African Caribbean Seaside Memories Exhibition

About

The 2024 WE OUT HERE exhibition is set to open during Black History Month, offering a joyful exploration of African Caribbean memories of visiting the seaside in the UK. Curated by Lorna Hamilton-Brown RCA MBE, the founder of 'WE OUT HERE,' the exhibition showcases a collection of artworks created by people of African and Caribbean descent, who share their personal seaside memories through various creative expressions. These pieces not only capture joyful moments but also highlight the often-overlooked histories and stories of African Caribbean communities in the UK.

In addition to the visual displays, the exhibition will feature a series of talks, discussions, and social events designed to engage the community and delve deeper into the themes explored in the exhibition.

Exhibition Highlights 'The Black Presence in Hastings':

Revealing the Identity of the Black Flower Seller: Uncovering the story of the Black Flower Seller who traded in St Leonards in the 1900s, bringing to light a significant but largely forgotten part of local history.

15th October at 6.30 p.m. – TALK 'Who was the Black Flower Seller' by Claudine Eccleston,
Activist, Independent Researcher, and Founder of Community Interest Company Playing the Race Card

Profiling Rollo Ahmed: Celebrating the life of Rollo Ahmed, a friend to Dennis Wheatley and Aleister Crowley, and the author of 'The Black Art', a key figure in the exploration of esoteric traditions. Ahem lived in Harpsichord House, Hastings Old Town in the 1950's.

22nd October at 6.30 p.m. – TALK 'In the steps of Rollo Ahmed' by S.I. Martin
Martin specialises in the fields of Black British history and literature, he works with museums, archives and the education sector to bring diverse histories to wider audiences

Showcasing John-Paul and Dawn Langley Simmons: Presenting an image of African American mechanic John-Paul Simmons and his wife, British author and trans woman Dawn Langley Simmons. Their wedding blessing took place at St Clements Church in Hastings Old Town in 1969. The photo will be featured as part of the Hastings Queer Collective Trail.