Celebrating Black History Month with Levi Roots

We were delighted to welcome Dragon’s Den success story Levi Roots and other inspirational speakers to our Black History Month celebration, focusing on this year’s theme – reclaiming the narrative!

Levi spoke about the importance of understanding our history plus how the Windrush generation were entrepreneurs who saved the NHS and fixed a broken country which was struggling after the war.

He also shared fond memories of growing up in Jamaica and moving to London, including how he experienced racism for the first time.

‘History is so important because it gives us a chance to understand ourselves,’ Levi said. ‘As one of my heroes, Marcus Garvey, once said: “Without knowledge of your past, you’re like a tree without roots.” We need to reveal the true stories of history to better understand who was responsible for the issues we face today, and so we can carve out a better future.’

Author Charlotte Oshi and her daughter, comedian and actor Andi Osho spoke about Charlotte’s recently published memoir, The Jagged Edge. This explores her journey to happiness after leaving Nigeria and an abusive marriage.

‘I wrote about how I learned to stand up for myself and how I got my life back,’ said Charlotte.  ‘It’s a story of hope and resilience that people can learn from.’

Andi, also an author, helped her mum shape her memoir and encourages everyone who feels they might have something to say to start writing their own story.

And Anne Stennett spoke about her journey to becoming a partner at law firm Curwens Solicitors and how her parents, who ran a newsagents in Finchley, were the driving force behind her ambition and success.

 ‘I learned from them about hard work, how to speak up, what it takes to run a business, as well as patience and persistence,’ says Anne.

Yvette, co founder of Hidden Tudors Tours shared some fascinating tales of Black Tudors including a prince, a porter and a silk weaver plus how John Blanke became a royal trumpeter to HenryVII and Henry VIII.

As well as some brilliant speakers, there was a cookery demo from our social prescribers Lamarra and Kristian showing us all how to make ‘Puff Puff’ (see video below and recipe here).  We also enjoyed a fantastic vegetarian curry cooked by the kitchen team (see recipe here.).

In between all the talks and performances, people had a chance to browse our exhibition of Black individuals who have made significant contributions throughout history. And volunteer Eugene Turney, former art teacher, allowed us to display some of his beautiful paintings. Born in Jamaica, he came to the UK in 1960 and completed his degree in fine art in the mid 70s at the London Guildhall. 

Finally, DJ Tibzz kept up the energy with some African Caribbean music!

Service manager Jenny Jean Charles, who organised the event, said: ‘‘This was a wonderful opportunity for people from all different backgrounds to share experiences and learn about African Caribbean culture and history, challenging the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals both in the UK and around the world.’

A few happy attendees

‘Thanks so much I found the afternoon very interesting, inspirational well organised by the organisers and the volunteers.  The singing, the food drink when you came in very inviting and wow Levi Roots story.’ – Christine

‘What a great event. Congratulations to you all for a wonderful informative afternoon with really tasty hot food! Impressive’ - June

A snapshot of the day

How to make Puff Puff

Plus a few photos

Sampling Puff Puff

Andi Osho and Charlotte Osho

Antoinette brings chocolate from Ghana

Levi here with our Chair of Trustees Lorraine Barnet. Levi is a familiar face at Age UK Barnet, having joined their Black History Month celebrations two years ago and their men’s cookery class in 2018, showing participants how to make his famous jerk chicken.