Category: News

Bristol Reggae Orchestra Presents Concert for Carriacou!

Help Rebuild the Carribbean islands after the devastation of Hurricane Beryl!

This year we couldn’t fail to see the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, which on record is the strongest hurricane in history to form in June, in the Atlantic Ocean. Winds of 150 mph caused destruction to parts of the Caribbean Islands, particularly Carriacou in Grenada, which flattened in under an hour. In response to this disaster The Bristol Reggae Orchestra will be hosting a fundraising event to help support with aid for those most affected,

We invite you to lend your help by attending this event on Tues 6th Aug @ The Mount Without, Upper Church Lane, St Michaels Hill, Bristol, BS2 8FN. Doors 6pm till 11pm, live music from 7:15pm, with performances from Bristol Reggae Orchestra, Nia Bimkubwa & Celestine. Followed by a after-show gathering in The Crypt, from 9:30pm-11pm with entertainment from DJ Style.

Tickets are available from:

https://hdfst.uk/e112763

Donations are welcome on the night.

We are also kindly asking individuals, businesses or companies, if you could also donate prizes or gifts in kind, for a Raffle Prize Draw on the night. All proceeds from the ticket sale will go towards helping rebuild the Island, which has had over 90% of it destroyed.

If you’re interested in contributing, please respond to this email:

jpdridley@googlemail.com

or

Tel: 07866417114.


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Ujima Powerplays August 2024

Congratulations to this month’s successful submissions for the Ujima Powerplays August 2024!

Are you a Bristol-based or Southwest-based artist?  Would you like to have your music selected to play on Ujima Radio?

Every month Ujima Radio selects 10 of the very best tracks released in Bristol & Southwest which then get featured twice an hour across our Primetime Shows including The Rise Up Breakfast Show Mon-Friday   8-10am and The Cruising Show Mon-Friday 4-6pm and the Urban Grooves Playouts. Plus you can listen to all the 10 songs on the playlist below.

If you are an artist based in the Southwest you could have your track featured in the Ujima Powerplays.  All you have to do is send your track on MP3 making sure lyrics are clean and conscious, include a headshot of yourself, your social media tags and if you are successful we will let  you know.

Email:

info@ujimaradio.com

Put in the Subject bar “Powerplays”.

Good luck and keep it on repeat to see if your track gets picked!

Support and follow them online with their socials at the bottom of the page.

In no particular order, this month’s Powerplays are listed below:

 

Artists Instagrams:

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Stuart Smith Legacy Day

A day dedicated to honouring the professional legacy of Mr Stuart Smith and his contributions to youth services in Bristol and Leicester.

Join the community on Saturday the 10th August 2024, for Music, Food, Networking and much more.

This event takes place at:

Empire Fighting Chance (formerly the Mill Youth Centre)

Lower Ashley Road

Bristol

BS5 OYJ

This Event will also launch the Annual ‘Stuart Smith Legacy Award’

For More information contact: 07549352830

Stuart Smith Legacy Day
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Bristol Music World 2024 Album Launch Party – Fundraiser for Southmead Hospital

Bristol Music World‘s amazing album will be officially launched on Thursday 26th September at The Mount Without!

This amazing album is a collaboration of incredible artists who have donated their tracks to raise money for Brain Tumour Research at Southmead Hospital. The Organiser Harriet Annabell Ward had a week to live & had an emergency operation which saved her life. She went back to singing & realised this would be a very creative, incredible album & event to do to thank the hospital & help others. It will be an incredible night with Live Performances from each artist on the album performing 7-9pm in the main magnificent church hall. Then there will be DJ’s playing out in the Crypt bar below 9-11pm to Celebrate with everyone.

Book your tickets now through Headfirst:

https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/the-mount-without/thu-26-sep-bristol-music-world-2024-112362#e112362

Entry requirements: no age restrictions (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult over 21yrs, 1:1 ratio)


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Honorary doctorate for Bristol changemaker and civil rights hero, Guy Bailey OBE!

Guy Bailey OBE, civil rights activist instrumental in the Bristol Bus Boycott, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by UWE Bristol.

Guy received his Honorary Doctor of Letters on Tuesday 23 July in recognition of his outstanding contributions to race equality, creating communities, and supporting underserved communities.

