Creatives from across Bristol’s Global Majority cultural scene celebrated at upcoming event

The creative work of some of Bristol’s most inspiring Global Majority filmmakers, musicians, artists and writers will be celebrated at a free event hosted by UWE Bristol.  

‘Crossing Generations’, on Wednesday 23 October, 18.00-21.30, at the Watershed and online, is part of the Bristol Distinguished Address Series (BDAS) and one of several UWE Bristol events to celebrate Black History Month.  

‘Crossing Generations’ will honour the individuals who have contributed to Bristol’s Global Majority cultural scene, with talks, performances and readings, including Dr Edson Burton, poet, drama writer, curator, historian and UWE Bristol alum. Edson’s creative works include ‘Seasoned’, a poetry collection about the historical and contemporary African diaspora experience, and ‘Deacon’, a three-part supernatural radio series inspired by West African mythology and spirituality.  

Edson will be joined by Americana folk singer Lady Nade, writer and cultural historian Dr Zakiya McKenzie who will share poetry, and spoken-word artist Shakara. 

On the line-up are filmmakers Rob Mitchell and UWE Bristol’s Professor Shawn Sobers, who co-founded the production company Firstborn Creatives. The event will also showcase a film made by Elias Williams from MANDEM, an independent media platform challenging mainstream media narratives around young men of colour.  

‘Crossing Generations’ will run in collaboration with UWE Bristol's award-winning Equity programme, which provides personal and professional development opportunities for Global Majority students. Equity aims to provide a safe space to engage in conversations around race, racism, discrimination and intersectionality and for students to develop key skills to be able to advocate for themselves through coaching, skills workshops and mentoring.

‘Crossing Generations’ is a hybrid event, held in person at the Watershed and also available to watch online. To book your place at the free event on Wednesday 23 October, 18.00-21.30, go to: https://www.uwe.ac.uk/events/bristol-distinguished-address-series