Xcellence Magazine Spring Issue 3 - Exodus

XCELLENCE

XCELLENCE

What's inside:

4-6:PeopleinPower RawindaWallace-Lahar

8-25:Education ArtsCouncilWales andmore

26-27:HistoryVisaVersa MuslimsinCardiff

28-32: BOMB BlackOwnedMinorityBusiness

35-39:IAM

InterviewwithYousraElsadig

40-51:HowGreatThouArt NationalTheatreofWales,WalesMillennium Centre...andmore

53-55:StarsareBorninWales

InterviewwithMoniqueBux

56-64:YouthMatters

SoundProgression andmore

68-73:HealthandWellbeing KeepWalesTidy,SoulTrails

OtherFeatures: PoeticJustice

BackPage-Artprovided,byLucentDreaming

Foradvertising,sponsorshiporevent spotlightenquiriescontact: info@bexcellencecouk

Toviewpreviousissues,visit wwwbexcellencecouk

WeareFBSwinnersfor DiversityandInclusion

2023

LegalDisclaimer

XcellenceMagazineallinformationinterviewsandeventswereaccurate atthetimeofprint Wedonotacceptliabilityforanydistortedcontentin relationtothepeopleandplacesoutsideofthispublication

"X" stands for the unknown names, untold histories, and unacknowledged contributions This magazine is a dedication to the ancestors

Editor's Note

Howareyou?NoImeanhowareyoureally?Weoftenaskthisquestionandtheusualreply is Imfine soweleaveitthere Wetendnottoinvestanyfurtherandjustgoaboutour business Itisaquestionoftenaskedmoreoutofcommoncurtesythanoutofgenuine concernorenquiry

ButIwonderwhatwouldhappenifpeoplestoppedandsaidno howareyoureally?

IdidaradiointerviewwithYainaSamuelsbacklastyear,duringmentalhealthawareness week, she shared with me all about her extensive work experience with people suffering frommentalhealthissues thiswashowYaina suggestedweaskthequestion Sheclaims thatifyouhadgenuineconcern,youwouldsayittwice

I loved that and I have tried to adopt that approach in my life now In February, the BOMB squad at Radio Cardiff used their platforms to raise awareness around stigma and discriminationinmentalhealth callingforallemployerstosignapledgetosupportstaffto talkabouttheirissuesandpromisetoprovidesupportandsignposting ItisOKtotalk,infact weneedbeasafespaceforsomeonewhomaybestruggling

So,mychallengetoyouistoaskhowareyoutwice,youneverknowwhatcanhappen, thereishealingintalking!Astheysay aproblemsharedisaproblemhalved

Onanothernoteweareonissue3,yayyy!Thisissueisspecialtomeaswearegivingthe majorityofthespacetoourbeautifulMuslimbrothersandsisters Withinthesepages you willlearnsomuchabouttheIslamicculture anditsrelationshipwiththeWest Wealso caughtupwithsomephenomenalhumanbeingsdoingawesomethings-forWales!

IfyoumissedIssue1&2youcanfindthemonlineat:wwwbexcellencecouk

Youcannowsubscribe,sowhereeveryouare intheworld,youcankeepuptodateonall thingsregardingBlackandEthnicExcellenceinWales

Ihopeyouenjoy!

DonnaAlix

Founder&Editor-in-Chief

Love Tia-Zakura Camilleri

MediaResearchAssistant

Hi I'mTia IamamediaresearchassistantatBExcellenceCIC runningthefeature'Youth Matters Duringthepastfewmonths,IhavebeenworkingonaprojectwithFilo,ayoutharts organisation and got to exhibit at the WMC, showcasing a spoken word and visual exhibition called 'Clean Slate which is an exposé of the links between Welsh slate and slavery Readallaboutit,inYouthMatters LookinsideandseealltheXcellence,wehavein issue3 WehopeyouwillbeasinspiredaswehavebeenwhilstputtingtheSpringissue together

IamfortunatetobeinvolvedinXcellenceMagazineandmentoredbytheeditor-in-chief, whobelievesinsuccessionplanning bymakingspaceforyoungpeopletogainexperience in media for their voice to be heard and provide positive representation for future generations

Myhopeisthatyouenjoyissue3,andtelleveryoneaboutXcellenceMagazine

We would like to say a huge, thank you to Ping it News & Books Council Wales, for supporting our vision of bringing something a little different to the FREE community news public space.

Allcontent,unlessotherwisestatedisacopyrightof BEXcellenceCIC Allrightsreserved Nopartsofthisindependentlypublishedmagazinemaybe reproducedwithoutpermission

BEXcellenceCICisacommunityinterestcompanyregisteredinWales13277970 Anyenquiries,commentsor complaints,getintouchvia:info@bexcellencecouk

Ahugethankyoutoour contributingwriters:

TiaZukuraCamilleri

MariyahZaman

JessicaGrace

LuchiaEllul-Alimakhena

MohammedHersi

AzimAhmed

MolaraAwen

RicardoErasmus

SaddiaAbubaker

NicolaGoodall

DrMustafaMegrahi

Poetry: TiaZakuraCamilleri

DukeAlDurham

Art

ChrisEbunTaylor-BackCover

Sponsor/Advertising

Withthanksto:

KeepWalesTidy

WalesMillenniumCentre

UrbanCircle

RaceCouncilCymru

SoulTrails

AfroHairAcademy

FrontCover

Design-DonnaAli

Model-YousraElsadig

Photography-DarrenTyson

MUA-Anisa YusufBeautyMUA

Essay

SophieGilliat-Ray

JodyMellor

ProofReader

SianHopkins

Love

“Surviving is important, thriving is elegant ”

--Maya Angelou

Ramadan is from March 22nd to April 20th, this year. But what is Ramadan?

RamadanisanimportantmonthforMuslimsaroundtheworld Itisatimeofspiritual reflection,increaseddevotion,andself-discipline Fornon-Muslims,itisagreatopportunity tolearnmoreabouttheIslamicfaithandthesignificanceofRamadan Herearesome questionsyoucouldaskMuslimsduringRamadantogainadeeperunderstandingoftheir beliefsandpractices

Infographic - gifted by: Yusuf Ibrahim of Cardiff and Vale College.

AskQuestion suchas:

HowdoyouprepareforRamadan?

MuslimsusuallyprepareforRamadanbyincreasingtheirspiritualpracticesandbymakingeffortstobemore charitableandkind Theyalsomakesuretostockuponfoodandothersuppliestheywillneedforthemonthlongfast

HowdoyoubreakyourfastduringRamadan?

MuslimsusuallybreaktheirfastatsunsetwithamealcalledIftar Thisisoftendoneinthecompanyoffamily andfriends,andisseenasanopportunitytostrengthensocialbondsandshowgratitudeforblessings

WhatisthesignificanceofTaraweehprayersduringRamadan?

TaraweehprayersareadditionalprayersthatareperformedduringRamadanaftertheIshaprayer Theyare notobligatory,butmanyMuslimschoosetoparticipateasawayofstrengtheningtheirspiritualconnection withAllah

WhatisthesignificanceofEidal-Fitr?

Eidal-FitristhecelebrationthatmarkstheendofRamadan Itisatimeofjoyandgratitude,andisusually celebratedwithfamilyandfriends Muslimsoftendressintheirfinestclothes,sharefoodwithlovedones,and givetocharityduringthistime

RamadanisamonthofgreatsignificanceforMuslimsaroundtheworld Askingquestionsandlearningmore aboutthesignificanceofRamadancanhelppromotegreaterunderstandingandrespectfortheIslamicfaith

In conversation with: Donna Ali

Riwanda Wallace - Laher

Small Change, Big Difference

HowdidyourappointmentasthefirstMuslimwomantobecome aCEOofaninternationalcharity,comeabout?

IwasgiventheopportunitytobecomethefirstfemaleCEOofan InternationalcharityafterworkingwithinthePennyAppealforeight years Duringthattime,Ihadundertakenmanydifferentroles The internationalcharityspaceisverymaledominated,soIwasreally proudtogettheroleasCEOofacharityturningover30millionpounds, todate However,itallstartedinmypreviousroleasasecondary schoolteacher Ireallyenjoyedteachingandwasasubjectleaderand headofyear Iusedtoencouragemystudentstoengagewithcharity workandthat’showmypassionforsupportingcharitiesbegan

Initially,Istartedoffsupportingcharities,bydoingcakessalesand shakingmybucketonthestreet,aswellasorganisingmanyother eventstoraiseawarenessandfunds Iwasapproachedbythefounder ofPennyAppeal,AdeemYounis,andaskedifIwouldliketotakeonan officialrole butrefusedatfirstasIthoughttherolewasnotforme I hadworkedhardtogainmyteachingqualificationsandwashappy Butaftersomeencouragementtojoinduringthestart-upphaseofthe PennyAppeal Ithought Iamgoingtogiveitago Itwasanexciting time asitwasallverynew andIreallybelievedinthevisonAdeem had Initially Istartedasavolunteerco-ordinator Ithenworkedinthe fundraisingdepartmentand eventually hadtheroleofworking alongsideourhigh-net-worthmajordonorsand thenasadirectorof fundraising AfterCovidIwasmadethedirectorofdonorcare working alongsidemarketing,eventsandcallcentrestaff,anythingtodowith incomegenerationandgrowth Iwasveryeffectiveinthoseareas,so wasquicklypromotedtoseniordirector LatertheroleofCEOcameup andIwasencouragedbyAdeemtogoforit!Afterathoroughinterview process,andover100applicants,IwastoldIgotthejob So,Iwentfrom bucketshakertoCEOineightyears

Isthereaparticulartimeofyearthatpeopleseemtosupport thecharitymore,ordoyouwitnessthatpeoplerespondmorein acrisis?

Abitofbothreally,forinstance,duringRamadanitisoneofourbusiest times BecauseoneofthefivepillarsofIslamisgivinganditisbelieved thatgivingduringtheholymonth,multipliesyourrewards Idofeelitis importanttoshowpeopletheimpactoftheirdonations,soIam travellingtoTurkeytolookattheimpactofourworkwiththeSyrian refugees,Iwillbetakingsomefootageandimages Icanusethat feedbacktoinformourdonorsofwheretheirdonationshavehelped withthingssuchas foodpacksandtemporaryhousing Asawoman I amkeenonmakingsuretherefugeewomenhavedignitypacks,so theyhaveasafespacetobreastfeedandundertakepersonalcare I willalsobemeetingwithsomeofourpartners,todiscussthenext phaseofoursupport

Ifyouwouldliketosupport,visit:

Unfortunately,whattendstohappenwhencharitiesrespondtocrises,is theymakeanimpactandthenmoveontotheirnextproject,butwhat weliketodoismaintainandbuildrelationships toensurethatpeople aregettingbackontheirfeettothefullest Afewyearsago,weworked withRohingyarefugees,whoweresubjectedtoviolenceandattack backin2017 Althoughthatissueisnotreportedinthemainstream media,currentlytheyarestillacommunityofthelargestrefugee campsintheworld Wehavetobeawarethataidisnotjustneededin themidstofacrisis asittakesalongtime forpeopletorebuild notjust economically,butmentallyandphysically So,atPennyAppeal,wewant tobethereforthewholejourney whereverwecan

CEO of the Penny Appeal Charity: Ridwana Wallace - Laher

‘You Can’t Be What You Can’t See’

DoesthePennyAppeal,onlysupportMuslims?

No,partofouraimistohelpanyonethatneedshelp,regardless oftheirreligiousaffiliationornot OurvaluesaresetbyIslamic principles,oflovethyneighbour,sowhoeverneedshelpwewill help MostofourworkintheUK,consistsofsupportinghomeless peopleandwealsorunfoodprogrammes Backin2020 there wasahugeexplosioninLebanonandtherewerethousandsof displacedChristians weprovidedaidtofamiliesandensuredwe supportedeveryone

Howhasyourfaithinfluencedtheworkyoudo?

Iwouldsaythatmyfaithinfluencesmyworkbyprovidingafirm foundation WedonotpromotePennyAppealasaMuslim Charity,becauseourteamismadeupofallkindsofgreat peoplefromallwalksoflife Wewanttobeseenashelping everyone regardless Asawoman IhopetopromotePenny Appealasacharitythatelevatesthestatusofwomen InUK societythereisalotofmisunderstandingaroundculture deemingMuslimwomenasbeingsupressed,butthereare powerfulandinfluentialMuslimwomencontributingtomajor companies However inunderdevelopedcountries Muslim womenareoftenleftbehind

Ihopethatmyimpactcanbeseeninhelpingwomeninthese countriestobecomeeducatedandraisetheelementofwomen beingattheforefront,whetheritisintheUKorInternationally Itis importanttoincludewomenindecisionmaking,becausethey canoftenbringadifferentperspectiveandwillbeabletoidentify theneedsofwomenthatmenmaynotconsider

Whatisyourvision,asCEO,forthefuture?

MyvisionisforPennyAppealtobecomeahouseholdname Weareboldandnotafraidtofacesomeofthehardest issuesorlookoutsideofthebox,weareveryforward thinking Forinstance,wewerethefirstcharitytoruna pantomime whichwasalotoffun

Wethinkitisimportanttomergecultures,becauseour childrenlivehereanddoingsimilarthingstotheirnonMuslimpeers thingslikethat helptointegrateand introduceothersintodifferentculturesandexperiences Fundamentally aslongaswearedoingeverythingwithin Islamicprinciples,thenwefeelthatitisOKtopromotethe charityindifferentspaces Wewerealsothefirstcharityto runadomesticviolencehelpline whichcanoftenbeseen asataboosubjectwithintheMuslimcommunities Wewant tofacetheseissuesheadon,aswellasothers,suchas fosteringandadoption

PennyAppealisaMuslimledcharity,launchedin2013by founderAdeemYounis Adeemwasanorphanchild, originallyofPakistaniorigin Hedecidedtostartacharity aftervisitingPakistanandwitnessingtheextremepoverty andfeltpressedtohelpout,originallyusingdonations fromtheUKtohelpprovideeducationforchildren Adeemisasuccessfulentrepreneur,pioneeringvarious businesses suchasSinglemuslimscom

Aftermanyyearsofsupportingcharitablecauses, Adeemrealisedheneededtocreateacleardivide betweenhisbusinessesandcharitywork sobeinga manofprinciple,hedecidedtostartthePennyAppeal, initiallyusingalotofhisownmoneytohelpduringthe startupstage Adeemhasamassiveheartfororphaned childrenandstruggleswithlivingbetweenasociety wheresmallchangehere,canmakeabigdifferencein othercountries ThestraplineforPennyAppealis: ‘smallchangebigdifference’ www.pennyappeal.org

MayaAngeloucoinedthephrase ifyoudontlike somethingchangeit Thiswasaquoteusedinissue2of XcellenceinrelationtoVaughanGethinandhispassion forwantingtoseepeoplelivingfairly However heisnot theonlyonewhohasusedapersonalpassionasa purpose inprofessionallife HereinWales wehaveseen tangibleandprogressivechanges Manypioneershave comebeforeVaughaninvarioussectors,andIhaveno doubtwillcomeafter

WhilstVaughanwasinkneehighsocks,aformidable youngwomanwithapassionforlearning,beganher journeyasateacher Somethingthatshewasdetermined tobedespiteherteacher,statingthatsuchaprofession foraworkingclass,Blackfemalewasanaspirationthat was‘insurmountable

Teachersaremeanttoinspireyoungpeople notdampen theirdreamsandlimittheirexpectations,youngpeople canseepossibilities,theyseenolimitationswithintheir imagination andschoolmustbeaplacethatfostersand harveststhedreamsandaspirationsofallyoungpeople, regardlessofraceandclass Theymustgrowwithinan environmentthatfostersdreamsalongwithhardwork anddiscipline Asweknow,duringthetimeMrsCampbell wasundertakingherteachertrainingatCardiffTeacher TrainingCollege,careersofinfluencewerenotawarded topeoplefromminoritycommunities,soitwasquitea revelationthatMrsBettyCampbellwastoovercomeand followherdreams DuringMrsCampbell’scareer,shenot onlyqualifiedsuccessfullyasateacher,butshewentalot further nothingwasinsurmountableforher Shenotonly becameateachertochildren,buttootherteachersand herlegacyisstillinspiringteacherstokeeplearning,to thisveryday

Written by: Donna Ali

Agent for Change

'TheartworkofBetty,Wales’first Blackheadteacher.Thisbeautiful muralisasymbolofpositive representationatMountStuart primarySchoolcommissionedby CardiffCouncilbyacclaimedWelsh streetartistBradleyRmer.

MrsCampbellisbestknownasWales’sfirstBlackheadteacher workingwithinhercommunityatMountStuartSchoolin Butetown TheuniqueteachingsofMrsCampbellwereher unwaveringpassionforherpupilstoexperienceandlearn aboutthelivesofpowerfulpeoplefromdiversecommunities, shewantedeverychildinherschooltobeseenandheard withinthelessonsthatherstaffprepared

MrsCampbellwasanagentforchangeandreceivedanMBE forherservicestoeducationandcommunitylifeandfounded BlackHistoryMonth Sheunderstoodthatforherpupilstobe excellenttheymustseeandhearaboutexcellencefrom peoplewholookedlikethem,sheunderstoodtheimportance ofrepresentationandencouragedherpupilstosetno limitations Theyweretaughttoreachforthemoonandthrow inthestarsforgoodmeasure

"We were a good example to the rest of the world, on how you can live together regardless of where you come from or the colour of your skin.

-Mrs Betty Campbell

MrsBettyCampbellMBE

Today,wehearMrsCampbellsmessageloudandclear,andher influenceinensuringherpioneeringworkwasnotjustadropin theocean,butonethathasripples,creatingpondsofinfluence aroundWalesandtheworld

SoonwewillseeyetanotherunveilinginhonourofMrsCampbell tomatchwiththebeautifullyillustratedstatuethatsitsinCentral Squareinthecity,butthistimeforeverpresentatMountStuart School CardiffCouncilhascommissionedamural whichis currentlybeinginstalledattheveryschoolthatwashomeforher TheworkisbeingcreatedbyWelshgraffitiartist,BradleyRmer, whoisresponsibleforMymuna mycity myshirt’whichison JamesStreetinButetown

ThenewheadteacheratMountStuartSchoolisMrsHelenBorley, whohasbeenachampionoftheworkandlegacyofMrs Campbell,respondedtoourquestions:

Howdidtheideaforthemuralcomeabout?

We asaschoolcommunity wantedtohaveamemorial toMrsCampbell’smemoryassuchanimportantfigure locally,nationallyandinternationally Theideahascome fromthepupilsattheschoolandbeendrivenbythe schoolcouncilandthegovernors

Whochosetheimage?

WetalkedtothefamilyandaskedforphotosofMrs Campbellthattheywouldliketobeconsidered wethen workedwiththeartisttochooseanimagethatwe consideredwouldworkinthespace

WhyisitimportanttokeepMrsCampbell'smemory alive?

ShewasWales’sfirstBlackheadteacher,someone whobattledracismandprejudicethroughoutherlife inordertoachieve Shedidntletanythingstandin herwayandwantedthebestforthechildrenof Butetownandthewiderworld,thatisworthyofboth recognitionandmemory

Be Good, Mrs Campbell Is Watching You!

Interviewwith: HeadteacherofMountStuartSchoolMrsHelenBorley

ThelegacyofMrsCampbell’sworkcanbeseeninthenewDARPLproject,whichstandsforDiversity andAnti-racismProfessionalLearning,whichisfundedbytheWelshGovernment DAPRLis managedbyChantelleHaughtonanex-pupilofMrsCampbell Seehowtheripplesofinfluence havecreatedwavesandWaleis,thankfully,ridingthem

What'sonofferattheDARPLProject?

ThroughtheDARPLwebsite,schoolscanfindblogs,lessonplans, liveworkshops,andhaveaccesstokeystakeholders,whoare championingthiswork bycreatingcontent Theyarealso availableasconsultants,offeringadviceforschoolstosupport theirjourneyinAnti-RacistProfessionalLearning Thefeedback, sofar hasbeenthatsomeschoolswerenervousabout approachingthesesubjects,owingtoalackofcultural competencyand,possibly,fearfulof gettingitwrong DARPL,was createdtocombatthesefearstohelpschoolsgoboldlywhere veryfewwerewillingtogobefore

JeremyMilessaid ‘WalesisthefirstpartoftheUKtomakethe teachingandcontributionofBlack,Asianandminorityethnic curriculummandatory HesaidthemostimportantpartofDARPL istosupportoureducationworkforcetogainconfidence, knowledge,skillsandexperiencesandtobeabletodothat properly andtoalsohelpusmeetourobjectiveofbeinganAntiracistnationby2030’ So,whatwearelaunchingtodayisan excitingsetoffreehigh-qualityresources'

Written by: Molara Awen

Imagineyouareamulti-disciplinaryartistwholovestopaint; draw;collage;write;sew;sing;dance;drumandtherest!You areemployedtobepartofaprojectinwhichyouhavethree daystraining,whichbasicallytellyouthatyourjobremitisto gointoaschoolwithchildrenofanyageandcreate somethingwhichcelebratesethnicallydiverseWales The Cynefinprojecthasbeenaninspirationalprivilegetobepart of,particularlyassomeonewhoisnotphasedbythelackofa plan!

