Features / CARGO
How a Bristol project to change the narrative of Black history has expanded in scope
When Lawrence Hoo set out to address the missing narratives from Black history in Britain and beyond, he did not know where it would lead.
Determined to instigate change to ensure his children grow up in a more equal society and don’t keep facing the same injustices, the poet set out to tell the inspiring untold stories of revolutionaries from Africa and the African diaspora.
“I never imagined it would be so big and so far-reaching,” says Lawrence, talking about the success of the CARGO Movement from the newly-refurbished office space overlooking Jamaica Street.
is needed now More than ever
CARGO Loft is the latest development from the project, offering a free, professional studio for local creatives of African and African Diaspora heritage to develop their work.
Renowned street artist Inkie created the artwork that is now proudly painted on the loft space above the Peoples Republic of Stokes Croft building on Jamaica Street.
Jen Reid, Lawrence and his son, Soul, and Al Doggart all worked on preparing the wall for Inkie’s mural on the new CARGO Loft – photo by Khali Ackford
The project, run by a small collective that includes creative designer Chaz Golding and Massive Attack, is also about to launch the latest lessons in the CARGO Classroom series, which are available for free as online resources and have already been used by teachers and individuals around the world.
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Read more: The Bristol project changing the narrative of black history in Britain
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The latest lesson series include a focus on Queen Nzinga, a monarch and resilient leader who fought against the Portuguese and their expanding slave trade in Central Africa, and Bristol’s Society of Merchant Venturers.
The story of Queen Nzinga is told in the latest series of CARGO Classroom lessons – image courtesy of CARGO
“We don’t want to put any barriers up so everybody can use it,” says Lawrence, speaking about the free, interactive learning resources that have been developed with teachers.
“We have created and developed the work and resources and then made them available online and they are all free. There is no excuse not to know.”
As well as educating future generations, CARGO also aims to support emerging talent through the launch of the workspace, which offers 24-hour access and also has residents, including illustrator, mural artist, and designer Jazz Thompson, professional photographer and filmmaker Khali Ackford and spoken word artist Malizah.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSjyGYFDrZ2/
Currently working on her second EP, Malizah says the loft has given her the space to learn and be creative.
“Being here means you have people here to help you through your process and give feedback. Also, just conversations that we have, I think that’s like the most valuable stuff when you’re not working. I’m able to just like talk with the people in the space about life and about society and culture.
“I like being able to come to space with like-minded people who will just be honest.”
CARGO’s work is supported by Thresholds and Arts Council England.
Main photo by Ellie Pipe
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