rukus! Federation Limited

rukus! Federation Limited was founded in 2000 by Ajamu and Topher Campbell. The organisation has provided a programme of community-based work with Black Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual, Trans (BLGBT) artists, activists and cultural producers. rukus! described itself as 'a ground breaking cutting edge enterprise dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the best in challenging, provocative works by Black Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual and Trans artists nationally and internationally'. rukus! has focused on organising events, screenings, workshops, theatre performances, club-based events, debates and exhibitions including heritage and archive collections.

These initiatives have been led by the founders and 'production team' namely Ajamu (see LMA/4671/04 for further information) and Topher Campbell (see LMA/4671/05 for further information).

rukus! was registered as a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital, and also a registered charity (number 1120584) with objectives to:

'advance the education of the public of the black lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans history, heritage, and lived experience in the United Kingdom by: -maintaining an archive of oral histories, photographic and other documentation and cultural artefacts; -conducting and promoting research into the lives and lifestyle of African and Afro-Caribbean LGBT people and into the positive contribution made historically and culturally by black LGBT people to the wider society; -Presenting the results of research and information from the archive';

'preserve and promote religious, racial harmony and equality of African and Afro-Caribbean and LGBT people and to provide relief for such people';

'promote equality and diversity and to eliminate discrimination in relation to African and Afro-Caribbean and LGBT people'.

rukus! was based in South London

PROJECTS AND EVENTS

rukus! has had a number of major projects and events relating to archives, exhibitions, oral histories and book launches including:

2005: 'Queens Jewels Exhibition and Archive Launch', The Globe Centre, East End, London.

Film Party Launch during Lesbian and Gay Film festival for African American Maurice Jamal Director of Ski Trip and Dirty laundry.

Ajamu and Topher Campbell guest Speakers at Pride Rally main stage, Trafalgar Square, London.

Ajamu and Topher talks at London Metropolitan Archives third annual Lesbian and Gay History conference.

2006: 'Queens Jewels'- launches the London Borough of Lambeth's first LGBT History month events. Largest Black Gay event in country.

'Doin' The Low' with Keith Boykin (writer and former advisor to President Bill Clinton) in Association with London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

'The Fire This Time' in association with 'Chroma Journal' held at Woman's Library, London 2005. A one-day event with workshops (Film, Photography and writing) and performances.

2007:' In This Our Lives....The Reunion', which celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the first ever black gay mens' conference. London South Bank University.

Thomas Glave - Readings and Book Signing at Gays The Word Bookshop : In Partnership with Outburst UK.

Queens Jewels Opens at Homotopia Festival, Liverpool.

Black Gay and Scouse, roundtable discussion with members of Liverpool's black LGBT community.

2008: 'Open Space 2' - An event to explore and share the histories of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities connected to Soho and the West End.

'Lambeth's Black Queer Pulse' - Informal discussions that shed light on the unique place Brixton holds within the Black LGBT experience in the United Kingdom.

rukus! Wins Archives Landmark Award 2008.

'Outside Edge. A Journey Through Black British Lesbian and Gay History', Museum in Docklands.

'Glorious Outpourings', Brixton Library, Lambeth: Readings by Dirg Aaab-Richards, Steven G. Fulwood, Dean Atta and Jay Bernard.

Steven G. Fulwood - Readings and Book Signing at Gays The Word Bookshop : In Partnership with Outburst UK.

2009: Mangina Monologues, Soho Theatre, Soho, Westminster.

2010: 'Conjuring Black Funk' Book Launch by Dr. Herukhuti, Brixton Library, Lambeth.

rukus! archive Launch, London Metropolitan Archives.

Thomas Glave, Gays The Word Bookshop.

2011: 'Crossing Deep Waters', London South Bank University.