The Voice Newspaper: October 2024

OCTOBER 2024 • ISSUE NO. 1959

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Celebrating our stories, our roots and our power

THE MOTHER WHO SHAPED MALCOLM X Iconic leader’s Grenadian family spotlights his Caribbean roots and the powerful legacy of his mother Louise EXCLUSIVE

RELATIVES OF Malcolm X in Grenada who recently launched the Malcolm X Family Foundation, are on a mission to highlight the hidden legacy of his mother Louise Little, a passionate Marcus Garvey supporter who helped shape Malcolm’s path to greatness.

Malcolm X’s legacy continues to inspire movements for justice and equality around the world (Pic: Getty)

› p4 & 5

Malcolm X’s mother Louise Little

This book chronicles the lived experiences of the Black British community over the last four decades.

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Inside THIS MONTH

The Voice says

ROUNDUP NEWSPAPER

News, views, stories & videos

THE 10 MOST POPULAR STORIES ON VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK

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“They promised dignity and respect, but all I got was abuse”. Caribbean care workers in the UK face racial abuse, sexual harassment, and wage theft, but are trapped into silence due to visa dependency on exploitative employers.

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Robin Walker: The teacher shaping Black history education in the UK

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It’s all going to be about Vybz Kartel.

The release by the courts of one of dancehall’s most revered artists means listeners on BBC radio can once again hear the great man in action World’s second largest diamond found in Botswana. Reports say the diamond could be worth £30m

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Project Soul Stride: a new path to mental health for Black Britons

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This Black History Month, Black Women must reclaim their narrative’: Daniella Maison

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Leicester collective unearths the hidden story of the UK’s Black music record stores

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The Legacy of Empire: Lavinya Stennett on why Black History must be taught in schools

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Arsenal’s affinity with Black identity transcends football

Black History Month’s call to action: why reclaiming our narrative matters

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S WE enter October and celebrate Black History Month, a time dedicated to recognising and celebrating the contributions and experiences of Black individuals, it is crucial to reflect on this year’s theme, ‘Reclaiming the Narrative’.

This theme invites us to take ownership of our stories and challenge the historical distortions that have long shaped societal perceptions of Black culture and identity.

For far too long, the narratives surrounding Black history have been told through lenses that misrepresent and overlook our diverse experiences. Black history is not merely a chapter in a textbook; it is an integral part of the British story that continues to influence contemporary society.

As we strive to reclaim our narratives, we must confront the lingering impacts of colonialism that still permeate our systems and structures. The enduring legacy of colonialism has fostered inequities and biases that we must collectively dismantle.

Black History Month is a vital opportunity to shine a light on the

This issue is 56 pages EDITOR Vic Motune E. vic.motune@thevoicemedia group.co.uk

CORPORATE AFFAIRS & COMMUNICATIONS Paula Dyke E. paula@thevoicemedia group.co.uk

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Paulette Simpson E. paulette.simpson@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Joel Campbell E. joel.campbell@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk

untold stories and unsung heroes of our communities. This year’s theme encourages every member of the Black community to step into the role of storyteller, ensuring that our voices are heard, our experiences acknowledged, and our contributions celebrated.

It is an invitation to reshape the narratives imposed upon us and to inspire the next generation with stories that reflect their realities and aspirations.

However, while Black History Month is invaluable, it is crucial to remember that Black culture and history should be acknowledged year-round.

The features and interviews in this edition of The Voice highlight the importance of reclaiming our narratives, underscoring the need for continuous engagement with Black history beyond October.

Let us use this Black History Month as a catalyst for change, fostering an inclusive dialogue that recognises the richness of Black heritage.

By reclaiming our narratives, we not only honour our past but also empower ourselves and future generations to shape a more just and equitable society.

4

Could Ashley Cole become England’s first Black manager? Cole’s growing coaching reputation and experience makes him a possible Three Lions’ boss of the future

5

Clarks Originals opens first store experience in Jamaica. Clarks say they will also be providing support to those in Jamaica who need it following Hurricane Beryl

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Victory! Eddy Grant wins lawsuit against Donald Trump over use of Electric Avenue “This is an attack on our community”: Kehinde Andrews blasts police probe over ‘House Negro comments

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Diddy: Star’s arrest is wake up call for music industry, says PR expert Resurgence of ultra-nationalist groups in Britain. Britain’s far right and the enduring legacy of colonial White supremacy

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Prohibited weapons. Ban on Zombie knives to come into force

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OCTOBER 2024 THE VOICE | 3

BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH: THE PEOPLE’S POET WHO MADE BLACK HISTORY Richard Sudan, for whom the late poet was a close friend and mentor, speaks to his wife Qian Zephaniah

All photos: Qian Zephaniah

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E N J A M I N ZEPHANIAH, the much loved poet and writer, didn’t just talk about Black history; he made Black history.

Before he died, Zephaniah was recognised as one of the country’s greatest poets. He was also an accomplished author, musician, actor, activist, had become a professor and had won a Bafta.

Zephaniah’s work features in the national curriculum. The list of accomplishments is colossal.

From humble beginnings in Birmingham, the son of Windrush generation parents, Zephaniah rose to become one of the country’s most respected and visible artists enjoying a career which spanned decades and generations.

Marking the first Black History Month since the revered poet and writer’s untimely passing on December 7, 2023, I spoke with his wife, Qian Zephaniah, reflecting on her husband’s remarkable contribution to the community.

One of Zephaniah’s most powerful works is Too Black Too Strong, a collection of poems which contains Qian’s favourite, Naked.

TRIBUTE: Qian Zephaniah speaking at the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in honour of her late husband at Brunel University The words capture who Benjamin was and what he stood for.

“I just fell in love with that poem,” she explains. “And it was the last poem I played for people at the funeral.

“At the beginning Benjamin says, ‘Hi, I’m Benjamin Zephaniah’, and at the end of the poem he says he’s going to sleep.

“But Naked is kind of talking about his whole life. Benjamin couldn’t have children and he wanted to be equal. But he’s

saying it does not matter if you’re a woman or man. Without the clothes you are equal. There are no different classes. We are all the same.”

These were important values that Zephaniah lived by throughout his life. A memorable line from the poem on the YouTube version includes the line, ‘This is my mother she read a poster on a hot tin street in Jamaica that told her that Britain loved her’.

Zephaniah was immensely proud of his Caribbean roots, a theme which shines through much of his music, poems and novels.

He also remained committed to highlighting the continued struggles affecting the community. His novel Windrush Child, one of my favourites, delves into the roots and the ongoing injustice of

“Zephaniah felt society is a policeman and that before Brexit things were easing up. He came to realise this wasn’t true” the Windrush scandal. He also advocated for justice for the family of Stephen Lawrence

Photo: Getty Images

News Feature

JUSTICE: With Doreen Lawrence

GIFT: Gold coin which once belonged to Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie and famously rejected an OBE following the death of his cousin, Mikey Powell, in police custody.

One of his most revered poems and performances is Dis policeman keeps on kicking me to death.

It’s a sobering and powerful condemnation of state power and violence, more than relevant today, as Qian says, referencing an interview she recently uploaded to his YouTube channel.

“Benjamin really felt that society is a policeman and that before Brexit things were easing up,” she explains. “After the campaign he came to realise that this wasn’t true. There’s more racism.”

In the video Benjamin reflects how some of the racists he fought in the streets in the 1970s and 1980s went on to become

PRIZED POSSESSION: Marcus Garvey’s book security personnel for a wellknown politician, although he stops short of naming them.

Over the years, however, he never relented on speaking up for those that needed a voice.

He’s been fighting since the 1970s but it was poetry and music that became his weapon of rebellion.

It was fitting that Zephaniah’s early inspiration was drawn

from his Rastafarian faith, which is known for standing up against oppression. His views on spirituality might have changed over the years but his love of Rasta never wavered Among his prized possessions is an original book written

by Marcus Garvey, a giant in continued on page 27

4 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

THE MOTHER WHO SHAPED MALCOLM X’S PATH TO GREATNESS The team behind the recently launched Malcolm X Family Foundation is on a mission to reveal more about the life of Louise Little who helped inspire her son to become the iconic civil rights leader.

By Sinai Fleary

A

NEW movement led by Grenadian relatives of Malcolm X is calling for the iconic civil rights leader’s Caribbean heritage to be more widely recognised, with plans to establish him as a national hero across the region.

The team behind the recently launched Malcolm X Family Foundation is also on a mission to reveal untold stories about his mother Louise Helen Norton Little (née Langdon), a passionate Marcus Garvey supporter who helped shaped Malcolm’s path to greatness after moving to the US from Grenada.

Terance Vaughn Wilson is a third-generation Grenadian cousin of the iconic African American civil rights activist, who has spent over 35 years researching his family’s history.

He believes both Malcolm and his mother Louise – who was born in Grenada – must be celebrated on the island and in the Caribbean region and not forgotten.

“There would be no Malcolm X without the brilliance of his mother Louise and Grenada,” says Wilson, speaking

exclusively to The Voice.

“Grenada is an Ethiopia to Malcolm X, as Ethiopia is to the River Nile, meaning Grenada is the source of everything that comes after.

“It’s very important to remember the source – which is his mother – who was from Grenada.”

Not much is known about Louise’s life, but the historian described her as “an intellectual” who was “very brilliant”.

According to a baptismal certificate seen by The Voice, she was born on January 2, 1894, in La Digue, St Andrew.

Louise Little was a grassroots activist and secretary for Marcus Garvey’s United Negro Improvement Association (UNIA).

The movement’s beliefs in selfdetermination, Black liberation and Pan-Africanism influenced the way she raised her children.

Wilson said: “Louise was an intellectual and very brilliant and would have Grenadian newspapers sent to her and she would read them to her children.

“The newspapers were about political and social issues in Grenada and the diaspora.”

The foundation has been

INFLUENTIAL: Malcolm X’s mother, Louise Little working on ways they can pay tribute to the legacy of Malcolm and Louise, and have plans to create a series of educational programmes – based on official documents, old family pictures and Wilson’s expertise.

He is also campaigning to get Louise and Malcolm’s story taught on the Grenadian national curriculum so that young people can learn about the Caribbean heritage of one of the world’s

greatest civil rights campaigners.

He is hopeful this will happen following an announcement by the country’s Ministry of Education that Grenadian history will be taught in secondary schools. It was introduced into schools in September last year.

“Wherever we have our Caribbean heroes we should never be ashamed of them,” he says.

“Grenada is Malcolm X’s country, it is Eric Gairy’s country,

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN: A new billboard in La Digue highlights the Little family home (photo: Terance Wilson) it is Maurice Bishop’s country, it heritage appears to be growing. is Henry Christophe’s country, Earlier this year, a new billboard we should be letting people know honouring Louise’s birthplace on the island and Malcolm’s where these leaders come from.

“The foundation was established Grenadian heritage was erected to ensure that the nation gets to in La Digue, and The Voice also know of the family history direct met historian Wilson in Grenada, from the family, first hand not where he gave a guided a tour of the Langdon family estate where second hand.”

Louise’s story began.

Malcolm’s Grenadian relatives AWARENESS Wilson holds the Grenadian have lived in the area for over 150 heritage of Malcolm X dear to his years, many still residing there heart and his decades-long work today. He pointed out a number in spreading awareness of the of family members who bore a civil rights leader’s family history striking resemblance to the former includes tours, producing T-shirts, Nation of Islam minister.

According to the 65-year-old talks, and lectures.

On the island, awareness of this historian, Louise was raised in

OCTOBER 2024 THE VOICE | 5

News Feature and returned to Grenada in 1998.

asked if she would like to “ There would When see Malcolm X become a national in the Spice Isle, she smiled be no Malcolm hero and replied: “Of course!”

Speaking further about his X without the family’ s connection to the civil rights icon, Wilson described brilliance of his Jupiter and Mary Jane Langdon as “founding father and mother mother Louise the of the family” and where his tree begins. and Grenada” family He said: “Jupiter and Mary Jane

MAN OF THE PEOPLE: His powerful speeches, uncompromising stance on racial justice, and advocacy for Black empowerment left an indelible mark on everyone who heard Malcolm X speak (photo: Getty Images)

had six children, the - Terance Vaughn Wilson, Langdon first child was Edgeton Langdon, cousin of Malcolm X

REMAINS: Terance Wilson on the Little family land in La Digue, Grenada (photo: Sinai Fleary)

FAMILY TIED: A never-before-seen picture of Louise Little, with niece Deborah Jones, after she was released from the mental institution

HISTORY: Copy of Louise Little’s baptism certificate

PARENTS: Louise with her husband Earl Little

the village of La Digue, by her grandparents – Mary Jane and Jupiter Langdon – who were originally from West Africa and specifically the southern part of modern-day Nigeria.

From Wilson’s research he says Mary Jane and Jupiter must have come to the Eastern Caribbean country between 1863 and 1867.

They arrived in Grenada via a ship that had been intercepted by the British Navy. Wilson believes this direct connection to Africa had

a profound impact on Louise and gave her a strong sense of racial identity.

“She was raised in a revolutionary environment,” he said. “They came to Grenada as free people.

They were never enslaved in the Caribbean. Once they arrived here, they remained free people. They lived in several areas before settling in the north-east of the island in La Digue – where they purchased land and property – which is still owned by their family to this day. They had

very strong African traditions and they had relatives who use to dress like Africans.”

Wilson said subsequently, this would also affect how Louise would go on to raise her children – including Malcolm – in the future.

TRADITIONS He believes that the strong African cultural traditions laid down by Mary Jane and Jupiter, not only impacted Louise, but also shaped Malcolm years later.

“Louise’s cultural childhood helped spark her interest in grassroots activism, Black nationalism and the Back-to-Africa movement – which was started by Marcus Garvey,” he said.

Garvey and the organisation he founded, the UNIA, are seen as the foundation of Malcolm’s parents’ interest in activism.

But Wilson revealed to The Voice that the family’s connection to the UNIA goes back several generations.

He said: “My grandmother’s father, Joseph Orgias, he was the fundraiser for the UNIA in Grenada.

“The funds were sent from Grenada to Montreal to my uncle, Edgeton Langdon, who directed those funds to the movement.

“They had a strong African Caribbean connection, linking people of the Caribbean with the struggle and Marcus Garvey, who was instrumental in helping uplift the consciousness of Caribbean people and all Black people.”

Following the death of her grandmother, Mary Jane, Louise emigrated to Montreal in 1917, where her uncle Edgeton Langdon introduced her to the UNIA and the teachings of Garvey.

While with the UNIA – which was a hub for Black activists and intellectuals – she met Earl Little, a Baptist minister.

The couple later married and had eight children, one of them being Malcolm X, who was born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 19, 1925.

In 1931, Earl Little died in a suspected murder by White supremacists, though his death was officially ruled an accident.

After her husband’s death, Louise struggled financially.

Following a failed relationship she suffered a nervous breakdown and was institutionalised at Kalamazoo State Hospital in 1939. She was separated from her children who were sent to live in different foster homes. Malcolm and his siblings eventually secured her release in 1963 after which she was able to live with her family.

Wilson himself first learned about his family’s connection to Malcolm from his father and grandmother, who encouraged him to read The Autobiography of Malcolm X. “The book gave me the urge to find out more and more and as I researched more, I began to find out how powerful this man was.

“He was a great freedom fighter and a liberator.”

BIRTHPLACE In the first chapter of the book, Malcolm acknowledges his mother’s Caribbean birthplace and said: “Louise Little, my mother, was born in Grenada, in the British West Indies, looked like a white woman.”

Celebrating Malcolm and Louise in Grenada is important to Wilson, as there are still so many relatives living and working on the island.

One of those relatives still in Grenada is Theresa Lewis, who is fondly known as Tanty Eva. The 86-year-old is the last known surviving second cousin of Malcolm X, who The Voice had the privilege of also meeting in La Digue during the summer.

She said: “There are family in Grenada, but I am the only one closer to Malcolm X and I’m the only one left in Grenada apart from Terance.”

Speaking about her famous cousin, she said: “I am proud of him and I am glad to be part of the family.”

In 1962, Lewis came to London and lived in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, with her family. She retired

the second one was Edith Langdon, that’s Malcolm X’s mother’s mother. The third child was Gertrude Langdon, that’s my grandmother’s mother.

“The fourth one Reginald Langdon, the fifth one Florence Langdon, and the sixth one Avey Langdon, that’s Tanty Eva’s grandmother.”

PASSIONATE Wilson also took The Voice to the remains of the family home and the burial site of Mary Jane and Jupiter Langdon.

“They are buried in Grenada on their property,” he added.

Not only is Wilson passionate about his family’s history, he is also protective, as he has been left as the guardian of old family photos and important documents, by his elders, who taught him everything he knows.

“We cannot let that history die, we must preserve that history,” he added.

When asked why he thinks the late charismatic Black hero is not celebrated enough in Grenada, he said it is because his unapologetic views could still be deemed too extreme for mainstream society.

“It’s because of fear of the truth, they have tried to prevent people from gravitating to the teachings of Malcolm X and his ideas,” he said.

Wilson says the reason Malcolm often referenced the struggles faced by Africans in his speeches is because he saw them as his own people – due to his mother’s upbringing in Grenada.

In 1964, Malcolm founded the Organisation of Afro-American Unity, which was a Pan-Africanist organisation modelled on the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) – now African Union (AU).

Wilson believes Malcolm’s passionate support of Africans in the struggles they faced was directly influenced by the upbringing of his mother in Grenada and her involvement with the UNIA, the influence of his African great-grandparents.

Wilson says the immediate future will be busy with a number of initiatives by the Malcolm X Family Foundation to spread awareness about the revered civil rights leader’s Caribbean heritage and his mother Louise’s legacy.

“I hope they will be finally honoured in Grenada, which is also the final resting place for Mary Jane and Jupiter Langdon – the strong and unapologetic Africans who started it all,” he says.

6 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

News Feature

ROBIN WALKER AKA THE BLACK HISTORY MAN: BRINGING BLACK HISTORY TO LIFE

Tony Warner and Vince Hines.

If it wasn’t for these people this concept wouldn’t even exist.”

As an educator of Black history Walker is also concerned about a clamp down on its teaching.

In recent months both Professor Hakim Adi and Professor Kehinde Andrews have seen their courses axed at both Chichester and Birmingham City University respectively, with Adi being made redundant causing

alarm and drawing criticism. “It’s a shame” Walker reflects. “Here we had an opportunity through Professor Andrews and Professor Adi to qualify Black people. A lot of people working on their master’s degrees and PhDs and we could have produced them. And that is life changing because when you have those qualifications you can compete.

“It could have spread Black History and the African heritage academic game. They could have run and led departments.”

Walker, however, is not just empowering others with knowledge. He’s building an initiative in which others can create an income by networking.

“I’m part of a joint venture called The Black Secret,” he explains. “There are two ways we are building it. First, we’re creating more and more content for our subscribers to consume.

“But we also want people to join as affiliate marketers because they can make their own passive income. We have the 18 Month Financial Freedom Challenge.

Most people think when you join a business venture (money) have to come out of your pocket. We have the structures in place so that you don’t.”

Walker has been empowering the Black community for decades. But more than that, he’s creating a foundation for others to benefit.

The Black History Man who has travelled the world, sharing knowledge is a unique teacher.

We’re lucky to have him. n To find out more about the Black Secret Education Project you can visit www.theblacksecret.co.uk

UNDERGROUND CHURCH: Above, Lalibela in Ethiopia.

Left, Sans Souci Palace in Haiti

WERE NIGERIAN IRON WORKERS AT THE HELM OF CIVILISATION? According to archeologists, Nsukka in south-eastern Nigeria was the first site in the world where humans were working iron, the beginnings of iron technology. One of a number of African sites working iron, iron technology is one of the crucial leaps needed for civilisation.

The origin of iron is closely connected to the origin of civilisation. Whoever created iron is likely to be a centre of civilisation.

RICHEST PERSON IN HISTORY: KING MANSA MUSA King Mansa Musa ruled the Malian Empire, sitting on the throne between 1312 and 1337.

In October 2012 research suggested that Mansa Musa was estimated to have a net worth of $400 billion or £249 billion at 2012 rates. At the time this made Mansa Musa the richest man in all of human history. The economy of medieval Mali was built on gold, salt, copper, and was built on education, the result of which was extreme wealth.

SUDAN - THE FIRST COTTON WEAVING IN THE WORLD The earliest examples of people working cotton were near Khartoum in Sudan. Cotton Spindle Whorls from the area are 8,000 years old, meaning that the first cotton textiles anywhere on the planet are from Sudan.

