bHM Magazine - The Official Guide to Black History Month 2017 ® by Talent Media

2017

The African and Caribbean Memorial FOR THE CON TRIBUTION MADE BY AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN MEN AN D WOMEN DURING THE TWO WORLD WARS

ALSO INSIDE: THE PRIME MINISTER SICKLE CELL & THALASSEMIA SCREENING BUILDING A DIVERSE NHS WORKFORCE THE BLUE PLAQUE SCHEME CARING FOR SKIN OF COLOUR SIERRA LEONEAN VOICES ANTHONY NOLAN BARNARDO’S PLUS MUCH MUCH MORE …. SUPPORTED BY

BEPROUD WHATHISTORY. YOU WANT TO BE IN A DIVERSE GLOBAL TEAM BRIGHT FUTURE.

As we celebrate Black History Month, we’re also looking to the future here at Newham College and renewing our pledge to support and nurture the diverse community we serve. We aim to create an environment that’s welcoming to everyone who studies with us. And we’re also committed to supporting and developing our workforce. Nearly half our staff are from the BME community and we are proud of the way in which we reflect the wider society in East London. If you’re looking for an opportunity to start your career or take it further – particularly if you’re able to bring us strong interpersonal skills and contribute to our strategic vision – then we’d be delighted to talk to you. After all, the best way in which we can honour the achievements of the past is by looking to even greater success in the years ahead. Please visit www.newham.ac.uk where you can find out more about working for us and apply online.

SUPPORTING 2

2017 2016

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The Prime Minister’s Message

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Stonewall

100 years - Africans in WW1 & the Battle of the Somme

NHS Blood and Transplant Black donors needed

Goldman Sachs Celebrating Black History Month

The Anthony Nolan Trust

Business in the Community Race Equality Campaign

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Barnardo’s Celebrating 150 years

A Message from the Mayor Of London

Take care of your skin and body all year round

Get Priced in with L&Q Prostate Cancer Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia The more we know, Antenatal Screening the stronger we’ll be

10th anniversary of newborn baby screening Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme

But Now Im Found An interview with Natasha Cox

Terrence Higgins Trust It Starts With Me Campaign

CorumBAAF Supporting BME Children

The CPS bHM speaks to Stacey Stanhope MBE

Tollgate Teaching School

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Santander Diversity in Action

ASDA - bHM’s Employer of choice Be what you want to be in a diverse global team

Thomas Peters Funding Father of Freetown, Sierra Leone

Compassion Releasing Children from Poverty

International Tree Foundation Proud of our African roots

The Mary Seacole Trust

2017

Published by Talent Media, Reg: Charter Ave Ilford, Studio106 N,Container City 2 Essex Trinity IG2 Buoy7AD Wharf London E14 0FN

The African and Caribbean Memorial FOR THE CON TRIBUTION MADE BY AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN MEN AN D WOMEN DURING THE TWO WORLD WARS

T: 3697 9371 E: 020 info@talentmedia.org E: info@talentmedia.org T: 020 3697 9371 W: www.talentmedia.org

Publisher: DarrenWaite Waite -- Sub Sub Editor: Editor: Robert Robert Ingham Ingham Publisher: Darren Design: Powell –Darren SocialWaite Media:- Nate Parker Sales andChris Advertising: Design: Chris Powell We would likewould to thank Thomas, and TanyaKayani, - Narrative Matt Horwood,and Jak Buela, Joanne Talent Media likeIyamide to thank: IyamideOnyeka Thomas, Nagina VickyEye, Marsham.Onyeka Jarrett, Mike Clarke, Kayani,Theo Olu Clarke, Hyde, Imaad Bajwa, Jacqui Macdonald-Davis, Alice Slater, Tanya, the MST, MistyNagina Oosthuizen, Natasha Cox,Joanna RebeccaBrown, Gregory, Andie Dyer, Ivy Taylor, Tim Smith Cynthia your helpRouth and support putting year’s magazine. Matt Horwood, Nateand Parker, Nick Davis Wrightforand Jenny for yourinhelp and together support inthis putting Cover image: The AC Memorial - © Iyamide Thomas together this magazine. Cover image: Elizabeth Mouncey - supplied by Barnardos

to the African-Caribbean

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Black History Month is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the huge contribution black people have made to London and to our country. During October I look forward to joining Londoners from all backgrounds at a variety of events across the city to pay tribute to our African and African Caribbean communities and all they have done to add to the life of the capital, helping to make it one of the most vibrant places on the planet. At Africa On The Square, a highlight in the capital’s cultural calendar, Londoners from all backgrounds and visitors to the city will celebrate the best of African culture and creativity. I also want to use Black History Month to improve

the wellbeing of the capital’s black communities and to raise awareness of the challenges they still face in London today. This year marks the 69th anniversary of arrival of the SS Empire Windrush to the UK. Britain and the world owe a huge debt to the African and Caribbean service men and women who fought alongside British troops during the First and Second World Wars. Earlier this year, I was proud to be present during the unveiling of the UK’s first war memorial for African and Caribbean soldiers at Windrush Square in Brixton. These brave individuals, who came from what was formerly the British Empire, sacrificed an enormous amount to defend the freedoms that we enjoy today. This

is not simply a ‘black story’, it is a British story and a London story. I believe that it is important for us all to learn about this history and, with exhibitions, events and community celebrations across the capital, Black History Month is the perfect time to do so. I want to tell everyone around the world, loud and clear, that London is open to people of all backgrounds. Wishing everyone a very special Black History Month.

Sadiq Kahn Mayor of London

When the First World War broke out, countless men voluntarily left safe, secure jobs and answered the call to arms. Among them was Robbie Clarke who, after just four months training as a pilot, found himself flying missions over the Western Front. In July 1917 an attack by German fighters left him badly wounded, yet he still managed to land safely – saving not only his own life, but also that of his fellow crew member. It’s a remarkable story, made all the more so by the fact that Sergeant Clarke was black. Born and raised in Jamaica, he spent his life savings on a ticket to England so he could fight for a country where many thought the colour of skin marked him down as a subhuman. He

faced incredible levels of discrimination, but defied the odds to become this country’s first non-white pilot. Yet for all his pioneering heroism, his story is not one that is widely known – a situation familiar to anyone with an interest in the incredible contribution BAME men and women have made to this country throughout our history. Gradually, things are improving. The history books are being updated, the untold stories are finally being told. Earlier this year, with government funding, a long-overdue memorial to Britain’s African and Caribbean soldiers was unveiled in Brixton.

modern-day bigotry of all kinds, and highlighting the historic contribution of Britain’s ethnic minorities will help do that – much racism ultimately springs from ignorance, meaning education is a crucial step in tackling it. As long as that journey continues, Black History Month will have a vital role to play. By reflecting on the past it allows us to hold up a mirror to the present. And, by reminding us about the courage and patriotism of people like Sergeant Robbie Clarke, it shows us how far we’ve come – and how far we still have to go. The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

This government is determined to challenge 7

‘I’m a 24 year old two-time cancer survivor, and I had to have a transplant from an umbilical cord because my people don’t give stem cells.’ Kierran, who was diagnosed with leukaemia when he was 21

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81373CM 09/17

THIS BLACK HISTORY MONTH, LET’S CHANGE THE FUTURE. ‘A stem cell transplant was the only cure for my leukaemia, but my ethnicity meant an adult donor couldn’t be found. For black people, helping out in the community is so important,

but the truth is people aren’t signing up to be stem cell donors because there isn’t enough information - especially among young people. Black History Month is a great opportunity to spread the word.’

‘There’s a lack of knowledge in my community about stem cell donation. This is important, people are dying.’ Kierran, who was diagnosed with leukaemia when he was 21

African Caribbean blood cancer patients only have a 20% chance of getting the best possible stem cell donor match, compared to almost 70% of Northern European people. If you’re 16-30, sign up to be an Anthony Nolan stem cell donor for people with blood cancer, like Kierran. If you’re over 30, help us campaign for change and raise the vital funds needed to save more black lives.

anthonynolan.org/bhm 9

The leading UK’s children’s charity Barnardo’s puts equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does, from the way it supports people who work or volunteer for the organisation. It is building a more diverse and representative workforce and will be celebrating 30 years of Black History Month. For decades Barnardo’s has

been striving to make its workforce and volunteers more representative of the communities it supports. Back in 1987 when Black History Month began, Barnardo’s national directors selected staff to draw up and recommend equality practices and procedures for the charity. Fourteen steering group members representative of race, gender,

Diana visiting the St Johns Day Care Centre in Brixton

faith, age and disability met to implement equality policies. In the same year, 80 staff met in London to discuss how to boost the numbers of BAME employees and managers. Meanwhile, many of Barnardo’s projects focussed on BAME communities. A joint venture between the charity and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets was launched in 1987 aimed

at helping Bengali children and their families. The project offered respite care to children with special needs. Princess Diana, who was the charity’s President at the time, went to great lengths to promote its work with the UK’s ethnic minority communities. In 1987 she visited the St John’s Community and Day Care Centre in Brixton, spending time with parents and Barnardo’s staff who worked on a project that supported families under stress. Children attended a day nursery and others were looked after by child minders selected by Barnardo’s. Parents learnt cooking and craft as well as Open University courses on child development. Today, Barnardo’s continues to build a presence in all communities to meet their diverse needs in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way. It is developing managers who can lead and deliver services that meet those aims, working with commissioners, partners and funders. The charity has set itself ambitious targets to improve its diversity and inclusion

standing. By the end of the decade it aims to have increased the success rates for BAME recruitment by 50%. It also wants a 50% increase in uptake by BAME service users and to raise volunteer representation from 3% to 10%; men from 30% to 40%; young people from 31% to 40%; and over 65s from 5% to 25%. Javed Khan, Barnardo’s Chief Executive, said, “Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of our BAME staff, volunteers and

the communities where we work. They have helped us become the diverse organisation we are today. We have worked very hard over the last 30 years to become an organisation that reflects and supports the communities that have evolved in the UK during that time. We want to continue to adapt and grow in a way that fits with the growing diversity of the UK now and in the future so that, in 30 year’s time, we are still considered to be the best children’s charity in supporting the needs of children from all backgrounds.” 11

Barnardo’s has been improving the lives of vulnerable children and young people for more than 150 years. When Thomas Barnardo set up the charity in 1866 its doors were open to all children regardless of their race, gender or disability. It was the first children’s charity in England to take in vulnerable Black and mixed heritage children. Marie Roberts (pictured) was born after her mother fell for a lodger, a stableman of mixed heritage, who deserted her soon after Marie’s birth.

