Black Queer archives: unearthing Jimmie Daniels' art, life and performance

Date 11 February 2025
Time 6 - 8pm
Location Little Titchfield Street
Cost Free
This event is free, but registration is required

Kobi Essah Ayensuo will discuss Jimmie Daniels' legacy at the Soho Poly for Black History Year

About the event

Black History Year and QHT-EDI Programme at Westminster are excited to announce black queer art, life and legacy: Kobi Essah Ayensuo and Jimmie Daniels at the Soho Poly for Black History Year and the third annual Queering Academia conference.

Jimmie Daniels was an internationally renowned cabaret singer and an active part of New York’s nightclub scene during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. Famous for his interpretations of jazz classics and other musical numbers, Daniels was notable for the open way in which he lived his queer desires.

Daniels’ archives are housed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC and, for LGBTQ+ History month, Black History Year, the Soho Poly, and Kobi Essah Ayensuo will be working together to explore Daniels’ archive and to foster a creative response to his legacy.

In late-January, performer, poet and musician Kobi Essah Ayensuo will visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture to study Daniel’s archive. Then, from February 10, they will undertake a two-week residency at the Soho Poly on behalf of Black History Year.

During the residency Kobi will give a talk about black queer archives: unearthing Jimmie Daniels' art, life and performance – we welcome you to join!

Location

University of Westminster - Soho Poly, 16 Riding House Street, London W1W 7EY