An Afternoon with George the Poet: Refreshingly honest conversation about Empire

The conversation at Willesden Green Library (Credit:Omar Al-Badri)

 

Guest post by  Brent Resident, Farida James

 

George the Poet, world renowned spoken word artist, award-winning podcast host and author was in conversation with Nadia Khan from Golden Threads about his autobiography ‘Track Record: Me, Music and the War on Blackness’ 

 

The event took place at Willesden Green Library on Saturday 26 October to a packed room of community members and was part of the Becoming Brent project - the centenary moment of the 1924 British Empire Exhibition. Becoming Brent promises to decolonise the story of Empire, enable difficult conversations and explore how Empire has impacted the diverse communities in Brent.

 

George’s book speaks to these lofty aims perfectly. As a child of parents with Ugandan heritage, he grew up on St Raphael’s Estate which is nestled away behind the A406 in Neasden. In the book, George writes about his own story which is heavily centred in St Raph’s, his music career and the war on Blackness, and how it has directly impacted him and people of Afro-descended heritage.

 

The conversation was open and honest, discussing themes from the book of which Empire is an important thread. In 2019, George rejected the Member of British Empire (MBE) honour. In the book he said: “The choice was already made for me by the wording of this ‘honour’. I wasn’t necessarily anti-monarchy at this time, but I wasn’t about to co-sign the whole idea of empire by attaching those words to my name.” When asked about what feelings the British Empire conjured up for him, he said: “The British Empire was a system of extraction. In this country, there is such a hubris, there’s such an arrogance, there’s such a dismissal and denial of that history.”

 

The legacy of Empire continues to adversely impact people from the former colonies, and George mentions how Empire has a direct link to his estate, St Raph’s. The Empire stripped its colonies of wealth and resources, and when independence was granted, there was imposed debt, which kept these newly created nations tied to Empire indefinitely. This led to large-scale immigration to the west. In the book, George says: “Eventually, the threat of Black and Brown self-determination was crushed under the weight of crippling debt, imposed by the West on the rest. This debt caused much of the migration that led to St Raphael’s Estate becoming home to thousands of people from Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada, Pakistan, and even a few Ugandans.”

 

As well as an insight into George’s life and music career, the book addresses the history of the war on Blackness. George explores the history of Empire, and the exploitation of Africa and its resources. He also talks about racist mainstream narratives, miseducation of the masses as well as the presence of racial superiority and injustice. George spoke about labels and identities like ‘BAME’* being imposed on Black people as if there was not a rich heritage and diversity amongst those of African heritage. The conversation went on to labels being imposed rather than genuine expressions of identity, and George said: “I came to realise that the racial categories we were put in were dreamt up by a group of elites once upon a time.” And he mentioned that when he went back to his parent’s home of Uganda, no such labels existed and that these narrow identities were very much part and parcel of the Empire’s tactic of control.

 

George’s book demonstrates that not much progress has been made in terms of equality and the fight against racism. The discussion centred around the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion industry which is designed to increase awareness and representation from people of global majority backgrounds. George said: “So I’m very suspicious of the DEI industry, of representation politics. Because a lot of the time it’s just tokenism.”

 

The attempts to diversify faces on TV, film and in politics has done nothing to stop systemic oppression, or the increasing racist rhetoric which contributed to the Far Right riots this summer. When speaking about the riots which targeted Muslims, immigrants and people of global majority backgrounds, George mentioned that: “The rhetoric started at the top, at the level of politicians, media pundits, public so-called intellectuals who would normalise the most racist talking points.”

 

Despite reaching the pinnacles of the UK’s higher education establishment at Cambridge University where he studies for his degree in Politics, Psychology and Sociology, George said he learned nothing about Blackness. In his book he mentioned that Cambridge was white privilege at its core. George had to ironically re-educate himself on history after he left university. That is why he states that self-education is important, away from mainstream prescribed reading lists, and George very much is an advocate for education. 

 

 

 

At the event, George’s mum said: “I have this memory of bringing George here (Willesden Green Library), quite literally in his pram and I pushed it all the way down from Gladstone Park. Money was so tight so we had to walk. The two little girls here today- I am so impressed- that is the way to go. Bring them to events like this. Bring them to the library. Me and George’s dad in our wildest dream didn’t know what it would lead to - we just knew that  children needed books and that children needed knowledge. We were not rich, but we brought them to the library. When George rang me to invite me to this event, he and I were quite emotional as this library was very much part of him growing up and our experience. I just want to give a shout out to this library.”

