Black Women in Europe™ Blog

African Remembrance Day 2010

BWIE — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:48:21 +0000

Sunday 1 August 2010

Caribbean Freedom: Honoring Bernie Grant & the struggles for liberation and reparation. It is 6 years since the untimely death of the Tottenham Labour MP Bernie Grant. Focusing on this passionate and plain-speaking Politian of the people, African Remembrance Day 2010 will stage a series of activities featuring speakers, music and discussions. The day will explore struggles for freedom and reparations that shaped Bernie Grants politics when growing up in Guyana and the impact this had on creating the politician he became. A champion for justice and equality Bernie Grants legacy will be championed and the memory of his work will be put into the context of what it means for social politics today.

Ger more information: http://berniegrantcentre.co.uk/pl285.html

Taking Care of Business in Italy – Josie St. Aimee – The Story Lady

BWIE — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:13:59 +0000

Josie St. Aimee, drama educator, vocalist, playwright, dancer, and founder and diretor of Actingout English workshops, has been involved in the performing arts for over 25 years. She founded the Academy Of Dramatic Arts in Atlanta GA, The Cambpell Dance, Ensemble & Drama Society and The High ground Producton company. She has written and directed over 25 plays, in the US, France, and Italy. Josie has taught for 15 years in both the American public school system and at various international schools overseas. She has a Masters degree in Educaton from Clark Atlanta University and is a certified ESL teacher, and Master TELL Educator. Her speciality as a TELL trainer is to teach educators how to reach English language learners in the classroom.

Since relocating to Italy in 2006, Josie has developed a educational methodology, teaching English through theatre, music, and dance. She has conducted several gospel music workshops at various venues and international schools . She has performed vocally all over Italy and Europe with the Bronzeville American Gospel Ensemble, and with Maestro Nehmiah Brown’s, Florence Gospel Choir. One performance was included a live peformance at the Vatican Giorno, Notte bibba project. Currently, Josie resides in Venice Italy, and is actively involved with music and The Acting Out English workshop project.

Visit Josie’s website for more information on workshops, seminars and to read testimonials.

Black Women Bloggers in Europe Series – England 5 – Valerie’s World

BWIE — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:19:49 +0000

Valerie’s World

I am single and I am a mother of one grown up daughter. I love things about health, hair, beauty and romantic stories.

Link to Valerie’s World

Black Women Bloggers in Europe Series – England 4 – Ms. Afropolitan

BWIE — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:22:39 +0000

Ms. Afropolitan

About the MsAfropolitan Blog:

- The cosmopolitan African woman

The term Afropolitan is a hybrid of the words African + cosmopolitan. This is a great in depth description if you want to read more about Afropolitanism.

MsAfropolitan (miss Afropolitan) is an analytical lifestyle blog for and by the cosmopolitan African woman.

MsAfropolitan is a resource for those wishing to learn more about the increasingly influential Afropolitan lifestyle, particularly from a female perspective.

MsAfropolitan highlights the issues that affect the African diaspora.

MsAfropolitan aims to highlight the successes and resourcefulness of African women in the diaspora.

About the blogger:

I’m Minna Salami, the founder of this blog.

I call myself Afropolitan as I was born in Finland, grew up in Nigeria and studied in Sweden. I’ve also lived and worked in Spain and New York. Currently I reside in London and Lagos.

I love learning new languages and speak five (well, if I count in shy German).

I’m a fun person although I studied Politics at uni. Really, it’s true!

Sorry, I don’t eat Salami.

I have an affinity for commas that sometimes results in grammatical errors, so, thankfully, this blog, ain’t a dissertation.

I love veggie sausages.

I also love coconuts and EVERYTHING that contains coconut; coconut candles, coconut body lotion, coconut rice, coconut ice cream, beaches with coconut palm trees…

Link to Ms. Afropolitan

Black Women Bloggers in Europe Series – the Netherlands 4 – Natural Sisters

BWIE — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:29:24 +0000

Natural Sisters

This blog is about my journey to create long healthy black hair. If you in a challenge yourself please let’s help each other. In this blog we can trade tips on hair care products, protective hairstyles, fashion and beauty products.

Link to Natural Sisters

Black Women Bloggers in Europe Series – England 3 – Ola’s World

BWIE — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:16:06 +0000

Ola’s World

I am not a professional travel editor, journalist or writer; I am like you, a woman who is passionate about travel and travelling. I was bitten by the travel-bug at the age of ten on my first real trip away from home – the Isle of White. Although a long way from that girl of ten, travel (U.K. & abroad) has very much shaped who I am as well as provided the inspiration for Diverse Traveller.

For many years, I have shared my travel experiences with friends and family, plus strangers met while waiting for a bus or a train; so many different women – diverse backgrounds with diverse experiences. Sharing travel experiences is a real ice-breaker, in fact I have made many a good friend this way.

I was having so much fun sharing my passion for travel with so many wonderful women, that I wanted to encourage others to do the same. The result – Diverse Traveller.

Link to Diverse Traveller

Black Women Bloggers in Europe Series – Denmark 2 – Siovhan in Scandinavia

BWIE — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:04:20 +0000

Siovhan in Scandinavia

I am an American actress that is getting ready to make a huge move to Denmark with my fiancé. He is handsome, and amazing, and a Dane, and has to return to his country for at least 2 years after completing his masters in Architecture at a school in Los Angeles this September. I’m going with him. We were engaged last July, and plan on getting married next July both in Chicago USA, and in Copenhagen DK. I am beside myself excited about starting a new chapter of my life in Copenhagen. I am a working actress with a bachelor of fine arts degree from a theater conservatory in Chicago, a theater arts teacher, and a certified Yoga instructor. Or you could just call me an artist. I’m ready to take advantage of what opportunities Denmark has to offer, and am ready to take steps to fulfill my dream of performing on many amazing stages in Europe and around the world…connecting people through the stories told onstage. Josephine Baker is a real inspiration for my art and life. I will use this blog to document my move and life in CPH with pictures, videos and all of that good stuff. It will also be a great place for Americans thinking of moving to Denmark, because I will be sure to fill you in on all of my struggles and truimphs along the way. Here we go! This is my journey. This is my story.

Link to Siovhan in Scandinvia

Black Women Bloggers in Europe Series – the Netherlands 3 – Becoming A Doctor

BWIE — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:48:20 +0000

Becoming A Doctor:

I remember when I came to Hungary to start medical school, one of my dad’s parting words were “try to keep a diary, and fill in as much as you can, it’s very important”.

A Friend of mine also once told me “learn to always write down your stories/experiences, even if it is as a letter to someone or a diary”. He said “you never know how your life stories/experiences is gonna change someone’s?.

This are the main reasons I started blogging. I co-own a blog called kaleidoscope with a very good friend of mine, Lare. (check it out), there we blog basically about everything.

This blog is focusing mainly on my final year in medical school. Yeah, everything about my Final year.
Today I completed my 5th year and I am overwhelmed with joy. It has been the most challenging and difficult 5 years of my life and at the same time the most amazing and adventurous 5 years. I have kept so many dairies over the past 5 years (some of which are missing and most which are lacking in being updated) .
I started this blog for so many reasons, some of which i have already shared above. 6th year is going to be the most challenging, exciting and transforming year and I don’t want to forget any of it. Also if your like me, lost and confused, just trying to find myself and hoping my story helps someone else, because personally I have read peoples blogs/stories that has been useful to me, so I thought why not share mine to.I hope my stories and experiences will challenge, encourage and motivate others, even if they are for pleasure reading, thats fine. Lastly because i am so far away from my family and some friends, Am using this media to keep them updated.

This journey is a big transformation where I go from a medical student (where mistakes were tolerated) to a medical doctor (where making a single mistake can cost someone their life). To be honest am terrified but at the same time excited to start this journey, I have no expectations, this is just me waking up each day and taking what life hands to me and making the best use of it, turning the negatives into positive, challenging the bad days and accepting the good day… I have no Idea what kind of doctor I want to be, where I am going to practice or even if I want to practice at all. Am going blind folded on this journey hoping that at the end when d blind folds are fully off it will be a big smile on my face. A smile of satisfaction, gratitude and no regrets.

I am gonna be as open as I possibly can, blunt and honest, I’ll talk about thing that make me say yes I want to be a doctor this is my calling, thing that have discouraged me from that. I’ll share days that I decided am tired of it all, days that I just smiled and said yay!!! etc.

Link to Becoming A Doctor

Taking Care of Business in Belgium – Khosi Mnyakeni’s Anise Lifestyle

BWIE — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:26:58 +0000

Anise Lifestyle is a complementary therapy practice which offers aromatherapy massage and treatments. Serenity, space and undivided attention are essential to us. That is why we have one client booked at a time. Our full therapeutic commitment is given to our clients in a relaxing and peaceful environment.

All aromatherapy treatments at Anise Lifestyle start with a short confidential consultation in which your health, lifestyle, medical conditions and aims of the treatment are discussed. Based on this consultation the therapist blends 2-3 essential oils. Each of these oils has therapeutic properties. The oils are blended into cold-pressed vegetable oil to create a tailor-made aromatic oil that is suitable for you and your needs.

Visit Khosi’s site for more information.

Lady Amos named as the top UN official in charge of humanitarian affairs and emergency relief

BWIE — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:22:39 +0000

Hat tip: Sandra Rafaela

Source: The Guardian

Reuters photo

Lady Amos, the first black woman to sit in the cabinet, was today appointed as the most senior UN official in charge of humanitarian affairs and emergency relief.

Amos, 56, currently the British high commissioner to Australia, became the first black woman to sit in the cabinet when she replaced Clare Short for a brief stint as international development secretary in 2003. She then served as leader of the House of Lords until 2007 when Gordon Brown nominated her as the EU’s special representative to the African Union.

Read the full Guardian story.

Janice Harrington, renowned singer of Jazz, Blues and Gospel, producer and actress resides in Lüneburg, Germany

BWIE — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 22:06:08 +0000

Janice Harrington, renowned singer of Jazz, Blues and Gospel, producer and actress. She resides in the quaint city of Lüneburg, Germany, with her German husband, the talented trombone player and piano-builder Werner Guertler.

Ms. Harrington’s international career began in 1969 with tours for the USO to South East Asia, where she entertained USA military personnel during the Vietnam War. Throughout 1975 to 1977, she appeared at the Las Vegas Flamingo Hotel. Her acting credits include national tours of Norman Is That You?, Two Gentlemen From Verona. She was featured in the American television series Days Of Our Lives.

Ms. Harrington has worked with such artists as Billy Daniels, Lloyd Bridges, Frank Sinatra Jr., Sammy Davis Jr. and Lionel Hampton, who told her “Two aries should not work together. You should get your own show.” She did exactly that in 1980, when she relocated to Europe.

Get to know Janice from her website.

To the members of the Black Women in Europe Social Network on Ning

BWIE — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 22:29:43 +0000

Hi Ladies,

This is your last opportunity to let me know if you can help keep our network on Ning. I am having second thoughts about moving platforms after reviewing your profiles during vacation.

We are rich in members in so many ways (diversity, locations, talents, etc) that I do not want to loose any of us in a transition.

You are needed to take a few minutes to answer a few questions, once and for all via our Black Women in Europe Social Network survey link.

Hugs from Sweden,

Adrianne

It’s time for the Black Weblog Awards Again!

BWIE — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 20:19:56 +0000

Nominate us for Best International Blog!

Help ensure our blog makes it to the finals, and we can make a push from there!

Nominate us here for Best International Blog:
https://3eighteenmedia.wufoo.com/forms/2010-black-weblog-awards-nomination-form/

and nominate the Black Women in Europe™ blog:
http://blog.blackwomenineurope.com

Tusen tack!

2010 Nelson Mandela Day in Madrid

BWIE — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:25:41 +0000

Madrid will host the international celebration of Nelson Mandela Day, a global initiative which aims to raise awareness of the power each individual has to help change the world around them. There will be an extensive program of activities where volunteering, sport, art, education, music and culture will be the catalysts behind the call to action.

You can find the information on the 2010 Nelson Mandela Day here.

Uncaged Birds Sisters in Europe profiles 2 – Leticia Pereira dos Santos

BWIE — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:14:44 +0000

Be sure to read the profile of Leticia Pereira dos Santos in Italy is more of Trina’s good work highlighting our lives in a lead up to her Uncaged Birds events.

Uncaged Birds Sisters in Europe profiles

BWIE — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:58:58 +0000

Trina was one of the first sisters I reached out too after launching the Black Women in Europe blog in 2006. I profiled her and was delighted to learn that post led to a meeting for her with another sister I profiled. I think it turned into a business relationship.

Trina has been a staunch supporter of my social network and was an original member and now a Beta tester for the new Black Women in Europe Social Network platform. So of course it was a pleasure for me to support her Uncaged Birds project by way of spreading the word and planning to participate in at least one of the round tables.

She is running a Sisters in Europe profile series and while I am dragging my feet in submitting my information, I can’t wait to cross post those profiles here!

So here we go.

Profile #1 is of Noah Sow. I have made several posts about Noah and her musical, theatrical and literary pursuits in Germany and around the world.

Here’s Trina’s take:

Who We Are… Noah Sow

Don’t miss Sandra Nkaké live on the main stage at the Paris Jazz Festival

BWIE — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:40:15 +0000

Sunday July 25 – 3:00 pm – Paris Jazz Festival

The title of Sandra’s current project, Mansaadi (“little mmama”), says it all. In this tribute to her late mother, this diva from Cameroun runs the gamut of human emotions, as seen through the prism of femininity. The term “diva” may not be fitting for someone who started out as an insecure teenager, but it rightly becomes the insightful actress (Sandra has a dozen films to her credit) and queenly vocalist who tackles jazz, soul and funk with equal ease, delivering sensuous snapshots of life with grace and boundless energy.

Le titre du projet musical de Sandra, Mansaadi (“petite mère”) est explicite. À travers cet hommage à une mère disparue trop tôt, la diva franco-camerounaise parcourt la palette des émotions humaines telles que les ressent la femme. Le mot « diva » convient sans doute mal à l’adolescente anxieuse qu’elle a été, mais il est amplement mérité par une actrice (Sandra possède plus d’une douzaine de films à son actif) et chanteuse qui s’approprie jazz, soul et funk en interprétant avec grâce et fougue des vignettes existentielles aussi directes que sensuelles.

Uppsala Reggae Festival – the biggest in Sweden

BWIE — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:23:47 +0000

The Uppsala Reggae Festival starts on 5 August 2010 in Sweden with a pretty impressive line up of artists including Bunny Wailer.

Get all the festival information and cross your fingers for good weather.

Patricia Tseli Faraut established Africa Femmes Performantes

BWIE — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 22:10:35 +0000

Patricia Tseli Faraut established Africa Femmes Performantes in 2003 in France. A native of Cameroon, she has lived in France for 17 years.

Africa Femmes Performantes is an African organization responsible for promoting black women entrepreneurship worldwide by valuing and developing their talents.

One of the yearly highlights of the organization is an annual International Congress of Black Women.

Ms. Faraut says she was inspired by the work of the late great Dr. Dorothy Height.

4th International Congress of Black Women

BWIE — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:21:29 +0000

Hat tip: Black European Women’s Council

4th International Congress of Black Women
11-13 November 2010
Lusaka, Republic of Zambia

Under the High patronage of the First Lady of the Republic of Zambia, Mrs. Thandiwe Banda

The International Congress of Black Women is the First International Congress intended to promote and develop black women entrepreneurship worldwide. Our mission is to collect black talented women who participate actively in the emergence of a new Africa. What constitutes progress? Where are we headed? At a time of major world changes, what forms of progress do black women most need and want? What are our hopes for our future? How to build a real community of black business women worldwide?

