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Can the destruction of books equate to a cultural genocide? This episode of Blackwash dares to ask this provocative question as we uncover the overlooked history of Black British biblioclasm. Journey back to the 1970s in the UK when the firebombing of the UK Black Panthers' bookshop in Brixton symbolized a chilling attempt at cultural erasure. Through the eyes of a former Panther member, we expose the systemic racism and the relentless attacks on Black and Asian communities, revealing the untold narratives of resilience and resistance. Black bookshops have long served as fortresses of education and empowerment, challenging oppressive systems and nurturing community activism.

Meanwhile, the Black British Book Festival, established by Selena Brown in 2021, emerges as a beacon of hope, breaking stereotypes about Black engagement with literature and revives the Black British literature festival. Drawing inspiration from the legacy of the International Book Fair of Radical Black and Third World Books, we emphasise the power of reclaiming narratives through visible acts of reading! By championing representation and fostering a sense of belonging at such events, we combat the metaphorical book burning that threatens our minds, reinforcing the timeless truth that knowledge is indeed power. Tune in to explore these compelling stories and discover how we can all become part of this movement for change!

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How does a tragic event evolve into a symbol of resilience and celebration? Join us as we unravel the origins of the Notting Hill Carnival through the poignant story of Kelso Cochrane. You'll learn about the harrowing night in 1959 when Kelso, an aspiring law student and skilled carpenter from Antigua, was brutally murdered in a racially motivated attack. This heinous act galvanized a community, igniting protests that would forever alter the landscape of race relations in London. As we recount Kelso's final day and the subsequent struggles for justice, we honor his legacy and explore how these events paved the way for the vibrant Notting Hill Carnival we know today.

From a humble beginning to a major event generating nearly 400 million pounds for London's economy, the carnival has become a beacon of community spirit and resilience. We'll discuss how the memory of individuals like Kelso Cochrane is preserved, not just through commemorative plaques but through the very fabric of the carnival itself. This episode is a testament to the enduring power of collective pain and the incredible journey from protest to celebration. Tune in to appreciate the rich history and the continuing significance of this Caribbean cultural phenomenon.

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Is Shade Borough damaging the integrity of Black British journalism? Tune in to this episode of Blackwash as we explore the tension between entertainment-focused social media platforms and traditional Black national newspapers. We scrutinize the massive social media followings of Shade Borough compared to the Voice newspaper, Britain's lone Black national newspaper. Why does a platform filled with user-generated content and entertainment draw more support than a publication committed to serious journalism? We question the accountability and transparency of platforms like Shade Borough and ponder is there an agenda?

Going back to the 1960s, we uncover the covert history of Flamingo magazine and its unexpected ties to MI6, revealing how it was used for subtle propaganda among Black West Indian communities after the Notting Hill riots.

Join us as we reflect on the importance of maintaining cultural integrity in our media representation and the broader implications for our ethnic ethics.

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While Dubai today is synonymous with luxury and innovation, its history tells a different story. The pearl diving industry, once the economic lifeblood of the region, was fraught with peril and exploitation. In the episode, we discuss the narratives that gloss over the significant contributions of enslaved Africans to the region's economic development. Drawing from Finley's "Ancient Slavery and Modern Ideology," we argue that Dubai qualifies as a genuine slave society, emphasizing the crucial role African slaves played in the pearl diving industry. We also scrutinize how slavery persisted even after the pearl industry's decline and its official abolition, with slave owners receiving compensations during the transition to an oil-dependent economy. Tune in to uncover the grim realities that have shaped modern Dubai, challenging the often celebratory stories of its transformation from rags to riches.

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When Tony Sewell controversially attributed the educational disparities between African and Caribbean students to single-parent households, he ignited an age old ‘why are Afro-Caribbean boys failing in schools’ debate, which I refer to as ‘racial gaslighting within the UK education system’. I tackle these claims head-on, peeling back the layers of his argument to examine the real culprit!

This episode cuts through the noise, challenging statistics and questions whether leaders like Sewell (chair of the contentious Race and Ethnic Disparities Report) are advancing progress or advancing personal gain. This episode promises a no-holds-barred look at the complexities surrounding educational outcomes and the pervasive influence of systemic bias.

This episode also sails through the shifting cultural currents of Black British identity, especially among those hailing from Caribbean backgrounds. We share heartfelt stories, like the awe-inspiring journey of a student who leapt from our classrooms onto the Olympic stage, symbolizing the power of nurturing extracurricular passions and ‘leading leisure’. Listen as we weave the narrative of the haunting legacy of "Subnormal, a British Scandal," which chronicles the mislabeling of Black Caribbean children (now adults) as "educationally subnormal." From personal triumphs to systemic failures, join me, for an in-depth exploration into how these experiences shape the educational landscape and why we must remain vigilant in the fight against racial gaslighting!

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