 

The book also goes into detail about how the music industry has become part of the war on Blackness as it exploits Black talent to control the voices of Black artists. George talks about his direct experience of being manipulated by the system and having his work controlled to suit a racist agenda.

 

The feedback from the event was really positive, and the community applauded the opportunity to hear from a respected local champion who has been consistent with his fight against injustice and oppression. The comments included:

 

“Thank you very much George and Nadia, It’s been really interesting informative and inspiring”

“Everybody appreciates George being here, you are fantastic.”

 

“Thank you so much for the event today both of you. Just one quick question, if we want to knowmore about our history and we are confused - how do I de-programme myself? Can you recommend one book that I can go and borrow from Willesden Library and start reading”

“I follow you on your socials and I applaud you for being unapologetically you and speaking your truth. Well done. Especially being a black man and black men’s voices aren’t heard.

“Hi George - it’s been amazing to watch your story.”

“How can we dismantle this view that blackness looks one way”?

 

“A powerful and amazing event…looking forward to more interviews”

 

“Thank you Nadia and George for an afternoon of inspiration and conversation. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to you both and can’t stop telling my nearest and dearest to look out for more like it.”

 

“Great event. George was fantastic. Left me with lots of thoughts and hopes for the future.”

The key takeaways were about the importance of education and not buying into mainstream narratives that are designed to push false truths, maintain an unjust power dynamic and oppress those of global majority backgrounds. The need to decolonise our minds from hundreds of years of oppression must be at the forefront of the fight, with an emphasis on telling our own stories as well as continuous learning from the cradle to the grave. George also gave an important message that Black History Month is bigger than just one month, and when he is invited to corporate events to give a five-minute speech to show that progress is being made, he finds it quite offensive.

 

You can purchase Track Record at mainstream book retailers.

 

*BAME – Black and Minority Ethnic

The temporary Wembley Library at Brent Civice Centre - look for better alternatives

 The ground floor Wembley Library at the Brent Civic Centre is closed at present as the redesign of the Civic Centre goes ahead. The library will eventually me on the mezzanine floor but will be temporarily housed on the first floor for several months.

I opened the door on to a huge hubbub when I visited today. The small room is shared with the Civic Centre Hub, also moved from downstairs. There were crowds of people waiting to be seen by Brent staff and use the computer terminals for advice and support. Not a room where anyone could study.

The are no terminals for returning or borrowing books, just one customer counter. There is a much diminished range of book available for borrowing.

Staff are doing their best but I would recommend library users go to Ealing Road Library or Willesden Green Library for Brent library books. Alternatively to borrow books, use IT or study in a peaceful environment Preston Community Library is available on Wednesday's (3.30pm-5.30pm) and Saturday (11am-3pm).

Brent, London, and the struggle against apartheid - Willesden Green Library, noon Tuesday October 31st

 

The statement from 35 Brent Labour councillors yesterday calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East, mentioned Brent conferring the Freedom of the Borough, on Nelson Mandela, as evidence of the borough's tradition of standing on the 'right side of history'.

This talk at Willesden Green Library tomorrow, Tuesday 31st October noon-1pm, goes into the history of the Anti-Apartheid movement and Brent's part in the struggle for justice in South Africa:

In this talk discover how London was a hub for the international opposition to apartheid South Africa. As well as providing a home for many exiled opponents of the racist regime including Oliver Tambo, President of the African National Congress, London was the HQ of the British Anti-Apartheid Movement, which played a leading role in the international campaign to end apartheid. Brent in the 1980s and 1990s had an active local Anti-Apartheid Group and Wembley Stadium hosted the two international Nelson Mandela Concerts in 1988 and 1990.

 

Mugs first produced by the Brent Anti-Apartheid group, telling the story of a Black South African worker sentenced to 18 months in custody for writing ‘Release Nelson Mandela’ on his tea mug.

Courtesy Anti-Apartheid Legacy & Anti-Apartheid Movement Archives

Long time Brent resident Suresh Kamath was Vice-Chair of the Anti-Apartheid Movement and chaired the organising committee of the two Mandela concerts. He is currently a Trustee of Action for Southern Africa and the Liliesleaf Trust UK.