NIGERIAN ARCHAEOLOGISTS DUG UP THE WORLD’S SECOND OLDEST BOAT IN DAFUNA The Dafuna Canoe was discovered in 1987 in Nigeria.

The second oldest boat in the world, it is estimated to be between 8000 and 8500 years old. Another indication of Ancient Africans on the high seas.

WEST AFRICAN CITY OF TIMBUKTU Timbuktu was a university city with a culture and heritage of learning which some people say goes back to the 1300s and others argue harks back to the 1000s. The manuscripts written during that time period have survived until now. There are astronomical, mathematical, and legal manuscripts.

KEY FIGURE: Robin Walker has educated thousands about African history

Author explains why he has remained committed to teaching our histories. By Richard Sudan

R

OBIN Walker, ‘The Black History Man’, has taught thousands of people of African heritage about African history.

The celebrated author of the colossal When We Ruled told The Voice why it’s vitally important to celebrate and understand Black history.

“The Black community fought to get Black History Month,” explained Walker. “But if we’re being real, most Black people don’t know Black history. We have to big up people like Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, Ansel Wong and Linda Bellos. If it wasn’t for those individuals we wouldn’t have a Black British History Month.”

“It’s very important that Black people have a strong sense of self. Without it you are going to feel inferior to nonBlack people” While Walker acknowledges the pioneers, so many regard Walker too, as an important figure in the community. For decades he has remained committed

to teaching our histories and unearthing the power of our heritage.

“Black History Month is important because it gives us the opportunity to teach and learn Black History,” he says adding “it’s important it doesn’t turn into a cultural event and that we learn about actual history.

“We’re talking about precolonial African civilisations, Africa’s history, monuments, fine art, textiles, sciences, technologies, contributions to the ancient world, the medieval world and the modern world.

“We’re talking about Black people’s contributions even as enslaved people. Jack Daniels

Whiskey was created by a Tennessee slave. Nathan Nearest Green.”

“It’s very important that Black people have a strong sense of self. Without it you are going to feel inferior to non-Black people, so getting that sense of self is important.

“If you don’t struggle for civil rights, you don’t get treated equally. This story of Black British civil rights is a glorious history and a great history. Shout out to

Fascinating facts about Black history MONUMENTS BUILT BY FORMERLY ENSLAVED AFRICANS IN HAITI Formerly enslaved Africans built arguably the two most important monuments in the Western hemisphere after slavery. The Citadelle Laferriere is a stunning hilltop castle in Haiti, built in 1820, which is the largest fort in the Western hemisphere.

Haitians also built the Sans Souci Palace. After seeing it in a European architecture book they not only replicated it, but made a much better version as it included features that the original building did not.

ANCIENT UNDERGROUND CHURCHES OF LALIBELA ETHIOPIA Lalibela is a city with 11 unique underground churches. Carved out of the ground by hammer and chisel during the time of King Lalibela between 1150 and 1221, some people call them the eighth wonder of the world.

TANZANIA’S ANCIENT SWIMMING POOL The town of Kilwa in present day Tanzania was home to the impressive Husuni Kubwa Palace, built by Africans in either 1200 or 1300. The marvel boasted highly sophisticated architecture including an eight-sided octagonal indoor swimming pool.

ANCIENT EAST AFRICAN COINS COULD REWRITE AUSTRALIAN HISTORY Centuries ago East Africans

had a strong sailing tradition travelling to places including India, Oman, China and Indonesia. East African coins thought to be from Kilwa in modern day Tanzania, found off the coast of Australia, are believed to be from the 11th century. The coins are strong evidence that Africans from Kilwa reached Australia long before Europeans.

JUNE 2024

THE VOICE | 51

8 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

News Feature

‘REACHING OUT FOR HELP IS A STRENGTH, NOT A WEAKNESS’ October 10 marks World Mental Health Day. Here, campaigner Chris Frederick shares his thoughts on why it is important for Black people facing mental ill-health to get the help they need

TROUBLED CHILDHOOD: Chris Frederick, pictured here as a youngster, had a hard time moving from Wembley to white suburban Kent

W

HEN you think of events like last month’s World Suicide Prevention Day or World Mental Health Day later this month (October 10), you might associate them with other significant awareness days like Red Nose Day or International Women’s Day. These days stand out every year, perhaps because of the conversation and awareness they create about important issues.

But this awareness-raising role is crucial.

As a Black man who has faced mental illness, I know how difficult it is to discuss these issues in our community. Mental health struggles are often dismissed, with pressure to “tough it out.” But we’re human, too — we feel pain, we struggle, and yes, we too can suffer from mental illness.

ADVOCATE: Chris Frederick

fashion designer. After bouncing ethnic groups had the A message of hope lowest rate of treataround for several years, I joined Admitting that I needed help felt ment completion which the recruitment industry, thriving like admitting defeat. But looking reflected my experience for nearly 30 years in the UK and back now, I realise that reaching of feeling overlooked Asia Pacific. But returning to out was the bravest thing I could and underrepresented in London after 20 years abroad, the have done. Therapy became my mental health services. country felt alien, leaving me out of lifeline, a place where I could Earlier this year, a sync with “home”. finally unload the weight.

LinkedIn post from In 2018, I hit rock bottom, and I remember walking into a I found myself in a mental health therapist’s office for the first time, Black Minds Matter Breaking the silence caught my eye. The crisis. The tipping point came with it felt like I was stepping into a My personal journey with mental group was offering my first suicide attempt. I remem- courtroom where my mind was health has been traumatic. For 10 free therapy sessions ber feeling completely isolated, on trial. The weight of my experiyears, I hid my struggles, feeling with a qualified Black as if I were the only person in the ences and the stigma surrounding pressure to appear strong in a therapist. world going through this. mental health made me hesitant to culture that saw mental illness as This was the sign It was a dark and terrifyseek help.

Yet, this decision turned weakness. But beneath the surface, I’d been looking for, ing place, and I knew I couldn’t out to be one of the most transwas falling. as I’d long wanted navigate these turbulent waters formative choices of my life.

From a young age, I felt like to experience therapy with alone anymore. Despite my initial Finding the right therapy has a square peg in a round hole. someone who shared my cultural reservations, I decided to seek help. been anything but straightforward.

Wembley, where I grew up, was a The ’Ripple Effect’ to my life led The process has felt daunting, like background. vibrant Black community. Then, My therapist and I explored the to these circumstances. navigating a labyrinth with no clear bam! At 11, we moved to a mostly roots of my anxiety and depresIt wasn’t a path that I chose path. I faced long waiting lists, white suburb in Kent in the early and at times, it seemed the system sion, addressing past traumas and 80s, can you imagine? That feeling but rather it was always going to happen.

Being on that edge was not designed to accommodate current stressors in a way that of displacement never left me. someone like me, a Black man with resonated deeply with my cultural Take secondary school in Kent. with the feeling of ‘falling off ’ context. This shared understandwas only made worse by ignoring a unique cultural and personal My brother and I were among ing made it easier to discuss issues the issues for so long until it was background. handful of non-white pupils in a related to race and identity, fosteralmost too late.

Research told me that Black school of hundreds, sticking out like sore thumbs.

To make things worse, we drifted apart, leaving me utterly MENTAL illness is more common than you likely to seek help or complete therapy. But, alone. Rugby became my solace. might think, and it doesn’t discriminate. by addressing mental health openly, we can But it wasn’t all sunshine and tries. The fear of being found out Around one in four people in the UK will change the narrative and show the next about a childhood issue, experience a mental health problem each generation that there is no shame in seeking bedwetting, fuelled my anxiety. year. That’s millions of people—many of help, and recovery is possible.

The racial stress we endured whom look just like you and me.

If there’s one message I want you to take left lasting wounds. My parents, Depression and anxiety alone account away from this it’s that you’re not alone. Many from a strict Caribbean, backfor 12 billion lost working days globally others understand what you’re feeling. And ground, never discussed mental each year, and nearly 13% of the world’s there’s hope. As World Mental Health Day health. population suffers from poor mental health. approaches, let’s commit to breaking the Unlike my clever sibling, I left In our community, Black people are more stigma, building support, and being there for school at 17, entering the world likely to face mental health issues but less each other — every day. with a dream of becoming a men’s

You are not alone

‘MENTAL HEALTH JEDI’: Chris channels his own experiences to help others

lationships. Most importantly, it has given me the courage to share my story and advocate for mental health awareness.

A deep dive into Black mental health I launched Project Soul Stride in August 2023 which aims to ‘spotlight’ the Black experience of Suicidality within the UK, an area that has been relatively overlooked and underserved.

It has opened my eyes to mental health initiatives and services that exist today — but perhaps are not addressing the needs of Black people.

The project has developed ing a sense of safety and trust that into an independent review of the was crucial to my healing.

Black Mental Health and Suicide Therapy not only improved Prevention field. Still only in its my mental health but also gave first year, I plan to use the findings me tools like the ‘Court of Law’ from the 165 plus interviews with introspective technique, which has key stakeholders and influencers to been invaluable in managing stress provide valuable insights into the and anxiety. mental health services and help to Essentially, this helps to disman- address critical gaps that exist. tle the impact of judgement (self The stigma around mental or otherwise) that has long been a health in our community is a barroad-block in my personal devel- rier built on cultural expectations, opment. By challenging myself to historical trauma, and systemic reflect and ask: ‘Is it fact or opinissues. Our community is in crisis, and it’s crucial that we start talking ion on what I think of myself?’ about mental health openly and Many of us can feel judged by others, but we must remember — urgently. we can’t control others’ thoughts. n Chris Frederick is an expert by Therapy has brought lasting experience and through Project Soul positive changes to my life, and I encourage anyone to seek help— Stride. He works with charities and it’s an act of courage and self-care. other organisations to support better mental health for the Black Therapy has also equipped community. A passionate Star Wars me with strategies to manage fan, Chris considers himself stress and anxiety, improved my self-esteem, and enhanced my re- a ‘mental health Jedi’

9 | THE VOICE JUNE 2022

JUNE 2024

THE VOICE | 9

10 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

AUDIO OF HOWE’S EXPLOSIVE SPEECH UNEARTHED After a ten-year search Darcus Howe’s biographers track down a never-before-heard audio of his closing remarks at the Old Bailey Mangrove Nine trial. By Richard Sudan

T

HE Mangrove Nine trial stands as a pivotal moment in Black British history, a flashpoint exposing the raw nerve of institutional racism coursing through the veins of UK policing.

In 1970, the Mangrove restaurant in Notting Hill, a vibrant hub for the Black community owned by Frank Critchlow, became the epicentre of a struggle against oppressive policing. Repeatedly raided without cause, the Mangrove wasn’t just a restaurant. It had become a symbol of resistance, a Black sanctuary under siege.

On August 9, a protest was organised in response to the relentless harassment.

What started as a peaceful march escalated into clashes, resulting in the arrest of nine activists, who were to become known as the Mangrove Nine.

Charged with incitement to riot, their trial wasn’t just about the events of that day but the systemic injustices that had long impacted Black Britons. Figures like Altheia Jones-LeCointe and the late Darcus Howe didn’t simply represent and defend themselves; they put the police on trial.

The courtroom became a battleground for truth. Howe meticulously dismantled the prosecution’s case, exposing contradictions and highlighting the racially motivated aggression of the police.

In a groundbreaking verdict, the judge acknowledged evidence of “racial hatred” within the Metropolitan Police — a first in British legal history.

The Mangrove Nine were acquitted and the serious charges against them were dropped.

They didn’t just secure their freedom; they ignited a discourse on race relations that resonated far beyond the walls of the courtroom.

Now, in an explosive development, biographers of the late Howe, Robin Bunce and Paul Field, revealed exclusively to The Voice that following a ten-year search, they’ve unearthed neverbefore-heard audio of Darcus Howe’s closing remarks at the landmark Mangrove Nine trial.

Howe’s words in the courtroom are on the record, but for more than 50 years nobody outside the courtroom has heard Howe’s blistering speech.

According to Bunce and Field, hearing Howe’s words were “electrifying”, offering both

“Although the judge has no sympathy for Black Power, he can’t help to some extent at least to be won over by Darcus.

The courtroom just erupts in laughter when Darcus and the judge are trading quips”

- Robin Bunce

inspiration and important lessons.

“Darcus spoke directly to the political nature of the trial,” explains human rights lawyer and activist Field.

“He highlighted the fact that leading members of the Black Power movement had been targeted, and a pretext for their arrest created, when the police violently attacked the Mangrove in overwhelming numbers.

“Hearing (the audio) for the first time was electrifying, like being taken back in time 54 years to the visitors’ gallery of courtroom number one at the Old Bailey to hear Darcus’ words.”

And, says Field, Howe’s technique was unique, pioneering, bold while ultimately effective in securing the landmark legal victory.

“Darcus used wit and reason to demand justice for the Mangrove Nine. Instead of relying on the artifice of legal arguments and submissions presented by White lawyers, Darcus spoke directly to the jury about his experiences in a way lawyers never could. He invited them to conclude the police had lied in their evidence and that the protesters were entitled to defend themselves from attack.”

FIGHT FOR JUSTICE: Left to right, Paul Field, Darcus Howe and Robin Bunce

Field added that the ripple effect of the trial galvanised demands for justice throughout the country, and set a precedent in the decades that have followed.

CORRUPT “The example of the Mangrove Nine inspired Black communities across the UK,” he said.

“It inspired them to believe they could fight for justice and convince a majority White jury that they were innocent and that the police were racist and corrupt.

“Their example has inspired defendants in political trials ever since, to conduct their own

defence. Examples include John Barker’s defence of himself in the 1972 Angry Brigade trial, to the 1991 acquittal of Michael Randle and Patrick Pottle after they successfully defended themselves following charges that they had helped the spy George Blake escape from prison.”

Bunce is head of history at Homerton College, Cambridge University. He has worked as a consultant on Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen’s Small Axe series, which tells the stories of the lives of West Indian immigrants in London from the 1960s to the 1980s, and which included the

OCTOBER 2024 THE VOICE | 11

News Feature

ANGER: Members of the Black community in west London protest on August 9, 1970, following numerous raids on the Mangrove, below left. Below, Darcus Howe represented himself at the trial and was praised for his wit and intelligence (photos: Getty Images)

PUTTING THE POLICE ON TRIAL: Eight members of the Mangrove Nine, December 1971; front row, L-R) Rothwell Kentish, Rhodan Gordon, Altheia JonesLeCointe, Barbara Beese; (top row, L-R) Frank Crichlow, Godfrey Millett, Rupert Boyce, Darcus Howe. The ninth member Anthony Innis is not in the picture (photo: Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

film Mangrove. Bunce described finding Howe’s closing remarks at the Mangrove Nine trial preserved on tape that had previously thought to be lost as “all our Christmases coming at once” and says they reveal the revered activist and broadcaster at his remarkable best.

Howe, who died in 2017, gained a reputation over the years as a formidable debater and speaker, but his performance at the Mangrove Nine trial is surely his finest moment.

Although believing the recording of Darcus’ words during the court trial might have been lost to history, Bunce nevertheless made a second trip in August this year to Columbia University, where Howe donated much material over the years like his uncle, the great CLR James.

Bunce’s decision paid off.

“I knew I’d found something special,” he said, recalling the moment he finally heard the audio tape after many years of searching for it.

“I was massively excited and immediately let Darcus’ wife Leila Hassan and Paul know that I’d found the closing speech. It was like all our Christmases coming at once.

“We already knew what Darcus had said. That wasn’t a mystery. But what was so exciting, is you get to hear the responses to what Darcus said in the courtroom.

“You get to hear how he expresses himself. You can hear people, gasping and laughing and murmuring, and at the end the thing we had no clue about was that Darcus had this little moment of banter with the judge — and everyone’s laughing.

LAUGHS “On the one hand there’s this very serious speech by Darcus, laying out his thoughts. But there are also these moments where Darcus is really playing for laughs and he’s really getting the laughs.”

Like his colleague Paul Field, Bunce also says that Howe’s skill and technique are a stark contrast when set against the wider backdrop of the proceedings.

“When I first heard Frank Critchlow’s lawyer on the tape, initially I was disappointed,” he said. “But actually in hindsight, the contrast between a professional White lawyer who is doing a good job for Frank, and Darcus, who

is just laying bare the politics of what’s going on, is wonderful.”

So effective was Howe’s speech, says Bunce, that the trailblazing Trinidadian was already thinking beyond the trial itself — a feat almost incomprehensible in the 1970s, given the climate of racism in Britain, and the fact that Howe, a Black man, was facing a White judge and a majority White jury in a British court.

“By this stage in the trial, Darcus is actually convinced he’s going to get off and be found not guilty,” explains Bunce.

“So he’s now moving on to the other part of the strategy which is to use this trial to expose the racism in the police and to put the court under pressure to acknowledge this.

“It’s significant, because Darcus is using this platform to put this very conservative judge, who has no sympathy whatsoever for Black Power, under pressure, to make a bold statement that there’s racism in the Metropolitan Police.”

Bunce also says that hearing the speech, more than 50 years after it was made, highlighted to him just how much support there was in

the courtroom, testament to the bravery and effectiveness of the arguments of the Mangrove Nine.

“People are responding to Darcus’ speech the way you as a speechwriter would want them to respond.

“Darcus has got the crowd in the palm of his hand, which is something I didn’t fully appreciate.

The other thing was just how much of a rapport Darcus had with the judge at this point in the trial.

“His relationship with the judge went from being extraordinarily frosty and confrontational, to there being a mutual respect between them. The judge realises that Darcus is a force to be reckoned with, a highly intelligent person making very serious points.

“So although the judge has no sympathy for Black Power, he can’t help to some extent at least to be won over by Darcus.

“The courtroom just erupts in laughter when Darcus and the judge are trading quips. This is just something I didn’t fully appreciate before hearing the tape.

“I would have always imagined the atmosphere at the Old Bailey was kind of like a funeral. But

actually, really, the court is a theatre and Darcus understood that. The thing about Darcus is, he could win people over. And (1970s community activist) Olive Morris was the same.

She was engaging with police officers in debate and discussion because she believed she could win them over and often she did.”

The big question now is when the public can also hear Darcus Howe’s masterful closure in the Old Bailey for themselves.

HONOURED Although the audio remains the property of Columbia University, Bunce hopes it can be used in the future to make a documentary about Howe, something that could serve as a valuable resource for generations to come.

He’s also clear to point out that while Howe should rightly be honoured, so too should all of the Mangrove Nine who themselves are part of a rich tradition, continued by so many Black British people who stood and continue to fight for and demand justice.

“People should learn about Darcus,” Bunce says. “But it’s important they learn about Olive

Morris, Altheia Jones-Lecointe, Barbera Beese and all of these people.

“One of my observations about Britain — and I’m a White British person — is that we as a nation are very confused about race.

Frank Hester can say horrible things about Diane Abbott and then say by the way that wasn’t racist.

“We’re a country where you can have racist riots and the prime minister can say it’s ‘thuggery’.

There’s a lot of confusion about what race is and what racism is.

“Part of that is because we’ve learned about racism in other countries. The kind of racism we have here in Britain is different but just as real.

“The Black Power movement in Britain highlights, one, the unique and distinctive nature of racism in Britain, and two, what people like Darcus Howe and Olive Morris did, and the generation that came after. What people like Diane Abbott, Marc Wadsworth, Sharon Atkin and many others have done to tackle the problem and the urgency and importance of tackling the problem.”

12 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

News Feature KEY ROLE: Devarnie Lothian stars as Frederick Douglass in Frederick Douglass – My Path to Freedom

Photo: Getty Images

British film introduces a new audience to the life of one of the most significant figures in civil rights history. By Vic Motune

HEROIC: Frederick Douglass was a towering figure in American history, known for his relentless fight against slavery and his advocacy for African-American civil rights

A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON A LEGENDARY LIFE

F

REDERICK DOUGLASS stands as one of the most significant figures in American history – a tireless advocate for abolition, civil rights, and social justice.

Now, in the new British film Frederick Douglass – My Path to Freedom, the story of this extraordinary man is retold, bringing his legacy to a new generation of viewers.

The UK-produced film is based on Douglass’ first autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, a ground-breaking piece of literature that shook the 19th century with its raw, insightful portrayal of life as an enslaved man.