BornoutoftheWelshGovernmentsAnti-racistActionPlan andnewcurriculum theCynefinprojectcreatedbyTheArts CouncilofWaleshasnowworkedwith145schoolsacross Wales,lookingatdiversity,inclusivityandbelonging Eachof mythreeroundsofCynefinhasbegunwithaconversation withtheyoungpeopleonwhobelongsinWales?Whatarethe criteria?Andmoreimportantly,whogetstodecidewho belongs?Intwooutofmyfourinitialsessions studentsfelt empoweredtocomeouttotheirpeersastransgenderandor non-binary andinasessionlastweekayear6studenttold hispeersforthefirsttimethathewasMuslim

Atsecondaryschoolage pupilshavefeltconfidentenoughto sharesomeoftheshockingabusetheyhavesuffered–often undertheguiseof“banter”,andwherethereisracismthereis oftenalsohomophobia transphobia Ifeelproudthatin sharingsomeofmyexperiencesgrowingupjewelheritage (myself-definitionhavingbeendefinedas halfcaste or “mixedrace”) thatotheryoungpeoplefeelempoweredto sharetheirtruth Itsinterestingtonotethatstudentvoicescan beexpansive,diverse,andrichwiththoughtfulideas,whether thepupilsintheschoolsarediverseornot

Arts Council Wales

Andthereliesthedefaultpositionofmanyschools

headteachersandteachers “ourschoolisn’tdiversesowedon’tneedtodo thiswork”or“wedon’thaveaproblemwithracismaswedon’thaveanybrownchildren” NOTHINGcouldbefurtherfromthetruth, andinmanycasestheresaprofoundlackofawarenessastowhatracismoractuallyis,orthedifferentwaysinwhichit manifestsitself SadlytheonlythreebrownskinnedmembersofstaffworkingintheWelsheducationsystemIknowinperson are eitherbattlingsocalled“unconsciousbias”,micro-aggressionsandfeelingundervalued,andintwocaseshaveresignedasa resultofit Iamfrequentlythefirstbrownskinnedpersoninateachingpositionthatstudentshaveeverencountered,andbrown skinnedchildrenfrequentlyseekoutthoseofusworkingonCynefin tosharesomeoftheirlivedexperiencesforthefirsttime

InmyfirstprojectMakingWaves,WavesofChange,muchtotheshockoftheiramazingEnglishteacher,thecohortofyear8 studentsaMorristonComprehensivedecidedtowriteabookaimedatfellowteenagerswhomaybesuffering Each contributordesignedtheirwaves,andcontributedapieceofwriting,historicaltocreative,factualtopoetic,dependingontheir areaofinterest,alongsideupliftingmessagestopeersacrossthecountry:

Inmysecondprojectwith7and8yearsoldswelookedatinternationalstoriesofmigration,includingthenativity,aswe celebratedthepeoplewhopassedthroughthetownofRhayader

throughouttheages WecreatedacollageoftheriversElanandClaerwen,thefloodinganddams,andtookatripinsidePeny Garreg courtesyoftheElanValleytrust Wearesousedtowhitecentricstoriesitwasgreattolearnthatpeoplefromasfaras AustraliaandSouthAfricahadworkedonthedams,thattheworkersvillageforemanwasGreekandenforcedshavedheads, vaccinationsandquarantinebeforeworkerswereallowedintothevillage!

Imcurrentlyworkingwithagroupofyear7studentsatYsgolBroPreseli onayouthcentricversionoftheWelshgovernments Anti-RacistActionPlan(T),astheoriginaldocumentis128pagesofpredominantlylegalesewriting withnopictures Wehave writtentoJeremyMilesandarehopingtodeliverittotheSenedd

MolaraAwen

Molara, is also Chair of Black History Wales 365.

All of the best projects I would describe as ripples in a pool, creating changes in attitude not just in the pupils and teachers working on Cynefin, but in schools and communities. Viva Cynefin!

Cantonian High School

Member of the Arts Council Wales, Cynefin Project

Theme: Exploring Diversity in Wales:

Teacher: Ella Farrell

Creative Practitioner: Donna Ali

Cantonian High School & Arts Council Wales

WhydidyouwanttoruntheCynefinprojectat CantonianHigh?

Asahumanitiesteacher Ihavefoundthatpupilstendtolearn aboutpeoplefromdiversebackgroundswithinahistorical context Withinthis,pupilstendtolearnmoreaboutdiverse communitiesoverseas Thistendstobemoreinrelationtotheir strugglethantheirachievements

Aswellaslearningmoreaboutthehistoryofdiverse communitiesinWales Iwantedtoprovidepupilswith opportunitiestolearnmoreabouttheexperiencesofdiverse peopleinWalestoday Ialsowantedtoprovidepupilswitha safespacetodiscusstheirownexperiences

Ialsofeltitwasreallyimportanttoinvolvemypupilsinthis projectbecauseitwouldallowpupilstoaccessavarietyof experiencesoutsideaschoolenvironment

MostpupilsIteachwouldneverhavebeenabletoaccessthese experiencesotherwise

Whathaveyoubeendoingsofar?

Webegantheprojectbydiscussingtheideaofbelongingand whatitmeanstobelong Inthis,wewereabletoestablishpupils individualexperiencesofbelongingandtheircurrent understandingofdiversityinWales Weencouragedthemto writedownanyquestionstheyhad,whichweusedasabaseline forourenquiry Thepupilswereinitiallyverydrawntotheideaof usingmediatodeveloptheproject,soitwasdecidedveryearly onthatthepupilswouldcreateawebsitetoshowcaseallthey hadlearnt Thiswouldincludevariousarticleswrittenbythe pupilsandwouldbeaplatformtoshowcaseapodcastcreated bythepupils Asweneededtoprovidepupilswithahistorical understandingofdiversityinWales,weinvitedthehistorianAbu BakrintoschoolforadiscussionandQandA

Thishelpedthepupilstounderstandthelonghistoryofdiverse communitiesinWales,challengingtheircurrentperceptions Manyofthepupilswereinterestedinlearningmoreaboutthe lackofinclusivitywithinthebeautyindustry

Thepupilshavebeenresearchingdifferentmakeupbrandsto writeanarticleforthewebsite WealsoinvitedJoyfromAfro HairAcademyintotalktothepupilsaboutherroleandthe importanceofinclusivityintheBeautyindustry aswellasan interviewwithRachelClarke,thegranddaughterofBetty Campbell

Howhavethepupilsdescribedtheirsenseof belonging?

Myfavouritetopictoteachcurrentlyisgovernance,whichwe choseaspartofthenewWelshCurriculum Thisallows pupilstolearnaboutpolitics,whilstexploringdifferentforms ofgovernancethroughouthistory Iloveteachingthis becauseitexposespupilstochallengingideasandprovides themwithopportunitiestodebateamongstthemselves

Whatdoyouhopetoachievebytakingpartinthe project?

Ihopethatpupilswillleavetheprojectwithabroader understandingofwhatitmeanstobeadiversepersonliving inWales andtheconfidencetodiscussideasrelatedto diversity Ialsohopetoprovidepupilswithadifferentkindof learningexperience wheretheywereencouragedtobe creativeandthinkforthemselves

'As an NTQ I was excited about our application being approved by the ACW

Donna Ali

Motivation

By:RicardoErasmus ParadigmShiftAcademy

Mentorship-Minded MM

Whatareyoupassionateabout?

Somepeoplearepassionateaboutsocialjustice,art, sports,environmentalprotection,animals,politics, travelandmanymore

Passionisaverystrongintenseemotion,acompelling enthusiasmordesireforsomething Passionisan emotionalstatethatcandriveanindividualtopursue theirgoalswithenergyandenthusiasm Passionate peoplearemotivatedbytheirdesiretolearn,explore andcreate

Iampersonallypassionateaboutmentorship You mayaskwhatismentorship?I’mgladyouask Mentorshipisarelationshipjourneybetweentwo peopleinwhichamoreexperiencedor knowledgeableperson(mentor)helps,guides, supportsoradvisesalessexperiencedor knowledgeableperson(mentee)

Inthisarticle,I’dliketoencourageandinspireteachers tobemorementorship-minded,andhowtheycan teachthroughtheirvalues Mentorship-minded peopleareinvestedinthegrowthanddevelopmentof thosearoundthem,andarecommittedtoproviding guidanceandsupport sothattheycanunleashtheir potential Mentorship-mindedindividualsare committedtocreatingpositivechangeandmakinga differenceinthelivesofothers

Mentorship is a Relationship

Ricardo Erasmus Life Coach & Mentor

Just a quick background about myself I am originally from Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town, South Africa.

I have over 10 years experience as a youth mentor and life coach, working with young people in South Africa, USA and now in the UK.

I am passionate about helping people shift their mindset, so that they can unleash their potential.

WhenIwasinhighschool,Ihadateacherwhooneday toldmethatIwon’tamounttoanything Andshe concludedbysaying,“atleastyouareaniceperson” I rememberthosewordspiercingmyheart,andIdreaded goingtoherclass Thosewordskeptplayinginmyhead Atthesametime,Imetanotherteacher,henevergave meanysubjects Everytimehewouldpassmeinthe corridors,hewouldsay“goodmorning,sir”!OnedayI askedhimwhyhecalledmesir,herepliedbysaying“sir, isatermofrespectandIrespectyou” Thatdaythings shiftedinmymindset Hedidntwaitformetorespect himfirst,hemodelledtomewhatrespectlookslike It’s becauseofthisamazingteacherthatmyloveforhelping othersstarted Hesponsoredmetolivemydream togo toAmericatoworkatasummercampinBoston The differencebetweenthetwoteachers,onespokewordsof discouragementandtheotherspokewordsof

encouragement

Anencouragingstory,IsawAdele’slaunchforher30 albumliveonITVspecial ‘AnAudiencewithAdele’ She gavetheaudiencetheopportunitytoaskhera questioninbetweensongs DameEmmaThompson askedAdele,“isthereanyoneinyourchildhoodwho hadbeenaninspirationtoyou?”Sheanswered,Miss McDonaldherEnglishliteratureteacher sheleftwhen Adelewasinyear8

Adeledidn’tknowshewasintheaudienceandthetwo ofthemreunited AdelesaidMissMcDonaldwasa goodteacher,relatableandlikeable Becauseofthat teacher Adelestartedwritingsongsandtodayshe’s oneofthebestsinger/songwriters

’I’mnottellingteachershowtoteach,Imnotateacher ButIwantyoutobecomeamentorship-minded teacher,thatteachesfromyourvaluesandcharacter I’veexperiencedtoomanyteachersshoutingat studentsandspeakingwordsofdiscouragement Theseyoungpeoplewillrememberyourwordsfora lifetime Areminderyoushouldaskyourself,whatis thereasonyougotintoteachingasaprofession?At thesametime studentsneedtoshowteachersthat theyarewillingtolearnandtopersonallydevelopinto abetterversionofthemselves

Keegan, Student

1 Patience Beunderstanding,compassionate, andbeanactivelistener.

2 Showrespecttothestudents Givetheman exampleofwhatrespectlookslike.

3 Empathyandopen-minded

4 Creatingasafenon-judgemental environmentforthemtobetransparent

5 Watchyourwords Thereispowerinwhatwe say.Itcanencourageordiscouragesomeone.

BeMentorship-minded,sothatyoucaninvestintothe livesofyourstudentsforthenextfive ten twentyyears fromnow That’swhyIstartedmymentoringandlife coachingbusiness,tohelpyoungpeoplebecomea greatversionofthemselves Checkoutmywebsite paradigmshiftukcomforencouragingtestimonials

I’dliketoendthisarticlewithastatement As mentorsandteachers,letusstrivetobuildabetter worldthroughourwordsandactions Indoingso, wecanhelpourstudentsunleashtheirpotential andimpacttheworldinapositiveway

Forfurtherdetails,school visitsandquotes,visit

paradigmshiftukcom

As a teacher, what is it you’d like to be remembered for by your students?

Here are some qualities of a mentorship-minded teacher.

Ricardo created a safe, confidential, and nonjudgemental space for me, and that has worked wonders for me.

Beintentionalaboutseeingthe humanityineverypupil,and youWILLseetheresults

Speakpositivelifeaffirmingwordsinto yourpupils,notdoubtanddiscouragement

Islam and the West in Media

‘Muslim’,‘Islam’,‘Islamist’,‘Islamic’,‘Shariah’,‘Jihad’, ‘Burka’, Hijab’ whatcomestomindasyouread thesewords?Whatscenesandemotionsare evokedandwhatdothesewordsconnotatefor you?Itmaybethatyouhavenevercomeacross someofthemeaningsofsuchvocabulary,butif youhave–questionthesourcesandcontextsyou havecometoknowthem

Ifscenesofviolenceandoppressioncometo mindasyoureadtheopeninglineofphrases,I wouldn’tblameyou Astudyconductedby CambridgeUniversityfoundthatforeveryone, ‘moderate’MuslimmentionedintheBritishpress,21 examplesofextremistMuslimsarementioned

AsaMuslimwoman,IamcarefultowhomItalk aboutmyjihad,whenexpressingmyinner strugglesofresistingthetemptationofbecoming complacentandlazywithmytime bynotbusying myselfwithgooddeedsanddailyworship Iworry thatthemedia’sversionofjihad,mayoverwhelm thepersonIamconfidingin–aversionthathas beensensationalisedtostripthenuancedArabic wordthatbeautifullyencapsulatesadailystruggle foreveryMuslim,tobattlethepartofthemselves thatpreventsthemfrompartakinginactionsof peaceinsteadofsin

Wordsholdgreatmeaningandifamediacircusis occupiedwithsingularnarrativesthatarevoidof authenticMuslimvoices,wheredoesthatleavethe storiesofaglobalpopulationof19billionfollowersof Islam;diverseinculture,race,politicsandclass?

AccordingtothelatestCensus,Muslimsmakeup65% ofthepopulationinEnglandandWales Youmaylookat thisnumberandbesurprisedathowsmallthis percentageis,consideringhowoftenwedominate politicalnarrativesandtabloidheadlines Astudy conductedbytheUniversityofBirminghamlastyear foundthat259%ofBritishpeoplefeltnegativelytowards Muslimsand181%wouldsupportthebanningofMuslim immigration,leadingtooneinfourBritishpeople surveyed,holdingnegativeviewsofMuslimandIslamas awhole

ForsuchasmallpercentageoftheUKpopulation it makesonewonderhowsomanyhavecometodislike everythingandanything‘Muslim’andleadstothe questionofhowmanypeoplehavesatdownand spokentoaMuslimface-to-facetoengageina dialogueortovisitaMosque

Words have Power!

TheexistenceofMuslimsintheUKdatesback centuries includingduringtimesofthe countrysaidduringtheFirstWorldWar,when atleast400,000Muslimsoldierstookarmsto serveBritainaspartoftheBritishIndianArmy AccordingtoresearchbytheBritishFuture, almostnobody(2%)isawareofthescaleof MuslimcontributionsinthehistoryofBritishwar –asubjectthatiswidelytaughtinschools acrosstheUK

ThelackofawarenessaroundtheMuslim identity,contribution,andexistenceinallits formsseemstobearecurringthemewithinthe press ACityUniversityreportfoundthatthe lackofdiversityoftheBritishpresswasa damningissue,withjust04%ofBritish journalistsbeingMuslim,only10%beingfrom working-classbackgroundsandastaggering 94%ofBritishjournalistsbeingwhite Asa teenagerchoosingherA-levelsanddeciding whattoproceedwithatuniversity,Idecidedto tryandfillthisgapbyprovidinganauthentic femaleMuslimvoiceintheindustry Ifound myselfquicklystumblinguponbiggerissues andoftenfindingmyselftobetheonlynonwhitepersoninthespacesIinternedatasa studentjournalist,letalonetheonlyMuslim

Asthepressureloomedto‘getitright’and‘tellourstories’onmyyoungerandambitiousself,theIslamophobia aroundBrexitandexodusoffar-rightnarrativesgrewaroundme,asthepolicereportsofhatecrimeincreased by57%inthefourdaysafterthereferendumin2019

Itbecamemoreapparentthatthereportingaroundimmigration,race,andpolarisinguseoflanguageby politiciansinWestminsterwasbeingsensationalisedandsoldattheexpenseofmycommunity Lastyear,a HouseofCommonsreportconfirmedthatIslamophobiaisnowthemostcommonformofreligioushatecrime intheUK astheHomeOfficesharedthat42%ofallreligioushatecrimesreportedtothepolicein2021/22were againstMuslims

DuringmyfinalyearasaCreativeWriting&Mediastudent,IwasapproachedbysomeMuslimsinmylocal communitywhowereconcernedbytheissueofMuslimrepresentationinthemedia Theyproposedasolution totackletheinaccuratestoriesbypropellingpositiveandauthenticrepresentationofMuslimsinstead Bythis time,Ihadalmostthreeyearsofindustryexperiencetocometotheconclusionthattherootoftheissuewas notsolelythelackofMuslimjournalists,butratheralackofuptakeamongstMuslimsincreativeindustriesasa whole

WherecouldIfindbelongingandrelatabilityasa young,WelshPakistaniMuslimwoman?If,asahighly creativeperson,Istruggledtofeelempoweredto seethecareerofjournalismtilltheendoreversee anyofmyguestlecturers,creativerolemodelslook likeme–howcouldIexpectmainstreammediato understandortakecaretohearourvoices?

Irealisedthattherewasnotasingleplaceonline,or inthemedia,whereourmodestyettalented communityofWelshMuslimcreativescame together Thus,throughcountlessmeetings, strategisingatourlocalMosque–NowInAMinute Mediawasborn Anindependentmediasocial enterprisetoplatform,inspireandencourage Muslimsinthecommunitytotakeupcareersinthe creativeindustriesandseeaworldbeyondthe simplisticandstereotypicalnarrativesportrayedof ourcommunity

Almostthreeyearsonandapandemiclater,NowIn AMinuteMediaisnowanonlinehuboflivelyWelsh Muslimtalent–withourfirsteventjustafterthe pandemicbeingattendedbyover100people inthe heartofCardiff’sWalesMillenniumCentre Wehave platformedandprovidedopportunitiesforover70 Muslimcreativesandthemorewegrowasa platform,themorevoicesechothesamerecurring issuesoftherebeingalackofspaceforMuslimsto growaswriters,storytellers,contentcreators, crafters,entrepreneursetc

FromcoveringtheactionoftherecentWorldCupin Qatar,toourannualRamadanshortproduction-asa smallteamofvolunteersrunningtheplatform,wehave cometorealisethatthroughartandauthentic storytelling–thepowerofMuslimindependentmedia transcendsmainstreamagenda-drivennarratives The feedbackandresponsefromthecommunity,forthe needformorestoriestobetoldandmoreupskillingof creativepractices showsthedireneedtonurture Muslimcommunitiestoreclaimtheirownnarratives Inanonlineandofflinesocietythatincreasinglydivides –wehopethatthroughthepowerofcreativityand faith-consciousmedia wecanignitethecreatorin everyonetotacklesomeoftheissuesourcommunity faceandunitebeyondperception

Where could I find belonging and relatability as a young, Welsh Pakistani Muslim woman?

Dr Abdul-Azim Ahmed

Authors Bio

“Abdul-AzimAhmedisanacademicby occupation,andanorganiserbyvocation His scholarlypursuitsasDeputyDirectorofthe Islam-UKCentreatCardiffUniversityfocuson contemporaryreligion,civilsocietyand institutions,andasSecretaryGeneralMuslim CouncilofWales,heleadsabodyofmosques, Muslimcharities,andcollectives Azimlivesin Cardiff,wherehewasbornandraised,andis fathertoayoungson

Heenjoysanythingthattakeshimawayfrom hislaptopscreen,whetherthatiscycling, running,orcompletingpoorqualityDIY projects.”

