George the Poet

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Brent Libraries, Culture and Heritage

Track Record: Me, Music and the War on Blackness

The Library at Willesden Green

Becoming Brent

A project exploring the British Empire's impact on Brent. From Alperton, Barnhill [to] Wembley, Willesden Green, share your stories, attend events, and celebrate diversity across the borough. 

Visit the dedicated webpage: brentpeoplesmuseum.org

In Conversation with, George the PoetCome join us for an unforgettable afternoon with the talented George the Poet at The Library at Willesden Green.This in-person event is an opportunity to hear more about George’s book, ‘Track Record’ and experience thought-provoking conversation, performance and poetry up close.Born on St Raphael's Estate in Neasden, George Mpanga, aka George the Poet, draws inspiration from his community, which shaped his artistry.In 'Track Record,' George confronts colonialism’s history and capitalism’s racial legacy as he talks to Nadia Khan from Golden Threads about the forces limiting Black creativity and excellence.Don't miss out on this chance to witness George the Poet in action!'Track Record' by George the Poet was published by Hodder &amp; Stoughton on 25 April 2024 and is available, along with other resources, at <a href="https://libraries.brent.gov.uk/search?term=George+the+Poet&field=AUTHOR&facets=&listview=false" title="https://libraries.brent.gov.uk/search?term=George+the+Poet&field=AUTHOR&facets=&listview=false" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Brent libraries</a>.This event is part of Becoming Brent.Becoming Brent, 2024 and 2025Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Brent Council, Becoming Brent offers a unique opportunity in the anniversary moment of the British Empire Exhibition, 1924 and 1925.Over the next two years, Brent has a chance to pause, reflect and redress the ongoing impact of the British Empire on the borough. Whether you're a local looking to connect with your roots or a visitor eager to explore a new area and its lesser known histories, Becoming Brent is perfect for anyone interested in heritage, history, learning, activism, community, and all the wards of Brent. Come and share your stories and dive into the stories of other people and discover the rich tapestry that makes up this vibrant area.For more information about the overall project, an article in the summer 2024 edition of "Your Brent" magazine called, <a href="https://issuu.com/brentcouncil/docs/9959_your_brent_summer_2024_issu_12july" title="https://issuu.com/brentcouncil/docs/9959_your_brent_summer_2024_issu_12july" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">"The long road to Becoming Brent"</a> and the project's press release from May 2024 called, "<a href="https://www.brent.gov.uk/news-in-brent/2024/may/trauma-and-legacy-of-the-british-empire-set-to-be-explored" title="https://www.brent.gov.uk/news-in-brent/2024/may/trauma-and-legacy-of-the-british-empire-set-to-be-explored" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Trauma and legacy of the British Empire set to be explored</a>" will provide more context.Becoming Brent is Becoming... Alperton, Barnhill, Brondesbury Park, Dollis Hill, Dudden Hill, Fryent, Harlesden, Kensal, Green, Kenton, Kilburn, Mapesbury, Northwick Park, Preston, Queens Park, Queensbury, Stonebridge, Sudbury, Tokyngton, Welsh Harp, Wembley Central, Willesden Green and Cricklewood &amp; Mapesbury. BiographiesGeorge the PoetGeorge the Poet is a London-born spoken word performer of Ugandan heritage. His innovative brand of musical poetry has won him critical acclaim both as a recording artist and a social commentator.He is suspicious of superstar musicians who adopt a revolutionary pose but don’t seem to follow through on the ground. “We all had record deals at some point. We all had fame and ratings and commercial opportunities. But if you get to that point, and you notice that the upward trajectory of your career in no way reflects the condition of your community, you have decisions to make.”Track Record is as much about Mpanga contending with white supremacy and capitalist ideologies as it is about him coming of age. Now that he is a father, he has been forced to reflect on his early years, the decisions he’s proud of, and the ones he regrets. Mpanga owns up to his mistakes. In the past, he says, he failed to focus on the bigger picture but “I empathise with the young man that I was,” he says. “I don’t think I was disingenuous. I was never perfect.” (interview for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2024/apr/20/george-the-poet-poetry-is-the-artistic-wing-of-politics" title="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2024/apr/20/george-the-poet-poetry-is-the-artistic-wing-of-politics" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">The Guradian </a>newspaper, 20 Apr 2024)Nadia KhanNadia is a writer, historian and Accredited PR professional. She has a BA (Hons) in History from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and an MA in History from University College London (UCL).Passionate about addressing issues of inequality and exclusion for socially deprived and minority communities, Nadia challenges racism and Islamophobia.In 2020, Nadia founded <a href="https://www.goldenthreads.uk" title="https://www.goldenthreads.uk" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Golden Threads</a> which is a project to explore and document shared histories across the Muslim world and beyond.

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