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Empowering through health, wellness and historical knowledge
Oktoberfest, the world’s largest Volksfest, is an annual festival held in Munich, Germany. It originated in 1810 as a celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. This two-week festival takes place from mid- to late-September and culminates on the first Sunday …
Afternoon tea is a tradition that originated in England in the 1840s. The credit for introducing afternoon tea goes to Anna Maria Russell, the Duchess of Bedford. The tradition of afternoon tea has a fascinating history that can be traced back to the early 19th century in England. During this time, there was a significant …
The Industrial Revolution was a groundbreaking period that transformed Britain into an economic superpower. It brought about significant advancements in various industries, including iron production. Traditionally, the credit for revolutionising iron production has been attributed to Henry Cort, a British financier turned ironmaster. However, recent research suggests this innovation may have originated from an unexpected …
Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah, born 15 April 1958, is a renowned British writer and dub poet. Despite his unlikely background, Zephaniah has made a name for himself in the literary world, earning recognition from prominent institutions. His unique approach to poetry and activism has made him a prominent figure in the literary scene, and his …
Throughout 2023, the United Kingdom will commemorate the 75th anniversary, dubbed Windrush 75, of the arrival of the Windrush generation, who have played a pivotal role in shaping modern British society. A Brief History of the Windrush Generation The term “Windrush generation” refers to the people who arrived in the UK from Caribbean countries between …
Fish and chips have long been synonymous with British cuisine, a source of national pride and culinary tradition. Often enjoyed on Friday nights, this iconic duo continues to delight taste buds around the United Kingdom. So, what exactly is it that makes fish and chips such a popular British dish? Let’s delve into the origins …
Let’s celebrate the excellence of black inventors who have made groundbreaking innovations in various fields. From Henry Boyd, who invented the Boyd Bedstead, to George Washington Carver, who created peanut products, these inventors have left an indelible mark on history. Henry Boyd – The inventor of the corded bed Henry Boyd was an inventor, carpenter, …
As we celebrate Pride Month, it is vital to understand the significance of this month-long celebration of diversity and equality. Pride Month is an annual commemoration of the Stonewall riots, which took place in June 1969 in New York City and is dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and promoting their rights and well-being. Introduction …
Tina Turner, the legendary rock’n’roll star who became a pop icon in the 1980s, died at 83 after a long illness. She suffered ill health recently, having been diagnosed with intestinal cancer in 2016 and having a kidney transplant in 2017. Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock, was an American-born singer-songwriter and actress who captivated …
Mary McLeod Bethune, an American educator, activist, and champion of civil rights, played a pivotal role in shaping the course of African American history in the United States. As a dedicated advocate for education and social equality, she founded the renowned Bethune-Cookman College. She established the National Council of Negro Women, becoming a prominent figure …
Linton Kwesi Johnson, commonly known as LKJ, is a renowned reggae poet and recording artist whose work has impacted the world of literature, music, and politics. His unique fusion of Jamaican patois, reggae rhythms, and political themes has made him a leading figure in the cultural and political landscape. With a career spanning over four …
Throughout Black American history, many individuals have contributed to developing entertainment culture and social justice movements. Joyce Bryant, an African American singer, dancer, and activist, stands out as one such individual. Bryant’s exceptional ability to captivate audiences, combined with her tireless dedication to the fight for civil rights, established her as a groundbreaking performer and trailblazing …
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide as it is considered the holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. During this period, devout Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from consuming food or drink and focusing on spiritual growth and compassion. The practice of fasting during …
The celebration of April Fools’ Day, also known as All Fools Day, observed on 1 April every year, has existed for several centuries in different cultures. Playing hoaxes or practical jokes on others on April Fool’s Day is traditional. These can be harmless pranks or malicious tricks. The origins of April Fool’s Day are a …
Critical race theory (CRT) is an intellectual framework that emerged in the 1970s in response to the limitations of traditional civil rights approaches for addressing systemic racism. CRT recognises that racism is ingrained in the fabric of society, particularly in legal systems and institutions, and that it is not simply the result of individual prejudices. …
The term “woke” has undergone a deliberate negative transformation over the past few years. Once used to show awareness of social issues and empathy towards them, the word has been co-opted by far-right conservatives, who deliberately muddled its meaning, turning it into a derogatory dog whistle to signal their base. This blog post will explore …
Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration that takes place on the second Monday of March. It is an event to celebrate the values, diversity and achievements of the Commonwealth, which comprises over 50 countries with a combined population of 2.4 billion. Commonwealth Day provides an opportunity to recognise the power of community, inclusivity and friendship. …
Mother’s Day is a celebration honouring the mother of the family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in March or May. The holiday has a long and fascinating history, with roots in many different …
Valentine’s Day, synonymous with love and romance, is celebrated annually on 14 February. People across the globe exchange tokens of affection like candy, flowers, and greeting cards, all in the name of love. But have you ever wondered about the origins of this special day and how it has evolved over time? The mystery of …
Every year on 11 November, Armistice Day commemorates the armistice signing between the Allied armies and Germany at 11am – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. While hostilities continued in some areas, the armistice ended four years of fighting in World War Two. On 11 November, British tradition calls for …
Louise Bennett was a Jamaican author, poet, and playwright who used her words to promote the culture and history of her home country. She was fondly known by many as Miss Lou. Her poetry and writing were instrumental in developing a uniquely Jamaican cultural identity, and her work is still celebrated and revered today. Louise …
When Caribbean migrants disembarked from the SS Empire Windrush on 22 June 1948, many of them had nowhere to live. Due to the shortage of housing in London following World War Two, temporary housing was scarce. As a result, 236 migrants from the merchant vessel were transported by bus from Tilbury docks in Essex to …
Actor Janelle Monaé (Hidden Figures) is set to star as the iconic entertainer Josephine Baker in a new TV series titled De La Resistance. So who was Josephine Baker? Exotic cabaret dancer, operatic singer, comedienne, first black movie star, and bisexual celebrity. Although all these titles frequently appear in searches connected to entertainer Josephine Baker, …
Black women’s empowerment is not a new movement. However, in recent years, it has gained even more traction. This is likely partly due to the powerful voices of black women who are using their platforms to uplift other black women. Black girl magic is a term used to describe the power and beauty of black …