Dr Abdul-Azim Ahmed is Deputy Director for the Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK at Cardiff University, and Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Wales. If you would like to participate in the research project, please email ahmedma1@cardiff.ac.uk

Exodus

IfyoudrivesouthdownCrwysRoadinCardiff you’lllikelyhitthelightsjustbeforeDeathJunction Asyouwaitforthe lightstoturngreen youreyesmightwanttothebuildingonyourright Itwas atonepointtheWelshCalvinistic MethodistChapel,andheadquartersofthemovementinWales Today,itistheShahJalalMosque,namedafterShah Jalalad-DinMujarrad,athirteenthcenturysaintwhobroughtIslamtoSylhet,Bangladesh Themosquewasopenedby Cardiff’sgrowingBangladeshiSylheticommunityinthelate1980s Thechapelisamongstmyfavouritemosquesin Wales,itisbeautifulinsideandout,andhastheauraofpeaceandcomfortyou’ddesirefromaplaceofworship Sylhet andWaleshavealonghistory,withanEisteddfodheldbymissionariesinSylhetin1901 Thebuildingservestorepresent muchofthestoryofMuslimsandWales Thesharedcentralityofreligionandcommunity,butalsotheBritishEmpire andcolonizationthatisthedarkbackdroptowhyMuslimscametotheseisles

EverywhereyoulookinWales,you’llseesignsoftheMuslimcommunity ItcouldbeonCrwysRoadinSouthWales,but youcouldalsotraveltoremoteAnglesey tothenorthernmosttipoftheisland Thereyouwouldfindtheancient churchLlanbadrig supposedlyfoundedbyStPatrickhimselfwhenhewaswashedashore Thechurch asimpleand beautifulbuildingofstone,hidesasecretforthosewholookclosely Thestainglasswindows,ratherthandepicting BiblicalscenesortheChurchFathers,isabluemosaicinthegeometricpatternmoreoftenseeninIslamicart The inclusionofitwasduetoLordStanley,aVictorianaristocratwhofundeditsrestorationbutwhowasalsoacommitted Muslimconvert

Exodus,astoryofleavinghome,andfindinganewone,isafittingthemetoconsiderthestoriesofMuslimsinWales Overthelastfewmonths,I’vebeenresearchingthehistoryofMuslimsinWalesaspartofanewprojectattheCentre fortheStudyofIslamintheUK Sofar,ithasinvolvedtripstothearchives,scouringthroughnewspapers,andspeaking toMuslimsandcollectingtheir“oralhistories”

WeknowagooddealaboutthehistoryofMuslimsinCardiffalreadythroughtheworkofTigerBayandtheWorld as wellasacademicssuchasSophieGilliat-Ray JodyMellor FredHalliday RichardLawless MohammedSeddon and theeminentStClairDrake TheseworksgiveusapictureofanascentMuslimcommunityintheDocks Ledbythe enigmaticandenergeticSheikhAbdullahAlial-Hakimi ThelargelyYemeniandSomaliMuslimsintheDockswas describedinonenewspaperinthe1940sas“theheartoftheIslamiccommunityinBritain”

Al-HakimiwasaMuslimleaderaheadofhistime HefoundedtheNooral-IslamMosqueinCardiffin1938,aswellas securingMuslimburiallandinWesternCemeterythatisstillusedtoday Hedevelopedarelationshipwithofficialsand politicians,hostedthematdinnersinCityHallorluncheonsathisoffices,hepublishedEnglishlanguageworksandan Arabicnewsletterfromhismosque,heorganizedconferencestobuildunityamongstthediverseMuslimpopulationof Cardiff,andhesoughttoreinvigoratetheteachingandpracticeofIslam Britain,letaloneWales,wouldnotseea Muslimleaderofhiscalibreagainuntilmuchlater Therearemorestoriestobediscoveredhowever andespeciallythroughoralhistoryinterviews I’vebeenseekingto capturethembeforetheyarelost InWales,thebulkofMuslimmigrationwaspostSecondWorldWar,and chronologically,adjacenttotheWindrushGeneration TheseMuslimeldersarethelastlinktoahistorythatwillnotbe preservedinnewsreportsorarchives ItwasthisgenerationwhoestablishedthebulkofWales54mosques Totruly appreciatethescopeofthisachievementthegeneralpictureofBritainneedstobeunderstood Wales,muchlikethe UK,hasseenalossofcommunityandcommunityspaces Chapelsandchurches,workmen’sinstitutes,libraries,and communitycentreshaveallbeensteadilydeclining Thepost-WarmigrationofMuslims,wholargelydidn’tspeak Englishfluently,whodidnthavehighereducationordegrees,whowereonthelowestendofthesocio-economic ladder buckedthistrendfortheirownfamilies Theybuilt throughsignificantsacrifice acommunityresourceof incrediblevaluethatcontinuetoservetheMusimandwidercommunitytoday troughfoodbanksandcharitydrives aswellasofferingaplaceofgatheringandcomingtogether

IfthefirstMuslimchapterofWaleswasal-HakimiandtheMuslimsoftheDocks andthesecondchapterispost-War migration Thethirdchapterwouldbesettlementfromasylumseekersandrefugees,whetherfollowingtheSomalicivil warinthenineties,theinvasionofAfghanistanandsubsequentwithdrawalbyWesterntroops,thepersecutionofthe Syrianregime,orevenmostrecentlytheconflictinUkraine Thesenewcommunitiesbringwiththemanewdimension totheMuslimcommunitiesofWales

ThestoryofMuslimsinWalesis,inmyview,isbestencapsulatedbyBereaMasjid Achapelconvertedintoamosque inthemid-noughties,itservesadisparateMuslimcommunityintheValleys It’snestledamongstthehillssofamiliar toanyonedrivingthroughtheA470 Apicturefromthe1940sshowsavibrantcongregationatthechapel Itfellinto disrepairinbythenewmillennium untilthelocalMuslimcommunitypurchasedandre-openedit Anewphotowas takenin2022,andonceagainthisbuildingwasfulloflife,avibrantcongregation,astrongsenseofcommunity,anda feelingoffamilyamongsttheworshippers IhopeaswelearnmoreaboutthehistoryofMuslimsinWales,itisnot seenasaninterestingfootnote,butinsteadpartofsharedcollectivestory IslamisnowaWelshreligion,andshould berecognizedassuch

Exodus, a story of leaving home, and finding a new one.

You shout words, you cause hurt you are so unkind

When you say the n word what goes on in your mind?

You’re not a black rapper so that word’s not for you

If all lives matter why does mine not to you?

Does your attitude uplift this place on this earth?

Making others feel that they have no self-worth

If you can’t be civilised it’s time to start

It’s the things that you say that keep us apart.

MolaraAwen

MakingWavescanbefoundbysearching“WavesofChange”onThePeople’sCollectionWales:

https://wwwpeoplescollectionwales/items/1865606

Liquorice

Theblackkidscallhim‘blackish’, Thewhitekidscallhimliquorice, Insports,theycallhimallsorts, Likemonkey,actallticklish, Withtheirhandsunderarmpits, Cheekspuffedlookingbloated, Throwingbananaskins‘Ooooahah’withtheirvoices! Inthewinterthekidscallhimpale, Inthesummerthekidscallhimdirty, Whenthelightsgooffwithoutfail, Somebodyshouts‘openyoureyesDukey, Ormaybejustgiveusasmile’, Theyalllaughherollshiseyes, Sameoldjokegetsboringafterawhile, Sameuncomfortablefeelinghehastodisguise.

Whenwalkingthestreetswiththeblackkids, He’slabelledasagangmember Pulledoverbypolice,he’sonablack-list, Asapotentialyoungoffender Whenhe’swiththewhitekidshe’stoken, Oldpeoplecallhimcoloured, Politicalcorrectnessbroken, Yetifhetellsthemto‘doone’,he’ssmothered, Inagenerationalechospoken, Bythesameframeofmindsastheothers, Whoareclosedmindedneveropen, Tofightingthestigmacovered, Inblackliestowardsblacklives; Theysayhe’sgotanattitude, ‘Withthewayhedresses,thewalktherhymes, AlthoughIcan’ttellifhe’sblack,canyou?’

Acoupleofyearswentby, Hedevelopedasenseofself, Proudofhisreflectionhedecides, Tofaceignorancewheneverit’sdealt, Butnotallpeopleareignorant, Notallpeopleignoredhim, Notallpeoplequestionedhispigment, Somepeoplesupporthim, Eveniftheynicknamedhimliquorice; Hemaynotbeeveryhuman’staste, Hestandsuptothedistastefulracists, Challenges,theirhate Whentheysay‘he’swhitewithrubberlips’, Hesays,‘noI’mmixedrace, Andbetweenmeandyouthere’sonedifference, Yournarrowmindmayneverescape, Yourfearofsomethingthat’sdifferent, Blindedbythelast3letters,escape, Miseducated,yetyoukeeplistening, Togenerationsofopinions,younevermade, WhileIshineinthelight,glistening, Ensuringnohatewillstopmefrombeinggreat, Allofyou;others,keeponwhispering, Istillcan’tseemtoworkouthisskinshade’

DukeAlDurham

By Donna Ali

COLOURISM

Duringthepandemic,theinternetwasfilledwithconversationsaboutrace IwasdrawnintoaFacebookpostthathad over13,000commentsaboutthecomplexionofmyskin MyfatherisAfricanAmerican,andhepostedapictureofme andmybrotherswiththecaption"SoproudofmyBlackchildren"Theinternetwentwild,withonepersonresponding bysayingIwasnotBlackbecauseIamsolight-skinned However,thousandsofdarker-skinnedpeoplerespondedto thisindividualbyuploadingpicturesoftheirchildrenwhowereofalightercomplexionbutstillclaimedthattheir childrenwereBlack

IunderstandthatintheUSA,thingsareverydifferent The"onedroprule,"aprincipleinwhichracialcategorizationwas coinedduringtheearly20thcentury meantthatifapersonhadaparentofBlackancestry theywouldbeclassified asBlack Iguessthiswasaformofrejection,seenaspollutingWhiteness

Asayouth,Istruggledwithmyidentity,beingcalledtheN-wordandtheP-wordquiteoften Nowadays,Iamconfident inclaimingmymixedheritageandallitsbeautifulparts Iidentifyasahumanbeingwitharichtapestryofmigration andadaptation ButifIwereforcedtochoose,ifwetotallysplitintotwogroups,IwouldsayIamBlackbecausemy DNAresultsidentifiedthatIhavefromthe1700stodate,sevendifferentAfricancountriesinmyblood,soIguessI havemorethanonedrop!ButIdoagreewithDuke,inthatthequickerweseeeachotherforourqualities,thebetter Butwecannotdiscountthepainandsufferingofpeoplewithdarkerskins,wemustchangethenarrativeandgetbusy fillingspacesandcreatingequity,displayingexcellenceanddispellingmyths

XcellencemagazinecaughtupwithDuke,apoet,writer,andspokenwordartist,tofindoutwhathis poem"Liquorish"isallabout Thetopicaroundcolourismisdefinitelyupforconversation

ThepoemLiquoriceisbasedonmypersonal experiencebeingmixedrace,WhiteWelsh/Jamaican I wantedtocreateapiecethattriedtoexplainthelived experiencethatsomemixed-racepeoplegothrough I amapoetandspokenwordartist,soformethisisthe bestwaytoexpressmyself,throughwords Iwantedto createapiecethatwasthoughtprovokingand relatable Liquoriceisaboutacceptance,sometimes, notbeingacceptedaseitherBlackorWhite,asthough youaresomehowinthemiddle,buthavingnegative experiencesthatoftenleantowardstheBlacksideof myheritage Sincewelivewithinamatrixmadeupof socialconstructs whereeverythingisveryBlackorvery White,itisasthoughwemustchooseonesideorthe other,butbothsidesdonotclaimus Inmyexperience Ihavebeenavictimofmainlyblindracismand colourism Althoughblindracismwithinthepoemisnot maliciousinintent,itisusedintheformofbanterto exploreignorance,whichIfeelisoverlooked,sowanted toshinealightontheissue Ihopethroughmywords peoplecangaugeanunderstandingthatthereare internalstrugglesthatgowithtryingtoidentify asone ortheotherandmyexperiencesbeingrejectedby bothisunacceptable

Ifeelthatthisisatopicthatisworthexploring

Whatdoyouthinkpeoplecandotounderstandthe experiencesofpeopleofmixed-raceheritage?

Peopleneedtoconsiderbothheritageswhen understandingtheexperiencesofmixed-racepeople Theseexperiencescanbebothpositiveandnegative withinsociety Tonotacceptapersonsheritagebecause youthinktheyareofalightercomplexioniswrong Inmy opinion,itgoesdeeperthanskinshade,whatabouthair textureandfeaturesthatdisplayBlackness?Howdowe navigateourwaythroughsociety,withphysicalattributes thatwouldcategoriseusasBlack,butdeniedbecausewe arelightskinned?Thejuxtapositionbeingourfeatures definedasBlackbyWhitepeople?

'My Vision for the future is for us to not see skin tone but character!

Whatisyourpoemliquoricebasedon?

COLOURISM

BeingofdualheritageformelivinginWales,justmeans beingWelsh AsmuchasIexperiencetheworldasa mixed-raceperson,Istronglybelievethatpeopleshould seenocolour,justourhumanity Consideringfirst,whata personstandsforintheirmorals ethics andvalues Racismisanideologythatistaughtandusedtocontrol thedistributionofwealthanddistortequality However, mythoughtis,ifwestoptalkingaboutraceandmore aboutwhatconnectsus,wecouldgoalongwayto eradicateracism Furthermore,Ireallydisliketheterm, ‘peopleofcolour’IbelieveitonlydividesWhitepeople fromeverybodyelse,itstillfuelsthedivideofthatracism hascreated,alsowhiteisstillacolour!However,Idoalso feelthatitisimportantnottoignoretheinequalitiesthat persist todiscountapersonslivedexperienceisexactly whatLiquoriceisabout ButIhopewegettoapointin time,whereweareallseenandheard,forourhuman essenceandtreatedaccordingly

AsIsaid,Iexpressmyselfthroughwords,whicharealso interchangeable,forinstancethetermcoloured,whichin theUKisatermthatissociallyunacceptable,butitisa termusedfrequentlytocategorisedpeopleinSouth Africa Seehowwordschange dependingonlocation andtime,itisfunnyhowsocietyevolves,searchingfor morepalatableandacceptabletermsofethnic categorisation,buttheonethingthatdoesnotchangeis thefactthatweallwanttobeseenforwhoweare,we allneedtoearnaliving,andhaveourbasicneedsmet, aswellasplayapositiveroleinsociety

Racismwascreatedtodividepeople toscarepeople to enslavepeople toincreasethepowerandwealthof slaveowners,andotherruthless,selfishindividuals Racismstilldividesustothisday,butthecounter argumentagainstracism,isequity,itisfairdistribution,it isunderstandingthattheminoritygroup,whoputits rootsdowninsomanypartsoftheworld,acceptthat theirgreedhascreated,thisBlackandWhitenarrative Ihavethoughtdeeplyabouttherootofallevilwhich wouldhaveledtoracismbeingcreated Ipersonally believeitnottobemoneyandpower,butselfishness andnarcissism Thebrutaldecisiontointentlyhurt anotherpersonforpersonalgain,showsaterrifyinglack ofempathy,andahorrifyingselfishattitude Itis importanttoseethehumanraceasone,yetrecognise ouruniquenessinculture,passions,valuesandgoals, maybethen,wecanworktogetherandseethebeautyin ourculturaldifferencesandlearnfromoneanotherto protectthisplanetweshare

Howdoweeradicatecolourism?

Inmyopinion,racismandcolourismarebranches ofthesametree,whichiswhyweneedtostop talkingaboutcolour Weinsteadneedtocelebrate cultureandloveourindividualheritage which sometimes,maybedualormultiple,butwemust recognisethemaspartofouridentity Culturecan offermoredepthtoaperson,asadescriptionto theirdifferentexperiencesbutweshouldnotbe definedbyskintone Thematrixwehavecreated caninfluenceus,butIhopebyhavingthese conversations,webegintoseethatridiculousidea thathavingthesameskincolourassumesweall believethesame actthesameandthinkthesame Weareindividuals,drawingfromourown uniqueness Itissocietythatpigeonholesusand holdsusbackfromlivingourfullestpersonal expression Ihopewestopconformingtothese absurdideologiesandexperiencelifeaswewere meantto,withoneasone

I have thought deeply about the root of all evil which would have led to racism being created, I personally believe it not to be money and power, but selfishness and narcissism.

Saddia Speaks

Saadiaspeaksisfoundedbychangemakerandmulti awardwinningyoungleaderSaadiaAbubaker Her journeyofyouthleadershipandsocialactionledherto setupasocialenterprisetoempower,upliftandinspire genztocreatebetteropportunitiesforherselfandto achievehergoals MostimportantlySaadiaspeaksstrives tobeanexampleofhowyouhavethepowertocreate yourownnarrativeregardlessofyourbackgroundand previousexperiences

SaadiamovedtoSwanseawithherfamilyfromSudanat theageof2 Shedescribeshowgrowingupinanondiverseenvironmentpresentedafewchallenges From lackofrepresentationtoexperiencingdirectandnondirectracismandislamophobia However sheargues thatthoseexperiencesallowedhertodevelopthe resiliencesheneededtosucceed Whilestudyingat collegeshefacilitatedsportssessionsforBAMEand Muslimgirlsandreceivedtrainingandsupportfromthe YouthSportTrusttocontinuetodevelopherleadership skills

Covid-19wasapivotalmomentthathighlightedthe impactofinequalityanditinspiredSaadiatosetupher platformSaadiaspeaks Itinitiallybeganasapodcast, andSaadiadeliveredonlinemasterclassesand workshopsfororganisationssuchasdigilearningand womenaftergreatness Afterseeingtheimpactandthe positiveresponse/feedbackfromyoungpeople,Saadia improvedtheworkshopstobehostedbothonlineand offlineandorganisedanddeliveredherownworkshop eventsattheUniversityandincitiesacrosstheUK

WithcontinuedsupportfromheruniversitysenterpriseteamandfromcharitiessuchasUnltd Saadiaspeaksisgrowingand expandingtodeliverworkshopsinmoreschools,collegesanduniversities Sheisalsocurrentlyworkingonaguidebookthat willteachyoungpeoplehowtheycancreatetheirownuniqueopportunitiesandusethetoolsandresourcesavailableto themtoachievetheirgoals

Workshopfacilitating

Did You Know?

SteveKhairehMBEborninBarry,isthesonofaSomalimerchantseamanwhowaslostatsea,whenStevewas just10yearsold RaisedasaMusliminaboardinghouseinButetown,whichhismotherransurroundedbymany differentcultures TheyevenhadamosqueinthebackgardentoaccommodatethefaithoftheSomaliseamen whowouldfrequenttheboardinghouse,whilstdwellingduringtravellingtoCardifftoworkontheships Stevehas foundmemoriesofgrowingupinButetownbutrememberssomehostilitytowardsinter-racialrelationships Steverecalls,hismotherawhitewoman,wasdisownedbyherfamilybecauseofhermarriagetoaSomali immigrant

WhatisfascinatingaboutSteve’sstory isthathismothersfirsthusbandwasAbbyFarrah knownasthefatherof SomaliLand Hewasalsothefoundersofoneoftheveryfirstracerelationorganisationsknownbackthenasthe ‘colouredsocietyinBarry,whichwasveryprogressiveforthetime Abbydidgreatthingsforhumanityand receivedanMBEfromKingGeorgeVI

Welsh History Is Black History!

AbbyFarrah'seldestson,AbdulrahimAbby Farrah,isoneofthemostfamousWelshSomali menofalltime.HetooborninBarry,becamethe deputyundersecretaryseniorforUnitedNations, leadingthe1990UNmissionthatoversawthe dismantlingofSouthAfrica.Heworkedalongside KofiAnnan,whowasunabletonegotiatepeace talksinthemiddleeast,soAbdulrahim,wouldbe sentintoconductaffairsashisdeputy.

Abdulrahim,isanunsungheroofWalesand regardedasthesecondmostpowerfulmanin theworld,duringhistime Healsoreceivedan MBEfromtheQueen.

AbbyFarrah's,middlesonAbdulrahmanwasalso givenaMBEbytheQueen.

Youcanfindoutmoreaboutthisextraordinary familybyvisiting: www.nation.cymru.com

ThelegacyofMBE’scanbeseenthroughout thefamilyasStevealsoreceivedanMBEfrom theQueen,inhonourofhisworkasa communityeducationyouthworkeraswellas hiscontributioninsportandmusicprojects Stevehelpstorun,HornDevelopment AssociationHDA,whichworkstosupportthe integrationofSomalimigrantsinthecapital

Steve Khaireh MBE

Abdulrahim Abby Farrah

Bila¯d al-Welsh (Land of the

Historicalintroduction

Inthemid-19thcentury amajortechnicaltransformation tookplaceintheworld’smerchantshippingindustry Most freightshipswerenolongerpoweredbysails,butby steamfromcoal-firedengines Atthistime theDurham andSouthWalescoalfieldswereamongthemost productiveinBritain,andtheirproximitytomajorportslike CardiffandSouthShieldsgavetheseplacesaparticular strategicadvantageintheworldofcommercialshipping Butthetransitionfromsailtosteamvesselscreatedwork thatwashot dirtyandtiring andthisformofoccupation wasincreasinglyrejectedbyBritishlabourers New recruitsonthesetradingshipswerethereforedrawnfrom colonialterritorieswithstrongmerchantshipping traditions,suchascoastalIndia,Yemen,andSomalia Theywereemployedprimarilyasfiremenandstokerson vesselsmovingbetweenBritainandthefarEast(Aithie 2005;El-Solh1993;Lawless1995) IncitiessuchasCardiff, boardinghouseswereestablishedtoaccommodatethis transientcommunityofseafarersdrawnfrommany differentreligiousandethnicorigins

Havingcompletedtheirpassageononeship theywould resideinboardinghousesindocklandareasuntilnew employmentcouldbefoundonanout-boundvessel By 1881therewereenoughtransitoryseafarersinCardiffto warranttheestablishmentofaso-called“Homefor ColouredSeamen”intheButetowndistrictofthecity (Ansari2004) Anincreasingnumberofboardinghouses ownedandmanagedbyMuslims,mostlyYemenisfrom theShamiritribe,providedaphysical,social,religiousand economicbasefortheseseafarers andprovidedthe foundationsforthelateremergenceofmoreestablished religiousfacilitiesandassociations Thediversityofthe BritishEmpirewasreflectedinmicrocosminmostmajor Britishmaritimeports,includingCardiff Besidesthe YemeniandSomaliseafarers,therewerePathans, PunjabisandMirpuriswhohadbeenrecruitedinBombay, whileBengalisfromtheSylhetregionwererecruitedin Calcutta Theavailabilityofworkersfortheshipsvaried accordingtothevibrancyoftheagriculturalindustryat thetime,sincemostrecruitswerepeasantfarmers

IncreasingnumberofMuslimstoBritain,asthevolumeof tradingbetweenBritainandAsiancountriesexpanded This haddirectconsequencesforcitiessuchasCardiff,withthe resultthatbytheendofthe19thcenturyWelshOffice recordssuggestapopulationof5,000Arabseameninthe city(Aithie2005) Despitethesizeandhistorical significanceofearly(iftransient)Muslimsettlementin Cardiff relativelylittleresearchhasbeenconductedabout thereligiouslivesofMuslimsinthecity

Thepaucityofevidenceisalsocompoundedbyan emphasisonrace,employment,andlabourrelationsinthe researchthatdoesexist MuslimsinCardiffarediscussed throughtheseparticularanalyticalframes andtheir religiousactivitiesareoftenonlymentionedincidentallyin accountswhichotherwisetendtofocusupontheir migrationorsocio-economicconditions especiallyinthe 20thcentury Inmanywaysthisisnotsurprising Afterall, Muslimsettlementinthecityhasbeendirectlyrelatedto economicsintermsofmaritimetrade andthedemandfor additionallabourduringtimeofwar Thecombinationofa lackofin-depthresearchaboutMuslimsinthecity (Chambers2006)createdtherationaleforan18-month researchprojecttodocumentaspectsoftheearlyhistory andsettlementofMuslimsinCardiff,givingparticular prominencetotheirdevelopmentofreligiousassociations andthemaintenanceofritesandrituals Althoughthefirst authorofthispaper(Gilliat-Ray)hadbeencollectingdata onthisforsomeyearspreviously thestudybeganproperly whenDrJodyMellortookupthepostofresearchassistant inJuly20081Overaneighteen-monthperiod,interviews havebeentakingplacewithMuslimelderswhohavebeen livingandworkinginthecityforatleasttwogenerations Someofthesehavebeenvideo-recorded

MapoftheHornofAfrica

Welsh): Muslims in Cardiff, South Wales: past, present and future.