Get the following information:

Why attend?
The Program
Logistics and additional activities

Diane Abbott was elected to head up the All Party Parliamentary Group in the UK last month

BWIE — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:59:54 +0000

Hat tip: Black European Women’s Council

Diane Abbott was elected chair of the newly re-established All Party Parliamentary Group on Race and Community – Westminster’s only dedicated cross-party group focused on issues of race equality. Deputy Lib Dem leader Simon Hughes and Conservative peer Lord Sheikh also attended the first meeting of the group today in the House of Commons, as well as former ministers David Lammy, Jim Fitzpatrick and Meg Hillier. Thirteen parliamentarians attended in total.

The group – which has until now been inactive since 2005 – expressed its commitment to drawing attention to race inequalities in the UK and highlighted right-wing extremism, islamophobia, education and implementation of the Equality Act as possible areas of focus over the coming year.

Runnymede – the UK’s leading race equality think tank – will act as the secretariat of the group and has been working to re-establish the group since the start of the year.

Commenting, the group’s chair Diane Abbott said:

“I’m delighted that the All Party Parliamentary Group on Race and Community has been successfully reestablished. Too often the topic of race falls to the bottom of the political agenda, so going forward as a group we will work together to draw attention to race equality issues in the UK”.

Members of the APPG on Race and Community are as follows:
Group Officers
· Chair: Diane Abbott MP (Labour)
· Vice Chair: Lord Lester (Liberal Democrat)
· Vice Chair: Lord Sheikh (Conservative)
· Vice Chair: David Lammy MP (Labour)
· Vice Chair: Lord Adebowale (Cross-bench)
Group Members
· Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat)
· Gavin Barwell MP (Conservative)
· Luciana Berger MP(Labour)
· Peter Bottomley MP (Conservative)
· Baroness Coussins (Cross-bench)
· Lord Dholakia (Liberal Democrat)
· Lord Dubs (Labour)
· Jim Fitzpatrick MP (Labour)
· Richard Fuller MP (Conservative)
· Kate Green MP (Labour)
· Meg Hiller MP (Labour)
· Baroness Howells of St Davids (Labour)
· Simon Hughes MP (Liberal Democrat)
· Lord Hunt of Wirral (Conservative)
· Lord Ouseley (Cross-bench)
· Lord Parekh (Labour)
· Baroness Prashar (Cross-bench)
· Jonathan Reynolds MP (Labour)
· Gary Streeter MP (Conservative)
· Paul Uppal MP (Conservative)
· Keith Vaz MP (Labour)

Black European Women’s Council continues the road to establishment in Brussels

BWIE — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:43:39 +0000

During the past two years the Black European Women’s Council (BEWC) has held two strategic meetings; one in Holland and the second in Austria, toward its goal of establishing itself in the heart of the EU quarter in Brussels.

The BEWC also organized a conference in Brussels which was attended by EU politicians, leaders of organizations for women in the US and across Europe as well as diversity executives from corporate America and Europe.

This movement started at the historic 1st Black European Women’s Congress in Vienna in 2007.

World No. 1 Chaunté Lowe shows true sportswomanship in Sweden

BWIE — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:37:34 +0000

Green defeats Lowe in Sollentuna

…among those defeated was current World No. 1 Chaunté Lowe who just six days ago cleared 2.05m at the US Championships in Des Moines. The American admitted to feeling a little bit flat after travelling to Europe but was quick to praise the winning performance. Lowe was also the very first to celebrate the 1.98m clearance by rushing up to Green and giving her a big hug.

Source

Serena maintains her winning ways at Wimbeldon

BWIE — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:28:34 +0000

Serena Williams shows her delight at winning the 2010 ladies' Championship. © AELTC / Pro Sport

6-3 and 6-2 says it all. Serena won decisively. Well she is the world’s #1 and she didn’t disappoint tennis enthusiasts in England who wanted to see a high level of tennis from the women competitors. Now she ranks 6th on the list of all time greats.

Source: BBC

Serena Williams insists she is not concerned about where she ranks among the great players in the game after winning her fourth Wimbledon title.

The American beat Vera Zvonareva 6-3 6-2 to secure a 13th Grand Slam title, taking her past Billie Jean King to sixth in the all-time list.
Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova are next on the list with 18 Slams each.

But Williams said:

“I’m happy to win 13. You never know what tomorrow brings and I’m happy to have gotten this far.”

King was in the Centre Court royal box to see her mark of 12 Grand Slam titles overtaken, and Williams said:

“This one means a lot because it’s 13 and I was able to pass Billie, that’s always nice. I don’t know where it rates but to have four Wimbledons is really, really exciting.”

And asked about how concerned she is to be considered among the great players, she added:

“It’s definitely important. I never thought about it but I think I’d be mentioned regardless of whether I won here or not. It’s cool. “I don’t think about that kind of stuff. My thing is I love my dogs, I love my family, I love going to the movies, I love reading, I love going shopping – it’s not on my list to be the greatest.

Read the full BBC article.

Serena Williams competes in the Wimbeldon singles final today

BWIE — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 22:38:09 +0000

Source: Guardian

World No1 beat world No 62, the Czech Petra Kvitova, 7-6, 6-2 to reach today’s final.

Her jewel-encrusted nails twinkling under the bright lights of the post-match press conference, Serena Williams sparkled as she toyed with the world’s media following her semi-final win over the unseeded Petra Kvitova. Had she, at any point in the match, been worried at all?

“About?” said Williams waving her hands vaguely. “Worried about?”

Read the full story at the Guardian.

Chaunte Lowe will try to take Kajsa’s record in Sweden

BWIE — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:32:47 +0000

Source: SVT

25-year-old American woman Chaunté Lowe has jumped higher than any other woman in the world this year.

“Know that I have more to give”

Tomorrow, in the GP race in Sollentuna, Lowe is aiming to take Kajsa Bergqvist’s stadium record.

“I have never missed here, and Kajsa was phenomenal. If she cleared 2.04 it is not sure that I will succeed, for she was better than I am now. But I will certainly try, “says Lowe to SVT.

It was at competitions in Des Moines, Iowa, USA, on Saturday that Lowe noted the season’s best 2.05 and raised her personal best by four centimeters.

“I do not know where my limit is but I know I have more to give,” she says.

Hawa Ahmed is the new face of the Make Up Store

BWIE — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 22:47:49 +0000

Hat tip: Euromight

Hawa Ahmed moved from Kenya to Sweden with her family in 1996 and eleven years later won Sweden’s Top Model reality TV show contest. She is currently working on an advertising campaign for the Make Up Store.

Wendy Rådström is a TV journalist and producer in Sweden

BWIE — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:38:03 +0000

Wendy Rådström is a Swedish journalist and television presenter. She has worked as a reporter and producer for Fråga Olle (see the clip from a documentary on the sex industry below), a reporter for the Nobel Banquet in 2007, program manager for Lattjo Lajban on TV4 and on several programs in TV400.

Josette Bushell-Mingo is the new chairperson of CinemAfrica

BWIE — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 22:41:28 +0000

Josette Bushell-Mingo was elected the new chairperson of CinemAfrica at their annual meeting in May. Josette Bushell-Mingo is the artistic director at the National Theatre’s Silent Theatre. She is an actor, director and producer and has worked at a variety of theaters in Sweden and Finland in Great Britain. Josette is also a founding member of PUSH that support black artists in American theater.

“CinemAfrica is one of Sweden’s most interesting film arenas and I am delighted to accept the challenge as chairman. Together with everyone else who works with CinemAfrica, our audience and our fans, I hope to lead CinemAfrica towards a dynamic and exciting future”,

says Josette Bushell-Mingo.

“We are so excited to have Josette take over the presidency of CinemAfrica. With her new power comes into the club. Josette is a visionary, extremely knowledgeable and has extensive experience both as an actress and cultural producer”,

says director Sandra Olive Branch.

Lorén Talhaoui is a singer, TV personality and inspiration behind a jewelry collection in Sweden

BWIE — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 22:57:52 +0000

Lorine “Lorén” Zineb Talhaoui is a TV reality show participant, singer and producer. She appeared in Sweden’s Idol 2004 , where she finished in 4th place. In 2005 she released her single “The Snake” with the group Rob’n'Raz. She is a presenter on TV channel TV400 She also has her own jewelry collection.

Venus channels Tina Turner at Wimbledon

BWIE — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 22:11:13 +0000

AFP Photos

“My dress was inspired by Tina Turner,” Venus said. “It still has a lace motif and I think it’s just a fun, elegant dress. Here it’s all about white. There is no illusion this time. “I love Tina Turner. Obviously, she’s just an amazing, amazing artist, just a survivor. “She reinvented herself. Plus she looks great. I’ve loved her forever. So the dress is really inspired by her.”

Above, at the French Open. I love when the Williams sisters come to Europe to play. All eyes are always on them, to win. Here’s to another great Wimbledon showing.

Lucette Rådström is a TV journalist and presenter in Sweden

BWIE — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:31:43 +0000

Mary Lucette Rådström is a Swedish journalist and TV program presenter and has worked for Swedish TV 4 since 1998. She is originally from Brazil. She previously worked on ZTV as the host for the program Efter plugget between 1997 and 1998. On New Year’s Eve 1998 and 2005 she was one of two hosts for TV4′s celebration.

She has also worked on På rymmen, Lattjo Lajban, and participated in the Gladiators.

This is her at work:

The UK’s Hairoine wants her own TV show on Oprah’s OWN TV network

BWIE — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:18:41 +0000

Here is her audition tape:

You can read about The Hairoine at her website. And if you liked the audition tape vote for The Hairoine today!

Seybah Dagoma, Politician in Paris, France

BWIE — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 22:00:33 +0000

Hat tip: Colorbash

Seybah Dagoma is a lawyer and a French politician born in Nantes (Loire-Atlantique) and a member of the Socialist Party. She is the Deputy Mayor of Paris responsible for the social economy.

She holds a Master of Business Law and Economics Degree from the University of Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne and a Masters Degree in Finance from the Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées.

Pia Conde is a TV journalist in Sweden

BWIE — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:30:48 +0000

Pia Conde is a Swedish journalist, who works at Swedish Television.
In the autumn of 2004 she was the host for Sunday Morning on TV4. Before that, she had been the anchorman for TV4 Nyheterna.

Nowadays she is a news presenter on the Report. In 2005 she was the host for a gala to benefit the world’s children that was aired on Swedish TV SVT. On a popular Swedish show called Sing-along at Skansen in 2008, she was a regular guest in the VIP corner.

Pia Conde is half Finnish and half Cuban but was born and raised in Sweden.

Roxanne Tataei brings conviction to your sound-system

BWIE — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 22:23:16 +0000

Hat tip: Euromight

Roxanne Tataei brings conviction to your sound-system; A powerful voice on a stage with a tale or two to tell. Half Jamaican and half Iranian, at the tender old age of 21, her debut album entitled “Memoirs” is the fortuitous result of hard graft and a singular minded headspace.

Miss Tataei’s youth wasn’t misspent; Saturdays were for Church, for singing, from 9am to 5pm, every week from the age of five to ten. It was here that her voice, love of performance and work ethic took shape.

It was at various jovial Jamaican family gatherings that she sang above and beyond her stature, five part harmonies over fried fish and run-dung stew with a solo performance for dessert. These attributes were eventually accentuated in school plays and a stint with the National Youth Musical Theatre ensured most school holidays were spent on tour. In Rox’s own words ‘It wasn’t long before all that Jazz-Hands stuff got on my nerves; Chicago (the musical) got swapped for Portishead (Dummy) and Lauryn Hill (the Miseducation).

Read more about Roxanne at her website, and catch her live this summer.

Judith Jacob paved the way for black actresses on EastEnders

BWIE — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 22:15:37 +0000

Judith Jacob is a British actress, best known for her role as the health visitor, Carmel Roberts, in the BBC soap opera EastEnders from 1986 – 1989.

Jacob attended London’s Anna Scher Theatre. Two of her classmates were also former actors of EastEnders, Susan Tully (Michelle Fowler) and Phil Daniels (Kevin Wicks). Before landing her role on EastEnders, Jacob was a co-founder of Black Theatre Co-op (BTC), a London theatre group of black actresses.

Jacob’s first appearance on UK television was in the BBC production Play for Today (1976) and before her role in EastEnders she had previously been a regular cast member on the hospital drama Angels (1979 – 1981) and the sitcom No Problem! (1983 – 1985). Other television credits include various roles in the comedy sketch-show The Real McCoy (1991); The Queen’s Nose (1995); Holby City (2003); Doctors (2003) and My Family (2004).

Most recently she starred as a prison guard in the drama Provoked (2006), which told the true story of a Punjabi woman named ‘Kiranjit Ahluwalia’, who leaves India to marry a London-based man, only to be badly abused. She ends up in prison for murdering her abusive husband.

Wunmi Mosaku is one of the UK acting stars of tomorrow

BWIE — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 22:05:52 +0000

Wunmi Mosaku is a British actress of African origin. Mosaku was born in Zaria, Nigeria and subsequently emigrated to Manchester, England where she attended Trinity Church of England High School and Xaverian Sixth Form College. She also sang for eleven years in the Manchester Girls Choir.

Mosaku graduated from Royal Academy Dramatic Arts in 2007 and made her stage debut at the Arcola Theatre in a production of Pedro Calderón de la Barca’s The Great Theatre of the World. Since then she has also appeared in Rough Crossings, directed by Rupert Goold and based on the book by Simon Schama, at the Lyric Hammersmith; The Vertical Hour by David Hare at the Royal Court Theatre and Mules at the Young Vic. In 2009 she appeared in Katrina a verbatim play which told 6 people’s stories of their struggles of survival when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans August 2005. Wunmi was originally cast as Sophie in the UK premier of Ruined (play) by Lynn Nottage at the Almeida Theatre but unfortunately had to pull out due to an injury.
She is featured on the front cover of Screen International magazine June-July 2009 as one of the UK Stars of Tomorrow.

In 2008, she appeared in the first of the UNDEREXPOSED exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery designed to raise the profile of black role models and celebrates the talent that exists among the Black British community. Her photo also appeared on Commercial Way, Peckham, London as part of the exhibition.

Source

Filmography

The Women of Troy (2006), directed by Phil Hawkins, as Helen
Sold: Episode #1.5 (2007), on ITV, as Female Firefighter
Never Better: First Week Euphoria (2008), on BBC Two, as Female Server
Doctors: Who Do You Think You Are Kidding? (2008), on BBC One, as Nurse Kelly Strathairn
The Bill: Trial and Error: Part 1 (2008), on ITV, as Sophie Oduya
Drama on 3: The Vertical Hour (2008), on BBC Radio 3, as Terri Scholes
Moses Jones (2009), on BBC Two, as Joy
Father & Son (2009), on RTÉ One, as Stacey Cox
Silent Witness (2009, on BBC One as Charlie Gibbs
Womb (2009, directed by Benedek Fliegauf as Erica
One Night in Emergency (2009, on BBC One as Beautiful nurse
Drama on 4 Normal and Nat (2009) on BBC Radio 4 as Shanice
Honeymooner (2010), directed by Col Spector, as Seema

Trina Roach’s Uncaged Birds invites you to be your own role model

BWIE — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:58:21 +0000

Read all about Trina’s project, Uncaged Birds, and learn how to participate:

FIVE YEARS AGO…

…I traded in my corner office for a room with a view.

In 2005 I left my job as Head of Human Resources Development in a major ad agency to establish my own training and coaching company – Creating Tomorrow: The Leadership Consultancy.

“Creating Tomorrow” – the name itself reflects the enormous Leap of Faith this step represents in my life!

As you can imagine, the road has often been rocky – filled with its fair share of both joy and frustration. To commemorate the challenges I’ve faced on my journey thus far, today – 1 June 2010 – I am launching a project that is very near and dear to my heart: Uncaged Birds™.

Why “Uncaged Birds”?

Inspired by Maya Angelou’s seminal autobiography, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, Uncaged Birds™ honors the realization that simply opening the door to our proverbial cage isn’t enough. Each of us must make the decision to step through the door take flight. This confidence- and skill-building program is designed to reflect the specific needs, heritage and history of women of African descent living in Europe. It is also a vehicle to foster intensified dialogue between women of African descent in the Americas and in other parts of the world; esp. Europe.

