Lawrence Hoo and the Who’s of History
‘…if seen by the right people, stands the chance of having a real cultural and sociological significance.’John Akomfrah (Cargo, 2019, p.19)
Who is Hoo?
Lawrence Hoo is a born and bred Bristolian with a very uncommon experience of the city, as he has experienced Bristol from all four corners; north, south, east and west, giving him a wholly unique view of the city. Despite his unusual history, his experiences as a black Bristolian are relatable for the majority of Bristol’s black community, and it is his ability to express these feelings and emotions that has inspired their support. His acknowledgement and fearless vocalism of Bristol’s ties with the transatlantic slave trade are used within his new collection CARGO, with the aim of acknowledging African culture, identity and history that is continually ignored within Bristol.
Exclusion, education and history
The camaraderie that Hoo inspires amongst Bristol’s black community was instantly evident on entering Waterstone’s as I realised that I was in the minority as a white woman. Overriding this was the sheer amount of energy oozing from the audience, as each comment Hoo made was followed by cheers and claps of agreement. He seemed to be a spokesman, voicing the anger and frustration felt by Bristol’s black community at being constantly overlooked. He drew on his own experiences to demonstrate the neglect that their community has faced, particularly highlighting the lack of efficient policing the community has received, securing their limiting and inferior position. This was emphasised as he described a half-hearted attempt by the police to remove drug dealers from outside his school; a sign was placed warning dealers not to occupy the area rather than a physical presence.
Alongside this, he drew our attention to the education system, at which he strongly opposes, not only because of the poor treatment he received at its hands, but its lack of representation and inclusion of black communities. He stated that as a child he found it difficult hardly hearing about his culture, with the only references to his ancestors as enslaved barbarians and savages. It was the acknowledgement of this exclusion (that stretches far beyond schools) that inspired the most support, as Britain, undoubtably, needs to extend her history to represent her true multicultural self. An important part of doing so is taking responsibility for our role in the transatlantic slave trade. This acknowledgement is particularly relevant to Bristol, which now needs to accept its prominent role within the transatlantic slave trade to eradicate alienation of its black community.
What resonates with me most from the interview, was Hoo’s comment on race. He believes that race does not exist. That it was created 500 years ago for the purpose of slavery, and that to move past race we must first acknowledge our past and accept it. By accepting our role within transatlantic slavery and our racist history as a nation, he suggests that we have the chance to eliminate race completely.
Millie Downing