Marie Roberts

Augustus Williams

When Marie was 10, an application was made by a relative to Barnardo’s to take her in. At that time, her mother was a patient in Tottenham Hospital where doctor’s described her as suffering from ”sheer starvation”. When the Barnardo agreement was taken to the mother, she was too exhausted to sign it, and it had to be approved by her half-sister. Shortly after the mother died in the hospital. Marie went into domestic service in 1914. Some young Black children taken in by the charity came from the West Indies. One such case was Augustus Williams (pictured), who was born in Portland, Jamaica, in 1871. His

father had died in Kingston, the capital of the Caribbean island, and Augustus lived with his mother who worked as a dressmaker. In August 1889 she died of fever and Augustus made his way by sea from St Lucia to London, arriving in December that year. He became destitute and was admitted to Barnardo’s in January 1890. In a reply to a letter seeking information about Augustus from Barnardo’s, Horatio Vaz, Clerk to the Circuit Court in Kingston with whom the boy had lived for some time, wrote: “I am glad to say he is well known to me. I found him to be a good and honest boy. I suppose, wishing to see a little of the world, he left his home. “ Augustus returned to sea in October 1891, but neither his destination nor his eventual fate is known. Barnardo’s has an interactive online exhibition featuring photographs and accounts of some of the charity’s first Black and mixed heritage children. It can be viewed at: http://www.barnardos. org.uk/black-historymonth-2016.htm

The African and Caribbean Memorial By Joanne Jarrett

Nubian Jack Community Trust

“A design almost too stunning for its surroundings.” The African and Caribbean Memorial comprises of two beautifully arranged 6’ long obelisks of black Scottish Whinstone. Each end or top tapers into a pyramidion, and is set on and backed by the finest Ancaster stone. Weighing five

tonnes in total, they were chosen as a tribute to the ancient African Roman legion based in England during the 3rd century who were protecting Hadrian’s Wall from the Scottish Celts. This was then inscribed with the names of regiments, forces, contingents and troops from Africa and the Caribbean, as well as those currently serving in the forces today, and positioned

against the listed Bovril wall on Windrush Square in Brixton, South London. It is a tribute to the almost forgotten contribution made by tens of thousands of Caribbean and African men and women to the war efforts during the two World Wars. This is the only physical monument of its kind, dedicated to the contribution made by service men and women

from the Caribbean and Africa, not only in the United Kingdom, but also Europe. As I stood in the square beside it with Jak Beula – its initiator and designer – an elderly gentleman, when asked by Jak what he thought of it, came out with the declaration: “it’s bloody elegant!” and he’s right – but I’d go further to describe it as ‘Spiritually Elegant’.

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More than eight years in the making, from the initial concept as an addition to the 35 blue plaques which have been mounted onto various buildings and structures around the UK, it remembers important people throughout black history who have made an impact in the United Kingdom. The Memorial was unveiled on 22nd June 2017 – Windrush Day, so called because as a result of the plea

by Prime Minister Clement Attlee to help Britain recover from the devastations of World War Two, many answered the call and boarded the ship that arrived on that day in Tilbury Docks. The African and Caribbean Memorial (AC Memorial) is a memorial to those from Africa and the Caribbean who served alongside British and Commonwealth forces during the First and Second World Wars. So why here and why now? Well, this truly is a more suitable location than some may actually appreciate…

It remembers important people throughout In 1998, the now Windrush black history who have Square, then an area of public open space in front of The Tate made an impact in the Library Brixton, was renamed to celebrate and recognise the United Kingdom 14

Among the notable politicians and dignitaries in attendance on the day were:-

important contributions made by the African and Caribbean Community to the location since the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the ship the ‘MV Windrush’ in 1948, bringing the first large group of (post-war) West Indian (mainly Jamaican) migrants to the United Kingdom. On arrival, the almost 500 were mainly temporarily housed approximately two miles away in Clapham South.

Historically, the roles played by the Commonwealth populaces during the Great Wars have been sadly and shamefully absent. It was necessary to correct this wrong and create a lasting legacy that valued the support and sacrifice made by African and Caribbean Military Servicemen and women’s participation in the two World Wars.

‘REMEMBERED: In Memoriam’ is

the explosive new book highlighting the unheralded contributions by African and Caribbean servicemen and women to Britain and its allies’ victories during both world wars. The book, edited and collated by Jak Beula and Nairobi Thompson, includes a unique collection of essays, articles, and narratives by 30 contemporary authors and commentators including Professor David Killingray, Professor Gus John, Dr Margaret Busby, The Imperial War Museum, RAF Museum, S. I. Martin, Tony Warner, Arthur Torrington CBE, Patrick Vernon OBE, Peter Devitt, Marika Sherwood,

• The Defence Secretary Rt. Hon. Sir Michael Fallon MP • Chiefs of Defence Staff from African and Caribbean countries • High Commissions from Commonwealth Nations • The London Mayor Sadiq Khan • Members of the House of Lords • Members of Parliament • War Veterans • In-Service Men and Women • Other Dignitaries • The General Public Preserving the AC Memorial is an on-going labour of love and the Trust would gratefully welcome any donations to assist the charity with this maintenance and, likewise, any interest from sponsors to support us with its upkeep. Visit: www.acmemorial.com

Stephen Bourne, and many more. The book is the souvenir edition for the African and Caribbean War Memorial. It is the most comprehensive account to date of the contribution made by African and Caribbean military service personnel in both world wars. This unique edition also includes commemorative letters from senior political and military figures, including an introduction by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Purchase the Souvenir Edition of the book ‘REMEMBERED: In Memoriam’ online – http://acmemorial.com/support-this-work/

The Blue Plaque Scheme The Nubian Jak Blue Plaque Scheme honours distinguished people or groups of Caribbean and African descent who have pioneered, championed, or achieved outstanding feats in some shape or form. It connects an historic individual or event with a building/structure of the present day. The individual concerned sometimes inhabited or resided very close to unassuming buildings and some plaques are placed on very magnificent buildings indeed. The scheme had an illustrious beginning by honouring the late Jamaican reggae singer, lyricist and Rastafarian icon Robert Nesta Marley. On his way to becoming the world’s first reggae superstar, Ridgmount Gardens was Marley’s first residence in the UK and, thanks to the NJCT, this fact is now obvious to all who pass by the attractive mansion block in the north London borough of Camden. For the most part, the scheme is funded by public donations and sponsor contributions. Since 2004, the organisation has

erected a total of 35 plaques to outstanding individuals throughout the UK, including: Lord Learie Constantine 1901-1971. Cricketer, barrister, politician and statesman

Dennis Emmanuel Brown “The Crown Prince of Reggae” 1957-1999. Child prodigy, singer, lyricist and musician

Constance Winifred MacDonald aka ‘Connie Mark’ 1923–2007. Community activist, and founder of the Mary Seacole Memorial Association

Frederick Douglass 1818-1895. American Social Reformer Author, Orator and Statesman

Amy Ashwood Garvey 1897-1969. Feminist, human rights campaigner, PanAfricanist and first wife of Marcus Garvey , a plaque to honour the memory of the 14 young people who lost their lives in the New Cross Fire in 1981 Rudy Narayan 1938–1998. Barrister, civil rights activist, community champion and voice for the voiceless John Richard Archer 1863-1932. Mayor of Battersea 1913-1914 (The first black London mayor) Claudia Jones 1915-1964. Mother of Caribbean Carnival in Britain. Organised an annual carnival from January 1959 as a community response to the 1958 August Bank Holiday Notting Hill riots Mary Prince 1788-1833. Abolitionist and author Malcolm X 19251965. International civil rights campaigner

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor 1875-1912. Composer

Arthur Stanley Wint 1920-1992. RAF pilot, doctor & diplomat and Gold medal Olympian Walter Tull 1888-1918. Pioneering footballer for Tottenham Hotspur and pioneering British Army Officer Ignatius Sancho 1729-1780. Writer, symbol of humanity to Africans, previously lived and was the proprietor of a grocery shop near the prestigious site of the now Foreign & Commonwealth Office building in London. To find out more about the AC memorial and the Blue Plaque Scheme contact The Nubian Jak Community Trust, St. Matthews, Brixton Hill, London, SW2 1JF www.acmemorial.com, www.nubianjak.org/ category/plaques Email info@acmemorial.com Tel: 0203 697 1533/ 0207 692 4880

Jak Buela Founder of Nubian Jak`

Who Is Jak Beula? The origin of The Nubian Jak Community Trust is down to one man – Jak Beula. Well-known for his ‘blue plaque scheme’ which recognises those of Caribbean and African heritage by installing plaques to buildings and other structures where the subject resided, visited or spoke. Jak is an inspiring, contemporary, educational brand, an example of which being the multi-award winning edutainment – ‘The Nubian Jak Board Game’, designed by him. It highlights famous people of colour via trivia questions and historical facts. The game has been also turned into a ‘ground-breaking’ phone App – of which an exciting new, African-American version is due to be launched by the end of 2017, along with the playing cards. In June 2017, he attracted national and international

media coverage as the trailblazer responsible for leading a team who installed The African Caribbean War Memorial on Windrush Square in Brixton, South London – dedicated to the service men and women from the Caribbean and Africa and the contribution made by them during the two World Wars. It is the only physical monument of its kind not just in the United Kingdom, but also Europe. His aim? To swell the brand until it becomes a globally recognised organisation. A Remembrance Day Parade, currently being planned for the borough of Lambeth on 12th November, promises to be another first of its kind, following on from the memorial installation - Britain’s first dedicated monument to African and Caribbean military personnel who served in WWI and WWII, the Remembrance

Day Parade will principally honour their memory. But who is Nubian Jak? Mercurial, innovative, passionate, ambitious and funny. A former singer, model, artist, author, inventor and entrepreneur. He is the CEO of the charity Nubian Jak Community Trust and also the man who in 2004 initiated a scheme to commemorate and revitalise historic – often over-looked – black figures. In conversation with the man, you’re instantly aware of his intelligence, wide-ranging knowledge and sincerity and that he has no intention of hiding, or even disguising, his single-mindedness – this is a man on a mission, on his way to greatness even, who we’ll be talking about for many more years to come…

Pilot Officer Ade Hyde

War hero, distinguished civil servant and family man By Olu Hyde Adesanya Kwamina Hyde, my father, was born on the 4th September 1915 in Freetown, Sierra Leone and was one of five siblings. Although he was Krew, an ethnic group in West Africa who were traditionally fisherman, the family lived in a Krio wooden house, which are found in Freetown and its surrounding villages and are similar in style to houses built in the Caribbean. His father was a lawyer among the Krio community who were descendants of ex slaves and free people who the British resettled in the ‘Province of Freedom’ (later called Freetown). Sierra Leone was a British Colony with a British governor 18

until 1961. Most important positions in Government were held by white people. Ade Hyde, as he was commonly known, was educated in Freetown. In January 1937 he entered the Sierra Leone Colonial Government civil service as a 3rd grade clerk. This was the great depression (1929–1939) and there were few good job opportunities for people leaving school. He recalled drinking with a group of friends when one pointed out an advert in a newspaper asking for volunteers to join the Royal Air Force (RAF). True to his adventurous spirit, and desire to improve

himself, he travelled to the United Kingdom in 1941 and enlisted in the RAF. In those days this was an elitist corps which hardly opened itself to black men from Africa or the Caribbean. However, the British were advertising in the colonies because they knew that maths was taught better there than in England and they had a shortage of navigators. He paid his own way to England, which was risky because many did this but were not accepted into the RAF. Although he spoke very little about his years in the RAF, he did mention his experience of a bitter winter

Ade Hyde (standing 4th left) with fellow air crew

at his first training base, RAF Lossiemouth in the north of Scotland, with particular reference to the toilets being in outbuildings and freezing. How he must have longed for the West African sunshine! He graduated from training as a navigator and took part in 31 operations in Bomber

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Command including D-Day operations in 1944. In August 1944 he was wounded when a German antiaircraft shell exploded close to his Lincoln Handley Page bomber and sent shrapnel through the fuselage. A piece of shrapnel lodged itself in his right shoulder.