“The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”–Maya Angelou

With Uncaged Birds™ I provide support for women of African descent as they more effectively tap into their innate individual and cultural strength, and utilize that strength as a powerful springboard to personal and professional success – in a safe, stress-free environment that respects our heritage and history.

Let’s be our own role models!

Uncaged Birds™ addresses the specific needs of women of African descent committed to succeeding both personally and professionally, despite the added challenge of living and doing business in cultures that are still not used to seeing people of color in a positive, non-stereotypical light. After having lived and worked for more than 30 years in Europe, I designed the program I would have personally wanted and needed for support and motivation as a young expat and woman of color making her way in Europe.

“Nothing will work unless you do.”–Maya Angelou

The launch portfolio will expand throughout the year offering a variety of individual and group coaching, training and communications platforms.

Let’s Get Started!

Are you a woman of African descent living in Europe? If so: be a part of TableTalk: The Virtual Round Table!

This Year’s TableTalk will be a 3-part series of 90-minute interviews taking place in July!

“I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.”–Maya Angelou

15 July 2010
The Expat Talks or “What’s a nice (Black) American girl like you doing in a place like this?” – A group of five Black American expats share stories and experiences about living and working in Europe, and tell how leaving America has affected the way they see their country – and themselves.

22 July 2010
Europe in Black, Brown and Beige or “No, where do you really come from?” Five Afro-European women come together to discuss issues of national and cultural identity, and compare and contrast how those issues are viewed differently from country to country.

29 July 2010
What We (All) Know or “The free bird thinks of another breeze.” A mixed group of African-American expats and Afro-European women come together to combine their insights about living, loving and working in Europe.
I will act as moderator/facilitator for this series, motivated by my own personal expat experience after living in Germany for more than 30 years.

What’s Left?

Visit the site and let me know what you think!
• What do you think of the launch portfolio?
• Are you interested in being a part of TableTalk?
• What do you think would be a relevant topic for the upcoming CoachingHives™?

Uncaged Birds™…

…was created to support you when and as you need it, so you can more confidently wing towards – then embrace – your own brand of personal and professional freedom!

Find out more and how to participate:
http://uncagedbirds.wordpress.com/

Creating Tomorrow:
The Leadership Consultancy
Tel.: + 49-176-548 208 35
Mail: info@creating-tomorrow.com
Web: www.creating-tomorrow.com
Blog: www.creating-tomorrow.com/blog

Black Youth Achievements (BYA) Awards nominations are open

BWIE — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 22:12:01 +0000

Black Youth Achievements (BYA) CIC is a community interest company based in London. Founded by Kay Oldroyd in October 2008 with the objective of creating opportunities for change for young people aged 8 – 25 and of African / Caribbean / Mixed Heritage in the UK. BYA will focus on positive events and experiences, to redress the balance of negative stereotypes and representations amongst this group.

In 2009 BYA hosted their first very successful event – ‘Black Youth Achievements – The Awards’, which saw 12 finalists out of 400 nominees receive an award. Some of the winners then started on the BYA Mentoring Programme, where they are receiving support from a range of professionals specific to their category. They can then choose to become Peer Mentors to the winner’s of the 2010 awards, creating an ongoing network.

‘Black Youth Achievements’ has a ten year plan which it sees will best support young people in reaching their full potential and help individuals to incorporate their skills, knowledge and talents, empowering their peers during the process. The aim is for young people to gain recognition and become part of the decision making process for their community to aid integration between services, businesses and wider communities.

Nominate a winner today.

BEFTA Awards 2010 Nominations are now open

BWIE — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 22:02:42 +0000

BEFFTA Awards is for you, therefore your full involvement by sending in your nominations in different categories is vital to us. Nominations are open to the public and the final nomination list will be revealed to the public by the BEFFTA members which consists of ten judges from entertainment, film, fashion, television and arts.

BEFFTA Awards public nominations are on going until 31.07. 2010.

BEFFTA Awards night will take place on 30th October 2010 at Central Hall Westminster.

Refer to the nomination categories listed below and send in your nominations to: nominations@beffta.com

Terms and conditions for BEFFTA 2010 nominations:

All 2010 nominations must be in by 31.07.2010 therefore no nominations will be accepted after this date;
Final nomination list decided by BEFFTA Members/Judges will be out in August;
You can nominate yourself;
Previous BEFFTA Awards nominees and winners are still eligible for nominations.

Nomination Categories

Entertainment Category

Music

Best Female Act
Best Male Act
Best Gospel Act
Best International Act
Best Female UK-African Act
Best Male UK- African Act
Dance

Best Dance Act
Best Dance Choreographer
Comedy

Best Female Comedian
Best Male Comedian
Best Comedy Entertainment personality
Radio

Station of the year
Newspapers and Magazines

Best Community Newspaper
Magazine of the year
Event promoters

Best Events Promoter
DJs

Best Female DJ of the year
Best Male DJ of the year
Event Photographers

Best Event Photographer

Fashion Category:

Fashion Designers

Best Female designer
Best Male designer
Best Young Designer
Hair Stylist

Best Hair Stylist
Best Make-up Artist

Best Make-up Artist
Fashion Photographers

Best Fashion photographer
Fashion Choreographers

Best Fashion Choreographer

Models

Best male model
Best female model
Best International Model
Best Modelling Agency
Beauty Pageants

Best Beauty Pageant
Best current Beauty Queen
Best Former Beauty Pageant Director

Film Category

Best Film director
Best Actor
Best Actresses
Best Film

TV Category

Best Actress
Best Actor
Best TV Station
Best TV Show
Best TV personality
Best TV presenter

ART Category

Best Spoken Word Artist/Poets

Black Youth Achievements will host a Careers Event Day in London

BWIE — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 22:54:25 +0000

Black Youth Achievements will be hosting their Careers Event Day on Thursday 22nd July, 11am – 5pm at Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton.

The objective of this event is to broaden the horizons, mind-set and opportunities for young people by having a wide variety of organisations, small businesses and training providers on hand to talk about various careers and the paths one might need to take to get there.

During the day, there will be workshops on CV writing, confidence building, interview techniques and communication.This is a free event aimed at 8 – 25 year olds. We are encouraging parents / carers to attend to aid the decision making process for their child when it comes to their futures.

If you are a business and would like to get involved then please email us at:- ‘ admin@blackyouthachievements.org’ subject title ‘Careers Day’

You would have a stall at the event free of charge, where you would be expected to talk about your business / organisation / training programme with young people from all different backgrounds, giving them realistic advice and information.

You would be featured in the marketing material and on our website, giving you free publicity pre and post event.

Power, Decision-Making and Social Networks

BWIE — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:38:55 +0000

You are invited to submit a paper proposal for a forthcoming QMSS Seminar entitled “Power, Decision-Making and Social Networks” which will be held at University College Dublin on 25th -27th August 2010.

This seminar is organised jointly by Diane Payne (University College, Dublin) and Christofer Edling (Jacobs University, Germany) as part of the European Science Foundation’s network programme to support research in quantitative social sciences (QMSS2).

The QMSS Seminar will comprise of four consecutive sessions:

Session 1: Social Movements and Collective Action
Session 2: Networks and Governance
Session 3: Context and Structure in Social Interaction
Session 4: Organisations, Corporate Networks and Power.

Each session will comprise a keynote presentation from a leading international expert in the field and five other invited paper presentations.

Paper proposals should be sent, by no later than 18th June 2010, to the organisers Diane.Payne@ucd.ie and christofer.edling@sociology.su.se .

The paper proposal should have a title, an abstract not exceeding 500 words and the coordinates of the applicant. The proposal should cover main hypotheses, data, methodology and expected conclusions.

All successful applicants will receive full travel and accommodation expenses for the duration of the QMSS seminar.

For more information, please see the QMSS website http://www.ccsr.ac.uk/qmss

Please distribute this CALL FOR PAPERS to interested colleagues and especially early-stage researchers, including PhD and Post-Doc stage.

Ony Uhiara as Eurydice

BWIE — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 22:23:06 +0000

This is how Ony describes herself on her MySpace page:

Young British actress of Nigerian descent. Love all things creative. Graduated from Guildhall school of Music and Drama in 2002, the buisness is treating me pretty good so far and I hope for more “grease to my elbow”! Grew up in East London.

She is starring in the play Eurydice at the Young Vic, 66 The Cut, Waterloo, London SE1 from April 29-June 5. Call 020 7922 2922 or visit www.youngvic.org.

She has also appeared in:

The Bill in episode 313 as Letitia Watson.
The Crouches (2003–2005) – Adele Crouch
Doctors (series 8, ep 16) – Kelly Stone
Holby City (2004) – Amina Dukuze
Hunter (series 1, ep 1) – Chloe
Murder Investigation Team (2005)
Proof (2005/6) – Tessa Kuria
Rosemary & Thyme : Three Legs Good (2006) – Grace Oluwu
Waking the Dead (2003) – Janice

Jackie Kay is an award winning writer in Scotland

BWIE — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 22:54:14 +0000

Jackie Kay was born in Edinburgh in 1961 to a Scottish mother and a Nigerian father. She was adopted by a Scottish white couple Helen and John Kay and brought up in Bishopbriggs, a suburb of Glasgow. They adopted Kay in 1961 having already adopted Kay’s brother, Maxwell, about 2 years earlier.

Kay’s adoptive father worked for the Communist Party full-time and stood for Member of Parliament, and her adoptive mother was the Scottish secretary of CND.

In August 2007 Kay was the subject of the fourth episode of The House I Grew Up In, in which she talked about a happy childhood in a stimulating, albeit unconventional, home.

Initially harbouring ambitions to be an actress, she decided to concentrate on writing after Alasdair Gray read her poetry and told her that writing was what she should be doing. She studied English at the University of Stirling and her first book of poetry, the partially autobiographical The Adoption Papers, was published in 1991, and won the Saltire Society Scottish First Book Award. Her other awards include the 1994 Somerset Maugham Award for Other Lovers, and the Guardian Fiction Prize for Trumpet, based on the life of Billy Tipton. She writes extensively for children, stage and screen. She lives in Manchester with her son, Matthew.

Kay became a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) on 17 June 2006.

She currently teaches creative writing at Newcastle University. Her drama The Lamplighter is an exploration of the Atlantic slave trade. It was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in March 2007 and published in poem form in 2008.

Source

Will Diane Abbott be the next leader of the Labour Party?

BWIE — Mon, 31 May 2010 22:45:04 +0000

Diane Abbot says she entered the Labour leadership race to encourage the “broadest possible debate” and said she was confident she can get the 30 nominations needed.

“Every wing of the party should be involved in the debate,” she said. “What we had before I intervened was front runners who were all very nice, but were a little similar.”

“It is my aim to have the broadest possible debate. All the other candidates have been saying we want every voice to be heard and I’m just making that real.”

Hear more.

Black Women in Europe™ Social Media Group – Your de facto directory of organizations that serve black women in Europe

BWIE — Sun, 30 May 2010 22:04:53 +0000

The Black Women in Europe™ Social Media Group is the funnel through which information is shared from Black Women’s Organizations across Europe.

We leverage the power of the Internet, social media and word of mouth to empower black Women in Europe because as we all know, information is power.

We share a list of organizations across Europe that serve black women.

But we need your help:

If you know of an organization in Europe that serves to better the lives of black women in Europe please send the name and website link to contact@blackwomenineurope.org.

While the plans to turn the The Black Women in Europe™ Social Media Group into a non-profit have been put on hold, they have not been forgotten.

For information on how you can help email contact@blackwomenineurope.org.

Breast Cancer and Women of African descent information event in London

BWIE — Fri, 28 May 2010 22:27:32 +0000

Saturday 29 May 3.00pm to 5.00pm

Roxy Bar, 128 Borough High Street, SE1 (next to Sainsburys) Tube: London Bridge

Entry: over 18′s only £5.00 admission, pay on the door

Bring pen and pad and be on time.

This presentation by Sister Abi* aims to empower women with information to help defeat breast cancer. It will cover:

* The reality of risk rates for black women; how white women skew the risk indicators
* 5 steps you can take to reduce your risk ,
* How not breast feeding can increase your risk
* What food and lifestyles increase liability
* The signs that ensure early detection.
* How such information is made difficult to access (there has only ever been one study on how cancer affects black women in the UK)

*Sister Abi holds a first degree in Medical Bio-chemistry, a masters in Clinical bio-chemistry and is pursuing another masters in Public Health. She is currently Programme Manager for an infomatics project for a major cancer charity and will be in the next edition of the New African Woman magazine for her cancer prevention work.

Help Benedicta get funding to work with her chosen charity for a year

BWIE — Thu, 27 May 2010 22:36:23 +0000

Plan Ireland’s “Because I am a Girl” Ambassador, Benedicta Attoh, needs your vote to win the final place in the Vodafone Ireland Foundation World of Difference competition which funds outstanding individuals to work with their chosen charity for a year.

“Many girls are not so lucky as me “ Benedicta says. “For most young girls, the experience of a forced marriage is one of domestic violence, pain, frustration, anger resentment and even death. For some the wounds never heal, for others the scars never fade but for all survivors, the memories never die”.

Place your vote today.

Two of the three Eurovision Song Contest 2010 Hosts are black women

BWIE — Wed, 26 May 2010 22:58:58 +0000

These ladies will be seen by approximately 120 million views over three days (25, 27 and 29 May 2010).

Haddy Jatou N’jie

Haddy Jatou N’jie (born on the 25th of June, 1979) is a Norwegian singer, songwriter, author and journalist. She holds a degree in journalism from the Oslo University College. Haddy began her television career as a news journalist for NRK. She has since expanded to work on a broader field, and is today recognized as an author, journalist, playwright, musician and a singer. Last year, Haddy hosted one of Norway’s largest TV shows, the yearly TV-Aksjonen, collecting money to charity through an 8 hour live broadcast on NRK.

As a solo artist, she has released three albums: White Lies, Welcome Home and World of The Free. She has toured the country several times, together with Concerts Norway, and produced several full-night performances with her comedy group Queendom.

Haddy N’jies father is from the Gambia, her mother is Norwegian. She grew up in Kolbotn, southeast of the capital Oslo. She fondly remembers Norway’s victory in the Eurovision Song Contest of 1985 with Bobbysocks. Haddys mother had to draw a large cross in the roof of their living room as she had lost the bet with daughter Haddy, certain of Norwegian victory. In the Norwegian edition of Who’s Who?, Haddy N’jie is considered one of Norway’s ten most influential professionals with a multicultural background.

Nadia Hasnaoui

Nadia Hasnaoui (born on the 10th of June, 1963) is one of Norway’s most acclaimed and experienced television hosts. Nadia has broad experience from nearly twenty years in television, working for both of the two largest Norwegian stations, NRK and TV2. Nadia grew up in Morocco with a Norwegian mother and a Moroccan father. In 1967, Nadia moved back to Norway, where she went to a French-speaking kindergarten.

Nadia Hasnaoui began her television career at NRK in 1991, hosting the pan-Nordic children’s show Myggen. In 1993, she moved to TV2, and throughout the 1990s, Nadia led many of TV 2′s most popular shows. Many Norwegians remember her portraits of Norway’s King Harald and Queen Sonja. She also became known through the shows God morgen, Norge! (Good morning, Norway!) and Jakten på det gode liv (Chasing the good life) as well as her own talkshow, Hasnaoui.

Nadia came back to NRK in 2004, and hosted the Junior Eurovision Song Contest that year. For the past four years, she has presented the popular weekly quiz show Kvitt eller Dobbelt, airing prime-time on NRK. Nadia is married with three children. She has published several books.

Source: Eurovision Song Contest

Sandra Rafaela is H.M. Senior Commissioner EU / Africa at the African Kingdoms Federation

BWIE — Tue, 25 May 2010 22:09:56 +0000

By Sandrine Joseph
(Source: www.poto-mitan.com/archives/436)

I’m so proud to announce the appointment of my friend Sandra Rafaela as H.M Senior Commissioner EU / Africa at the African Kingdoms Federation.