Bringing Douglass to life Written and directed by Keith E Hoult, Frederick Douglass – My Path to Freedom offers audiences an evocative journey through Douglass’ life, told through a dramatic monologue by the talented actor Devarnie Lothian, who stars as Douglass.

In a performance that is powerful and transformative, Lothian traces Douglass’ journey

from an enslaved man in Maryland to a free man whose oratory and writings became instrumental in the abolitionist movement.

Lothian breathes life into Douglass’ struggle, triumph and vision, making his 19th-century fight for justice feel urgent and relatable.

Speaking about what led him to accept the role, Lothian, who is of Jamaican heritage and grew up in Nottingham, told The Voice: “I grew up with strong ties to Black liberation, history, and Pan-Africanism, so this role felt natural to me. When I heard about the biographical aspect of Frederick Douglass’ life, I thought it could be a great project. The script really excited me, and I knew this was the kind of work I wanted to do. Getting on board was an easy decision.”

For Lothian, portraying a historical giant like Frederick Douglass was both an honour and a huge responsibility that was not without its challenges.

It demanded not only technical precision but the emotional depth needed to convey the weight of Douglass’ experiences and struggles.

‘Whether it’s due to lack of education, ignorance, or simply not wanting to confront the truth, many people today don’t fully comprehend the horrors of slavery.

This ignorance is a tool that upholds racial hierarchies’ – Devarnie Lothian

“Preparing for this role was challenging because I’d never played an American character before, at least not professionally” he recalls. “The first step was nailing the accent. We discussed whether to use a specific accent like Boston or a more general Black American accent. We decided it had to sound authentically Black American, which I fully agreed

with. That part of the process was technical, like painting by numbers, and it felt manageable.

“But the real challenge came with embodying Frederick Douglass. Playing someone who had been enslaved requires an approach similar to portraying survivors of other traumatic historical events like the Holocaust. You can’t gloss over the gravity of that experience.”

He continues: “It was important to me that Douglass was portrayed as fully aware of the injustice he faced and not resilient in a romanticised way.

“Too often, portrayals of enslaved people suggest they were either passive or overly defiant, but Douglass knew exactly how dire his situation was.

He understood his own suffering, and that needed to come through in the performance.

“Emotionally, it was tough to get into that head space without being overwhelmed by the heavy subject matter. Sometimes I had to step back, especially during the slavery speeches. The anger Douglass felt wasn’t blind or out of control, it was focused and justified, shaped by his

lived experience. Balancing that weight with the need for breaks was essential to delivering an honest portrayal.”

A powerful story of liberation Frederick Douglass’ narrative is not only a chronicle of personal triumph but also a critical window into the history of America’s struggle with slavery. Born into enslavement in Maryland, Douglass escaped in 1838 and went on to become a leader of the abolitionist movement.

His speeches and writings, marked by a sharp intellect and commanding presence, shattered misconceptions about the capabilities of Black people and laid bare the realities of slavery.

His friendships with prominent figures, including Abraham Lincoln, and support for the Black regiments during the American Civil War, were crucial in shaping the course of US history.

Hoult’s film, which takes the form of a monologue, brings to light these pivotal moments of Douglass’ life, drawing from his Narrative, a work that became essential reading for the

abolitionist cause. In Frederick Douglass – My Path to Freedom, we see the man not just as a historical figure, but as a living, breathing force of resistance and hope – an iconic figure on both sides of the Atlantic.

Though Douglass is often seen as an American hero, his influence was also deeply felt in Britain.

After the success of his Narrative, Douglass travelled to Britain and Ireland, where he delivered impassioned speeches and gained celebrity status.

His time abroad changed his views on race, class, and opportunity. British abolitionists eventually purchased Douglass’ legal freedom, allowing him to return to the US as a free man in 1847.

The film taps into this lesserknown chapter of Douglass’ life, showcasing his connection to Britain and the way it shaped his ideas on freedom and equality.

Education as a lasting legacy For Devarnie, the film is not just a cinematic retelling of Douglass’ life, but a potential educational tool, one that invites viewers to reflect not just on the past, but on the present and future struggles for social justice, and the ongoing fight for freedom.

“I hope this film provides a deeper understanding of what it was truly like to be enslaved, because I believe most people still don’t grasp the weight of that history” he said. “Whether it’s due to lack of education, ignorance, or simply not wanting to confront the truth, many people today don’t fully comprehend the horrors of slavery.

“This ignorance is a tool that upholds racial hierarchies, and it’s crucial for people to understand that slavery was far more brutal than commonly portrayed.

“It wasn’t just living in someone’s house or working for them. It was a dehumanising experience that has no real modern comparison, except perhaps in cases where Africans are still enslaved in places like Dubai.

“While I know it’s unrealistic to expect a single film to change the world, as an artist, you have to hold onto the hope that your work can make a difference.

Without that hope, it’s easy to fall into despair.”

He continues: “I want this film to make people rethink their perspective on the world, to challenge their assumptions about history and racial injustice.

“For those who already understand these issues, this film might not be groundbreaking.

But for the majority who are unaware of the true depth of racial injustice, I hope it sparks a shift in their thinking and a greater awareness of why wrongs continue to happen in our world today.”

OCTOBER 2024 THE VOICE | 13

NERIYA-MAY IS ABLE TO LIVE HER LIFE TO THE FULL

News

LIFE-CHANGING: Neriya-May underwent a pioneering ultrasoundguided blood transfusion procedure at St George’s

Ultrasound provides relief for those suffering from sickle cell disease. By Sinai Fleary

A

TEENAGER with sickle cell disease is able to play sport and enjoy a pain-free holiday thanks to a pioneering procedure.

Neriya-May Hall is one of the sickle cell patients at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, London, to have their lives transformed by the use of ultrasound to administer blood transfusions.

People with sickle cell disease produce unusually-shaped red blood cells, and about 160 patients at St George’s receive a special type of blood transfusion that replaces those cells with donor blood.

Neriya, who is 13 and from Croydon, needs this “goldstandard” treatment every four to five weeks and has been receiving care at St George’s for about five years.

Thanks to the use of ultrasound – which guides the needles for the transfusion into her veins – the time the procedure takes is halved and Neriya is able to go home just hours later and return to school the next day.

PAIN Neriya can also play sports and enjoy days out safe in the knowledge she is much less likely to experience a sickle cell crisis – which are episodes of pain that happen when blood vessels become blocked.

Speaking from one of the hospital’s children’s wards during the treatment, Neriya said: “They help me to stay well, and not get sick. Everyone is so nice and supportive.”

In between, she explains how she has even spoken to other children who are about to start the same treatment to reassure them it will be OK. “I said it’s better,” says Neriya.

“It might hurt for five minutes, but then it’s calm. It’s better this way, because you get it done, and you know you’re good for another five weeks.”

Before the procedure, Neriya has her height and weight checked. Blood tests predict how often someone needs the procedure, meaning Neriya can

plan holidays and trips away.

Just a few weeks ago, Neriya and her family visited Morocco – something that wouldn’t have been possible before.

Her father, Leon, said: “Before this, we had to fly back from holiday because Neriya had a crisis and she was in so much pain, which was horrible to see.

But all that’s gone away now. We feel confident when she has this treatment that we can go away.

“We’ve noticed such a difference, and it’s much better for Neriya. She’s amazing, and just takes it all in her stride.”

Ultrasound is used to guide needles into a patient’s vein for the transfusion instead of fitting a permanent port. This way, it’s more likely a suitable vein will be found the first time.

Sickle cell disease is a serious and lifelong condition that is particularly common in people with an African or Caribbean family background.

It’s caused by a gene that affects how red blood cells develop – and if both parents have the gene, there’s a one in four chance that each child may be born with sickle cell.

Kate Slemeck, managing director for St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our specialist centre cares for 700 children and adults with sickle cell every year, using advanced treatments to help them live well. Neriya’s story demonstrates how such advancements are making a difference to quality of life.

“We couldn’t do it without the support of all the amazing blood donors out there. Every month we use 1,000 packs of red cells to deliver this treatment, and we need people, particularly of Black heritage, to give blood, as donors of the same ethnicity are most likely to provide the best match for patients.” n NHS Blood and Transplant

needs 12,000 extra donors of Black heritage, and 250 donations, every day, to help meet the demand for patients with sickle cell. To find out more, visit: www.blood.co.uk

Tell your GP instead.

Ask for a simple at-home test.

A pain or lump in your tummy could be nothing to worry about, but it’s worth making sure.

Bowel cancer is treatable when found early.

Registered charity number 1071038 (England and Wales) and SC040914 (Scotland)

14 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

The Importance of Repr

Dr Yarunnessa Khan, Senior Research Strategy Lead for Crohns & Colitis UK

D

iverse representation is an important part of health research. When it’s lacking, healthcare treatments and services may not be as safe, accessible, or effective for underrepresented groups.

That’s why it’s so important to encourage people from all backgrounds to get involved in research. But, it’s not always easy to get that message across, so using creativity can really help to raise awareness.

The charity Crohn’s & Colitis UK has been working with Egality Health and seven other charities to do just that with a short spoken word film. Two community organisations and eight people with lived experience were also involved. The film focuses on why diversity in health research matters for people, families, and communities. It’s written and performed by poet and hip hop artist Duke Al-Durham and you can watch it online at egality.health/bevisible.

TREATMENTS The collective aim is to increase the number of people with lived experience from diverse communities to get actively involved in health research and ultimately improve health treatments and services. The film starts with a punchy ques-

tion, “How can a community be heard if they have no voice?”

The health conditions addressed in the film include Arthritis, Parkinson’s, and Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis which are the two main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

More than half a million people in the UK are living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

200,000 have Crohn’s and around 300,000 have Colitis.

And every year 25,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with one of the conditions. Many will have been living with symptoms for a long time before they get that news.

SYMPTOMS And although there’s no cure for Colitis or Crohn’s, medicines and sometimes surgery can keep you feeling well, however, flare-ups can still happen. Both conditions can cause a whole range of symptoms, including blood in your poo, weight loss, tiredness and stomach pain.

Conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease don’t discriminate; they can affect anyone, of any age and from any background and that’s why Crohn’s & Colitis UK is so passionate about representation in research.

Dr Yarunnessa Khan, Senior Research Strategy Lead with the charity says, “It’s

crucial that everyone living with Crohn’s and Colitis sees themselves reflected in our work and is reassured that their challenges are recognised and addressed. It’s very important to always have diversity and inclusiveness at the forefront.

When people from different communities share their lived experiences they help us to see and decide the best solutions to take forward.”

RECOGNISE Building trust between diverse communities and healthcare professionals is vital, and so is creating a safe and comfortable space for people to talk about their needs. It’s also important to recognise that not all communities approach healthcare in the same way, and that could be for a whole variety of reasons, both current and historic.

OCTOBER 2024

THE VOICE | 15

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

esentation in Research

But, as one person who worked with Crohn’s & Colitis UK on a previous project put it, diverse representation has the power to help drive change.

OPPORTUNITIES In fact, one of the biggest barriers to diversity in research is that not enough people in general are aware of opportunities to participate in it.

Crohn’s & Colitis UK is working to improve this in an upcoming event in November with a “Patient Involvement in Research Day” that will be held on Zoom. If that is something you or someone you know is interested in, you can scan the QR code provided in the article to register.

It’s a chance for people to learn more about getting involved to help shape the future of research. At the event the

researchers will be joined by people with lived experience who have been part of their research, giving accounts of the type of activities they were involved in and the impact this has had.

This can be a great way to make a difference and have your voice heard. Being involved in research means participants can influence the outcomes and ultimately improve health treatments and services for everyone.

how research is delivered so it’s practical for everyone to take part. If we do not get the research right, we will not get the health system right. You could change the narrative, get involved, help others be visible, be heard, be seen.”

RESEARCH As Duke Al-Durham’s poem in the film says, “Why not be in these conversations in the room where they happen? You could help prioritise the health issues you know really matter to society and have your say on studies that you think should get funding. You can design

For more information about Crohn’s or Colitis please visit: https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk

16 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

News

Opinion

Daniella Maison

Join the debate online voice-online.co.uk/opinion

LET’S MAKE SURE OUR VOICES ARE HEARD Why this year’s #BHM2024 theme ‘reclaiming the narrative’ is a necessary act of resistance for Black women

A CRUCIAL dimension of our personal development is our sense of self-concept, and narrative identity.

In centuries past, our ancestors were aware that without knowledge of self, history, tradition, culture and community, we would remain as desolate as brooks without a source, as trees without roots.

Since the beginning of our story as diaspora, we have been wading in the waters of misinformation, miseducation, propaganda and omission.

W.E.B. Du Bois described the result of this as causing the Black collective to have a ‘double consciousness’. He defined this as ‘a peculiar sensation, a sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity’.

Somewhere in this process, we have lost our own narrative.

Yet without a narrative, a story cannot be told.

Transatlantic slaves being shackled, shipped, brandished, whipped, auctioned and lynched they aren’t told Musa I of Mali is considered the richest man in history.

Whether we believe these omissions are innocuous or not, it undeniably transmits messages of White superiority and Black inferiority. Having been subjected to a narrative that ignores us, once we leave school, our voices are hushed, especially those of Black women who have long been stranded in a system that relentlessly immerses them in the rhetoric of misogynoir.

TRIUMPH Historically, there has been In British schools we are taught an agenda to invisibilise Black a glorious European narrative. women as agents of change. It Tales of conquering and has been a violent and chronic triumph. The British Empire, the glory of Rome, the greatness of Alexander the Great, the In every corner of brilliance of Shakespeare, the golden age of Elizabeth, modern society, the victory of Napoleon, the heroism of Christopher Black women Columbus. It is an education that omits the Black narrative. have had a In this omission, children aren’t taught the folding profound impact chair, gas mask, traffic signal, automatic elevator doors, on shaping clothes dryers and ironing board the world as we were invented by Black people.

They aren’t taught about the know it splendour of Benin. In the array of schoolbook photographs of

LISTEN UP: This year’s Black History Month theme, “reclaiming the narrative,” is an important one for Black women; below, Black History Month will provide an opportunity to share untold stories of Black women (photos: Getty Images)

erasure that can be seen at play in academia, the workplace, political arena, healthcare, and more.

Disproportionate statistics on maternal health, mental health, preventable diseases, lack of representation, workplace inequality, domestic abuse and Afrofemicide tell this story. So much of what is at play behind these statistics is the shushing of Black women in varying forms.

They are more likely to receive lower quality healthcare including delayed or inaccurate diagnoses, undertreatment of pain, and feeling mistreated or ignored.

As a result, we are disproportionately suffering in the very industry that our hands helped to shape.

Rarely are our grandmothers lauded for travelling from the Caribbean to successfully rebuild the post-war NHS that was on its knees – the same NHS that has been found to lack the training and confidence to identify the specific needs of Black women, causing us to ‘fall through the net’.

In addition, Black women are disproportionately burdened with the mental health syndrome known as superwoman schema.

This involves ‘the perceived obligation to quell emotion, convey strength, suppress dependence and vulnerability,

and to prioritise caregiving over self-care.’ More silencing.

A narrative cannot be told without a voice.

For so long, misogynoir has told Black women we can’t sit down and rest, because we must work twice as hard to be respected and rewarded. At the same time, it tells us our contribution is not valued, our voices are too loud, our efforts are not recognised.

These experiences are ‘weathering’ us. Arline Geronimus makes the case that Black women suffer stress levels which are damaging at a cellular level and lead to serious health problems over time. Being silenced and overlooked “literally wears down your heart, your arteries, your neuroendocrine systems, ... all your body systems so that in effect, you become chronologically old at a young age.”

That is why reclaiming our narrative is an act of resistance.

As much as pain is a valid part of our narrative, the legacy of the Black diaspora is also a legacy of vast contribution, excellence, and resilience.

CHALLENGES Despite the challenges and unimaginable circumstances faced by our ancestors, they paved the way for us to stand proudly today.

In every corner of modern society, Black women have had a profound impact on shaping the world we know.

It is paramount to acknowledge and celebrate our achievements and contributions.

Black History Month is an opportunity to acknowledge and embrace the beauty and strength of our achievements.

It’s vital that as Black women, we claim our position as agents of change: by breaking generational trauma, investing in self-love as a lifestyle, shattering glass ceilings without feeling like imposters, prioritising our mental health, reclaiming our narratives, learning our history, sharing our truths, experiences, voices and memory.

Black women succeed because of our melanin, culture, history and femininity, not inspite of it.

This Black History Month, and every month, is an opportune occasion to reshape our narrative and provide our children with a story that is not solely focused on tragedy.

Now more than ever is the time to reclaim our stifled voices, repressed memories, and untold stories, and frame them for the next generation on our own terms.

This is the narrative which the diaspora must unearth, excavate, bring to light and express through representation.

Black women’s narratives have always been here, and are here to stay.

Our voices must never be etched out of history again.

WRITER, ACTIVIST AND AUTHOR DANIELLA MAISON’S NEW BOOK, THE N WORD, PUBLISHED BY AUSTIN MACAULAY, IS OUT NOW

JUNE 2024

THE VOICE | 17

BLACK CULTURAL ARCHIVES: RECLAIMING NARRATIVES

INTRODUCING OUR NEW EXHIBITION RACE TODAY: BLACK HISTORY IS BRITISH HISTORY

The exhibition runs from 4 October 2024 until 2 February 2025 See the exhibition during our opening hours: Thursday - Saturday: 10am - 6pm Sunday - 12pm - 5pm

BLACK HISTORY IS EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR Support Black Cultural Archives blackculturalarchives.org/reclaimingnarratives

PURCHASE YOUR OWN PART OF HISTORY THROUGH OUR ONLINE SHOP

Black Cultural Archives Jigsaw Puzzle A4 Black History Tube Map Black Cultural Archives’ Book of the Month: Here to Stay, Here to Fight A Race Today Anthology To get in touch about partnerships or sponsorships, please complete the form on: blackculturalarchives.org/reclaimingnarratives

*Please scan the QR coded to support Black British history and Black Cultural Archives.

18 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

Lyndon Mukasa Eye on the Diaspora

Join the debate online voice-online.co.uk/opinion

HOW CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES ARE ADAPTING TO HURRICANE SEASON After Beryl left a trail of destruction earlier this year, the region must think long-term

VICTIM: Hurricane Beryl hit the Caribbean in June this year, causing 70 deaths.

But recovery efforts face challenges (photo: Getty Images)

T

HE 2024 hurricane season got off to a devastatingly early start with the emergence of Hurricane Beryl on June 28.

Beryl rampaged through the Caribbean as a category 4 hurricane, altogether causing 70 deaths across the Caribbean and Central America.

The total damage totalled $6.86billion (£5.19bn). For Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines — the islands most directly in the path of hurricane Beryl — there was significant damage sustained.

The islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique were completely destroyed with damages to power and communications cutting off the islands from mainland Grenada, which wasn’t as affected by the hurricane. This has created challenges in supply delivery for the people of the islands.

As a result, thousands of people have been driven into storm battered shelters.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines faced a huge food insecurity crisis stemming in part from the loss of 98% of banana and plantain production as well as the collapse of the lobster and fisheries sector.

According to the National Electricity Company of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, at present due to the scale of damage to the electricity grid, it could take

up to the end of 2025 for full electricity to The United Nations and its international be restored in the southern Grenadines. organisations have provided immediate assistance including shelter, clean Recovery efforts water, food and medical care. According Since the devastation, governments to the Office for the Coordination of across the Caribbean have been working Humanitarian Affairs, in the first month with organisations to assist with the of the hurricane more than 2,900 hygiene recovery process. kits had been distributed across St.Vincent Relief and assistance has poured in from and the Grenadines and 3,400 hygiene kits CARICOM as well as aid coming from to Grenada. More than 6,800 total food kits Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, Guyana and had been distributed across the affected Barbados. Additionally the French army areas while 19,000 people had been reached stationed in Martinique has been mobilised through humanitarian interventions. to assist in the clearing of damage while international bodies such as the African Adaptation and its challenges Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has The United Nations is working with donated over $500,000 (£379,000) to assist. Caribbean governments for more long-

term recovery plans to build resilient communities, however the road to recovery while possible presents many challenges. Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley is currently leading the campaign for complete debt eradication for climate-vulnerable countries particularly those in the Caribbean. Both Barbados and Dominica stand out for their investment in hurricane resilient infrastructure and other climate change mitigation measures.

There is also a growing need and awareness among politicians to push for losses and damages due to climate change which would help invest further in the infrastructure.

