Black In Britain TV, Arts and Literature

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GRIM TALE IN MEMORY OF A MOTHER'S BATTLE

BOOK 03 APRIL 08 Pilgrim State tells the story of Dorothy Walker whose brave and tragic is lovingly told by her daughter Jacqueline as an homage. The book is named after the mental health unit in New York where Dorothy was sectioned in 1951 and is lovingly written.
Jacqueline is now a mother of three, with a PhD in black identity in literature. The book she says pays homage to her mother: "This was a recognition of my mother's parenting achievements that social services had not acknowledged."

From 1951 onwards, Dorothy battled to keep her children and her sanity -- a struggle that continued all her life. Dorothy and her family eventually return to Jamaica then embark on a post-Windrush trip to London in the early 60s.
Dorothy and her children face prejudice and loss but are bound by love and a sense of family unity.
Jacqueline Walker was first taken into care aged five and spent much of her childhood in children's homes. Pilgrim State is now required reading at Brunel University, London, where Walker is helping to develop the curriculum for trainee social workers. Walker says: "students learn all the theory but then I read them some of my story and it brings those dry facts to life."
Pilgrim State is published by Hodder and Stoughton BUY IT?

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BEADLE'S ABOUT IN A FAMILY KIND OF WAY

THEATRE 08 APRIL 08 Ex-EastEnder Gary Beadle leads the cast at Stratford's Theatre Royal in Rikki Beadle-Blair's comedy, Familyman. The play opens on 2 May and features little big woman Llewella Gideon and Jo Martin. The play from the writer of Bashment, is an insightful look at family life. Caesar, played by Beadle, works hard for his family but his life is turned upside down when his son delivers some shocking news. Also featuring in the cast are Jo Castleton, Ricci McLeod, Aaron Taylor, and Ayesha Antoine soon to be seen the new series of Doctor Who. Directed by Dawn Reid, the show promises to be fresh, insightful and original.
Familyman opens 2 May until 31 May at the Theatre Royal Stratford East in Gerry Raffles Square

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GREAT SCOTT SHE'S THAT LADIES' DETECTIVE

TV DRAMA 16 MAR O8 Whoever said the BBC doesn't produce decent dramas featuring Black characters lied. The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency offered a warm and fuzzy view of Africa - Botswana to be exact - but who said drama can't be warm, fuzzy and full of cuddles? This adaptation of the first book in the Alexander McCall Smith series isn't bad. Although 110 minutes doesn't allow for any deep character studies, it's enough to ease you into what promises to be a watchable series.
Grammy Award-winning American soul singer Jill Scott in the lead role passes admirably as a stereotypical African aunty, nosey, caring and warm. The menacing Idris Elba does cardboard villainy exceptionally well. But what makes it enjoyable is the over exaggerated, almost comical ways in which the players are presented. David Oyelowo as the womanising Kremlin is brilliant and adds humour to this smorgasbord presentation which could easily have been dark with the central story being that of kidnap and witchcraft.
Hopefully following the activities, trials and tribulations of Precious Ramotswe (Scott) and her detective agency in rural Botswana will continue in this vein. It makes a change to see Africa presented in 'nice' way although not flattering. But sometimes you have to thank God for small mercies, especially those the size of a baby elephant. (AA 23/03) The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency (BBC) WATCH IT AGAIN ONLINE OR DOWNLOAD AND SAVE IT WITH BBCi>>

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AFRICAN PRINCESS VIES FOR APPRENTICE SPOT

PRIME TIME 19 MARCH 08 Yes, landing a £100k a year job with multi-millionaire businessman Sir Alan Sugar in The Apprentice is what Lindi Mngaza, 22, an African princess wants. The Manchester-born Birmingham-based business liaison manager reckons: "Nobody at my age has achieved as much as I have." We'll have to see about that, but I wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of her weave.Wednesdays BBC1, 9pm. WEB LINK>>

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ASANTE 'NO' TO END OF SEASON FULHAM MOVE

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL 18 MARCH 2008 England and Arsenal defender Anita Asante has denied rumours that she's one-of-five international players set to join Fulham at the end of the season. Sources close to Fulham claim five current international have agreed to join the west London side, but Asante, capped 29 times for her country, said: "Everyone loves a story, but no I'm not on my way." READ ANITA'S PROFILE>> ARSENAL LADIES>>

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RUSTIE LEE IS GOING ALL APPLES AND PEARS

SOAP 01 APRIL 08 As far as TV cook’s go her raucous laugh was enough to do your head in and puts Ainsley Harriot's tastebud tickling antics well in the shade. But decades afters Rustie Lee stopped laughing her way through recipes she's heading to primetime screens on BBC soap EastEnders. She'll play the aunt of street cleaner Gus (Mo George) for a few episodes (April)- thank God. READ RUSTIE'S PROFILE>> RUSTIE'S POLITICS>>

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BLACK CHANNEL HUNTS FOR YOUNG TV TALENT

NEWS 27 FEB 08 BET (Black Entertainment Television) has finally gone live on SKY 209. It's not the first time BET has been on UK screens, the US based channel was part of early cable television packages in the 90s. While BET UK will offer the usual eclectic mix of Black US bunk moves are being made to recruit young Black British presenters to front some local programming. BET INTERNATIONAL>> GET A JOB BET UK >>

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