This is an unique opportunity to discover talented women in Europe who masters her destiny and affirm herself as a leader of the African diaspora living in Europe. She kindly accepted to give us an outlook of her vision of black women empowerment.

Sandrine Joseph (SJ) : You are a European Black Woman Leader, co-founder of Women of the African Diaspora – WAD. Could you tell us more about how you have created it? What were the best moments you live by meeting other Black Women.

Sandra Rafaela (SR): End 2005 I discovered that there were almost no websites for black women created by black European women. And if there were any, than it was only for professionals and was only for business. This made me create a website and network (AESN) with information by and for black women. In 2007 I met Adrianne George (Sweden), who had/ has a very successful blog “Black Women in Europe”, and asked if she wanted to work together with me. She agreed and together we created the Women of the African Diaspora website and social network which was launched in 2008. Important was and still is the visibility of black women on the internet. The website features black female authors/ business owners/ artists/ musicians and provides news about or for black women. The different social networks are a platform for black women to network.

SJ : What are the best moments by meeting other Black Women.
SR : Best moment was to be able to co-organize an International Black Women Conference in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. This conference was about black business women and about women living in Europe and their experiences. There were also black female business owners who could showcase their business during this conference.

SJ : You have been appointed as H.M. Senior Commissioner EU/ Africa on Women Development and Empowerment within the African Kingdoms Federation? I’ve never heard about this organization. Could you tell us more about it? What are your plan for the 2 next years?
SR : The African Kingdoms Federation (AKF) is a union, consisting of all of Africa’s states ancient Royal Kingdoms referred to as the Traditional Kingdoms and Traditional Rulers, forming a Royal Monarchical Federation. The union form by the Sheba Kingdoms ancestors at its earliest period hundreds years ago, was referred to as the Maa-Confederation, later in the period of its colonial history, with its nations broken and in torment, it was referred to within inner Africa, as the Mother Nation, later referred to as Mother Africa by the slaves taken from the Kingdoms out of Africa, and in particular their African-Americans and African-Caribbean descendants of the Diaspora in the later generations as Mother Africa and the Motherland.

The Federation addresses its responsibilities to the Kingdoms and Tribal Nations, through the Federation over 25 years ago initiated Trans-African Nations Rural and Urban Regions Development Agenda Program Protocols activated by the Matriarchal Decree of March 10th 2006, is under the responsibility of the Federation Imperial House Foundations NGOs; Imperial House Foundations in Africa and the USA, and Imperial House – CI Africa.

The Federation has one purpose, one goal, which is working directly with the Kingdoms and Tribal Nations and as well in collaboration with the Trans-African Nations; African Union and ECOWAS Governments as a unified People towards the Development and Empowerment of the African Continent Nations for the Social and Economical empowerment of the African Tribes, African Nations and African Governments. Initiated after the Federation and Matriarchs over 25 years of preparation within the Kingdoms and sealed through the Federation Matriarchal March 10th 2006 Decree.

As being H.M. Senior Commissioner EU/ Africa on Women Development and Empowerment within the African Kingdoms Federation I want to improve the visibility of black women Worldwide and work and work toward an union between all women.

This through strategic Development of the Internal Infra-structure, of these said Nations, Countries and Continent; of the referenced termed 3rd World Nations.

SJ : What are your plans for the 2 next years?
SR : The coming two year I plan to create more visibility for black women globally but also create a bridge to women in general.

SJ : If you wanted to share you knowledge on Black Women, what could be the best source of information you would provide, and why?
SR: There are different sources on the internet where information about Black Women can be found: Afro European Sisters Network Blog/ Black Female Authors Blog/ Women of the African Diaspora website/ Black Women Unite Social Network/ Black Women in Europe Blog/ Black History Heroes Blog. All pages can also be found on Facebook.

SJ :Regarding Black History, do you think that Black Women have the right place in our memories?
SR: In Europe black women are not really visible. As long we cant mention 10 Black European women who were part of the European history, we still got a lot of work to do. Cause I’ am convinced that they are out there, but that we never heard of them.

Her web presence :
www.womenoftheafricandiaspora.com
www.afroeuropeansistersnetwork.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/aesn
www.blackwomenunite.ning.com
www.facebook.com/sandra.rafaela

Oona King announces her bid to be London mayor in 2012

BWIE — Mon, 24 May 2010 22:33:46 +0000

Former Labour MP Oona King has announced she will run for mayor of London in 2012.

The former Bethnal Green and Bow MP will challenge former mayor Ken Livingstone, who will run again, to be named the Labour mayoral candidate.

The bid marks her return to politics after she lost her seat in Parliament to Respect’s George Galloway in 2005.

Both the candidate for mayor and the party’s next leader will be chosen at Labour’s autumn conference.

Afrikan Liberation Day – London, England

BWIE — Sun, 23 May 2010 22:51:38 +0000

2010 theme – Reparations Now! – Haiti First! Haiti Now!

Youths are especially welcome – All free of charge

Day 1

Friday 28th May 2009 @ 6.30pm
The real conditions confronting
Afrikan People in Haiti
Venue for Day 1: 44-46 Offley Road, The Oval, London SW9 0LS
Nearest Tube: Oval (Northern Line); Buses: 3, 36, 59, 133, 155, 159, 185, 333, 436

Day 2 (Main Event)

Saturday 29th May 2009 @ 1pm – 7pm
Reparations Now!
Haiti First! Haiti Now!
Venue for Day 2: Yvonne Carr Centre,
2 Thessally Road, SW8 4HT
Nearest Tube: Stockwell; Nearest British Rail: Wandsworth Road
Buses to Thassally Road: P5; Buses Nearby: 77, 87, 156, 196, 344, 452

Libation, dancing, singing, drumming, poetry, children’s activities, dynamic performers
Keynote Speaker – Haiti’s Leading Human Rights Lawyer – Mario Joseph
Plus Panel Speakers & Solidarity Messages

Afrikan Liberation Day planning meetings
Offley Road every Monday @ 6.30pm
For more information: Ring 07940 005 907; email Panascf(at)yahoo.co.uk; Website – www.pascf.org.uk

Organised by
The Nkrumah Foundation* Pan-Afrikan Society Community Forum* All-Afrikan People’s Revolutionary Party* George Jackson Socialist League. Sponsored by: Global Afrikan Congress* Pan-African Congress Movement* Alliance of Afrikan Women*

Pan Afrikan Society Community Forum Presents the 2010 annual theme and series of workshops
Afrikan Freedom means Defeating Neo-colonialism: Nkrumah @ 100

Afrikan Liberation Month Workshops
6.30pm Arrival 7pm Start – Youths are especially welcome – All free of charge

Applying the ideas of Kwame Nkrumah

Friday 21/5/10 – The History of Afrikan Liberation Day by Asari St Hill

Friday 28/5/10 – Haiti’s leading human rights lawyer tells us what’s really going on in Haiti by Mario Joseph,

Venue for Workshops:
Starlight Music Academy, 44-46 Offley Road, The Oval, London SW9 0LS
Nearest Tube: Oval (Northern Line); Buses: 3, 36, 59, 133, 155, 159, 185, 333, 436

Kwanzaa planning meetings – Same venue alternate Mondays @ 6.30pm
For more information: Ring 07940 005 907; email – Panascf(at)yahoo.co.uk; Website – www.pascf.org.uk

When we were oppressed under slavery and colonialism our ancestors knew it; they knew that they had to remove these oppressive systems in order to be free. It is a massive contradiction that despite the fact that we are actually living in the neo-colonial phase of history, most of us do not know what it is. The problem this poses is that if we do not know it, we cannot understand it; if we cannot understand it, we cannot consciously do anything to challenge it; if we cannot do anything to challenge it, we cannot get rid of it; if we cannot get rid of it, we will remain stuck in it; if we remain stuck in neo-colonialism, Afrika cannot be liberated and we will not be a free and self determining people. The critical task before us therefore, is to raise our collective level of consciousness of the nature of neo-colonialism and how to defeat it in Afrikan communities everywhere.

Also – Please note
Saturday 29/5/10, 1 -7pm
Afrikan Liberation Day
Haiti First! Haiti Now!
Yvonne Carr Centre, 2 Thessally Road, SW8 4HT

Thursday 10/6/10, 6.30pm
1st Annual Marcus Garvey Memorial Lecture
University of London, Birkbeck College, Malet Street, WC1

Only for Zuzy Members

BWIE — Thu, 20 May 2010 22:08:52 +0000

Zuzy is the exclusive distributor of Sascha Cosmetics in Sweden, and has created a special offer to its Facebook members in Stockholm and across Europe:

Because you are special; you will get 15% off all our make up products, in Skärholmen Centrum and in our webshop www.zuzy.se. Please use the discount code; facebook, to receive the discount at www.zuzy.se.

For young ladies in Stockholm who are graduating from gymnasium:

Soon its time for pram (studenten) and I know you want to be the bell of the ball. Therefore ONLY members of the zuzy group gets a 50% discount on pram make-up. You pay 250 kr instead of 500 kr!

Please make reservation through facebook to be the best looking at the pram!

Join the Facebook group today!

Enterprise Nigeria – a Nigeria Trade Mission with the African Caribbean Business Network in the UK

BWIE — Wed, 19 May 2010 22:57:41 +0000

ACBN on behalf of our member and partner Compass Consulting, are delighted to introduce to you the above event, which is the 4th in a series of annual Trade Missions and Exhibitions held in Nigeria, 20-25th September 2010.

The Enterprise Exhibition aims to forge linkages between businesses from Nigeria, African Union, United Kingdom, Europe, United States of America and Canada whilst promoting Trade and Investment. The Event, which was initiated in 2007 is organised by Compass Consulting UK in partnership with the UK Trade and Investment, Greater London Enterprise OneLondon, Federal Ministry for Commerce and Industry (Nigeria), the Bank of Industry (Nigeria), Lagos State Government, the British High Commission (Embassy), and a host of other organisations within the Organised Private sector in Nigeria. Register Now!

Background Information to the Event

The Enterprise Exhibition is the first Event of its kind to bring UK Businesses and Entrepreneurs from the African Diaspora to Nigeria on a Trade Mission/Exhibition with the aim of putting them in touch with the vibrant and diverse Nigerian Business Communities. The core objectives of this multi agency platform are to promote Investment through International Trade/Global Partnerships, and the exchange of learning and good practices as Business Communities across Continents dialogue and exhibit goods and services.

The 2010 Enterprise Exhibition

The focus of this year’s Exhibition is to host Nigerian Businesses and Businesses from Europe, United States of America, Canada and other parts of Africa. Through partnerships and collaborations with Key Organisations and Stakeholders across Continents, the event aims to provide a framework that will support and fast track the integration of businesses across the board into the Global Market Place.

Highlights of the Event

v Road Shows in Abuja and Lagos Exhibition of Goods and Services
v Field visits to Industries in Key Sectors – Abuja and Lagos
v Export-Focused Workshops
v Case Studies of Successful Entrepreneurs from the Diaspora
v Conferences on Female Entrepreneurship and Supporting SMEs

Event’s Symposium:

Topic – Harnessing Diaspora Resources for Africa’s Development – A Case Study of Nigeria.

For international entrepreneurs interested in hearing more about opportunities in African and how this successful event now in its fourth year can help you – please register your interest here. We will forward to you the necessary information and forms to complete your registration with all necessary contact details.

Black Women Bloggers in Europe Series – Austria – Yemeha

BWIE — Tue, 18 May 2010 22:36:10 +0000

yemeha.tumblr.com

Yemeha is a 20 years old Ghanian young lady girl born and raised in Austria, Vienna and Klagenfurt. She is a “fresh(wo)men” at university studying diplomacy. Her blog is mainly a combination of ideas and thoughts, mainly hers and those of other people, which she find inspirational. You will also find a lot of fashion or political issues posted on it, this is traced back to her strong interest in both.

Here is a lovely note I received from her:

Thank you very much for being so involved in this important subject of Black Women in Europe, before I got to know this Group, I didn’t really think much about other females/black people in other European countries(i.e.: Sweden, Poland, Spain,…). All I was concerned with was the African-Austrian History and political issues. I once more want to make my appreciation of this movement and group clear: Thank you!

Greetings from Vienna

Yvie

“Footprints in the Sand?” Photographic Exhibition – Visual Documentation in Berlin

BWIE — Mon, 17 May 2010 22:10:36 +0000

A COMPLEXION CHANGE – International & Intercultural Diplomacy

“FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND?” – Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre

Photographic Exhibition – Visual Documentation
Fotoausstellung – Visuelle Dokumentation

June 1 – 30, 2010

Foyer im Rathaus Schöneberg / Rathaus Schöneberg (city hall) foyer
John-F.-Kennedy Platz 1, 10825 Berlin-Schöneberg

Exhibition description
The exhibition documents the activities of
Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre
&
James V. Burks
African Marketplace & Cultural Faire
City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs, USA

in association with
International Artists

Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre was founded by Prof. Donald Muldrow Griffith, Prof. Gayle McKinney Griffith, Lynnda Curry, Ricky Powell and Detlef Bäcker, four American artists and a German colleague, who met in Berlin during 1979 at Theater des Westens and decided to undertake intercultural, interdisciplinary and international productions in dance, theatre, television, workshops, film/video festivals and publications.

This exhibition paints a picture of the activities of various people during their historical contributions to Berlin, elsewhere and hence, the portrait seeks to prevent these undertakings from becoming “footprints in the sand?”

Beschreibung der Ausstellung
Die Ausstellung dokumentiert die Aktivitäten des
Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre
&
James V. Burks
African Marketplace & Cultural Faire
City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs, USA

in Verbindung mit
Internationalen KünstlerInnen

Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre wurde von Prof. Donald Muldrow Griffith, Prof. Gayle McKinney Griffith, Lynnda Curry, Ricky Powell und Detlef Bäcker, vier amerikanischen Künstlern und einem deutschen Kollegen, die sich in Berlin 1979 am Theater des Westens trafen, gegründet. Sie entschieden sich, mit der Durchführung von interkulturellen, interdisziplinären und internationalen Produktionen in den Bereichen Tanz, Theater, Fernsehen, Workshops, Film/Video Festivals und Publikationen zu beginnen.

Die Ausstellung zeichnet ein Bild der Aktivitäten verschiedener Menschen bei ihren historischen Beiträgen für Berlin und andere Orte, mit der Intention, diese Unternehmungen davor zu schützen “footprints in the sand?” zu werden.

Taking Care of Business in the UK Part 5: Lovely Gorgeous Things

BWIE — Sun, 16 May 2010 22:12:18 +0000

Founded by Vanessa Wallace, Lovely Gorgeous Things are nature inspired, handmade skincare products that are produced using quality natural oils, a variety of natural butters and other ingredients that are kind to the skin.

With prices that are affordable and gentle on the pocket, Lovely Gorgeous Things hopes to make an impression without breaking the bank!

This combined with the use of minimal packaging, means we can be both kind to you and our planet

Mission:
To promote beautiful skin and inner gorgeousness across the land!

Products:
A wide range of skincare products from beautiful body butters to a footcare range that will make your feet thank you for days!

Shea Body Butters, Luxury Body Oils, Brown Sugar Body Polish, Fabulous Foot Scrub, Peppermint Foot Soak, Calendula Heel Balm, Bath Soaks, Ghanaian Black Soap, and more!

Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/lovelygorgeousthings

Black Women Bloggers in Europe Series – Norway 3 – Thanks for the food

BWIE — Thu, 13 May 2010 22:55:50 +0000

Thanks for the Food

About My Blog
This blog is about my attempts at making great food at home (i.e. mostly from scratch without the use of a microwave, convenience foods, ridiculously overpriced imported food from the “expat” part of the grocery store). I cook using what I can find in Norway or online from Norwegian retailers-and the little I bring back from my various trips outside of Norway a few times a year. I am not a trained chef and I have never worked int he food industry. My food and cooking expertise comes from a lifetime of eating and almost a lifetime of cooking. I am doing this because I love it, and that my friends, is reason enough to do anything.