He’s one of nine individuals to be awarded Honorary Degrees during UWE Bristol’s summer graduation ceremonies, which are being held for the first time at Bristol Beacon, from 15 – 25 July.
On receiving his award, Guy said: “I am truly honoured to receive this Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree and would like to thank all those responsible for making this award possible. I accept it with pride. I will never forget this day and would like to say, remember, self-care is not selfish it’s essential. Thank you.”
Described as a ‘legendary changemaker, affordable housing champion and one of Bristol’s finest sons’ by UWE Bristol’s Dr Roger Griffith MBE, Guy moved from Jamaica to Bristol in 1962 to live with his aunt, as his father thought he would receive a better education in England.
In April 1963, aged 17, Guy applied for a job as a bus driver at the Bristol Omnibus Company; he was denied an interview due to the colour of his skin. This resulted in the historic Bristol Bus Boycott which soon attracted national and international attention. A month after the company conceded, it hired Sikh graduate Raghbir Singh as Bristol’s first bus conductor of colour.
Influenced by the Bristol Bus Boycott campaign, Bristol East MP Tony Benn joined Harold Wilson’s cabinet who introduced the 1965 Race Relations Act. Today, this has evolved into the 2010 UK Equalities Act giving rights across gender, LGBTQ+, religion, age and disability groups as well as maternity rights.
In 1965 Guy co-founded The Bristol West Indian Cricket Club (BWICC), for whom he amassed an array of trophies as a batsman. He secured £950,00 from the Lottery Fund and the Sports Council for the Rose Green Centre, the Club’s home, which is widely used today by the community.
In the late 70s, Guy became the first Black education welfare officer in Bristol and one of the first Black governors for inner city schools, a post he held for 25 Years. In 1986 he earned his social work degree at Bristol Polytechnic (now UWE Bristol) and was employed by Bristol City Council as a youth worker.
Back in 1948, when the famed Windrush Generation arrived in Britain from 1948 with hope – they soon faced signs of ‘No Blacks, No Irish, No Dogs’. They were refused loans to buy homes. Overcrowding, poor housing and discrimination were rife in the rented sector. Many ‘pardnered’ together; a saving system used like an informal co-operative bank. A group of people would pay in a sum of money each month, and then take a turn to draw from the collective savings to buy their first home.
Guy bought his home this way, before forming United Housing Association (now Brighter Places) in the 1980s. They began by providing accommodation for Black elders with care staff before becoming a social housing provider for many in the St Pauls and Easton areas.
He took redundancy in 1997 as an education welfare manager. He started a travel agency in Stapleton Road, Easton, but with Guy’s skills it doubled as an advice centre for education, housing, and crime prevention for the local Black community.
“This award is a tribute to a great man and true hero of a civil rights movement in Bristol and the UK,” said Dr Roger Griffith MBE, Associate Lecturer and Diversity and Community Projects at UWE Bristol.
“Guy has inspired me and many others locally and internationally with his sense of purpose and pride in his community. In honouring his achievements of the Bristol Bus Boycott campaigners, he joins a pantheon of great leaders from the Windrush Generation whose efforts have changed the face of Britain.
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Hurricane Beryl: Devastation – How you can help!

Resilience after Disaster: After Hurricane Beryl

On July 1, Beryl made landfall on islands in the Caribeean, Carriacou, Petite Martinique & Greneda felt the full force as a high-end Category 4 hurricane, causing total devastation. Over 95% of all structures have been decimated. Ujima Radio spoke with John Ridley, reporter on Ujima Radio who has family on the islands and gave us the raw, harsh facts of what is really happening out there.  Help is urgently needed.  We will continue to keep you updated as one of Ujima’s reporters is on the way now to report back on what is really going on.  With infrastracture almost non existant and little or no elecricity, family and friends were left unable to contact them.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and residents of the islands.  But how can we help?  We recommend using official sites and can signpost you to the following official organisations.  Please do make sure to keep updated with what is needed.

In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, the beautiful nation stands at a critical juncture. The devastation left in its path has affected our homes, communities, and livelihoods. Yet, in this challenging time, we have an opportunity to come together and rebuild stronger than ever before.
They call upon all citizens to embrace the spirit of volunteerism. Your time, skills, and dedication can make a profound difference in the recovery process. Whether it’s clearing debris, assisting with rebuilding homes, providing support at shelters, or offering professional expertise, every effort counts.
Volunteerism not only aids in physical reconstruction but also fosters a sense of unity and resilience. Together, we can restore communities and demonstrate the indomitable spirit of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.
Join in this vital endeavor. Let’s rebuild Grenada, hand in hand, and show the world strength and solidarity.

