Hope 93 Gallery
This photo was taken on National Poetry Day (2 Oct). I was at Hope 93 Gallery with some fellow Creatives. We were there to record our poetic responses to Misan Harriman’s powerful images; six in particular. These images are part of The Purpose of Light Exhibition (on until 30 Oct).
Be Intentional
My t-shirt was an intentional choice. Once I knew that we could record in the gallery, I decided it would be part of my ensemble.
Why?
Because October, in the U.K., is Black History Month, although I increasingly prefer Black Cultural Archives’ phrase, ‘Black Futures Month’.
I was recording in a Black Owned gallery (founder Aki Abiola). A renowned Black photographer, Misan, was having his first solo exhibition there. The printing and framing were done by Black and Brown people, Iris Fernandes of Bayeux Ltd. and Campbell’s of London. (See Misan’s Instagram post about this)
How could I not wear it?
More Than a Slogan
It also bears an important message that still needs to be embedded in the minds of many in the U.K., from Parliament to the Public. This is one of the reasons the work of The Black Curriculum is crucial. Their core mission is to teach accessible and engaging Black histories all year round. #TBH365
Standing Firm in Power and Pride
This year’s Black History Month theme is ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’. Find out more, plus resources via Black History Month UK,
Within the main theme, there are six focus points or ‘pillars’. As I was putting this post together, I was pleased to find that two of the focal points paired perfectly with this moment:
- Power and Protest’
- ‘Resistance in Rhythm. Power in the Page.’ (part of the Black Excellence in the Arts pillar)
Five other poets and I were recording our acts of resistance. Surrounded by acts of resistance, power and protest, captured by Misan’s lens.
Even if I only have a whisper, I’m going to try and see if I that whisper can become a roar.
Misan Harriman | July 2025
‘The Purpose of Light’ exhibition bears witness to the purpose of protest. It also highlights the power of protest and the hope within it. Spanning causes and moments that include Black Lives Matter, Grenfell, Sudan, Congo and Gaza. All of which are a part of our collective history and our unfolding future.
Ask Different Questions
Jay Bernard said,
A poet can’t deliver justice, but they can ask a different kind of question.
From Strangers in the Archives
- How will you be intentional about the things that matter?
- What different questions can you be asking?
- How will you turn your whisper into a roar?