Living in Norway has made me a better cook, if only because I have to make a lot of stuff from scratch if I want to eat it. There are no taco trucks in Norway or chicken mole (or tamales). Not even close.

About Me
My name is Whitney and I am an American currently living and working in Norway . I have been living outside of the U.S. since March 2005 and after ca. 2 years in Germany, I moved to Norway in July 2007.

I like, no I love, to cook. I love cooking, food and food culture. Finding new ingredients or “new to me” ingredients or simply finding something new in the local grocery stores makes me happier than I really care to admit publicly (but I guess I just did, right?). Attending the local food festival every year or eating in the new cafe on Main street is what I do in my spare time. I am ridiculously over-concerned with food quality and integrity.

I am a real person with a real job that I work every day from 9-5 (totally not related to food, cooking or food culture) and a live on a less than real (i.e. minimal) food budget every month. I try to eat as healthily as I can everyday, which mostly means lots of vegetables, as much organic food as I can afford and the occasional slice of cake (this is of course good for mental health). I try to make sure my plate is as varied and mixed as possible. Doing this without going broke in Norway is a challenge I enjoy taking on at every meal.

I have had two travel guidebooks published (one now in it’s second printing) and contributed on a major travel guidebook.

Why I Named This Blog Thanks For the Food and How I Ended Up Here
I named this blog “Thanks For The Food” because it is the English translation for the polite way to end a meal in Norway. At the end of the meal, to thank your host, you say “takk for maten”.

So here, I’m saying “thanks for the food”. For all of the tasty dreamy food I’ve eaten in Norway. That’s what I think when I eat something tasty here-thanks for [making] this food.

I am originally from Arizona, but now live in Norway. How did that happen you ask? Well, my arrival and original plan for Norway included a now ex-boyfriend, his family, many flights back and forth between Norway and Germany and many, many hours on a telephone. Fast forward a bit and change the original plan (basically minus all of the aforementioned items and replace with my friends + my love for all things Norwegian + my educational pursuits) and you have my life as it is now. I am very lucky for what I have in my life now and I never, ever forget that. So Norway is where I reside.

YES-“way up in the Artic tundra” as some of my friends and family in the U.S. call it. Have a look on a map where Arizona is and where Norway is. yes, i am quite far from where I began my life journey (try to close your mouth).

I very much enjoy my life here and it’s working for me at the moment. Please don’t ask to when I am coming home to the U.S. permanently (you know who you are-Mom!). I’m not sure when that will be and I hope it is a while away still.

How to Contact Me
Hvis du har noen spørsmål eller ideer, vennligst ta kontakt. Email: thanksforthefood at gmail dot com. If you have questions or ideas, please feel free to contact me through email at thanksforthefood at gmail dot com.

Follow Me in a Reader through Burn Feeder

You can also find me on:
YouTube and Twitter

Black Women Bloggers in Europe Series – Sweden 2 – Geotraveler’s Niche

BWIE — Wed, 12 May 2010 22:21:21 +0000

Geotraveler’s Niche

Editor for Matador Goods, Nigerian-born Lola Akinmade’s photography and travel writing are characterized by vibrancy and hope. Obtaining a Masters (MSc) degree in Information Systems from the University of Maryland with a solid background in Geography, she specialized in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for 10+ years and her affinity for the geosciences and maps meant she was born to travel.

lHer work has appeared in Vogue, National Geographic Traveler, Travel Channel’s World Hum, Forbes Traveler, Sherman’s Travel, Fodors.com, ISLANDS Magazine, United’s Hemispheres, Guardian UK’s Been There, Smithsonian.com, CITY Magazine, Pology, GoNOMAD, The Away Network, Transitions Abroad, The Matador Network, amongst others.

She also worked as a field journalist on the web team during Eco-Challenge’s Expedition Race in Fiji and currently volunteers as a photojournalist with both World Hope International, documenting their projects in countries such as Nicaragua and Cambodia, and C.H.I.E.F – an NGO based in Nigeria that promotes grassroots health development, HIV/AIDS awareness, and the empowerment of women.

She is now based in Stockholm, Sweden.

Nikki Amuka-Bird is a Nigerian born British actress

BWIE — Tue, 11 May 2010 22:30:20 +0000

Her theatrical credits include Twelfth Night (Bristol Old Vic); World Music (Crucible Theatre, Sheffield and Donmar Warehouse); Top Girls (Oxford Stage Company); A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest and The Servant of Two Masters (Royal Shakespeare Company); Doubt: A Parable (Tricycle Theatre). She is married to the actor Geoffrey Streatfield.

Her film credits include The Omen (2006 remake), Cargo, Almost Heaven as well as the screen adaptation of Alexander McCall Smith’s novel The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. On television, she has appeared in Spooks, The Line of Beauty, The Last Enemy, Robin Hood and Torchwood. She is currently playing Samantha Willis – the last surviving member of the government – in the reimagined BBC apocalyptic series Survivors. In 2010 she appeared as Det Supt Gaynor Jenkins in the BBC’s Silent Witness.

She appeared in the BBC adaptation of Andrea Levy’s award winning novel, Small Island, broadcast in December 2009.

* Silent Witness (BBC One TV Series) as Det Supt Gaynor Jenkins
* Small Island (BBC1, Autumn 2009)
* Survivors (BBC One TV Series, 2008 and 2010) as Samantha Willis MP
* The Disappeared (2008) as Shelley Cartwright
* The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (2008 screen adaptation) as Alice Busang
* The Last Enemy (2008 TV mini-series) as Susan Ross (unknown episodes)
* Torchwood (TV Series, 2008) as Beth Halloran/Sleeper Agent (one episode)
* The Whistleblowers (2007 TV Series) as Helen Errol (one episode)
* Five Days (2007 TV mini-series) as PC Simone Farnes
* Born Equal (2006 TV series) as Itshe
* Robin Hood (TV Series, 2006) as Abbess (1 episode)
* Spooks (TV Series 2006) as Michelle Lopez (1 episode)
* The Omen (2006) as Dr. Becker
* The Line of Beauty (TV Series 2006) as Rosemary Charles (2 episodes)
* Shoot the Messenger (2006) as Heather
* The True Voice of Prostitution (2006) (TV)
* Cargo (2006) as Subira
* Casualty @ Holby City as Moji Muzenda (3 episodes, 2005)
* Holby City (3 episodes, 1999-2005) as various
* Casualty as Moji Muzenda (1 episode, 2005)
* Afterlife (TV Series, 2005) Sandra Petch (1 episode)
* Almost Heaven (TV, 2005) as Rosie
* Silent Witness (TV Series, 2005) Simone Campbell (1 episode)
* Murder Prevention (TV Series, 2004) as Gemma (1 episode)
* Bad Girls (TV Series) as Paula Miles (8 episodes, 2003-2004)
* Canterbury Tales (TV Series, 2003) as Constance Musa (1 episode)
* Doctors (TV Series, 2000) as Nurse (1 episode)
* Safe as Houses (2000 TV series) as Carole (unknown episodes)
* Forgive and Forget (2000, TV) as Emma
* The Bill (TV Series, 1999) as Doreen West (1 episode)
* Grafters (TV mini-series, 1998) as Martha (unknown episodes)

The Lambeth Readers and Writers Festival 2010 with Nadifa Mohamed

BWIE — Mon, 10 May 2010 22:09:20 +0000

The Lambeth Readers and Writers Festival 2010 offers a month-long programme of inspirational events.

The festival includes something to appeal to all ages and tastes. There will be talks and discussions with a wide range of authors – from the well-known to the up and coming. And it’s all free of charge.

Nadifa Mohamed – ‘Black Mamba Boy’, Thursday 20 May, 7pm at Streatham Library.

Nominated for the Orange Prize for Fiction, Nadifa Mohamed tells the story of the Black Mamba Boy – a stunning novel set in 1930s Somalia spanning a decade of war and upheaval, all seen through the eyes of Jama, a ten year-old boy alone in the world.

Aden 1935: a city vibrant, alive, and full of hidden dangers, but when Jama’s mother dies unexpectedly he finds himself totally alone. Jama is forced home to his native Somalia, the land of his nomadic ancestors. War is on the horizon and the fascist Italian forces who control parts of east Africa are preparing for battle. And so begins an epic journey which will take Jama north through Djibouti, war-torn Eritrea and Sudan, to Egypt and from there, across the seas, to Britain and freedom.

This story of one boy’s long walk to freedom is also the story of how the Second World War affected Africa and its people, a story of displacement and family.

For more information or to book tickets for Lambeth Libraries events please call 020 7926 1075 or email readersandwriters@lambeth.gov.uk.

To avoid disappointment please book for all events.

Helen Grant, OBV Alumnui has made political and Conservative Party history in the UK

BWIE — Sun, 09 May 2010 22:08:34 +0000

Hat tip: Operation Black Vote

Helen Grant, OBV Alumnui has made political and Conservative Party history by winning the Southeast seat Maidstone and the Weald becoming the first Black female Conservative in the House of Commons. The seat she takes over was represented by Westminster firebrand Anne Widdecombe for 18 years.

After two and a half years of good old fashioned hard work and positive campaigning we have seen-off a particularly unpleasant challenge in the fight to retain Ann Widdecombe’s seat, taking 48% of the vote.

I want to send out my sincere thanks to everyone who voted for me, and to everyone who has helped and supported me in this general election campaign.

I am delighted too that we have retained control of Maidstone Borough Council.

Thank you all once again. With very best wishes,

Happy Mother’s Day!

BWIE — Sun, 09 May 2010 20:19:08 +0000

]]>

5 Things I Never Knew My Phone Could Do

BWIE — Sat, 08 May 2010 14:21:01 +0000

Note:

This came to me in an email from a dentist in Washington, DC. I tried tip #4 and it worked here in Sweden. However tip #3 did not work for me. Could just be my phone. But I thought these tips were interesting so I decided to share them. I stored the free information directory number in my phone for my trips to the US, and the global emergency number for future reference.

Email text from dentist:

For all the folks with cell phones. (This should be printed and kept in your car, purse, and wallet. Good information to have with you.)

There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies.

Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival.

FIRST – Emergency

The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find Yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an Emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to Establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.

SECOND – Have you locked your keys in the car?

Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone:

If you lock your keys In the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other ‘remote’ for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk). Editor’s Note: It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a cell phone!’

THIRD – Hidden Battery Power

Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.

FOURTH – How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone

To check your Mobile phone’s serial number, key in the following Digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.

When your phone get stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won’t get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can’t use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

And Finally….

FIFTH – Free USA Directory Service for Cells

Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don’t have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800)FREE411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now. This is sponsered by MacDonalds.

Sanchia Alasia is standing for the position of councillor for the first time in Alibon Ward

BWIE — Thu, 06 May 2010 22:29:11 +0000

Hat tip: Precious Online

Sanchia Alasia is a young person who lives in and is standing for the position of councillor for the first time in Alibon Ward.

Sanchia has always been an active individual having been a governor and vice president at university, as well as member of the Labour party, Fabian Society, Co-op Party and trade union, Sanchia has worked over the years with a number of MP’s throughout London and now wants to bring that experience to help and to work closely with local residents in Alibon resolving their issues with long lasting solutions.

Learn more about Labour Party in Barking.

N’kya Designs in London

BWIE — Wed, 05 May 2010 22:44:18 +0000

Visit the N’kya website for more information.

Black Women Bloggers in Europe Series – France 4 – Les Amis de Beauford Delaney

BWIE — Mon, 03 May 2010 22:33:53 +0000

Les Amis de Beauford Delaney

Monique Y. Wells edits the blog Les Amis de Beauford Delaney, and is a long-time resident of Paris, France. She is co-owner of Discover Paris! – Personalized Itineraries for Independent Travelers (www.discoverparis.net), and a freelance travel writer, editor and author. Two of Ms. Wells books include Paris Reflections and Food for the Soul.

About Food for the Soul:

Review
…a beautifully illustrated book of soulful dishes that embodies the spirit of (Wells’) native roots and her love of food. — Black Issues Book Review, Nov-Dec 2002

MONIQUE Y. WELLS’S FOOD FOR THE SOUL is a delightful cookbook that combines history and family recipes with food. — Texas Monthly.com, Books that Cook, March 2002

Miss Grace’s Chicken and Onions shows how some traditional soul food dishes resemble the simple elegance of French cooking. — Damon Lee Fowler, Savannah Morning News, July 23, 2003

Book Description
Food for the Soul is a tribute to African Americans, their history, their culture, and their cuisine. The author, Monique Y. Wells, was initially inspired to write a book for African Americans in Paris who wanted a taste of home while living abroad. It was to be a simple collection of recipes and a list of indoor and outdoor markets, American grocers and other places where hard-to-find ingredients could be obtained. However, the project evolved and became a labor of love – for family, for cooking, and for history.

Wells honors her family and its origins in virtually every page of this book, recounting the memories associated with many of the recipes that she presents. She speaks of her mother’s Louisiana roots and the initiative that her mother took to preserve the recipes that her family brought to Texas from Louisiana. She talks of the pride and care that her father, a native Texan, takes in his barbecue – The Best Barbecue in the World! She also celebrates the tracing of her roots through her maternal grandfather’s Creole family back to the Bordeaux region of France.

If you were never quite sure about the difference between sweet potatoes and yams, or wondered where okra came from, you need look no further. Food for the Soul presents such information on several ingredients commonly used in soul food dishes as well as the origins of certain dishes. The introductory section also discusses the effects of European conquest, in particular the slave trade, on culinary habits around the world, the meaning of the word “creole”, and the distinction between the origins and gastronomic culture of Cajuns and Creoles.

Food for the Soul was named Best Nonfiction Book of 2001 by the Sistah Circle Book Club.

Beauford Delaney was a consummate artist and a humble, warm-hearted man. He was a great teacher and a great listener. He was psychologically troubled, yet a profound inspiration to many. His life and his talent were gifts to the world. He was born on December 30, 1901 in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA and died on March 26, 1979 in Paris, France.

Lambeth Readers and Writers Festival 2010 in London with Bernardine Evaristo

BWIE — Sun, 02 May 2010 22:10:58 +0000

The Lambeth Readers and Writers Festival 2010 offers a month-long programme of inspirational events.

Bernardine Evaristo – Lara Book Launch – Wednesday 5 May, 7pm at Brixton Library

Bernardine Evaristo was born and raised in London. She has published four cross-genre novels, including Blonde Roots, Soul Tourists and The Emporor’s Babe. In March she published ‘Hello Mum’ about teenage knife crime aimed at adult and teenage readers. She co-edited the Granta new writing anthology ‘NW15′.

Lara is a powerful semi-autobiographical novel-in-verse based on Bernardine’s own childhood and family history. The novel travels back over 150 years, seven generations and three continents of Lara’s ancestry.

For more information or to book tickets for Lambeth Libraries events please call 020 7926 1075 or email readersandwriters@lambeth.gov.uk.

To avoid disappointment please book for all events.

Black Women Bloggers in Europe Series – Germany 3 – Kabai33

BWIE — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:23:15 +0000

Kabai33

Yamile Yemoonyah is an artist blogger and creative entrepreneur on her way to a sustainable lifestyle. On Kabai33 she shares tips, tools and resources to help start & grow your own creative web biz.

She was born in Colombia to her birth-mother of the indigenous Embera people and to my unknown African-Colombian birth-father. When I was one and a half years old I was adopted, together with my brother-to-be, by parents who are both from the Netherlands but raised us in Germany. She currently lives and works in Berlin.

Her work reflects all of these cultural influences and speaks of the essence that connects all beings no matter where they are from. But it also celebrates that Spirit can be expressed in a myriad of forms which to her shows that creativity is an inherent feature of life and we should enjoy the beauty of all creations, be it a painting, a human being, a star or a business plan..

What does Kabai33 mean?