However, there are hurdles to cross in the advent of an immediate disaster like Hurricane Beryl. The Caribbean has a long history of being a victim of “disaster capitalism”, a term coined by political activist and author Naomi Klein in which after a natural disaster elites and corporations (often foreign) exploit the situation by buying up land and resources while the population is desperate and vulnerable. This separates people from the lands that they rely on for food, shelter and their livelihoods, entrenching neoliberal interests further in the Caribbean.

This has happened across the region, particularly after a hurricane with notable examples in Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. In the case of Barbuda following the mass evacuation from the 2017 hurricane Irma, investors swept in after the disaster to establish a luxury real estate market to sell off land that had initially belonged to its inhabitants under common ownership.

W. Valentine Douglas, President of the Grenada Land Actors, argues that Grenada is particularly vulnerable to disaster capitalism due to its Citizenship

by Investment programme which is designed to attract much-needed funds — but creates the conditions that could allow investors to flood disaster-hit Carriacou and Petite Martinique in a similar way to Barbuda.

Vincentian writer and researcher Holly Bynoe warns against the threat of disaster capitalism for her country in light of Hurricane Beryl arguing that the priorities of disaster management need to shift from a return on investment focus towards an emphasis on empowering local communities.

WHAT DO VENEZUELA ELECTIONS MEAN FOR THE FUTURE OF GUYANA? ON JULY 28 this year Venezuelans took to the polls in the presidential elections.

The results were unsurprisingly controversial and contested as the opposition led by Edmundo Gonzales, an independent against the leader and winner of the 2024 elections, challenged Nicholas Maduro who claimed victory leading to six more years of his leadership.

It was almost a year ago in December 2023 that Maduro held a referendum that voted in favour to annex the oil rich Essequibo region that is currently part of Guyana.

Likely motivated by a desire to distract from the ongoing economic crisis, Maduro sought to build patriotic support by threatening to take territory that had under colonialism been unfairly drawn up

of Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean because it is largely unclear whether claims to Guyana’s Essequibo territory would dissipate under the opposition if elected.

This territorial dispute goes back to the 19th century and Venezuela has always contested the political alignment of the region.

DISPUTED: Nicholas Maduro’s alleged win in Venezuela is likely to cause territorial issues in Guyana by the British which has now been inherited by Guyana.

A lot has already been said about the legitimacy (or lack thereof) of the election results in Venezuela.

This article will not be examining this as from the perspective

Maduro wins, so now what?

Election disputes aside, the fact is that Nicholas Maduro is still in power and will likely be in power for a long time as long as the Venezuelan military continues to support him.

The question is whether his government will continue to make increasingly aggressive claims to Guyana’s territory. Last December following the controversial referendum to annex the Essequibo

region, Maduro’s government was met with heavy opposition by regional powers such as the United States that threatened possible military intervention.

Brazil also that argued that a military force would need to cross into Brazilian territory to invade Guyana which would not be sanctioned by the Brazilian government.

Despite these barriers, in February of this year Venezuelan lawmakers approved the creation of a new state called “Guyana Esequiba” which has created the possibility for illegal settlements to be established in the future.

While a full-on invasion would be unlikely, it is possible that the people of Guyana will have to deal with illegal encroachments and border skirmishes.

Moreover because Maduro’s support depends so much on the military that have embraced Maduro’s nationalist narrative, it is likely that Guyana’s Essequibo region will be used as a useful rallying tool to maintain power.

For Guyana’s part, Venezuelan aggression has forced the government to seek assistance from Western powers for military training, arming and support.

As I mentioned in previous articles, this is also risky on Guyana’s part since Western support often comes with conditions that threaten long-term sovereignty and economic independence. l Lyndon Mukasa is a writer

and researcher. He studied International Development at the London School of Economics

JUNE 2024 THE VOICE | 29 OCTOBER 2024 THE VOICE | 19

News

CHAMPIONING THE CAUSE OF THE BLACK INTROVERT

Black Introvert Week founder Richard Etienne shares why the event is needed. By Darell J. Philip

B

LACK Introvert Week UK focuses on empowering organisations and educational institutions to think in greater depth about the personality, diversity and intersectionality of Black employees and students.

This is done through panel discussions, downloadable toolkits, thought leadership and social campaigns.

The brainchild behind Black Introvert Week, which started in 2021 and runs annually in the last week in October, is Richard Etienne, 40, who was once an official videographer to former British PM Theresa May and has also been influential in driving the online promotion of global brands in academia, art and politics for 20 years.

Currently Global Director of Internal Communications at Elsevier, a medical data and technology publisher, Etienne is also a personal branding consultant, with a strong focus on giving added voice to quiet leaders.

So, who is an introvert?

According to research by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung in the 1920s, introverts are distinguished by their inward focus whereas extroverts are distinguished by their outgoing and energetic nature. For Jung, extroverts feel energised by being surrounded by people and enjoy interacting with the outside world while introverts are recharged by feeling secure and confident in their own space.

So for a Black introvert, the meaning and context takes on another level, as Etienne explains: “While introversion is a personality trait, being a Black introvert adds another layer of complexity. Black introverts navigate the world at the intersection of their introverted nature and their racial identity, facing unique challenges and experiences. They might encounter stereotypes about both Black individuals and introverts, which can lead to misunderstandings.”

As a Black introvert himself, Etienne shares his personal experiences in assisting those interacting with such individuals.

“For me, being a Black introvert means often feeling like I exist in two worlds. In predominantly White spaces, I might feel pressure to be more outgoing and expressive to fit in, while in Black spaces, I might be seen as too quiet or reserved. It’s a constant balancing act.”

Black Introvert Week was founded by Etienne to bring awareness to those sharing spaces with such individuals with the following three aims: 1. To support teachers and employers to better understand how to recognise and nurture the talents of Black introverts 2. To raise awareness of the value that Black introverts bring to a team or classroom 3. To support Black introverts to voice their experiences During last year’s Black Introvert Week, educators were surveyed on their understanding of Black introversion and on what support they needed in assisting students presenting as such in their classrooms.

Among 80 teachers surveyed, 70% described themselves as introverts while, surprisingly, 91% of all teachers reported not having received any training from the Department for Education or elsewhere, on how to identify and assist introverted students in the classroom.

In response to the survey, Etienne will be launching a downloadable toolkit for teachers to better assist their Black introvert students.

In championing the cause of Black introvert students, Etienne offers the following words: “Black introverts are a valuable part of our society.

Their quiet strength, thoughtful insights, and creative spirit deserve to be celebrated. Let’s create a world where Black introverts feel empowered to embrace their true selves.” n For further details please visit www.richardetienne.co.uk/ black-introvert-week

INSPIRING INTROVERTS: Richard Etienne

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20 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

News Feature

RISING ABOVE INJUSTICE: HOW THE VOICE REPORTED THE BLACK BRITISH EXPERIENCE

I

In the 1980s, Black Britons faced widespread overt racism. The book 40 Years of Black British Lives documents that tough period. In this edited extract, co-author Richard Adeyishan looks back at how The Voice covered this period during its first decade

N 1963, US civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. said: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Yet his words could easily have been used to echo the experience of Black people in 1980s Britain, who faced injustice at every turn.

To fully understand the importance of The Voice’s entrance into the media landscape, you have to also recognise that it emerged in the midst of a fractured society still trying to adjust to multi-culturalism. Two critical events in 1981 — the New Cross Fire tragedy, followed by the Brixton riot — had magnified an already strained relationship between the Black community and the Metropolitan Police.

The country was three years into a Conservative government under the leadership of Margaret Thatcher and, not unlike the previous decade, the climate was particularly unforgiving towards Black people and other minority communities.

Following incidents such as these, the Black community could not rely solely on reports from most newspapers, as they rarely had the depth of understanding, the inside track or, more importantly, the trust of Black communities.

The Voice launched in

OUR VOICE: Founder of The Voice newspaper Val McCalla the summer of 1982, amidst a corrosive social climate, tasked with reporting the emerging Black British narrative.

Val McCalla, a child of the Windrush Generation, founded the newspaper. Born in Jamaica, McCalla moved to the UK in 1959, joined the Royal Air Force, and gained valuable skills in accountancy and bookkeeping, which later helped him establish The Voice. Despite facing initial challenges, including low sales after distributing 150,000 free copies at Notting Hill Carnival, McCalla remained committed to building the paper’s legacy.

With a £60,000 loan from Barclays Bank, The Voice slowly carved out a niche over its first

decade. McCalla’s vision extended beyond personal recognition; he aimed for The Voice to become a British institution.

From its early days, the newspaper was relentless in its fight against injustice, especially highlighting issues faced by the Black community. During the 1980s, the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) produced numerous damning reports, many of which were covered by the The Voice. A recurring issue was the deaths of Black men in police and prison custody, such as Colin Roach and

“In the 1980s, The Voice fiercely exposed police corruption, racism, and brutality” Paul Worrell.

Despite The Voice’s tireless campaigning, these deaths continued, with inquests frequently returning verdicts of ‘death by misadventure.’ Over 70 Black men lost their lives in custody during the decade.

Photo: PA Media

HISTORIC: The Voice’s first front page in August 1982

SEEKING ANSWERS: Demonstrators outside an inquest into the deaths of 13 young people in the New Cross fire

The Voice also commemorated significant events that preceded its launch, particularly the 1981 New Cross fire, where 13 Black children lost their lives. The newspaper followed the story closely, announcing memorials and updates.

In July 1983, it reported on the tragic death of Anthony Berbeck, the 14th victim of the fire, who had been mentally affected by the event. The Voice continued to mark key anniversaries of the New Cross fire, reflecting its understanding that this tragedy was a uniquely Black British story and a symbol of the community’s resistance and resilience.

The Voice quickly exposed racial injustices, often correcting biased reporting before “institutional racism” became a widely recognised term.

In its second issue, the paper debunked national news coverage that wrongly depicted ethnic minorities as welfare “scroungers” in a Department of Social Security raid. Another story critiqued Home Office proposals allowing police to forcibly fingerprint individuals over the age of 10. These examples were just the beginning of The

CALL TO ACTION: In its first decade The Voice established itself as a newspaper campaigning for the Black community Voice’s efforts to challenge systemic racism and misleading narratives about the Black community.

But amidst the early gloom The Voice also reported stories that delivered unexpected levity.

An annual cricket fixture between a West Indian side and the Brixton Police in 1982, presented a metaphorical ‘ceasefire’ in a historically strained relationship.

It was the first and only time a

match report appeared on the newspaper’s front page, and was appropriately titled, ‘No sweat!’

In the 1980s, The Voice fiercely exposed police corruption, racism, and brutality, which often mirrored practices seen in apartheid South Africa or America’s Deep South.

One disturbing pattern was the frequent police assault cases where victims, usually Black individuals, were falsely accused of assaulting

OCTOBER 2024 THE VOICE | 21

News Feature

Photo: Getty

FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE: In 1985, the community was shaken by the deaths of Cynthia Jarrett and Cherry Groce

REALITY: A man and a little girl walk past burned-out cars the day after the riot of October 6, 1985 on the Broadwater Farm housing estate, Tottenham

officers who had attacked them. Courts often dismissed these charges, exposing police dishonesty. Particularly alarming was the rising number of attacks on elderly Black women, highlighted in headlines like “Gran in Cop Terror” and “Granny-Bashers.”

For instance, in 1989, 65-year-old Carmen Robinson was pushed to the ground by police while trying to help her grandson. She later found herself with bruises and bumps.

Similarly, in 1992, 73-year-old Marie Burke was awarded £50,000 in damages after being viciously assaulted and falsely imprisoned by police. Barrister Courtney Griffiths called this payout a reflection of police dishonesty and incompetence.

Another case, headlined “Coppers Pay Up – Mum Wins Substantial Damages,” told the story of Lora Lucas, a Sunday school teacher awarded £26,000 after being assaulted by police.

Lucas urged the Black community to “fight for their rights.”

In 1981, Lucas, a 46-year-old mother of three, was brutally assaulted by three police officers after staging a sit-in protest over poor repairs to her home. She was kicked, punched, and subjected

to degrading treatment, including officers looking up her skirt while making lewd comments.

After being falsely charged with assault, she fought for five years in court, ultimately winning £26,000 in damages for assault, false imprisonment, and malicious prosecution. Lucas remained resolute, stating: “I believe in fighting to the death for what is right. I would do it again.”

REPRESENTED: Stoke Newington police officers Celebrating the were among the worst for brutality election of Britain’s and corruption. first Black MPs In 1985, The Voice reported on a case involving Trevor Smith, 42, who was beaten by officers when Massiah’s injuries were so severe arrested for attempting to open his he had to take time off work. He own car. Despite explaining that described the police’s insults as the black Daimler was his, he was “filled with real hate”. charged with assault. The charges While being transported to were ultimately dismissed, but he Tottenham police station, Massiah reflected, “The whole thing has and his friends knelt in prayer, been a nightmare.” stating, “Our faith saw us through...

This pattern of abuse was When the police saw, they laughed.” echoed in a 1988 report headlined Despite the introduction of “We prayed while cops beat us up,” the Police Evidence and Crime which recounted the experience Bill in 1984, policing in Black of three churchgoers — Samuel communities remained largely Massiah, Trevor Palmer, and unchanged. Tensions simmered in Winston Brian—who were stopped several London neighbourhoods for allegedly littering. They reported and across the UK, including being physically assaulted and Brixton, Toxteth, Liverpool, and St. subjected to racial slurs.

Paul’s, Bristol. The first outbreak of

violence occurred in Handsworth after police allegedly punched a Black woman, resulting in two deaths and 35 injuries. The Voice’s front page ominously asked, “What now?” while depicting the devastation.

Earlier unrest in Brixton foreshadowed further conflict, exacerbated by the October 1985 police shooting of 38-year-old Dorothy “Cherry” Groce and the death of Cynthia Jarrett in Tottenham. Following Groce’s shooting, The Voice carried the headline “Brixton burns again,” capturing the community’s outrage.

The tragic death of Cynthia Jarrett, who reportedly suffered a heart attack after police entered her home, fuelled unrest at Broadwater Farm Estate, resulting in one death and over 80 injuries.

Her daughter claimed a police officer had pushed her mother aside, leading to her collapse. A peaceful demonstration of 400 people in Tottenham turned violent, culminating in the death of PC Keith Blakelock.

A key moment for the paper was its coverage of Colin Roach’s death in 1983, a young Black man found shot dead in Stoke Newington

Police station.

Initially deemed a suicide, The Voice’s headline read “Colin Roach death sparks revolt,” and the paper exposed inconsistencies in police reports, becoming a leading voice in the demand for a public inquiry.

Weekly updates followed, with the 1988 headline, “How did Colin Roach die?” reflecting ongoing doubts raised by an independent inquiry into the case.

By the 1990s, The Voice reported on the alarming rise of mental illness among young Black men, often facing systemic racism and neglect. A 1990 article revealed that Black psychiatric patients had died under suspicious circumstances nearly every year for five years.

Black men were disproportionately diagnosed with mental illness and given drug treatments over therapy.

One case highlighted was Randolph Ince, who narrowly survived after being prescribed a dangerously high dose of medication. Tragically, Joseph Watts, described as a “gentle giant,” died in a psychiatric facility after four years.

In The Voice’s 1987 feature “When Anger Turns to Madness,” psychiatrists noted that Black people faced dual burdens: social deprivation and racism, even within the health system.

Dr. Aggrey Burke echoed this, comparing the combination of poverty and racism to a “hurricane” of pressure. These conditions were

compounded by the damaging stereotype of “Big, Black and Dangerous.”

The 1980s saw significant political advancements for Black Britons, with increasing numbers elected to positions of power.

In 1982, Diane Abbott became the first Black woman elected to Westminster City Council, followed by Bernie Grant’s historic election as Britain’s first Black council leader in 1985. The Voice celebrated with the headline: “Bernie Makes History.”

The formation of Labour’s Black Sections in 1983 highlighted growing discontent over how the party took the Black vote for granted. In the lead-up to the 1987 general election, The Voice urged its readers to “Vote Labour,” and after the election, it celebrated the victories of Diane Abbott, Bernie Grant, Paul Boateng, and Keith Vaz as the first Black MPs with the headline: “A New Era – will there be a Black caucus in Westminster?”

Diane Abbott’s win as Britain’s first Black female MP was especially significant, as she emphasised that it was a collective victory for Black political advancement.

Entrepreneurship offered a way out for the Black community during the difficulties of the Thatcher’s era.

In 1987, The Voice featured Dounne Moore, who found success with her “Gramma’s” hot pepper sauce, blended with over 20 healing herbs and spices. By 1991, her product was stocked in Tesco and Safeway stores.

Similarly, The Voice profiled Delia Banks, a mother of seven who earned a stall in Harrod’s food hall after realising African food was not represented. Her business, Delia’s Kitchen Afrika, became a symbol of Black entrepreneurial success in Britain.

Surviving the Thatcher years, The Voice played a role in sowing the seeds of multicultural Britain.

However, the challenges faced

by Black communities, like those described in Bob Marley’s Concrete Jungle, persisted.

Despite this, the resilience and strength of Britain’s Black communities were evident in the newspaper’s pages, echoing the powerful optimism of Maya Angelou’s poem Still I Rise. As The Voice reflected, the community’s enduring message was clear: “I Rise, I Rise, I Rise.” n To purchase your copy of

‘40 Years of Black British Lives’ scan the QR code below or email subscription@thevoicemediagroup. co.uk

Reclaiming Narratives Celebrating Black History 40 Years of Black British Lives is a compelling chronicle of the lived experiences of the Black British community over the last four decades.

This insightful narrative which is taken from The Voice’s archives, encompasses diverse fields such as education, health, politics, sports, entertainment, and pivotal social issues.

The book captures the rich and complex history of Black British life and serves as an essential read, offering an invaluable perspective on the ongoing struggles and achievements of the Black community in the UK.

Get your copy now!

SCAN HERE

To purchase your copy scan the QR code or email Subscription@thevoicemediagroup.co.uk or phone 0207 510 0340

JUNE 2024

THE VOICE | 23

“LaRoche: The Story of Joseph Philippe Lemercier Laroche” Written and Directed by Dr Carlette L Norwood “LaRoche” is a poignant and thought-provoking play that sheds light on the life and journey of Joseph Philippe Lemercier Laroche, the only Black passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century racial tensions and social dynamics, the play explores Laroche’s remarkable journey, aspirations, and the tragic circumstances that led him to board the ill-fated Titanic.

The decision to board the Titanic becomes a pivotal moment in Laroche’s life. Driven by a desire to provide a better future for his family, he makes the fateful choice to embark on the voyage, unaware of the impending tragedy that awaits.

Against the backdrop of the Titanic’s final hours, “LaRoche” pays homage to Laroche among the countless other Black individuals whose stories have been overlooked in the annals of history. Through powerful storytelling and emotional performances, the play challenges audiences to relive those final fateful moments of LaRoche’s life.

As the curtains close, “LaRoche” leaves a lasting impression. Joseph Philippe Lemercier Laroche’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of remember-

ing those who have been marginalized and forgotten, ensuring that their voices echo through generations.

The Prestigious GX Awards Delivers Another Sensational Evening

I

By Linda Munroe

t was a lavish, fiery shades of red and silver themed affair at the eagerly anticipated GX AWARDS 2024 ceremony. This awe-inspiring event was co-hosted by the legendary awardwinning singer/ songwriter Annette B, GX founder, TV and Radio presenter and entrepreneur. Along with Ibe Giant Killer, acclaimed award-winning producer, radio presenter, comedian and singer/ songwriter the charismatic duo thrilled the audience with their playful on-stage banter. Launched in 2015, this is the 7th successful annual GX production promoting collaboration with the local and global community of gospel artists in the music, media and entertainment industry.

A night of accolades and unrestrained elation filled the atmosphere as prize winners clutched their awards. The decorated Noel Robinson was crowned three times winner in the categories of Best Male, Best Musician, and Praise and Worship. Appointed, who flew in from the USA, scooped International Radio Presenter.

COGOP won the award for Best Choir and TBN UK took the gong for Best TV Station. For the full list of exceptional GX top achievers, by category, go to: http://WWW.THEGXAWARDS.COM The sensational vocalist, Annette B, gave an outstanding performance, mesmerising the audience with the soothing allure of her mellifluous voice and with, seemingly, almost effortless effect.