In cities such as Cardiff, boarding houses were established to accommodate this transient community of seafarers drawn from many different religious and ethnic origins.

TheresourcesoftheButetownHistoryandArtsCentrehave beenexamined,alongsidephotographicandother documentaryevidence Collaborationwiththe“Four GenerationsProject”(2009–2010)ledbytheSomali IntegrationSociety(SIS)inCardiffhasalsoaddedtothe researchbase WhilsttherehavebeenstudiesofYemenis andArabssettlinginCardiff,thestoryofSomalisettlementis virtuallyunrecorded,andtheSISprojectwillrepresentan importantadditiontotheliterature Ourcurrentresearch buildsuponanumberofwell-knownstudiesofraceand ethnicityinCardiff(andotherportcities)

TheseincludeKennethLittle’ssurveyofLoudonSquare (Cardiff)inhisbookaboutracerelationsinBritaininthe 1940s(Little1948) ThisissupplementedbyFredHalliday’s workonYemenisinBritainwhichincludessubstantial documentationonportcities(Halliday1992),andRichard LawlesssstudyofYemenisinSouthShields,whowere connectedtoYemenisinCardiffviakinshipandotherties (Lawless1994;Lawless1995)

LocalhistoricalstudiesoflaborrelationsinWales,and especiallyworkbyNeilEvans(Evans1985)andMarika Sherwood(Sherwood1988)alsoprovideusefulinsights,and thesearesetinthewiderhistoricalcontextofMuslim settlementinBritainviaworkbyHumayunAnsari(Ansari 2004)artfordSeminary 453Thispaperwilldemonstratethat throughouttheirsettlementinthecity thefortunesofMuslims andtheirscopeforexercisingreligiousagencyandautonomy havebeenaffectedbywidersocial,politicalandeconomic factors Thishasbeenmostevidentintheirrelationswithlocal authoritiesandcivicofficials Therehavebeenhighlyvariable responsestoMuslimpresenceandsettlement,fromactive supportandengagementwithMuslims(forexample,during theFirstandSecondWorldWar),tooutrightracismand moraloutrageattheprospectofmixed-faithandmixedracemarriages Inotherwords theplacethatMuslimshave occupiedontheboundarybetweeninclusion/recognitionand exclusion/marginalizationhasbeenstronglyconditionedby local,national,andinternationalpolitics

Secondly itisclearthatthesewiderexternalpoliticshaveoftengoneontoshapeintra-Muslimrelationsand negotiations,andthishasbeenmostevidentinthe“biography”ofthefirstmosqueinWales,establishedin Cardiffin1936 Bychartingthechanginglocation,ownership,predominantethnicity,religious“schoolofthought”, andvariousarchitecturalmanifestationsofasinglemosque,itbecomesclearhowbuildingsaredirect expressionsofothersocialandpoliticalinterests(Gilliat-Ray2010b) Thirdly,thispaperexaminessomeofthe changingfortunesofwomeninCardiff especiallywhiteWelshMuslimconverts andarguesthattheyhave oftenbeenatthesharpandcontestedinterfacebetweenmaleMuslimseafarersandwiderlocalcommunities

Extractofthebookentitled:

Biladal-Welsh(LandoftheWelsh):Muslimsin

Cardiff,SouthWales:past,presentandfuturemuwo 1331452

Writtenby:

SophieGilliat-Ray JodyMellor

Seetheprojectwebsiteat:http://wwwcardiffacuk/relig/research/researchcentres/csi/ centre-for-the-study-of-islam-in-the-ukhtml

IamgratefultoDrGrahameDavies,HonoraryResearchFellow,Islam-UKCentreCardiffUniversity, forpointingoutthisarchitecturalfeature

secondly, it is clear that these wider external politics have often gone on to shape intraMuslim relations and negotiations, and this has been most evident in the “biography” of the first mosque in Wales, established in Cardiff in 1936.

Credit:IbrahimIsmaail

The Muslim Pound

MuslimsareasignificantconsumergroupintheUK, contributingtowhatiscommonlyreferredtoasthe MuslimPound TheMuslimpopulationintheUKis estimatedtobeover3million,andthisdemographic hasbeenidentifiedasakeymarketbymany businesses In2018,theMuslimconsumermarketinthe UKwasvaluedat£21billionandisprojectedtogrowto over£26billionby2023

Oneofthekeyfactorsdrivingthisgrowthistheriseof MuslimentrepreneurshipintheUK In recentyears therehasbeenasignificantincreasein thenumberofMuslim-ownedbusinesses,whichare estimatedtocontributeover£31billiontotheUK economy Thesebusinessesarenotonlycontributing tothewidereconomybutarealsomeetingthe specificneedsofMuslimconsumers

MuslimsintheUKspendonarangeofproductsand services,fromHalalfoodandmodestfashiontotravel andfinance Halalfoodisaparticularlyimportant market,withMuslimconsumersspendingan estimated£13billiononHalalfoodanddrinkeach year TheHalalfoodmarketisnotonlycateringto Muslimconsumersbutisalsoattractingnon-Muslim consumerswhoareinterestedintheethicaland healthyaspectsofHalalfood

InWales,theMuslimpoundisalsohavinganimpact

AlthoughtheMuslimpopulationinWalesissmaller thaninotherpartsoftheUK,itisstillasignificant demographic TheWelshGovernmenthasrecognised thepotentialoftheMuslimmarketandhaslaunched initiativestosupportMuslim-ownedbusinesses For example,theWelshGovernment'sBusinessWales serviceprovidessupportforentrepreneursandsmall businesses,includingthoseownedbyMuslims

Atthebeginningof2023,NowInAMinute Media;anindependentmediaplatform centringWelshMuslimvoices,broughttogether apanelofWelshMuslimentrepreneursin Cardifftosharetheirjourneysonnavigatingthe worldofentrepreneurship Asafaith-conscious platform,theeventtitled‘#IntentionOfHustle’ focusedonthecorevalueofniyyah(intention) intheIslamicfaith.

BOMB - Black Owned Minority Business News

Muslimconsumers spendingan estimated£1.3billion onHalalfoodand drinkeachyear.

Written by: Mariyah Zaman

Thespeakersrelatedtheirexperiencesoftheindustrynot havingasignificantsupportsystemandfunding opportunitiesfortheirstart-ups Oneofthemain challengesfacingMuslim-ownedbusinessesisaccessto finance Thereisaperceptionthatbanksarenotalways willingtolendtoMuslim-ownedbusinesses,andthiscan beabarriertogrowth Theconceptofintentionandthe renewalofintention,inensuringeverypractiseoftheir businessremainsinlinewiththeirfaith,wasalsorelated asakeyfactorinthelifeofaMuslimentrepreneur.The ultimatebalanceofthehustleforsuccessfultradeand thehustleforsuccessintheeyesofGod

Toaddressthisissue,therearenowseveralIslamic financeinstitutionsintheUKthatarespecifically designedtomeettheneedsofMuslim-owned businesses TheseinstitutionsofferShariah-compliant finance,whichmeansthatthefinanceproductsare designedtobeinlinewithIslamicprinciples,suchas opportunitiestotakeinterest-freeloans Thisisan importantdevelopmentthatishelpingtobridgethegap betweentraditionalfinanceandtheneedsofMuslim entrepreneurs

entrepreneurshipisplayinganincreasinglyimportantroleinthewidereconomy Whilethereare stillchallengestobeaddressed,thepotentialoftheMuslimmarketissignificant,anditis importantthatbusinessesandpolicymakersworktogethertosupportthisvitaldemographic By doingso,wecanensurethattheMuslimcommunityisfullyrepresentedandsupportedintheUK economy,andthatthebenefitsoftheMuslimPoundarefeltbyeveryone

TheMuslimpoundisanimportantandgrowingmarketintheUK,andMuslim

BOMB - Black Owned Minority Business

Contributions to Wales

Interview

ShirazMohamed,isacoffeeshopownerwithapassionforblending,not justcoffee,butpeople

Drivenbyapassionforcoffee,sincediscoveringthemultiplebenefitsof notjustcoffeebutwhatacoffeeshopspacecanoffer,enlightenedhim tovisitmanyinandaroundEnglandwherehenoticedadistinct differenceoftheindependentcoffeeshopowners NowShirazismaking hisdreamscometruebyrunninghisowncoffeeshopbusiness Backin October2021 BlendwasbrewedandreadytotaketheWelshcoffee industryinanewdirection Hisintentionwastocreateaspaceinthe heartofGrangetownthatattractedpeoplefromallwalksoflife,often separatedbyraceandclass

IaskedShiraz,whyhefelttheneedforsuchauniqueperspective?Hereplied,“withinthecoffeespecialityindustryI didntreallyseemanypeoplefromdiversebackgroundsowningthem,soIdecidedtostartmyown,beingfroma Welsh,Pakistanibackground,couldopendoorstonewcoffeeenthusiasts” Shirazfeelsveryfortunateinthathewas offeredanopportunitytolearntheropes,withmultiplecoffeeshopowner,IanBroody,whoofferedShiraz,ajobat BrodiescoffeeshopinGorseddgardens,oppositetheNationalMuseumofWales ShirazbelievesthatIan’s backgroundoflivinginLuton whichhasahighdiversecommunity mayhavebeenthereasonwhyhewantedto givehimachance,ashesaidheappliedformanyjobsinWalesandwasalwaysknockedback ShirazhasdreamsofexpandingintootherareasofCardiff, butwantstofocuson‘gentrified areas,becausehewants toprovideopportunitiesforyoungpeopleanduselocal peopletoprovideproducts suchasthelusharrayof deliciouscakeshehasonsale Hebelievesoffering opportunitiestogainexperience,willchangethelookof independentcoffeeshopownersofthefuture

SomeofthechallengesShirazhasfacedsofararenormal businessissues,suchasconcernsaroundrentincreases andhavingaregularcashflow,topre-orderstock Buthis ambitiontoownhisownwhitelabelissomethingthathe wouldliketoexplore,oncehissecondshopisopen Before that Shirazplanstointroducefilteroptionsandhasread extensivelytoexpandhisknowledge

IlovedShiraz’sanswertohowheovercomeschallenges

Hesaidthathebelieveseverythinghappensforareason, puttinghisfaithinAllahandseekshelpthroughpatience andpray

Hisphilosophy,isthatwhenobstaclesoccur,Allahistrying toteachussomething Ifeelthathavingfaith,is fundamentaltohavingasolidbedrock,notjustforthe ordinarytrailsoflife butcanalsohelpwhilstembarkingon abusinessventure

IaskedShiraz, ifyouwon£50,000whatwouldyoudowithit?

Hetooknotimeissayinghewouldhelppeople,particularlyvictimsof thecurrentearthquakesituationinTurkeyandSyria,whereover30,000 peoplehavelosttheirlives,homesandhope Healsosaidhewould helppeoplewithinhislocalcommunity Shiraz,saidiftherewas anythingleft hewouldinvestitinopeningBlendmark2

104ClareRoadGrangetown

CardiffCF116RT

ItwaslovelytospeakwithShiraz atBEXcellence welovetosupport spotlightandpromote,newstart-ups,andBlendwasonewereally wantedtoshoutabout So,ifyouareintheGrangetownarea,or passingthrough,stopbyBlendandgrabyourselfaflatwhiteanda sliceofcake,Iamsureyouwillblendin!

If you are passing, pop into BLEND

ShirazMohamed

BOMB - Black Owned Minority Business

New Co-working Space for the Bay

InvestinyourSocialCapital

CoLabWorkSpaces,isthebestenvironmentto startacharity,non-profitorganisation or commercialbusiness Webelievecollaborationis key,toproducingideasforsustainablesocial solutions

CoLabisapurpose-drivenenvironment,that offerssocialentrepreneursandcorporate businesseswithsocialvalues,thespacetopayit forward,inexpertise,networksandskills,working towardsamutualsocialmission

DAMEConsultancyandPropertyIndex, wouldliketointroduceyoutothe: CoLabWorkSpaces.

Collaborationisanessentialcomponentofacommunityinterestcompany(CIC)asitcanleadtonumerous benefitsfortheorganizationandthewidercommunity HerearesomeofthebenefitsofcollaborationinaCIC:

1 Increasedresources:CollaborationallowsCICstopooltheirresourcesandknowledge whichcanhelpthem achievetheirobjectivesmoreeffectively Thiscanincludesharingequipment staff funding andexpertise

2 Greaterimpact:CollaborationenablesCICstoworktogethertowardsacommongoal,whichcanhavea greaterimpactonthecommunity Bycombiningtheirefforts,theycanachievemoresignificantoutcomes thaniftheyworkedalone

3 Improvedinnovation:CollaborationcanleadtoincreasedinnovationasCICscanshareideasandexpertise Thiscanhelpthemdevelopnewapproachestosolvingproblems,improvingservices,andcreatingnew products

4 Enhancedreputation:CollaboratingwithotherorganizationscanenhancethereputationofaCIC Working withrespectedandwell-establishedorganizationscanincreasethecredibilityoftheCIC,anddemonstrate theircommitmenttoachievingtheirmission

5 Increasednetworkingopportunities:CollaborationcanhelpCICsbuildrelationshipswithotherorganizations andindividualsintheirfield Thiscanprovideopportunitiesfornewpartnerships,jointventures,and collaborationsinthefuture

6 Improvedsustainability:CollaborationcanleadtoincreasedsustainabilityforCICs Byworkingtogether they canshareresourcesandexpertise,whichcanreducecostsandincreaseefficiency

Overall,collaborationisessentialforthesuccessofacommunityinterestcompany Byworkingtogether,CICs canachievetheirgoalsmoreeffectively,haveagreaterimpactontheircommunity,andimprovetheir sustainabilityoverthelongterm

Where

LocatedintheheartofCardiffBay,CoLaboccupies

2,41768sqftinCambrianHouse Providingavariety ofworkstations,suitableforeverystageofyour businessjourney

Ourflexibletermsaredesignedtosupportnewstartups andtheirambitiousideas aswellasoffera permanenthomeformoreestablishedbusinesses

Situatedjusta4-minutewalkfromthenearest trainstation,andbusstopsourmodernandfully equippedpremisesareeasilyaccessibleviathe citycentre CoLab,istheperfectplace,towork, restandplay,beingjustastone'sthrowfromthe Bay'svastselectionofrestaurants,barsandof coursetheiconWalesMillenniumCentre

Competition is for dummies, Collaboration is the key to success!

BOMB - Black Owned Minority Business

Natalie Hodgkinson – Boss and Brew Academy

WheredidtheinspirationforBossandBrewcomefrom?

BossandBrewdevelopedfrommydesiretogetintothecoffee industry Istartedobsessingovercoffeeafewyearsago Ijustwantedto learneverything,fromthetypeofbeanstotheenduser Iwasteachingmathsatahighschoolandlovedseeingthe youngpeoplethriveandgrow soIwasnotreadytoleave butstill researchedandexploredeverythingIcouldaboutcoffee Myfirst coffeecartwashandmademymyselfandmyuncle Isavedup everypennyIcouldtopurchasemyfirstcoffeemachineand beganpursuingopportunities Iplannedtodoweddingsand events,althoughmyfirsteventwasduringInternationalWomen’s Day2020 butthenwewentintolockdown So Ipivotedand begandeliveringcoffeetopeopleshomesandIreallyenjoyed that However,lockdowngavemetheopportunitytolearnmore aboutgettingintothecoffeeindustry

Howdidyoubegintoincorporateopportunitiesforyoungpeopleintoyourbusinessmodel?

Afterlockdown,Ibegantoseethattheschoolsystemfailedtoaccommodateallchildrenandfelttheurgeto offeropportunitiesforyoungpeopletolearnnewskillsandbuildconfidence,sodecidedtocombinemy passionforcoffee,youngpeopleandeducation Soarmedwithmyskillsinteaching,beingabletomakegreat coffeeandtheabilitytoengageyoungpeople,Irealisedthattherewasagapinthesocialenterprisespaceto createsomethingfromscratch

IlaunchedBossandBrew,insummer2021,OriginallyunderthenameBoleynBarista.First,Ilaunchedapilotby speakingwithsomecommunityorganisersintheGrangetownarea,theyallowedmetousetheGrange Pavilionandthefirstsessionwasverysuccessful

InitiallyIidentifiedtheyoungpeopleusingmyownnetworks,andthroughpeoplelikeAliAbdiwhohasaccess tomanyyoungpeople Afterthefirstpilot,wehadsixyoungpeoplegointoemploymentafterthefirstsession WehelpedthemcreateaCVanddidsomeinterviewingtechniqueswiththem Asabrand,weweretryingto buildourownnetworkswithpeopleinthecoffeeindustry,soIwasabletoshareemploymentvacancies The pilotgavemetheconfidencetorealisethatthebusinessmodelworks Itwassuchausefullearningcurve,as ithasallowedustodevelopfurthertraining,suchashistoryandoriginofcoffee,asIthinkitisimportantto understandthecirculareconomyofwherewegetourfoodandotherthingsfrom,inordertoacknowledge whoisinvolvedinthewholeprocess

Wehearalotaboutsustainabilityandthecirculareconomy,butwhyisthisinformationimportantin business?

Ibelieveinsupportingsmallbusinesses,whetheritissomeonelocalorthefarmersinKenya,thereisalarge networkinvolvedinwhatwegetonourshelvesandyoungpeopleneedtounderstandthechaininvolvedas wellastheimpactontheenvironment Theyarethefuturegenerationsandlearningmoreaboutthesesthings inreallife,notjustintheclassroom,willencouragethentoplayanactivepartinsupportingthecircular economygrowth Understandingmoreaboutthehistoryandoriginsofcoffee,willalsohelpyoungpeopleto haveagreaterappreciationofthelabourersthathelptogrow,harvest,processandroastthecoffee Asa Barista,itisyourresponsibilitytoensuretheendresultissuccessfulandcompletethecircletothecustomer, soIthinkitgivesthebaristaagreateracknowledgementofthehardworkthathasgoneintoproducinga greatcoffee Thecoffeeindustryhasbecomeaculture,peopleconnectovercoffees,businessdealsare createdandbrokenovercoffee Althoughcoffeeshopshaveexplodedinthelast15yearsintheUK,theyhave plateauedsince2020,sodoingnewthingslikethisisimportanttokeepthecoffeeindustrythriving.Wehave tothinkaboutwhereourcoffeecomesfrom,smallfamilyrunbusinessesrelyontheincome,soinsomesmall waywearesupportingcommunitiesinothercountries

Natalie,withstudentsofBossandBrewAcademy

'Young people need to understand the chain involved, as well as the impact on the environment'.