The jaibanas (shamans) of the Embera people have the power to turn away from this world and to behold the true universe through their visions and dreams. This faculty and process is regarded as labour. The shaman uses the term kabai to express this work of communicating with the supernatural world. Besides its sense of ‘to work’ (including physical and manual labour), kabai also means ‘to learn’ and ‘to know’. By means of their work with the spiritual world, the jaibanas acquire their knowledge and insights of man’s true existence and are therefore able to heal the earth, which is their main task ! The spirit of a jaibana, who teaches them how to do their kabai – work, is an Antomia, mother or master of water, amphibious beings that live in the waterworlds beneath our own world.

33 contains all the numbers in her birth date combined. The number three stands for communication and 33 for communicating with the inner as well as the outer dimensions and universes.

Black Women Bloggers in Europe Series – Italy 2 – The Italian Files

BWIE — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 22:42:52 +0000

The Italian Files

I’m a lover of books, travel and food. A very curious soul. If your curious, too I’m glad you’ve found me. I love/live in Italy and have done for 10 years. Enjoy my observations, opinions and articles (a.k.a the rantings of a mad lady).

Now for all you nosey parkers out there, I thought I’d do a litte Q&A to statisfy a little of your curiosity. So here it is:

I see in your photo you are in Venice. Is that where you live?

No, I live in Modena, in the north of Italy.

Why did you move to Italy?

For ‘amore’. I know it’s so predictable but what can I say, Italian men are very romantic.

Do you publish your articles. If yes, where?

I have some things on Associated Content. Although these same articles are also on here. Have a look in my ‘Articles’ folder.

Do you write on request?

Yes, I do. You can contact me for any requests for writing or translation work through the contact form on the site. I’ll be in touch.

What’s your job?

I run the office of a handbag designer (I know ladies; I’m surrounded by designer bags everyday! Don’t hate me for it!).

What made you create this website?

I just wanted to have something for me, where I can write and offload stuff that’s on my mind, on to the page and over to you.

Where are you originally from?

I was born in Lagos, Nigeria. The family moved to London when I was around seven.

Would you consider adding an Italian section?

Umm, yes. I’d have to think about what type of section it’d be though.

Where did you learn to cook?

Mostly from when I moved here and through trial and error. The more you do it, the more confident you get with whipping things together and creating dishes. For Italians food is sacrosanct and this appreciation can’t help but rub off on you.

Would you recommend Venice at as winter destination?

Well, I think it’s such an amazing and particular place, it’d work well as a holiday destination whenever you’d have the good fortune to go there.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw is a stage and TV actress in England.

BWIE — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:43:58 +0000

Gugu Mbatha-Raw is an English actress, perhaps best known for her semi-regular role as Jenny in the fifth series of Spooks, and lead role as Vivienne Davis in BBC1 new drama Bonekickers.

A Royal Academy of Dramatic Art trained actress, her first television role was playing Colette Hill in Holby City. She played a nurse in Walk Away and I Stumble, and Eve in Vital Signs. She played Fidelity Saunders in Bad Girls in 2006 and appeared as Martha Jones’ sister Tish in the 2007 series of Doctor Who. She appeared in the ITV drama series Marple, in an episode based on the novel Ordeal by Innocence. She also appeared in Lost in Austen as Piranha, the flat mate of the female lead, Amanda, played by Jemima Rooper.

She recently appeared in the television version of Roy Williams’ play Fallout (part of Channel 4′s Disarming Britain series) as Shanice Roberts. Mbatha-Raw has been cast as the female lead in J.J. Abrams’ new spy drama Undercovers, set to debut in late 2010 on NBC.

Mbatha-Raw has appeared on stage in Broadway, London, Birmingham, Exeter and Manchester.

She has appeared twice at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, first in Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra opposite Josette Bushell-Mingo and then as Juliet opposite Andrew Garfield in Romeo And Juliet, both in 2005.

In November 2008 she took the part of Monique in Gethsemane at the National Theatre, and later on tour. In June 2009 she played a “touchingly bewildered” Ophelia opposite Jude Law in the Donmar’s West End production of Hamlet. She will repeat her performance of Ophelia when the production moves to Broadway.

During 2006 she appeared on BBC Radio 4 in Living with the Enemy.

Source: Wikipedia

The Ladies Behind Catch A Vibe

BWIE — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:19:10 +0000

Meet the ladies behind catchavibe.co.uk. A website that showcases the UK’s black culture:

Founder & Editor

Alice GbeliaAlice Gbelia Alice is an experienced Web Content Manager who has worked for companies such as Sky and Red Bee Media. Alice loved the concept of a cultural magazine dedicated to black arts and culture and decided to get involved. From producing the website to recruiting the writers and defining the marketing strategy, Alice has been pivotal in the running and success of Catch a Vibe.

Alice’s favourite hangouts in London: Wherever you can find live music: Momo, Vibe bar, Market Place, Jazz Café, etc… // Spitafields Market: for unique designer fashion at unbeatable prices.

Editors

Elizabeth SalmonElizabeth Salmon – Literature & Spoken Word Elizabeth has always been a keen reader and whilst studying towards a BA in English Literature she joined the writing ranks of catchavibe.co.uk back when it was still Say it Loud. Since then she has continued to read and write for catchavibe.co.uk and expand her portfolio of writing. She has an MSc in Politics and currently volunteers at the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Where can you find Elizabeth? At independent bookstores. Large central libraries like Swiss Cottage Library, Forbidden Planet or – predictably – chilling at a cafe with old friends from university talking about books.

Reshma Madhi – Arts and Fashion editor for Catch a VibeReshma Madhi – Fashion & Arts Reshma has contributed to various publications since her student days, including reviews of new music artists for Unlimited Media and features for Arberry Pink. She has also been broadcasting for a community radio station based in Essex. Reshma is currently working as a researcher for a legal industry publication while contributing for Catch a Vibe as the Arts and Fashion Editor.

You’re most likely to find Reshma in Life Café in Lewisham – or in the Southbank area, visiting some of the main stops for culture vultures in London.

Divine Unity: A Divine Gospel Trio in the UK

BWIE — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:13:57 +0000

Photo by Priscilla Parmar

Source: Catch a Vibe

In an industry saturated with mediocre female vocalists compensating for their lack of creative prowess by showcasing acres of naked flesh, Divine Unity are a welcome breath of fresh air.

The talented trio consist of Sharlene (24), Martina (23) and Sacha (25). Remarkably, there is no weak link in this hat-trick of unique voices. Sharlene is a vocal power-house, whose energetic stage presence is utterly infectious. Martina demonstrates a smooth, soulful singing style whilst emanating loveliness from every pore. Sacha’s sweet and sassy attitude is reflected in her honeyed high-end notes, which are an intensely pleasurable audio-experience. Having sung together since they were just 11 years old, their gorgeous harmonies are effortless.

They describe themselves as “first and foremost, pop music” which shows an endearing lack of pretension and yet there are a huge variety of genres evident in their sound. Their broad range of musical influences encompass everything from Madness to Frank Sinatra. The first half of their gig at Charlotte Street Blues takes you from soulful ballad (Human Form), through catchy Lily-Allen-esque Britpop (Realise) to rock guitar riffs reminiscent of Kings of Leon (Free). In the second half of the show, these ladies “take it back to Church” and prove they don’t need any gimmicks with a stunning, virtually a cappella arrangement of “Amazing Grace”.

Surprisingly, it’s when they fuse heavy metal guitar and powerful, rock-inspired drum-beats with their gospel vocals that Divine Unity really shine. Rock and gospel are not supposed to work, but it does here and the result is startlingly spectacular, as evidenced by their stand-out track “The Devil is a Liar” (which will have you air-guitaring all the way home).

Everything from their confident yet natural stage personas, to their fashion-forward multi-coloured stage garb reflects the fact that Divine Unity are unapologetically true to themselves. They are involved with the national, celebrity endorsed confidence campaign Body Gossip and hope that the positive message conveyed in their lyrics, along with their edgy, yet not overtly sexual image, will promote self-esteem in young women and prove that glamour and self-respect can go hand-in-hand.

If you are a Christian, Divine Unity’s lyrics will undoubtedly speak to you. The girls are touchingly honest about the experiences that inspire their songs. If not, don’t be put off: the hooks are catchy and the message is universal. You will leave Divine Unity’s gig elated, uplifted and wanting more.

Free General Election BME Political Rally in London

BWIE — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 12:01:49 +0000

Where: – Westminster Central Hall, London SW1H 9NH

When: – April 28, 2010 at 06:00 PM -to- April 28, 2010 at 10:00 PM

Equanomics UK in partnership with Operation Black Vote, JUST West Yorkshire, the 1990 Trust, the Peace Alliance and many others in the Black Leadership Coalition, including church leaders, business leaders, activists and faith groups, will be hosting the largest BME political rally of the 2010 general election campaign ‘Black Britain Decides’.

Starts Wednesday 28th of April 2010, 6.30pm at The Methodist Church, Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, London, SW1H 9NH.

‘The Black Manifesto – The Price of Race Inequality’ a pre and post set of demands for politicians will also be available on the night. There are at least 120 marginal seats that BME voters could significantly influence. This then is our time to demand greater social, economic and racial justice.

The rally will be syndicated to more than a million black people via the vast BME media network and other National media corporations.

The mainstream party political leaders have been invited and stated that they would like to be there. In a closely fought political race, the Black vote: African, Asian, Caribbean and other ethnic minorities will hold the key to who wins and who loses this election.

During this election campaign our call will be for justice and equality of opportunity in all areas at all levels of society, particularly in relation to economic justice and protecting our young people from violent crime rather than constantly branding them as criminals and radicals.

‘Black Britain Decides’ is free and places are limited so registering for it is essential. OBV are leading on delegate support, so for any queries please contact:

Jyoti Bhojani or Aisha Hassan on 0208 983 5460 or Aisha@obv.org.uk

Introducing Yvette! on Moiko Records

BWIE — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 22:55:03 +0000

Listen to Yvette on Moiko Records Music Showcase!

“Yvette Ala Grecque” bonus tracks some of your favorite hot cover songs!

Buy Mp3s @:
www.moikorecords

Time: April 24, 2010 from 5pm to 8pm
Location: “Moiko Records Music Showcase” – Blog Talk Radio
Organized By: Crystal Cartier – Word Man – Moiko

Event Description:

This Saturday evening (17:00 EST), we will be interviewing Moiko Recording Artist, “Yvette Jarvis” and debuting her album, “Yvette … a La Grecque”!

Besides her “Greek” album debut, we will also be playing several of her “HOT” cover songs and discussing various international issues.

See more details and RSVP on MOIKO RECORDS!

http://moikonetwork.ning.com/events/event/show?id=984361%3AEvent%3A132513&xgi=39bwb5IYtEEVLi&xg_source=msg_invite_event

Tolula Adeyemi wore nithing but matching gold shooes, lame skirt and visoro

BWIE — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:28:03 +0000

Hat tip: Euromight

Source: Catch a Vibe

A British model of Nigerian descent, Tolula Adeyemi was first scouted in Topshop at the age of 17. She has quickly risen to style prominence as muse to Vivienne Westwood, when she was handpicked by the highly regarded designer to appear in her 2008 Gold Label ad campaign. Adeyemi subsequently caused a storm by appearing “as the topless raga girl dancehall queen!” on the catwalk in Westwood’s London Fashion Week show, wearing nothing but matching gold shoes, lame skirt and visor.

Her portfolio also includes posing for iconic photographer Ian Rankin as well as editorials in Vanity Fair, Dazed and Confused, British Vogue, Hello, French Playboy, I.D magazine as well as various other leading fashion magazines. More recently, she replaced fellow model Daisy Lowe to become the current face of British sports/active wear line Hari.

Alongside fashion modelling, Adeyemi is a DJ and recently branched into the acting world, when she was chosen by Hollywood actor Dustin Hoffman to make her debut big screen appearance as jazz singer Monique in his film Last Chance Harvey (2008). This was quickly followed with starting up a theatre company, with a series of London shows in London co-written and performed with stand-up comic Narin Ozenci.

Adeyemi’s distinctive style and unique look has caught the attention of big names in fashion and entertainment as well as the media, with Adeyemi often snapped in quirky outfits at film premieres and fashion events. She was even rumoured to be dating Brit actor Jude Law at one point.

A true, modern fashion icon, she is definitely one to watch further in 2010 and beyond.

Andrea Levy is an award winning novelist in London

BWIE — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 22:50:16 +0000

Hat tip: Euromight

In 1948 Andrea Levy’s father sailed from Jamaica to England on the Empire Windrush ship and her mother joined him soon after. Andrea was born in London in 1956, growing up black in what was still a very white England. This experience has given her an complex perspective on the country of her birth.

Andrea Levy did not begin writing until she was in her mid-thirties. At that time there was little written about the black British experience in Britian. After attending writing workshops Levy began to write the novels that she, as a young woman, had always wanted to read – entertaining novels that reflect the experiences of black Britons, that look closely and perceptively at Britain and its changing population and at the intimacies that bind British history with that of the Caribbean. In her first three novels she explored – from different perspectives – the problems faced by black British-born children of Jamaican emigrants. In her first novel, the semi-autobiographical Every Light in the House Burnin’ (1994), the story is of a Jamaican family living in London in the 1960s. Never Far from Nowhere (1996), her second, is set during the 1970s and tells the story of two very different sisters living on a London council estate. In Fruit of the Lemon (1999), Faith Jackson, a young black woman, visits Jamaica after suffering a nervous breakdown and discovers a previously unknown personal history

In her fourth novel Small Island Levy examines the experiences of those of her father’s generation who returned to Britain after being in the RAF during the Second World War. But more than just the story of the Jamaicans who came looking for a new life in the Mother Country, she explores the adjustments and problems faced by the English people whom those Jamaicans came to live amongst. Immigration changes everyone’s lives and in Small Island Levy examines not only the conflicts of two cultures thrown together after a terrible war, but also the kindness and strength people can show to each other. The Second World War was a great catalyst that has led to the multi-cultural society Britain has become. For Andrea Levy acknowledging the role played by all sides in this change is an important part of understanding the process so we can go on to create a better future together.

In her latest novel, The Long Song, Levy goes further back to the origins of that intimacy between Britain and the Caribbean. The book is set in early 19th century Jamaica during the last years of slavery and the period immediately after emmancipation. It is the story of July, a house slave on a sugar plantation named Amity. The story is narrated by the character of July herself, now an old woman, looking back upon her eventful life.

Andrea Levy is a Londoner. She not only lives and works in the city she loves but has used London as the setting in many of her novels. She has been a recipient of an Arts Council Award and her second novel Never Far from Nowhere was long listed for the Orange Prize. Small Island was the winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction, the Whitbread Novel Award, the Orange Best of the Best, and the Commonwealth Writer’s Prize. Besides novels she has also written short stories that have been read on radio, published in newspapers and anthologised. She has been a judge for the Orange Prize for Fiction, Orange Futures and the Saga Prize.

International Black Women’s Film Festival 2010 Call For Submissions

BWIE — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:55:35 +0000

No Submission Fee If Postmarked by May 17, 2010

The festival accepts all categories, including, shorts, features, documentaries, experimental, music video,
digital media, online films and animation. All genres are accepted, except for explicit adult film/video.

Registration is available online or offline, but we are strongly encouraging online submissions.

You can find more information and get registration a application online at: www.ibwff2010.com

(*You can also register via Facebook Connect. Download areas require Registration.)

Click for More Information:
Submission Requirements
Registration Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Advertising/Sponsorship Opportunities: sponsorships [at] ibwff [dot] com

More Questions?
Please send an email to director [at] ibwff [dot] com

Black International Cinema Berlin 2010

BWIE — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 22:59:27 +0000

]]>

Natalie Barrett is in the cast of “Find Her Keep Her”

BWIE — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 22:35:03 +0000

Visit her MySpace page, and watch the trailer for the movie “Find Her Keep Her” where she is a cast member.