In those days this was an elitist corps which hardly opened itself to black men from Africa or the Caribbean

The routine procedure following such a serious and painful injury during an operation was to administer a morphine injection. He knew that this would render him incapable of navigating back and therefore put the lives of the whole crew at risk. He refused the injection and navigated back to the United Kingdom in extreme pain. He only accepted the morphine when the pilot spotted the white cliffs of Dover and was sure he could find his way back to base unaided. In November 1944 my father was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (D.F.C) for this act of valour, courage and devotion 19

to duty. He was also promoted to Pilot Officer.

medal for his services to the Government of Sierra Leone.

At the end of the hostilities in Europe, he flew with Transport Command before taking Administrative duties as Adjutant until demobilisation.

Family life with ‘Papa’ was good. He loved the sea and would take his four children swimming every Sunday. He also took up golf. He enjoyed etiquette and good manners, which he had learnt at home but honed when he became an officer in the RAF. He loved English things, like fried breakfast and Shepherd’s Pie, and would often call people ‘Old Boy’ and use the RAF phrase ‘That’s a piece of cake’. He loved fishing, hunting guinea fowls and wild birds and much later, whilst staying with me in rural Shropshire, from the passenger seat in our car would encourage me to hit wild pheasants and would be very happy to collect the spoils!

In 1946 he was appointed Cadet in the colonial administrative service and successfully completed the Colonial Administrative Course at the University of Cambridge. He returned to Sierra Leone in 1948 and was appointed Acting Assistant District Commissioner (normally a preserve for white colonial officers only). He rose up in the government through various positions and then became the Ambassador to the United States of America in 1968. At this time, the Queen awarded him a CBE

“

He returned to Sierra Leone in 1948 and was appointed Acting Assistant District Commissioner

My father was quiet with great humility and charm. He did not like violence. He never liked war. At Christmas, while bangers and fireworks were going off, he would stay inside with the dogs. He spoke very little about his experiences until he was much older. The most obvious reminder that he had been to war was the scar from the shrapnel on his shoulder which was in the shape of an oak leaf. This would hurt now and again and he always said he could predict the weather by how his shoulder felt. Ade Hyde enjoyed love and respect, not only from his family, but from the wider community in Sierra Leone, who admired him as a war hero and a distinguished civil servant.

The National Grid culture reflects a commitment to inclusion and diversity. Our people are actively encouraged to treat everyone with respect and value every contribution.

support our people at work and champion an improved understanding. Our ONE multicultural network is a great example.

To ensure our whole community feels welcome and valued we have Employee Resource Groups, after-work clubs and social events set up to

If you would like to join us to be the heart of energy, check out our careers website: careers.nationalgrid.com

ONE Diverse Community - A National Grid e

ONE Employee Resource Group – Festival of Food Event, Warwick, August 2017

National Grid is an international electricity and gas company based in the UK and north eastern US. The company plays a vital role in connecting millions of people safely, reliably and efficiently to the energy they use. ‘ONE’ is an employee resource group (ERG) and a network of National Grid employees who support BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) employees.

ONE’s ambition is to support National Grid to be a choice employer for people from ethnic minority backgrounds, so that all levels of the business reflect the communities that it serves. We caught up with a few members of ONE ERG to hear about their involvement with ONE and future plans for the group.

employee resource group ONE’s Co-Lead: Rodney Williams (Project Engineer)

How long has ONE ERG been running? ONE ERG was founded in November 2007. It was set up to recognise, value and celebrate ethnic diversity and make National Grid a great place to work and employer of choice for ethnic minorities. ONE has always focused on creating an environment where everyone can feel confident in sharing their experiences and exploring issues affecting ethnic minorities. Why is it important for National Grid to have a multicultural network? The make-up of the British population is changing substantially — it’s estimated that one in five Britons will be from an ethnic minority by 2051. We want to improve inclusion of BAME people within the workplace and

make sure their aspirations for progression and promotion are met. We want to support National Grid to adapt to this change by developing initiatives focused on supporting BAME employees in the workplace. *Study by the University of Leeds: UK in 2051 to be ‘significantly more diverse’

ONE’s Events Coordinator: Miriam Latona (Access Planning Support)

Why did you get involved in ONE ERG? I got involved in ONE because when I was new to the business I was seeking a mentor. I found ONE and then decided to be an active member of the group because of my passion for inclusion and diversity. What activities and events does ONE organise? ONE provides activities to support individuals and help them pursue their personal and professional development. Cont...

This year alone we will deliver the ONE annual conference, Diwali,the Festival of Food, CV writing workshops and Black History Month celebrations. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also looking to run events to engage the local community and inspire the next generation of future engineers. ONE Steering Group Member: Peter Botsoe (Programme Lead)

What are the benefits of being ONE Steering Group Member: One of the benefits of being a ONE member is being part of a group of energetic and enthusiastic volunteers working together to raise the profile of inclusion and diversity within National Grid. In the three months of being a member I have supported a range of events and initiatives. We will continue to drive forward the principles of inclusion and diversity and I am expecting greater community engagement externally by highlighting opportunities such as apprenticeships and

graduate roles, and internally by raising awareness of the value of diversity within the workforce. ONE reverse mentor: Senamiso Mathobela

(Control Engineer)

What is the reverse mentoring initiative and why did you take part? Reverse Mentoring is an initiative where senior managers take part in a one-to-one mentoring programme with employees from different levels in the organisation to get a good understanding of issues affecting our employees and together find solutions to these issues. What did you learn from taking part? Taking part was great for my personal development and helped me look at the bigger picture and understand change from a company-wide perspective.

Senior Champion for ONE: Ryan Ramsey

(Head of Electricity Construction UK)

Tell us about yourself I joined National Grid in March 2016 after serving 25 years in the Royal Navy as a Submarine Warfare Officer. I was privileged to have served as Captain of the nuclear powered attack submarine HMS Turbulent. I led at Shell UK, offshore as an Offshore Installation Manager on Shearwater in the North Sea. I’m also Alumni of the Windsor Leadership Programme, where my personal commitment has been to do more for society using Leadership; I’ve been lucky enough to have some real success there. I really like working for a purposed based organisation, and I’m glad to say National Grid is exactly that. What does your role entail in National Grid? My role in National Grid is to lead a team of 250 National Grid employees, managing over 4000 contractors to deliver construction projects around the UK. These are as

wide ranging as the London Power Tunnels (30Km of tunnel, 30 metres under London, ensuring security of supply for the 21st Century), to overhead line replacements in the North of England. It is a huge responsibility and I am privileged to help achieve this success. My focus is on my team’s safety, morale and success — always finding a better way for them to bring energy to life. Why are you passionate about inclusion & diversity? I’m passionate about inclusion and diversity because individuals from different cultures bring with them a range of strengths to an organisation. On joining National Grid, it was good to see such great focus on this area, with so many taking the lead. I’m proud to be part of ONE. It is making a real difference for the business, but mostly for our people. For more information on how to join National Grid please visit our careers website: careers.nationalgrid.com *https://www.leeds.ac.uk/news/ article/853/uk_in_2051_to_be_ significantly_more_diverse

Building a diverse NHS workforce By Health Education England â&#x20AC;&#x153;At Health Education England (HEE) we recognise the influence we can have in advancing equality, diversity and inclusion within the NHS. Whilst mindful of the challenges that still exists, we are committed to playing our role as a system leader in furthering the ethnic diversity of the NHS workforce, particularly

in leadership roles and through widening access to medical specialties. As an employer, HEE is committed to fostering a working environment that values people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and building an inclusive culture that truly recognises and values the potential of all our people.â&#x20AC;? Jacynth Ivey, HEE Non-Executive Director.

An example of the innovative work that HEE has delivered is the Paramedic Diversity Programme, initiated in response to evidence which highlighted the need to increase participation rates of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities in paramedic careers. HEE has undertaken work, particularly within the Midlands and East of

“

We are delighted that we have seen an increase of BAME trainees on paramedic training programmes

England, in partnership with higher education institutions and ambulance trusts to promote the important role that paramedics play in responding to calls for urgent and emergency care. Paramedics are trained to provide a comprehensive mobile healthcare service, assessing patients, diagnosing problems and providing treatment, often in the patient’s own home. A group of existing BAME paramedics also came forward to act as ambassadors and, through active engagement, over 4,000 members of the community in Midlands and the East of England

were reached. We are delighted that we have seen an increase of BAME trainees on paramedic training programmes. But we know we need to do more to build a truly reflective workforce in all aspects of healthcare. Supporting the development of inclusive leadership is a key priority for the NHS Leadership Academy, part of the HEE structure. The Academy seeks to create a progressive future through various interventions and programmes, such as ‘Ready Now’ and ‘Stepping Up’, which support BAME leaders to grow the capabilities of effective leadership within systems that often deny their talents, legitimacy and presence. The programmes are key to our offer and are accompanied by a larger programme of work, Building Leadership for Inclusion (BLFI).

BLFI aims to build upon the work of the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard and will focus on unlocking leadership potential for creating equality across the wider system. We aim to create knowledge, tools and interventions which will transform leadership development so that the NHS’ ambitions for inclusion and a more diverse leadership community can be realised. More information about the inclusion work of the NHS Leadership Academy is at https://www.leadershipacademy. nhs.uk/resources/inclusionequality-and-diversity/ Another demonstration of HEE’s commitment is through its sponsorship of the Mary Seacole Leadership and Development Awards. The awards provide opportunities for nurses, midwives and health 27

visitors to work on a specific project or activity, which must evidence the benefit to the health outcomes of people from BAME communities and reduce health inequalities. Further information about the awards can be read at http://www. nhsemployers.org/maryseacole Health Education England remains committed to supporting an NHS with inclusive leaders and a workforce that is sensitive to the diversity of the communities that it serves, providing a high quality and compassionate healthcare service to all.

Health Education England exists to support the delivery of excellent healthcare and health improvement to the patients and public of England by supporting the NHS to build a workforce of today and tomorrow with the right numbers, skills, values and behaviours, at the right time and in the right place. We operate recruitment and employment policies that are fair, open, consistent and free from discrimination.