BOMB - Black Owned Minority Business

Wedosomuchresearchthatwecantellyoutheorigin,thenameofthefarm,eventhefamilynameofthe suppliers Ialwayssaycoffeeisaboutpeople inreality itisjustadrinkbut ifwelookdeeper therearefamilieswho relyontheincome Ireadthat50%ofcoffeefarmersliveinpoverty,butothersarehighgradecoffeesupplierswho havemadeafortune,mainlyduetosellinginlargequalitiesandhavingthemachineryandcapabilitiesdolarge dealswithmanufacturers ButIlovethesmallfarmers,eveniftheendpriceisalittlemoreexpensiveas,ultimately,it isaboutequity

Theotheraspectsofthetrainingweofferarethepracticalskillsandtheory,suchasbrewing,steaming,servingand espressoextraction,whichisascience,butitisalsoafunpartofthetraining,becausethat’swheretheygettotaste theirwork Weoftenhavealotoffunnyfacialexpressionsduringthispartbecauseifitisdonewrong,itcaneven turnoutverysweetorverybitter Alotofthestudentsenjoylearningthelatteart whichisaskill Therearesuch thingsaslatteartcompetitions andwehadthepleasureofhostingthefirstoneinWales backinFebruary

Howmanyyoungpeoplehaveyoutrained sofar?

AsofthebeginningofMarch wehavetrained over100youngpeople Weofferskills,that theycoulduseiftheydecidedtogoto universityasalotofstudentstendtoworkin coffeeshops Butnotonlythat,peoplejoinfor variousreasons,togainnewskills,build confidence,meetnewpeopleorbecause theyarecoffeelovers Ultimately,ifayoung persongoesintothecoffeeindustrythat’s great butthatisnotthegoal

Lefttoright:CommunityOrganiser,AliAbdiwithstudentsofBoss andBrewAcademyalongside,SianRopaigéalachWMC,Diversity andInclusionOfficer Howlongdoesthetraininglast?

Werunatwo-daytrainingworkshopandanadditionaldaywheretheycaninvitefriendsandfamilytocomealong andtastealltheirhardwork Sofar,wehaveworkedwithCardiffCouncil,IntoWorkservice,CardiffYouthService, EOTAS,andallthegroupsarealwayssomuchfun Thereissomuchtalentandengagementfromtheyoung people,thatcansometimesgetoverlooked Wealsoofferafourdaycourse,coveringfoodhygieneaswellasthe baristatraining Eventuallywewanttorolloutour8-weekcourse,whichwillallowustobuildasustainablerapport withtheyoungpeopleandbeabletomeettheirneedasindividuals,helpingthemtoup-skill Wehavealotof plansmovingforward,suchas,aco-workingspaceandtheBossandBrewhangout Welovewhatwedoandenjoyseeingtheyoungpeopleweworkwith,havingacoffeeinonehandandconfidence intheother

CoffeeFacts:

AccordingtoareportbytheBritishCoffeeAssociationin2021 thecoffeeindus r 210,000people HerearesomeadditionalstatsonthecoffeeindustryintheUK

Consumption:

Over95millioncupsofcoffeeareconsumedeverydayintheUK CoffeeisthemostpopulardrinkintheUKaftertapwater

81%ofUKadultsdrinkcoffee,with62%ofthosedrinkingiteveryday OutofHome(OOH)CoffeeMarket:

TheOOHcoffeemarketintheUKisworth£89billionandisexpectedtogro Thereareover25,000coffeeshopsandcafesintheUK,witharound1,000n TheaveragepriceofacupofcoffeeinaUKcoffeeshopis£244 CostaCoffeeandStarbucksarethetwolargestcoffeechainsintheUK,wit

RetailCoffeeMarket:

TheretailcoffeemarketintheUKisworth£12billionandisexpectedtogrowb Groundcoffeeisthemostpopulartypeofcoffeesoldintheretailmarket acco Instantcoffeeisthesecondmostpopulartype,accountingfor37%ofsales ThetopthreeretailcoffeebrandsintheUKbymarketshareareNescafe,Douw

CoffeeinonehandConfidenceintheother

A worlds' first, from Wales

Kamal Ali

KamalAli,fromNewportSouthWales,hasinvestedinthe firstinteractiveprayermatforchildrenoftheMuslim faith HowwonderfulthatKamalhasusedhisteaching backgroundandskillinproductdesign,tocreate somethinglife-changingandthebestparthe’sfrom Wales!Xcellencemagazinejusthadtocatchupwiththis phenomenalentrepreneurandlearnallabouthisjourney intobecomingapatentedinventorandall-around beautifulsoul.

WheredidtheinspirationforMySalahMatcomefrom?

Iwasprayingandmysonwastryingtogetintothe prostrationposition Irealisedthatheneededsomehelp, soIstartedthinkingofwaystohelpmakehisprayerlife fun,easyandinteractive Isearchedonlineandwas surprised thattherewasnothingoutthere butIknew whatIwaslookingfor,ithadtobesomethingthatwould giveclearinstructionsbutsuitableforchildren,making payerfun Ihaveadesignbackgroundsostartedtothink ofideas Thereweretwophasesinthedevelopment, initiallyIthoughtofaprintedmat,detailinginstructions,so hadasamplemade Whenitarrived,Iexploredfurther andrealisedthattheideahadscopetoadaptinteractive elementstoit,soIstartedphase2oftheprocess,and beganusingmyknowledgetolookforwaysforthemat tobecometouchsensitiveandmakesounds

HowwouldparentsteachtheirchildrentopraybeforeMy SalahMat?

Normally,childrenwouldlearntopraythroughmimicking theirparentsorgotoateacher Asdevelopmentevolved,I realisedthatchildrenneededalearningtool Asateacher, Iknowthatchildrenlearndifferentlyandtoddlerslearn throughplay soknewthatthemathadtobefun Equally thefunelementswereimportanttomebecauseIwant childrentoenjoyprayerandSalahandhaveapositive interactionwithprayerthatwouldenhancetheirspiritual lifeandconnectwiththefirstpillarofIslam,settingafirm foundationforlife

Whathasbeentheresponsesofar?

Theresponsehasbeenphenomenal,wehaveparents thankingusallthetime andaskingformoreproducts

As a product design teacher, my dream was to secure a patent... and I have done it!

www mysalahmat com

KamalAli

My Salah Mat

WhatwastheprocessofcreatingMySalahMat?

BeforeMySalahMat,Icreatedanotherbusinesscalled, Hadjasafe,whichwasabrandthatprovidedtravel productsforpeoplewhoweretravellingforpilgrimage As aresultofHadja,Ibuiltupsoundknowledgeinmarketing andmanufacturingandhavemadealotofcontacts I wasfortunateenoughtouseprivatecapitalasastartup investmentforMySalahMat,Iwasconfidentthatitwould work,soasafamilywedecidedtogoforit Forus,yesthe moneyisimportant,butitisalotmorethanthatforus Webelievewehavecreatedaproductthatishelping futuregenerations,connectwithAllah,whowebelievethe rewards,whendonewithgoodintentions,comefrom Asanewstartupintheexportindustry,wegainedsupport fromBusinessinWales WelshGovernmentarekeento increaseexportfromWales sotheywereveryhelpfulin providingadviceandinformationonhowtoscaleupand sustainanexportcompany Wereceived50%costsfrom theWelshgovernmenttoexplorepotentialcountriesto exportto Thefundscoveredcosts,suchastraveland exhibitionexpenses WecurrentlysellMySalahMatin40 differentcountries

Thebarriers,wehavefacedarebigcompanies,requiring theproductupfrontwithoutpaying Ifeelthatthatmodel killscreativityandmomentum

Whatdoyouthinkisthemaincomponenttocreatinga brand?

Iwouldsaythatyoumustbepreparedtodoeverythingin thebeginning Asanentrepreneuritisnotjustaboutme,I amfortunatetohavesupportfrommyfamily,Ihavebeen abletoutilisevariousskillsfromfamilymembers Ihave niecesandnephewsworkinginthebusiness whilst studying,mychildrenarefeaturedinourmarketingand otherfamilymembersareinvolved So,Iwouldsaythat beingpreparedtodoeverythinginthebeginningand thendelegatingwithpeopleyoutrust However,our networkisbiggerthanthat,wewouldnotbesuccessful withouteverycomponentrunninglikeclockwork,fromthe postofficestafftothedeliverycompaniesweuse,we don’tseethemaspartoftheinfrastructure butapartof ourbrand Equallyitisimportanttohavegoodnetworks, butultimatelykindnessandhonestyarethebiggestand mostimportantcharacteristicstohave,becausepeople buyintoyoubeforetheproduct

Therearesomegreatbusinessideascomingoutof Wales,howdoesitfeelbeinganinventor?

Islamhasbeenaroundfor14000yearsandnobody hascreatedanythingsimilar Indonesiahasthelargest Muslimpopulation;SaudiaArabiaistheheartofthe holiestsightsinIslam yetthefirsteverinteractive prayermatwascreatedinNewport Ifinditsohardto believethatnobodyhaseverthoughtofitbefore But,I guess itisgoodtobethefirst Weweregranteda patent,whichcomingfromaproductdesign background,wasoneofthepersonalgoalsIhad,andI amsopleasedthatIcanlookbackonmylifeand knowthatIachievedmygoal Whatissoimportantis thatpeoplearenotjustpurchasinganoriginal product buttheyareinvestinginthecompanyto enableustodevelopotherinteractiveproducts, mainlyfaithproducts,butnotexclusive,asweare alwayscreatingandmindfulthatwearelivingina multiculturalandmultifaithworld,sowearelookingat otherideas

Whatdoyouthinkisthehallmarksofatrueentrepreneur?

Kamalandhisinvention

My saying is the best entrepreneurs are those who build bridges, money is important, but being an entrepreneur is about creating products and services, that enhance the life and wellbeing of people, so that they can live full and impactful lives.

We have some re-sellers who can make an income also, so our product builds bridges in so many ways.

My Salah Mat, was a product finalist in the 2022 Global Business Awards

Black Boys, White Noise

Didgenocidetoclearus, Devastateandfearus, Canimpersonateandjeerus, Butforsomereasoncan’thearus

Ithink

Ourshoutislikeasqueaktothem, Maybeitscuztheyreupsohigh gottaclimbuptheretospeaktothem, butitsexpensive,howmuch? you’dhavetoselloutyourownkind, Wetrytoarticulateourproblems,speechleavesourmouthfine, Buttheydon’tlistenyetwe’retheoneswithoutsoundmind? Ifinditkindacrazy,theycansittherelikegiants, andtreatuslikewe’redevices,inaclickturnusonsilence soweformalliance,attempttotriumph,theyhatethefactwere non-compliant, sotheyusetheirpower andpaintourdefiancelikeit’sviolence tokeepeveryonesafeandsound, butwe’renotsafearoundnodoubt andyourejectoursound,without thedecencyofsendingafarewellfortheway butourcommunicationsnotabrasivesooursoundstillwaves

whatarewetrynasay?

telltheunheardstoriesandhistorythatyourerasing, tellyouourwantsandneedsinthis“diverse”nation, wewantourbrothersfreedfromtheshacklesofyour traumatisation, andaskforequity,nomarginalisation, thatmustbetoomuchtoaskthough,becauseyoustillneglect, andwe’releftwonder,whenwescreamdoesoursoundeffect, youreardrums, orareyoujustnumb, doyourearsevenwork?

despitewhatwe’vedoneforthiscountry, youdon’tseeourworth orfeelourhurt, orhearus

sonowI’mshoutingmorethanever,don’tcareifIcausea ruckus, gonhavetopayforthetimesthatyouignoredusandsaid forgetus, didn’twanttohearusthen? dontworry,i’llmakesureyouneverhearagain, cuzwegonshoutandwegonescreechandwegonmakeyour earsbleed, andthentheroleswillbereversed,nyou’llbehavingtoplead, andwe’llwriteithowithappened,nomorehistorytweaked, realisewhoyoupenalisedbynotlettingusspeak, youwonderwhyI’msoannoyed demoniseusthenplaywithour featureslikethey’retoys, howcanyouhearcriesofanguishandstayprivilegedand poised?

whentheresscreamingblackboys doesitjustsoundlikewhitenoise?

whenthere’sscreamingblackboys, allyouheariswhitenoise

I AM

I am

Tellmeabitaboutyourself?Background,whereyou live?Howlong,family?

MynameisYousraElsadig,amulti-award-winning Sudanesefashiondesigner,wife,motheroftwo,anda healthcareproviderspecialisingineyecare I’velivedin Cardiffforabout12yearsaftermovingfromCanadatodo myspecialisingseconddegreeatCardiffUniversity I comefromafamilyofhealthcareprofessionals,my brotherisadoctor,sisterisadentalsurgeonandother siblingsareinsocialcare Mymotherisaformerlawyer whosacrificedhercareertoraiseus,andmyfatherwas anentrepreneurwhospecialisedinexportandimport I wasborninSudanbutlivedinEgyptforafewyears beforemovingtoCanadawhereIdidmysecondary schooleducationandfirstDegreeattheUniversityof Toronto Nonetheless IamnowsettledinWaleswithmy HusbandAhmedwhospecialisesinbankingandtwo daughtersNajiah,12andNibraswhoisturning11inJune

Whatinspiredyoutogetintotheworldoftextile?

I’vealwayshadanoutlandishstyleandlovedmixingand matchingstyles Iwasalwaysplayingdressupwiththe remnantsfromfather’sshipmentsoftextilefromSyriaand Egypt Iwasalwayslostintheworldofcreatingsomething outofnothing InCanada Ineverfollowedthe urban clothingtrend”intheearlytwo2000’slikemyhighschool mates IwouldbelookingforoddpiecesinIndieboutiques andthriftshopsbeforethiswasathing Ihadmyown styleandwasevenbulliedforit ButIwouldsaywhenI was16Idesignedmyownhighschoolgraduationdress becauseIcouldn’tfindamodeststylethatsuitedmein thehighstreet Myauntmadeitformeanditwasa beautifuloriental-inspirednumber

Whatachievementsyoumadesofar?

Mybiggestachievementisbeing“aninspirationalmother” tothemostbeautiful well-behavedandbrightlittlegirls whoIamsurewillbeleadersintheirchosenfieldsone day God-willing Also thefactthatIamabletoinspirenot onlythem,butlittlegirlsandwomenwhoaretoldorare expectedtofollowaspecificpaththatwassetbytheir familiesandthesocietyaroundthem Moreover,I’dsay thefactthatIobtainedmytwodegreesfromrather prestigiousuniversities,theUniversityandCardiff Universityrespectively Additionally,Iwouldsaytheawards I’veaccumulatedsinceIstartedmyjourneyinfashion Design

SofarIhaveachieved:

•FashionEntrepreneuroftheYearFinalistinWales2015

•ModestFashionDesigneroftheYearbytheModest FashionAssociationofLondon2015

•BestNewBusinessNomineebytheRegionalAwards2016

•BestDesignsintheMiddleEastbyworld-renowned EmiratiDesignerMonaAl-Mansouri2016

•MostInspirationalFemaleStudentintheUKbytheTAB 2017

•WomantoWatchbyBarclays2017

•BestDesignerNomineebyBlackBritishEntertainment2017

•BestFashionDesignerNomineebyBritishMuslimTV2019

•FashionTrustArabiaReady-to-WearFinalist2022

I’ve always had an outlandish style and loved mixing and matching styles.

Yousra Elsadig Fashion Designer

Arabiawasdefinitelyacareerhighlight

Whyisitimportanttohaveequityinthefashion industry?

Itratherimportantbecauserawandauthenticpeopleneedto seethosewholookjustlikethemmakeitinthefashion industry ItiscrucialforlittlegirlsinvillagessomewhereinAfrica todreambigandgofortheverydreamstheyweretoldthey couldnotpursuebasedonthe“cookie-cutter”representationin thefashionindustry Iwantpeoplewhoaredarker,withhead scarvesandwhoarentasize8-10tobeinroomswherethey haveneverbeenbefore Iwanttopavetheroadinfashion designandrepresentmyfamily,cultureandreligion

Wheredoyouwanttoseeyourbrand?

I’dlikemybrandtohaveaglobalimpactfirstandforemostby achievingoursocialgoalaswellasobviouslybeingplacedin majorretailerslikeHarrods Iseeit,I’vewrittenitdownandI believeitwillhappenonedayInshAllah Idliketocreateethical fashionwithaglobalimpact

Whathavebeenthechallenges?

Thechallengehasbeentoconvinceeveryonearoundmethat itisattainabletohavedreamsandaspirationsinmoreone thanoneareaandtoexcelineach Thosedreamsareusually instilledintheperson’sbrainandnoonearoundthemcan comprehendthereasoningbehindthem Thus,itisquitethe challengeforuswomenwithmanyvisionstoconvincepeople withour“unconventionalgoals”Butonceyouachievemajor milestonesineacharea,theywillslowlycomethrough

Whatadvicedoyougivesomeonewantingtofollow thisroute?

Self-beliefisrathercrucial,coupledwithpatience,persistence andpassion Thisismyownrecipetoencounterobstaclesand toprosperintherouteIchosetofollow

Career Highlight!

Being short-listed as a RTW finalist by Fashion Trust Arabia was definitely a career highlight I was able to take a collection to Doha before the World Cup and showcaseittodesignerslikeOlivierRousteingofBalmain and Pablo Valentino I was told that I am special by OlivierandPaulaAbdulfromAmericanIdol Isatnextto Janet Jackson and posed in Photos with Naomi CampbellandBellaHadid Gettingmynamementioned asafinalistinthatroomwithArabRoyaltyandA-listers wastheassurancethatIneededfromAllah(SWT)thatI am on the right track It was a sweet reward from Him formyhardworkandresilience

Howwouldyoudescribeyourstyleordesigns?

Idesignluxuriousmodestsustainableimpactfulfashionfor trailblazersandwomenwhowouldliketomakestatementsand defylimitingsocietalrules I’dliketoenablewomenwhodress modestlytoalwaysfeelred-carpetready Theycanalsofeel goodnotonlybecauseourdesignsaremadewithethicalideals, butwedonateapercentageofourprofitstoglobalissueswefeel stronglyabout WithBDN onecanlookgoodandfeelevenbetter

Canyouexplaintheprocessofmakingyourpieces, inspirationandhowyouchoosethematerial?

Iamaveryvisualpersonsothewholeprocesstakes placeinmymind Also,Iamusuallyinspiredbythe beautyandrichnessofculture Colours,textureand authenticitymakemeinspiredtoshowcasemydesign storytotheworld Thejourneyfrombeinginspiredbya smallbeadandforthewholecollectiontobe showcasedtothebestdesignersintheworldandto ArabroyaltyinthemiddleEastisastoryworthtelling Moreover,Itendtomergeculturesinmywork,by bridgingculturalgapsthroughtheartoffashiondesign Ialsousemydesignstobreakstereotypesandto advocateforinclusioninthefashionindustry Iusemy artisticskillstodraworportrayanystoryIneedtotellto theworld

Ifyoucoulddressanyone,whoisitandwhy?

IdreamofdressingHRHThePrincessofWales-Princess Kate Iamawarethatsheisalwayssupportinglocal, sustainablebrandsandmybrandfitshertasteand ethicalideals I’vealwaysassociatedourmodest designswithroyaltyandtrailblazers anditwouldbemy absolutepleasuretodressher

WhatisyourBIGdreamwithyourbrand?

I’dideallymakeprofitwhilstcreatingaglobalimpact ThisiswhatIenvisionforBDN

Canyouexplainthemostimportantcomponentor personalskillrequiredtobeanentrepreneur?

Themostimportantcomponentandorpersonalskill requiredisgoodintentions,coupledwithwhatIcallthe tripleP’s,whicharepassion,persistenceandpatience withoutthem,itishardforanyonetofaceobstacleand caneasilygiveup

Beingshort-listedasaRTWfinalistbyFashionTrust

Photo: Jasmine Powney Photography

Photo: Tom Marshak Photography

Photography: Jasmin Powney Photography

Photo: Wwags/Oshen Agency

Photo: Wwags/Oshen Agency

Photo: Wwags/Oshen Agency

Photo:McmLondonPhotography

Photo:TomMarshakPhotography

Photo:TomMarshakPhotography

Photo:TomMarshakPhotography

National Museum of (Cardiff) Amgueddfa Cymru New Heights

TheNationalMuseum(Cardiff) hostedthefirstMOBOevent attheReardonlecturetheatreonJanuary27th Themusic extravaganzaentitledNewHeights,wasfreeentryand aimedtoprovideaopulentspaceforWelshartiststo performinapublicbuildingthatisusuallyusedfor educational,historicalandscientificpurposes Theevent organisedbyAaronSchoburghandteam,willbearegular feature,offeringmusic,spokenword,poetry,andshortfilms Thefirsteventfeaturedartists Ogun SZWÉ AnwarSiziba andMissFaithlee Itwasafantasticeveningfullofpure talent NewHeightsalsoscreenedtwofeaturesinresponse totheBBC100inWalesExhibition Thetitlessharewithusthe contemporaryBlackexperience HighlightingBarriersfaced, expressionsofjoy,belonging,andamuch-needednodto theenrichingimpactthatBlackcommunitiescontributeto creatingaculturallydiverseWales

LianaStewart,whodirectedBlackandWelsh,producedby CatrynRamasut ieProduction wasthefirstshowing Thisshort documentaryconsistsofinterviewswithpeople,sharingtheir experiencesofbeingBlackandWelsh Mostexplainthattheir dualidentityhasoftenbeenquestioned,metwithquestions suchas‘butwhereareyoureallyfrom?Theimpactofhaving suchexperiencesinvalidatedtheirWelshnessattimesand madethemsecondguesstheirsenseofbelonging Others expressedhownegativeremarks,madebyteachers,would suggestthataspirationsofwantingtodolawasacareerwas metwithnegativityanddiscouragement However,Sheldondid goontostudylawanddidsoatCambridge Anotherlady calledJaqui mentionedthatshewouldbelabelledbywork collegesas‘BlackJaqui’ Thesamethemeresonated,what doesitmeantobeBlackandWelsh well inconclusion it meanstobeprettydarnlucky!