Black Women in Europe™ becomes a publisher of choice

BWIE — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 22:13:34 +0000

]]>

Yelena Khanga became one of Russia’s best known celebrities

BWIE — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 22:52:18 +0000

Yelena Khanga was born and raised in Moscow when it was considered the USSR, and is the author Soul to Soul: The Story of a Black Russian American Family: 1865 – 1992. Khanga divides her time between New York City and Moscow.

Yelena is the daughter of Abdullah Kassim, a former vice president of Zanzibar, and Lily Golden, a historian and educator. Her American maternal grandmother, of Polish Jewish descent, was a Russian-English translator for a Soviet news agency. Her African-American grandfather, Oliver Golden earned a college degree in agronomy from the Tuskegee Institute. Unable to find any work in his field, coupled with oppressive racism in the US and disdain for interracial couples, he and his wife moved to Uzbekistan to develop the cotton industry there.

Yelena Khanga is a former fellow of the Harvard University Institute of Politics, a correspondent from 1984 to 1990 for the Moscow News in Moscow, and a commentator for two years for Vzglyad, a program on Soviet Television.

For one year, Ms. Khanga was an intern with the Christian Science Monitor in Boston as the first participant in a unique journalistic exchange program established by the Christian Science Monitor and the Moscow News. She was also a performer with a comedy group in Brighton Beach called Kanotye, and has also appeared on Russian television on “Shkola zlosloviya” as Herself – Guest (1 episode, 2005), aka “The School for Scandal” – International (English title) (informal title) and Episode #4.12 (2005) TV episode as Herself – Guest.

L,Mr. Khanga in Moscow, R, with her mother

Yelena Khanga recalls the day in I February 1991 when she ran her fingers through the rich soil of a farm once owned by her great-grandfather in Yazoo County, Miss. At that moment, the Black American Russian Jewish African great-granddaughter of a former slave and a Polish rabbi knew in the deepest recesses of her soul that she was connected to something much larger than herself.

“I always believed that the only relatives I had were my mother and my grandmother,” Khanga says with a distinctly Russian accent. “But when I went to Mississippi and saw the land, I was like, ‘Wow! We have roots. This is where we come from.’ Now, I feel that I am somebody.”

Read an article with photos of Ms. Khanga’s family originally published in Ebony magazine in 1992.

The University of Maastricht Graduate School of Governance & Oxfam Novib are working to discover the financial services that African migrants in the EU need

BWIE — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 22:48:44 +0000

The University of Maastricht Graduate School of Governance in the Netherlands is working with Oxfam Novib , the international poverty action initiative, on discovering the financial services that African migrants living in the European Union need access to. They are currently conducting a study that seeks to engage ten different African migrant communities across the EU.

The goal of the research is to suggest ways that financial services, particularly money transfer services, could be made easier and cheaper to access for Africans living in the EU. The study’s results will also be used to guide Oxfam Novib in fostering partnerships with African organizations in the EU and microcredit organizations in select African countries.

Survey Link: Click Here

Women Enterprise and Procurement and reception in UK Parliament

BWIE — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:02:48 +0000

Tuesday 20 April 2010, Panel 5pm for 5.30pm start/ Reception 7.15pm-9pm
House of Lords, London SW1A 0PW

If Women Business Owners were their own country, they would be the 5th largest GDP in the world.* Most of their businesses are small and medium sized enterprises (SME) which find it difficult to access public sector contracts.

Part of the problem in the UK is the simplification of the procurement process following on from the Gershon Review of 2004/05. The big companies (Tier One) win the contracts and subcontract some of the work to smaller companies (Tier Two). But all too often, this leads to an unfair relationship and the smaller businesses effectively carry the risk – and debts – for the larger contractor. The burden can cause SMEs to go out of business altogether. What should the UK Government do about it?

WiPP in the US successfully lobbied their Government for legislative changes resulting in a better deal for SMEs. Now, at least 23% of Government procurement must go to SMEs and at least 5% must go to women owned businesses. Should the UK do the same?

Is there a private sector solution? For example, WEConnect is already connecting women owned companies with large corporations. They seek to create sustainable economic growth by increasing the opportunities for women-owned businesses to succeed in the global value chain.

And what about Directives and Laws from Europe? Should the discussion be taking place there rather than in Britain? The Genesis Initiative believes so and is working to achieve reform of all EU Government SME Procurement Law.

Chaired by:

Rt Hon Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
WiPP Co-chairman

Discussion Panel:

Jennifer Biscegli
WiPP (US) Board Director, President of InTEROS Solutions Inc

Joy Nichols MBE
CEO, GMB2 Group and Member of the Genesis Initiative

Nieves Childerley
Senior Procurement Manager, London Development Agency

Virginia Littlejohn
CEO of Quantum Leaps, and Chairman of TradeBuilders Inc

Elizabeth Vazquez
Executive Director WEConnect International, and President of TradeBuilders Inc

Sue Lawton
CEO, WEConnect Europe

Marie-Christine Oghly
President and European Commissioner FCEM (World Association of Women Entrepreneurs), & President of EnginSoft, France

Dagmar Steinmetz
Assistant Secretary General FCEM, and Managing Director DDS Consult GmbH, Germany

Find Your Strongest Life: What the Happiest and Most Successful Women Do Differently

BWIE — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 22:54:54 +0000

Hat tip: Deena Pierott

The Strong Life Test presents you with a number of scenarios and then challenges you to identify which decision you would make. Be sure to go with your top-of-mind response; your immediate, unfiltered reaction is always the most revealing.

Of course, your test results will not define you completely–there’s a good deal more fine-tuning you’ll want to do on your own to add detail and specificity. But what the test will do is show you where to start your search for a strong life.

I think the test is a good starting point. If you want to buy the book please follow for this link to Amazon.com for Find Your Strongest Life: What the Happiest and Most Successful Women Do Differently, or Abe Books or Barnes & Noble, and your purchase will help support the Black Women in Europe™ Blog.

Dyana Gaye’s films is part of CinemAfrica movie breakfast 28 / 3, and Norway’s first African Film Festival

BWIE — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:54:47 +0000

Sunday, March 28th at 10:45 (movie playback starts 11:00) to 14:00

Bio Rio, Hornstull Beach 3, Subway Hornstull

St. Louis Blues
Directed by Dyana Gaye
Senegal (2009), 48 min
Language: French, Wolof, English subtitles

In a dusty parking lot in Dakar waiting six passengers and a tired driver impatiently for a seventh show up, so that they can come off on its journey to St. Louis. Then, suddenly breaking one of the passengers out of an irritated song – “Come then, sometime, so we’ll go!” And the film turns into something as unexpected as a mixture of song and dance film à la Jacques Demy French fifty and a road movie in today’s Senegal. A small film that breathtaking smile that may move in time with the music.

You buy your ticket to the movie breakfast of Bio Rio, www.biorio.se . It costs SEK 150 (including breakfast). The ticket then you show up at CinemAfrica info table during breakfast, film, and pay £ 150 for your membership card and CinemAfrica movie Moolaadé.

FILMAFRIKANA – Norway’s first African film festival!

Natalie Duvall is par of the cast of “Find Her Keep Her”

BWIE — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:02:51 +0000

Natalie Duvall is a graduate of The Brit School. View her impressive CV and watch the trailer for her new film, “Find Her Keep Her”.

When “art” is offensive: Solostücke und satirische Schönheitskonkurrenz

BWIE — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 22:00:10 +0000

I shared this on the AfroSpear Think Tank Blog yesterday:

\
Jenny Beyer, Christoph Leuenberger und Anja Müller (v. l.) schlüpften in “fremde Haut”, um im Trio gemeinsam die Einzel-Choreografien für ihre Soli “I I I” zu erarbeiten.
Foto: Kampnagel

The photo above is from a theater production in Hamburg. Click through to read or translate the German text.

Below is a letter to the artists in the production and their response:

Letter from a concerned citizen named Love, an entertainer who lives/works in Hamburg, to the brains behind the show:

GREETINGS JENNY, Abendblatt, Kampnagel and other supporters of “III, It’s gonna Blow!”

My intention is to support good art. I am sure that is what you were all trained to represent. But unfortunately, as I saw the poster, and later read about “III, IT’S GONNA BLOW”, I could see nothing but your misunderstanding about what it means to “get into the skin of another culture”. Many of us (I have received many calls and e-mails) are shocked and saddened by your choice, to represent ANY culture the way that you have. The costumes show tasteless, debasing clichés of Africans, and takes Germany and the world back to the beginning of what creates problems through misinformation, caused by the lack of investigation into the rich cultures of our world. I am sure that a poster with Africans, representing Germans with arms raised, beer foamed drinking glasses, leather pants and wurst would first bring negative feelings to the viewer, even if the content of the show meant well. As performers, journalists etc., we must take responsibility and PRIDE in making new and UPLIFTING choices, and stop repeating the same DEGRADING ones.

My request is that you re-think YOUR intentions to bring “culture” to Hamburg and the world, and support only those quality efforts which are available right here in this beautiful city. A sure way to achieve true peace among the various cultures is to start with the TRUTH, RESPECT, and a REAL desire to “get into the skin of another”, through historical, artistic, cultural and personal research. Then, AND ONLY THEN, should we present those results on a worthy stage.

Thank you for your time.

Promoting peace and understanding,
Love

Here is their response:

Dear Love,
We are sorry, that our flyer offended you. However, if you read closely, you will see, that our piece has absolutly nothing to do with Africa. It deals with the tension bewteen collecive and solo. Three performer working together on soli, getting into the skin of another person not another culture. The costume for the flyer plays with the idea of carneval, alienation through disguise and other related themes. We therefore dealt a lot with a child-like understanding of costume and appearance. For a european eye, the used image is a clear reference to carneval, but we do understand that the American way of reading it would have references to ministrel shows and other forms of racial caricature which are much less prominent in the European mind.

We simply want to invite you to see the piece in order to understand, that this particular piece of art is in no way offending to any culture. Please accept our invitation, we would also offer you a free ticket.

Best wishes
Jenny

My friend Trina in Germany also sent Jenny a letter:

Dear Jenny,

I have been following this issue from afar (i.e. the “Hochsauerland”) and have seen the Abendblatt article, Love Newkirk’s letter to you, as well as your response.
I must say I found your reaction disappointing in that it latches onto a singular apparent misinterpretation without (in my opinion) doing the larger context the justice it deserves.

“For a european eye” and “other forms of racial caricature which are much less prominent in the European mind.”

While the idea of the minstrel show may well be something most common in an America context, the imagery of blackface chosen for your show is not singular to that particular phenomenon – and by no means, therefore, less hurtful, demeaning or misleading. This imagery of black people has it’s parallels in other societies as well. I would only quickly mention the British/Australian “golliwog” , the “sambo” as well as – to bring the matter closer to home – many clearly racist depictions of black people used during the Nazi era right here in Germany. These images were circulated as yet another vehicle to more deeply penetrate National Socialist dogma by further dehumanizing people of African descent, as well as justifying the continued colonial subjugation of the African continent and its peoples. These are certainly images with which many older Germans (and anyone with insight into the era) are very familiar.

Most significant for me, however, is the seemingly total disregard for the opinions and feelings of the hundreds of thousands of people of African descent living in Germany today – some for only a number of years; others already for several generations – who must still deal on a day-to-day basis with everything from this type of “minor artistic misunderstanding” to the most heinous and flagrant types of racially induced oppression and violence. Personally, I find it extremely difficult to believe that – within the context of a decidedly rich and extensive carneval history throughout Germany – there was no other imagery that contained an equally – if not superior (!) – reference to just the type of “alienation through diguise” to which the artists aspired.

By choosing to trivialize the responses you are receiving from people of African descent – not from America, mind you, but right here in Germany – you are continuing a cycle that renders us without a voice and “invisible” within the greater societal context. Our real thoughts, genuine feelings, personal opinions – our collective HISTORY – don’t seem to matter in comparison to the “artistic agenda” of select members of the Eurocentric population.

Is that really your message?

I actually don’t think so, but – as the old saying goes – “actions speak louder than words”.

Sincerely,

Trina Roach

P.S. Maybe these tips I collected for an early “blog post – “Taking Advantage of A ‘Teachable Moment” – can be helpful?

* Immediately acknowledge criticism

* Take your critics and their criticism seriously

* Stop doing whatever is offensive. ASAP!

* Avoid the temptation to slip into “auto-defense” mode

* Seek honest dialogue with a representative group of your critics

* Apologize publicly. And in earnest

I ask: Why is this still an issue in 2010?

Meet Bianca Simmone

BWIE — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 22:00:29 +0000

See Bianca in the movie “Find Her Keep Her”

There’s more to Bianca Simmone than just a pretty face. At just 24, the west London-born model, recording artist, designer and presenter boasts a CV that would rival someone twice her age. What is more impressive is that this multi-faceted star has carved out a successful career in these competitive fields using her own business acumen.

Born to an English father and Jamaican mother in 1985, a young Bianca had ambitions of stardom from the moment she could walk. At 6, the promising performer was landing starring roles in school plays and coveted solo stints in the choir. Bianca’s stage promise soon prompted her mother to enrol the young talent into weekend performing arts programme. It was at Kidz Club where Bianca was able to hone her skills in acting and singing whilst discovering new skills dancing and modelling.

Bianca’s big break came when at the age of 11, she was asked to sing to an audience of 90,000 at Wembley Stadium. It wasn’t long before Bianca’s natural beauty would catch the attention of modelling scouts present at her singing engagements. Her first taste of such an experience came when scouts from the long-standing Afro Hair and Beauty Show approached her and instantly signed her up to model at the popular annual event. Due to the increasing demand within this sector, Bianca was forced to make the difficult decision of leaving education to pursue a burgeoning career and a once in a lifetime opportunity in the modelling industry.

Read Bianca’s full bio on her official website.

The “France Noire/Black France” Film Festival

BWIE — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:26:40 +0000

“France Noire/Black France” Film Festival

La Présence Noire en France/The Black Presence in France

May 21- 23, 2010

Location: Forum des Images

www.forumdesimages.fr

Forum des Halles – 2, rue du Cinéma

75001 Paris

The “France Noire/Black France” Film Festival is a showcase for films that focus on the historical and contemporary experiences of people of African descent in French society. In recent years, France has seen exciting developments and inspiring activity in the artistic, cultural, intellectual, political, religious, and social realms of those who identify themselves and are identified as “Les Noirs de et en France.” Individuals and collectives have brought greater public awareness to issues ranging from the memory of slavery and silenced postcolonial experiences to integration and social equality, questions that are central to what we refer to as:“La Présence Noire en France/The Black Presence in France.”

Paris, in particular, has long been a magnet for artists, intellectuals and social activists of African descent, as beautifully illustrated by the Négritude and Harlem Renaissance movements, embodied by an array of extraordinary women and men from the 1920s through the 1950s. Their myriad manifestations of socio-political engagement and cultural expression have been richly documented in film.

The twenty-first century has witnessed a new wave of scholarship on “Blacks” in Europe and new theories of “blackness” in the African diaspora relative to French and European societies. Meanwhile, the impact of the African American or “Black” American experience in Paris and in France remains a topic of intense interest and debate.

Through this Festival, we seek to bring into sharp visual relief the differing representations and lived realities of individuals and communities, exploring complex questions from multiple perspectives. We also aim to promote and draw necessary light to a hugely important, though largely under-exposed, cinematic genre that focuses broadly on “Blacks” in France and the shifting cultural and social terrain that they have shaped in the metropole and territories identified and/or understood as being part of France.

The “France Noire/Black France” Film Festival is designed to attract a broad and diverse audience in order to contribute to the strengthening of international, cross-cultural, and cross-generational understanding of the themes and issues examined in these films.