Moving testimonials from Sarah Teibo, Dee Moore and Joshua Kesler gripped the hearts of onlookers and inspired messages of hope. Ministers on the night Nikki Seriki, Chris Da Ambassada, Sandra Godley, Terence Wallen, Praying Mantis, Shekinah Berakah Praise Dancer and DJ’s Shekinah Sound wowed the audience as each act showcased their spiritual gifts with tantalising effect.

In a surprise twist in the programme September born nominees and attendees were invited onto the stage in recognition of their birthdays. September is the designated time of celebration for Gospel Heritage Month which honours the monumental work

and historical legacy of gospel influence both in word and across music genres. “The GX Reveal” was then announced! With an air of expectancy attendees were teased into guessing the “reveal” colour theme for GX 2025 and as the momentum of random shouts of colour peaked from the auditorium an explosion of emerald green confetti cascaded from above showering the excited birthday participants. The curtains open on 6 September 2025 for the next GX Awards extravaganza, this time, in the embodiment of luxuriantly rich shades of lush green.

EXCLUSIVE NEWS!

GX Awards introduces two new categories for 2025, “Outstanding Church Leaders” and “Christian Entrepreneurs”.

In celebration of Black History Month the GX Creators are also introducing a special offer, “CRACK OF DAWN TICKETS”.

These are on sale throughout the month of October 2024.

To get in touch with the GX AWARDS Creatives and purchase 2025 TICKETS please go to: http://WWW.THEGXAWARDS.COM Tel: 07956 487 806

24 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

Midlands News INFLUENCE: Record stores were a fertile ground for new music

HIDDEN HISTORY OF THE RECORD STORE REVEALED

Project focuses on the cultural impact of shops that specialised in Black music from the 1950s onwards

A

MIDLANDSBASED creative arts collective has returned to the market with an innovative offering that was four years in the making in time for this year’s Black History Month celebrations.

Leicester’s 2Funky Arts is set to release a groundbreaking documentary and podcast that together, unearth the largely hidden history of the cultural impact made by independent record stores up and down the country that specialised in Black music from 1950 to the present day.

The Record Store & Black Music, A UK History combines personal stories that illuminate Black, African and Caribbean experiences including oral histories, film and audio and photographic memories as part of an educational resource, a

publication, website and podcast series. Among the themes to be explored include New Pioneers of Street Sounds (1950s-70s); Influence on the UK Charts (1970s-80s); and Club Culture & Birth of Sub Genres (1990s onwards).

The project, in celebrating the entire country’s contribution to the culture, came to be fittingly from concerted efforts of 2Funky Arts in the Midlands in a national partnership with Sound/Image Research Centre in the south, at the University of Greenwich, London with the north represented by Manchester’s music development outfit, Brighter Sound.

For the Windrush generation and Black diaspora, the early independent UK record store was a music-fuelled vehicle for resistance against systemic racism. Such sites became fertile ground for new music

and cultural ecosystems that shaped society’s relationship with Black music.

The new releases further enhances the collective’s raison d’etre – to celebrate Black music, develop new artists and host events to showcase local talent in the community.

2Funky Arts director Vijay

The early independent UK record store was a music-filled vehicle for resistance against systemic racism

Mistry said: “2Funky Arts has been planning The Record Store for around four years, in conjunction with DJ Simon ‘Schooly’ Phillips.

We are thrilled to be able to present an insight in to this fascinating history and will be working with volunteers and practitioners from across the country, to present oral histories in inspiring formats.”

In 2013, 2Funky Arts created Spectrum – a documentary exploring the history of Black music in Leicester. This was highly successful and revealed a large untapped history, laying the foundation for this project.

2Funky Arts itself grew from 2Funky Records (1997-2012) – an independent music store in Leicester, with an international reputation, that specialised in Black music. Since 2007, it has pioneered bringing new artists

to prominence and advocated for the iconic value of arts and heritage of Black origin.

Robyn Llewellyn, director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, who also backed the project, added: “We’re delighted to be supporting 2Funky Arts on this project, ensuring that this chapter of the UK’s Black music heritage is given the

recognition it deserves. Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re able to support important work like this so that heritage represents and reflects our local communities.” n The documentary will be viewable on YouTube and the podcast available to stream/ download on all the usual channels

OCTOBER 2024 THE VOICE | 25

If you have a story for the East or West Midlands, call/text Veron Graham on 07954 572 988, email veronpgraham@gmail.com, or find him on Facebook or LinkedIn

By Veron Graham

DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Coventry University leaders speak out after recent riots targeting minority communities FOLLOWING riots targeting minority communities across the country including in Midland hotspots like Tamworth and Hanley in Staffordshire causing concern amongst immigrants and their British-born descendants, leaders at Coventry University (CU) have spoken out to pledge its continued open door to overseas talent.

As one of the country’s largest recruiters of overseas students and a staunch advocate of transnational education, there are 162 nations represented within CU’s student population and overseas students are worth more than £150 million to the West Midlands city.

CU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International), Professor Richard Wells, said: “International students are an essential part of Coventry University Group. They are vital in helping us achieve our mission of creating better futures. They enrich our cultural

HONOUR: New CU Group Chancellor, Ahmed El Sewedy diversity and enhance our global reputation, research and student experience, while making our university a more attractive proposition for future students and collaborators.”

Professor Wells added: “For too long the rhetoric around the number of international students in our universities has been negative, often to the point of causing self-inflicted damage to

the reputation of the UK and our outstanding higher education sector. I therefore welcome the change in messaging from the new government and I believe there can no longer be any doubt – international students are welcome in the UK.” In a move which could be seen to solidify its stance, Wells’ statement was followed a day later by the announcement of CU Group’s new Chancellor, Egyptian-born business tycoon Ahmed El Sewedy. The President and CEO of Elsewedy Electric, a global provider of integrated energy solutions headquartered in Egypt and a professional engineer, El Sewedy was instrumental in the development of Coventry University’s branch campus in Cairo, known as The Knowledge Hub. Professor John Latham CBE, CU’s Vice-Chancellor added: “We welcome El Sewedy with open arms to Coventry University

For too long the rhetoric around the number of international students in our universities has been negative – Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Richard Wells, Coventry University

TARGETED: The aftermath of the riots in Tamworth Group and look forward to working with him to spread our message of creating better futures far and wide. In selecting our new Chancellor, we wanted to reflect our global nature and

Eng El Sewedy’s commitment to widening access to quality higher education matches our own outlook and mission.”

Having replaced Dr Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE who

has stepped down from the role after seven years, El Sewedy told the gathered media: “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chancellor at Coventry University Group.

“Education has always been a cornerstone of my vision and I am excited to contribute to the university’s mission of creating better futures.

“Everyone should be proud of how we strive to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring students are well-prepared for the global job market.”

Sponsorship deal allows theatre n News in brief to continue making memories WHILE Black History Month celebrations take precedence for many across the country, the extension of a sponsorship arrangement in the Black Country is aiming to stimulate behavioural, emotional and cognitive benefits for its older residents.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (WGT) is geared up to continue using Black music as part of its fight against dementia with the retention of the services of classic soul singer Sofie Anne to perform at its Memory Cafes and care home tours.

The venue, which will celebrate its 130th anniversary in December, has also retained the sponsorship of a local water safety company to help it continue to tackle dementia using the arts as an alternative therapy as it has over the last five years.

Nant Ltd will continue to support WGT into a third year having already enabled it to extend its delivery of performances from 40 to 48 care and residential homes,

INITIATIVE: Vocalist Sofie Anne, second right, celebrates the partnership with, left to right, Nant’s Carl Baker and Richard Deakin, and Remy Lloyd and Matthew Price widening the hope of sparking memories among more residents afflicted by dementia and related symptoms. With this boost in support for the next year at least, WGT anticipates being able to visit around 2,500 affected seniors.

Dementia has become one of the most important health and care issues facing the world. The NHS estimates that 944,000 people in the UK, one in 11 people over 65, is affected by the condition.

The Race Equality Foundation

points to evidence that people of Black and Asian heritage in the UK are at higher risk of the condition than those of White European descent, but “despite substantial increases in the number of older people from these groups, policy guidance on Black and Minority Ethnic older people has yet to find its way into practice. Understanding of dementia within (these) communities also appears limited with poor knowledge of services and stigma around

the illness.” Worldwide cases are set to double by 2030 and triple by 2050.

Head of Outreach at WGT, Remy Lloyd, said: “We are so grateful once again for Nant’s continued support.

Projects such as the Memory Cafe Care Home Tour mean the theatre can reach people who may not otherwise have access to the arts. Music can have significant benefits on people’s wellbeing, taking these performances into care homes can make a significant difference to people’s lives and is therefore a crucial part of our cultural offering.”

Nant Ltd managing director Richard Deakin added: “We are proud to continue our partnership with Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s Business Club, and support the invaluable Memory Tour initiative. We have strong links to the care sector and want to continue making a positive impact beyond our core Water Safety and Legionella services, aligning with our core values of care,

commitment, and consistency.

We observe the effects of dementia first hand, when visiting our care and residential home clients, and its brilliant to see how the Memory Tour makes a difference for the lives of those affected. We’ve seen the transformative power of the performances in improving memory and speech among the audiences.

“In addition to fundraising for Dementia UK, and sponsoring the Memory Tour, Nant carried out ‘Dementia Friends’ training last year, better equipping team members who attend and operate within care home properties, allowing them to learn about the condition, and better support people living with it. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Memory Tour team and are excited to show our ongoing support to a powerful and impactful initiative.” n More information on dementia provision at WGT is available via access@ grandtheatre.co.uk

PORTRAIT PAINTERS: Artists Gayle Ebose, Valerie Asiimwe Amani, Yvadney Davis, Grace Lee and Lauryn Pinard DE MONTFORT University’s Leicester Gallery is set to host a gallery featuring portraits of 100 Black Women Who Have Made a Mark from the start of this month until January 4, 2025 .

Those selected include women known to grace stages and screens plus those who have worked behind the scenes yet equally made their mark on British and Irish culture. The names of all 100 Black women are being announced throughout the year, with the first 15 named in the Spring including Pauline Black of the legendary Coventry two-tone group The Selector and comedy queen Gina Yashere.

The portraits are being crafted in a range of art forms by Valerie Asiimwe Amani, Yvadney Davis, Gayle Ebose, Grace Lee and Lauryn Pinard.

26 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

News Feature

THE WELCOMING TABLE OFFERING CALL TO ACTION New exhibition sets its sights on inspiring the most positive of changes within Black communities

T

HIS OCTOBER, Wolverhampton Art Gallery will host a unique Black History Month exhibition that challenges historical narratives and celebrates the contributions of Black communities in the UK. Curated by Aurea Reis, an awardwinning author and TEDx speaker originally from Angola, and Darren Watley, a photographer that tells stories through images, the exhibition is inspired by this year’s theme, Reclaiming Narratives.

Using African clothing as a central part of the project, it seeks to honour 19 men and women from African and Caribbean communities across the UK, highlighting their untold stories and their contributions.

The exhibition, titled A Welcoming Table, is more than just an art display, it’s a powerful call to action.

The core idea behind this project is to use storytelling and visual arts to amplify the voices of those who are often overlooked. It aims to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and inspire a ripple effect of positive change within Black communities.

SPIRIT The project also extends beyond art to encompass fashion, thanks to kind sponsors, an African fashion shop in Wolverhampton, owned by Zeal Obryan and his wife Nora, as well as Anaisarts, who provided the accessories, headwraps and pieces of differentiated clothing.

Obryan was also generous in allowing the use of their studio, embodying the spirit of community support that defines this exhibition.

The fashion, combined with the storytelling, serves to challenge outdated perceptions about Black culture, demonstrating that African attire and hairstyles can indeed be professional, stylish, and proud expressions of heritage.

Reis, who has been living in Wolverhampton for 16 years, was motivated by her personal experiences of often being sidelined or underestimated.

“Every year during Black History Month, I chase people or institutions, asking to sit at their table,”

CURATORS: Author Aurea Reis and photographer Darren Watley; below, author Pamela R Hayes, centre, with models display some of the fashion that will be on show at the Welcoming Table event in Wolverhampton

“We invited like-minded individuals who are building themselves from scratch, inspiring the next generation”

- Aurea Reis

she shared. “This year, we decided to create our own table and invite like-minded individuals who are building themselves from scratch, inspiring the next generation, and implementing positive narratives within the Black community.”​ The exhibition participants include Pamela R Haynes, author of Loving The Brothers, and poet and playwright Jannette Barrett. Each participant will share their personal journey, adding layers of meaning and connection to the exhibition.

Neville Haynes, one of the participants, said: “The images of myself and my wife made me reflect on my parents’ love story, which began in 1959 and lasted 48 years.”

Neville also expressed his hope that such stories of love, hard work and resilience would be passed down to future generations. “I am looking forward to attending the launch next month,” he said, echoing the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event​.

A Welcoming Table is more than

just an exhibition; it’s a celebra- our heritage. What makes this extion of community, culture, and hibition truly unique is its inclusive the power of reclaiming our stories, approach, designed to bring everysays Watley. one to the table, whether you’re visThis groundbreaking showcase iting in person or exploring the full at Wolverhampton Art Gallery,will online exhibition. open on Saturday, October 5, 2024, The powerful visuals are comfrom 10.30 am, and offers a free, im- plemented by heartfelt stories from mersive experience that honours the participants, whose experithe vibrant and diverse contribu- ences capture the essence of Black tions of Black British individuals. life in Britain, from post-Windrush Each portrait in the exhibition is challenges to modern-day tria testament to resilience, pride, and umphs. This event isn’t just about the unbreakable spirit that defines observing history, it’s about engag-

ing with it and finding inspiration in the lives of those who have paved the way and continue to shape the future. By highlighting these oftenoverlooked narratives, A Welcoming Table invites us all to reflect on our role in the ongoing story of our communities. n Visit www.darrenwatley.com/

BHM2024 for more details on how you can become part of this dynamic celebration of culture, legacy, and unity.

27 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

News Feature His support for ending apartheid also continued throughout his life and Zephaniah remained an outspoken advocate for justice in Palestine.

Over the years he rubbed shoulders and shared platforms with authors including Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison, two titans of Black literature, who themselves have rightly taken their place in the rich hallways of Black history.

Benjamin Zephaniah walked in the same proud traditions as them, but they too also came to admire him.

Benjamin Zephaniah was the most talented person I’ve known, but also the kindest and this is what set him apart from talent alone. He made an impact which will continue to be felt for years to come.

I miss him, but one of the very last things he told me, was that he’d achieved everything in life he’d wanted to.

His life’s work commanded the respect of our community and so many of our Black heroes.

Professor Benjamin Zephaniah didn’t just talk or teach Black history, he lived it, walked it, breathed it, and in doing so, made Black History, strengthening and inspiring our community.

continued from page 3 pan-Africanism as well as a hugely important figure to Rastafarians. “He’s the reason Benjamin became a Rasta,” Qian reveals. “Benjamin really respected him, he loved him, and the book is a treasure.”

In an interview he gave in the 1980s, he makes clear that as a Rastafarian he followed the teachings of Marcus Garvey.

Also among these treasured possessions, Qian tells me, is a gold coin, gifted to him, which had once belonged to the Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, viewed as a messiah by Rastafarians.

The letter accompanying the gift, which was from an airline navigator, expressed the hope that the coin could be used by Zephaniah to support his work with young people.

This is the kind of impact Zephaniah made and the respect he commanded.

Fa m o u s ly, when Zephaniah

FRIENDS: with Nelson Mandela

LITERARY GIANTS: Left, with Toni Morrison and right, Maya Angelou

was young, he wrote a letter to reggae sensation and Jamaican legend Bob Marley.

He received a reply of encouragement. Although he lost the letter, Zephaniah once said that the response was motivating and became the reason why he always tried to acknow ledge letters from his own fans in later years.

RESPECT: Zephaniah followed the teachings of Marcus Garvey

Marley himself was a trailblazer laying a pathway for others to follow.

“Bob Marley’s music really did influence him a lot,” says Qian, “especially Get Up, Stand Up. Benjamin’s early music was all reggae. He also wanted his music to be heard by generations. His music was his poems.”

Zephaniah made several albums throughout his career.

He later made history when he became the first person to record with the Wailers after Bob Marley passed away, in 1982.

The album was named Rasta

himself heard the record while still in prison.

The song led to an introduction between the pair, and Zephaniah went on to host a concert with Mandela at the Royal Albert Hall in 1996. The two became good friends, but not without the hurdles that come with friendship — even between two extraordinary individuals.

“They had a break for about a year, because they didn’t agree about something,” Qian says laughing. “But then after about a year they came back to be friends again.”

“Bob Marley’s music really did influence him a lot.

Benjamin’s music was his poems” and included a tribute to the late South African president, Nelson Mandela.

It topped the charts in Yugoslavia while Mandela

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26 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2020

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HAVING THE LAST LAUGH: The way Arsenal’ s Bukayo Saka has stepped up after his Euro final penalty miss earned him has widespread praise

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By Rodney speakers, performances, relevance to the meaning culture & justice and globHinds and the moderated al social justice scholar, “Black Britishness”, to best and panel take many expect sessions featuring stock of its achievements public intellectual and RSENAL central to him to be interSTARLET an Arsenal visiting professor of generational the European and challenges. The kayo Saka Bu- so doing, resurgenc leading sosyme. In it Championships has regularly Saka became experts. posium will inspire partic- cial justice at Newcaswould be shown his Participants est player the youngthat the making young ability on in Premier will have the opporI have seen ipants, provoke thought, tle University; Ms Sheryl of him, and ing reception. The field of play, the to both League history nothing this youngster score and displaying but he is lost for words tunity to celebrate change my and catalyse progress, Nwosu, a public speaknow his mental was to assist in season to as he saw mind. a north have to receive resilience toughnes letters of support er, senior barrister a wall of blackness and being creating a forum that s. and “The ovation at the hateful hurtful message from fans ini- a returned to given to Saka The 20-year-o and when he leading defence Black in Britain now tiates and facilitates Arsenal’s s that after ld, con- barristers and me, 87 training who of three Jadon have Marcus and beyond these versations across ground after London Colney 25 Bedford players subjectedwas one received.

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Now former for his exploits I even say area of society.” in football or in personal and professional community will helpanall assist as During UK Black History Nwosu provided thank London any in the north this? Can I just and through the amplifi his star turned Spurs and Stoke said: “We’re here, pick it all up you for see that the histories vals Tottenham team beat arch - Month, October City know derby said all you networks. pundit, Garth it home?” and 2019, the we’re embedded rication of the voices and needed about his said of Saka take he added. to Crooks, here, less three began experiences of black London derby, in the recent north performance.”

Mature beyond to collabo- through history, Britheard’, said Simon After his play against after his standout looks back culture, Cane, rate on convening Euro trauma, ons are both the story dis disto his the of a been nothing Executive Director, Black and contribution; buildthere has prodigy was keen his years, the after his penalty arch rivals: “I said UCL people and a nation.” but for others suffer the Culture. “This is a critical Britons to engage in and ing and solidifying institu- “There are few things as miss in the On the openingsupport for Saka. not abuse he final of critically assess the signif- tions, had received. to day of the He conversation about son, Brentford and the very fabric important and as nec- For sea- forms said: “To the social the icance of their continuing informafans gave essary as the need unique cul- of a society that media platfuture that we want to @instagram him a rousto tion about speakers, we can cre- ture, heritage @twitter @facebook I don’t better understand and identity. sometimes forget ate, a future where the performers, want any Black The goal became that history, sponsors child or adult the impact and lives are valued as to gal- we have, should we much vanise Black want the and registration please Contemporary chalBritons, to it, the ultimate stake as any other, a future in, i.e. lenges that acclaim their visit the events website space in the its future. This symposium faced by black Britons,’, said Smithsonian at www.blackbritainbeyond.org.uk.

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Connecting, Campaigning and Celebrating with our community for over 40 years

28 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

Special Feature

LONDON COMES TOGETHER Thousands gathered in the capital’s Trafalgar Square C for a vibrant celebration of Black culture, creativity, rowds filled London’s Trafalgar Square on Saturday, September 7, for Black on the Square, an annual celebration of Black culture.

The free festival, organised by the Mayor of London, offered attendees a day filled with live performances, food, and activities, celebrating the diversity and contributions of the Black community to the capital.

The event, supported by The Voice newspaper as the media partner, included a packed programme for all ages.

