Bronze Woman. Poetry Celebration. 8 October :00pm -1:10pm Stockwell Memorial Garden.

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Bronze Woman Poetry Celebration 8 October 2012

1 Bronze Woman Poetry Celebration 8 October :00pm -1:10pm Stockwell Memorial Garden

2 Introduction The Bronze Woman is many things she is the first public monument of a black woman in England, a symbol of the contribution of Caribbean, and indeed all, women to society and proof that people who have the courage to pursue their dreams can inspire others to great achievements. Cécile Nobrega wanted to celebrate the role of Caribbean and other women in society women as mothers, sisters, wives, daughters and professionals in all their different and vital roles. Cécile wanted to raise awareness and remind us of the importance of diversity and of valuing the contribution of all communities to British society. This monument looks back through history to celebrate past lives and forward to the generations to come, prompting them to take pride in their communities and strive to make contributions of their own. This is what public art can achieve, this is why the many years of struggle to erect this evocative monument were worthwhile, and why Cécile s personal journey will be remembered. "It was a privilege to have had the opportunity to contribute and support the Bronze Woman event. The beautiful Bronze woman statue, the poem and all the untold stories behind this historic event, to me it is a distinctive part of the history of Stockwell and its people. It is a legacy that should be carried on by all of us, regardless of where we are from. This event pays a tribute to all women past or present who have suffered, struggled and survived for a better life in which their future generation can shine. Moreover, it was such an honour to have met Mother Cecile a graceful and talented lady, who indeed has left a mark, with her extraordinary poem and she will always be remembered." Nasra Ado, 2011

3 The Bronze Woman Project Inspired by Cécile s poem, the Bronze Woman Committee set out to create a lasting reminder, a monument that would reflect the main idea of her poem Bronze Woman. The building of the monument was part of a project that will fulfil the aims and objectives: Promotion of the Caribbean community s contribution to society Strengthening the role of women Establishing a sense of pride amongst the Caribbean community Representing diversity in the art world Creation of a legacy programme of education and engagement Transmitting a positive message to young people of Caribbean descent about their heritage. Olmec A brief history and achievement Olmec is a social enterprise committed to race equality through economic and social justice. It runs a series of programmes across London supporting social enterprise, employment, community leadership and development, equalities diversity, and human rights training, community research and community arts. Communities living in inner city social housing estates are challenged with higher levels of social exclusion from poverty, unemployment, crime and exposure to illegal drugs. Olmec set up the following programmes that aimed to empower and transform people s lives: Solid Foundations: a comprehensive employment and training service. Inspire Change: a portfolio of business advice and support for minority led social enterprises including First Steps, Step Ahead and Co-operative Diversity Action Black on Board: a training programme that empowers people onto governing boards in the housing, health, education and charitable sectors. I.comm: delivers community development activities on social housing estates. Midnimo: training and consultancy in equality, diversity and human rights. Eye and I: community research.

About the sculptors Ian Walters and Aleix Barbat The renowned sculptor, Ian Walters was approached to design the Bronze Woman in 2001.

Sadly, Ian passed away in 2006 before he could start the monument. In October 2007, Aleix Barbat was chosen to take the project forward.

4 About the sculptors Ian Walters and Aleix Barbat The renowned sculptor, Ian Walters was approached to design the Bronze Woman in His work includes the statue of Nelson Mandela in Parliament Square. Inspired by Cécile s poem, Ian produced a maquette illustrating a figure representing a woman holding aloft a child. Sadly, Ian passed away in 2006 before he could start the monument. In October 2007, Aleix Barbat was chosen to take the project forward. Aleix is the 2007 winner of the Tiranti Prize for Young Sculptors and was in his last year of his Figurative Sculpture diploma at the Heatherley School of Fine Art. Aleix, influenced by Ian s design, wanted to create a strong image of a mother lifting her child high above her head and looking into each other s eyes representing her strength, hope and pride. Ian Walters Aleix Barbat