This is the contact for anyone in the Grenada region or here in the UK who would like to volunteer their services for the Hurricane Beryl relief effort:

National Democratic Congress of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique

Email: secretariat@ndcgrenada.org

Tel: +1 473-435-1817

Website: https://ndcgrenada.org/

This recent film from Carriacou includes an interview with owner Alison and footage from Paradise Beach club, where Bearnie and and John Ridley (Ujima fam) (Artuba) have played music on numerous occasions. But the video also contains a message of hope and renewal:

 


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Interculture’s transformative workshop, “Understanding ADHD in Diverse Communities!

Exciting Event Alert!

Dive into the world of ADHD and its impact on diverse communities with Interculture‘s transformative workshop, “Understanding ADHD in Diverse Communities.”

 

“Understanding ADHD in Diverse Communities.” Happening on Saturday, 20th July 2024, from 12:00 to 16:00 at The Pickle Factory, Easton, BS5 0HL, UK, this event promises to be enlightening and empowering.

✨ Why Attend?
– Gain deep insights into ADHD.
– Learn how it affects different communities.
– Engage with experts and like-minded individuals.
– Support a cause that matters.

💡 Tickets:
– General Admission: £11.55
– Pay it Forward/Corporate: £22.38

Don’t miss out! Grab your tickets now and be part of this important conversation: [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/interculture-presents-understanding-adhd-in-diverse-communities-tickets-931969755627).

See you there! 🌟


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Bristol Dub Club Soundsystem Extravaganza! Raising AWARENESS for the Justice for Marlon Thomas Campaign

Bristol Dub Club – All Day & Night & Night family friendly session!

A family friendly all day & night party held at Lost Horizon on Saturday 13th July. The event starts at 14:00 and finishes at 03:00 with last entry at 02:00. The event has been tagged in the dub, reggae, roots reggae and rock steady categories.

After an incredible sell out event at Lost Horizon in January when Roots Injection met 1Relation, Bristol Dub Club is back with a 13 hour dub reggae soundsystem extravaganza in support of the ‘Justice For Marlon Thomas Campaign’ featuring 2 of Bristol’s finest sound systems as well as some brilliant guest artists from near and far.

Bristol’s veteran thunderweight sound Jah Lokko Sound System will be playing throughout the day out in the yard while 1Relation Sound System (next generation) will be stringing up in the hall to takeover at 10pm and carry it on through the night!
There’s gonna be some killer local singers & MC’s bouncing off each other and bringing the vibes across both segments of this dance, a contrast between the deep soulful, silky & sweet tones of Rudey Lee & Sista Ina and the more militant mic chanting style of stalwarts Victor & Snoopy. plus there’ll be guest selection from Anonymous Dub Sound as well as special guests Mighty Oak coming all the way down from Scotland to play a unique set for the people!For this edition of Bristol Dub Club we are also supporting an important cause by trying to raise awareness and donating any profits made to the Justice For Marlon Thomas Campaign.
For those who don’t know, Marlon Thomas, along with other young black people, were the victims of a brutal racist attack by thugs working at a fairground stationed on the Durdham Downs in Bristol in 1994.
The perpetrators of this heartless & racially aggravated assault set upon Marlon and others with baseball bats, hammers, pieces of wood, and whatever else they could get their hands on whilst shouting racial slurs.
Marlon was left fighting for his life with severe head injuries, and, although he survived after spending many weeks in hospital, he has been left with minimal quality of life ever since the attack, with his family bearing the weight of a lifetime of caring for him whilst also facing the never ending reminder of their loss & the injustice that took place that day.
Meanwhile the aggressors received lenient sentences and were eventually able to continue with their lives.
Rudey Lee who will be singing at this event is also Marlon’s brother and one of his primary carers, He is an excellent reggae artist in his own right having performed and recorded many tracks over the years, including projects with Dubkasm.We want to reflect on this racial injustice that took place in our city and show some love and solidarity to Marlon Thomas who had his potential so cruelly snatched away, as well as to Rudey Lee and the whole family who have had to live with this painful injustice for so many years.
To let them know that Bristol still cares and they are not alone while they continue to face the struggles and financial uncertainties whilst caring for Marlon.This one is for Marlon Thomas and his family,

This is going to be a memorable one people so come support the ting & enjoy yourself!