Award-winning actor and rapper Bashy headlined the festival, alongside musical acts such as Cultur FM, Kofi Stone, Krar Collective, Shingai, Phoebs, and Karen Nyame. There were also family-friendly activities, including face painting and art workshops.

Black on the Square is part of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s commitment to supporting and showcasing creative talent from London’s Black communities.

ENTREPRENEURIAL The event was launched in 2022 and has since become a key part of the city’s cultural calendar, alongside other flagship celebrations like Diwali, Eid, and Pride.

A wide range of Black-owned businesses participated, offering food from Ghana, Guyana, Jamaica, Mauritius, and Nigeria, with options ranging from plantain bites and fusion fish and chips to West African vegan dishes.

Artisans also showcased handmade goods, including jewellery, home décor, and accessories, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit within the community.

Mayor Sadiq Khan highlighted the importance of the event, stat-

and community. By Vic Motune

ing, “London’s Black communities make a vital contribution to our culture, identity, and success. This free family event is a fantastic way to celebrate and champion the breadth of the capital’s Black creative talent. It sends a loud message of unity at a time when some have sought to divide our communities.”

Speaking to The Voice about the inspiration behind the event Khan said: “I was born and raised in this city. I have many friends who are Black Londoners, and I know from my own experiences speaking to them for successive decades that the depth and brilliance of Black talent has been overlooked and undervalued.

What this event is about is showcasing and celebrating that talent in areas such as fashion, food, arts, spoken poetry and music. Trafalgar Square is one of the most famous squares in the world and I want Black Londoners have a sense of belonging. This is their city. So imagine, if you’re an emerging artist or musician who has performed in Trafalgar Square or a small Black-led business who has sold goods in the square that’s going to give you the confidence to go on.”

STARS He continued: “There are directors, nurses, doctors, teachers, bus drivers, porters, cleaners, those work in the NHS, contributing towards our economy, our so-

Thousands gathered in Trafalgar Square for the free event, launched by the Mayor to celebrate and showcase the vibrant talent within London’s Black communities

ciety, who are Black, and what we need to do is celebrate their contribution.

“I’ve got this view that you can’t be it unless you can see it. And today is a really important part of that. If you think about a young person going to Trafalgar Square and seeing a Black artist on the stage, or queuing up for food served by a Black-owned business, or seeing Black travel agent or clothes designers for example, that could give them the confidence to aim for the stars, and it’s really important to give people confidence.”

AMAZING

Vic Motune from The Voice Newspaper conducted an interview with Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London.

Headline act Bashy, who has recently released an album entitled: ‘Being Poor Is Expensive’, performed tracks from it which were lapped up by the crowd.

He told The Voice that performing at

Trafalgar Square had a particular resonance for him.

“Black On The Square, that was amazing” he said. “Just so many people, some people familiar with me, some people not. But they were engaged and locked in with me. Locked in with what I was saying. That felt amazing.”

TOGETHERNESS He continued: “Just to be there in that space, knowing the history of our people and how we really got around the world, and then back here … enough said.

“As a celebration of our ultra individuality, self and community, to be there in that space, having that moment together, I didn’t expect it to be that special.”

Alongside entertainment, the festival provided business support services

Bashy with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan

OCTOBER 2024

THE VOICE | 29

Special Feature

FOR BLACK ON THE SQUARE

through stalls from London & Partners’ Grow London Local and social enterprise Foundervine.

These organisations offered support and advice to entrepreneurs, including drop-in clinics for start-ups and established businesses.

Kobi Prempeh, Creative Programmer for the event, emphasised the importance of the theme of this year’s event which is collectivism.

“This year’s Black on the Square is a celebration of togetherness. With acts like Krar Collective and Cultur FM, and a film showcase hosted by We Are Parable, it’s not just a place to gather, but a space to be inspired

(Above) Vibrant performances filled Trafalgar Square, as a diverse range of music acts lit up the event’s main stage, with enthusiastic crowds filled Trafalgar Square, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and dynamic performances that showcased Black culture (left) Headline act Bashy had the crowd buzzing with energy, delivering a powerful performance that left the audience in awe (Below, right) Black on the Square featured an array of food stalls, with Black-owned businesses serving up mouthwatering dishes from Ghana, Guyana, Jamaica and Nigeria, offering visitors a true taste of African and Caribbean flavours PHOTOS CREDIT TO: Thierry Lagrin

by the ways Black organisations are shaping the essence of what makes London great,” he said.

Visitors to Black on the Square eagerly stopped by The Voice’s stall, engaging with the team

The event featured an array of food stalls

Children enjoyed a variety of fun activities

30 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

DR JULIE HAMMOND SHARES HER EXPERIENCE OF VACCINATIONS DURING HER PREGNANCY AND WHY SHE FEELS THESE ARE IMPORTANT

Black women have historically faced disparities in healthcare and ensuring that more of us are vaccinated in pregnancy is one step closer to closing these gaps, by taking up the offer of vaccinations, we are protecting our babies and reducing our overall community burden of the disease, also helping our black mothers and children have the best possible start in life. So, this is a critical reason why I strongly recommend and advocate for vaccinations in the black community.

Why vaccination is important for Black pregnant women

“It is incredibly important for Black women to take up the offer of vaccinations during pregnancy to protect both themselves and their babies from serious illnesses like RSV, Whooping Cough, COVID-19 and the flu.

We know that these diseases can have severe consequences for newborns who are especially vulnerable in the early stages of life when their immune system has not fully developed. Babies cannot receive vaccinations until they are 8 weeks old, because their immune system is developing and so are particularly vulnerable to serious infections in this period. But if you’re vaccinated while you’re pregnant then the antibodies can be passed on to your baby, and this can help sustain them until they can have their vaccinations themselves.”

“We also already know that Black women have higher rates of pregnancy complications, and our babies are at greater risk of preterm birth and low birth weight as well. This means that protecting our health and also our baby’s health is even more critical and vaccinations during this period offer a powerful way to safeguard against and prevent infections that can exacerbate these risks.”

Concerns about the vaccines

“It is completely normal to have concerns. I have had my concerns and done my own personal research to understand the evidence behind these vaccinations and why they are being introduced. I have asked myself questions such as Is it safe? What sort of research have they done?

So, I completely understand that it is normal for any mother to have concerns especially

whilst pregnant as this is such a precious time. I think all of us (parents) just want to do what’s best for our babies, and we’re just really worried about introducing anything to our systems that could potentially have long-term adverse effects.

I would just encourage mothers and birthing people that if they have any concerns, they should just speak to a trusted healthcare professional. This can be their obstetrician, GP or midwife who can provide evidencebased information.

We know that these vaccinations don’t just protect the mother and birthing people from serious complications, but also protect their babies as well and give them that much-needed protection that I mentioned in those first eight weeks of life.”

I also just want to emphasise that these vaccines are inactivated, meaning you cannot catch the illness from having the vaccine. But what it does do is give you just enough to trigger your body’s own immune response or defence mechanism to produce antibodies to the vaccine. These viruses are not going to replicate in your body and are not going to cause you any harm. And again, the vaccines have been rigorously tested and we know that the benefits of having the vaccinations far outweigh any risk.”

Julie’s vaccination experience

“I’ve recently had the Whooping Cough vaccination, what I found good about this particular vaccination especially with the increased cases in London and nationwide, was that they are running clinics alongside the antenatal clinic, so that when you attend for your routine midwife or antenatal appointment you can quickly pop in and have your Whooping Cough and other vaccinations as well.

Dr Julie at the inaugural Black Health Inequalities Summit at the Royal Society of Medicine.

Hosted by LDN inspire, in partnership with CAHN.

OCTOBER 2024

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

Yusra son now It was so convenient; they had a room next to the waiting area and I could just pop in and have my vaccination while waiting to see my midwife. It didn’t take any additional time out of my day which I absolutely loved!

If this is not offered at your maternity appointment, you can always book in with your practice nurse at your GP surgery to have your vaccinations.

Whooping Cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs and airways. Whooping Cough is sometimes known as the 100day cough because of how long it takes to recover from it. As a mother, as well as a GP, I understand that it is not easy to watch your child being unwell, even if it’s for just one day or several weeks or months.

For some infants who become unwell with the Whooping Cough they will need to be admitted to hospital, and this is just something that if I could avoid, I’ll take all the active steps possible.”

As a GP and mother

“We know that illnesses like Whooping Cough, flu, COVID and RSV can be very dangerous for newborns with some of them requiring hospital admissions, and sometimes it can even be life-threatening. We know that vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect both yourself and also your baby from these conditions.

THE VOICE | 31

Yusra son at 3 months Flu, COVID and RSV are viral infections, and once you have it, there’s no cure for it, we can just give supportive treatment to help your immune system to fight off the infection and some babies can become really, unwell and require intensive monitoring and intervention until their bodies are able to do so.

I have also worked on paediatric wards and in A&E, and I have seen babies brought in, acutely unwell, and some of them even have had to go to intensive care because of how unwell they are from these infections.”

Yusra, a mother and a student midwife, was devastated when her son, who was just 3 months old was rushed to hospital with a fever and laboured breathing.

He had developed bronchiolitis from RSV. She shared: “As a mother, seeing your child so weak and vulnerable is beyond heartbreaking.

I was breastfeeding at the time, and I remember not being able to feed him because he was too unwell. Whenever I tried to hold him, he would cry—it felt like he was rejecting me, and that was devastating. I just wanted to comfort him, but instead, I felt helpless.

Thankfully, those moments now seem like a distant memory.

While his bronchiolitis has progressed into childhood asthma, my son is thriving today. He’s strong, generally healthy, and plays football 5 times a week. He even competes in matches every

Dr Julie, finalist in the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion category at the Royal College of General Practitioners Inspire Awards 2024 weekend. I’m so incredibly grateful for how far he’s come, but the memory of that terrifying experience never really leaves you.”

Julie continued: “We can’t predict how every baby or child is going to respond to having one of these illnesses, so if there’s a way we can prevent them from needing hospital or intensive care admission, which we can now there are vaccinations for

these serious illnesses for RSV, then it’s crucial that we offer the vaccine to as many pregnant and birthing people as possible.

“I have seen the effects that these illnesses can have on the infant and their parents, and I am not willing to take that risk with my baby, so I will be having all my vaccinations, and I would strongly advise other mothers to do the same.”

To find out more about the vaccinations recommended in pregnancy https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/

Dr Julie Hammond, GP and mother

32 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

Cynthia V Davis Attention on hair discrimination has grown in recent years, leading to positive reform in many workplaces and schools. But the problem is still widespread

Join the debate online: voice-online. co.uk/opinion

REFORM: Campaigners are calling for greater legal protection against hair discrimination (photo: Getty Images)

I

T’S JUST hair. But when it stops you getting the job you’re qualified for, is it still just hair? Is it just hair when it gets your child kicked out of school simply for possessing it?

What about when one look at it can prompt assumptions and stereotypes that define you as a person? Is it still just hair?

Afro hair carries the weight of centuries of tradition, identity, and discrimination.

It is a symbol of cultural pride, reflecting the deep-rooted history of African heritage and the resilience of Black communities.

For many, it is an expression of identity that defies societal norms and celebrates natural beauty.

Yet, Afro hair has also been subject to prejudice and discrimination, with negative stereotypes often imposed upon it. Throughout history, people with Afro hair have faced pressures to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards, making the act of wearing natural hair not just a personal choice, but a powerful statement of resistance and self-acceptance.

Early discrimination began with the first European colonisers. Upon seeing Black hair for the first time, they likened it to fur or wool. Their hair was used as evidence of their ‘otherness’, laying the foundations for centuries of trauma.

These attitudes solidified throughout slavery and heightened post-abolition, when fitting into White mainstream society was paramount. Hair was a massive part of this assimilation, and extreme methods were used to manipulate Black hair into conforming to Eurocentric beauty standards, using harsh chemicals to smooth the naturally textured hair. Of course, this practice is still common today, despite the significant health risks continuing to emerge.

Can you still say it’s just hair?

In the 1960s and 1970s, Afro hair become a political statement, a symbol of Black pride. An Afro

and schools, with the help of the CROWN Act in the US. But discrimination is still widespread.

So, should it be made a protected characteristic under the Equality Act? This is what the World Afro Day campaign is calling for, with Spice girl Mel B a vocal spokesperson for the cause.

“My big hair didn’t fit the pop star mould,” she says, recalling the pressure to straighten her hair for the Wannabe music video.

Personally, I’ve long been vocal about the shortcomings of the Equality Act in its current form.

There are many notable omissions, such as classism, body modifications, body size, to name a few.

A person’s appearance in general is often fertile ground for discrimination, whether that’s

Black hair isn’t like wearing shorts to a corporate office. When you’re policing a natural characteristic of Black people, this is just an extension of racism

SHOULD AFRO HAIR BE A PROTECTED CHARACTERISTIC?

comb with a clenched fist as its handle came to represent a reclaiming of Black identity via hair, and the wider Black Power movement.

However, Black hair continued to be a powerful source of oppression. “Grooming policies” were enforced in schools, workplaces, and the military

that prohibited natural Black hair styles.

A Google search today pulls up endless results of people worrying how to make their hair ‘acceptable’ in the corporate space; stories of failed interviews or pointed remarks about hair (“Can I touch it?”); and reports of exclusions at schools.

A couple of people in my own team have even shared their experiences in previous workplaces and in their personal lives.

“But isn’t it just like someone with piercings or tattoos?”, I’ve heard people say. “Some things just aren’t appropriate for professional settings.”

Black hair, however, isn’t like wearing shorts to a corporate office. When you’re policing a natural characteristic of Black people, this is just an extension of racism.

Attention on hair discrimination has grown in recent years, leading to positive reform in many workplaces

via fatphobia, pretty privilege, or hair type. Any legal basis to aid the eradication of hair discrimination can only be a good thing in a wider quest for workplaces that value and accept everyone as their authentic self.

But while we’re calling for reform of the Equality Act, we should be more ambitious.

Black women are among those most affected by hair discrimination and face disproportionate challenges linked to class and biases tied to physical appearance.

To ensure meaningful inclusion, we should consider strengthening existing protections under the Equality Act or encourage efforts to adapt it, so that it better addresses the needs of those most impacted. n Cynthia V Davis CBE is a Black

British entrepreneur, employment expert and diversity advocate.

She is CEO and Founder of Diversifying Group, a D&I services organisation, and Co-Founder of Diversifying Jobs, a diversityfocussed job board

OCTOBER 2024 THE VOICE | 33

News

MANLEY: A LEADER AND GLOBAL THINKER

TOWERING FIGURE: Michael Manley, former Prime Minister of Jamaica and an LSE alumnus

Popular former Jamaican Prime Minister’s legacy will be honoured in a very special commemorative London School of Economics lecture

T

HE RIGHT Honourable Michael Norman Manley ON OM OCC PC, former Prime Minister of Jamaica and an esteemed LSE alumnus was a towering figure in global political thought and social justice whose impact has proven to be generational.

To commemorate his centenary, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) will host a Commemorative Lecture on October 22, 2024, in his honour. The event will explore the enduring legacy of the former Prime Minister, whose transformative ideas were shaped by his time at LSE through the mentorship of the renowned socialist theorist, Professor Harold Laski.

Manley’s education at LSE shaped his vision for a just and equitable society and a drive to impact the world at large. Through his engagement with the working class, he developed a profound commitment to equality, political empowerment, and self-determination—values that defined his leadership in Jamaica and had a global impact.

Serving as Jamaica’s Prime Minister during two separate terms (1972-1980 and 19891992), Manley implemented groundbreaking policies on land reform, the nationalisation of key industries, and investments in education and healthcare. These initiatives transformed Jamaica and set a precedent for other developing nations striving for social and economic progress.

Beyond Jamaica, Manley’s influence extended to the wider Caribbean region and the Global South. His leadership

was instrumental in advocating for fairer global trade practices and debt relief for developing countries, aligning with his vision of a more equitable world order. He played a pivotal role in fostering regional integration through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and championed the cause of small states on the international stage.

Manley’s impact was felt in global forums, where he potently voiced the concerns of developing nations and challenged the prevailing NorthSouth economic divide.

He was a key figure in the Non-Aligned Movement and made significant contributions to discussions on sustainable development and economic justice. His ideas on social democracy and economic reform inspired similar movements within other developing nations, influencing policy debates and shaping the trajectory of numerous countries seeking to balance development with social equity.

EXPERIENCES The Michael Manley Commemorative Lecture will offer an in-depth examination of how Manley’s academic experiences influenced his political career, his role in advancing Caribbean autonomy and his contributions to global discussions on inequality and governance.

The discussion will be chaired

by Andrés Velasco, Dean of the School of Public Policy at LSE and former Finance Minister of Chile, who will guide the conversation to provide insights into the intersection of

governance and social equity in the context of Manley’s policies. Professor Anthony Bogues, Asa Messer Professor of Humanities and Africana Studies at Brown University will provide a comprehensive analysis of Manley’s life and influence, drawing on his extensive research and biography of Manley and Francisco Ferreira, the Amartya Sen Professor of Inequality Studies at LSE, will offer insights into Manley’s impact on global inequality and the continued relevance of his ideas.

Manley’s legacy offers valuable lessons on how political leaders can champion justice, equality, and self-determination in today’s complex global landscape.

As the world faces growing inequality, political populism, and debates on sustainable development, Manley’s visionary leadership remains pertinent.

This event presents a unique opportunity for scholars, students, and the public to engage with Manley’s ideas and reflect on his enduring contributions to both Jamaica and the wider world. n For further details about this

event you can email spp.events@ lse.ac.uk or scan the QR below.

34 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

News Feature

EQUITY IN MENOPAUSE Dr Yansie Rolston explains why World Menopause Day is so vital in helping everyone understand and appreciate the impact it has

EDUCATIONAL: Members of the audience at a screening of a film about migrant women and their experience of menopause produced by Dr Yansie Rolston

W

ORLD Menopause Day is on October 18, and the theme for this year’s event is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

It’s a much-needed focus of discussion because of the ongoing debates as to its risks and benefits.

But there are also many other important topics that need to be highlighted within menopause narratives. For example, for some people, experiencing menopause plays a role in discovering that they are autistic, because their characteristics became more apparent during peri/menopause (National Autistic Society).

These often-ignored intersections is why YouAndMenopause and Black Female Doctors UK have collaborated to launch the Equity in Menopause Festival.

Societies and cultures have different menopause views, responses and experiences, and it is not always negative, it can be neutral or even positive.

For some people, menopause is considered a natural stage of ageing with the accolades of being a wise elder, for others it is a time of unmeasurable physical and mental challenges, and others even see it as an opportunity for economic exploitation. For example, the marketing and sale of products with the word ‘menopause’ often comes with a premium price tag.

KEY WORDS: Yansie Rolston

end up being labelled as incompetent or lazy. That dreaded harmful colonial stereotype of ‘the strong Black woman’ only reinforces this unhealthy practice of pushing our bodies beyond its limits, feeling ashamed to seek help and then getting ignored when we do summon up the courage to ask.

Health inequity has a widereaching impact on the wellbeing and lives of the Black community, and research shows that Black women are often treated unfairly across the health spectrum.

We are more likely to have endometriosis and fibroids; we are four times more likely to die from complications during pregnancy and childbirth; and are more likely to be expected to put up with and withstand pain from these experiences. This inequity causes many to walk these journeys alone with limited or inaccurate information, INVISIBLE It is also now more common to see and often accompanied by huge Black faces in adverts, articles and amounts of shame and stigma.

This is something that menoreports on menopause, yet many pause awareness campaigner Nastill say they feel invisible when it talie Campbell says led to painful comes to the healthcare system. personal experiences.

That ongoing lack of equity in “Being diagnosed with (Premamenopause care is a significant void felt by many. So many still do ture Ovarian Insufficiency) POI not understand what is happening can often feel like a lonely place” she says. to their bodies, are totally unpre“Trying to navigate the grief, pared for the symptoms they are pain and shame can make it feel experiencing, and do not get the as though your whole world has support they need. fallen apart, especially when That impact is even felt in wanting children. It can leave you the workplace by high levels of presenteeism, with women turning feeling robbed of what you expect your body to be able to do, and I up for work for fear of losing their often asked myself, ‘why me?’ That jobs even when they are strugis why it is important to be able to gling mentally and physically and share stories, so others do not are unable to perform to their full feel alone”. potential.

Raising awareness of the Many try to get on with diversity of menopause expetheir tasks in the midst of quite riences is vitally important challenging symptoms, such as so people like Natalie do irregular menstruation, forgetfulness, exhaustion and brain fog, and not feel alone.