We employ multi-skilled staff with a variety of personal and professional backgrounds and perspectives, who are supported to demonstrate the right values and behaviours for an inclusive and forwardlooking organisation. For the latest opportunities to work with us please visit http://jobs.hee.nhs.uk or https://www.jobs.nhs.uk (search for Health Education England).

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Black History Month, and the Lammy report By Richard Heaton, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence I thought about Black History Month as I visited Tate Modern’s current exhibition, “Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power”, covering the 60s to 80s. I wondered why so much of the work is missing from the standard story of American art from that period. Art history turns out, in the default, to be white art history. If nothing else, Black History month is a reminder that race (and race inequality) is more present, in more situations, than we might think or might like to admit. We had a stark reminder of the same point when David Lammy MP published his powerful report into the treatment of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals in

Richard Heaton

the criminal justice system. There will be a government response to the report and I won’t pre-empt that. Instead I want to make links to the work we are doing to improve representation and race equality in the civil service.

Civil Service diversity and inclusion For example, Lammy points out the connection between the diversity of those of us who work in public service and both the quality and equality of the outcomes we deliver. In my mind, each department should articulate a business case for diversity that makes sense in its particular context. The business cases for a diverse workforce in prisons and in DEFRA (to take two random examples) will look distinct, as well as sharing common features. BAME representation in the service overall now nearly matches the UK’s economically active population. There have been increases at every grade, with 18% of new civil servants in 2016-17 being BAME. However in the Senior Civil Service, the number has only edged forward, now standing at 4.6%. That’s the highest ever! But it’s still low.

The Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy recognises that we need to accelerate and intensify our efforts. So a new BAME programme will have an explicit focus on dealing with the persistent under-representation of senior BAME staff in the SCS. We will adopt targets (for the first time) for the flow of BAME colleagues into our most senior grades. But key to any improvement is for everyone to understand that they have a role in promoting and embedding race equality in the organisation they work for. Show leadership, at whatever level. Listen to your BAME colleagues. What’s the culture like in your department or agency? Know and nurture all your talent.

BAME talent in the Civil Service Black History Month is also about celebrating the extremely talented BAME staff we already have. One of them is Selvin Brown, MBE, Director of Engagement and Policy at the Health and Safety Executive. You can read his story below. I joined the civil service in January 1991. My first role at the Cabinet Office

was filing. It felt like I had joined a family. I was taken under the wing of colleagues who helped me to see the opportunities. People ask how I went from office junior, who didn’t go to university, to sitting on Health and Safety Executive’s Board? I didn’t set out to be a BAME public sector leader. This year I was named as one of top 50 BAME public sector leaders in the New View 50, a list compiled by Elevations Network. In 2009 I was named civil servant of the year, my proudest achievement, along with being a trustee at the Stephen Lawrence Centre (where I helped Doreen and Stuart Lawrence raise the funding to build the Centre). The discrimination and challenges people from BAME backgrounds face has been widely covered. For example, the Sir William Macpherson Inquiry in 1999, into the failings on the tragic murder of Stephen Lawrence, painted a similar picture to the Lammy report. I’m often asked how I have progressed so far in my career, considering the challenges people from my background encounter. For me - I’ve been

privileged to work with, learn from and be mentored by some of the best minds within the civil service. I love the civil service and our people. Nonetheless, I’ve had to learn how to navigate Whitehall, and our stakeholders, as well as develop skills in different functions. Some will say my progress has either been luck or tokenism. I disagree. I’ve had knocks like most, but I’ve used adversity to build resilience, and three approaches to help bring out my talents. Firstly, I ensure I know my subject matter. Not easy when one moves from pensions to health and safety. I have a methodology which helps me get up to speed on policies. Secondly, I’ve kept my options open. I led the Government’s national tackling of race

inequalities in 2008, later I took on a communications role at Department of Work and Pensions. Finally, I try to be myself irrespective of whomever I am dealing with. I believe I am effective because of my background, described as dual heritage, of which I am proud. I’ve been raised in two villages – Wimbledon village (where I grew up) and the Westminster village where I became the reluctant but trailblazing BAME public sector leader. Selvin Brown MBE is Director of Engagement and Policy, HSE, GCS Diversity and Inclusion Champion and Non-Executive Director of the Civil Service Charity To find out more about the latest opportunities within the Civil Service visit: https:// www.civilservicejobs.service. gov.uk/csr/index.cgi

BHM LGBT section in association with

STONEWALL BAME ENGAGEMENT

BY QAISAR SIDDIQUI

STONEWALL EMPOWERMENT TEAM Anyone who’s ever faced off against the pushy doormen outside chic gay bars or the “no fats, femmes, or Asians” facade on Grindr knows that racism in the LGBT community remains stubbornly pervasive. Part of our collective reluctance to face up to the issue largely stems from the assumption that, as a minority group faced with its own set of social and political barriers, racism simply cannot exist within gay, bi, and trans communities. However the experience of BAME LGBT people testifies to the role race continues to play in day to day life. Queer people of colour balance the challenge of homophobia with Eurocentric beauty standards, marginalised and appropriated cultures, and the myriad of social structures that systemically hamper the economic and political progress of BAME people.

“

With its ethos of "Acceptance Without Exception”, Stonewall has taken it upon itself to work with its own BAME staff to confront the issue head on and, alongside the launching of its new BAME LGBT Role Models programme, the organisation's new BAME strategy group has already begun to make its mark on Stonewall's wider work. Encompassing a range of Stonewall staff - including both those who identify as BAME, and those who identify as allies - the strategy group not only considers the wellbeing, development, and influence of the BAME members of staff in the organisation, but also works to make Stonewall's existing programmes more inclusive, as well as organising BAME-led and BAME specific projects. Problematic issues that arise within LGBT culture, whether within or without

Stonewall, can be succinctly addressed and discussed openly in a safe space. The strategy group, if anything, is a microcosm of how conversations on race and racism can happen in the wider LGBT community - it is open to all, regardless of self-identifying race, but its primary aim is to allow BAME LGBT people to take the lead in conversations and actions, rather than tokenly participate in unrepresentative "panel discussions". To put it in other words, it is the difference between being invited to the party, and actually being able to hold our own one.

The organisation’s new BAME strategy group has already begun to make its mark on Stonewall’s wider work 34

Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin

OUR REEL HISTORIES

WRITTEN BY HAKEEM KAZEEM FROM THE BERNIE GRANT ARTS CENTRE Our Reel Histories is a programme of films which showcase stories, throughout history, about Black Queer people & LGBT people from the African Diaspora. The programme is made up of films that show the wide range of achievements, talents, stories and intersectional experiences of people who have been forgotten and ignored in mainstream, Black media and historical, cultural conversations. It also includes little seen films, centring on Black Queer people, and celebrates the work of independent filmmakers to highlight Black LGBT stories from around the world. The programme also includes seasons of films where the Bernie Grant Arts Centre will focus on a person, or body of work. December will focus on the work of Cheryl Dunye – Dunye emerged as part of the

1990s “queer new wave” of young film and video makers. Dunye’s work is defined by her distinctive narrative voice.

Documentary on Bayard Rustin, best-remembered as the organiser of the 1963 March on Washington.

Often set within a personal or domestic context, her stories foreground issues of race, sexuality and identity. The films being screened are the acclaimed ‘The Watermelon Woman’, ‘The Owls’ and ‘Mommy Is Coming’.

11 November 2017 – DAKAN

April 2018 will be a month of films about artist, poet and activist Audre Lorde. A self-described “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” Audre Lorde dedicated both her life and her creative talent to confronting and addressing the injustices of racism, sexism, and homophobia. The season will start with the renowned ‘Audre Lorde: The Berlin Years 1984-1992’ by Dagmar Schultz. Upcoming screenings include:

14 October 2017 - BROTHER OUTSIDER: THE LIFE OF BAYARD RUSTIN

Two young high school boys, Manga and Sory, are gay and in love in Guinea. This is their story. 2 December 2017 JAMES BALDWIN: THE PRICE OF THE TICKET Profiles the life and work of civil rights activist James Baldwin For more information and information on upcoming film events see: http://www.berniegrantcentre. co.uk/what-s-on/cinema-film Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Town Hall Approach Road, Tottenham Green, London, N15 4RX Telephone: +44 (0)208 365 5450 35

BHM LGBT section in association with

ARE THERE ENOUGH SAFE SPACES FOR GAY MUSLIMS?

BY YUSUF TAMANNA - WRITER A few months ago during the month of Ramadan, the holy month when Muslims refrain from eating and drink during daylight hours, I was invited to a queer Iftari (opening of the fast) party in East London. As always with LGBTPOC events, the entire thing was funded by donations and, with everyone volunteering their time, there was a real sense of community. But what struck me the most when I was at the gathering was at how many gay Muslim men and women, of all ages, were so grateful a space like this even existed. It’s as if they’d been looking for somewhere like this for so long and now that they found it, they didn’t want to leave. One man told me how he has struggled to find other gay Muslims in London to make friends with, which is 36

understandable as many gay Muslims refrain from visible queer spaces incase they’re not out. Another woman said she felt more at home among her fellow Muslim LGBT friends than she did with her parents and siblings. You may not agree but, for better or worse, religion continues to form a big part of LGBTPOC’s identify in the UK. A lot of gay Muslims deserve both a place where they can be their true authentic selves, while also free to practice their religion without judgment from other people. It also doesn’t help matters when casual Islamophobia is rife within the LGBT community. On dating apps when I’ve turned down a person’s advances, I’m met with responses such as ‘terrorist!’ or ‘you look like an ISIS member anyway!’

What would be great is to see more time and effort invested in creating safe spaces for gay Muslims who do exist and deserve to feel they belong, even if other communities may reject them. Events like Black Pride are great, but we need something that is accessible all year round. With our lovely Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, constantly campaigning for more tolerance and equality, I can’t think of a better time to start than right now.

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You may not agree but, for better or worse, religion continues to form a big part of LGBTPOC’s identify in the UK

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To help with running events for Black History month and BAME events there is a need for allies BEING AN ALLY DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BY ZEID TRUSCOTT NUS BLACK STUDENTS’ COMMITTEE – LGBT+ OPEN PLACE

Black History Month is an exciting time at universities and colleges. As it falls so early on in the academic year, it is often the first experience students have with the liberation work at their unions. NUS and many students’ unions see the month as a celebration of African and Caribbean culture and history that should be led by those of African and Caribbean heritage. As a result, the rest of the BAME community should try and take on an ally role when organising events. Often those who fall on the intersection between LGBT+ identities and BAME identities are neglected. The NUS LGBT+ campaign found that 29.6% of LGBT+ BAME students didn’t engage with their union’s LGBT+ group, with 51.9%

feeling under-represented by the group. The lack of representation is highlighted every year through limited LGBT+ Black History Month events at unions. This is further perpetuated by limited BAME representation on committees and in union officer positions. NUS LGBT+ is working to fix that by providing guidance for LGBT+ groups in Students’ Unions. To help with running events for Black History month and BAME events there is a need for allies. However, allies need to make sure that the direction events take are not of their own choice but that of the community they are organising for.

us are of African or Caribbean heritage. When organising our Black History Month events, we are making sure that all events consist of speakers, films or panels that are of African or Caribbean background. Although we have BAME representation on the committee, it is not our voices that should be heard but the voice of the community that Black History Month represents. Representation is important, but one BAME person cannot speak for the whole community. The sign of a good ally is one that does not try to speak on behalf of a community, but uses their position to amplify the voices in that community.