5 Bronze Woman by Cécile Nobrega Find me a place in the sun in the sea on a rock near an Isle in the Caribbee: There I will set her, Honoured,! to be kissed and petted by the wind; to be washed with the brine of sweet and bitter memoirs Sin: to be stubborn and steadfast as night, Dark is her Destiny Wrong her right. The Bronze Woman monument is based on a poem written by Cécile Nobrega, the President and Founder of the Bronze Woman Monument Project which was established on 1st December Cécile, now 91, was born in Guyana and came to London in Her poem was written to honour all women, especially those of Caribbean descent. Woman of Bronze! Symbol of Slavery Strength sweat and toil, who can foil your quest for best to give your child? One night a woman says the Book, went to Him late, late in the gloomy darkness of the night; Went to Him, the Light, for places for her sons the left, the right to sit beside Him. Chide her not! Mother instinct is the same today as then for evermore however mild, she seeks the betterment of her child.

6 Bronze Woman! You were no different When you laid with massa boss, or forced you knew there was no loss of favours food: Food for the black and hungry brood, Mulato-Eurasian child money subsidised economy, guaranteed a step away from want and need: a step away from toil and sweat the heat of day: Pray Feel no hurt with those who talk of illegitimacy and illiteracy, Social stigmas - Language Craft; Feel proud that you have done your part: Stained your skirt with water-mark waist deep paddy beds cane fields to keep stinted stomachs hungry mouth salt and rice such sacrifice as those passed on many know of Death! Consumptive death Malarial death, visited troolie huts clean earthen floor the same as Overseer, Manager before promotion to driver extortion child labour. All this you bore, Feel hurt no more. Feel Joy with those who served the mine, today your sons and daughters shine like the bright gold you bartered for, in great professions, Music, Medicine, Law. White Man s purse has no curse his seed no need: but Men poor Men they run away after the night the day is done they re gone through need disown their seed then you are left alone Bronze Woman father-mother Caribbean Woman To play a dual role. Stalwart woman-man With the sun in your bones and the bloods in your veins; strength in your heart and love in your limbs, Your buxom breasts hang down like juicy brown mangoes in the mouth of your child, Your eyes are determined Yet gentle and mild, Who can help but set you Bronze Woman above! Who can help but cherish This monument of Love... Then find me a place in the sun in the sea on a rock Near an Isle In the Caribbee: There I will set her Bronze Woman Honoured for shaping Our Destiny.

7 Unveiling Ceremony The Bronze Woman Monument was revealed on 8 October 2008 at Stockwell Memorial Garden.

This monument is incredibly symbolic, as it celebrates the many splendid achievements and contributions that women from the Caribbean and the African Diaspora have made towards the life and cultural

8 This monument is incredibly symbolic, as it celebrates the many splendid achievements and contributions that women from the Caribbean and the African Diaspora have made towards the life and cultural heritage of this country. I believe it is important not only for the black community, but for all the people of the United Kingdom to acknowledge the past and the values we share; and to acknowledge how much we owe each other. The Caribbean - its past, present and future - is a subject very close to my own heart and I was delighted to be part of this tremendous celebration. Baroness Scotland QC The Attorney General October 2008

Supporters Bronze woman 2012 Bronze Woman 2012 has been coordinated by Olmec and is being developed and supported by Lambeth Libraries, Lillian Baylis Technology School and the Runnymede Trust.

9 Supporters Bronze woman 2012 Bronze Woman 2012 has been coordinated by Olmec and is being developed and supported by Lambeth Libraries, Lillian Baylis Technology School and the Runnymede Trust. Olmec would like to offer our thanks to all the supporters of this project, past and present for their participation in this significant celebration and for their valued help in raising awareness of this important celebration. This monument was unveiled thanks to funding and support from the following organisations: The Bronze Woman Committee Presentation Housing Association Transport for London European Regional Development Fund Stockwell Partnership Capital Community Foundation The Linbury Trust And has been supported by Hyde Housing Association Lambeth Libraries Lillian Baylis Technology School Runnymede Trust

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