A great event coming up at the former Keskidee Centre on Gifford Street. Gives me another excuse to put up this great Bob Marley video filmed at the Keskidee and on Gifford Street.  Thanks to Diana Shelley for tipping me off. RSVP to info@creativeislington.com

Celebrating the creative legacy of the Keskidee Centre Islington's Black History Month Closing Event with Creative Islington and Islington BME Forum 27th October 2011, 7-9pm Creative Islington and Islington's BME Forum are hosting a joint Networking Event at the Keskidee Centre for the closing of Islington Black History Month 2011. It will be an opportunity to find out more about the rich history of this venue and enjoy talks and performances from artists originally involved. 

Oral Historian Alan Dein, who pieced together the remarkable and pioneering story of the Keskidee for Radio 4 recently, will be giving a short intro. The event will bring together many of those originally involved in the centre, with the aim of celebrating its impact and connecting up those individuals with current cultural groups and activity in Islington. All welcome! Book your place at info@creativeislington.com

We will have free refreshments, kindly provided by Waitrose, Holloway Rd. "The Keskidee Centre was unique. There was nowhere else that you could find that kind of ambience to nurture creativity." Linton Kwesi Johnson The Keskidee Centre was Britain's first arts and cultural centre for the black community. It was founded in 1971 near King's Cross and Caledonian Road and made an important contribution to London's cultural scene in the 70's and 80's.

Keskidee became known for its thriving theatre productions which toured the world and launched the career of many famous actors, and for many years, it was the only place to experience black theatre in London. It is where poet Linton Kwesi Johnson created dub poetry and Bob Marley se his 'Is this love?' video.

It was originally and continues to be used now as a church. Islington Council marked the fortieth anniversary of its opening this year with the unveiling of a green plaque.

Venue: The former Keskidee Centre is at Christ Apostolic Church, Gifford Street, off Caledonian Road, N1 0DF To book: Please RSVP to info@creativeislington.com

For the full Islington Black Fistory Month event listings check out: http://www.islington.gov.uk/bhm