Clarke and I have 45 minutes before I get a coach with 40 teenagers to the French Alps for a snowboarding/ski trip. Just wanted to squeeze in a quick blog about DJ Swing's funeral yesterday.
The whole day was like a mass spiritual experience. I've not been to an African funeral, or an Asian one, or even a white person's funeral, but West Indian people's funerals are fantastic, and this was no exception. From Beverly Knight's gospel turn in the church, to Omar and Victor Romero Evans live PA by the set, the whole day was a fitting tribute to the music loving, people loving DJ, Brian Daley aka Swing.
At times, when addressed by Orin Lewis (of the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust) we were reminded of the reasons why we were here, it resembled a political rally. Stirring speeches were made by Orin and family members to rally the troops to keep the message alive, even though Swing no longer is. As one of his fellow DJs said in ghetto eloquent fashion "Give Blood, To Save A Blood". Sounds like a campaign in the making.
As we stood by the graveside, the young people not knowing the hymns, and not confident enough to sing anything else, all we could do was watch morosely as Brian's friends and contemporaries, many wearing white suits or adidas tracksuits, grappled with the mound of thick earth they were shovelling to fill the grave. As Orin de Gale said, it is not acceptable to not register to donate what amounts to half of a plastic cup of liquid called bone marrow. If you are black, asian or mixed-race, make it your business to register, and then register someone else. Not being registered should become a shameful thing. Consult your GP if you have any concerns regarding your health or call the ACLT they can answer any questions you may have. I have done it, and it took maybe 30 mins of my time, and most of that was spent listening to information.
The whole day was a great tribute to a special man and Swing would have loved it so much. It is such a shame that we had to have it without him.
CLINICS - (http://www.aclt.org/)
The following information highlights the forthcoming ACLT registration clinic date and location:
Saturday 22nd April, Time 10am to 6pm at the London Fire Brigade Southwark Training Centre, (Sir Frederick Delve Suite), 94 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 OSD.
Wednesday 26th April, Time 2pm to 9pm at the Waverley School - Homestall Road, London, SE22 0NR
Sunday 29th May and Bank Holiday Monday 30th May, Afro Hair & Beauty Show - Alexandra Palace, North London, N22 7AY. Time: 10:00am till 7:00pm
New dates are constantly being added to the 2006 list of registration clinics. So please keep checking the registration clinics page.
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2 comments:
stirring post. something i'm definitely gonna do. thx
enjoy the trip
I've just sent the link to your post to all of my friends and family at home in the UK.
I didn't know Swing but I used to 'rave' at Boogie Bunch parties all the time way back when.
It seems like we consistently lose our brightest stars but while they're here they outshine us all and when they're gone we have make sure that we carry one what they started.
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