Becoming Somebody

On the 3^rd of October, Baroness Floella Benjamin gave a speech to the University of Exeter African-Caribbean Society and other interested members of the university at Newman Purple in the Peter Chalk Centre. The Baroness with her vibrant personality and style of speaking had the audience hanging on to her every word. The speech revolved around her experience as a first generation immigrant to Britain as a young girl from Trinidad and Tobago, the recurring themes in the speech were the promotion of multiculturalism and self-love.

 It was heart-warming to hear such an accomplished woman talk on how she had overcome racism as a young child in England and how she then took it upon herself to break through barriers and disassemble misconceptions regarding her background. She was quick to say “Be proud of who you are!”; she emphasised that negative perceptions were only a problem for those who held such prejudices and were not to impact our confidence. Instead, she advised that we tackle the negativity with positivity and smiles.

She was very interactive; telling audience members how beautiful and special she thought everyone was. It seemed for her it was necessary that we always be able to look in the mirror and say ‘I AM SOMEBODY.’ This confidence according to the Baroness came from a genuine belief in oneself and abilities and did not need materialism to fuel it.

Halfway through her speech she made an appeal for us to inspire the younger generation by striving to effect positive change in areas we were most passionate about. One of the questions I had to ask was how she felt being an inspiration to so many. Her surprising response was that she did not think about it, and just lived every day being herself. Creating change requires 3 C’s consideration, contentment and confidence (all wrapped up in the 4^th C of courage).  She believed that these were the foundations of an influential person.

This is not the first time she has taken the time to speak to the society and will not be the last hopefully. Reason being that, in my opinion everyone who passes through the doors of the University of Exeter stands to benefit from her wise words and warmth.  The baroness brought her audience to laughter many times and wrapped up her hour-long inspirational talk with a song, which roused a standing ovation, a fitting end to an outstanding afternoon.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

We welcome the arrival of Black History Month and want to take this opportunity shine a spotlight on important figures, events and aspects of our history

ALL our history will be explored, after all slavery and colonialism are not the sum total of our history; the continent existed long before these events.Even out of these periods of hardship still came brilliance in the form of poetry, music, dance and other forms.

We must recognise influential individuals such as Queen Nzinga who strongly resisted Portuguese imperialism and their expanding slave trade within Angola, to Toussaint L’Ouverture on the Island on Haiti the leader of the only slave revolt which led to the founding of a state.  Marcus Garvey from Jamaica an important figure in the civil rights movement.  To the various champions of independence across the African continent such as Kwame Nkrumah, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Nelson Mandela.                                             

Queen Nzinga

Nkrumah

Nelson Mandela

L'ouverture

We must know the contributions people of African Caribbean descent have made to architecture, education and arts. Like the wonder of the Egyptian Pyramids created over 4000 thousand years ago by the people of Kemet as they called it (The Black Land).  The world’s first university was established in Africa, the University of Timbuktu in Mali.  Also the oldest existing, and continually operating educational institution in the world is the University of Karueein, in Morocco.  Democracy also existed in Africa long before colonisation for example the Igbo tribes who elected to have no kings the main credo of Igbo culture is the emphasis placed on individual achievement and initiatives, prestige and egalitarian leadership.

There is so much to African-Caribbean history and our culture that this post barely scratches the surface.  Hopefully you are inspired to go away and research what aspect of this rich and varied history most intrigues you.

CITI BANK CHALLENGE

The society is involved in a competition with Citi bank in a bid to win external money to help our development. To win what we need are online votes.

Click to Vote

Things to expect this Black History Month

BARONESS FLOELLA BENJAMIN TALK – 2:30 PM, FRIDAY 3^RD OCTOBER 2014 

Newman Purple in the Peter Chalk Centre.

BLACK HISTORY FILM FESTIVAL –12-13^TH OF OCTOBER 2014

At the Exeter Phoenix- £5.50 a film

CULTURE SHOW- 6:30 PM, THURSDAY 23^RD OCTOBER

Exhibition on Art, Literature, Dance and Fashion from African Caribbean cultures.

Location: to be disclosed later.

Ushering in the New Year!

It's a new year - can you believe the time has gone so quickly?

We want to welcome you all back and although the first week of term has been stressful for those of us who have had exams, essays and deadlines to meet but to celebrate the start of 2014 and the closing of January Exams we're throwing a partaaaay!

You'll find all the relevant details on our Facebook page or the events page (see below for the link).

 Get your tickets, get an outfit, tell your friends, and be there!

Once again, wishing everybody a fantastic new year.

Click here for the event page

EACS x

In honour of Madiba

"They made him break rocks, thinking they were breaking his spirit."

A wonderful tribute to an inspirational Black Man, Nelson Mandela, never forgotten. May he rest in peace.

EACS x

'The Season' is Nigh

With the early darkness and cold nights creeping up on us, it goes without saying that

Christmas is almost here. Nevermind Christmas though, it's almost the end of the term and Winter is now less than two weeks away!

Night is falling early and hats, scarves and gloves are being dug out from the bottom of cupboards and drawers. Yes, the chill and short days are dreary and we'll want nothing more than to stay indoors with a warm cup and loads of layers but before that moment arrives and to keep things lively, we have still got two events before the term is officially over (why on earth does time move so fast!?)


So...just to keep you updated...


Movie Night...
Time and location: Thursday 28th November @7:00pm in Queens Building

Come and unwind for a few hours. We will be showing either 'Coming to America' or 'Django'. To cast your vote, please inbox Exeter ACS of your choice. There will be snacks and drinks provided and it's absolutely free for everyone. This is a good chance to escape that essay or coursework that's been weighing you down for a couple of hours.


