THE ORIGINS OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The respected African American historian Carter G. Woodson has been called the “Father of Black History Month.” In 1926, he initiated the annual observance (in February) of what was originally termed “Negro History Week.” He chose February simply because the emancipator of slaves Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12 and great African American orator Frederick Douglass also had a birthday in February. By the 1970’s Negro History Week had expanded to become Black History Month.Woodson created Black History Month to ensure that the global history of African people would be continuously celebrated, recognized and commemorated. In England, October is the chosen month to celebrate what Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London describes as,” A unique opportunity to educate, document and acknowledge the positive role black people have played in shaping London’s history-too often against a backdrop of racism, inequality and injustice.”

THE EYE OF JOE OKWESA

The exhibition, “The Eye of Joe Okwesa” is a continuation of the tradition Carter G. Woodson began nearly 80 years ago. Joe Okwesa seeks to immortalize images and to capture history through the art of photography. His dynamic images whether depicting an onion vendor in Onitsha market in Nigeria or photographing ladies at Ascot, capture history in the making.

Okwesa says, “The world is getting smaller and is changing fast. My photographs include both black and white subjects simply because we all co-exist in the universe. Some aspects of black history cannot be told without mentioning western culture. Black culture has made an impact on white culture and vice versa.”

The most prominent themes in this exhibition are the use of our hands in various circumstances and technology in everyday life.Okwesa explains,” I have been subconsciously fascinated with hands for many years. While studying my photographs I suddenly realized that it was a reoccurring theme. Hands tell a story and they express feelings even though the person is not saying anything. Even if someone is dumb they can still speak with their hands. Politicians cannot connect with their audience without talking with their hands. I have also played with the idea of how we cannot get away from technology whether we are eating or using a mobile phone, its everywhere.”

Ona Dike- Amenechi