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Art Credit: Michi Masumi. BA.MA
The Benjamin Zephaniah
Community Library
What You'll Find Here:
The Benjamin Zephaniah Library (TBZL)
The library serves as a dynamic, living resource for learning, reflection, and community exchange. Here, visitors can explore:
Monthly Blogs & Features | Art & Wellbeing | Research & Academia | Education Hub
10 Black Voices of Medway 2026 — Avaliable from 31 October
Discover the stories behind 10 Black Voices of Medway 2026 (TENS), an oral history, photography and digital heritage project created and led by Michi Masumi. Celebrating the lives, experiences and cultural contributions of Black residents of Medway, the collection brings together personal stories, photographic portraits, recorded histories and creative interpretations.
The full digital heritage collection will be available online from 31 October 2026, following the completion of participant reviews and permissions. In the meantime, explore the participant portraits and scan the QR code to experience the original TENS sonic poem.
Project Funding & Acknowledgements
This project was made possible through the Medway Heritage Place Project, with funding from Medway Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
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Ten Black Voices of Medway | ADN Sonic Poetry
An original sonic poem and music video by Michi Masumi
Ten voices. Ten stories. One Medway.
Created as part of 10 Black Voices of Medway 2026 (TENS), this original sonic poem celebrates the cultural heritage, lived experiences and contributions of Black British, African and Caribbean communities across Medway, Kent.
Written, composed and creatively directed by Michi Masumi, the work brings together original poetry, AI-assisted music and vocals, documentary photography and digital storytelling.
Drawing inspiration from the project's ten oral histories, it explores identity, migration, family, resilience, belonging and the importance of preserving our stories for future generations.
The accompanying music video features photographic portraits and visual elements from the TENS collection, connecting contemporary creative expression with oral history and digital heritage.
The work forms part of ADN — Anthro-Digital Narratives, Michi Masumi's interdisciplinary practice exploring anthropology, art, photography, AI and archiving.
Creative Credits
Written, composed, photographed and creatively directed by Michi Masumi. Original guide vocals and musical development by Michi Masumi, with AI-assisted music and vocals using Suno AI and Muse. Final audio editing in Audacity.
Project Funding & Acknowledgements
10 Black Voices of Medway 2026 was made possible through the Medway Heritage Place Project, with funding from Medway Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
The full TENS digital heritage collection will be available online from 31 October 2026, following participant reviews and permissions.
© 2026 Michi Masumi. All rights are reserved in original creative works, subject to applicable third-party rights.
Library Resources:
The Benjamin Zephaniah Library (TBZL)
Monthly Blogs & Features | Art & Wellbeing | Research & Academia | Education Hub
If you or your organisation is interested in supporting or collaborating on community arts, wellbeing, or social impact projects across Medway and beyond, we welcome partnership enquiries. We invite funders, charities, academic groups, and community organisations to contact us at blackarthub@gmail.com to discuss collaborative opportunities.
The Benjamin Zephaniah Library combines a public-facing library collection with a growing archive of born-digital and original materials, connected through curated digital interpretation.
PDF Resources
Our free PDF resources are available to download directly from our blog pages.
If you can, we would truly appreciate a donation toward our FREE PDF resources. Every contribution helps us continue community services for Medway and the surrounding areas online and offline.
Please click the link below or scan the QR code if you’re able to support us:
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£3 → funds free resource packs x 1 bundle
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£5 → supplies participants with refreshments
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£10 → provides 1 x workshop healthy snacks
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£20 → covers one hour of artist fees
theblackarthub.co.uk/_paylink/AZxuPwci
Thank you.
RESEARCH
Articles & Essays
Exhibition Archives: Documentation of past exhibitions, installations, and performances—preserving the ephemeral nature of art events.
Lived Experiences: First-person narratives from Black British artists sharing their journeys, challenges, and triumphs.
Historical Documentation: Research into overlooked Black British artists and cultural moments that deserve recognition.
Critical Analysis: Thoughtful examination of representation, bias, funding inequalities, and systemic issues in the arts.
Contribute Your Story: Are you a Black British artist or poet with a story to share? We welcome submissions. Contact us at theblackarthub@gmail.com
Documenting Black British Cultural Heritage
This archive houses original research, essays, artist features, oral histories, and cultural documentation preserving Black British creative experiences. We're building a living archive that honours both academic scholarship and authentic community voices.
What You'll Find Here:
Artist Features & Interviews: In-depth profiles of Black British visual artists and poets, exploring their practice, inspiration, and experiences navigating the UK arts world.
Cultural Research: Essays and articles examining Black British art movements, historical moments, and contemporary issues affecting our community.