David Neita
at Kentish Town Library for Black History Month event
Tuesday 9th October 2007 / Meskerem 28 2000

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David Neita is a poet and barrister. After reciting a poem he treated the audience to a talk on the African Contribution to World Civilization.
Using as his starting point the so called 200 years celebration of the Abolition of the slave trade, he pointed out that slavery wasn't even abolished at this time. He moved on by discussing that slavery was not the only thing that should be taught as Black History and educating the audience in the great achievements of black men and women from the first doctor Imhotep through those valiant ones who fought against slavery such as Macandal who inspired Toussaint Louverture and Queen Nanny of the Maroons, to Mary Seacole and on to scientists and inventors. He also talked about how women have been written out of history.

He talked about how money from slavery funded many of London's famous buildings and was the foundation of the Bank of England. The original money was known as the Guinea (after the country). Even when I was a child we still had guineas although I was never told the origin of the name! He told us that not all black people were slaves and richer ones lived in England and held respected positions in society. He pointed out the brutality of British culture towards not only black people but poor white people also.

He also said that in his opinion Reparations should not necessarily be about money, it should be about giving Black People back their history and a pride in their culture and identity.  

After David Neita we were treated to some singing from the Tamarind Brothers
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© Sista Marydread 2007 
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