For example, I am the Co-Chair of the University of Bath LGBT+ group. We have two BAME committee members this year, neither of 37

BHM LGBT section in association with

THE COCOA BUTTER CLUB BY SADIE SINNER

The Cocoa Butter Club’s roster of queer performers of colour is one of the most sought after black books around.

the “creative clap-back” is an activist response to under-representation of bodies of colour in cabaret.

Our mission? To moisturise a thirsty club scene with representations of the other in everything from neo-burlesque to poetry, live music and voguing.

Having just celebrated their first year anniversary on September 28th 2017, The Cocoa Butter Club has appeared on the mainstage of UK Black Pride, Yo! Sissy Music Festival Berlin, and has featured in BBC Three’s queer Britain: Preference or Prejudice.

Based in London, at queer venue Her Upstairs, The Cocoa Butter Club is a spirited monthly gathering to showcase and celebrate performers of colour. Founded and curated by Sadie Sinner The Songbird,

In addition to the London chapter, which stages monthly “pay what you can” showcases and bigger events like a one day Black History Month Festival (Oct 14th), The Cocoa Butter Club boasts an Australian chapter, co-ordinated by Krishna Istha and Dani Boi!

Monthly showcases are on the last Thursday of each month at Her Upstairs, 18 Kentish Town Road, NW1 9NX. www. TheCocoaButterClub.com Images by Roxene Anderson Photography (The Cocoa Butter Club Summer Party)

BAME / POC LGBTQ Role Models Programmes Our mission is to ensure that lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people of colour have visible role models in their communities and see celebrations of difference and intersectionality wherever they live, work, shop, socialise and pray. Therefore, we are running three Role Models programmes for people of colour who identify as LGBTQ to explore how they can step up as a role model. The programmes will create a space for participants to: • Celebrate BAME and/or PoC LGBTQ identities • Explore the challenges BAME and/or PoC LGBTQ people face in society • Establish practical ways of stepping up as a BAME and/or PoC LGBTQ role model • Create a network of people with shared or similar experiences • Understand how to be more resilient and practice positive self-care

For more information and to apply: www.stonewall.org.uk/bame-poc-role-models

www.stonewall.org.uk/bame-poc-role-models

Programme 1: London - Saturday 14 October 2017 Deadline for application submission: 22 September 2017 Programme 2: Leeds - Saturday 9 December 2017 Deadline for application submission: 17 November 2017 Programme 3: London - Saturday 3 February 2018 Deadline for application submission: 12 January 2018 These programmes are free to attend and are supported by the City Bridge Trust.

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on the programme. For September 2014 we are looking to recruit 40 more trainees for the primary phase and 5 secondary specialist trainees.

secondary placements. You will be trained, mentored and coached by highly experienced classroom practitioners and the course will have a strong focus on pedagogical School Direct Salaried: understanding. This is a This route will be a school postgraduate programme based training model and and a Professional Graduate there will be cross phase Certificate in Education Primary placements across (PGCE) will be awarded by our network of schools and either Roehampton University secondary placements. You or the University of East will be trained, mentored London. SCITTELS and the and coached by highly University of East London TRAIN WITH US? • School-to-school support experienced WHY We are an alliance of over classroom are the accredited providers practitioners and the course for trained this programme who We have successfully • Leadership and management 30 schools that span the age and six Local Leaders of range of Early Years Settings, will have a strong focus on will recommend the trainee Education. The Tollgate Children’s Centres, Primary of trainees teacher to become training range of Early Years Settings, pedagogical cohorts understanding. for Qualified Teacher Schools and KS3. We are Teaching Alliance has also trainee teacher would teachers and all theStatus. trainees have • Research and development The Children’s Centres, Primary also an inclusive alliance 23 Specialist Leaders of be employed by one of the with specialist who deliver on schools within the alliance securedFurther information about the successfully employment. opportunities Schoolsprovision and KS3. We are Education also for children with autism, the School Direct training throughout the training. programmes can be found on an inclusive alliance with behaviour support and the programme and are trained SCITTELS and the University the following websites: Professional Tutors. In LONDON ALLIANCE of East London teaching of the deaf. We have are the Direct trainee from last specialist provision for children A School EAST http://tollgateteachingalliance. 2012/13 we successfully a further 5 associate schools accredited providers for com/schools-direct/ with we autism, behaviour yearwho stated: SCHOOL CENTRED INITIALthis programme a tough trained 5 School Direct with whom work to deliver support will ’This was trainees and they have all the School Direct programme. recommend the trainee and the teaching of the deaf. www.education.gov.uk/ TEACHER TRAINING but rewarding course. When I been appointed as NQTs teacher for Qualified Teacher teachschooldirect Tollgate Teaching Alliance within local schools. The ELA SCITT is calling for Status. was struggling to keep up the has the capacity to offer from the most able The Alliance, through the Tollgate East Teachingapplications programme, course leaders School is high quality support for School Direct Non Salaried: teachers and leaders at SCITT, is the a route to train to be teachers. This route is supported a school me to identify my next London Alliance at lead school forgraduates into teaching through the all stages in their career. based training model and The School Direct programmethere will be learning thethree vanguard of Initial Teacher steps. Since then I have We have National School Direct Salaried and cross phase Non Salaried Programmes. Leaders of Education leading across allows top graduates, or thosePrimary placements Training and we offer 45 We plushave 40 trainees been able to improve my practice in currently schools within our Alliance our network of schools and

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Our vision is to ensure improved outcomes for children and young people by collaborating with other institutions and local authorities pan London to deliver outstanding:

It offers a route into teaching through the School Direct Salaried Programme and the School Direct PGCE programme. The programmes lead to the award of Qualified Teacher status with the opportunity to study for a PGCE.

• Initial teacher training (ITT) • Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

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the clavss room and demonstrate that I am an outstanding practitioner. I am grateful to the East London Alliance SCITT and the alliance of schools for their support and challenge and helping me secure my first teaching post.’ WHAT IS THE TRAINING? School Direct PGCE: This route is a school-based training model and there will be cross-phase Primary placements across our

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TO APPLY FOLLOW THESE network of schools . You will be STEPS

mentored and coached Apply for a place ontrained, the School Direct Salaried by highly experienced classroom Tuition Fee Funded practitioners and the course programme rogramme by visiting https://dataprovision. ttps://dataprovision. will have a strong focus on education.gov.uk/ ducation.gov.uk/ pedagogical understanding. This chooldirect/ui/landing. (will need eed to check this for future a postgraduate programme, and applications) pplications)

is a Professional Graduate Certificate in Select Tollgate Primary Education (PGCE) will be awarded School and follow the nstructions in orderby to the University of East London. egister and apply to the You will be trained to teach programme. rogramme. from You will be issued with a ages 5-11 with enhanced eference number which will experienced opportunities in enable nable you to book your skills Early Years and Key Stage 3. ests.

School Direct Salaried: This route will be a school-based training model and there will be cross-phase Primary placements across our network of schools. You will be trained, mentored and coached by highly experienced classroom practitioners and the course will have a strong focus on pedagogical understanding. As the trainee teacher, you will be employed by a school throughout your training. As a SCITT we will accredit you with your QTS. It is

highly recommended that you have a sponsor school before you apply and ensure this is clearly stated on your application form. You will be trained to teach from ages 5-11 with enhanced experienced opportunities in Early Years and Key Stage 3.

Book your skills and sit them within 2 working weeks of applying pplying for the programme.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Ensure that you inform the ead school when you have uccessfully passed the kills tests in order for your Apply for a place on the application pplication to be processed. School Direct Salaried / Tuition

Fee Funded programme by visiting www.ucas.com/ apply/teacher-training

Select East London Alliance SCITT and follow the instructions in order to register and apply

08/07/2013 19:16 21:10 01/10/2013

You will be issued with a reference number which will enable you to book your skills tests. We urge you to book your skills tests and sit them within two working weeks of applying for the programme.

Interviews will take place following applications via UCAS. These will take place at Tollgate Primary School, Barclay Road, London E13 8SA. There is no closing date for applications. WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED? You will need a GCSE C or above (or an equivalence exam) in English Language, mathematics and science. You will need a degree at least at a 2.2 or above. Graduates can apply for one of two options: a fee-based

programme, paid for by the trainee through the Student Loans Scheme, which offers well-qualified graduates the opportunity to train in a school and receive a bursary (if eligible); or the salaried programme, which is an employment-based route available to graduates with three yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; work experience, and ensures trainees are paid a salary while they train.

For further information Visit the website : www. tollgateteachingalliance. com or contact: Caroline Claire James at Stone at Teachingschool@ Teachingschool@ tollgate.newham.sch.uk tollgate.newham.sch.uk

71 43

Play Fair

quity is the UK trade union for professional performers and creative practitioners. As a leading industry organisation, Equity is known and respected nationally and internationally for the work it does with, and on behalf of, its members working across all areas of the entertainment industry. Equityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 40,000+ members form a cultural community that is of major importance to the UK

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by Equity

in artistic, social and economic terms, and Equity works to support them by negotiating their terms and conditions including fee structures with all kinds of employers and employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s groups. In

addition, the unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5,000 Student Members are also able to access information and advice to help prepare them for work in the industry. A campaigning and organising union

This challenges the entertainment industry on the persistent under-representation of diversity

with a long record of taking arts issues to parliament and other centres of influence, one of Equityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current campaigns is Play Fair. This challenges the entertainment industry on the persistent under-representation of diversity and discriminatory practice in casting. Equity is calling on employers to Play Fair on inclusive casting and deliver more diversity on stage, screen, online and on-air; Play Fair with the law and improve their knowledge of their legal duties and deliver good practice; Play Fair

on accessibility and give proper thought to ensuring disabled performers have equality of opportunity in the casting process; and Play Fair and monitor the diversity of their casts and performers so progress can be measured. If you want to find out more about the Play Fair campaign then have a look at www. equity.org.uk/playfair. The best way to get involved in this initiative or anything else Equity does is by becoming a member. In order to join the union you need

to be able to show that you have been paid as a performer, director, designer, choreographer etc. There is also student membership if you are studying performing arts full-time at level 3 or above. As well as giving you a voice in the industry, membership brings with it a range of personal benefits such as free insurance, legal advice, job information and career development. More information about all of this is on www.equity.org.uk

Supporting performers for 80 years. Together we make things better. Join in: www.equity.org.uk/join

@EquityUK EquityUK equalities@equity.org.uk 020 7670 0273

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Significant journeys, Sierra Leonean voices

BY JOANNA BROWN, EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAMME MANAGER, ROYAL AFRICAN SOCIETY.

