DIANE ABBOTT GUEST EDITOR Diane Abbott MP Introduction
Welcome W hen I was invited to Guest Edit BHM (The Official Guide to Black History Month) this year, I chose to highlight Women as a central theme. We talked to a range of inspirational women from all sectors and all walks of life who are making a difference to our community, and our world, in their own individual way. Caroline King, Deputy Headteacher in Hackney, is one of our bright, young community leaders. Her motivation is to inspire and educate young people and at 34, she is well on her way to becoming Headteacher within the year. In the world of publishing and design, Michelle Ogundehin, Editor-in-chief at Elle Decoration, has transformed the magazine into a must-have mag for every style-conscious household. An innovative force in publishing, she describes herself as passionate, determined and optimistic, with a leadership style that is “firm but fair”. Director/writer/producer Gurinder Chadha is
one of the shining lights of the UK film industry and in addition is one of the few female, Asian directors to have worldwide box-office success. Gurinder has been instrumental in opening up the film industry to new, diverse audiences and to new talent working behind the scenes. Sculptor Sokari Douglas Camp has a list of commissions and awards which are testament to her distinct artistic talent. Her work is deeply rooted in both her Nigerian ancestry and her Britishness. She urges all aspiring, young artists to break out and see the world to broaden their global perspective. In the world of politics and law, Baroness Patricia Scotland is the first black woman to hold the post of Attorney General. Throughout her career she has been proactive in supporting young BMEs to work hard, aim high and forge a successful career in law. These are just a few of the many inspirational women here in the UK, who are achieving great things and creating a change for the better.
Finding the Leaders of Tomorrow Last year’s awards
Lenny, Cynthia Akpobi,
Child (LSBC) Awards Celebrate
Below L-R: Diane, Foad
Top Achieving Black Students
T
he annual LSBC Academic Achievement Awards will return to the House of Commons on 2nd October with the highest standard of students yet. The awards, which were set up by Diane Abbott MP in 2006 and have been supported by UBS since then, aim to celebrate top achieving Black students. Mayor Boris Johnson,
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Right L-R: Diane,
London Schools and the Black
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Baroness Scotland. Mohamed, Lenny Henry and David Charles
BBC comedy star “Little Miss Jocelyn”, Sky News presenter Gillian Joseph, England football coach Hope Powell and Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu will all be speaking at the event. The LSBC initiative aims to raise the achievement levels of Black students. The Academic Achievement Awards recognise the young Black students who are contradicting negative stereotypes by achieving very high academic grades. Many of the students
have overcome barriers such as racism, poverty and starting life in a new country. Speaking about the event, Diane said: “I am thrilled to announce that the fourth LSBC Academic Achievement Awards will take place on the 2nd October. The ceremony is a great chance for us to celebrate the highest achieving Black students and this year looks set to be bigger than ever. It is vital that we recognise the fantastic results Black students are getting to counteract the negative press around young Black people. I am very much looking forward to awarding the leaders of tomorrow.”
DIANE ABBOTT GUEST EDITOR Carole King interview
BHM: As a child what did “you want to be” when you grew up? Caroline King (CK): I actually still have a piece of work which I did when I was in primary school and I was around nine years old. On the list then was a musician, concert pianist or teacher. My mum has always said that I have always known exactly what I’ve wanted to do. BHM: Who or what has been your biggest influence on your career choices? CK: The biggest influence on my career choices have been the children I have taught. I realised quite early on that my impact could reach beyond the 30 children who were in my class. I worked closely with my parallel class teachers which then began to shape a year group, then a key stage and now I’m a Deputy Head Teacher influencing and shaping policy across the whole school. BHM: How would you describe the challenges and rewards of being a teacher/Head Teacher today? CK: The rewards are that you get to see impact and changes every day whether that comes in the classroom, with a member of staff or a parent. This job