Way Wive Wordz

Headwrap & Make-Up Demo Workshop
2025-10-24 14:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
Join Way Wive Wordz for a headwrap workshop plus a make-up demo as part of our Black History Month events.
This fun, interactive and practical workshop gives you a playful experience of trying on different headwrap styles. Whether for casual or dress-up, adornment can be therapeutic and feel-good! With well-being and cultural identity as its focus, this workshop will be a practical session on the importance of adornment.
Samples of wraps will be provided for you to have fun with, but you may wish to bring your favourites to try out.
This session will be complemented by a make-up demonstration with Make-Up artist Kathy Nanena.
Please bring your own make-up and she will show you how to do professional finishes and colour matches to enhance your natural beauty.
How to book:
click RSVP in the front or book here.

Workshop Facilitator: Dr Michelle Asantewa

Dr Michelle Asantewa is an award-winning author, independent educator, cultural consultant and publisher. Her publications include the young adult novel, Elijah, The Awakening and Other Poems, Guyanese Komfa: The Ritual Art of Trance and Something Buried in the Yard, published by Way Wive Wordz Publishing, which she co-founded in 2014. She is the editor of the anthology In Search of Mami Wata. Mama Lou Tales, a biography of her mother received a prize for the Guyana Literary Prize in 2022. Her first collection of short stories, Rupununi Affair was published in 2024.

African Cultures and Traditions BHM Wimbledon Library
2025-10-14 19:00 - 20:30 (Europe/London) | Wimbledon Library, 35 Wimbledon Hill, London, SW19 7NB
Join us to mark Black History Month for an overview of aspects of African cultures and traditions. Interactive, engaging and inspiring, the session includes a look at its spirituality, artefacts, music, dance, fashion, oral traditions and more. Presented by Dr Michelle Yaa Asantewa of Way Wive Wordz in collaboration with Merton Libraries. FREE to attend. All are welcome. Also book here: https://merton.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=242588

Presenter
Dr Michelle Asantewa is an award-winning author, independent educator, cultural consultant and publisher. Her publications include the young adult novel, Elijah, The Awakening and Other Poems, Guyanese Komfa: The Ritual Art of Trance and Something Buried in the Yard, published by Way Wive Wordz Publishing, which she co-founded in 2014. She is the editor of the anthology In Search of Mami Wata. Mama Lou Tales, a biography of her mother received a prize for the Guyana Literary Prize in 2022. Her first collection of short stories, Rupununi Affair was published in 2024.

Patrick Lewis Photo

Walking Meditation and Creative Writing
2025-09-21 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/London) | Fulham Palace Museum, Bishops Avenue, London, SW6 6EA
Step away from the noise and reconnect with yourself through a calming blend of mindfulness and creativity in the serene gardens of Fulham Palace Museum.
Join us for a gentle walking meditation followed by a guided creative writing session designed to awaken your senses, deepen your awareness, and inspire personal reflection. As we move slowly through the lush grounds of this historic riverside estate, you’ll be invited to observe, listen, and feel the natural world with fresh attention.
Writing in response to the beauty around you can help clarify thoughts, reduce stress, and spark insight. Whether you’re an experienced writer or simply curious, this is a safe, supportive space to explore your voice and reconnect with nature’s quiet wisdom.

This event is a collaboration with Way Wive Wordz, and Fulham Palace Museum.

No writing experience needed. Just bring a notebook, an open mind, and a willingness to pause.

Booking is essential

Patrick Lewis Photo
About the Facilitator
Dr. Asantewa, an award-winning author and community activist, will guide the session, helping you explore mindfulness, nature, and self-expression through writing.

How Europe Demonises African Spiritual Practices
2025-08-21 14:30 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | Fulham Palace Museum, Bishops Avenue, London, SW6 6EA
While perceptions and representations are changing, there is still a lot of negative expressions and ideas about African spiritual practices. The recent success of Ryan Coogler’s Sinners ignited hot discussions about African spirituality versus Western Christianity, and which was dominant in attempting to resist the invasion of vampires. The film highlighted how little is known about the varied spiritual practices that connect Africans across the continent and in the diaspora, while drawing deeper interest in these traditions. We will explore some of the reasons why African spiritual practices are often misrepresented, considered demonic and negative, especially when viewed through a Western European lens. This presentation is a collaboration between Way Wive Wordz and Fulham Palace Museum, and provides a link with the exhibition – The Bishop of London, Colonialism and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, currently on at the Museum. The exhibition highlights the ways Africans used their spirituality to resist and showcases the Bishops who were involved in the so-called Trade.
We will consider:

What is African indigenous spirituality
What are the retentions in the diaspora and how are they practiced
Misrepresentations of African spiritual practices
The psychological impact of cultural misrepresentation
How Africans used their spiritual practices to resist slavery/colonialism
Who is Esu, an important Orisa in the Yoruba pantheon and why he is linked to satan/the devil of European lore
What is Obeah and why was it outlawed by the British in the late 18th Century – is it still outlawed?
The significance of the Haitian Revolution (1791) and Voudou.

