SUMMER IS HERE,

and what beautiful, balmy weather we’ve been having! It brings me great pleasure to present to you Issue Three of MBCC ASPIRE Magazine—a vibrant, powerful edition that continues our mission of celebrating achievement, amplifying diverse voices, and addressing the issues that matter most to our communities.

We are absolutely delighted to feature Levi Roots on our cover. Known not only for his entrepreneurial spirit but also for his commitment to mentoring and uplifting others, Levi shares with us his inspiring journey to success and why giving back is so important.

Also in this issue, I’m excited to share my exclusive interview with Fredi Nwaka, the director and producer of Jafaican— the powerful new film that premiered in May 2025 and stars Peter Andre. Fredi speaks candidly about his journey as a writer and social entrepreneur, and how his life experiences have shaped his creative vision and mission to inspire change throughstorytelling.

We are proud to celebrate our sponsors—Amazon’s Black Employee Network (BEN) and the That’s BENtastic! Awards, which honour the excellence and achievements of their employees. Their support continues to uplift and empower our shared communities.

This issue consciously explores important social topics, including FGM, domestic abuse, reparations, maternity engagement, and HIV awareness. These conversations matter deeply, and we remain committed to giving them the platform they deserve.

At the heart of MBCC ASPIRE is our commitment to recognising and celebrating unsung heroes and sheroes—authors, activists, speakers, and everyday changemakers who lead with heart, courage, and vision.

We’re also proud to announce that MBCC ASPIRE is now a member of The British Society of Magazine Editors (BSME) and we have secured our official press credentials. This exciting development allows us to bring you even more dynamic stories and coverage from events across the country.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and growing with us. Here’s to a season filled with warmth, purpose, and continued inspiration.

With gratitude,

Marcia M Spence

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MBCC ASPIRE MAGAZINE

DIRECTOR MARCIA M PUBLISHING HOUSE LTD.

Zoe Bennett, BEM – CEO, MBCC Awards

As we fast approach the announcement of the finalists for the MBCC Awards 2025, I am truly astounded, not only by the sheer number of nominations we’ve received, but by the incredible quality of the individuals and organisations being recognised.

Each nomination is a testament to the powerful, often unseen work being carried out in our communities every single day. From acts of quiet courage to transformative leadership, the spirit of the MBCC Awards remains firmly rooted in our belief in community, unity, and recognition.

Stay tuned for our upcoming finalist announcements. You will not want to miss the stories of the extraordinary people we’ll be celebrating this year.

Together, we remain a community in unity, shining a light on our unsung heroes.

With gratitude,

Zoe Bennett

BEM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

MBCC AWARDS