Hello,
I am Councillor Afsana Akfa, the newest Councillor with Queen’s Park Community Council, and I am excited to get ‘stuck in‘ supporting our wonderful community. As you know, August is a busy month, with our Summer Festival (Saturday, 3rd August) just around the corner and our extensive range of Summer in Queen’s Park activities for families and young people.
August is also South Asian Heritage Month (18 July-17 August), a unique opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the myriad contributions of the South Asian diaspora. It’s a time to honour our roots, embrace our identities, and share our rich cultural legacies with pride.
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This year’s powerful theme, ‘Free to Be Me,’ resonates deeply with our vibrant and diverse South Asian community here in Queen’s Park, including the Bengali community I’m a part of. South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) is a time to celebrate our rich cultural tapestry, woven from the stories and traditions of our foreparents and the dynamism of our communities here in Queen’s Park and across the country.
To commemorate this special month, exciting events, in-person and online, will be held across the City. Just last week, there was the beautiful Camden Mela down the road from us at Coram’s Fields in Bloomsbury, and two of them are happening right here in Queen’s Park:
Heritage Hues at the Rebel Business School
Join Fankaari UK x Malaika’s Sketchbook at the Rebel Business School for a vibrant and joyous painting event, Heritage Hues: A South Asian Art Celebration, to create art inspired by South Asia’s rich and diverse cultures. Under the talented guidance of @malaikassketchbook, participants will explore new techniques and discover the beauty of cultural art. Bring a picture that holds special cultural meaning to you, or get inspired by the colourful tapestry of reference pictures provided. This event takes place on 4th August 2024, from 1:00-3:00 pm. Get your tickets online before the’re all gone!
Sari Stories at Queen’s Park Library
The Sari Stories exhibition is a beautiful event where you can delve into the cultural heritage of the sari. This special garment, worn by women across South Asia, is celebrated for its beauty and history. Women from our community have shared their unique saris and personal stories, highlighting the rich weaving, dyeing, and embroidery traditions. The exhibition includes a reproduction of artwork by London-based artist Mohammed Adel, who captures British Bengali life through his paintings. The exhibition will be open at Queen’s Park Library from Saturday, 13th July, to Tuesday, 30th July. Take the chance to explore this beautiful display of heritage and craftsmanship.
There is an even more extensive range of activities to get involved with, and you can also share your story with others.
I invite residents of all backgrounds to participate in these and other events, to learn more about and celebrate South Asian heritage, and to take pride in the rich cultural mosaic that makes Queen’s Park a truly unique and wonderful place to live. Let’s come together to honour our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to a future where we are free to be ourselves.
Warm regards,
Councillor Afsana Aktar