RESERVE TICKETS HERE (FREE)

Library of Things in the swing at Willesden Green Library. Borrow tools for your home projects

From Library of Things - Willesden Green Library

 

Nothing more satisfying than a good before and after pic

 

As Summer is in full swing , bookings for the Hedge Trimmer from Library of Things are coming in thick and fast.

 

For just £10 a day (£7.50 with our concession rate), you can hire the Hedge Trimmer and spruce up your garden to enjoy the longer days .

 

We have a great selection of tools at our kiosk in Willesden Green Library and 13 more locations across London that you can reserve from £1 a day. From Hand Sanders to SDS Drills, Dehumidifiers, Tile Cutters, Angle Grinders, Staple Guns and more.

 

We love to see all your amazing projects, send us a photo for the chance to win £20 credit to use on anything you like! And remember that one-day borrow includes the day you pick up the thing and the day you return it; plus, we offer a 25% concession rate to everyone that can't afford the full price.

Check the full catalogue of things and sign up here: https://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/willesdengreen

 

Not ready to hire yet? Sign up to our newsletter to hear about exciting opportunities in your area to borrow things you need, join skillshare events and access discounts to help you save more, here: participate.libraryofthings.co.uk/newslettersignup

 

Thanks to our partners at @brentcouncil for helping us bring affordable rentals to Willesden Green locals

'Why buy when you can borrow?' Library of Things to open at Willesden Green Library for all Brent residents

 

Why buy, when you can borrow? 

Start saving money this summer by borrowing items like drills, carpet cleaners and angle grinders, rather than forking out for a brand new one.

Brent's first ever Library of Things opens at Willesden Green Library this summer, offering a great opportunity to save money and help the planet by contributing to a more circular, sustainable economy.

80% of household items are used less than once per month, so it is worth checking out the prices on the Library of Things website, as it might be cheaper for you to rent rather than buy.

Although the installation will be physically based in Willesden Green, it will be open and available for all Brent residents to use. The library will include a whole host of items, many of which can be rented for £10 or under. It will store high quality brands, with everything from:

• DIY tools
• Pressure washers
• Hand sanders
• Hedge trimmers
• Or even projectors, games consoles and waffle makers.

Sign up today and get 10% off your first Library of Things booking: CLICK HERE

A date with the young Jane Austen – courtesy of Brent Culture Service

 Guest post by Philip Grant

 

Karin Fernald as Jane Austen

 

Jane Austen is one of our great British women writers, who more than 200 years ago had a number of novels published (anonymously, at first). Many of you will recognised the opening words of “Pride and Prejudice”, either from reading the book or seeing it portrayed on TV or film:

 

The opening line from an early edition of “Pride and Prejudice”.

 

But even great authors (as well as much lesser ones who write blog articles!) have to develop their writing skills over time. Jane’s father, the Reverend George Austen, recognised his young daughter’s joy in writing. When she was a teenager, he gave her a notebook in which to write down her stories and short plays. He inscribed at the top of the first page:

 

“Effusions of Fancy by a very young Lady,
consisting of tales in a style completely new”.

 

Jane performed many of her stories to entertain her family. Now local residents have the chance to enjoy some of them too, in an event put on by Brent Culture Service at Willesden Green Library. “We fainted alternately on the sofa – Jane Austen in the Making”, performed by actor and writer Karin Fernald, is on Tuesday 26 April, from 6.30 to 7.30pm. Tickets are £3, and can be booked HERE

 

Brent Council: Heritage and Hypocrisy

 Guest blog, by Philip Grant in a personal capacity:-
 

The newly renovated listed Georgian house in Kensal Green.

 

A press release issued by Brent Council on 9 February opens with the words: ‘A threatened historic building is now a beautiful family home thanks to Brent’s heritage experts.’

 

It gives the news of how Brent’s Heritage team worked with the new owner of this Georgian villa, on the Harrow Road in Kensal Green, and Historic England, to retain the historic characteristics of a building that had fallen into disrepair, and was “at risk”. The press release ends with a link, inviting us to “Read more about Brent’s heritage assets”.

 

The page on the Council’s website tells us:

 

‘Brent's heritage assets include a wide range of architectural styles from Victorian Italianate, Gothic Revival, suburban 'Arts and Crafts', ‘Tudorbethan’, ‘Old World’, Modern and Brutalist.’

