Celebrating Black History Month at Bramston Close

A diverse group of people, posing indoors with an elderly man who is wearing a suit and using a red wheeled walker

Habinteg’s Bramston Close scheme was treated to live music and Caribbean cuisine in October thanks to a special event that brought tenants, staff and guests together for Black History Month.

The celebration gave everyone a chance to reflect, learn, and talk about black culture and history.

Community lunch

A woman in a brown cardigan serves food from a buffet table to a man in a gray hoodie, who is seated and holding a plate. Several dishes, including rice and grilled meats, are on the black-covered table, with other people visible in the background.

The event began with a welcome and introduction from Andrea Bedward, Habinteg’s Senior Neighbourhood Manager for North London, who invited tenants and guests to share an Afro-Caribbean buffet with spicy patties, jollof rice, sweet cakes, and a variety of drinks.

Guest speaker and Black History Month facilitator, Del White, followed with a presentation about why Black History Month is important and how we can learn from the past.

“We must remember the pioneers who paved the way, like Carter G. Woodson, who founded Black History Week to make sure black people’s achievements are never forgotten, and Rosa Parks, whose courage changed the course of history,” she said.

“Teaching black history helps us all understand where we’ve come from and inspires us for the future.”

A woman in a dark blue, sparkly sweater stands in front of a projection screen, holding a black smartphone and speaking.

Singing and poetry

There were also performances from gospel singer Ruth Ann St Luce, who sang songs including Lean on Me. Tenants clapped, sang along, and enjoyed being part of the performance.

Habinteg tenant Anneka Chambers, an involved tenant and member of our Editorial Panel, shared a moving, called N I N E, about the death of George Floyd, and reflected on the event and what it meant to her.

George Floyd was an African American man whose death in police custody in 2020 sparked global protests against racial injustice and police brutality.

“It was wonderful to immerse ourselves in the spirit of Black History Month alongside Habinteg staff and tenants,” Anneka said. “My mum and I really enjoyed the guest speakers. It was a beautiful afternoon.”

Special guest

Guests also had the chance to hear from the event’s special guest, 99 year-old Peter Cabey, who has been a Habinteg tenant for over 20 years.

An elderly man, wearing a flat cap, glasses, a dark suit, and a pink shirt with a striped tie, is seated at a table and smiling. A poster with portraits is visible on the wall behind him.

He shared interesting stories about his life growing up in Montserrat, including the 1997 volcano eruption, his time at school, playing in the national cricket team, and his experience moving to the UK.

Peter reflected on some of the modern inventions he values most, like the internet and being able to connect with anyone around the world.

He also offered advice for the next generation, saying it’s important not to carry anger and to focus on the things that make life meaningful.

“This has been one of the happiest days of my life, second only to meeting the King and Queen,” he said. “It’s wonderful to celebrate Black History Month with everyone here, share my story, and see the community come together.”

The afternoon ended with a Habinteg Black History Month book signing, where tenants could leave their signature to mark the day.

“It was great to see everyone enjoying the afternoon, sharing stories, and learning together,” Andrea Bedward said. “I hope tenants remember the history we talked about and the sense of community we shared today and continue to celebrate and support each other.”

N I N E

Nine Minutes I Fight For Life
In an instant my body is slammed to the ground
Nine Minutes I Fight For Life
Exclaims from the public echo all around

Nine Minutes I Fight For Life
I am unarmed, handcuffed and I pose no threat
Nine Minutes I Fight For Life
Enforcement of this kind is unlawful, do you have no mercy, nor any regret?

Nine Minutes I Fight For Life
I am pleading with you, please stop!
Nine Minutes I Fight For Life
Emotionless is the expression of every standing cop

Nine Minutes I Fight For Life
I lay here helplessly, one against four
Nine Minutes I Fight For Life
Excessively this Officer pins me to the floor

Nine Minutes I Fight For Life
I am in excruciating pain
Nine Minutes I Fight For Life
Explain why you have chosen my soul to claim?

Nine Minutes I Fight For Life
I hurt until I bleed
Nine Minutes I Fight For Life
Executing your act of violence, as I cry and plead

Nine Minutes I Fight For Life
I cannot breathe, I cannot move, I only feel
Nine Minutes I Fight For Life
Encourage this Officer to remove his knee, from where he kneels

Nine Minutes I Fight For Life
I am doing all I can to hold on
Nine Minutes I Fight For Life
Every cell in my being is fighting this wrong

Nine Minutes And I Will Not Survive
I love you family, colleagues and friends
Nine Minutes And I Will Not Survive
Eventually my Life Ends.

By Anneka Chambers

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If you’d like to see similar events happening around your scheme, or want to get involved and stay updated on local activities, reach out to your Neighbourhood Coordinator. If you’re unsure who your Neighbourhood Coordinator and Manager are, contact our Customer Services Team at Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 or direct@habinteg.org.uk to find out.