Stephen Small
Liverpool
I started attending the Black-E in the
early 1970s. My earliest memory was the
sound of soul music.It was just great
to listen to and it made me feel happy,
as a teenager. Peter Eyo was on the
door during the disco nights. To be
honest there was not many places like
the Blackie in Liverpool and it played
a major part in my younger years.
Going to the Black-E in those days saw
us as Black kids all together. It gave
me a sense of pride and also comfort
in a safe environment. The building
acted as a catalyst for personal
development and created a feeling of
unity. You have to remember that
this was a time when racism was an
everyday thing, in Liverpool.
All this had a direct influence on my
life, inspiring me to aim higher and
set goals. I became aware that every
day would not present obstacles due
to racism. It gave me confidence and
enabled me to pursue my dreams and
realise them. There is no doubt The
Blackie was an educational experience
and an integral part of my upbringing.
Despite the years and the miles that
I have travelled I still remain part
of a solid family network. I am proud
to be part of a close knit family
with my brothers, sisters,uncles and
aunties. It makes me feel proud and
gives me joy. It also mitigates
against the view that all families
from Liverpool 8 are dysfunctional.
I will always be proud of going to
the University of Kent after
finishing secondary school. I
eventually completed my MSc (Master
of Social Science) and a Phd in
Sociology. Not only did it give me
self satisfaction but my family
were over the moon and supported
me throughout my education.
I have fulfilled my ambitions to
travel. I have been to Africa
(Ghana/Zimbabwe) and the Caribbean
(Jamaica/Trinidad/Tobago). This
opened my mind and showed me new
realities as well as making me new
friends across the world. Books
taught me a lot but travel has
made me richer in thought.