We are so excited to be partnering with Aspire Black Suffolk for the Power Of Stories Exhibition this summer to share local stories.
Our Diversity and Engagement Lead Angelle Joseph and Director and Youth Facilitator Cad Taylor have been involved from the very first meeting in 2019. Here they learned about the news of the Marvel costumes (Black Panther, Okoye and Shuri) being displayed as part of the exhibition in Ipswich. They’ve been involved ever since in championing local stories and bringing young people in to the planning stages. We got excited way back in 2019 when lots of us from ICM and IO Radio attended an invite only screening of the Black Panther film at Ipswich Film Theatre Club!
Due to Covid19 the exhibition had been delayed a few times, but now it is finally here and we’re excited to share a selection of community events to support this incredible exhibition!
Black Panther Brunch
In partnership with Aspire Black Suffolk and the Power Of Stories Exhibition the New Gen Project held a Black Panther Brunch. The young people provided entertainment whilst food was provided by Sweet P’s. After 15 months on Zoom and 5 weeks in the studio the group worked really hard to build a set from scratch, many of them not ever having met in real life before. For some this was their first ever performance, for others they hadn’t had the capacity to play due to Covid restrictions. Ashanti, our newest member, had only come for 3 weeks and started practicing on the 2nd. Nathan we had only met on Zoom and he came into the group and was supported to try out many different instruments and skills.
Angelle, one of the tutors says:
“It was a tearjerker moment watching them all perform and bond with each other and we are so proud of them. I hope they feel empowered and raring to go in the next term.”
Thank you to Ipswich Museum, Aspire Black Suffolk, Punch Studios and to Sweet P’s.
Ashanti, the newest member of the groups says:
“It felt surreal, I’ve only sang in front of family and then taking a big jump to performing live with a band was a lot. I was a nervous wreck. My hands were sweating, I had butterflies. It felt good after [I performed] because people have said I’ve been able to sing for the longest time and to finally build the confidence to sing in front of people it’s a good feeling and I’ll definitely do it again.”
Marvel Podcast
IO Radio will host episodes that delve into the history of Marvel’s Black Panther, Black History and more. Follow IO socials for details @ioradiouk
South Street Kids Zine
Over lockdown South Street Kids worked with Laundromat CIC to create a zine of their work, championing the voice & unique experiences of their lives. Sam, one of the brilliant young writers, interviewed Glen Chisholm about the Power of Stories exhibition.
Check out the incredible zine that was created as a result:
Dance East Project
We’re working on a collaboration with Dance East to explore storytelling through movement, spoken word and drumming. More details to follow
The Power of Stories exhibition is at Christchurch Mansion until 24th October. We encourage everyone to book their tickets for the exhibition just head to powerofstories.co.uk