This December we will be bringing everything you need for stocking-fillers, under-the-tree gifts, and even those tricky winter baby birthdays!
Black Brighton Market is a place where Black People and People of Colour have the opportunity to sell their art, goods, services and perform to the general public. Creating equal opportunities and better profits within the BIPOC community.
At this December’s market, there will be artists and creators trading all day, we will have open mic opportunites – sign up with the link through the days agenda above. Our headline act will be local singer, Charlotte, performing her first headline act. There will also be a raffle with prizes donated by the traders from the day, and more!
Charlotte Eastwood-Gray is a 19 year old Brighton based performer from London. She’s currently in her second year of Musical Theatre training at Performers College Brighton. The genres that she is most inspired by include Soul, Jazz and R&B looking up to the artistry of Amy Winehouse, Erykah Badu, Nina Simone and Corrine Bailey Rae. Alongside her extensive experience in Musical Theatre, she shows a clear passion for live music performance and aims to delve into songwriting in the near future!
Instagram – @char.eastwood
KWANZAA
Kwanzaa is an African American and pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community and culture. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana Studies Kwanzaa, a seven-day cultural festival, which begins December 20th and ends January 1st. It joins communitarian values and practices of Continental African and African American culture.
During the holiday, families and communities organize activities around the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles): Umoa (Unity). Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). Participants also celebrate with feasts (karamu), music, dance, poetry, narratives and end the holiday with a day dedicated to reflection and recommitment to The Seven Principles and other central cultural values.
Now we know we’re celebrating a little early, but it’s not just about the celebration but recognition of other cultures holidays during the winter season, because there are many! So here at BBM we do our best to not only celebrate but educate and give acknowledgement. As part of the Kwanzaa celebration, come and listen to music, dance, hear poetry and stories we have to tell in this safe space. Until then why not have some reflection to the seven principles you might consider for 2025 and share them with us at our last market of the year!