2016 saw the inauguration of the Royal African Society’s Education and Outreach programme. Through our annual cultural festivals, Africa Writes and Film Africa, we showcase African art collections, music, literature, photography and archive material, using culture as a springboard for self-expression and creative writing. How can archive material and heritage collections inspire creative writing?

Krio doll - showcased by a participant

This year we initiated a new strand of the programme drawing on Sierra Leonean Krio heritage material to inspire poetry, narrative fiction and life writing for adults. The Krio history is fascinating, telling a story dating back hundreds of years, of journeys from the western coast of Africa to the islands of the Caribbean, Nova Scotia, London, through to the 1787 settlement of Sierra Leone, Britain’s first colony in Africa: journeys overshadowed by the horrors of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, but which give rise to an indomitable spirit of resistance, resilience and resourcefulness. These extraordinary trajectories – physical, spiritual and intellectual – weave a heady combination of cultural influences through the rich tapestry that is Krio heritage. Sierra Leonean Krios claim descendancy from a number of groups of people whose histories have become uniquely intertwined through their involvement in the establishment of Sierra Leone:

The Black Poor

Africans, enslaved and free, who had fought on Britain’s behalf during the American War of Independence (1775–1783). Travelling to London on the promise of land and freedom, they found themselves destitute, and many were subsequently shipped to Sierra Leone as part of the emerging re-settlement programme.

The Black Loyalists / Nova Scotians Others who fought for Britain were sent to Nova Scotia, Canada. In 1792 approximately 1200 Loyalist families were resettled in Sierra Leone and founded ‘Free Town’.

The Maroons

‘Maroons’ had previously been enslaved and sent to Jamaica, only to escape and build their own communities in the Jamaican mountains, proud and determined to live free. These Jamaican revolutionaries were also amongst the first Sierra Leonean settlers.

Above: Africa Writes: Krio heritage group explore resources

The Liberated Africans

When Britain abolished the Transatlantic Slave Trade in 1807, the Royal Navy shifted its attention from dominating the slave trade to suppressing it. Hundreds of slave ships were intercepted: 100,000 Africans were liberated and re-located to Freetown. Extensive registers were created to record their names and biographical information.

Taking inspiration from the past…

I, Joanna Brown, planned and co-ordinated the project in close partnership with the following contributors:

Iyamide Thomas of

The Krios Dot Com, Krio community leader and advocate for Krio culture reached out to the community and convened a richly mixed group of Krio participants. Iyamide lent her significant knowledge of Krio history, identifying the key historical events that would shape the programme research.

Dr Marion Wallace,

Lead Curator for African Collections at the British Library, showcased the

Library’s vast collection of books, newspapers, letters, documents, maps, illustrations and other items, from the collection to inspire discussion and reflection in a ‘Show and Tell’: a Krio dictionary of proverbs; a Yoruba Bible, translated by Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther; copies of registers of Liberated Africans; and original letters by Black Loyalists Cato Perkins and Isaac Anderson from the personal papers of John Clarkson.

Community Engagement Intern, Amber Perrier, sourced from the rich sound archives at the British Library a wealth of original Gumbé tunes from their collection of Decca West African recordings.

Creative writing facilitators Jenneba Sie-Jalloh and Joanna Brown led the writing journey. With a focus on life writing and memoir, participants shared fascinating memories of their own experiences of living and growing up in Sierra Leone and discovered new connections, resonances and possibilities inspired by the archive material. Discussions

were lively and thoughtprovoking, with topics ranging from the wonderful sense of nostalgia brought about by cooking Krio foods, through the collective memories that survived experiences of enslavement, to what it means to be a secondgeneration Black British Krio leaving in England. The work was presented in a workshop at the Africa Writes festival at the British Library. For extracts from our writings, which are now being collated and edited for a digital anthology, please see page 48 What stories can the past tell about who you are and where you come from? To become a reader at the British Library and gain access to its unique collections, visit: www.bl.uk/help/howto-get-a-reader-pass. For more information about the project, visit www. africawrites.org.uk or email ras_education@soas.ac.uk Film Africa 2017: Friday 27 October to Sunday 5 November. Visit www.filmafrica.org. uk for more details.

Excerpts from Krio Creative writing at the British Library BY IYAMIDE THOMAS The Krios Dot Com: a constituted group of like-minded individuals dedicated to documenting and celebrating the history, culture and heritage of the ‘Krios’ as a resource for scholars, historians and anyone interested in the Krios, recently partnered with the British Library and Royal African Society to put on a series of very successful Krio creative writing workshops (see page 46). Below are excerpts from some of the participant pieces. ‘Childhood Memories: Visits to family in Krio villages’ – Iyamide Thomas ‘My aunts and cousins at both villages would typically wear our unique embroidered Krio dress known as ‘print’ with matching head-tie (see my picture above) and ‘carpet’ slippers – tapestry pumps which probably had Victorian roots.’

‘Memories of Freetown’ Charine John ‘At school in Freetown we learned that as Creoles, we were to speak the Queen’s English because we were under

Unique embroidered Krio dress known as ‘print’ with matching head-tie the English (who were under God). Creoles – we did not say ‘Krios’ then – were unlike other native Sierra Leoneans, had been chosen, just like the Israelites, and gave thanks for our elevated status by sweating in English clothes and hats through long church sermons – why couldn’t we have church at the beach?!.’

‘A Triggered Childhood Memory – The Sierra Leone Krio Print’ – Dr Alice Sawyerr ‘I remember how as a child I used to enjoy reading the writings on their prints and how

I often turned my head upside down to read the parables out loud to the adults. I would ask the adults questions to make sense of the parables and sayings written on their prints.’

‘I Am’ - Jo Faulkner ‘Your pain and your suffering cannot be compared. But the plight of the Black Poor is still in the air You are the forefathers of the Krio man’s soul And we must ensure your story is told’.

A little Krio girl – Patrice Wellesley-Cole ‘I was the firstborn and born on a Monday, obviously not the son my paternal grandparents had prayed to God for. My father joked that he did not mind that I wasn’t a boy as it would mean trying harder for a son! That worked - I have two brothers, one survived but I believe I was educated like a boy. My 21st birthday card from him read “To my son/ daughter”, somewhat Freudian.’

The Cooler Pot and a Painting in conversation – Sam Walker ‘I was really enjoying my position and status when I saw a picture that looked so old and insignificant being taken into the Front Room. I was upset about this new development and objected to this usurpation.’

‘The Empire Girl’ – Anni Domingo

Krio ‘Carpet’ Slippers

A Maroon returns ‘home’ Ade Daramy ‘The air was warm and salty in my nostrils. I could breathe as well as taste it. For the first time, my heart pounded in my chest as if about to burst out. Was this really it? Had we finally made it to Africa, to the land of our forefathers?.’

‘My maternal grandfather Arthur Zuzel Beckley’ – Willorna Brock ‘Born in 1914, my grandfather’s heritage is quite rich, his mother being of Brazilian Nigeran origin from the Nupe tribe in Nigeria and his father from Abeokuta in Nigeria.

I believe my great-grandmother had come to Sierra Leone from Nigeria to attend school but ended up staying when she met my great-grandfather.’

‘The Silver Teapot’ – Yma Garnet –Smith ‘I am a silver tea pot. I am 2 feet tall and about a foot in diameter. Yma’s great -grand father Cornelius May, founder/ editor of the newspaper Weekly News, the guardian of democracy and a thorn in the side of corrupt officials , was given me in the 19th century , when he became Mayor of Freetown.’

‘Mummy’s old school band would have tuned up by now, ready to out-trumpet, out-march, out-sing the church band. Representatives of any society she had ever joined would be in their starched and ironed members’ uniforms, hats perched at impossible angles, shiny shoes twinkling in the sun, all ready to march the two miles to the church and then another two miles to the graveyard. No cremation for us, Sierra Leoneans!.’ Now that your appetites are whetted please go to the websites below to read the full pieces: Visit www.thekrios.com or www.royalafricansociety.org

NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Antenatal Screening:

What Parents Think BY IYAMIDE THOMAS SICKLE CELL SOCIETY NHS ENGAGEMENT LEAD

For couples of African, Caribbean, Middle-Eastern, Asian or Mediterranean origin who might be at increased risk of having a baby with sickle cell or thalassaemia, two serious genetically inherited blood conditions, it can be a very worrying time. England has a National Health Service Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme (NHSSCTSP) offering all pregnant women antenatal screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia. If the woman is a ‘carrier’ (or ‘trait’) the baby’s biological father is invited too. The NHSSCTSP also offers newborn screening for sickle cell. Antenatal screening enables parents to make informed choices

based on information about the baby’s risk of inheriting sickle cell or thalassaemia, e.g. if both parents are carriers there is a 25% chance their baby could be born with one of the conditions. Timing is crucial to making an informed choice, so NHSSCTSP has prioritised improving the offer of screening to the mum-to-be so it is by 10 weeks of pregnancy and therefore improving the offer of prenatal diagnosis (PND) – a diagnostic test done on the foetus in the womb – so it is by 12 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. To determine any barriers affecting the timeliness of screening and offer of PND, and to recommend ways

of improving services, the NHSSCTSP worked jointly with Sickle Cell Society (SCS) and UK Thalassaemia Society (UKTS) on an ‘engagement project’. Elaine Miller of the UKTS and I conducted structured interviews with parents at risk of having a baby with sickle cell or thalassaemia, who volunteered to share their personal experiences of going through antenatal screening within the last five years. What Parents Said Most women had told a healthcare professional (usually their GP) about their pregnancy early on and already knew their sickle cell or thalassaemia status

before becoming pregnant. Most fathers also knew their status. Parents said some healthcare professionals did not have much knowledge of the conditions or the screening pathway and did not recognise the need for prompt referral to counselling and PND. “Although we were given the wrong advice by the GP, once we were referred to the Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre we had excellent support. The counsellor spent over 2 hours with us explaining about the risk to the baby and also about how thalassaemia can be managed.” Some women were given wrong information or experienced delays. They wanted prompt referral, or ‘self-referral’, to specialist nurses and midwives at the Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centres as from their experience this sped things up. “Both pregnancies were reported to my GP and I booked the midwife online as instructed. Appointments were quick and bloods were done within ten weeks. The midwife referral to the sickle cell centre for the first pregnancy was delayed by paperwork however, for the second pregnancy the midwife told me to contact the centre myself so things could move quicker and they did.” Parents Also Wanted: • examples of positive outcomes for affected children

• referral to patient organisations who could find someone in the community to support them • to meet individuals who were living successfully with the conditions What Happens Next? These parent stories are an invaluable resource for people commissioning services and working in the NHSSCTSP and have contributed to a report with recommendations for community organisations, the public and screening providers. The public should keep presenting early in pregnancy or contact maternity services or specialist counselling services directly. They should also tell healthcare professionals that they want counselling and prenatal diagnosis and not assume that all healthcare professionals will know what they want!

