L-R: Nubian Jack (Founder of the Blue Plaque Commemorative Scheme), Akyaaba Addai-Sebo (Founder of Black History Month – UK) at the house where Fela Ransome Kuti lived in his student days in London in 1958.
In everlasting memory and honour of Fela Aníkúlápó Ransome Kuti, also known as Abami Eda, a Nubian Jak blue plaque was unveiled on Monday, November 1st 2021 at 12 Stanlake Road, London W12 7HP, near Shepherds Bush Market Station, Hammersmith. This is where Fela lived when he first came to London to study music in 1958. Fela’s music school mate at the time is the legendary Ghanaian highlife king, Ebo Taylor, now 85 years.
Founded in 2006, the Nubian Jak Community Trust (NJCT), is the only commemorative plaque and sculpture scheme focused on memorialising the historic contributions of Black and minority ethnic people in Britain and beyond.
The 1987 African Jubilee Year Declaration, which gave birth to Black History Month, among others, called on:
Local authorities and the national government to recognise the contributions of Africans to the cultural, economic and political life of London and the UK; make just restitution to Africa, Africans and people of African descent for years of incalculable damage done to the African by white supremacy practice, slavery, colonialism, imperialism and neocolonialism; to intensify their support against apartheid; and to continue supporting the policy of naming monuments, parks, streets and buildings after historical and contemporary heroes of African descent in order to give positive affirmation and images to African children and young people growing up in the UK and to uplift their sense of self-worth and venerate their identity.
In pursuance of naming of monuments, streets and parks after illustrious Africans the first act done in 1987 was the official renaming of Angel Park in Brixton after Max Roach by Lambeth Borough Council. Haringey Council followed by naming its central library after Marcus Mosiah Garvey (£3million was spent to refurbish the library which was reopened in June 2016 as the Marcus Garvey Centre).
I want you all reading this to join hands, mind and voice with me to salute and pay tribute to Nubian Jack for this great initiative in keeping with the spirit and tenets of the African Jubilee Year Declaration and Black History Month. We must love our own memories in order to survive and accomplish.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH MATTERS as BLACK LIVES MATTER. WHY DOES BLACK HISTORY MONTH MATTER? BLACK HISTORY MONTH MATTERS because BLACK HISTORY IS THE HISTORY OF HUMANITY.
|
|