Key Initiatives in the Black Dance Movement (BDM)

During the latter half of the 20th century, racism was ‘alive and kicking’. Black communities, young and old, were questioning themselves about their identities, their place to call home, their future in British society. Especially for the young, Africa was their spiritual home, and engagement in African dance empowered them to become a part of Marcus Garvey&s;s ‘back to Africa’ vision. This chapter focuses on Birmingham-based organisations that contributed significantly to the Black Dance Movement in the UK, including Kokuma Dance Company and the Black Dance Development Trust (BDDT). Kokuma was a community dance group, which I co-founded and managed for many years, and which evolved into a professional dance company and became one of the longest operational Black dance companies in the UK. I was also a key member, with several other colleagues, working together in the interests of African and Caribbean dance in the UK to establish the BDDT, an organisation representing the collective voice and interests of African dancers and drummers in the UK.