Elaine and I would like to thank the volunteers who shared their stories without which we will never have obtained such rich evidence. For the full ‘Parent Stories’ go to: https://tinyurl.com/parentstories-sickle-cell Sickle Cell Society: www. sicklecellsociety.org UK Thalassaemia Society: www.ukts.org NHS Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia Screening Programme: http://sct. screening.nhs.uk/

“I am so grateful to those who have been willing to share their stories to make this happen. I am struck by the improvements that exist already between my experiences between 1997 and 2005 and those of the parents featured in the study. A very emotional read but in the context of the comprehensive discussion and guidance surrounding it all, one can be hopeful for the successful implementation and the improvements which will no doubt follow and will benefit our children in the future.” (Lynette – Project Advisory Group member with two children with sickle cell)

KDU GLOBAL REUNION LONDON 31ST AUGUST – 2ND SEPTEMBER 2018 PROGRAMME OF EVENTS Friday, 31st August Meet and Greet (Ekushe, Kabo) – Grand Sapphire Hotel www.grandsapphirehotel.co.uk Saturday, 1st September • •

Symposium and Townhall Meeting – Grand Sapphire Hotel Dinner and Dance - Grand Sapphire Hotel

Sunday, 2nd September •

•

Thanksgiving Service, Croydon Minster Church http://www.croydonminster.org/ ➢ Coach service from hotel to Church and back Reception at Imperial House Banqueting Suite ➢ Awujoh/Picnic ➢ Cultural performances Tenki en Tata

Discounted room rates will be available at The Grand Sapphire Hotel and nearby hotels. Further information on the events and obtaining tickets will be made Contact: available soon. executive@kdulondon.org.uk secretary@kdulondon.org.uk

London’s Courts Are Recruiting:

Applicants Of All Ages And From All Communities Wanted BY JACQUI MACDONALD-DAVIS Magistrates’ courts across London are recruiting. We want to encourage the broadest possible range of applicants, particularly from minority communities and younger people. Magistrates play a key role in the administration of justice, dealing with 93% of all criminal cases that come before the courts. To be a magistrate, yes, you need to be of good character, be socially aware, have good judgement, maturity and a sound temperament – and be committed to the work; no, you do not need to be from a particular social background, or to be a lawyer. So, if you are between 18 and 65, have the time to spend at least 13 days a year in court – and additional time for training and meetings – and are interested, why not go to your local magistrates’ court, sit in the public gallery, see the work at first hand, then look up www.direct.gov.uk/magistrates? Central London magistrate, Jacqui MacDonald-Davis, said... “Being a magistrate is a rewarding and stimulating role.

“I became a magistrate because I am passionate about justice for all and want to keep my local community safe. Like all magistrates, I also want to ensure there is equality for all who appear before the courts. “There are many misconceptions out there about who can be a magistrate, and I think we are missing out on a large swathe of potential applicants across London. “It is vital that magistrates reflect the community they serve in order to maintain confidence in the justice system. We need people from all walks of life to join us as magistrates, so if you have that interest which could become a passion then please apply.”

How appointments are made Details of how to become a magistrate can be found at: www.direct.gov.uk/magistrates. For those without access to a computer, all three London Advisory Committees can be contacted at: City of London Magistrates’ Court, 3rd Floor, 1 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4N 4YA. Tel: 020 3126 3390. The application process is as quick as possible but, reflecting

Central London magistrate, Jacqui MacDonald-Davis the importance of the role, does take some months. Successful applicants will have completed an application form, got through two rounds of interviews, passed a criminal record check (a criminal record is not necessarily a barrier to appointment, depending on the seriousness of the offence), and been approved by the Lord Chancellor for appointment. Magistrates usually sit as a panel of three, delivering justice to the community they serve. Typical cases at the Central London Courts include minor assaults, pickpocketing, shoplifting and motoring offences. Sentences can range from an absolute discharge to six months imprisonment. New magistrates are trained to decide cases without regard to colour, creed or gender. But if the system is to remain robust, those coming to court and the wider public must be confident that it is working fairly. London’s community is changing, so it is especially important that we attract the broadest possible range of applicants to deliver our justice. For further information please contact the Clerks to the Advisory Committees on 020 3126 3390

Caring for Skin of Colour The face of Britain is changing as Britain’s ethnic population increases – people of colour now represent 40% of London’s population. UK dermatology specialists are beginning to recognise this and establish a new field of ‘Ethnic Dermatology’. Skin and hair problems in different races may present differently and need specialised medical and cosmetic treatment options. The ‘one size fits all’ approach is no longer an option; darker skin may be mistaken for being more resilient but it can be more sensitive and easily damaged than lighter skin. For example, black skin may age better with fewer lines and wrinkles but it’s more prone to pigmentation problems and scarring. Dermatologists in the USA are leading the field in Dermatology for skin of colour and, through their proactive knowledge sharing, we are able to offer the same range of high quality treatments for black skin here in the UK, as the best available in the US.

Treatment for an Uneven Skin Tone Hyperpigmentation (excessive pigmentation or darkening of the skin) can develop in large areas of skin or in small spots or patches, giving a dulling, blotchy effect. The melanocyte (colour forming) cells that normally produce the brown pigment in an even manner across the skin increase production in a haphazardly, patchy way. The main causes of hyperpigmentation are trauma to the skin, inflammation, hormonal changes, sun damage or acne. These dark spots can appear sometimes overnight and last for weeks, months or longer. If the

pigmentation is persistent and troublesome then a dermatology consultation is recommended. This will determine the cause of the pigmentation, the level of hyperpigmentation in the skin and treatment success. Prescribed skincare (such as some products in the Obagi Nu-Derm range) can be a safe and effective way of clearing hyperpigmentation. Botanical brighteners such as liquorice root, soy, lactic and glycolic acid can also be effective. Illegal unlicenced skin lighteners should be avoided as they may contain steroids, hydroquinone and mercury which could lead to skin thinning, acne and permanent staining of the skin. Pigmentation issues can

and Fraxel, which will help build collagen and remodel the skin back to a more even texture.

be worsened by sun exposure therefore it is important to wear a SPF 30 even in winter months. Sun protective creams are now more tolerable on darker skin, being of lighter formulations or as colourless gels.

Keloid Scarring Keloid scars are raised, bumpy scars that tend to become bigger in time. They can be cosmetically unsightly, itchy and tender. They can occur anywhere on the body but are more likely to develop on the jawline, ears, upper back, chest and upper arms. Treatment options include steroid injections which soften and flatten the scar as well as calming down any itching or soreness. For anyone prone to keloid scarring it is advisable that they minimise the risk of further scarring by

avoiding tattoos, body piercing and unnecessary surgery.

Acne Whether suffering from troublesome acne or the occasional spot, these breakouts can lead to pigmentation marks that can last for weeks and months and occasionally scar, making immediate, effective treatment imperative. Salicylic peels are effective at reducing the oil levels in the skin, calming down inflammation and unblocking pores. Skincare containing salicylic acid, vitamin A and glycolic acid are very effective in preventing further breakouts and helping reduce pigmentation problems. For acne scarring that has changed the texture of the skin, treatments include dermaroller, dermapen

Since we know that black skin can be more sensitive and reactive, it is vital that any dermatology treatment or consultant be thoroughly researched for expertise and experience in treating ethnic skin. Treatments for darker skin tend to need to be specialised and often a gentler approach is needed in order to protect the skin’s pigment while giving maximum results. Alice Slater is a Dermatology Nurse Specialist for East London Foundation Trust (where 80% of her patients are of ethnic skin). She is also a Regional Nurse Trainer for a large cosmetic chain. Alice specialises in treating clients with acne, hyperpigmentation and scarring. For a free consultation at EveryShade Beauty & Skincare, 44 Fife Road, London E16 1QB call 0207-511-5110 or email everyshadebeauty@outlook.com

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If the pigmentation is persistent and troublesome then a dermatology consultation is recommended 55

Volunteer Centre Sandwell The Volunteer Centre Sandwell has been operating since 1978. The Centre’s Mission is to inspire more people in Sandwell to volunteer so that they can enhance their lives, the lives of others, and build resilient communities. The Centre is governed by a Board of 6 Trustees, currently Chaired by Peter Smith, and operates under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, Jean Taylor, who is responsible for the management of a team of 3 staff and a number of regular volunteers and supporters. To fulfil its Mission, the Centre operates with the following values: • Everyone has the right to offer their time to volunteer

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• Every volunteer has the right to have a great volunteering experience • Volunteering must never be a direct replacement for paid workers • True volunteering is for the benefit of the social community, the individual and volunteer involving organisations • We believe that involving volunteers enhances organisations. The Centre also has in place the following aims to direct the focus of its work: • We inspire and enable people to volunteer • We advocate that volunteerinvolving organisations are able to offer an excellent volunteering experience

• We inform, educate and inspire our leaders on the benefits of volunteering in Sandwell and its residents • We inspire the development of volunteering opportunities which brings benefits to the community and enhances social capital • As an organisation we are effective, well governed, and a great place to work or volunteer. Big Lottery Funding & The ‘Hands On Project’ In 2015, the Centre received funding of £453,000 from the Big Lottery Fund to deliver an extension of the ‘Hands On Project’ for 5 years, commencing in 2016. Up until May 2015, the ‘Hands On Project’ had been funded for 10 months by the European Social Fund.

The Centre’s Mission is to inspire more people in Sandwell to volunteer 56

The ‘Hands On Project’ is a person-centred support programme for individuals with mental health conditions and people with physical or learning difficulties. The project was developed to give people with mental health conditions or physical or learning disabilities an opportunity to volunteer to aid their recovery and assist with their wellbeing, whilst at the same time increasing the awareness and ability of host organisations to respond to mental and physical health related issues.

The aim of the Big Lottery Reaching Communities is to fund projects that can help meet the aim of the Big Lottery to improve communities and the lives of people most in need.

The Big Lottery Fund gives grants to organisations based in the UK to help improve their communities. The money awarded comes from the UK National Lottery.

1. People have better chances in life, with better access to training and development to improve their life skills

The Big Lottery defines a community to be people living in a particular geographic area or those with similar interests or needs. In order to receive funding, all projects must address one or more of the following outcomes:

2. Stronger communities, with more active citizens, working together to tackle their problems 3. Improved rural and urban environments, which communities are better able to access and enjoy 4. Healthier and more active people and communities. The ‘Hands on Project’ specifically addresses criteria 1, 2 & 4.