means that every action and thought impacts on a child. It’s great waking up every morning knowing that your inspired idea, smile or way of communicating with children is moulding and shaping the future. The challenges must be reflected upon, learnt from and I like to consider if there is something that needs to be done in my place of work to turn those challenges into learning points. BHM: If there was one key change/ improvement you would like to see implemented in our educational system, what would it be? CK: I would look at teacher training policy and teacher recruitment within inner cities. In order for a teacher to make the greatest impact they need to able to connect with children beyond the academic realm. You hear a lot of people say they want to work in a ‘challenging’ school so they can ‘make a difference’. Define challenging? I often feel that this is based on a perception and can lead to people entering the profession or an establishment with a pre-conceived notion of what children are capable of or what communities are able to achieve. The ‘challenge’ then becomes educating teachers so they understand that what challenge
Caroline King Deputy Head teacher in Hackney
Using Everything He gave me Caroline King, born and raised in Hackney, is passionate about, and dedicated to, the education of young people. Caroline has just entered her tenth year of teaching and, as she says: “is still excited by the prospect of inspiring children every day.” Caroline aims to become a Head Teacher within the next 12 months. is in their eyes is real life for children and to that end education and opportunity is what we’re here to provide; not a watered down version of it based on low expectations. BHM: How do you evaluate the need to recognise Black History Month in schools? CK: I feel Black History, Literature and achievement should be an intrinsic part of any school curriculum. Throughout the year schools should be considering how lessons and topics are taught and this should be done with a diverse perspective. In a school it is everyone’s responsibility to educate young people in a global and balanced way. Having emphasis just in October does not create balance. Realistically though, it might be the one time teachers go the extra mile in researching Black History themselves – the commercially produced resources are still not in abundance and this makes it difficult for teachers to provide a balance when it’s lacking in the real world.
“"This job means that every action and thought
impacts on a child. It’s great waking up every
morning knowing that your inspired idea, smile or way of communicating with children is moulding and shaping the future.”
BHM: Who is your top Black History Month Hero? CK: My mum and she is my heroine every day of the year. Aside from that, the people who I look to for inspiration and whose stories I connect with on a personal level are Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey. Those three women have influenced me to become self-motivated and self-assured. BHM: How would you describe yourself in three words? CK: Determined; Passionate; Reflective BHM: Favourite proverb/motto and why? CK: “When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say “I used everything You gave me.” Erma Bombeck AND “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” Aristotle I started playing the piano with my grandmother aged four, from then on my mum provided me with opportunities to explore life and grow. I can honestly say that in teaching, every day, I am able to draw on those experiences and impart them onto the children I work with now. By the end of my life I hope I would have used everything He gave me. n
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2009
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DIANE ABBOTT GUEST EDITOR Michelle Ogundehin Editor-in-Chief
Michelle Ogundehin Editor-in-Chief of Elle Decoration UK
Saying Yes to Life Michelle Ogundehin has contributed to publications all over the world and is internationally recognised as an authority on interiors, style and design. Trained as an architect, she cut her journalistic teeth at Blueprint Magazine and her energy and enthusiasm led to her being headhunted by style guru Ilse Crawford to join ELLE Decoration as Features Director. She was appointed Editor in Chief of Elle Decoration UK in 2004.
“"I have an
insatiable need to keep growing, in
a spiritual sense,
to know I’m alive. I’m motivated
by challenge! I can’t sit and be bored.”
Michelle is also director of her own design consultancy MO:studio. Michelle was born in Manchester; grew up in London; lived in New York and currently divides her time between homes in Brighton and London.
