The story of St. Pauls Afrikan Caribbean Carnival is one of a community's success; from its small beginnings in the late sixties to the present day. The whole event now takes over the neighbourhood of St. Pauls in Bristol and involves schools, community groups and host professional performers. Until recently St Pauls has had a large Afrikan Caribbean population demonstrated by the strong community spirit shown in this annual carnival.
It took ages to find a parking spot. So we were officially late for procession. Luckily, it also took ages for procession to start. So we were just on time. We saw feather~people. Dance of labelled T-shirts. Leaders of tomorrow. Hopes for today. The drums poured the rhythm in. The alligator~bike passed us by.
When crowd became too big and claustrophobic we found a grass spot. And sat, vine tasting, life feasting. Enjoying.
When I first came to Bristol, I was advised against coming to this part of town.
"St Pauls is an inner suburb of Bristol, England, situated just north east of the city centre and west of the M32. In the early 18th century it was laid out as one of Bristol's first suburbs. Its turbulent history has been marked by rapid growth. The area was damaged during World War II followed by large immigration after the war which left the area a bit neglected, with crime and drugs becoming common in St Pauls."
"Do you know the story about the carnival?"
"No.", I reply.
I hear about immigration. I hear about race issues. Story leaves st Pauls behind and goes deeper. I learn that only white children were evacuated. Black ones stayed. To be bombed. I learn that one of those who were left behind never left. He stayed to help. To be the voice of neglected. PR of silent ones. Frightened ones. Even now, years and years after, every now and then guest pops in just to say how much of change he brought.
I see feather~people and flocks of rainbows around us, on a grass triangle at the end of city road.
I hear story about amazing man.
There is a myriad of theories explaining why people choose to behave in one way or the other. Empirically, and when it comes to others, I completely agree with some things said. Yes, you need love. Yes, you need crises. Yes, that which does not kill us makes us stronger but, to quote Gaiman: "...but which does kill us, kill us and aint that a bitch?" (Signal to noise, Neil Gaiman & Dave McKean).
How do you know which is which
how to choose
when to start
and when to stop?
Are great men born or nourished, in this series of experiments (LIFE)?
Is fear there to stop us or to inspire us? (YES)
What will happen if I push this button?
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