Caribbean cricket legends celebrate Black History
28 September 2011
October sees Southampton Solent University embracing Black History Month where the culture and history of people of African, Caribbean, the Americas, Asian and mixed descent are celebrated.
In partnership with the University, Black History coordinators are holding a Caribbean Cricket Exhibition which remembers the sporting skill of past Afro-Caribbean players. It will be opened by His Excellency Anthony Smith Johnson, The High Commissioner for Jamaica.
Hampshire’s strong links with the beginnings of cricket and Southampton’s housing of the world-famous Rose Bowl stadium, offer an appropriate backdrop for the annual Black History Month exhibition which explores the relationship between white and black cricket players since the first Hampshire v West Indies game on 26th July 1900.
The exhibition runs from Friday 7 October until Friday 4 November in the foyer of Southampton Solent University’s Conference Centre, 157-187 Above Bar Street.
A private reception will take place on Thursday 13 October, 12.30-2pm at the Conference Centre. His Excellency Anthony Smith Johnson, The High Commissioner for Jamaica will be in attendance and invitees will include supporters of Black History Month, local community and cultural groups as well as sporting representatives.
Great players like Malcolm Marshall, Gordon Greenidge and Andy Roberts have played for Hampshire and are considered international heroes. Many of these players forged great friendships with local Southampton Caribbean people and spent time with friends in the Newtown area of the city. Such cricketers who made their mark in Hampshire are celebrated in the exhibition with recognises Caribbean players and the cultural contributions that they have made. Norman Cowans, ex England & Hampshire Cricketer will be a guest speaker.
Don John, Black History Month Coordinator, says: “Many people of African descent are key players in the social, cultural, economic and political life of this country. The exhibition will explore Southampton’s black history in the cricket world and showcase the relationships formed through a shared love of the sport.”
Black History Month 2011 in Southampton will seek to create a tighter bond between people through information, association and cooperation. It aims to develop this alongside the variety of other ethnic groups and communities in the city.”
Professor Van Gore, Vice-Chancellor of Southampton Solent University commented: “Social justice lies at the heart of our University and we welcome events which promote and support local communities and their culture. We look forward to the exhibition which celebrates some of Hampshire’s greatest black cricket heroes.”
The event is held in remembrance of Cathy Buckley who was a keen supporter of Black History Month and was passionate about how Caribbean cricket influenced the culture of Caribbean life. Cathy was a relative of His Excellency Anthony Smith Johnson, The High Commissioner for Jamaica.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9038
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Van Gore will be attending the Bob Marley plaque ceremony in Swaythling where black music history was made at a local pub where the legendary Bob Marley and The Wailers once played (plaque unveiling photo available upon request.)
Photo 1, attached: 1962 image of local Southampton team "The Colonial Cricket Club" in Hoglands Park Southampton.
Photo 2, attached: Caribbean cricket legend and former Hampshire cricket player, Gordon Greenidge.
2011 is The United Nations’ International Year for People of African Descent