BHM: As a child, what did you want to be “When you grew up?” Michelle Ogundehin (MO): I don’t recall wanting to “be” anything in particular… I certainly never went through a phase of aspiring to become a ballerina, or a nurse, or an air-hostess or any other of those idealised female occupations. I think I was always quite content exploring my own world. However, I guess it was clear quite early on that I’d pursue something creative. I roamed around a lot in my imagination! BHM: Who or what has been the biggest influence on your career choices? MO: Me (see above!), followed by my father. His constant advice was: “By God’s grace we go, so worry not, just be yourself and do your best… no-one can ask more of you than that.” And so creative roaming led to Architecture (my father’s an engineer) and I was definitely encouraged to pursue a vocational degree rather than a single subject (I’m too squeamish for Medicine and Law didn’t inspire). Architecture led me to NY, 26
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where ELLE magazine crossed my path by virtue of a neighbour who worked there; thus my love of magazines became an opportunity, and the rest, as they say is history! BHM: Best career move? MO: No single move was the best. It’s all been an organic flow of moving on when it felt right, following my gut and primarily needing to apply my skills to full effect. I have an insatiable need to keep growing, in a spiritual sense, to know I’m alive. I’m motivated by challenge! I can’t sit and be bored. BHM: How would you describe yourself in three words? Passionate. Determined. Optimistic. BHM: Any great ambitions left? MO: To bring a child into this world: the most selfless thing I believe you can do. And to own a Bassett Hound! BHM: Worklife Balance? What kinds of activities do you enjoy
outside the workplace? MO: Friends, family and the entertainment of both; love; climbing; decorating; reading; live music, concerts and festivals; a healthy amount of pottering about at home; movies; parties, picnics, champagne and Sambuca! BHM: You head-up a leading style magazine, how would you describe your own particular leadership and personal style? MO: Firm but fair! Motivational, and inspiring… I expect people to give me their best, and in return I hope I give them enough encouragement and support for them to realise that goal, for themselves, as much as me and the magazine. I look for honesty, integrity and courage of one’s convictions. And then enthusiasm and energy: we all have to have some fun! No point working hard if you don’t enjoy it. BHM: Favourite proverb/motto and why? MO: Say yes to life! n
Sokari Douglas Camp interview
BHM: Your work is rooted in your Nigerian cultural background. What are the influences that this particular background has brought to you and your work? Sokari Douglas Camp (SDC): Everything . A love of movement, costume and environment and also a sense of identity and place.
Sokari Douglas Camp Sculptor
Living Heritage Sokari Douglas Camp completed an MA in sculpture from the Royal College of Art in 1986. Since then she has been shortlisted for the fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square 2003. She collaborated with BBC’s Ground Force programme to create an African Garden for the British Museum in 05. Douglas Camp was commissioned by Platform to make a Living Memorial to the Environmental Activist Ken Saro-Wiwa in 2006. She exhibits nationally and internationally, and was awarded a CBE in 2005 honours list.
BHM: You have received numerous and varied awards and accolades for your work. Can you describe the core nature of your work which has attracted such international attention? SDC: The main driver to my work is an interest in costume, movement, Theatre, panoramic views. I worked with museums creating shows that were similar to West African masquerade performances, it was a way of enlivening ethnographic shows. In recent years my subjects have been political; work about the situation in the Niger Delta, the Iraq war, and my relationship with England and Nigeria, the main concern is to expose humanities vulnerability. My work has been totally informed by living in England. I am what I am because I live here. My work as an artist, confirms my heritage and my life in London as a person of African decent”.
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BHM: How would you describe yourself in three words? SDC: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered. BHM: Will you be participating in any particular events to celebrate Black History Month? SDC: No. I am finding it hard to tolerate why Black artists do not have this attention throughout the year, we are here all year round. BHM: What would be your advice to any aspiring, young artists looking to establish themselves in the UK today? SDC: My first answer was leave the country, what I mean to say is travel, gain an identity – see yourself from a global perspective. BHM: Who are the artists that you admire or who have influenced you? SDC: Peggy Harper (Peggy Harper was a dancer and choreographer who dedicated much of her life to the study of traditional Nigerian dance. She made important documentations of ancient, West African dance forms and she also encouraged and promoted contemporary African dance theatre). BHM: Favourite proverb/motto and why? SDC: Once you do not succeed try try, try again (with a Nigerian accent) I like this because it is good advice. n
The National Trust is about more than stately homes and conservation. Working with local black and minority ethnic communities we are connecting people to places in ways which inspire the involvement of both individuals and families, and help us understand our cultural heritage. You’re never far away from us, so come along for a visit, finding time for each other is time well spent.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2009
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DIANE ABBOTT GUEST EDITOR Baroness Patricia Scotland Attorney General
“"We are living in an age where anything is
possible with hard work. So when people ask if we’ll see a black prime minister in our lifetime, I say: why not?”
BHM: Can you tell me about our “Less talk, More Action” bi-annual event. Baroness Scotland: The event aims to give legal professionals from all across the UK the chance to meet and exchange ideas, but more importantly, offers BME students the opportunity to meet role models. The event aims to inspire young students that anything they set their mind to was possible, as long as they work hard.