Winter Ball
Time and location: Thursday 5 December @7:00pm in The Thistle Hotel

The African and Caribbean society presents the winter ball. It's undoubtedly going to be one of the biggest events in Exeter this year.There will be food and entertainment and we promise you an unforgettable night!

The dress code- Black tie & evening dress. We hope to see you all guys and girls in your best tuxedos and evening dresses.

The event is to to raise money for the Meet Kate charity:  https://www.facebook.com/meetkate

Members- £22

Non members - £27


We'll be selling tickets to the Ball on the 21st November (tomorrow) in the forum from 1pm till 4pm. So come and secure your place at ❆ The Winter Ball ❆ and in case you've forgotten what the committee members look like allow us to reintroduce ourselves - http://exeteracs.blogspot.co.uk/p/about-us.html


For more information and updates on the event click on the following link and we will be constantly updating you all via email and our Facebook page so please watch this space for more information! https://www.facebook.com/events/541301475960148/



Love, EACS x

Segregation of the Congregation

"You can't save someone who wants to drown"

Positive discrimination is a touchy subject. So what happens when a group of educated young people, each with varying opinions, come together to discuss a topic which in one way or another influences their lives?

                                     

Dr.Onyeka Osuji opened the debate by sharing his views and continued to add his input, addressing both the panelists and the audience. His presence certainly added another dimension to the debate and kept the panelists on their toes.

The proposition began their argument smoothly, methodically laying down their points. Then the opposition presented the counter, opening with an intriguing poem ending in “segregation of the congregation” which scored them brownie points with some members of the audience. After both sides gave their closing arguments the floor was then opened up to the audience and what followed was an escalation of impassioned discussion peppered generously with good-natured laughter. The response from the audience was strong, at points getting very heated, but then again, what is debate without some heat?

Most of the questions were directed at the opposition, whose stand was that discrimination in any form can never be a good thing, because by discriminating in favour of one you always discriminate against another. With audience members heavily scrutinizing their argument, it was clear which side had the majority vote, nevertheless, they stood their ground and made strong points, suggesting that surely this notion of classifying people as 'disadvantaged' and therefore unable to help themselves unless helped by positive discrimination is rather archaic and doesn’t support the forward direction in which society ought to be going.

The proposition countered, arguing that, it was just semantics. They argued that though the word discrimination has negative connotations, when done well, positive discrimination as it was intended could be highly beneficial. Their point was well reinforced by one of the panel members who noted that 'Affirmative Action' doesn't simply apply to black people, but a large range of people including those that are living with a disability or are underprivileged. He also argued that he wouldn't be at one of the top Universities, or having the debate if he hadn't experienced positive discrimination himself. The opportunities that he has had the privilege of having would simply have been unimaginable if it wasn't for positive discrimination.

The debate was stimulating to say the least and no matter which side of the fence you were on, or whether you thought that both sides made good points, it definitely provided plenty of food for thought.

There was even an African proverb thrown in courtesy of Dr.Osuji: “You can't save someone who wants to drown” which I'm sure will be one for the grandkids when we are all old and wise.

ACS did an excellent job in picking up on an issue, which allowed room for healthy debate! Once again another great event by the committee! Thanks guys!

Naa Okantey

“Imagination has the ability to take you anywhere you want to go” Floella Benjamin talk.

"If they weren't strong, they were dead, they were gone."


Smiles, hugs and inspiration were among the many things Floella Benjamin distributed on Saturday the 5th of October in the Forum Auditorium. She coated them in song, dance and a dramatic story telling of her journey from a young girl growing up in Trinidad coming to England.

Of her three gifts to us on that day, she endorsed smiling through laughter, constant compliments and courage in the face of adversity and inconvenience. From the first few seconds of encountering her, I could tell she practiced what she preached. Her radiance and personality exuded happiness and accomplishment. She hugged everyone in the room that day and ended the afternoon in what is probably the biggest group hug I will ever participate in in my life.

But above it all, her words of wisdom were unparalleled to any I have ever heard. “Imagination has the ability to take you anywhere you want to go” were her words. Confidence, contentment and consideration are her three C’s. Family, friends, forgiveness and individuality have been her companions throughout her life.

There was a personal sense of pride in meeting her. She signified for me, not only the ambition and ability of black people but the well deserved progress and the eliteness of black women in the world today.

When Baroness Floella Benjamin was done speaking and ended her talk in a heart warming song, her story and her presence left everyone in awe and our minds were so stunned that it took a good few seconds before applauds could break out. When they did, they echoed across the hall. She inspired, she motivated, she advised. She fed souls and on that day, she made us aware of how perseverance, confidence, opportunity and good will can enable us to withstand the obstacles and challenges of life.


Thank you Baroness Floella Benjamin for what will always be one of the most memorable moments of my life.

Disun Vera-Cruz
ACS President

Jack Gilbert, 4th year, Law:

The talk was very engaging and active, very inspirational with real-life examples of theoretical thoughts, with great reflection upon the society as a whole.

Alan Omogbai, 4th year Law:
Life changing. I Felt like I was meant to be here. It was a monumental life event. I will look back on today, at this moment, as one that changed my life.

Tumi Sotire, 3rd year Clinical Science:
Very inspiring. She didn't just talk to us, she performed. She encouraged me to have an open mind about the world around me.

Awele Ikenwe, 3rd year Law

Phenomenal. After this, I feel like I can conquer the world. I Feel more proud than ever to be black.