As part of Enfield's Black History Month celebrations, UK Garage singing sensation Asher-D performed his solo single 'They Don't Know' at Southgate College on Wednesday.

The So Solid Crew band member was launching a month of activities to raise awareness of the black community and black culture.

Premila Sivanesan of the Arts in the Community Team said: "What we are trying to do here is make people aware of how important black music has been on popular culture.

"Asher-D's presence on Wednesday embodies that influence."

Students from Broomfield School and Southgate College had the opportunity to try their hand at DJing and MCing and had a chance to talk with music promoters, lecturers and performers who were present on the night.

The students also had a chance to reflect on the massive influence black musicians, such as Louis Armstrong, James Brown and Aretha Franklin, have had on British and American contemporary music.

Until the end of the month, Edmonton Green Library is holding an exhibition on the history of black footballers, focusing especially on British black footballers such as Clyde Best, Cyrille Regis, Ian Wright and Emile Heskey.

This is the sixth consecutive year the library has taken part in the celebration of black culture and history.

Enfield Racial Equality Council (EREC) had its 25th anniversary on Saturday and events ranged from cultural displays, food tasting, poetry reading, singing and dancing.

The Mayor was also present for the event and there was a pledge for peace with regards to the atrocities going on between the US and Afghanistan.

Valerie Bloom, the British black poet, will be giving live readings of Caribbean poetry at Edmonton Green Library on Monday October 29.

Tickets and information for Valerie Bloom and other events scheduled for Black History Month are available by calling 8379 2600.

December 3, 2001 13:00