Thesecondfilmwascreatedbyayoungmusicianand composerSizwéChitiyo,fromSouthWales,wholooksatMOBO inWales MOBOalsoknownasMusicofBlackOrigin,isahuge genreconsistingofhip-hop,soulandjazz,andisarichand vibrantscenewithmanyfansandfollowers Inthis documentary,Sizwéshinesalightonsomeoftheissuesand barriersWelshartistscanface Healsointroducesustothe HoneySessions amusicalinitiativeforperformersand creativesdedicatedtoupliftingthegenreandshowcasingthe talentsofyoungWelshartists ThroughtheHoneySessions we hearthestoriesofrisingWelshstarsandhowtheinitiativeis helpingtheirvoicestobeheard

Bythetimethismagazinegoestoprint,NewHeightswillhave showcasedtheirsecondeventonthe24thFebruary,andevery monththereafter So,ifyouwanttosupportupandcoming BlackandWelshartists,checkout:

https://museumwales/fordatesanddetails

BBC Exhibition

So,IwenttovisittheBBCsexhibitioninthemuseumofCardiffandwasso pleasedtoseeyoungaspiringphotojournalists,fromButetowngetthe opportunitytoshowcasewhatisimportanttothem OftentheBBCandother mainstreammediaoutletsleaveoutcommunitiesintheSouthofCardiff, historicallyreportingfalsenarrativesandinadequateinformationdepictinga community riddenofcrimeandofdeprivation

BUT,ifyoudontknowpeoplefromtheareaoranythingotherthan,the1919 raceriots theCardiff5andotherstoriesthatfailtoshinethelightonthe positivecontributionsButetownhasmadetoWales,thenyouneedtoget downtoseethisfantasticexhibition

Thecuratorsare,TrinityZammitandZaidDjerdi,whobothwantedto showcasetheheartofacommunitythatraisedthemintothetalentedand creativepeopletheyaretoday

Therearesomelovelyquotes,givenbyJohnActie,whowasoneofthe5, wronglyaccusedofthetragicmurderofLynetteWhite GaynorLegall who wasWales firstBlackfemalecouncillor,MustfaMohammed,footballcoach andmanagerofTigerBayWarriorsandNoohOmarIbrahimwhorecently completedhisapprenticeshipwiththeWRU Theywantedtotakepartinthe shortvideography,aimingtotelltheREALstoryofButetown,alsolovingly knownasTigerBay

JohnActie,explainswhatButetownmeanstohim,hesaid:'Myfamilycometo mind,whenIthinkofButetownandallthehistorythatcomeswithit

Mustafa,statesthattohim,Butetownsignifieshope,aplacewithalotof talent

Noor says Iseesamulticulturalcommunity wherehisvisitingfriendsdon't wanttoleave Hecontinuestosay,Butetownishisheart!

GaynorLegall describesbeingraisedinButetownasanurturingplace where herchildhoodwasspentplayingoutinthestreet Reminiscingtimeswhenthe neighbourswouldreprimandyouforbeingnaughtyandthatnon-family memberswerereferredtoasauntyoruncle Sheclaimsitwasarespectful place,whereeveryonewasvaluedregardlessoftheirbackground Gaynor,is awellrespectedmemberofthecommunity andhaschampioned improvementsinracerelationsacrossWales formanyyears Gaynorgoes ontoexplainthelackofaccessintoindustriesforyoungpeoplesuchas media onlyeveryofferinginternshipsandworkexperience topeoplefrom thearea andneverreallygiventheopportunityoffulltimecontracts Thishas hadadamagingimpactontheperceptionandpersuasionofpeopleacross thecity

Onreflectiontomyvisit,IfeltthesameasMustfa,hopeful!Thatwithmore opportunities foryoungcreativestoaccessplaceslikethemuseum sharing contentthatisimportanttothem willhelptodispelmythsandnegative narratives,sothatthewidercommunitiesinWalescanbenefitinloving Butetowntoo

Here'shoping!

everyone was aunty or uncle!

Wales Millennium Centre

Hosts:

BiancaAliisanaspiringassistant director,activist,andwriter Hercredits includeassistantproduceroftheNTW productionof‘CircleofFifths heldinJune 2022attheWMCDanceHouse Bianca wasalsotheleadmemberoftheBlack LivesMatterMovement,callingonthe Welshgovernmentandorganisationsto revisetheircurrentEDIpoliciestomake Walesananti-racistnation Sheisa talentedspokenwordartistandhas organisedmanyeventstogivepoets andartistsaplatform Asaresultofher creativetalentBianca,wasamemberof theLadiesofRagesevententitled HarddwchDu,co-writingand performing theStruggleisReal

Speakers

RicardoErasmus,aformersemi-pro soccerplayer originallyfromCapeTown Mitchell'sPlain SouthAfrica Heisa TransformationalLifeCoach,Youth mentor,MotivationalSpeaker,andRadio Presenterwithovertwodecadesof experienceinyouthworkinCapeTown, theUSA,andtheUK Heshareshisstoryof resilienceanddeterminationgrowingup ontheCapeFlatsandinspiresothersto reachtheirfullpotentialbyshiftingtheir mindsetandstrivingforsuccessagainst allodds Heispassionateadvocatefor mentorshipandisdedicatedtohelping othersreachtheirhighestpotential

'Ideas Worth Spreading'

How Great Thou Art

YusufIbrahimisaprominenteducational leaderinWales Heispassionateabout enhancingtheleadershipprospectsfor peoplefromallwalksoflife,particularly thosefromunder-represented backgrounds Oneofthemostsenior minority-ethnicleadersinthepublicsector, Yusufhasworkedatnationallevel, contributingtothedesignanddeliveryof assessmentsduringthepandemic Heis currentlyleadingaground-breakingAntiRacismCurriculumProjectacrossthe collegessectoraswellasleading significantcurriculum&digitalareaswithin oneofthelargestcollegesintheUK,Cardiff &ValeCollege Adigitaltransformer,Yusuf isdeterminedtoensurethatnew technologiesareanenablerforpositive change,allowingmorepeopletoaccess opportunitiestolearnandprogress A values-basedleader,Yusuf'sjourneyhas takenhimacrossLondon Bristol&Cardiff buildingsupportiveteamstomeetthe needsoflearners,staff,andcommunities

By: Donna Ali

ChantelleHaughton-DARPLDirector(Welsh GovernmentNationalinitiativeforPan-WalesDiversity andAnti-RacistProfessionalLearningledbypartners withlivedandprofessionalexperience),isaNational TeachingFellow,PrincipalLecturerinEarlyYears Education,CardiffMetUniversity,SeniorFellow(SFHEA) Chantellefoundedandco-ordinatesTheCMetOutdoor LearningCentre ChantelleisChairWelshGovernment AntiRacistWalesActionPlanEarlyYears Childcareand PlaySteeringGroup,MemberMinisterialWorkingGroup forBlackAsianandMinorityEthnicHistoriesandCynefin inCurriculumforWales,former-ChairBlackHistoryWales ManagementCommittee(2020-22),ViceChairBAMEed WalesNetwork,DeputyChairRaceEqualityChartertask groupatCardiffMetandViceChairEarlyYearsNetwork Wales

RachelisthefounderofApexEducate, co-founderofPromoteEqualityand DeputyHeadtacherofainner-London school RachelisacoreDARPLTeam member havingcreatedtheSenior LeaderandGovernorseriesof ProfessionalLearningforWales Rachel workswithschools,educationalsettings andcompaniesthatareseekingto becomeanti-racistandworktowards racialjusticebeingrealised Rachels abilitytotrainalllevelsofstaffinantiracismhasdevelopedpeople's understandingofequityandhas supportedthemontheiranti-racist journey

'Ideas Worth Spreading'

Global Majority taking centre stage at the WMC

How Great Thou Art

TransformationCoach&CEOJTILeadership Academy

Organisation:JoyTransformationInternational LeadershipAcademy(JTILA)

CEOandFounderofJTILA Accomplishedhighperformanceinternationaltrainer,coach,author, andleadershipconsultantwithadynamicrecord ofsuccessdeliveringleadershipand managementdevelopment Specialistinthearea ofPurposeDrivenLeadership Mindset Visionand strategicThinking,EmotionalIntelligenceand leadingandmanagingDiversity&Inclusionat seniormanagementlevelacrossabroadrange oforganisationsintheUK,Europe,USAandAfrica

'Ideas Worth Spreading'

By: Donna Ali

MichaelAdeniyaMichaelAdeniyaisa commerciallyfocused,award-winning B2Beventsstrategist Heiscurrentlythe ChiefOperatingOfficerofUKBlack BusinessWeek,thelargesteventintheUK andEuropeforBlackentrepreneurs careerprofessionalsandalliestothe Blackcommunity Inhispreviousroleas thePortfolioDirectorofClarionEventslife sciencedivision,hespearheadedalmost 10xrevenuegrowthoveran8yeartenure, introducingmultiplerevenuestreams andinternationalproductlaunches acrossEurope AsiaandAmerica

Syusesthepowerofstorytellingtoinform, persuadeandchallengeorganisationstowards ananti-racistfuture SouthWalesbornandbased,Syhasworked extensivelyinmultiplesettingsleadingWelsh Governmentawardwinningnationaland internationalprojectsthattackleexclusionand improveaccessforyoungpeopleandadultsin areasofemployment,educationandhealth FormerlyHeadofOperationsattheUKbased charityRaceEqualityFirst,Syworkedclosely withpeoplewhoexperiencedracediscrimination andusedtheirpersonalexperiencesinthe workplace Synowleadsonthedeliveryofantiracistinterventionsinfluencingpositive changeattheRSPB

SysitsontheCriminalJusticeBoardforWales IndependentOversightPaneladdressingthe systemicdiscriminationanddisadvantages experienced

Global Majority taking centre stage at the WMC

NationalTheatreof Wales

Joseph K and the Cost Of Living

Sometimes,artcandepictaworldthatwedon'tbelongto,but that'swhatthepowerofperformancecandoisn'tit?

Transportyouintoanotherdimension,whereitispossibleto fantasisesaboutlivinginabeautifulcastle,inadistantland,or re-visitdaysgoneby Butthisproductionismeanttounite,to evokeasenseoftogetherness,asweallgothroughwhathas beentermedasthebiggestlivingcrisisofthecentury

Whilstthecostoffood,energyandtransporthasrisen,which arecoreprinciplestoourbasicneeds Clothesandother itemsseemtoremainthesame Sowhatonearthisgoing on?

Accordingto,healthorg,thecostoflivingisdangeroustoour healthinwaysthatcanleadtodeath Beingunabletobuy foodleavespeopleatriskofbeingmalnourished,beingunable toaffordtoputtheheatingon,canleadtorespiratory diseases ThiscurrentsituationsweepingtheUK,could essentiallyleadtomoreandmorepeopleneedingtoaccess emergencyservicesandotherhealthcareprovider Thecost oflivingisanationalemergency1Butwhatcanuscommon folk,doaboutit?Wellwecouldprotest,wecouldbombardour localcouncillorsorwecouldrefusetopayforthingssuchas water Therearemanythingswecando,butonethingforsure is,tohaveimpactwehavetostandtogether

TheNationalTheatreofWales,aretakingastand,bycreating apieceofart,thatspeakstoallofus,andunitesusinour frustration Theproductionissettohelpustounderstandwhat isgoingon,andtohelpusgainconfidenceisspeakingout

'The art of the people is a true mirror into their minds'

Artisanexpressionoflife!through theeyesofthedirectors,producers andcastattheNationalTheatreof Wales,theypromisetoshowcasea performancethatdemonstrates oneofthelivingcrisisofourtimethecostofliving!

Photog

AssistantDirectorBiancaAli and Co-DirectorKelMatsena

CastRnD

-Jarawharlal Nehru.

The Cost of Living

Kicking off at Swansea Grand Theatre

17th- 25th March 2023

Creativeteam Writer EmilyWhite Director

LorneCampbell

Co-director KelMatsena

Co-director

AnthonyMatsena

Dramaturg

KaiteO’Reilly

CastingDirector

HannahMarieWilliams

AssistantDirector

BiancaAli

SetandCostumeDesign

CaiDyfan

LightingDesigner

JaneLalljee

SoundDesigner AlexComana

AllticketsforTheCostofLivingarePayWhatYouCan,startingfrom£8 Youcanchoosetopayapricethatworksforyou

Weknowpriceisabarrier,sothosewhocanaffordtopayalittlemorefor theirticketwillhelpustosupportthosewhocan’t

Seatsareunallocated Nomatterwhichpriceyougofor,youcansitwhere youchoose

Drama,gig,sgwrsio(gydaphethbwyd!)

Tocynnauyw’rrhainigydllebyddidi’ntalubethrwytti’ndewiseidalu,dechrau o£8 Fegeididaluprissy’naddasiti

Rydynni’ngwybodbodyprisynrhwystriraipobl,fellybyddyrheinisy’ngallu fforddiotalumymrynmwyameutocynnau’ngadaelinihelpu’rboblnadydyn nhw’ngallugwneudhynny

Dydy’rseddiddimyncaeleuneilltuo,fellyhydynoedoswytti’nprynu’rtocyn rhataf,fegeididdewisbleieisteddohyd

Stars are Born in Wales

MoniqueBux

By: Mohammed Hersi

By: Mohammed H Farah Freelance sports journalist

Witten by: Mohammed Hersi Farah

'Looking after your body is extremely important as your body is your temple so you must get the nutrition part done correctly'

MoniqueBuxisauniquecharacterwhojugglesacareerofbeingaDJandrecently becomingaprofessionalboxer.XcellenceMagazinecaughtupwithhertodiscuss howshenavigatesjoiningtheprofessionalgame, Makingweight,mentalhealth,injuries,criticsandhowtodealwithsocialmedia Everythingisdiscussed,asMonquieBuxtellsithowitisinhercareersofar

So,tellusaboutyourself,whoisMonique Buxtotheaudiencethathavenotheard aboutyou?

I’mMoniqueBuxarecentlyturnedprofessional boxerfromCardiff Wales BeforeIwasaboxer mostpeoplewillknowmeasaDJ,butsporthas alwaysbeenattheforefrontofsomethingthatI wantedtodofrommyearlyteenageryears Life doesnotalwaysgothewayyouplan,butIgot backintoboxingaroundfouryearsago Then,in 2021,Iturnedprofessionalandhavehadtwo professionalfightsinthattime

Talksusthroughthefirsttimeyou steppedintoaboxinggymandhowdid thatfeel?

ThefirsttimeIputonapairofboxingglovesand wenttoaboxinggym,wastheYMCAboxing gyminCardiff Iwasaroundtenorelevenyears ofage ThenIwentbacktoboxinginmy teenageryears,butitwasadifferentexperience anddifferentfeel,asthereweren’tanywomen boxersaroundatthetimeandmostboxing gymsweremaleoriented Thisdidputmeoffas Ididn’tfeelwelcomeintheboxinggymback then Sportforwomenhasprogressedsincethat time Talkingaboutmyrecentexperience comingbackintoboxing,ithasbeennothingbut extremelywelcoming EverycoachIworkedwith, indifferentgymsacrossthecountry,hastreated mewithnothingbuttheultimaterespect,somy boxingcareerhasdefinitelybeenajourney ThesedaysIbelieveanybodythatgetsinto boxing whethertheyfightprofessionallyorinthe amateurgame,orwhodoittogetintofitness, willbewelcomedintomostgymsacrossthe country[SH2] Boxingwillteachthemthebasic rules,suchasdiscipline,trainingandrespect

Boxingisatoughsporthowdoyoufind thetrainingaspectsofthesport?

Thetrainingaspectsarementalstrengthas wellasphysicalstrength ThisissomethingI learntovertimeandalotgoesonbehindthe scenes,thatpeoplewhoarenotinvolvedin boxing,don’tsee Theweightcuts,thedieting, themoodswingsandbeingawomanis different,asyougetalotofwaterretention whenyouareclosetoyourcycle Thenyou havethreeorfourdaysoffandwhenyou comebacktothegymyouareweighting yourselfandyouareafewpoundsoveryour weight,whichmakeitextremelyfrustrating especiallywhenyouaretryingtomakeweight foranupcomingfight Therearealotof factorswhenitcomestopreparingyourselfto getfit,whichiswhyboxingisamentalgame

The1stprofessionalfightyouhadwason thebigJoeCordinaworldtitlefightin Cardiffwhatwastheexperiencelike?

Lookingbacknow,forpeoplethatdon’tknowme asaboxer,Itwasdifficultformeasitwasmy debutonabigeventandIlostthefight,owingto menothavingmanyamateurfights Boxingisa sportwithalotofcritics,morethananyother sportIbelieve Unfortunately yougoingtoget peoplewhojudgeyouonyourfirstperformance Thisshouldn’tbethecase asyourboxingdebut shouldbewhereyoushowcasetheskillsyou haveandslowlyclimbuptherankings Mydebut wasamassivecardandIwasOKuntiltheday beforethefight Beingcompletelyhonest,the occasiongottomebecausetheeventwasa hugeoccasiononabigplatformlikeDAZN The eventwasabigopportunityatthetime,whichI couldn’tturndown,butitwasagoodexperience thatyoulearnfrom,youcanttakeitbackand youhavetogoforward WhatIdidwastocorrect it asinmysecondfightIbeatthesame opponent Shewasanexperiencedfighterwho hadover200amateurfightsandbeentoworld championshipsandalotofboxershaveturned downtheopportunitytofightherassheavery awkwardopponent Ilostthefighttoherinmy debutasIwasn’tmentallywithit,whichaffected myperformance

'Every coach I have worked with in different gyms across the country has treated me with nothing but the ultimate respect, so my boxing career has definitely been a journey'

Sport

Likeyousaidyoulostyour1stfight,sohow didyoumentallypreparetobeatthesame opponentinthenextfight?

Well,ifyoulookatboxingitscompletelyunheard of,unlesstheyareworldlevelandhaverematch clauses,soformetofightsomebodyofEster Konecnaslevelonthenextfightisveryunusualin boxing Forme,thementalresiliencewashardas thereweretimeswhenIdoubtedmyselfandthere weretimesmymentalhealthwasn’tOK which mademethinkIdidntbelonginboxing Thisall mademefeelIdidnthavewhatittakesto succeedinboxing Thiswasallbecauseoflosing mydebutfight,butIknewdeepdownIwas capableofbeatingher Iwasputtingintheworkin thegymsoIknewIwouldbegettingabetter outcome Avengingthatlossfrommydebutfight gavemehugementalstrengthtocarryonwith myprofessionalcareer

Doingsomeresearch,I’vefoundoutthat youarealsoaDJ.Howdoyoufindthe challengebetweentwopolaropposite careers?

WhenIlookedatitinitially,Ididn’tseeawayI couldcombinethetwo,butwhatIrealisedwas thatboxingisahumblesport However it’sstilla businesswhichmeansyoustillhavetosell yourselftobecomeabrandandgetnoticed BeingaDJ,andtheotherstuffIdo,suchasbeing asinger,isagoodwaytopromotemyself BalancingthetwolifestylesissomethingI’m accustomedtoasIdon’tdrinkwhenI’mincamp, soIdon’tmixthetwocareerstogether Idomy bestnottomixthetwolifestylestogether,asIdo myDJworkforonlythreenightsoftheweekand therestoftheweek,I’mtraining BeingaDJisa blessingasitgivesmeplentyoffreetimetotrain, sothetwocareersworkhandinhand

Wheredoyoufindthemotivationtotrain, likegoingforaruninthemornings especiallyinthewinterwhenit’sdarkand coldoutside?

Music,Ihavethebestplaylist Honestly,it’sthe passionIhaveforthesportandifyouhavea passionforsomethingnothingisgoingtodeteryou fromdoingit I’mahumanattheendoftheday andsometimesyougetupanditsfreezingwhich putsyouofffromgoingonthatrun,butthepassion makesyougo Musicispowerfulwhichinspiresmeespecially certainsongsliketherockyplaylists NowI’ma professionalathletethisiswhatImustdoandnot cutcorners,asprofessionalboxingisnot somethingyoucanflukeyourwaythrough You mustputinthework,soanytimeIdofeeltiredor amhavingadownday,Isaynoandtellmyselfto pushthrough

Whoisyourbiggestinspirationinboxing andoutsidethering?