Baroness Patricia Scotland Attorney General
Anything is possible with hardwork Baroness Patricia Scotland was born in Dominica in 1955. After graduating with LLB Hons (London), Baroness Scotland was called to the Bar, Middle Temple, in 1977, she received Silk in 1991 and became a Bencher in 1997. Appointed as Attorney General by Prime Minister Gordon Brown on 28th June 2007, the Rt Hon Baroness Scotland QC is the first female and ethnic minority person to hold the post. “The order went White Male, Black Male, White Female, Black Female. That might have been a totally incorrect perception, but that was the perception then,” recalls Baroness Scotland of when she started at the Bar. Now the foremost legal advisor to the Government as Attorney General of England and Wales, she has successfully fought against these perceptions. One of her priorities is to encourage young BME students looking to go into the legal profession. Here she gives advice to young people with an interest in Law.
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BHM: Can you describe how attitudes have changed since you were fist called to the Bar in the 70s? Baroness Scotland: When I came to the Bar, someone was telling me ‘The Bar is dead’. There was no future and certainly there was no future for someone who was black or female. This is in no way meant to belittle the battles students face today, but that being successful in the legal profession will always be a question of resilience and courage and determination. BHM: In the light of Obama’s historic victory in the USA, what is your view of a black Prime Minister making it into No 10? Baroness Scotland: We are living in an age where anything is possible with hard work. So when people ask if we’ll see a black Prime Minister in our lifetime, I say: “why not?” BHM: What would be your key advice to minority graduates/young professionals who are pursuing a career in the legal profession? Baroness Scotland: Work hard. Nothing worth achieving is easy. Never let anybody else’s issues hold you back or become your burden and don’t be afraid to believe in yourself, your dreams and talents. I would also recommend every single law student to get involved with a law clinic at university. And if their university hasn’t got one, I recommended that they go and make one. Most universities that have done this have seen that those who participate in law clinics do about 25% better than anybody else.” BHM: What would you say were the four key qualities you had or still have which helped you to succeed in a career in Law? Baroness Scotland: Passion, courage, strength and resilience. n
DIANE ABBOTT GUEST EDITOR Gurinder Chadha interview
BHM: What first inspired you to get into filmmaking? Gurinder Chadha (GC): I first started to get into film in the early 80’s when I began to realise the power of the media in constructing images of people. I remember seeing Stuart Hall’s documentary “It Ain’t Half Racist Mum”. It opened my eyes to how powerful television was in telling mistruths. Then I did a dissertation of images of women in Indian media and it was later on that I thought I would like to get behind the camera and tell more stories about people like me.
"The industry thinks that people
like us are not going to make films
that appeal to the wider population, but it’s not true, Bend it like
Beckham appealed to everybody.”
BHM: What was your biggest film break? (GC): I used to work for BBC radio and bhangra music happened in big way and I loved everything – the fashion, the music and the whole sense of being British Asian and I wanted to make a pop promo for a bhangra band. The more I talked about it, the more it made sense to make a film about bhangra music. My friend Kate pushed me to apply for a new director scheme at the BFI and it was then I made my first film. Then I got the development through for Bhaji on the Beach. BHM: What are the key themes that run through your films? GC: Foremost it’s women on top, women achieving, women with a voice. Then there’s always a big wedding or a big party. Also lots of warm affectionate scenes with the community. BHM: Why so few women Asian film directors? GC: That’s part of the bigger question of why so few women directors generally. It’s hard balancing all the work, the long term focus and relentlessness you have to show to get a movie of the ground, whether you are a man, woman, black or white. I wish there were more women British filmmakers, like Amma Asante who has made some great films – I wish there were one or two coming through every year, that would make me very happy. The industry thinks that people like us are not going to make films that appeal to the wider population, but it’s not true, Bend it like Beckham appealed to everybody. BHM: Can you tell me about your current project. GC: The current film is called It’s a Wonderful Afterlife – an Ealing caper comedy with a spiritual element. The script was written with my husband – we always write together. What is your favourite motto? A Sikh blessing which means “keep on rising”. n
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Gurinder Chadha Film Maker
Keep on Rising Gurinder Chadha OBE is one of the UK’s best loved film makers. Gurinder began her career as a BBC news reporter and went on to direct a series of award-winning documentaries. Her first feature, Bhaji on the Beach, won numerous international awards including a BAFTA and in 2002 Bend it Like Beckham went on to break all UK records with its box office success. Gurinder is working on her next feature film – It’s a Wonderful Afterlife.