There will be food as well. ️

Unity in the community! ❤️

 
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Bristol artists come together to release ‘We Rise’

Inspired by the 60th anniversary of the Bristol Bus Boycott, artists from Bristol have come together to release ‘We Rise’ – a powerful track that aims to inspire a future built on the principles championed by those who took part in the original Bristol Bus Boycott in 1963.

The Boycott was a landmark protest against the Bristol Omnibus Company’s refusal to employ Black or Asian bus crews, leading to a significant victory in the UK civil rights movement and changing attitudes towards discrimination. The new track We Rise channels the resilience and hope of the civil rights trailblazers who transformed the nation, and is set to launch ahead of Windrush Day at Bristol Beacon as part of Windrush To Bristol, a programme celebrating the rich cultural legacy of the Windrush generation in Bristol.

Commissioned by Bristol Beacon and Curiosity UnLtd, the project was delivered by Aspiration Creation Elevation CIC (ACE), based at Docklands Community Centre in St Pauls – the heart of the Bus Boycott movement. ACE brought together talented young artists Elarbe, Dreamz, Jayemm, and Cstar to collaborate with seasoned music mentors Andre Currie, Javeon, Tanya Lacey, and Liam Callaway. The result is an empowering track that reflects on past struggles whilst rejoicing in the progress made.

As part of the track’s creation, the artists involved in the ‘We Rise’ track visited Parliament alongside individuals that took part in the original boycott, attending a reception hosted by Bristol West MP and Shadow Culture Secretary Thangam Debbonaire. This visit highlighted the historical significance of the boycott, which paved the way for the Race Relations Act of 1965

Photo credit: Cameron Medford-Hawkins

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Windrush To Bristol: events programme to honour ongoing legacy as well as  Bristol Bus Boycott Pioneers at Bristol Beacon

Bristol Beacon to host an event series commemorating the extraordinary stories and contributions of individuals from the Windrush generation this June

Honouring the history of the Windrush generation, Bristol Beacon is hosting a programme of performance, exhibitions and events from Wednesday 19 – Saturday 22 June 2024 to continue the legacy in Bristol today. Across the three days in the run up to Windrush Day on Saturday 22 June, Windrush To Bristol will showcase the incredible impact of Black Caribbean people on Bristol, the UK and the world.

Through the event series, Windrush To Bristol invites us to champion a more equitable city for people of all colours, cultures and class. Bristol can expect to discover the history of Windrush, dive into the music of Black Caribbean artists of Bristol and beyond, and be inspired by a more equitable vision for the future.

Windrush The Journey, a concert and exhibition by Pegasus Opera Company, will take place across each of the three days in Bristol Beacon’s Lantern Hall.  For more than 30 years, Pegasus Opera Company has fearlessly paved the way for diverse talent in opera, and through Windrush The Journey, they will showcase a rich tapestry of music and storytelling whilst celebrating Black classical composers of the past, present and future.

Bringing the music of Chevalier de Saint Georges, Richard Thompson and Des Oliver to the fore, with words for the opera by Bristolian Edson Burton, the performance will honour the legacy of the Windrush generation with an outstanding fusion of classical music, jazz and blues. A fascinating, immersive exhibition showcasing the work of Black British composers, photographs and local Windrush testimony, will be showcased throughout the week.

Another brand new exhibition will collate Bristol people’s reflections and ideas around race, representation and resilience, with a vision to forge them into a manifesto to achieve racial equality for the city. From Thursday 20 June Race Cards: A Blueprint 4 Change will be on display, curated in partnership with CuriosityUnLtd, and inspired by the activism of the Bristol Bus Boycott and inspirational vision of Martin Luther King’s Dream.

CuriosityUnLld launched #Race4Power in January 2023 at the people’s plinth. Touring Bristol with a giant card of MartinLuther King, this grassroots research project sought people’s answers to questions around race, representation and resilience. The exhibition, curated by Julz Davis, will display 500+ responses and is designed to spark a set of challenging conversations to inform the co-creation of a new grassroots-led manifesto on racial equality for the city. A new music track and anthem for change, ‘We Rise’, created by four young Bristol music artists will sit at the heart of the exhibition.

 

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