Walter Tull: Gone but not forgotten
As we remember the war dead 100 years after the First World War started in 1914, let’s spare a thought for Second Lieutenant Walter Daniel John. Tull was the first Black outfield player in Britain, which means he played outside goal, and the second Black professional footballer after Ghana-born Arthur Wharton. Continue reading “Walter Tull: Gone but not forgotten”
Bernard Taylor: Ministering through music
My dear brother gave me a gospel CD to listen to, which I am ashamed to say, stayed on my living room table for weeks before I ventured to pick it up and play it. Continue reading “Bernard Taylor: Ministering through music”
Britain’s Cutty Sark: from Chinese tea to Ghanaian cocoa
The Cutty Sark is most famous for being one of the last tea ships or clippers to be built in Britain. But its voyages, which started from 1869, were not confined to just China, where Britain’s love for tea exploded, during the mid-1800s. In its later years, this infamous ship also transported wool and coal from Australia. The ship was then sold to the Portuguese in 1895 where it was renamed the Ferreira.
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The Brasil 2014 World Cup: a family affair
As Ghana limbers up to do some damage in this year’s Brasil (spelt the Portuguese Brasilian way) 2014 World Cup, it got me thinking about how deep the ties between the West African nation and the country that gave us samba and carnival actually are. Continue reading “The Brasil 2014 World Cup: a family affair”
Belle: a new kind of English rose
With London-born Ghanaian director Amma Asante screening her film ‘Belle‘ this month (June 2014), I thought it was high time I checked out what all the drama was about. I had come across Dido Elizabeth Belle’s story in 18th century England, before and had seen the famous picture of her with her Caucasian cousin Lady Elizabeth Murray. But upon reading about her life, I realised there was so much I didn’t know. Continue reading “Belle: a new kind of English rose”
Re-writing history with a walk
Walking through the streets of St Paul’s and Bank in London recently I was taken by the concentration of churches, guilds and financial institutions and their impressive architecture. Continue reading “Re-writing history with a walk”
Reasporans: the new African returnees
The number of people with Ghanaian heritage returning to the Motherland is reportedly increasing. Continue reading “Reasporans: the new African returnees”
Tracing identity and ownership through batik
In 2013, fabrics heavily influenced by West African batik-style finally took the world by storm. With the likes of Michelle Obama and Beyonce’s sister Solange Knowles readily sporting such outfits, its popularity has been growing. This celebrity endorsement has helped to propel emerging and established designers even higher into the echelons of the fashion industry and the public’s consciousness. See here.
Continue reading “Tracing identity and ownership through batik”
Express Yourself – bus dramas
Most days I get on the X68 bus and most days I see the odd person who ignores the bus number, the bus tannoy, the digital information screen, and even the bus driver’s announcements. Continue reading “Express Yourself – bus dramas”
Chocolate under attack
When I discovered that it was Chocolate Week (14 October – 20 October 2013), I thought this was the perfect excuse to gorge without guilt on my first love. I’m not fussy when it comes to the sweet stuff – I’ll take it with biscuit, raisins, plain, dark and bitter (yum), hot and peppery, even with a pinch of salt. So you can imagine my shock, horror and despair to learn that cocoa production is on the decline. Continue reading “Chocolate under attack”
Cancer awareness: The Untold Story
Modern cancer research owes a great deal to one African-American woman and her immortal cancer cells. Her name was Henrietta Lacks. After her untimely death from cervical cancer at just 31 years old in 1951, doctors discovered that unlike other cancer cells, hers would live on when cultured and fed. Continue reading “Cancer awareness: The Untold Story”
Going back to ma roots
Today, I learnt that my hair is heliotrichous – very curly – for those of you not in the know. I also learnt that the use of the afro comb dates back 6,000 years and engenders extraordinary symbolism. Continue reading “Going back to ma roots”
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