Hackney,
09
October
2017
|
15:04
Europe/London

Sport scores at Hackney’s Black History Season

Ernest Simons with young people

Sport is on the agenda for Hackney this Black History Season as the Council hosts an exhibition, a public debate and a sports photography project for young people.

Gaining unprecedented access to top sporting events across the country, young people have been learning on-the-job about sports photo journalism with iconic sports photographer Ernest Simons.

Ernest Simons is one of only a few Black photojournalists who have captured sports persons in action at major events and as individuals through studio portraits. As well as providing training, Ernest will be displaying some of his most notable photographs at an exhibition alongside works produced by young people taking part in the project.

The exhibition ‘Sport Through a Lens’ will be on display at Hackney Central library from November and Dalston CLR James Library from January.

Michael Shonibare, a sixth form student at New City College
It was great to get the opportunity to meet and photograph some world class athletes. Getting media passes was also amazing as it allowed us to take some really good shots of the athletes as well as meeting a few of them. It was a fantastic experience and I’m truly grateful that I got a chance to be a part of it all
Michael Shonibare, a sixth form student at New City College

As well as an exhibition there will also be a public debate on sport and the role it plays in the lives of Black people. Called the ‘The Great Sports Debate 2’, the free event is taking place at Hackney Town Hall on Thursday 2 November.

Panellists for the debate include Olympic Taekwondo Silver Medallist, Lutalo Muhammed, Vice President UK Athletics, Donna Fraser, Award winning NBA Global Broadcaster (BBC, BT Sports and Sky) Benny Bonsu, Chief football correspondent for the Mirror Newspaper and sports broadcaster Darren Lewis and will be moderated by Leon Mann, journalist, producer and documentary maker and founder of the Football Black List.

Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Equalities
These are a fantastic series of events that residents can get involved with this Black History Season. This focus on sports has provided young people with an opportunity to learn from the best in the field, display their work, and also enable discussion, through The Great Sports Debate 2, on some of the complex issues that affects African and Caribbean communities surrounding sport and physical activity.
Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Equalities

To find out more or to book your free ticket for the ‘The Great Sports Debate 2’ visit Eventbrite: https://greatsportsdebate2.eventbrite.co.uk

For more information on the photography exhibition ‘Sport Through a Lens’ at Hackney’s libraries, or to see other events Hackney is hosting for Black History Season visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/black-history-month.

Black History Season is a national annual celebration of the contribution that African and Caribbean communities have made both locally and across the globe.