You may choose to arrive early so you can take in the exhibition, click HERE for details.
Patrick Lewis Photo
Presenter

Dr Michelle Asantewa is an award-winning author, independent educator, cultural consultant and publisher. Her publications include the young adult novel, Elijah, The Awakening and Other Poems, Guyanese Komfa: The Ritual Art of Trance and Something Buried in the Yard, published by Way Wive Wordz Publishing, which she co-founded in 2014. She is the editor of the anthology In Search of Mami Wata. Mama Lou Tales, a biography of her mother received a prize for the Guyana Literary Prize in 2022. Her first collection of short stories, Rupununi Affair was published in 2024. Dr Asantewa is the co-organiser of the Annual Osun River Ritual that takes place each August at Morden Hall Park, where she has facilitated Walking Meditation and Creative Writing Workshops.

Breath Rhythm Sound: A Meditation Workshop
2025-07-26 14:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | Colliers Wood Library, 105-109 High Street Colliers Wood, London, SW19 2HR
Part of the Way Wive Wordz W-Rites to Heal sessions, this is a FREE afternoon Meditation workshop on Breathwork, Chanting and Word Sound through empowering Affirmations. You are welcome. Limited spaces, and priority given to students attending the 4-week W-Rites to Heal abridged course.
Wear loose clothing.
Light refreshments provided.
Register now, or email info@waywivewordz.com to secure a place.

Art and Wellness Workshop with Ken McCalla
2025-07-12 14:00 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | Colliers Wood Library, 105-109 High Street Colliers Wood, London, SW19 2HR
Join the W-Rites to Heal students for this special community inspired Art and Wellness Workshop with Ken McCalla. Basic materials will be provided. You’d be able to take your masterpieces, inspired by indigenous African symbols and philosophies home. All are welcome, but with limited space so if you book but no longer can attend please let us know. This is a Way Wive Wordz Wellness event, sponsored by BAME Voice, Merton.
If you having problems booking, email: info@waywivewordz.com.
About Ken McCalla
Ken is a local artist, whose Open House takes place over two weekends in October. He facilitates many inspiring and unique workshops within the community.
He says of his experience:
“I was influenced by some of the leading Black artists involved in exhibiting in ground breaking shows at the Black Art Gallery in the 1980s. I saw the value in creating art that directly related to community.
Although I went to Art school, I attribute my practical craft skills to my Father and my investigative approach to my Mother.
There is a ongoing struggle to identify the self within. While confronting day to day living we need to redefine the labels impossed upon us.
Creativity in the arts I feel gives me a vehicle that helps me process, overstand & navigate my journey through life. Our Art can directly shape our ideologies & environments.”

W-RITES TO HEAL
2025-07-08 14:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London)
This is a 4 week-abridged version of the 12-week W-Rite to Heal short course. It is aimed at those identifying as Black & Global Majority to focus on Health and Spiritual Well-being while navigating the impact of critical health issues commonly associated with genetic heritage. Diabetes, hypertension, prostate (Black men) and breast cancer, fibroids (Black women) are a few of these course will look at, encouraging participants to write about their experiences and find approaches to better health awareness and mindfulness practices to assist their well-being.

Starts:
Our first session is Tuesday 8th July, 2-4pm – and continues on,15th, 22nd and 29th July. On Saturday 12th & 26th July are ‘open days’ to the wider Merton Residents, as well as the attendees, and will focused on creative self expression as therapy from and African-centred perspective. These two sessions will be between 2pm-5pm.
All sessions take place at Colliers Wood Library: 105-109 High Street Colliers Wood, London, SW19 2HR
You will be provided with writing materials. You must be Merton Resident.
TO REGISTER EMAIL: Info@waywivewordz.com and complete this form.
Facilitator
Dr Michelle Asantewa is an award-winning author, independent educator, cultural consultant and publisher. Her publications include the young adult novel, Elijah, The Awakening and Other Poems, Guyanese Komfa: The Ritual Art of Trance and Something Buried in the Yard, published by Way Wive Wordz Publishing, which she co-founded in 2014. She is the editor of the anthology In Search of Mami Wata, which centres on African and Caribbean water spirits. Mama Lou Tales, a biography of her mother Lucille Davis received a prize for the Guyana Literary Prize in 2022. Dr Asantewa is the co-organiser of the Annual Osun River Ritual at Morden Hall Park. Her first collection of short stories, Rupunni Affair and the Mami Wata, Children’s Activity Book were published in the autumn of 2024.
Patrick Lewis Photo

