By Aliyah Difia Rahma, Maria Lorena Ndong Biko, Mhia Vignoulle and Theo Onoufriou
Black History Month kickstarts in October, and Islington council is all about celebrating it by hosting free events, talks and library workshops.
The free events include a talk with Pam Williams, author of “A Trace of Sun”, discussing the novel which explores her Grenadian heritage and the Black experience.
It isn’t only workshops and free events, but libraries in Islington are also displaying books by Black authors and titles surrounding Black history.
Moya Kapas, who has been the manager of Islington Central Library for three years, said, “This is the [display] for the whole month,” talking about a showcase featuring books such as “Becoming” by Michelle Obama and “The Shadow King”- historical fiction written by Maaza Mengiste.
Library display at Islington Central Library for Black History Month. Credit: Maria Lorena Ndong Biko
Is one month enough?
Despite the initiatives from the Council to uplift Black voices and celebrate Black excellence, some might not feel that this is enough anymore.
Neville Stewart the owner of Juss Jerk, a Jamaican restaurant in Hornsey Road, said that they celebrate Black history every month.
“We do it as a routine thing, so every day we celebrate,” said Stewart.
Speaking about celebrating Black people in just one month made Stewart feel that it’s “disrespectful”. He adds: “We don’t necessarily go by Black History Month, but we do everything to let people know that we’re black, we’re successful, we’re ambitious,”
Neville Stewart talks about pride in being an ambitious business owner. Credit: Aliyah Difia Rahma
Being a restaurant owner since October 2019, Stewart felt the lack of support he received as a Black business owner. He expressed his interest in creating a community for Black business owners, and said that until this happens, the Black community will be stuck in a loop.
Juss Jerk restaurant located in front of the Arsenal Stadium. Credit: Aliyah Difia Rahma
“I’d love to get people involved,” Stewart said and continues to say, “it would be good for us to have that diverse forum where we can grow.”
“But it should be on us as Black-owned business to form a community … because no one else is gonna do it for us.”
Juss Jerk restaurant interior which shows their Jamaican pride. Credit: Maria Lorena Ndong Biko
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