 

‘Heritage assets make a substantial contribution to Brent's local character and distinctiveness. They are a unique and irreplaceable resource which justifies protection, conservation and enhancement.’

 

And, after describing the various types of heritage assets, including statutory listed buildings, locally listed buildings and registered parks and gardens, it concludes by stating:

 

‘Brent’s heritage is valued as evidence of the past culture, providing a sense of belonging.’

 

Brent’s finest example of the Victorian Italianate style of architecture, and a locally listed heritage asset, is the villa at 1 Morland Gardens, originally known as “Altamira”. It was built in 1876, as part of the original Stonebridge Park development, by the architect Henry Kendall Jr. It is ‘a unique and irreplaceable resource which justifies protection, conservation and enhancement.’ And yet, its owner, Brent Council, plans to demolish it.

 

“Altamira” at the entrance to Stonebridge Park in a 1906 postcard. (Source: Brent Archives)

 

“Altamira”, now home to the Brent Start adult college, in 2020.

 

At the first pre-application planning meeting in March 2019, Brent’s project team were told that the Council’s Heritage Officer believed that this heritage building should be retained. But a Planning Officer had already (wrongly) told them that ‘not retaining the villa was acceptable.’

 

When Brent submitted its planning application in 2020, seeking to demolish the Victorian villa to make way for a new college facility with an eight-storey block of flats on top of it, the Heritage Officer’s initial comments said that the villa ‘should be considered an important local heritage asset of high significance.’

 

The Heritage Officer’s final report, dismissed the conclusions put forward in a “Heritage Statement” submitted by planning agents on behalf of Brent Council, as the prospective developer. He referred to evidence provided by ‘Anthony Geraghty MA PhD, Professor of the History of Architecture at the University of York’, saying: 

 

‘He rates Henry Edward Kendall Jr. as ‘an architect of considerable importance whose nineteenth century villa characterises work by an architect of genuine and lasting significance.’ This is supported by the Victorian Society who make the point that the Stonebridge Park Estate was a development by a Victorian ‘architect of note’ and a ‘good surviving example of a key aspect of Kendall's small, domestic works’.’

 

Brent’s heritage planning policy DMP7 says: ‘Proposals for…heritage assets should…retain buildings, …where their loss would cause harm.’ It’s Heritage Officer’s final report clearly stated that: ‘The demolition of the building, by its very nature, must be seen as substantial harm to the significance of the heritage asset.’

 

Despite the evidence of “Brent’s heritage expert”, and the efforts of myself and other residents to get Brent’s Planning Committee to uphold the Council’s own heritage planning promises, five of the eight members were persuaded to accept the recommendation of Brent’s Planning Officers, and approve the Council’s application.

 

I welcome the news that the privately-owned heritage Georgian villa in Kensal Green has been restored to its former glory – but when it comes to heritage, it does seem that there is one rule for the Council, and another for everyone else!

-----------------------------------------------------

 

I’m dedicating this article to the memory of Martin Redston. Martin was one of many supporters of Willesden Local History Society’s campaign to “Save the Altamira”. He’d also been a leading figure in the 2012/13 community campaign to stop the demolition by Brent Council of another locally listed heritage asset, the original 1894 Victorian section of Willesden Green Library.

 

Brent’s then Regeneration Director had said it would be impossible to retain that building if the Council was to have a new library centre, “for free”, as part of its proposed deal with a developer partner. Martin provided them with this sketch, to show how it could be done.

 

 

Public pressure forced the Council to change its mind, and Brent now boasts of its new Willesden Green Library. There is even a photograph of it on the front of its Historic Environment Place-Making Strategy booklet, with a caption saying that the new building: ‘returns to use the locally listed Victorian Library blending perfectly the old and the new.’

 

 

There is still time for Brent to change its mind, and do the same at 1 Morland Gardens, rather than demolishing a beautiful, and still useful, heritage asset.

 

Philip Grant.

UPDATED: Dilwyn Chambers: A ubiquitous local historian and library campaigner who was passionate about heritage and enjoyed dancing. He will be sorely missed.

 

 

 

 

 

Dilwyn (seated) selling postcards at a Preston Community Library event

 (Photo: Chris Coates)

 

Dilwyn Chambers died last week. He was 88.  Dilwyn was a familiar figure to many Brentonians who shared his interest in local history and local issues including the preservation of our heritage and our libraries – a real local character who popped up in the most unexpected of places.