Maureen Anderson of the advocacy group You and Menopause agrees.

“Because everyone experiences menopause differently, World Menopause Day provides an ideal opportunity for communities to work together to share understanding, reduce stigma, and to help professionals and health care staff to improve the support that they offer so that it is more equitable” she says.

We know that in the face of health inequity, with the right encouragement people do become resilient and empowered and often go on to form their own support circles, and those spaces help to enhance their quality of life.

Those circles can also enable

MAJOR FIGURES: Far left, menopause awareness campaigner Natalie Campbell; left, Maureen Anderson of the advocacy group You and Menopause

people who do not experience men- This year, on World Menopause opause to have greater understand- Day, is a great time to start or re-engage in inclusive menopause ing and empathy that helps with maintaining health relationships. conversations, raise awareness of equity and diversity in menopause One person who has sought greater understanding of the issue experiences and share information on the support options available for is 21-year-old Jayden Bunting.

He believes that knowing more improving health and wellbeing. about menopause can help him better support the women he STRUGGLE knows that may be experiencing it. Dr Aziza Sesay of Black Female “Young men my age also need Doctors UK, pictured left, says: to know about menopause,” he “Many people struggle to find a says. “It is important that men safe welcoming space with a sense understand so that they can help of belonging and community the women in their lives, whether where they feel supported. it is their sister, mother, work “So we are excited for The Equity colleague, friend or partner. By in Menopause Festival which is understanding what they are go- a first-of-its-kind event on World ing through means that we can be Menopause Day, opening up more supportive, empathetic and conversations and reaching out compassionate”. to communities that are often

overlooked – Black and Women of Colour, LGBTQIA+, low income groups, disabled, those with underlying health conditions and more”.

The Equity in Menopause Festival is a time for us to unite, connect and celebrate our strength.

We are here to make our presence felt, loud and proud. We are just as important! n For further information, please

visit www.youandmenopause.org n Dr Yansie Rolston PhD has a depth of experience and expertise in health equality development. In her quest for knowledge about the menopause she has travelled to the USA, South America, the Caribbean and Africa listening to the stories and experiences of the local people and medical practitioners

Lifestyle

36

38 Bashy tells Lifestyle why ‘Being Poor Is Expensive’

42 Seani B has a Ding Dong moment on stage at the Caribbean Music Awards

THE FACE OF BLACK BRITISH HISTORY Errollyn Wallen CBE

Photo: Azzurra Primavera

45

Charlene White explains why there is ‘No Place Like Home’

36 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

Lifestyle It’s already been the musical journey of a lifetime, and now composer Errollyn Wallen is taking on a new royal role. By Joel Campbell

BY ORDER OF THE KING Photo: Matt Jolly

W

HEN Errollyn Wallen CBE was told that she had been chosen for the role of Master of the King’s Music, yes, it was the realising of a long held ambition, but her immediate thoughts turned to what she could do for others.

That mission is clear.

“I want to lobby for the return to free music tuition for every child as a birthright,” she tells Lifestyle.

For those of you that aren’t au fait with Wallen’s the composer, pianist and singer-songwriters repertoire includes ballets, symphonies, 22 operas, and many orchestral, chamber and vocal compositions.

She’s written pieces for both the Golden and Diamond Jubilees of Queen Elizabeth II and Daniel Lewis, Classical Music Relationship Manager, PRS for Music, said her appointment “will bring with it exciting new music and is certain to inspire audiences and generations of future composers”.

Wallen is creating history today as the first ever Black person to hold the role.

Her predecessor, Dame Judith Weir, appointed to the role in July 2014 by Queen Elizabeth II., was the first ever woman in the position. Wallen succeeded her, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies and former PRS President Sir Arthur Bliss.

The office of Master of The King’s Music was created in the reign of King Charles I and the Master served as the head of the Sovereign’s band of musicians.

The tradition of a private band formed by the Sovereign ended in 1899 with the creation of a separate Queen’s Band.

Since the reign of King George V the role has carried no fixed duties and often the Master will compose pieces for special Royal occasions such as Royal Weddings, Jubilees and Coronations, should they wish to.

Speaking on the role and some of the things she considers priority at this early stage of her appointment, Wallen enthused: “I received a letter from the King to say I must not feel obliged to write music, because I think he knows how busy I am, but actually it comes with no specific job description. So it’s for me to make of it, what I want.

“Obviously I want to write for royal occasions, but also there are three things I immediately thought of.

“One thing is, I look back at my life, and if it wasn’t for the free music tuition I had in my school in Tottenham, and the excellent music teacher we had as a class teacher who introduced us to orchestral classical music.

“I want to lobby for the return to free music tuition for every child as a birthright. It’s number one.

“Number two is, I want to increase the awareness of what composing actually is, and that is composing in all genres.

NEW ROLE: Errollyn Wallen is the new Master of the King’s Music “Because I think we live in a world where we flick a switch and we hear music, but they are people that make that music, whether it’s the arrangers, the performers. the songwriters, the artists.

“Then the other thing, I was born in Belize, a small country formerly British Honduras, and I come from a colonial heritage, but I’d like to strengthen the links in the Commonwealth for all music making. Those are the three things.”

The first Black woman to have a work featured in the Proms and the first woman to receive an Ivor Novello award for Classical Music for her body of work, Wallen’s appointment as Master of the King’s Music was universally greeted with warmth from peers to admirers of her work from all over the world.

Wallen told Lifestyle she’d had her eye on the role but didn’t think she would ever get it.

“The Assistant Private Secretary to the King said the King asked if I would like to accept this role.

I immediately said yes.

“I’ve been really overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support of colleagues, going back

When you start out ... as a classical composer, there’s no certainty that you will ever be noticed right back to the beginning of my career. When you start out in a profession, being a classical composer, there’s no certainty that you will ever be noticed, or your music may never be played.

“So I feel, in accepting this role, I’m also acknowledging the road that I’ve been on, and that so many others will embark on.”

Wallen was awarded an MBE in 2007 in the Queen’s Birthday Honours and a CBE in 2020 in the New Year Honours, for services to music.

It’s hard to refer to her journey as a career, it’s more her life’s work.

Explaining how she has traversed the road thus far, especially as one of very few Black

Photo: Chris Christodou lou

women in the space, she says her passion for creating music has always been and will never die.

“I’d say 97% of the time, I’m often in a room with purely white people, and when I say white people, from all parts of Europe, certainly in the United Kingdom.

It’s slightly different when I’m in the States or South America.

“But I’ll tell you what keeps me going is this one thing, an utter passion for music, and that is music as music, not even for myself, not even in terms of trying to build a career.

“When you’re in a room full of musicians, as I was the other day, everybody’s just focused on what they’re playing and what they’re doing. So to me, that’s overridden

IN HER ELEMENT: Errollyn Wallen on stage

all the negative sort of advice I’ve had.

“Even my beloved first teacher, who, when I said I wanted to be a musician, she said, you don’t have the temperament. And when I was nine years-old a teacher at school said, ‘You know, little girl, this music isn’t for you’.

“I started to notice that me doing classical music made some people very uncomfortable, but I was brought up in a household where my parents, who had grown up in Belize, had learned the violin.

“They learned to sing and play piano. That was what they knew.

They wanted all their children to learn those skills, because that’s what they’ve grown up with. And so it’s funny, then, to go to school

Music

RECOGNITION: Wallen was awarded her CBE by the Prince of Wales in 2007 in England and be told that that wasn’t my music.

“But the thing that has kept me going is just this utter fascination and passion for music. Nothing can ever kill that.”

A busy artist, as of 2021 Wallen became a patron of the PRS Members’ Fund, a charity dedicated to helping songwriters and composers during times of crisis and hardship.

She first received funding from PRS Foundation in 2004 and has continued to be supported by the charity’s various initiatives across the years including, New Music Biennial, Women Make Music, The Composers’ Fund, Open Fund, and Resonate, advocating creative growth and excellence.

Her success over the years hasn’t seen her lose touch with the challenges that plague musicians and slow the conveyor belt of talent that the country could be producing.

She said: “Part of me is cynical. I wonder if it has been a systematic reason that people, maybe governments have felt, ‘Oh, music doesn’t matter’.

“And yet, we saw in covid times particularly, we consume more and more music on a daily, hourly basis, more than we’ve ever done.

“And yet, there’s a disconnect between that and the making of it.”

She added: “You go to some other countries, and I can tell you, there’s a real appreciation of what it is to have live music, what it is to be knowledgeable about music, what it is to make music for yourself, whether you’re professional or not.

“I’d like us to return to those days, because they used to be here.”

As The Voice newspaper marks Black History Month 2024 with stories that highlight positive contributions to the diverse fabric of British culture, put Wallen’s name down with the many that have scaled to the highest of heights within their chosen industry.

On what that means to her personally she said: “Gosh, I’m just sorry my parents aren’t alive to know it.

“But It’s a funny thing. It’s an out of body experience. There’s my daily life as a composer and then there’s now this role.

“I see it as a fantastic opportunity and also a responsibility.”

OCTOBER 2024 THE VOICE | 37

Lifestyle

Health RAISING AWARENESS: Participants listened to a panel of speakers at the recent women’s health event

SHINING A LIGHT ON KEY HEALTH CONCERNS FOR BLACK WOMEN

From fibroids to menopause: experts share valuable insights on the diverse challenges women might experience at ground-breaking event

A

WARD-WINNING agency Multicultural Marketing Consultancy (MMC), and inspirational women’s group G.E.L. hosted a groundbreaking women’s health event recently, designed to empower Black women with the knowledge and confidence to better understand and advocate for their own health.

This much-needed event brought together expert speakers, including Dr Karen Joash, consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, and nurse consultant Simphiwe Sesane, founder of Black Nurses & Midwives UK, who shared valuable insights on the diverse health challenges women from our community might experience during the different stages of their life, relating to periods, fibroids, fertility, and menopause.

The women’s-only event, held at the London headquarters of global integrated communications agency MullenLowe, provided a safe and secure space for attendees to access vital health information and to partake in culturally sensitive discussions pertinent to our community.

Dr Joash, a global leader in maternal and reproductive health, said: “Periods and menopause are critical stages in every woman’s life, but for Black women, these experiences can come with additional challenges.

It’s vital that we raise awareness of these issues and equip women with the knowledge they need to manage their health. From heavy periods to the onset of menopause, understanding what’s happening in our bodies allows us to advocate for the care we deserve.”

Sesane, an advocate for sexual and reproductive health, said: “Fibroids disproportionately affect Black women, yet we

GOOD ADVICE: Nurse consultant Simphiwe Sesane

SPEAKER: Dr Karen Joash often don’t have the information or support needed to navigate these conditions. Whether it’s fertility challenges or dealing with fibroids, our community needs to feel empowered to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. My goal is to ensure women know they aren’t alone and that solutions are available.”

“We designed this event to give Black women the tools and information they need to advocate for themselves in healthcare settings,” said Patricia Macauley, founder of MMC. “Too often, Black women’s voices go unheard when discussing health concerns, particularly in areas like fertility and menopause.

By equipping women with knowledge, we aim to change this narrative.”

In addition to informative presentations, the event offered

one-on-one conversations with the event speakers and registered nurse Cheyenne Morgan, founder of online platform Let’s Talk Gynae.

Participants had the chance to privately discuss personal health concerns, gaining tailored advice on sensitive topics like fertility struggles or fibroid management.

“As someone who has battled endometriosis and faced years of painful periods, I know firsthand how isolating and frustrating it can be when your concerns are dismissed or misunderstood” said Morgan.

“That’s why events like this are crucial, as not only do they provide Black women with an opportunity to have their voices heard on subjects that resonate with our community.

But it equips them with an understanding of how to navigate their way through challenges relating to their reproductive health.”

Macauley said: “As the UK prepares to celebrate Black History Month, this event marks a significant step toward addressing the health disparities faced by Black women. By encouraging open dialogue and providing expert-led education, this initiative is set to inspire a much-needed shift in how Black women approach their reproductive health.”

SENSITIVE TOPICS: Cheyenne Morgan, registered nurse and founder of Let’s Talk Gynae

Use these QR codes to access free fact sheets covering the topics covered during the event

38 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

Lifestyle

Music

Bashy well and truly back with a bang!

REAL DEAL: Bashy’s Being Poor Is Expensive looks a guaranteed hit. (photo: Getty Images)

After a 15-year musical hiatus, this new album is worth the wait. By Joel Campbell

I

T’S THE music I like.

Substance.

Creativity.

Weighted with descriptive nuance. Retro AF but embodying present-day energy, spirit and vibe. If you wanna understand how Being Poor Is Expensive, listen to Bashy’s new album.

The aptly named 11-track project is brilliant.

There’s so much to talk about when I sit down to have a conversation with the northWest London artist about the masterpiece he has created, that there isn’t anywhere enough time to get it all in.

From the love he’s received following his return from a 15year musical hiatus, to the subject matters he touches on throughout the album and his ongoing movie and television work, I would have needed a few more hours in order to fully do his journey justice.

Sticking with the music then, anyone who listens to this project will be taken by the genuine honesty Bashy exhibits.

Good or bad boy from the hood, not from the hood, women both young and old, the narrative structure of this piece of art has been curated with such detail and distinction, everyone will get it.

I’m yet to find a negative opinion in any comment section across social media. He’s proud of the way it’s been received and so he should be.

“It feels special,” he shares.

“I’m glad that people are resonating with the project and with the record and feeling seen

and heard. And that I told a lot of our story or authentically, from my core. And I think that is what is making so many people relate to it.

“It had no embellishment and no sort of exaggeration, it’s just our core story for a lot of people that, one, either look like me, or come from where I’m from in terms of a working class background, just growing up in a big city in the UK. “Born in a certain era, grandparents or parents coming to this country from another country. I’m just glad I could tell that story.

AUTHENTIC “And then on the flip side, if you haven’t come from that then it gives you an insight into what that life is like in an authentic way I can be proud of, and other people who are from similar backgrounds to me can be proud of as well. I’m just glad that I was able to get that across, because you just don’t know what the reaction’ will be.”

It’s understandable why he was hesitant about if it would be received well, as there is so much music available these days that one wonders whether there is space for good, solid art to cut through.

Cut through this has.

The detail in the narrative kicks off with the very first track, The London Borough Of Brent.

Tough beat, tough bars, it’s the perfect start.

He enthused: “It just set the tone right. It had a lot of the elements

in there like the choir. Toddla T and Benji B presented it to me, and I just knew what it was. I just knew that’s the album and this is what I’m gonna say on it.

“I’d already had the mental notes for what I wanted to say. You know like ‘Because when you’re broke you will do mad things, and when you’re broke you will do bad things, and when you’re broke you will do sad things,’ you know, just thinking of all the bad, mad, and sad things that people do, myself included when you’re in a state of survival.”

On Sweet Boys Turn Sour, Bashy tells listeners from the jump that his ‘childhood was Lovers Rock, Rhythm and Blues, dancehall’.

He says a lot of other things on that track that will make you sit up and take notes (I said notes, plural) but it’s that snippet that enables you to understand his affinity and love for the many old skool, classic and somewhat unsuspecting samples he uses across the album.

It’s this thought through confluence that sees the project

I’m glad I was able to get that across, because you don’t know what the reaction will be

flow effortlessly. He explains: “I feel like the older I get, the more myself I become. The more I lean into myself, I connect with my family, I look at my culture.”

He added: “I’ve had a solid foundation because like I say on the album, my mum was around. my dad was around. My mom’s from Jamaica, my dad’s from Dominica. and I was rooted in both communities and cultures.

“But I feel as though, in my twenties, I was looking more outward, like searching for things, on a journey trying to see the world, experience other cultures.

It (my focus) was just more outwards.

“But the older I get, the more I look at myself and my close surroundings. I always wanted to draw on those influences like Lovers Rock, dancehall music, garage music. And I’m a big fan of American hip hop.

“My favourite artists are Jay Z, Nas, Kendrick Lamar, right. And Dipset, I used to love Dipset a lot.

“They would sample music that they grew up listening to, like old rhythm and blues records, soul records, jazz records, and I was inspired by that sort of process.

I thought about how I can utilise that inspiration in my own way.

“Then I just started to look at myself. What did I grow up listening to? Lovers Rock, dancehall music, garage and jungle, which has Jamaican dancehall influence in it as well.

“So as real and as authentic as the lyrics are about my life, so is the soundscape.

“So when you hear the soundscape, that is also my life as well. That is also telling its own story as much as the lyrics are.

“So when they’re married together, they paint a full and vivid picture of my life and other people’s lives like me.

“I swear if I could have made a smell to go with, I would have.”

The fervour for more exposure to Bashy is exemplified by the speed with which tickets for his upcoming concert performance sold at. At the time of this interview he had just announced a second date, which has since also sold out.

ENDORSEMENT It’s yet another endorsement for the content he’s put out and he told Lifestyle securing the show at Bush Hall in Shepherd’s Bush, his former stomping ground, makes it all the more special.

“Yeah, man, it’s in the ends. I’m born and raised in west London and north-west London and that’s in the DNA of my album.”

He added: “I just wanted to keep it in the community. I think it’s important. That’s an iconic venue.

They’re had issues staying open in the past. So it’s important to pour back into the community.

“There were some opportunities to do venues, new venues with the latest technology and they were nice and shiny with backstage facilities that were amazing, but I’ll just stay local where I love it. I just wanted to keep it in the ends.”

Having only dropped this project in July, it’s early in its life

cycle, however the streets are saying awards must be pending.

Being a creative that has always just got on with it, irrespective of plaudits and accolades, does Bashy even covet awards?

“I think it’s good to be acknowledged. It’s nice to be acknowledged for your work, but that doesn’t determine what the level of the art and craft is,” he says. I think a true marker or a true reward and award is doing your show and the people coming out to see it and selling out your show. Reaching out and really affecting people, the word of mouth.

“You can’t beat the community and the culture talking about stuff. That’s more important than any award.

“At the end of the day, I don’t know who won what award in 2000 or 2001. I know the artists or the album that I think was sick.

I don’t know what I don’t know what Illmatic won, I don’t know what Reasonable Doubt won but I know they’re some of my favourite albums.

“So I think that’s what’s most important. But it’s nice to be acknowledged. I’ll never be someone to say, ‘Oh, these things,’ No, I think it’s good if you get the acknowledgement, but if you don’t then it’s also not the end of the world.

“My value and my belief in myself doesn’t come from that type of system.”

By Lifestyle standards, it’s already a winner. l Full interview on our website

OCTOBER 2024 THE VOICE | 39

Lifestyle

Education

‘OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM NEEDS COMPLETE REVAMP’ The Black Curriculum founder Lavinya Stennett on why Black history must be taught in all schools

W

HEN WE, The Black Curriculum, began in 2019, by default stories of enslavement were anchored to Black History Month classes.

If you were lucky, there might be Black British focus during that month, perhaps depicting a lonesome but heroic figure such as Mary Seacole, otherwise US history was the standard.

I had just come back from New Zealand, months into emerging out of SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) in a degree of African and Development Studies.

It was a course I had been thrown into, but soon discovered that there was more to what had been our national story for so long. The story of the Empire, or the days long gone where Britain had actually invaded and conquered territories, was not a version of history that was completely accurate.

This national story that claimed golden victory as its European neighbours squirmed in envy, was not a story of liberation or a cause for celebration for me, or for many others who have heritage from those regions, now living in the UK. I wanted to see a movement nationally that championed the mandatory teaching of Black histories in schools, placing the story of Empire in context.

This movement I would soon start, also needed to hold the

MOVEMENT: Lavinya and the TBC team

government to account, as key players in upholding a false version of history, that ultimately disempowered all students – from nursery right through to university and adulthood.

Over the last five years from inception to implementation, TBC has stood on turbulent terrain. The problem at the heart of our work and solution is hundreds of years old.

Generations of families before our arrival experienced a curriculum centred around whiteness, Henry and his wives, within a Victorian school system that under-prepares teachers and students for real-world encounters.

SUPPORT Looming underneath these restrictions, for the first five years of our work was a government that disabled public critique of the Empire, significantly reduced funding for ‘political’ work in schools and framed our work as an attack on ‘British values’.

There was never going to be no resistance to our work. In subverting the teaching of Black histories across the UK, we were flooded with an outpouring of mass community support in the year of 2020 from across the world.

By our second year we had already trained over 2000 teachers and worked with students across the Midlands and London.