I’mapropernerdystudentwhenitcomesto boxing,Ilovesomanydifferentboxers You’ve obviouslygotthegreatslikeMuhammadAliwho isoneofmyfavouriteboxersofalltime And,like alotofpeople,itisforwhathedidinsideand outsidethering Theothergreatboxerwho inspiredmeisPernellWhittakerwhowasproperly slick,smoothandhisdefensiveworkwas amazing AnotherboxerwhoIlikeisRoman ‘Chocolatito Gonzalez,hemakesitsoeasyinhis fights FloydMaywetherisanotheronewhoI admirewhenwatchinghimfight I’mnoteven goingtolie IlovewatchingAnthonyJoshuafight Hesbeenthebiggestinspirationtome thereis somethingabouthispresenceandthewayhe carrieshimself

Thelasttwofightshelost,butthatcanhappenin boxing,theproblemnowadayspeopleare obsessedwithkeepingtheundefeatedrecord andnottestingthemselvesagainstothergreat boxers Thatneverusedtobethecasewithold schoolboxers JohnnyNelsonlosthisfirsteight fightsinarow,thenbecomethelongest cruiserweightworldchampion Ilostmyfirstfight andhadafeelingIwasn’tgoodenough LailaAli wasthefirstwomenboxerwhoinspiredme

Witten by: Mohammed Hersi Farah

Boxing is a business which means you still have to sell yourself to become a brand and get noticed. Being a DJ is a good way to promote myself.

Sport

YoutrainatthefamousStJosephgymin NewportunderTongBorgquiteafewfamous boxershavecomefromthatgymwhat’sthe atmospherelikeinthatgym?

Ivebeentoafewdifferentgymsasanamateurand asaprofessional,butthisgymhassuchafamilyunit, whereeverybodysupportseachother There’snotoneboxerinthegymthatisshallowor cocky,everybodyisonthesamewavelength IknowI cantalktoanyboysinthegymandmycoach,whowill alwaysbetheretosupportme It’sareallygoodstable withhugetalentedboxerssuchasGavinGwynne,who willpushmeintraining Theatmosphereinthegymis amazing

Womenboxingisboomingatthemoment especiallyaftertheClaressaShieldsvSavanah Marshallfightwhydoyouthinkthatis?

Women’sboxingisboomingatthemomentespecially aftertheClaressaShieldsvSavanahMarshallfight Why doyouthinkthatis?

Thewaytheworldisnow,it’sjustchangedintermsofthe waywomenarebeingperceivedinsport There’sstilla lotofworkthatneedstobedone,Ibelieveboxing,along withfootball,arenowthetwopinnaclewomen’ssports wheretheyaregettingthefruitsoftheirlabour Now peopleareseeingthatwomencanboxandhavethe technicalskillsaswell,theperceptionofwomenboxingis changing It’sfunny,asI’veseensomepromotersin boxingonYouTubesayingwomenshouldnotbeboxing and,now,theyaresigningupwomenboxersand promotingtheirshows

Theaimistochangetheperceptionsomorewomen canembracethesport,sowomen’sboxingcancontinue togrow

YouareaDJwhenyouarefighting,sodoyou playyourownmusicasanentrancesongand howdoyougetthattunnelvisiontogoanddoa jobinthering?

No,Idon’tplaymyownmusicastheentrancesong The lastfight,IhadaKanyeWestsongthroughthewireas thelyricstothesongreallyconnectedwithme, especiallywiththepart,turntragedytotriumph

Themusicdoeshelpsodoesthefamilyandfriends supportinthecrowd,asyoudoabsorbitallin Everythinghappensreallyquick Themusic thering walksandthenboomyouareinthelion’sdeninthering, readytofight

Whenisyournextfightandwheredowegettickets?

Tobeannounced,asatthemomentImsufferingfroman backinjurywhichIvehavehadsincemylastfightbutIjust poweredthroughasIhatebeingoutinjuredandoutofthe gym I’mactuallyrestingatthemomentasIneedtoputmy healthfirst

WhenIdorecoverfromtheinjurymyselfandmyteamwill worktogethertofindanewdate Updatewillbeonmysocials especiallyInstagramwhereanewdatewillannounced

Finally,whatareyourgoalsintheboxing game?

BoxingisafunnygameasI’vealreadyhadpromotersfrom AmericaandMexicotryingtoputmeinwithbigprospects Boxingisaboutbuildingyouupsmartlyinsteadofrushing intobigfights,thiswhybeingwithgoodmanagementis key Itrustmymanagementastheywontdosillythings Ive justgottobepatientandmaketherightdecisions Boxingisallabouttakingtherightfightsattheright times Thiswhyhavingtherightconversationwith yourmanagerisimportantwhenacertainopponent ispickedattherighttime InmylastfightIwasn’t supposedtofightEtherKonceia buttheopponentI wassupposedtofightpulledout,soIwastoldIwas goingtofightheragainandIwashappytofighther againasIknewIcouldbeather

Doyoubelievefansandcriticsaretooharsh onsportsathletestoday,especiallyinthis socialmediaera?

Peopleneedtorealisethattheperformancethey arewatchingtakesalotofhardwork,dedication andplentyofmentalresilience,Attheendofthe dayweallhuman,sopeoplebleedthesameasyou eventhoughtheyareprofessionalathletes Mental healthisabigthingsoyouhavetorespectathletes forbeinginsports,asit’salifetimeofhardworkto getwhereweare Especiallyinboxing ittakesalot ofhearttogetintoaboxingringevenwhenitisa charityfight

There’snothingwrongwithconstructivecriticismas allsportsathletesexpectthatafterabad performancebutdoingitinarespectivewayiswhat Iaskoffansandpundits Boxingisauniquesport untilyougetinaringandfaceanopponent,people don’tknowhowitfeels

Beingaprofessionalathleteisamazing,soallwe askforistoberespectedandnottreatedwith disrespect

Thewaytheworldisnow, itsjustchangedintermsin thewaywomenarebeing perceivedinsports.

Borg Boxing Crew!

Witten by: Mohammed Hersi Farah

Photo credit: Karen Priestly Photography

Youth Matters

Wales'relationshipwithSugar&Slate

Young Creatives

Clean Slate

Reported by: Tia -Zakura Camilleri

Often,youngandearlycareercreativesstruggletogettheopportunities,platformsandsupporttocreateworkof goodquality Manyyoungpeopleareraised(inschoolsandathome)withthecommonmisconceptionthata careerin‘thearts ishardlyacareeratall,whichcanfosterareluctancetopursueyourcreativecalling, professionally DatagatheredfromastudybyOnePoll from1000respondentsacrosstheUK foundthat50%of 16-25-year-oldssurveyedwantedtopursuecreativecareers,butnearlytwothirdsdonotfeeltheyreceive adequateguidancetodosobyteachersorcareeradvisers Thus,it’simportanttocreateandpromoteastable andflourishingindustryforpeopletoenter,inordertodemystifythisissue

Ineffortstosolvethisproblem,theWalesMillennium

Centrerecentlyopenedanartistresidencyspaceas partoftheirCreativeLearningprogramme Thisisa studiospacegiventoselectedartists,whoareyoung peopleand/orfromthelocalcommunity,forone monthwithexpensesformaterials/timeprovided Creativeshavecompleteartisticfreedomwithno expectationsofdevelopingafinishedproductatthe endofit Thethinkingaroundtheschemewas explainedbyoneoftheproducersatCreativeLearning; ‘Duringtheconsultationaroundournewspacesfor youngpeople,welearnedthattheabsenceofspaceto experimentandcreatehadaseriousimpacton emergingartists’chancestodeveloptheirwork Such spacesareoftencostly,andmaterialcostsontopof thatmakeitunattainableformany Asdemonstrated throughourmanycreativecoursesattheCentre we feelthatitisimportanttoallowthecreationofarttobe asaccessibleaspossible Assuch,werecognisedthe needtosupportdiverse,youngandcommunityartists todeveloptheirindividualcraft,beingvitallyimportant increatingavibrantanddiverseartssceneinWales’

Mostrecently,theartistresidencyspacehoused19yearoldCaraWalker(artist)and18yearoldTia-zakura Camilleri(writer/poet) ThetwoyoungcreativesaremembersoftheWMCYouthAdvisoryBoard,whichaimsto giveavoicetoyoungpeopletoinformaspectsoftheCentre,ensuringitisaccessible Duringtheirresidency,they decidedtocreateanRnDexhibition;theexhibitioncalled CleanSlate’launchedonFebruary3rd focussingonthe BlackandWelshidentityinamodernandhistoricalcontext

‘It’ssoeasyforpeopletooverlookyoubecauseyou’re younger,peopledon’ttakemeseriouslyorlistento whatIhavetosay;PairthatwithbeingofBlack/Asian heritageandawomanandyoufeelpracticallymuted So,tobegiventhisplatforminabuildingwithsuch kudos amplifiesourvoicetothosewhoneedtohearit CaraWalker

Often, young and early career creatives struggle to get the opportunities, platforms and support to create work of good quality.

Clean Slate

TheWMCisthenationalartscentreinWales,so whenwewereofferedthespace,weknewwe wantedtoexploretheideaof Welshness Granted thistopichasbeenpoignantinrecentyears,but CaraandIhavehadmillionsofconversations discussingthemore‘taboo sideof‘Welshness being non-whiteandnon-Welshspeaking WMCactually informedourexhibitionquitealot;itslocalityinthe heartofabustling,diverseButetown,juxtaposingwith itsproximitytobuildingsliketheSenedd,represented thedichotomyweoftendiscussed Inoneofmany chats wewereenlightenedbythehistoryoftheslate industry Welshslateissomethingweareoften taughttobeproudofbutalotofpeopleare unawareofitsconnectiontoslavery Itwasa lightbulbmomentforus Notonlydiditfeellikea greatmechanismtoexploreidentity,buttouncover thishiddenhistoryinabuildingcoveredinslate(next totheSeneddwhichisalsocoveredinslate)wasso powerful

Oncewehadthetopic,wehadtofindwaysto mergeourtwoverydifferentartforms Weoperated inawaywherewerespondedtoeachother’swork withourownwork LotsofmypoetryaidedCaras artworkandviceversa Itwasbeautifultobeableto collaboratewithanotherlikemindedcreative,andwe quicklyrealisedwewantedtousethischanceto showcaseanexhibition Wewantedtodemonstrate thevalueofyoungBlackartistsandtellourown stories

ThoughCarahasbeenfeaturedinexhibitionsbefore thiswasthefirsteitherofushavecuratedofour own Theprocesswasn’tallsmoothsailingbutevery setbacklentitselftothefinalresult AsanRnD,we founditreallyimportanttoexposethis‘up&down’ journeytoeveryoneandnotshyawayfromthe complexitiesofcreatinganexhibition

So,wehada‘journeywall’whichexplainedthestepswetooktogethere,includinghowwesourcedtheslate,what ourinspirationwasetc Thereweretwootherintegralfeaturestoourexhibition:1 Thepublicart-forallvisitorsto contributeto respondingtothequestion‘DoyoufeelWelsh?Why?’ 2 Feedbackbox-allaspectsoftheexhibition wereincrediblyintrospective mypoemsreallyforcedmetounpickeachthreadofmyidentity sowereallywanted toevokethesameintrospectivethoughtforthoseexperiencing

Reported by: Tia -Zakura Camilleri

Clean Slate

Becauseofthestigmaandlackofappreciation forthearts,itbecomesaprivilegetobeableto taketimetorefineyourcraft Forme,full dedicationmeanssacrificingother‘more stable’workandworkingforfreeinthecreative industry Thisisn’talwayspossibleforthosewho comefromworkingclassbackgrounds,which canformabarriertoaccessingthesector The artistresidencyspacetrustedCaraandIand financedourtime,sowecouldfocusonour practiceanddowhatwelovetodowithout havingtoworryaboutmissingoutonwages

Theexhibitioncanbe viewedatWales MilleniumCentreStwdio ScratchuntillateMarch

Wewerereallyproudofwhatwecreatedandhopeto expanditfurther.Wearegratefultobegiventhis opportunityandbothrecognisethevitalpartithasplayed inkickstartingourcareer.

‘Incredible work. I wish I could have experienced this when I was a child - it would have had a huge impact on me growing up mixed in Wales’

‘The use of materials in the art is completely beautiful’

‘This exhibition is amazing! Arddechog! Dylech chi gyd bod yn falch o’eich gwaith!’

-Tia-zakuraCamilleri

Reported by: Tia -Zakura Camilleri

Youth Matters

The History Of Slate

WelshslateisquiteprolificinitscontributiontoWales ThelargestmanufacturerinNorthWales wasthePenrhynslatequarrywhichwasownedbythePennantfamily However,inthe18th century,thePennantsalsoownedfoursugarplantationsinJamaica,whichwereupkeptby over1,000slaves Themoneygeneratedfromtheplantationswasinvestedintoexpandingthe Penrhynslatequarry.RichardPennantwasMPforPetersfieldin1761/67andwaschairmanof theWestIndiaCommitteewhichcampaignedforthecontinuationofslavery Whenslaverywas ‘abolished’in1833,thefamilyreceived£14,68317s2dincompensationwhichisroughly £2,236,068today

ThisviewofPenrhynslatequarryshows thevastscaleoftheexcavations They werebegunin1785byRichardPennant,MP forLiverpoolandowneroflargeslave plantationsinJamaica RichardPennant (c1737-1808)investedhisprofitsfrom sugarandrumtofinanceanddevelopthe PenrhynslatequarryinGwynedd

Resources

Reported by: Tia -Zakura Camilleri

Youth Matters

Luchia Ellul Alimikhena

IamafreelancejournalistforXcellencemagazine andformycontributiontothisissue,Iwantedto findouthowmypeersfeelaboutthenew mandatorycurriculum,thatincludesBlack,Asian andminorityethiccommunities,contributionsand history.

ThesearethequestionsIposedtoAndrewand Sophia,bothyear7pupilsatmyschoolCorpus Christi.

Hereiswhattheyhadtosay

.Whatdoyouthinkaboutthenewcurriculumchanges,wherethecontributionsofBlack,Asianand minority ethniccommunitiesarenowmademandatory?

A:IthinkthatthechangesareveryimportanttoallpupilsinschoolsacrossWales

S:Ithinkthechangesarereallygood,becausewewillgettohearaboutotherpeopleshistory,notjustours Howdoyouthinkthechangeswillimpactyourlearningandwhatdoyouhopetolearn?

A:Ithinkthenewcurriculumwillimpactmeonapersonallevel,asIamofmixedheritageand,tobehonest, Idon’treallyknowmuchaboutBlackhistoryandwheremyheritagecomesfrom S:IhopetolearnalotofknowledgeaboutthediversityinWales

Doyouunderstandwhythesechangeshavebeenmadetothenewcurriculum?

A:Yes,Idounderstand,butIwishtheyhadbeenmadealotsooner Everyone’shistoryisimportant,sothese changesareagoodthing

S:Yes,Ithinkthenewchangeshavebeenmadesothateveryonefeelswelcomedandtoknowthattheyare acknowledged

Isthereanythingthatexcitesyouaboutthenewcurriculum?

A:IammostinterestedinlearningmoreabouttheoriginsofmycultureandhowdiversityhasgrowninWales

S:TheonethingthatexcitesmeaboutthenewcurriculumisthatIgettounderstandmoreaboutthedifferent backgroundsofthepeoplearoundme

Doyouthinkitisimportantthatthecurriculumreflects inclusivity?

A:Yes,itisveryimportantthateveryoneisincluded,becausehistory ishistoryanditshouldbetaughttruthfully

S:Yes,Ithinkitisimportanttobeinclusivebecause,evenifyou cannotrelate,youcanfindoutmorebywatchingvideosonlineand readstufftohelpsupportthenewmaterial

WhatdoyoualreadyknowaboutBlackandethnichistory?

A:Idon’treallyknowthatmuch,tobehonest,butIamexcitedto learnmore

S:Iknowquiteabit,asmyprimaryschoolusedtoteachusthings, butIamlookingforwardtohearingmoreatthisage,sothatIgain moreofanunderstanding

Sophie Stonehouse

Year 7 pupil at Corpus Christi High School

Youth Matters

Sound Progression

KeepingWales’sMusicIndustry Healthy,Flourishingand Diversein2023

News

Reported by: Jessica Perkins

Ihaven’tbeentoagiginawhile,sowhenIgotthechancetoseesomeraw, upandcoming,newtalentontheSoundProgressionstage,atImmersed FestivalinCardiff,Ijumpedatthechance Asamusicianmyself,Ilovediscoveringnewmusicandseeingwhatartists arecreatingatgrassrootslevel,butwhatIhadn’trealisedatthetime,was thatasupertalentedmentoringteamaresupportingtheseincredible youngartistsfrombehindthescenes Duringthisfantasticevent,fullof exciting,newandoriginalmusic,Iheardactafteract,thankingSound Progressionforthisopportunitytoperform.

Now,tostartwith,thestandardofeachmusicalact,was phenomenal Notonebumnoteinthehouse andallperforming theirownmaterial Arealeclecticmixofgenrestoo Theactsall havedifferentline-upsfromsolotofullband,fromrocktogrime, butonethingtheyallhaveincommonistheirtalent theirstories expressinglifefromayoungpersonsperspectivein2023 Thereis nodoubtthattheseexperiencesareinvaluableforyoungartists startingouttheirmusicalcareers andthisisallmadepossibleby SoundProgression

Afewdaysafterthefestival itwastimeformetomeettheSound Progressionteamattheircentralbuilding Itookalovelywalkinto CardiffCentraltomeetthem WhenIarrivedIwasgreetedbyPaul (TheDirector)andthenIquicklymettwofamiliarfacesIhadseen atthefestival-LeightonandKyle Theywereworkinginsmall controlroom onawickedtrack ThistrackisbyoneoftheartistsI hadseenperformonSaturday;SoulsingerLeah-Marie Theyare helpingstructurethissong Aswestarttalkingallabouttheirwork, itbecomescleartomethatthereissomethingreallyunique aboutSoundProgression

Theyarenotjustaspacetorehearseandrecord Theyarenota tickboxexercise Theseguysareatalentedpro-teamwhocare andaregivingyoungpeoplerealopportunities andtheskillsthey needtodeveloptheirartistry

Wetalkallaboutthedifferentstagesandlevelsvariousartistsare andhowtheynurturethembycreatingconfidenceindividually Theteamreallyknowhowtobringoutthebestfromtheartists, andcreatetheconditionsfororganicdevelopment It’srelaxed friendlyandcalm everyoneisfocusedonthegoal:realcareers realopportunities,realempowermentandgrowthfortheartists

Afteraround10minutesofbeingthere IamwishingIwas youngagain,andIcouldcometoSoundProgressionfor mentoring Notonlywilltheyhelptheirartiststowrite,produce andperformtheirownsongs thisteamalsomentorsthemon theentrepreneurialsideofthemusicbusiness Icannotstress howimperativethisisintodaysmusicworld It'snotenoughto justbetalented Youneedtobeabletopromoteyourwork be asocialmediaexpert,understandbusinessmodels,and createdifferentincomestreamsforyourself inordertobe remotelysustainable

SoundProgressionareonit,whenitcomestothebusiness sideofthings theyareteachingtheseyoungartistshowto managetheircareers howtocapitaliseontheirworkand makerealprogress Thenthereisanotherleveloflearning whichwediscuss andthatisthelevelofprofessionalism neededwithinthemusicindustry SoundProgression encouragetheiryoungmusicianstoapproachtheirartistryin aprofessionalway treatingtheirwork theenvironmentand others withrespect Thisinspiresthemtowardsalevelof professionalism,thatsomeyoungpeoplemaynothaveseen modelledbefore

JessieGraceisaMusicianActivistandRadioPresenter basedinCardiff

HerShowisairedonWednesdays130-300pmonRadio

Cardiff987fm

ShecoversmanyissuesaroundHealingSustainability

PositiveFuturesandworkinthelocalcommunity

Getintouchwithherhere:@jessie grace musicon Instagram

Next,Carolarrives(managerandfundraisingguru),shethen givesmeatouroftherestoftheirbuilding Theyhavealive room withdrumkit amps spaceforafullband anda separatevocalbooth Wethenwalkfurtherintoacommunal areawhichhasaccesstoindividualworkstations eachhavea variety softwarefortheartistsworkontheirmusicproduction skills,andcreatetrackswith Thenweheaddowntothe basement Caroldescribesaboutplanstheyhaveforanew mixingroomdownhere asitisjusttheperfectspaceforthis Shecontinuestoexplainshowtheyhavebeenexpandingfast overthelastfewyears andhowthereareseveraldifferent waysyoungpeoplecanaccesstheirmentoringandmusical support Theyhaveseveralweeklydrop-insallaroundCardiffcitywhere kidscancomeexploretheirmusicalskillswithindividual musicalmentors ThisenablesSoundProgression’sworktobe accessibleinthosecommunities withoutthebarrierofhaving totravelintothecitycentre especiallyafterschool

SoundProgressionisfreeforeveryone andgivesyoungpeoplea realchancetoexpressthemselvesthroughthemediumofmusic Theyarecreatingtangibleandachievablegoals,and unbelievableopportunities Oneoftheseincredibleopportunities wasaninternationalexchangeproject FundedbyWales InternationalArts,severalofSoundProgression’sartistsgotthe opportunitytotraveltoNewYork;recordinaprostudiotherewith NewJerseyCollective-ARAWProductions Itwasanopportunity madepossiblebytalentedProducer/Artist/Mentor,KyleFarrugia, whodevelopedthisconnectionovermanyyears Thiscollaborationgavethechosenartistsachancetoestablisha solidcollaborationwithamericanrapartists,experiencedifferent workingpractices musicalstyles andbecomeabsorbedwithin culturalexchange Thisprojectsaimwasto createnewmusic tracksaimedatraisingtheprofileofWelshHipHopCultureand elevatingtheartistsglobalstatus’ Havingcollaboratedand producedanEP-theseartistswillcomebacktogetherto promoteandperformtheEPthissummerinWales

FromLefttoRight: CaroleBlade;ClaurindoDiakiesse(partcpants);Kyle FarrugiaakaFarratheProducerandLeightonJones

Health & Wellbeing

One bag. Big difference

Join Spring Clean Cymru 2023, 17 March to 2 April

Thisspring,environmentalcharityKeepWales Tidyislookingtoinspirethousandsoflitter heroesacrossWalestojoinforcestocollectand safelydisposeoflitterfromourstreets,green spacesandbeaches

Lastyear’sSpringCleanCymruwasthebiggest ever,withanincredible17,000volunteersgetting involvedin364eventsacrossthecountry Themessagethisyearissimple:evenonebag canmakeadifference Individuals,families, communitygroups,schoolsandbusinessesare beingurgedtogetinvolvedbetween17March and2April.

