Jason Okundaye

Bindi Vora

Edwin Coomasaru

"This publication accompanies the exhibition Ajamu: The Patron Saint of Darkrooms at Autograph in London, 28 April- 2 September 2023. Curated by Mark Sealy in association with Bindi Vora." -- colophon.

The Patron Saint of Darkrooms

Ajamu

Announcing the arrival of a major new talent, an astonishing work of social history which captures Black gay Britain as never before. 'In this seminal book Okundaye gives us juicy dialogue, tears and laughter, and vivid landscapes of memory.' MENDEZ, author of Rainbow Milk 'Okundaye has done something extraordinary and made this work of vital social history seem like a late night, electrifying conversation between good friends.' SHON FAYE, author of The Transgender Issue 'Illuminating, heartbreaking, scandalous and galvanising. A crucial text not just of Black British history, but British history in itself.' BOLU BABALOLA, author of Honey & Spice *** In this landmark work, Jason Okundaye meets an elder generation of Black gay men and finds a spirited community full of courage, charisma and good humour, hungry to tell its past - of nightlife, resistance, political fights, loss, gossip, sex, romance and vulgarity. Through their conversations he seeks to reconcile the Black and gay narratives of Britain, narratives frequently cleaved as distinct and unrelated. Tracing these men's journeys and arrivals to South London through the seventies, eighties and nineties from the present day, Okundaye relays their stories with rare compassion, listening as they share intimate memories and reflect upon their lives. They endured and fought against the peak of the AIDS epidemic, built social groups and threw underground parties; they went to war with institutions (and with each other) and created meaning within a society which was often indifferent to their existence. Revolutionary Acts renders a singular portrait of Britain from the perspective of those buffeted by the winds of marginalisation and discrimination. It is a portrait marked by resilience and self-determination, inspired by the love and beauty Black men have found in each other. *** 'What sung to me beyond the clear vitality within the words was its ability to make the history and lives of our subcultures so tantalising, alive, tender, playful and an addictive read. I can't wait to tell everyone to read this book.' TRAVIS ALABANZA, author of None of the Above 'Revolutionary Acts doesn't just recover and expand queer British history: it shocks it back to life.' SEÁN HEWITT, author of All Down Darkness Wide 'Jason Okundaye has written a truly valuable book: a chatty, powerful and outrageous testament to a community of bold pioneers. As a document it's important and insightful, and as a piece of storytelling it's entertaining, lucid and compelling.' SIMON GARFIELD, author of The End of Innocence

Jason Okundaye

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