 

Dilwyn was Secretary of the Wembley History Society in 1974, when Willesden Local History Society was started. He soon joined the Willesden group, and had been a loyal member ever since, tireless in his efforts to promote interest in our local history. Dilwyn had a wide range of interests and was a member of dozens of societies. He attended local community meetings on behalf of the group, always with a handful of WLHS programme leaflets to advertise its activities. Dilwyn always spoke his mind, and will be missed by many people in Willesden and Wembley.

 

 

Dilwyn Chambers (Photo: Margaret Smith)

 

These are some of the tributes  by various members of Brent's two local history societies (Wembley and Willesden), Brent and community libraries, and Brent Museum and Archives.

 

 

'It is sad news indeed, as Dilwyn has been a big part of our community for a long time.'

 

'Very sad to hear of Dilwyn's passing. I had some great conversations with him, he had a vast knowledge. Please pass on my condolences.'

 

'I am so sorry to hear this news about Dilwyn. This is actually a shock to me. He was an irreplaceable member of WHS, and an often unfathomably challenging Brent Museum and Archives service user. And he will, for all his good qualities and general contrariness, be sorely missed.'

 

'What a great loss, he will be missed.'

 

'So sad to learn of Dilwyn’s departure. He was a presence in the local history society and community who made his mark on all who knew him over so many years. He kept me on the mark as chair of the Society, both in meetings and through an endless stream of beautifully-crafted letters containing info from other meetings he had attended (he went everywhere). Also, gentle criticism about what we should be doing, based on his time as an officer.'

 

'The [Brent] library team were saddened to hear of the death of Mr Chambers.'

 

'Dear Dilwyn ... too much to say now.  My daughter who danced with Dilwyn at the dance centre above Burton's in Harrow 20+ years ago (photographic evidence is available!) is as distressed as I am.' 

 

'Dilwyn had an encyclopaedic knowledge of subjects he found of interest. I remember him once talking to me about troops at the Battle of Prestonpans using a railway embankment for cover. I briefly considered the possibility that he had gone mad, but it turned out that he was correct, there was a railed 'waggonway' for horse-drawn wagons running to the coast that ran right across the middle of the battlefield, and troops did indeed use the feature for protection in 1745!'

 

'He was well-known in the Preston Community Library ....  He will be remembered as a great supporter of Library events - especially Saturday night film evenings - and any party where an opportunity to jive was on offer!'

 

'I still have numerous interesting random pieces [Dilwyn] had passed on to Richard, with fitting messages attached.'

 

'Sorry to hear the passing of Dilwyn.  Sad but not unexpected.  Please give my condolences to his nephew when next in contact.'

'Thanks for letting me know about the sad loss of Dilwyn. He must have been the longest serving member of WHS. I joined in 1971 and he had been secretary for a few years before then. He was a member of numerous societies and made valuable contributions to them all. He often sent me photocopies of articles and pieces of ephemera in which I might be interested, very thoughtful and generous.'

 

'He was a great supporter of and a regular visitor to our [Barham] Community Library, and of course other local causes.'

 

'He was a very passionate man and really cared about heritage.'

 

 

 

Dilwyn Chambers (Old Brent Archives publicity image)

 

UPDATE

 

Two more tributes to Dilwyn Chambers from former members of Brent Archives staff (when the Archives were at Cricklewood Library, and at the "old" Willesden Green Library Centre). 

'That’s so very sad but I’m glad at the end he was in good care and no doubt regaling his carers with many stories. 

I’ll remember him fondly. He had an impish nature for sure but he always had the archives' best interests at heart and cared deeply for local history and most of the custodians of it.'

and:

'Such sad news. Strangely, it’s hard not to think about the good times we had working together (many, many years ago) without thinking about Dilwyn. 

Dilwyn was and forever will be part of the fabric of Brent Archives, despite the fact he was never an employee! Dilwyn will be missed but never forgotten. May his soul rest in perfect peace.'

 

 FROM LORRAINE KING, EX-BRENT & KILBURN TIMES REPORTER (VIA TWITTER)

 

 I'm saddened by the news that Dilwyn Chambers has died. He was a fierce campaigner who defended locals and made sure their voices were heard. He was a thorn in the side to Brent Council at times which proved he was holding them to account. He will be missed. May he RIP