Do you want to make a difference in your local community? Join Join us us at at our our Volunteer Volunteer Recruitment Recruitment Fair Fair. . . In In Sandwell Sandwell

MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY TUES 17TH OCTOBER 2017 You can make a difference Find out... How? Find out... Why? Find out... The Benefits?

RECRUITMENT FAIR 10:00am-2:00pm Wednesbury Town Hall, Holyhead Road, Wednesbury WS10 7DF A wide range of organisations will be joining on the day including… Agewell UK, Bangladeshi Women Association, Cares Sandwell, Complete Kidz, Fab Lab Sandwell, HealthWatch Sandwell, Ideal For All, Jobcentre Plus, Just Straight Talk, Murray Hall Community Trust, MyTime Active, North Smethwick Development Trust, OSCAR Sandwell, Sandwell Adult Social Care, Sandwell Young Carers, Sant Nirankari Mission, Swanswell, West Bromwich African Caribbean Resource Centre and more organisations to attend on the day!

For further information email: reuben@volunteercentresandwell.co.uk Visit our website: www.volunteercentresandwell.org.uk Tel: 0121 544 8326

Holy trumpets!

John Blanke the‘Black trumpeter’ BY ONYEKA – NARRITIVE EYE ‘When I blow with a trumpet … then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.’ Judges 7:17, King James Version of the Bible, 1611. This passage from the Bible illustrates why the trumpet and its sound — nay its power revealed in sound – was so important to people in early modern England. Blanke was a man of African descent, a trumpeter who lived in England in the sixteenth century. He was part of an African population of men, women and children

who lived in cities, towns and villages throughout England. Most of these people were an integral part of the societies in which they lived. Some of these Africans owed their origins to West, North and Central Africa, and others came from the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). They were artisans, merchants, traders, soldiers, domestic servants, visiting dignitaries and musicians. One of these musicians was John Blanke. His name ‘Blanke’ may have been a misspelling that stuck of ‘blacke.’ Indeed, he is often referred to in

Above: John Blanke, Westminster Tournament Roll, 1511

official records simply as ‘the black trumpeter’. Blanke’s name could also be a joke or a pun of the French word ‘blanc’ meaning white. But his profession was not a joke. He was part of the central arc that made the Westminster celebrations sacred and important. He appeared twice on the Roll created in 1511 to commemorate the celebrations of the birth of the son of the Queen, Katherine of Aragon and the King, Henry VIII. Blanke may have originated from the Iberian Peninsula where people of African descent in the sixteenth century represented a significant part of that population. ‘Black trumpeters’ were important and popular throughout sixteenth-century Europe. They were respected musicians, and their ‘trumpets’ were often seen as having the same role as Gideon or Joshua in the Bible. Joshua used his trumpets to knock down the walls of Jericho – his trumpets were magical:

Left: Record of payment to John Blanke ‘the blacke trumpeter’ 1501-1512

And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long [blast] with the ram’s horn, [and] when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat … So the people shouted when [the priests] blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the … great shout, that the wall fell down flat … and they took the city. Joshua 6: 5-20.

It is not surprising therefore, that Blanke was an integral element in the ‘great shout’ or ‘L’hostel’ that began the

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Westminster celebrations in 1511. This ‘L’hostel’ was not used to knock down the walls of Jericho, but to announce to the world that the King of England had a son. The King of England thought of himself as close to God and as God was accompanied by trumpets, so the King needed his own trumpets, and John Blanke was one of them. What else do we know about this Blanke? We know he petitioned and won a pay increase for his role as a trumpeter on more than one occasion. His mother was also present in Tudor England and he got married probably on English soil and was issued with a purple gown and a new ‘bonnet’. The ‘bonnet’ was probably similar to one of the turbans he wore on the Tournament Roll. Later, the turban became ethnic chic for soldiers of African descent in certain British regiments in the eighteenth century. John Blanke was the Miles Davis of his time. But so much more, it is not remarkable to have someone now such as him,

Blanke was a man of African descent, a trumpeter who lived in England in the sixteenth century

as the greatest trumpeter in the country or even the world. And it may not have been in sixteenth-century Europe. Nevertheless, many historians still cry foul! As they reject a plain reading of the text and the image, for a presumption he was inferior in status. There is no evidence of this. However be careful of superstardom. By making John Blanke an exception we marginalise and make strange his existence. We can say “Oh John Blanke, he was only one man. That does not mean there was really an African presence.” But though Blanke is one of the few Africans in the sixteenth-century for whom we have an image that complements written records. This does not mean Blanke is the only person of African descent in Tudor England. Some of these African people had a greater impact on that society than Blanke did, even though Blanke remains the most recognisable of a rarely depicted population. For information, events and more about Narrative Eye visit www.narrativeeye.org.uk or follow on Twitter @NarrativeEye

Island to Island Journeys through the Caribbean. A NEW EXHIBITION BY TIM SMITH. 3rd October 2017 - 13th January 2018. Showing at: Hackney Museum, 1 Reading Lane, London E8 1GQ. This exhibition uses photographs taken over the past sixty years to celebrate the light, life and landscapes of the English-speaking Caribbean. Over the past decade photographer Tim Smith has travelled back to his childhood home of Barbados, as well as many other places in the Caribbean with close connections to Britain. His recent photographs can be seen at Hackney Museum throughout Black History Month. They are displayed alongside a fascinating series of pictures taken by his father Derek Smith of everyday life on various islands during the 1950s and 60s.* The pictures are complemented by local people’s personal memories from Hackney Museum’s rich oral history collections. The formal style and faded colours of Derek’s photographs provide a striking contrast to the saturated colours of Tim’s images, and show how the region has undergone extraordinary change over the past sixty years.

Photographs from Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent, and Trinidad & Tobago are included in the show. Tim Smith says: “I wanted to produce an exhibition which moves beyond the popular stereotypes of ‘Paradise Islands’. This work is very much inspired by a quote from the Jamaican author, Rex Nettleford, who wrote: ‘The apt description of the typical Caribbean person is that he/she is part African, part-European, part-Asian, part-Native American but totally Caribbean. To perceive this is to understand the creative diversity which is at once cause and occasion, result and defining point of Caribbean cultural life.’ I set out to create photographs which explore the region’s past and show how this history has shaped the Caribbean of today, which embraces an extraordinary fusion of peoples and cultures drawn from the Americas, Africa, Europe and

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Asia. As you travel though the Caribbean you discover how this heritage varies from island to island, which gives each nation its own distinctive character. It’s also been a great pleasure to look through my father’s slides and select some of his great pictures. These bring back lots of memories for me. Hopefully they will do the same for many visitors to the show who once lived there. It would be great if the show also inspired people to explore the history of the Caribbean, maybe through investigating their own families’ stories, or for others to look beyond the images and ideas that are offered up by the tourist industry.” Tim Smith will give an illustrated talk about producing the Island to Island exhibition, on the 19th October at 6.30pm at Hackney Museum. During October and November over 2000 Hackney primary school children will visit the exhibition to take part in workshops exploring Hackney’s

It’s also been a great pleasure to look through my father’s slides and select some of his great pictures.

connections with the Caribbean, inspired by the photographs and stories on display. * The photographs by Derek Smith were taken for his own interest between 1956 and 1968, mostly in Barbados where he and his family lived, and also on his visits to other islands. He worked for the British Government, in the Caribbean office of the Overseas Development Administration (ODA) in Bridgetown. Social unrest in the British West Indies during the 1930s had forced the British government to set up a Royal Commission to investigate local living conditions. Its reports, published after the Second World War, revealed the shocking social and economic circumstances of the time, and called for financial support from Britain to help develop the economy, and health, education and transport services in the region.

During the 1950s and 1960s such a programme was run by the ODA. However, finding paid employment proved difficult for many people. Most work was still in agriculture or fishing and this was a period when many West Indians left to seek better opportunities in Britain and elsewhere. ** Tim Smith is a professional photographer who has spent much of his 35 year career exploring the connections between Britain and people and places overseas. His work has been showcased in a dozen books. He is a member of Panos Pictures, an international photo agency specialising in global social issues. Pictures Right: 1 - Banana Boat -Jamaica press 2 - School girl - Jamaica 3 - Careenage - Barbados press 4 - Cathedral - Dominica press 5 - Road March - Trinidad Carnival 6 - Post Office Jamaica 7 - St Kitts Cafe 8 - Water tap - Barbados 9 - St Andrews - Grenada 10 - Guyana sugar

Introducing Cynthia V Davis CEO and Founder of Diversity and Inclusion specialist firm, BAME Recruitment “My father wanted a son and he got me instead,” Cynthia tells us. “His fear was that a woman and, in particular, one from an ethnic background would have to fight and work twice as hard in life. He was worried about the patriarchal world I was born into.” Cynthia, from an early age, set about proving that girls are just as capable as boys, on a mission to change and challenge the perception. Having worked for 18 years within recruitment for leading organisations, she witnessed first-hand the challenges and barriers facing those from an ethnic minority and underrepresented backgrounds. She decided to do something about it and set up her own recruitment consultancy company, BAME Recruitment, an organisation that strives to challenge the status quo to deliver fairer employment and hiring processes that are 62

representative and inclusive, and fully reflective of the diverse population in the UK. Cynthia and her organisation are working with a number of leading organisations within the private and public sector on ways to better attract and retain staff from BAME, LGBT, Female Leaders, Disability and other diverse backgrounds. Cynthia strives to create a positive impact from diversity and inclusion initiatives, and has personally written articles for the Voice Newspaper and LGBT History Month on the topic. BAME Recruitment is a Brand Partner of Women in the City, working with them to empower the next generation of female leaders across all

sectors of employment. In addition, Cynthia is on the judging panel of the Future Leaders Award Symposium, a movement that identifies and highlights the careers of women who work in the City, a cause that is very dear to her heart. Cynthia is a mentor to young adults and 11-18 year olds via the Stephen Lawrence Trust Mentorship Programme. She is also a public speaker committed to improving equal opportunities for people from all walks of life by encouraging and motivating the next generation of leaders. She is determined not to allow perceived obstacles to stand in their way.

PUSHING DIVERSITY TO THE TOP OF THE AGENDER Diversity & Inclusion Firm BAME Recruitment Ltd explain why this is key for employers to embrace the right diversity strategy to attract and retain talent! Diversity and Inclusion Consultancy Firm, BAME Recruitment, truly believe in helping people and organisations live thedefinitions of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

By Understanding our differences and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Protected Characteristicsâ&#x20AC;?, organisations can create a culture and commonalitieswhere everyone feels included and are far more likely to engage fully, develop loyalty and enjoy job satisfaction. BAME Recruitment work within the Private and Public Sector offering a unique service that is tailored

to each organisations diversity imbalance. BAME Recruitment believes that by breaking down barriers to fairer employment and hiring process that are representative of the diverse population of the UK, only then can companies achieve true inclusivity!

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