We continue to express sincere, heartfelt Tatenda, Medase Pa, Asante Sana (thanks) to the family for its support of our fundraising efforts so far, with the reminder that this current campaign to raise £15,000 continues for another seven days. Additionally, we have our Classiques, fundraising dance on 7th of Mosiah (Aug) offering the very best in 70s, 80s and 90s sounds. Taking things to the next level we have relaunched our community sponsorship and at this time are seeking 100 liberation focused Afrikans to pledge £20 a month for year assist with our development plans.
Of course, the major story that has dominated the Pan-Afrikan community in recent days is the untimely passing of legendary film maker Menelik Shabazz. As visionary film student he grounded his community activism though the Black Liberation Front (BLF) in the 1970s and 1980s. During this time the BLF was at the forefront of revolutionary activism that established a range of initiatives including two bookshops, a number of Imani-Day (Sat) Schools, a community newspaper, a housing association and a prisoners welfare scheme.
This high-level activism certainly characterised Bro. Menelik’s early work like Step Forward Youth (1977), Breaking Point(1978), and Blood Ah Go Run (1982). One of his enduring classics was the 1981 feature Burning An Illusion, that he followed up with 1988’s Time and Judgement. As part of the CEDDO film collective he produced The People’s Account (1985), about the Broadwater Farm and Handsworth Uprisings.
By the early 2000s he was undisputedly one of the (if not the) “Godfather’s of Black film in the UK” and occupied his time with driving the movement, whilst making short films and TV working. He returned to feature making with a bang by adding The Story of Lovers Rock (2011) and Looking For Love (2015) to his already monumental cannon. More recently he delivered Pharaohs Unveiled (2019).
Afrika Speaks with Alkebu-Lan on Galaxy Radio hosted Bro. Menelik Shabazz in October 2017 as a preview to Young, Rebel and Black, the upcoming landmark presentation of his first three ground breaking films that took place at the Ritzy Cinema in Brixton.
Menelik Shabazz is the embodiment of the activist-artist. The community must do its level best to preserve and continue his legacy, which as indicated above was grounded in the revolutionary work of the BLF. For it’s part the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement has taken the baton with a range of community programmes and initiatives over the years (e.g. Mama Afrika Kulcha Shap, Alkebu-Lan Academy of Excellence, Life Cycle Blessings, Rites Of Passage, pupil advocacy, Ma’at Academy of Excellence homeschool collective, The Whirlwind newspaper, Alkebu-Lan Food Relief and the Mosiah Season). Such programmes that the Community Sponsorship Programme can help bolster or revive.
We also need to livicate another recently fallen hero – Welton McIntosh was passed way on Afrika Liberation Day (May 25th this year) and is due to be laid to rest on July 5th 2021. Bro. Welton is described as “Hackney’s Pioneer in facilitating music workshop venues for international and community musicians & fellow artists. Wellie as he was known, leaves a massive Legacy for our children, our youths & their parents in North London. The impact of Triangle Music Workshop building, which he coordinated and fought the council for, leaves a legacy reaching way beyond. A good man of JAH LIVITY.” We also pay tribute to Ras Wellie.
May their spirits rise on the wings of Ma’at after a favourable judgement in the council of Asar.
To make your contribution & for further info, our bank details are: Nat West; A/C Name: Mama Afrika; A/C No: 23503351; S/C: 560017, or call: 07908 814 152 or 07939 292 720.
Tribute to fallen warriors: How can we continue their legacy?
1) What’s your favourite Menelik Shabazz film?
2) Did you ever use the Triangle Music Workshop?
3) What do the work of Menelik Shabazz and Triangle Music Workshop tell us about activism and art?
4) Are you able to support ARM’S Community Sponsorship Programme?
Our Special Guest:
Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka: Resident guest who is Spiritual Leader of the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement and an Afrikan-Centred Education Consultant. Bro. Ldr is a veteran activist of almost 40 years standing, a featured columnist in The Whirlwind newspaper and author of Mosiah Daily Affirmations and Education: An African-Centred Approach To Excellence.