Afrocentrism Seminar

Black History month is described as being a monumental and significant event, its importance echoes on every social level. Large multi cultural cities around the world could be said to be the only ones who marked this month with the level of community activity that an important time such as this deserves. This year the students of Aberdeen University set out to change the status quo, by increasing the low levels of activity that take place within Aberdeen campus during the month of October. This handful of students put together Seminars and encouraged involvement in African intellectual thought and music not to mention increasing participation in Activities such as African Drumming and dance. Armed with a vision to see African achievement realised, showcased and promoted on a massive scale within Aberdeen They hosted and took part in many activities, raising awareness of Key issues in Africa within campus.

Speakeasy (Info & Disscusion Forum)

For seminar information, please click the 2007- 2008 events calender link on your left.

Admin Error, Speak easy With Keron Niles. Topic: Afrocentrism. Will take place on 24th Oct, Not 17th Oct as previously Stated on Calender.

In Celebration of Black History Month…

‘One way we can honour the sacrifices made so that we and the coming generations may live freely is to continue to be seekers of truth and seekers of peace not only in October but throughout the year.’ Desmond Tutu.

When you hear of Black History Month, what is it that crosses your mind?

I know what I think when October gets here, I think of celebration, jubilation, victory, and the most importantly I am reminded of the resilience of the human spirit. This year Black History Month is all the more poignant because we mark 200 years since the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, and if that is not a reason to celebrate I don’t know what is.

Let’s take the next few weeks of this month to educate ourselves about our history, let’s take time to remember those who came before us and worked ceaselessly to ensure our freedom, let’s proclaim our heroes, and be motivated by their contributions to society. Be it individually, or collectively make this month a month of jubilation!

Happy Black History Month )

Monday Nights Drumming and Dance

African Drumming and dance has now begun! 1st Session started last Monday @ 7.30pm. First session was free! The evening was soo much fun, we learnt a small traditional song from mali “Mariobasiii” , whilst we made a good, good melody on the Djebe drums. First timers come and join in the drama.  This week is another totally free session, with pick up’s from Butchart at 6.30pm. It is at the community centre Off Holburn junction, ACS will provide transport. No booking required for this event.

Click the 2007- 2008 events link for maps and more information.

See you all soon

Poetry By Keron Niles LLM International Law 2006 -2007

Black Grease                                                                                                By Keron Niles

Grease in the hands of a black man

Doesn’t make them white,

Just shiny, more attractive maybe.

Grease in the hair of a black man

Doesn’t make it blond,

Just shiny, jet black, more attractive? Definitely.

That smooth lubricant that ameliorates,

Improves the appearance of the user.

 

Money in the hands of a black man

Doesn’t make him a ‘sell out’,

Doesn’t make him white

Doesn’t even make him a black man

In a white man’s world

It just makes him shine.

 

But why do the words black and shine

have to contrast?

Why must ‘black’ stay in the back?

Why must ‘black’ always lack?

If I’m black can’t I take what’s mine?

If I’m black why can’t I shine?

 

If I’m African

If I’m Syrian

If I’m Chinese

If I’m East Indian,

It doesn’t matter!

 

We need to understand,

We can all have dominion! Or can we?

Superior or not, who we are will never change,

In the eyes of man, it can be re-arranged

What’s yours is yours

And mine, mine,

But in the Office

Or on the field

I believe that we can shine.

 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. didn’t make black white

Didn’t even make black equal to white

But he let us shine.

He made us shine.

He put the grease in our hands,

So that grease in any hand

Could now,

Shine.

 

*Grease – Hair Food

In Celebration of Black History Month…

‘One way we can honour the sacrifices made so that we and the coming generations may live freely is to continue to be seekers of truth and seekers of peace not only in October but throughout the year.’ Desmond Tutu.

When you hear of Black History Month, what is it that crosses your mind?

I know what I think when October gets here, I think of celebration, jubilation, victory, and the most importantly I am reminded of the resilience of the human spirit. This year Black History Month is all the more poignant because we mark 200 years since the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, and if that is not a reason to celebrate I don’t know what is.

Let’s take the next few weeks of this month to educate ourselves about our history, let’s take time to remember those who came before us and worked ceaselessly to ensure our freedom, let’s proclaim our heroes, and be motivated by their contributions to society. Be it individually, or collectively make this month a month of jubilation!

Happy Black History Month :)