The screening was followed by a Q&A with the films Director, (Helene Lee), and acclaimed social commentator Benjamin Zephaniah, and forms part of the UEN’s ‘Think Music Project’, an initiative focussed around the cross-cultural engagement facilitated by African-Caribbean music and culture.

The screening highlighted a number of current areas of social policy, notably the links between politics, environmental sustainability, localism, as well as the role of faith within the education system. All of these subjects could have warranted significant and further discourse in what proved to be a terrific and informative afternoon of film, debate and entertainment which explored the history, context, influences’ and present day perceptions of the rastafari faith, and its associated movements.

Often misunderstood, the rastafarian faith has emerged from a range of influences, including Bolshevism, New Thought, Anarchism, Hinduism, Judaism, and of course Garveyism, to supplement the East African tribal traditions which underpin the faith.

From these complex origins, the true rasta faith has nonetheless become an influential medium for many people within contemporary urban societies across the world, encapsulating everything from spirituality, music, and fashion to protest, equality, activism and other elements of expressive culture.

This event provided a platform for those with a genuine interest, and curiosity of rastafari, to find out more about the beginnings and contemporary expressions of the Rastafarian faith.

A Capital Education

With the recent changes in the criteria used to assess the educational attainment and performance of pupils, and the impact this has had on school tables, this debate will examine the subsequent requirements and implications for teaching in the capital.

Details coming soon…

The Resolute Capital

Details coming soon…

Neighbourhood Markets Initiative; Brixton as a place to do business  @ Tower 42; the role of diversity in the media @ Sadlers Wells Theatre; celebrating London’s creative economy @ London College of Fashion.

With marked differences in the quality of life and opportunity for many communities across the city, it may be argued that participation in activities which aim to alleviate some misconceptions and stereotypes now carry an increased element of responsibility, and further highlight the importance of encouraging a more altruistic sense of citizenship.

Adopting a progressive, open and at times provocative approach to our debates, we invite people to look at London Life, how we live, how our city is changing and growing, how it’s perceived, and we encourage people to engage closer with the city through our activities.

Screening details:

Traversing subjects as wide ranging as Politics, Environmental Sustainability and Localism as well as the role of faith within the education system, this UEN screening programme brought together live music, discussion, and documentary cinema with debate panelists including Benjamin Zephaniah and Hélène Lee and entertainment supplied by Aba-Shanti and Abela Culture.

For those who didn’t obtain a ticket in time, here is a synopsis of the post-film discussion:

Chronicling the life story of pioneering Jamaican Leonard Percival Howell and his establishment of a unique social community in the colonial Jamaica of the 1930s, Le Premier Rasta (The First Rasta) documents the oft-obscured beginnings of the now world reknown Rastafarian movement. Tracing Howell’s colourful journey through the Bolshevism, New Thought, Anarchism, Hinduism, and of course Garveyism characterising his early life, director Hélène Lee weaves an alluring, yet clear-eyed account of the political and spiritual mileaux from which today’s Rastafarian faith grew.

You can watch the trailer here:

The Urban Enterprise Network explored the intriguing world of natural hair and beauty products, hosting the ‘Changing Concepts’ debate at The Hub, a business space situated in London’s King Cross, which facilitates a network of  ethical and socially aware enterprises.

We were joined by respected author and journalist, Hannah Pool, and Shevelle Rhule, Fashion & Beauty Editor, PRIDE Magazine.   The debate was sponsored by ‘Simplicious’, a newly established company, which aims to promote natural hair and beauty products and lifestyle.

The context behind the debate is that there is little doubt that the last decade has seen significant growth in both the interest and demand for natural hair (and beauty) styles.  Subsequently, London has seen the beginnings of a new target – market, known as ‘naturals’.  This market has now self-defined itself, with relatively little marketing and promotion, pursuing a commitment to the consideration and use of natural products, all of which is underlined with a sense of personal expression.

Some organisations (such as ‘Adornment’) have reflected this growing interest by hosting very successful ‘natural hair shows’, and we have seen a proliferation of online stores offering natural hair products and advice.  Complimenting this product development has been the emergence of natural hair stylists, and the creation of various networks which offer that crucial peer support and information for naturals.

When considering these developments it may be argued that the market for natural hair and beauty products is now firmly established, embraced and should be fully understood.

The discussion raised a number of questions, including;
•    whether the industry truly reflects the ‘natural hair and beauty’ market, and are manufacturers addressing their products and services accordingly;

•    Has the growth in demand for ‘natural’ hair products been reflected in the services currently provided by the vast number of hair salons in the capital, specifically considering their approach to dealing with natural hair. (For example, the difficulties in requesting both styles and treatments for natural hair; and requesting the use of completely natural based products in many salons, are frequently mentioned as a matter of frustration in many blogs and articles…)

•    whether we are still at the relatively early stage in the maturity of the natural hair and beauty market; and  is wearing your hair natural still seen first as a personal ‘statement’, rather than a common style, carrying with it an associated taboo and stereotypes.

•    and if ‘natural’ hairstyles and products are still viewed as distinct and unique, what does this represent in terms of our views and promotion of what is perceived as ‘normal’ in terms of styles, trends and beauty.

Hannah Pool presented us with an interesting perspective, weaving in her personal insight, and drawing on her experience of life in the UK and in Eritrea, highlighting the intricacies and motivations of hairstyling, and the perceptions generated by styles worn by individuals.
Shevelle Rhule spoke from her position of considerable knowledge, reiterating the ‘emotive’ nature of the subject, whilst underlining the scale of the industry in London. Shevelle also encouraged all stakeholders involved in the hair and beauty industry, to work towards continually advancing the traditional perceptions associated with natural styled hair, moving from an all-too-common view which suggests that natural hair should be defined, and presented in a separate way.

The wider debate highlighted the role of the media, style magazines and journals in terms of their representation of hair and beauty products, while discussing the current scale and impact of the ‘natural’ hair industry.  Concerns were raised by many attendees, who included some of the foremost providers’ of natural hair and beauty products in the UK,  suggesting that with the continued growth of the natural hair and beauty market, this may result in an emergence of opportunists, with companies and manufacturers’ whose motivations are somewhat questionable, providing sub-standard products  and services.

The debate continued with much enthusiasm and energy, and it’s likely that this is a topic which we will look at again in the future.  However, you can join the discussion via our blog, Facebook, or twitter feed!, and take a look at the rest of the images from the event in the gallery.

Sounds of Politcial Freedom

King’s Head Theatre – Islington, London

20 Years of the UK Hip Hop Connection: So What’s Next?

Rivington Gallery – Shoreditch, London

Truman Brewery – Shoreditch, London