More than 50 black-led organisations in Southampton and Hampshire-based organisations have teamed up to create Southampton’s first ever Black Businesses, Art and Music Festival, taking place this weekend.The event will be held on Sunday 1st October, the first day of Black History Month, from 11am – 6pm in Southampton’s Guildhall Square. The event is free and suitable for all ages.
The idea was conceived by The United Voice of African Associations (TUVAA). TUVAA is leading the planning and the delivery of the festival in partnership with African groups, Black businesses, Black History Month South CIC, Our Version Media, SoCo Music, Southampton City Council, Southampton Forward, Unity 101 Community Radio, MAST Mayflower Studios, John Hansard Gallery, African Activities, Voice FM and more.
The event is set to be a vibrant festival of black cultures, food, music, dance, fashion, and art. It is also about celebrating and making it visible the contributions of black businesses to the economy of our city. Black people are active partners in the socio-cultural and economic development of this city and on the 1st of October BBAM is taking over Guildhall Square to showcase that. More than 20 performers will also be on stage in the O2 Southampton Guildhall and workshops will be help at MAST Mayflower Studios and the John Hansard Gallery.
A spokesperson for TUVAA explained: “Black people are contributing to all sectors of our society including social, educational, economic, and cultural sectors. Yet, Black communities are disadvantaged in so many ways. Compared to other races, there is a large proportion of Black people in criminal justice system, many suffer racism, there is an increasing number of stop and search, many young Black people in Southampton are not in education, some experiencing identity crises and the fact that many Black residents live in poor social economic conditions is a concern.
“Where many Black people start business to make a difference, these small businesses are isolated and due to lack of resources and support they could not scale up. There is a disconnect between Black businesses themselves, and a disconnect between Black businesses, Black cultures, and Black people, and as such there is no support system in place for Black businesses, culture, and black talents. Yet, the contributions made by these businesses are important.
“Many have accepted the current situation and internalised it. What Black people need is to be seen as equals and become more visible. The contributions and achievements need to be recognised and support system in place to improve the situation of Black people. It is time that Black people have a unified voice to influence change as opposed to feeling inferior and invisible. The Black History event we are planning builds on the great work done by Our Version Media, a local Black organisation that develops Black business directory and help Black people to tell their stories. Now, Black people need to tell their stories on the biggest stage. Our Black History Festival will create a platform that enables Black people to showcase what they are made of, have a voice, and feel heard. A platform that enables them to proudly showcase their talents with the host city.”
Veronica Gordon, of Our Version Media CIC, one of the organisations supporting the event, said: “BBAM Festival is perhaps one of the most exciting things to be created in Southampton so far this year! Something like this was a long time coming. It’s great what the organiser, TUVAA, has done – mobilising scores of Africans and Caribbeans from across the city to showcase our businesses, performers, food, cultures, music and arts. It should be a fun-filled, culture-rich day.”
Sunday’s event will feature live entertainment including bands, DJs, comedy, dance and poetry, African and Caribbean food, live street art, African drumming, Black businesses and a Black art exhibition.
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