London Bangla A Force for the community…
Ahmed Suleiman, who served in WW2 and whose father served in WW1, pictured at Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest, East India Dock Rd.
A strong part of what makes up Tower Hamlets is the Borough’s Somali population. Over several years, it’s brought an extra dimension to this multicultural part of London. A strong seafaring nation, Somalia has produced many sailors who have visited ports in the UK for trade and, during the Second World War, to help defend the country. Somalia (until its recent political turmoil) was also a country of highly educated people people (with one of the best literacy rates in Africa) and a well developed primary health care system.
Now we can find out more about the Borough’s Somali heritage, with a unique exhibition available during most of March, and associated events.
Dr Ahmed Hersi, who set up the borough’s first health and social care provision for Somali elders in the 1990s.
The exhibition has been produced by the Council’s Idea Store, working in partnership with community group KAYD. It is based on oral histories and material in Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives, which were gathered together by Simeera Hassan as part of a traineeship at the Local History Library (funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and The National Archives)
Simeera said: “The seamen have travelled all over the world and are inspiring role models within the Somali community, with numerous seamen deciding to settle in the borough. This experience has been rewarding and the traineeship has allowed me to develop my skills in archives and has given me the opportunity to add new Somali archives which have never been done before.”
The exhibition also features a set of portraits of Somali seamen and community leaders taken by Bethnal Green based photographer Sarah Ainslie (some are shown on this page).
Cllr Rania Khan, Cabinet Mmber for Culture said: “The exhibition shows the struggles as well as the achievements of local people. We are grateful for the participation and support of the residents and community organisations which have helped Simeera to uncover this history.”
The exhibition will run at Oxford House from 8th to 31st March and will subsequently tour to other venues in Tower Hamlets.
Reminiscence Session with Somali Elders
A rare opportunity to hear the memories of early Somali East Enders first-hand. Led by Kinsi at Numbi Arts in partnership with Mayfield House and Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives.
Wednesday, 20th March from 2-4pm
Mayfield House Day Centre, 162 Cambridge Heath Road, E2
Film Night
Your chance to watch two short films, Janaale and Muted Cry, which illustrate two very different aspects of Somali Tower Hamlets. Followed by a discussion led by Kayd Somali Arts & Culture.
Thursday, 28th March from 6.30-8.30pm
Idea Store Chrisp Street, Vesey Path, East India Dock Road, E14
To find out more visit www.ideastore.co.uk or call 020-7364 1290.
