Agenda item

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Stephen Bourne to give a presentation about his work and the history of black people in Southwark.

Minutes:

Stephen Bourne, a local author, explained that his mother had shared many life experiences with a black working class woman, known as Aunt Esther. This had given rise to Stephen’s book about the experiences of a black woman living in Britain at that time.

 

Another book described the life of Doctor Harold Moody a much respected black doctor who had his practice in Queen’s Road, Peckham. He was also a community leader in the 1920s, 1930s and during the second world war.

 

Ahead of the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, Stephen had been working on a book titled Black Poppies, which looked at the black community during that time.

 

During Black History Month, there would be a series of talks taking place locally.

 

In response to questions, Stephen said he had interviewed black elders at the pensioners’ centre. He encouraged anyone with a story to tell to write it down or record their own experiences.

 

Councillor The Right Revd Emmanuel Oyewole highlighted the flyer listing various events taking place during Black History Month and encouraged all residents to attend. Councillor Dora Dixon-Fyle added that the Camberwell Golden Oldies Group were organising an oral history project on Wednesday afternoons at Clubland, Walworth Road.