Head Wrap Workshop
2025-06-07 14:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | NEMCA, 51 Woodland Way, Mitcham, CR4 2DZ, United Kingdom
Head adornment is an age-old style. While it is universal, it’s more often visually connected with African women. This fun, interactive and practical workshop gives you a playful experience of trying on different headwrap styles. Whether for casual or dress-up, adornment can be therapeutic and feel-good! So, with well-being and cultural identity as its focus, this workshop will be a practical session on the importance of adornment from an African-centred perspective.
We’ll provide samples of wraps for you to have fun with, but feel free to bring your own pieces to experiment with.
We will have a few bits you might want to purchase – but very limited.
It’s FREE to attend but you must register and we look forward to Merton Residents from all cultures taking part!
This workshop is sponsored by BAME Voice and brought to you by Way Wive Wordz in collaboration with NEMCA (North East Mitcham Community Association).

Light refreshments provided.
Book now as places are limited. EMAIL info@waywivewordz.com to attend
Workshop facilitator: Michelle Asantewa- check out this video about Nubia Pamper, which used to take place monthly and included headwrapping: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyE1agvYoAw
Come, relaxt and let’s enjoy this special event together!

Empowering Black Women's Voices In Merton
2025-05-06 14:00 - 2025-06-10 17:00 (Europe/London) | Wimbledon Library, 35 Wimbledon Hill, London, SW19 7NB
This 6-week project aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for Black women residents of Merton to explore their creativity, well-being, and cultural heritage through writing, journaling, and self-expression. Following the weekly 2-hour creativity, well-being, self-expression and spiritual development workshops, participants will be invited to contribute to a publication (anthology) on Approaches to Well-being by Black Global Majority Residents in Merton.
The project is specifically for Black Women who live in Merton and is a FREE initiative facilitated by Way Wive Wordz Publishing, Editing and Tuition, who received funding from BAME Voice for this project.
Email info@waywivewordz.com to register, or complete this application form. You must be able to attend the 6 sessions as there are limited spaces and we ask that you are able to fully commit to each one.
Starts:
Our first session is Tuesday 6th May, 2-5pm – which will be an introduction to the project and sharing your aspirations for the project.
Subsequent days – each Tuesday until 10th June, will be from 2-4pm.
All will take place at Wimbledon Library: Exhibition Room 2. 35 Wimbledon Hill Rd, London SW19 7NB.
You will be provided with writing materials.
Facilitator
Dr Michelle Asantewa is an award-winning author, independent educator, cultural consultant and publisher. Her publications include the young adult novel, Elijah, The Awakening and Other Poems, Guyanese Komfa: The Ritual Art of Trance and Something Buried in the Yard, published by Way Wive Wordz Publishing, which she co-founded in 2014. She is the editor of the anthology In Search of Mami Wata, which centres on African and Caribbean water spirits. Mama Lou Tales, a biography of her mother Lucille Davis received a prize for the Guyana Literary Prize in 2022. Dr Asantewa is the co-organiser of the Annual Osun River Ritual at Morden Hall Park. Her first collection of short stories, Rupunni Affair and the Mami Wata, Children’s Activity Book will be published in the autumn of 2024.
Patrick Lewis Photo

Dis Gyrl By (Aunty) Joyce Trotman Book Launch
2025-04-12 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | Croydon Friends Meeting House, 60 Park Lane, London, CR0 1JE, United Kingdom
The much-awaited launch of Aunty Joyce Trotman’s book, Dis Gyrl, is finally here!
In her 98th year, Aunty Joyce’s memoir is a testimony of a strong-willed, spirited elder who has much to share with younger generations, especially those with Guyanese heritage. Fondly adopted as ‘Aunty’ by many, she shares her life story with honesty, love and deep wisdom.
We’re pleased to welcome you at her Quaker Meeting House, but ask that you RSVP so we have an idea of numbers. If you book and later realise you’re unable to attend, please kindly let us know so we can offer the reservation to someone else.
Aunty Joyce will be happy to sign copies of the book so do come along and purchase your copies. Where possible we will aim to have pre-signed copies so all that is needed will be your name, reducing waiting time.
Way Wive Wordz has seen this project as a loving celebration of a Guyanese elder, whose life exerperiences reveal a wilful determination to overcome, succeed and inspire others to achieve their highest potential.

