Cressingham Gardens yesterday (28 October) played host to a Black History Month half term storytelling festival.
Local Black authors of books for young people were joined in the estate’s rotunda building by others from Hackney and Gillingham in Kent and there were interested observers from other London boroughs.
Organiser Sandra Moodie, one of the authors and a Cressingham Gardens resident, also welcomed local councillor Marcia Cameron and Lola Ramocan – another writer for children and wife of the Jamaican High Commissioner to London.
They entertained an audience of local children and parents while passing on strong messages on Black empowerment and everything from entrepreneurship to first aid.
Patrice Augustus-Browne read from her book for Black boys, Sky Up; Kadijah Ward followed with her book Dark Boy Boss; Caleb’s First Aid Adventures by Jackie Fisher followed. After a break, Miss Joyce read from her book to explain why Swimming is Great, Lola Ramocan introduced her book about Community Helpers and her health and wellbeing pack; and Sandra Moodie read her inspirational book Aminata and the Bag of Seeds.
“All these books need to be in schools now!” said one parent.
This is exactly what Sandra Moodie and her colleagues are now planning, with visits to schools and local authorities and other initiatives.