Why Spring Clean?

NotonlydoeslittercostWalesroughly£70milliontoremoveeachyear,butitalsohas devastatingeffectsonourmarineandlocalwildlife TheRSPCAreportsonaverage receiving14callsadayaboutanimalsaffectedbylitter,withcallsspikinginthesummer months

Litterpickingisalsoafun,freeeventthatcanbenefityourhealth,well-being,andsenseof prideinyourcommunity

Inarecentsurvey,90%ofKeepWalesTidy’sLitterChampions(volunteersthatregularly carryoutclean-ups)saidthatlitterpickingmadethemfeelgoodaboutthemselves.71% saiditmadethemfeelhealthierandmorephysicallyactive And88%saidtheyfeltthey werehavingapositiveimpactontheirlocalarea

“Our message this year is simple: even one bag can make a big difference.

Whether you choose to clean up your own neighbourhood, your favourite beach, park or beauty spot - every piece of litter removed from the natural environment matters.”

OwenDerbyshire,KeepWalesTidyChiefExecutive

Health & Wellbeing

How to get involved

JoininginwithSpringCleanCymruiseasy JustheadtotheKeepWalesTidywebsite andfilloutthesimpleonlineformwithdetailsofyourclean-up

There’sguidanceonhowtoplanasafeevent,includingstepbystepinformationon assessingrisks,howyoucangetholdoftherightkitanddisposeofthelitterand recyclingyoucollect.

Therearealsoawholerangeofpublicitymaterialstohelpyoushoutaboutyour event

Ifyou’dratherjoinaclean-upthatisalreadybeingplanned,KeepWalesTidyhave aninteractivemapontheirwebsitetoo.Thisincludesdetailsofclean-upsbeing organisedbytheirlocalprojectofficersaswellasopeneventsthatarebeing arrangedbycommunitygroupsandotherorganisations

No one is too small to make a difference

KeepWalesTidyfirmlybelievenooneistoosmalltomakeabigdifference That’swhy,aspartof SpringCleanCymru,theyareencouragingschoolstogetinvolvedintheGreatBigSchoolClean Schoolscanholdaclean-up(orseveralclean-ups)anytimebetween17Marchand2April, collectingasmuchlitterastheycan

ThereareevenspecialGreatBigSchoolCleanresources,ideasandactivitiesforschoolstaking part

GetinvolvedinSpringCleanCymru–visittheKeepWalesTidywebsite wwwkeepwalestidycymru/springclean-cymru

Whateveractionsyou’retaking,share yourpicturesandplanswithKeep WalesTidyusing#SpringCleanCymru

Showing love for Wales

AswellastyingintotheUK-wideGreatBritishSpringCleancampaign,SpringCleanCymruis partofCaruCymru–KeepWalesTidy’sbiggesteverinitiativetoeradicatelitterandwaste CaruCymru(aWelshphrasemeaning‘LoveWales’)aimstoinspireeveryonetotakeaction andcarefortheenvironment

Thevisionisthatitwillbecomesecondnatureforeverybodytodotherightthing,fromtaking litterhomeandcleaningupaftertheirdog,recycling‘on-the-go’,reusingandrepairing Byeverybodyworkingtogethertocreateacleanandsafeenvironment,wecanbuildstronger, healthiercommunitiesandmakeapositivedifferencetoourplanet

CaruCymruhasreceivedfundingthroughtheWelshGovernmentRuralCommunities-Rural DevelopmentProgramme2014-2020,whichisfundedbytheEuropeanAgriculturalFundfor RuralDevelopmentandtheWelshGovernment

Imagessuppliedby:KeepWalesTidy

Health & Wellbeing

Nature is the best medicine!!

Soul Trail

SoulTrailWellbeingC.I.Cisanot-for-profit organisationdeliveringfreewalksandnaturebasedinterventionstothecommunity,tohelp improvementalhealthandwellbeing.Allwalks andprogrammesarefunded,meaningpeoplecan attendtheprojectsandaccesstransportto locationswithoutcharge Directors,LeanneAnyinsahandEnricoTemple,are keentopromoteinclusivityandaimtoimprove mentalhealth-welcomingpeoplefromallages andbackgroundsprovidingasafespacetotalk, enjoynatureandconnectwithothers. Attendeesfromsoultrailwellbeingsessionshave significantlyfeltreducedstressandanxiety, increasedconfidenceandconnectedwithnature

Thequestionnairesevidencedthatattendees’ moodshaveonaverageimprovedby60%from onesinglewalk

SoulTrailhavebeenestablishedfortwoyears,delivering10differentprojects,supportingover200peopleinthe NewportandBristolcommunity,allowingmorepeopletoconnectwithnatureandimprovingmentaland physicalhealth.Atleast70%oftheattendeesarefromaminoritybackgroundand/orhavepoormentalhealth. PartnershipssofarhaveincludedtheNHS,NationalLottery,GreenSocialPrescribing/doctorsurgeries,Newport CityCouncil,SportEngland,WesportandtheNatureWellAcademy.

Ithasbeenevidencedthattherecanbehugehealthbenefitstobeingoutdoorsandconnectedwithnature. Scientificevidencehasshownthatwalkingandbeingconnectedwithnaturecan:

oImprovemood

oDecreasestress

oReduceanxietyanddepression

oBoostourimmunesystems

oIncreasefitnesslevels

oReducebloodpressure

oIncreasevitaminabsorption

Whatdotheyoffer?

WithLeanne’sskillsasapsychotherapistandgroupfacilitator,withEnrico’sMarineandfirefighteroutdoor skills/experiencewiththeoutdoors–SoulTrailwalksaddauniquetwisttowhatyouwouldusuallyencounterwith otherwalkinggroups

Throughincorporatingthe5waystowellbeingrecommendedbytheNHS,SoulTrailaimtoencouragepeopleto:

•Connect:helpingpeopleconnectwithnatureandeachotherthroughtalking,supportingandteam exercises/nature-basedactivities

•BeActive:throughmovingandwalking

•BePresent: mindfulness,reflectionandgroundingexercises

•Learnnewskills:mentalhealthawareness(psychoeducation)andoutdoorskillsincludingforaging,hikingand learningaboutwildlife

•Givetoothers:encouragingteamworkwithingroups,empoweringwalkerstobuildconfidenceleadingagroupor sharingtheirownskills.

Leanneshared,“gettingoutdoors,connectingwithnatureandtalkingwithotherpeoplehasahugeimpactonmy ownmentalhealth EnricoandIlovewhatwedo,becausenaturegivesbacktous–wehavesuchapassionto helpotherpeoplebenefitfromnature,anditsworking!Thedemandhasbeenamazing”.

Projectscurrentlyinclude:

-NHS6-weekNatureProgramme

-Womensmindfulnesswalks

-Menswalks&talk

-Hikes

-Parent/carerwellbeingwalks

-Youthoffendingteamnatureworkshops

-DiabetesImprovementprogramme

SoulTrailWellbeinghaveavisionto provideeveryone,withtheopportunity toreconnectwithnature andhopeto delivermoreprojectstotheSouth Walescommunity

Theyarecurrentlylookingforfurther fundinginWalesandarehopingto expandbydevelopinganatureagency, offeringfreeone-to-oneoutdoor therapyandgrouphikes,mindfulness walksandnatureprogrammes

- I never thought I wouldhave madeit upPenyfan, withsupport fromSoul Trail I amsoproudof myself What anachievement

tickedoff my bucket list!

Health & Wellbeing

Food and Drink Businesses and their Role in Maintaining Health and Wellbeing

By: Dr Mustafa Megrahi

FoodanddrinkbusinessesrepresentoneofthebiggestsectorsintheWelsheconomy,andtheyformseveraldifferent sub-sectors Hospitalityvenues,touristcentres,theirpresenceatuniversities,colleges,schoolsorlanguageschools, andsportsdestinations,representsomeofthesevariedbusinesses Infact,therearemorethan10,000foodanddrink outletsinWales-fromrestaurantstotakeawayvenues,fromsupermarketsandwholesalerstolocal corner shops

Theaboveoutletsplayavitalroleinthepopulation’shealthandwellbeing,sincetheyarehowalmostallfoodand drinkproductsaredistributedtoconsumersinWales Makingsurethatfoodisservedordeliveredsafelyandhealthily toallformsofdifferentclientsiscrucial,andisakeycomponentofbusinessresponsibilityandcomplianceonthe partoffoodanddrinkbusinesses

Havingeffectivefoodsafetymanagementinplaceisbeneficialinmanyways:tomeetregulatoryauthority requirements tobuildthegoodnameandreputationofabusinessand ultimately toincreaseitsrevenueandprofits too Italsohelpsbusinessesidentifythehazardsthatmightaffectthequalityoffoodbeingsoldandensurethat consumersarenotadverselyaffectedthroughoneofseveralroutes

Raisingawarenessoftheimportanceofapplyinghighhealthandwellbeingstandardsamongfoodanddrink handlers,shouldformpartofaculturalchangeforsuchworkers Inorderthattheyunderstandtheircentralrolein healthandwellbeingforallmembersofthecommunityand,soastoplaytheirpartefficiently,theyneedtobe trainedontypesofhazardsandtheircontrol andonthekindsofmeasurestobeimplementedforthespecific businessinwhichtheyareemployed

What are the hazards that might affect the health and wellbeing of consumers through food and drink outlets?

Microbiologicalhazards

Differenttypesofmicrobiologicalpathogensmightbefoundinfoodanddrinkandcausecontamination Thesecan bebacteria,viruses,parasites,mouldoryeast Theirpotentialsourcesarepeople,pests,water,raworunfitfood,soil, dustorwasteproducts Suchpathogenscangettoconsumersthroughhands,equipment,hand-surfacecontact, food-surfacecontact,orcross-contamination

Chemicalhazards

Foodcanbecontaminatedwithchemicals,suchaspesticidesorweed-killers,asaresultofinappropriatepestcontrol orpoorcleaningpractices

Physicalhazards

Physicalhazardsincludethingswhicharepotentiallyharmfulsuchaspackagingmaterials,glass,nails,oreven stones

Radioactivematerials

Naturalandartificialradioactivematerials,emanatingfromthepresenceofuraniumorthoriumserieselements,can comefromsourcessuchasnuclearaccidentsortestsandthedisposalofradioactivewastetotheenvironment, gettingtohumanbeingsthroughingestionorinhalation

Allergenichazards

Theseareusuallyproteinsubstanceswhichcausethebody’simmunesystemtoover-respondincertainindividuals Symptomsinclude suddenweakness abdominalpainorcollapse Foodsubstancescommonlycontainingallergens are:nuts milk soya eggs orglutenwithincertaincereals

Health & Wellbeing

By: Dr Mustafa Megrahi

Measures to control hazards in the food and drink business

Eachtypeofhazardnotedabovecanbecontrolledthroughrelativelysimplemeans,asfollows:

Microbiologicalhazards

Effectiveinstruction,supervisionandtrainingoffoodhandlers,withclearseparationofrawandready-to-eatfood, effectivecleaning,andtheuseofdisposablepaperclothesorcolour-codedclothing

Chemicalhazards

Alockableareaishighlyrecommendedforchemicalstorage,separatefromfoodstuffs Cleaningandpestcontrol mustneverexposefoodanddrinkitemstotheriskofcontamination

Physicalhazards

Throughsatisfactorydesign,constructionandmaintenance,allold,worn,damagedorunsuitableequipmentshould bereplaced Aglassbreakagepolicyandabanontheuseofsoftwoodisalsoimportantinthisregard

Allergenichazards

Clearandfullcommunicationinthedescriptionsofdishes,drinksandtheiringredientsisanecessity Listeningto customers,checkingthatlabellingiscorrect,usingapprovedsuppliersonly,andsuitablestafftrainingareallessential prerequisites

Differentprocedureswillhelptoimproveadherencetohealthandwellbeingstandardswithin foodanddrinkbusinesses Oneexampleisafoodsafetybook,whichincludesguidelineson howtocontrolcross-contamination,effectivecleaning,chillingprocedures,cookingnorms andpestcontrolimplementation.

Atlantis Academy can play a role in improving health and wellbeing standards The Academy is comprised of experts in training and education, translation, environmental protection and engineering, auditing and project managementsystems In2023andbeyond,Dr Megrahibelievesthatpost-COVID19economicstrategieswillhave todealwithongoingchallenges:“Thereisnodoubtthat,nationallyandinternationally,governmentsandotherpublic sectorbodieswillhavetoimplementpoliciesthatreflectproperethicalstandardsinthewayweutiliseresourceshuman financial and technical In this way we will be able to tackle improved health and wellbeing outcomes reduceresourcewastage,anddealwiththecomplexityofculturalandsocialissuesthatimpedehumanprogress” Astheeffectsofthepandemiccontinuetoaffectlargeswathesoftheworld’spopulation,nationalandlocalofficials will have to integrate ethical, solutions-based, and viable environmental policies, to reinvigorate all sectorsbusiness, professional, science, civic and non-governmental organisations It is in this vein, that Dr Megrahi and membersofhisAtlantisteamareworkingassiduouslytorealisetheirimportantandattainablemission

The systems needed within businesses to maintain health and wellbeing assurance levels.

My conversion to Islam and calling as a Doula

IwasbornintoamisplacedSouthLondonIrishand Yorkshirefamily So,Ithought Achallengingfamilywith lotsofhiddensecretsandstories Itookmyselfonan ancestryadventure-alwaystaughtto‘knowthyself know thyLord IverecentlydiscoveredIndigenousAmerican ancestors,aMoorishWestAfricangrandfather,South Asian(nosurpriseforatravellerfamily),ahugelotof ScottishDNAandabigrevelationoftravellersinall directions Itraveltheglobeyearlongandfeelso comfortableonthemove,carryingontheseancestral traditions

Myfamilyhadrelocatedondoctor’sorderstotheseaside inKent Ipromptlyreturnedhometothebigcityat16 The UKhiphopandclubscenewasinfullblossomandfor severalyearswehadthetimeofourlivesatSoultoSoul, TheRoyalOperaHouse,illegalpartiesontheCircleLine andafulltimetableofcrimeandnaughtybehaviour Hip hopinitsoriginwasnotjustmusic Itwasafullcultureof art,dance,activism,andteaching Manyofmycircle becameMuslimonebyone,settingoffallmyradical feministnervesnoend Ibegantoread Iwasalreadyon apathtofindabetterunderstandingoflifethanIhad foundinmytraumatisedfamily Lookingforthekeysto life,Islamhadalltheanswers AsaveryyoungwomanI embracedIslamandwalkedforwardasaMuslim

Thisradicallifechangecameaboutpre-9/11and7/7, aroundthetimeoftheIran/IraqwarandIgotatasteof justhowhatefultheUKpubliccanbe,rightaway Thefirst cutcamebeforeIdeclaredIwasMuslim Ihadworna headscarftoameetingwheretheywereteachingQur’an SomeoneassaultedmeoutsideMcDonaldsinMarble Arch-completelyunprovoked Thatweekawomandied frombeingpushedinfrontofaTubefornootherreason thanbeingopenlyMuslim Thentheterribleeventsof9/11 unfolded,andallhellbrokelooseforourcommunity At thispointIlivedinEdinburghnearanotoriousestate,and itwasacaseofbeingunsafebothinandoutofmy home Despitetwosmallbabiesandanever-expanding bellythisdidnotseemtostopthebehaviourofasmall groupofhatefulfolks Thepolicewerenohelpatall We weresupervulnerable,forcedtoadjustmydressand relocate,whichtookalongtime Don’tbelievethis dialoguethatScotlandisapeacefulplaceforthoseother thanScottish Sometimesitis-oftentimesitisnot

Overthistimeofgreatvulnerability meetingmyfour babiesunbeknownsttome Iwasgatheringdata Tobe fedintomylife'sworkofsupportingwomenandtheir health Notjusttheirwombhealthbutthefamily,the environment,andthecommunitytheyliveamongst All impactingtheirwombhealthandthehealthoftheir babies Ihadzeroideaabouttheimpactoftraumaon theunbornorbreastfeedingbaby,onthewomb These dayswehavesomuchmoredata GaborMateand ResmaaMenakemcanhelpyoutodelvedeeper

Nicola,promotingmothersmaternalhealth

Nicola,inherearlydaysofembracingthehijab

Doula

OurPhilosophy

Tonurtureconfidencein facilitatingdoulasupport

AtRedTentdoulas,we believethereisadoulafor everyone Webelieveone ofthemostimportant aspectsindoulaingisto createacommunityof supportaroundeach doula Thiswillnourishher drivetowalkalongside others,givingher confidenceandstrength fromawealthofwisdom

Myoldersisterlookedaftermeduringmyyoungeryears WhenI hadmybabies shegavemethegreatlearningofmakingsure therewassomethingIstilldidformyselfafterthebabyarrived Whenmydaughterreachedtwomonths Iwentacrossthestreet toAdultEducationmassageclassesonceaweek,fortwohours Thebabycriedwithherdaddythewholetime,butIknewthis madememorepeacefulandstrongerforhertherestoftheweek andcontinued

Thispathtookmethroughsomanylearningpaths-directand indirect Slowlyitbecameclearthatitwasatraditionalmidwifery path andIhadthegoodfortuneofbeingadoptedbya phenomenalmotherfigureandtraditionalMuslimmidwife,called RifatPeggyNafisaBrown IndebttothelineageoftheGrand MidwivesofAmericaandthelocalindigenoussisters tothe radicalmovementbacktoself-ledwomenshealthcareinthe6s, 70sand80s,tothetraditionalwaysofIslamicmedicine,andjust herGod-ledbeautifulself Ibegantolearnmoreandmore We nowhadthesciencecomingthroughthe90sonwards-the impactofourobstetricpracticesandthetraumaandbadhealth, andconverselytheflourishingandgoodhealthoftheoldways

Alongsidethehealtheducationcamethespirituallearning AfterI welcomedmyfirstdaughterandbeforethearrivalofmysecond, Ispentmanyyearsinareligiousseminary,developingmy relationshipwiththeDivine Notjusttheesotericbutthepractical also Youcanbesuperholyandaterriblecommunitymember ClosetoGodbutpollutingtheearth Iwantedthisthreadto weaveallthroughmylife

https://redtentdoulas.co.uk

https://tellmamaukorg

OnoccasionswetrainMuslimdoulasinanexclusivesafe spaceofsolelyMuslimwomen,todiscussourchallengesand ourjoysinapeacefulenvironment Ourcommunityremains underattack TheInvisibleReportwasreleasedlastyear lookingattheexperienceofMuslimparentsinmaternity services Nosurprisetofindtheexpectedresultsofpoorcare, badfeeling moreillhealthandrisk Wearebeingdemonised receivingdailyill-feelingandracialisedhealthcare,suffering theMuslimcriticalmainstreammedia Wealsojoinedforces withMarsLordofAbuelaDoulastoformourjointventure AbuelasRedTent,offeringCulturalSafetyandAnti-Racism workshopstonon-profitorganisationsandNHStrusts

Wearecreatingmorecompetencyandsafety Wearecocreatingaspacewherefolkarefreetousetraditionalways alongsideclinicalways tosafelybringababyintothisworld andthisfamily Notjustwithbodilyintegrity,butwiththeir nervoussystemintact,withparentswhowereabletoenjoythe wholeexperience withnolife-changinginjuriestobodyor spirit,withcelebrationandnourishment Wearecallingoutbad practiceclearlyandmakingsureitsstampedout

RedTentDoula

On occasions we train Muslim doulas in an exclusive safe space of solely Muslim women, to discuss our challenges and our joys in a peaceful environment.

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The Independent Community News Network (ICNN) is run and administrated by the Centre for Community Journalism which is part of Cardiff University’s Transforming Communities flagship engagement project Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Culture Studies, Cardiff University, Bute Building, King Edward VII Avenue , Cardiff , CF10 3NB, 02920688750

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Intentions

Thismagazine,has3primaryintentions

TofillthegapintheFREEcommunitymagazinespace ToprovidecontexttowidergroupsofpeopleinWales TocelebratethecontributionsofBlack,AsianandMinorityEthniccommunitiestoWales.

Wehopeyouhaveenjoyedreadingit,asmuchasweenjoyedputtingittogether!

The Independent Community News Network (ICNN) is run and administrated by the Centre for Community Journalism which is part of Cardiff University’s Transforming Communities flagship engagement project Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Culture Studies, Cardiff University, Bute Building, King Edward VII Avenue , Cardiff , CF10 3NB, 02920688750