Black History Month in Southampton kicks off with festival

The Black Businesses, Art and Music Festival (BAMM) was held at Guildhall Square on Sunday to display the culture and talent of Black people in the Southampton community.

The United Voice of African Associations (TUVAA), the group behind the event, has worked with Southampton City Council to bring Black communities across the city together for a day of celebration.

Event organiser, Abdoulie Sanneh, from The United Voice of African Associations (Image: Ross Marshall)

Event organiser, Abdoulie Sanneh, 52, said: “Black History Month is celebrated across the UK every year, but what we have found is that Black people themselves are not celebrating Black History Month.

“It is very difficult to get small Black communities and businesses together in one place to celebrate.“That is why TUVAA has put together this incredible event.“We want to create a platform where Black people can feel confident and proud of their culture and history.

“Bringing together Black people, culture and business is what we are here to do – and I’m very proud to be part of that.”

READ MORE: Black History Month: Telling Other Histories

Attendees watched a variety of live performances, including live music, dance, comedy, poetry and African drumming.

They also had to opportunity to browse the stalls of and experience some Afro-Caribbean street food.

Earleesha Jackson, 33, from Spice World in St Mary Street, was selling her traditional Jamaican street food at the event.

She said: “This is such a great event to showcase the Black business, music and art from around Southampton.

Earleesha Jackson from Spice World was showcasing her Jamaican street food (Image: Ross Marshall)“Its so good to celebrate our culture and history that so many people haven’t heard of.

 “I love showing what the black community has to offer – it is a great opportunity to show that we, as a race, are skilled and talented in so many ways.

“I’m so pleased that so many people from across Southampton have turned up to support the event.”

The stalls ranged from Black history book stalls to African-inspired clothes and crafts.

Artist, Karla ‘Nat’ Buck, 30, was at the event to display her collection of handmade ornaments and artwork inspired by the 'beautiful islands of Turks and Caicos' southeast of the Bahamas.

Karla creating one of her stunning paintings (Image: Ross Marshall)She said: “Turks and Caicos is my home, and I grew up crafting out of shells and other nature objects – I could not miss the opportunity to celebrate the craft and culture of my home at BAMM.

“I’m loving the positive feedback that I have got from people here today.”