‘Inspiration’ was Levi Root’s theme as he spoke to Charles Dickens Primary pupils as part of a Black History Month event this week, writes Kirsty Purnell…
The sauce entrepreneur appeared at the Borough school on October 18 alongside Illuminating Arts, an organisation which highlights aspects of history through art.
“I’ll be talking to the kids about food and the Caribbean lifestyle,” said Levi, who is famous for his Reggae Reggae Sauce, before the event. “Dinnertime was the most important time in my home when I was young. Cooking and seeing what goes into food – that was just as important as eating.
“I want to educate kids on the importance of food and cooking.”
The event was organised by parent Chrystal Genesis, after she realised there was nothing specific in the school’s programme for Black History Month.
“Levi is very inspirational and he can talk to the kids about food, business, cooking,” said Chrystal. “It’d be great if we could do things like this all year round.” Illuminating Arts brought highlights of their Hair Looms exhibition to the school, which explores the heritage, history and traditions of African hairstyles. The exhibition is based at Melange Salon in Peckham for two weeks.
“The project is educational and aims to pick up on specialist needs and traditions of African hair and skin,” said Illuminating Arts Director Melissa Jo Smith, “For example, kids with cornrows being sent home from school when actually, this is part of their tradition.”
“This event is very exciting,” said parent governor Annastazia Nyaga, “It’s important for children to learn about African history, which they wouldn’t learn about in everyday assemblies.
“Having Levi here is an entrepreneur is also great – more kids needs to be encouraged to do their own thing instead of going straight into the 9-5.”