yaaya. Images courtesy of Marie-Maimoona Jeannot (Light Of Marie Jewels)

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