Coordonnées:

En France :

Professeurs Trica KEATON, Arlette FRUND, Maboula SOUMAHORO
Columbia University Institute for Scholars at Reid Hall
4, rue de Chevreuse
75006 Paris, France

Email: trica.d.keaton@vanderbilt.edu, frunda@wanadoo.fr, maboula.soumahoro@gmail.com

Aux Etats-Unis

T. Denean SHARPLEY-WHITING
Distinguished Professor of French and African American and Diaspora Studies
Director of W. T. Bandy Center for Baudelaire and Modern French Studies
Director of Program in African American and Diaspora Studies
2301 Vanderbilt Place
Box 351516
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN 37235-1516

Email: t.sharpley-whiting@Vanderbilt.Edu

Get information about the pre-event at the US Embassy, how to get to the venue, the sponsors, and Euzhan Palcy.

Euzhan Palcy is the Honoree of the “Black France/France noire Film festival

BWIE — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 22:34:04 +0000

Born in Martinique, Euzhan Palcy grew up studying the films of Fritz Lang, Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder and Orson Welles. She left for Paris in 1975 to earn a master’s degree in French Literature, in theater at the Sorbonne, a D.E.A. in Art and Archeology and a film degree (specializing in cinematography) from renowned Louis Lumiere School of Cinema.

It was in Paris, with the encouragement of her “French Godfather,” Francois Truffaut, that she was able to put together her first feature, “Sugar Cane Alley” (1983). Shot for less than $1,000,000, it documents through the eyes of a young boy the love and sacrifice of a poor black family living on a Martinique sugar cane plantation in the 1930’s. “Sugar Cane Alley” won over 17 international awards including the Venice Film Festival’s Silver Lion, as well as Best Lead Actress Award. It also won the prestigious Cesar Award (the French equivalent to our Academy Award) for best first feature film.

After seeing Palcy’s impressive work, Robert Redford hand picked her to attend the 1984 Sundance Director’s Lab, becoming her “American Godfather”. Marlon Brando was so moved by her next project, “A Dry White Season” (1989), and her commitment to social change that he came out of a self-imposed retirement, agreeing to act in the film for free. Also starring in the film were actors Donald Sutherland and Susan Sarandon. Palcy adapted “A Dry White Season” from the novel by South African writer, Andre Brink. The story focuses on the social movements of South Africa and the Soweto riots, and was heralded for putting the politics of apartheid into meaningful human terms. Palcy was so passionate about creating an accurate portrayal on film that she traveled to Soweto undercover, posing as a recording artist, to research the riots. She became the first black female director produced by a major Hollywood studio. Brando’s performance in the movie earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and he received the Best Actor Award at the Tokyo Film Festival. For her outstanding cinematic achievement, Palcy received the “Orson Welles Award” in Los Angeles.

By 1992 Palcy veered away from the serious subject matters of her previous films to show the spirit and liveliness of her native Martinique with “Simeon” (1992), a musical comedic fairytale set in the Caribbean and Paris and the three-part documentary, “Aime Cesaire, A Voice For History” (1994) about the famed Martinique poet, playwright and philosopher. Both garnered numerous awards and international critical acclaim.

On working with the director, Alan ALDA said, “Euzhan Palcy has an unusual combination of abilities. She can give you an extraordinary action sequence that gets your adrenaline pumping and then she can move right into an intimate scene between two people that comes straight from the soul. Women are often not considered when it comes to directing action movies, but Euzhan has a range that would be hard to find in most directors, male or female.”

Other works include for Disney/ABC Studios, Palcy directed and produced “Ruby Bridges” (1998) the compelling, moving story of the little New Orleans girl who was the first to integrate the public schools, immortalized in the painting by Norman Rockwell. President Clinton and Disney President, Michael Eisner introduced the film to American audiences. For Paramount/Showtime Studios, she directed “The Killing Yard” (2001), starring Alan Alda and Morris Chestnut. The drama is based on the true events surrounding the 1971 Attica prison uprising which had an indelible impact on the American prison system and jury process.

In 2006, she wrote and directed the documentary, “Parcours de Dissidents”, narrated by Oscar-Nominated and esteemed French actor, Gerard Depardieu. Most recently, Palcy wrote and directed the French three-hour period piece set in the 17th century, “Les Mariees de I’isles Bourbon” (The Brides of Bourbon Island) (2007). It tells of a romantic, historic epic action adventure where three women survive a harrowing ocean voyage from France to forcibly marry French ex-patriots on the island of Reunion.

She left Hollywood for a time and returned to Paris on a sort of self-imposed exile. “I don’t want to be typecast” she said, “nor did I want to be used by putting my name on everything to advance someone else’s agenda. That’s why I don’t have a lot of films.” However, Palcy has recently returned to working with the studios, collaborating as she says, “in a different way.” Projects include attachments by Academy Award alums, Ellen Burstyn and Sam Shepard.

In 1994, she was honored with the distinction of Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite (Knight in the National Order Merit) from French President, Francois Mitterrand. In 1997 in Amiens, France, a movie theater was named “Cinema Euzhan Palcy.” In 2000, she humbly received the honor of having Martinique’s first high school dedicated to film study named after her and was presented with the Sojourner Truth Award at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival. In 2004 she was the recipient of the famous French Metal of Honor. In 2009 she is bestowed Officier de l’Ordre National du Mérite (Officer in the National Order of Merit) by French President Nicolas Sarkozy. She is Citizen of Honor of six US cities.

Palcy’s drive for the life and compassion for humanity inspire each and every project with which she is involved. Her passion spills into all areas of cinematic lexicon to include the animation, thriller, comedy and action genres. For Fox Studios, Palcy co-wrote an animated feature, currently entitled “Katoumbaza” to be executive produced by her as well. She is actively developing a feature film, on “Bessie Coleman,” for which she recorded the very last witness of the first African American aviatrix journey in France and an action comedy, “Filet Mignon” set in Los Angeles and Paris. Palcy has chosen “Midnight’s Last Ride,” (with Ellen Burstyn and Sam Shepard) a comedy drama and a project close to her heart, to be her next film to co-produce and direct in New Mexico.

Palcy is determined to not only make a difference, but also entertain by balancing delicate and moving storylines with a flair for eliciting astonishing performances and creating major action sequences with high energy and credibility.

“Euzhan Palcy strikes me as proof that great directors can come from anywhere-but they must know they are great directors and trust they are great.” – Roger Ebert

Source

Emely Dlamini is among the cast of “Find Her Keep Her”

BWIE — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 22:39:55 +0000

Emely Dlamini is an ambitious, experienced supermodel in the making. She has modelled during London Fashion Week September 2008 for French designer Pierre Garroudi whose creations have been featured in Vogue, Elle, Time Out and Bazaar.

She has worked with the following A-list artists, Leona Lewis, Akon, Marques Houston, Lloyd, Girls Aloud, Sugababes and Sway.

Previous clients Emely has worked with include Sony music, Pepsi, BBC, ITV (Hell’s Kitchen), MTV, Clothes Show London, More Magazine, Applebottoms, Agnes B, Sleek Cosmetics, African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT), Screen Nation Awards, Afro Hair and Beauty Show, Miss Jamaica UK and Face of South Africa.

Read Emely’s full biography on her website, and view the movie trailer for “Find Her Keep Her”.

World Diversity Leadership Summit Europe, Vienna 2010, a quick retrospective

BWIE — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 22:59:49 +0000

The very first World diversity Leadership Summit Europe under the patronage of the Austrian Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister Finance, Josef Pröll took place in Vienna from March 11th-12th 2010. Conference Venues were the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Vienna Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Fotos by Dieter Sackl und Villiam Bernuska

WDLS-EU Organiser and Conference Manager Beatrice Achaleke opened the Conference by situating WDLS-EU in global and European context with its enormous challenges and potential. Achaleke concluded by saying WDLS-EU is not only very timely but has the potential to offer new answers to old questions in a very challenging time.

WDLS founder Douglas C. Freeman compared a good diversity concept to a gold mine. “Diversity is not only a financial plus for companies but also represents an enormous increase in human capital for society” he pointed out.

WDLS-EU patron Mr Josef Pröll in his welcome address pointed out amongst others that the future of our ever-aging society lies in diversity.

Fotos by Dieter Sackl und Villiam Bernuska

Facts and figures in overview

*232 Registered attendees
* 76 High-ranking Diversity thought leaders as speakers
* 96 Participating companies
* 20 National and international organisations
* Excellent combination of Business, policy-making bodies and other stakeholders
* High level representation of Academia, Media, Research etc
* Involvement of high ranking diplomats (Ambassadors of USA, UK and Canada
* Local, regional and global perspectives (Europe, America and Africa)
* Broad selection and combination of keynotes, panels, split-up sessions, and remarks

WDLS-EU 2010 PANELS included:

*Age Diversity
* Gender, Sexual orientation + (Dis)abilities
* Return on Investment
* Recruiting and managing diversity talents
* Demographically changing environment
* Global affinity groups

Fotos by Dieter Sackl und Villiam Bernuska

Two split-up sessions focused on

1. Supply and marketplace diversity featuring: a) Ethnic minorities
* b) Healthcare
* c) Working parents
1. 2. comparative advantages of European and global diversity and inclusion by 2020 featuring:
* a) Global CSR
* b) Education and Research
* c) Audiovisual, print and social medial networks

Opening Remarks

*Douglas Freeman (WDLS founder)
* Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer ( CEO OMV)
* John Barrett (Ambassador Canada to Austria)
* William C. Eacho, III (U.S. Ambassador to Austria)
* Josef Pröll (Vice Chancellor, Austrian Federal Minister of Finance and WDLS-EU Patron)
* Michael Stuber General Manager, European Diversity Research and Consulting
* Ellen Seßar-Karpp, Chief of Baord, filia diefrauenstiftung
* Carmen J. Smith Vice President Global Strategy, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
* Helmut Naumann (Head of the Department of Economic Policy Vienna Chamber of Commerce and
Industry)

Selected Keynotes

*Opening keynote by Andrés Tapia (Chief Diversity Officer / Emerging Workforce Solutions Leader
Hewitt Associates)
* Dinner Keynote by Lord Michael Hastings (KPMG ‘s Global Head of Citizenship and Diversity)
* Luncheon Keynote by Hans Jablonski (Economist M.A. & Senior Consultant, Director of Jablonski
Business Diversity
* Closing Keynote by Christian Baldia (Managing Director, Virtcom Consulting)

Special Dinner Guests

* Rudolf Hundstorfer (Austrian Minister for social Affairs and Consumer Protection)
* Helen Pickering (Deputy Head of Mission, Consul General and Director of Trade and Investment,
British Embassy Vienna)
* Simon Smith (Her Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Austria)
* Reinhold Lopatka (States Secretary Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance)

Fotos by Dieter Sackl und Villiam Bernuska

What next?

WDLS-EU, Vienna 2010
24th -25 March 2011
Watch out for our call for speakers and registration coming up soon!

The Maisha (Swedish African) Inspirer of the Year Award went to Caroline Cowan

BWIE — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 22:20:20 +0000

Winner, Caroline Cowan, on the right

Caroline Cowan is the Inspirer Award winner!

If a picture is worth a thousand words, how much is a moving picture worth? More so how much is it worth for a woman of colour? The award for Inspirer of the Year goes to a successful scriptwriter and director, whose stories for both the big screen and the little screen both affect and effect.

A woman whose filmography includes TV dramas, short films, commercials and music videos. A woman whose integrity and passion for film should serve as an inspiration for other black women to come to the fore, and get behind the lens. With a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Fine Art, and the merit of being the only Swedish film director nominated at the Venice Film festival in 2007.

She is living proof that there is a place for black women in the film and TV industry in Sweden.

The 2010 Maisha (Swedish-African) Artist of the Year is Jaqee

BWIE — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 22:14:05 +0000

Jaqee is a singer songwriter, whose songs are both personal and political. Who dares to defy, where dozens comply. She is both charismatic and courageous, inspirational and infectious.

She is a two time Swedish Grammy nominee; a member of Nationalteaterns Rockorkester, and in the span of 5 years, has recorded and released four albums covering soul, r n’ b, blues, big band jazz, rock and reggae. She defies categorization, borders and genres.

The 2010 Maisha (Swedish-African) Entrepreneur of the Year is Awa Ndao

BWIE — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 22:09:51 +0000

The award for Entrepreneur of the Year went to Awa Ndao who has shown great resilience in the face of adversity and overcome a destructive and oppressive marriage to create a thriving business, centered around, extensions, braids, plaits, dreadlocks and cornrows.

It is a business she has run successfully for six years. Her success has led to such accolades as a collaboration with fashion giant Elle magazine. She was and is also instrumental in creating a platform for African hair and fashion to be showcased in Sweden, by way of a mastodon hair and fashion show involving a host of models and live music. A show that she plans to hold annually.

But perhaps the most striking of her achievements has been to introduce one of kind, diploma certified, courses in extensions, dreadlocks, braiding and platting.

The 2010 Maisha (Swedish-African) Woman of the Year is Professor Hannah Akuffo

BWIE — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 22:04:56 +0000

The Woman of the Year was awarded to Professor Hannah Akuffo, who was recognized for her extensive efforts in the field of research, in the immunology of leprosy and the mechanisms of resistance to the infections caused by the parasite leishmania.

Her contributions in this field include showing the importance of natural immunity to leishmaniasis in humans, and the consequences of co-infection of HIV with the leishmania infection. Her studies also include significant efforts to develop an affordable tool for the diagnosis of the causative agent of river blindness. At present, she is involved in the study to find a method for improving the results of the anti-tuberculosis vaccine, BCG, in low income countries, through de-worming.

She has served a telling 12 years in the research steering committees of the World Bank , the United Nations Development Program and the World Health Organizations’ special program on Tropical Disease Research. And yet, with all of these achievements, she still finds the capacity to supervise PHD candidates, mentor young scientists, chair the European Malaria Vaccine Initiative and raise three daughters!

The Hannah Akuffo Group at Karolinska Institute in Sweden – Hannah is a nominee for the African-Swedish Woman of the Year

BWIE — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 22:52:00 +0000

UPDATE: PROFESSOR AKUFFO WON!

The research area of my group is directed at a closer understanding of parasites in influencing the human host immune response. Specifically we have studied the participation of Natural Killer (NK) cells in Leishmania infection, the pathogenesis of ulcer formation during cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and the contribution of helminth infection in immunity to tuberculosis.

In 2006 I was appointed Adjunct Professor at MTC. For 80% of my time, I am the Head of the Division for University Support and National Research Development (UNI), at the Department of Research (SAREC), of the Swedish International Development cooperation Agency, Sida. The division is responsible for research, research training and other research capacity strengthening support to currently 12 countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia, namely Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Bolivia, Honduras, Nicaragua, Laos, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. In addition I represent Sweden on two boards (EMVI, European Malaria Vaccine Initiative & EDCTP, European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership) that work for developing products and clinical testing of interventions against malaria, TB and HIV/AIDS. In my own right a member of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee of the Tropical Disease Research (TDR) program based within WHO in Geneva.

See Hannah’s groups’ publications and projects.

Maria LLerena is the Queen of Salsa in Sweden and a nominee for African-Swedish Womn of the Year

BWIE — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:27:59 +0000

Caramba is run by Maria Llerena. Maria has in her entire life engaged in Afro-Caribbean music, songs and rhythms from her homeland Cuba. Maria has toured internationally in many countries and has performed with many famous artists including Edmondo Ros Orchestra, The Mills Brothers, and Josephine Baker.

Maria became famous in Sweden when she appeared on TV in Hylands Corner 1967 the girl from Havana. Among the Swedish artists including Mary have performed with Maria, and other include Evert and Sven-Bertil Taube, Lill-Babs, Siv Malmqvist and Cornershop.

For the fifteenth year in a row, Maria has arranged Maria Baby Salsa Eurhythmics on Mosebacke terrace. It has become something of an institution for young parents. Many activities are also available in locations around Sweden from Skåne to Norrbotten!

When it comes to arranging entertainment, music, dance and celebration, we at Caramba can organize a good suggestion for a successful event.

Caramba is best remembered for the Salsa Babies / Children rhythm that only we engage in Sweden. Course leader and creator of this method is Maria Llerena.

All Caramba activities, performances and courses start and are continuously carried out on site with clients / customers. Caramba will be happy to come to your home / company / school / party venue and arrange courses.