Lawrence Scott & Nicole-Rachelle Moore In Conversation
2024-10-09 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | The High Commission for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, 42 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8NT, United Kingdom
Join us for an In Conversation with authors Lawrence Scott and Nicole-Rachelle Moore about the debut publication Memories, Musings and Unfinished Conversations (Way Wive Wordz, 2023).
We’re delighted to be hosted by the High Commission for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago as we learn about Nicole-Rachelle Moore’s inspirations and motivation for writing this polygenre book, which includes essays, poetry and short stories.
Please register here as soon as possible to secure your place. If you can no longer attend this FREE event please kindly let us know so we can offer the place to someone else.
Nicole-Rachelle Moore’s “Memories, Musings and Unfinished Conversations” draw us into the intimacies of a cancer recovering, surviving mother of sons, helped through the “Haven” of women and the “love warriors,” her sons. Iconic photographs illustrate this life. She welcomes us into the relationships of ancestors and their spirits, through their stories and the story-teller-poet, she herself has become, caught between Trinidad -her ancestral home – and London her birth home, her present home. Her consciousness is fed by the moment, the “Now” of Carnival, its history and mythology. As she says in one of her Haikus “Joy” inspired by “Women Who Run with the Wolves.”

Lawrence Scott is a prize-winning Caribbean novelist and short-story writer from Trinidad & Tobago. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Literary Award for his “significant contribution to the development of Trinidad and Tobago’s Literature” in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence, 1962-2012. He was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2019. His most recent book is the poetry collection Looking for Cazabon ( Papillote People’s Press, July 2024). The University of the West Indies conferred upon him an Honorary Doctorate of Letters (DLitt ) on the 28th October, 2023.

Nicole-Rachelle Moore is the British Library’s Curator of its Caribbean Collections. She has co-curated courses on Andrea Levy and Toni Morrison, and worked closely with New Beacon Books and the George Padmore Institute. Nicole-Rachelle co-edited 2018’s Dream To Change the World on the life of John La Rose and contributed to the 2020 publication In Search of Mami Wata: Narratives and Images of African Water Spirits.

Introducing James Baldwin: Activism, Books, Civil Rights
2024-10-08 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Wimbledon Library, 35 Wimbledon Hill, London, SW19 7NB
Join us at Wimbledon Library this Black History Month for an interactive celebration and introduction of James Baldwin. Baldwin’s literary genius is immortalised in fiction and non-fiction form in books like Go Tell it on the Mountain, Giovanni’s Room, Notes of a Native Son, The Fire Next Time and Amen Corner among others. This presentation will introduce these texts while considering his activism and contribution to the Civil Rights movement. Baldwin was recently commemorated with a Nubian Jak Blue Plaque at the Hackney CVS, the previous site of the CLR James Library which he visited in 1985 boosting local activism.

The Spirit Of James Baldwin
2024-08-29 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | CLR James Library, Hackney Square, London, E8 3BQ, United Kingdom
James Baldwin’s literary and prophetic brilliance, along with his grassroots activism were illuminated by Raoul Peck’s biopic I am not your Negro in 2016. It reminded us of Baldwin’s continuing influence and relevance as an inspiring force in times of struggle and deep despair. In this interactive essay presentation, we explore the role of Baldwin as a ‘witness’ which we link to Baba Esu, an important Orisa in the Yoruba Ifa spiritual system. Baba Esu/Elegba is a messenger deity, keeper of the crossroads, and is often misinterpreted as ‘the devil’ in Western terms. Esu is the one who opens the way by ensuring we make sound choices, which may require harsh truths to keep us aligned. We reflect on this interpretation of the devil/god duality in our consideration of Baldwin as an Esu figure. Join us as we celebrate Baldwin’s centenary at the CLR James Library. Bring your favourite quotations and personal impressions to share. Way Wive Wordz in collaboration with the CLR James Library, Hackney.

Presenter: Dr Michelle Yaa Asantewa
Award-winning author, independent educator, cultural consultant and publisher, Dr Asantewa’s publications include the young adult novel, Elijah, The Awakening and Other Poems, Guyanese Komfa: The Ritual Art of Trance and Something Buried in the Yard, published by Way Wive Wordz
Publishing, which she co-founded in 2014. She is the editor of the anthology In Search of Mami Wata, which centres on African and Caribbean water spirits. Mama Lou Tales, a biography of her mother Lucille Davis received a prize for the Guyana Literary Prize in 2022. Dr Asantewa is the course leader on The Amazing James Baldwin, African Women Resistance Leaders: Spiritual and Political and Afrofuturism Creative Writing short courses. She co-facilitates the Toni-Morrison: Her Life Her Work and Andrea Levy courses. Her first collection of short stories, Rupununi Affair will be published in the autumn of 2024.