Despite the lockdowns of that year, our online presence

TIME FOR A CHANGE: Lavinya Stennett says generations of families have experienced a curriculum centred around whiteness increased by over 150 per cent, as we diversified our methods of teaching students, from online sessions, animations, to podcasts.

Only three years later we would win gold in the History category at the British Podcast Awards for our podcast, Sounds of Black Britain.

To date, we have trained over 10,000 teachers across Wales, England and Canada, had over 55 graduates in our accredited National Ambassador Scheme

and reached many other people.

Through our campaign, Teach Black History 365/To Be Honest 365 (TBH365), we have garnered the support of MPs across all political parties, leading to debates in the House of Commons on the implementation of Black history in the national curriculum.

Our partnership with the Welsh government on the roll-out of teacher training is now entering its third year, embracing the kind of hope we can only keep working towards in England, with Wales mandating global majority narratives in the curriculum three years ago.

Recently, we conducted a ‘Roundtable in Parliament’, with Bell Ribeiro Addy lending her support to our ongoing mission as she opened up the discussion on the place of reparatory education.

The difficulties young people face today are intricately tied with what topics are taught and the way in which they are delivered to students. That is TBH365 is centred around supporting teachers to receive mandatory training in becoming racially fluent, while having the tools to teach and manage dynamics in the classroom that will empower all students. The future of a

stronger sense of self, and unity in this country depends on this fact, until all students receive this education the cycle continues.

Our Young Champions are a cohort of young people, aged 16-21, who are championing our mission, t h r o u g h creative and campaigning projects; they know first hand the issues that students face.

With many graduating through our programs, or having an experience with The Black Curriculum in school or via social media – they are empowered to create narratives that our history books, exam specifications and media deliberately disregard.

They have just launched their first creative project, A Taste of Home, above, a Zine looking at Afro-Caribbean food from across the diaspora, exploring our connections over the differences from Haiti to Ghana. Their voices and ideas are the key to shaping

our educational landscape.

Without the investment of time, and money in supporting all young people to champion a shared British and global history – we have the same narratives, and of course, people in power from publishing to government shaping what the future of education looks like.

The Black Curriculum stands in the legacy of the vision of Len Garrison, the heritage of Saturday Schools, and an antiracist educational tradition found across many postcolonial societies.

Underpinning our programmes in and out of schools, research and resources is a desire to see a world where our identity in exercising our agency as people of African descent is not negotiated, but remains in its fullness.

As we grow, my hope is that we continue to create as we always have, and in doing so, de-centering Western hegemony and embracing an inter-connected world.

40 | THE VOICE JUNE 2024

OCTOBER 2024 THE VOICE | 41

Food

Lifestyle

JOLLOF IN A JIFFY FROM MEJI You can’t beat Jollof rice — but our busy lives mean it’s not always possible to make it from scratch. That’s where Steph and Ruth come in... By Joel Campbell

T

HE MISSION for founders of Meji Foods, Steph and Ruth is simple, ‘to bring the joy of West African food to busy households everywhere’.

The duo have seemingly done the impossible and created 90 second Jollof rice. You read that right.

Before you get into debating whether or not it can work, it already has, and the presence of

their product in 140 Sainsbury’s stores nationwide, increasing to a further 200 stores this month, is testament in itself that things are working well.

“I guess the inspiration and what made us kind of go with it was the fact that we’re both corporate girls, which meant that although we are of Nigerian heritage, that’s you know, Nigerian British, we didn’t actually have the time to cook our home-cooked meals, our home-loved meals, because we was working so much, and life was just busy,” Steph said, explaining to Lifestyle where the inspiration for the business came from.

She added: “So things like Jollof rice, which takes like two hours to cook, if there’s a way

that we can make it available in 90 seconds, then why not. So yeah... here we are!”

They know there will be scrutiny from the community, but they are here for it.

The belief, the friends of over 10 years have in their product, stems from what they see as a community-wide desire to see authenticity retained where the presentation of culturally specific foods are concerned.

SIGNIFICANCE Steph enthused: “With Meji, I see us disrupting in that, for me, a lot of the things that we see that are sold to Black people, they’re not actually Black-owned, or the faces behind it aren’t us, and that’s not to say it’s a bad thing.

“But for me, with Meji I think the significance of it, is the fact that it’s actually run by two Nigerian Black British girls who’ve come up with a recipe themselves and are driving something forward with no big force behind us. It’s literally from the ground up.

“I’ve been in a lot of places where people that look like us might not necessarily fit in or

DARING TO DREAM: Self-proclaimed British-born Nigerian besties Steph and Ruth are transforming the way we enjoy Nigerian food at home

might not be accepted. With Meji we are for everyone. We don’t want anyone to ever feel like they can’t be part of the family, and they can’t have a part to play.”

Explaining what comes next for the company, Steph said: “One day we want to be known like Uncle Ben, really be a household name across the world.

“I just feel if that happens, when it happens, it will just open so many doors, create so many opportunities for the community, young people that want to start something.”

She added: “So we want to do another variation of the rice. We’ve had a lot of requests for a spicy version. So that is currently in the

works. And then it’s literally the world is our oyster.

“It could be instant meals. It can be clothing. It can be snacks like there’s so many different things that we want to dip our hands into. So keep your eyes peeled.” l Watch the full interview on our website now

42 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

This is Brukout!

by Seani B

BIGGEST OF ACTS: Elephant Man in full flow at Reggae Fest

BIG TIME IN THE BIG APPLE

S

UMMER 2024 did not disappoint at all. Well, the weather did, if I was to be completely honest, but that’s nothing to be surprised by. But I love it regardless, as the usual antics of me having to time everything to perfection to get to work still gets my adrenaline rushing.

Yes, there were a few missed flights and trains, but the gig was never missed!

Heading into August and carnival always feels like the end of the season and the time to focus if you’re going back to school (that feeling never fades).

Fortunately for me, the party continued for one more week as I got ready for the Labor day weekend in New York City.

Last year saw me return to the Big Apple after 15 years. It was actually my first time attending the parade on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, but the trip was centred around the Caribbean Music Awards.

The CMAs this year was another star-studded line-up of top-tier Caribbean artists.

Marcia Griffith, Skinny Fabulous, Patrice Roberts, Rajah Wild, Machel Montano and so many of

A trip to New York and being out with the stars was the icing on my cake for summer 2024 our stars all under one building... wow!

So, the celebs were out on the red carpet, and the flashes were flashing at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, and I was quite excited for the evening in my pink velvet blazer until I found out that myself and Canadian equivalent Spex Da Boss were announcing the award for the best Cruise Ship Event. What the...

Knowing we are both key DJs that have never missed a year onboard Damian Marley’s Jamrock Cruise, we thought it was a prank. Needless to say, Jamrock Cruise didn’t win (KMT) but we made sure our allegiance to the brand was noted.

The evening was long but entertaining, with hosts Queen of the dancehall, Spice, and comedian Majah Hype keeping the vibe and energy up. On this night I think I had one of my most treasured moments backstage.

My father was the biggest Mighty Sparrow fan and after

seeing him receive the Calypso Honour Award, I was like a daily rag journalist backstage. I needed to get that scoop. I was begging to get 30 seconds with the legend just to be able to tick that box.

The charm worked and I got my 30 seconds and nothing more,

which I was more than happy to take and move along respectfully.

Day two in the city saw me attend Private Ryan’s Soca Brainwash event. Last year the production on this event was highly impressive, and again he did not let us down. It’s hard to explain, but you are immersed into an abstract world of Lights and visuals with the help of a LED wall that has to be over 200 feet wide. Halfway through the event for a second night in a row,

STRUTTING THEIR STUFF: Patrice Roberts, left, and Alison Hinds at the Caribbean Music Awards

I ended up with dancehall star Govana on the road, and this was pretty much the theme for the whole weekend.

Upon seeing me, his team made a big point of creating attention, hollering “Seani B yuh outside, outside”. I think they were surprised to see me out, just like I was to see them at a soca event.

But the following night was 100 per cent dancehall at the soldout Barclays Centre in Brooklyn for Reggae Fest. Walking into that arena filled with 19,000 dancehall fans armed with illuminated batons singing along with Mr Vegas word for word caught me off guard.

It would be an understatement to say it blew my mind as I had to take a moment to compose myself. No joke – the energy was next level inside this arena.

I had spoken with Govana a few days before about the enormity of this line-up. He said he was due to fly out.

So once again I was surprised when I saw him backstage with Aidonia, Elephant Man, Mr Lex and Wayne Wonder having a cologne shoot-out. The show of comradeship did not finish there

though, as more artists billed to perform showed up. Vanessa Bling, Serani, Dexta Daps, TOK, Ding Dong and Movado all on the bill, and surprise guests Skeng and Rajah Wild all contributed to an epic night in Brooklyn.

“This is dancehall, look pon the love,” Ele tells me with his trademark lisp.

Love it was, but if you know dancehall then you know “who tek the show” is always gonna be in the back of their minds!

But no one expected the star to be me at the after party!

Rule number one, when Ding Dong is performing, LEAVE THE STAGE. This I know but I got comfortable and caught up in the moment and ended up as a prop in Ding Dong and Elephant Man’s circus.

That could have been the end of my weekend in New York, but by the grace of god I was still able to enjoy the Oracabessa Festival in Queens the next day and the Labor Day parade on the Monday. Now I think I can officially say my summer is over. n Check out my vlogs of the

CMA’s and Reggae Fest on the ThisisBrukout YouTube channel

OCTOBER 2024

THE VOICE | 43

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

UNITE CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

U

nite celebrates Black History Month by recognising, remembering and learning from past and present struggles of Black and Asian workers.

Black worker’s determination, organising efforts and long struggle for equality, employment and human rights have educated the trade union and labour movement for centuries, making our movement less divided.

We must continue to challenge Britain’s slavery and post-colonial legacy, the root cause of race discrimination.

Without unity, the working class cannot make change.

Black people, an integral part of the labour movement Black people’s involvement in radical struggles, including many trade unionists, goes back as early as 18th century, notably, William Davidson one of the first trade unionists in Britain and Secretary of shoemaker’s union, and William Cuffay, son of a slave who was sacked for joining a union and striking, a leading figure in the Chartist movement campaigning for universal voting rights.

A significant struggle was when a group of young West Indian workers led a boycott of the Bristol Omnibus Company against the colour bar and won.

This year, to mark the sixty first anniversary of the Boycott, Unite unveiled a plaque at its Bristol office.

LOOKING BACK: Unite Members at the first Unite Black History Month Awards Gala - October 2023

Unite has regional and national Black and Asian Ethnic Minorities (BAEM) Committees and Conferences to ensure all voices are heard in the decision-making process. It ensures minimum proportional representation or constitutional seats for BAEM members throughout its structures and activities, all enshrined in Unite’s Rule.

Unite for a workers’ economy Years of industrial and public services decline, attacks on living standards, destruction of communities and anti-immigration poison from politicians have created a fertile ground for racist and fascist riots we witnessed on our streets.

Racism and fascism Unite has ensured justice for BAEM and migrant workers and fought against all forms of racism including hysteria and the ‘hostile environment’ that emboldened fascists.

We recoil at the racist bile shouted by the far-right parties and individuals such as Tommy Robinson and Nigel Farage, the continual discrimination faced

by BAEM workers and the shocking normalisation of racist language and attacks blighting our society.

We, in the labour movement have taken urgent action to mobilise against this rise of fascism and racist hatred defending our communities and our rights, and to support Show Racism the Red Card and Stand Up to Racism.

We pay tribute to those who have resisted fascism, from the 1938 Battle of Cable Street to actions against the recent riots.

Our union work with employers ensuring our members are physically and mentally safe and supported during this period and beyond, by measures including timely workplace closures and taxis provisions. Unite and TUC produced guidance for Health and Safety representatives on tackling racist violence at

0183 A4 Black History Month

work to support members.

We demand that the Labour government abolishes all racist legislations and policies designed to create a ‘hostile environment’ and stamp out the emergence and unrelenting occurrence of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia by advocating unity and equality for ALL.

We demand that the Labour government tackle the high cost of living which together with lack of workers’ rights and the two-tier employment status have exposed the reality of BAEM people’s daily lives.

We demand a government industrial strategy that delivers for workers.

Unite’s Unity over Division campaign is one of the ways to continue our collective response against racism and discrimination. It is aimed at equipping Unite staff and activists with the counter arguments to challenge the far right’s narrative around immigration, social security, NHS, education and women’s and LGBT+ rights. Its Charter signed by employers and local authorities promotes inclusive and harmonious workplaces.

Black History Month Unite held its first National Black History Month Celebration Gala in October 2023 to celebrate Black History Month and acknowledge the contributions made by BAEM workers throughout Unite’s history. Sharon Graham, Unite General Secretary, spoke and presented the awards to those who were transformational and paved the way for BAEM

workers in Unite, changed race equality employment legislation, showed commitment and longevity, and for campaigns and achievements of BAEM activists and long service of staff. The second Gala is taking place this October.

23 August, the International Day for The Remembrance of The Slave Trade and Its Abolition, is commemorated by Unite by issuing a statement, publications and organising a seminar. This year, we are launching an online petition and a postcard campaign pushing the government to meet our demands for race equality and against racism and we look to public support.

Poster[DB].qxp 12/09/2024

08:03 Page 1

Unite celebrates

Black Histor y Month

October 2024

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/ slavery-remembrance/ October allows us to remind everyone that British history is Black history and that African and Asian people had a history before slavery and colonialism.

It re-focuses us on the contributions and roles played by BAEM people in all spheres of our lives, in this country and beyond who are often unknown or absent from education and history books.

Let us UNITE, Black and White, in solidarity for the rights of ALL workers, regardless of race or immigration status and stop employers trying to divide us and drive down pay and conditions as Racism Hurts Everyone.

0183 DB120924

Unite celebrates Black History Month in its regions https://tinyurl.com/4y6k28c7

Let us celebrate what we have in common, respect our differences and join Unite’s campaign for: • • • • • • •

COMPASSION over hatred KINDNESS over cruelty HOPE over fear RESPECT over hostility HUMANITY over aggression EQUALITY over discrimination TRADE UNION RIGHTS over exploitation • SOLIDARITY over hatred • UNITY over division

By joining Unite you can also get involved in achieving this aim. https://join.unitetheunion.org/

44 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

Lifestyle

Books

Darcus Beese OBE was the first Black CEO of a UK record company and is largely regarded as the best A&R man of his generation.

By Joel Campbell

TALENT SPOTTER: Darcus Beese nurtured the likes of Amy Winehouse and Florence & the Machine

A

FTER SITTING with Darcus Beese OBE for over an hour in west London, it dawns on me that we’re going to have to do this again, not that I tell him until the end of course.

I’m here to talk to him about his book, Rebel With A Cause.

With Black History Month upon us, I felt it was important to bring his literary offering to the attention of Lifestyle readers, despite the fact our main interview will follow later this year. Also, grab a copy for the person in your family that loves music, this one will make an excellent gift at Christmas.

Beese was the president of Island Records in the UK and the first Black CEO of a UK record company.

He is also largely regarded as the best A&R man of his generation, signing and nurturing the likes of Amy Winehouse, Florence & the Machine, and Mumford and Sons.

His father was the activist and broadcaster Darcus Howe (see pages 10 and 11) and his mother was Barbara Beese, former UK Black Panther. Both featured in the 2021 Steve McQueen short film Mangrove as part of his Small Axe series.

At the end of our first discussion, we reach a point where we agree that the heady heights of just the handful of Beese’s achievements which we spoke about are akin to having lived the equivalent of the American Dream.

Defined as ‘the ideal that every citizen of the United States should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative,’ Beese’s journey encapsulates it all.

But where’s the template for the ‘British Dream’?

Where’s the two-word phrase or cliche that defines and outlines the ultimate blueprint for a successful journey, a journey like what Beese has undertaken?

His story (and I’m glad he wrote the book) is remarkable. We’re all unique but not all of us are as exposed to the type of upbringing that very much shaped the man that Beese became.

It’s almost as if he was made for the music industry, the roles he carried out, but at the same time, he wasn’t.

In the book he touches on the complexity of preferring his own company but loving the feeling of being the centre of attention.

“Despite being a loner and enjoying my own company, I also liked being the centre of attention something, again, which came from being the mascot on so many demos at such a young age.

“But the thought of being a big cheese in the music industry, let alone running one of the most iconic record labels in the history of iconic record labels, had never entered my head.

“Let’s not be stupid here: things like

Born to make his mark on the world INCREDIBLE STORY: Darcus has gone beyond beating the odds that didn’t happen to people like me.”

But it did happen.

In some ways the self-doubt and

survivor’s remorse that accompanies the journey of a Black man in Britain pursuing, obtaining and excelling in a mainstream music industry is to be expected.

Balancing the ruthless and incessant drive for greater and greater metrics with the innate and nurtured responsibility to your people can get, techy.

But the base for Beese was cut from a different cloth.

In Rebel With A Cause, his observations at a young age of the many firsts encountered by his parents, filled his cup enough for him to know how the game can be played.

“Perhaps Dad’s ‘performances’ had also rubbed off on me, albeit in a more abstract, creative way,” Beese writes.

“While I was still at school, his broadcasting career began on the Afrocentric Channel 4 current affairs

series, Black on Black, then moved on to co-editing the more multicultural current affairs series The Bandung File, before presenting another hard-hitting series, again for Channel 4, which would make him a household name, followed by the Daily Mail’s worst nightmare, Devil’s Advocate.

“As the name suggests, Dad would ‘challenge conventional wisdom about a major talking point of the day’ by subjecting a guest or group of people occupying the ‘Hot Seat’ to a thorough grilling and added interrogation by a generally spiky audience.”

In working his way up from being the ‘tea boy’ to becoming the President of Island Records, one of the UK’s biggest and most successful record labels, Beese has gone beyond beating the odds. l Look out for our in-depth interview coming soon

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: REMEMBERING A FORGOTTEN HISTORY OCTOBER IS Black History Month UK, since 1987 when Ghanaian migrant Akyaaba Addai-Sebo helped to organise UK’s debut BHM, writes Ziri Dafranchi.

The tradition originated in the USA

by African-American historian Carter G. Woodson, aimed at promoting and educating people about Black History and culture.

Why was this necessary?

INFORMATIVE: Historic slavery Ziri Dafranchi’s book was a watershed reveals the African in the narration origin of humans of human history, particularly Black history. It led to the rewriting of history to suit a particular narrative, which was neither entirely accurate nor complete, thereby rendering true Black history hidden. But not forever thanks to modern research. Confronted with certain inaccuracies in popular history, I embarked on a personal quest to unravel the truth about my heritage.

Amongst others, I discovered humans originated in Africa before leaving the continent to settle in other continents; Africa was at a time the epicentre of the world, attracting trade and tourism from Eurasia; some prominent ancient Greek scholars were tutored in Africa; Africans had made contact with the old Americas before the 15th century, with Mansa Abu Bakr II who ruled ancient Mali empire crossing the Atlantic into the Americas in 1312, over 200 years before Christopher Columbus did.

The need to propagate this hidden history culminated in a new book which I wrote primarily to present a truer story of our people.

Being Black: Rediscovering a Lost Identity is research-based and reveals the African origin of humans, the influence of ancient African civilisations on other civilisations emerging outside the continent, and how Africa’s development was truncated and diverged as a result of slavery and colonisation leading to a change in the fortunes of Black people.

It is aimed at informing and educating present generations of Black people about our true history, in order to empower present and future generations in regaining our lost identity so we can reclaim our rightful heritage.

It is even more significant today because, as Robert A. Heinlein states, ‘A generation which ignores history has no past and no future’.

To secure our future we must acknowledge our past by embracing our history, which is the primary purpose of my book and why it is a must-read. l Ziri Dafranchi is a UK-based author of black African origin. He is an inspirational writer, poet, activist and social commentator

OCTOBER 2024 THE VOICE | 45

Books

Lifestyle

BETWEEN TWO HOMES Discussions about ‘home’ never leave you when you are born in Britain to Jamaican parents.

By Charlene White

SHARING HER STORY: Charlene White has had difficulty navigating her heritage

W

HEN YOU are the child of immigrants, the idea and discussions around where you call home is a constant: from the rightwingers telling you that you don’t belong in the country in which you are born, to your parents ensuring you develop a love and connection to the place of their birth, to the love you instinctively have for the country of your birth — you can often feel like your heart is in a neverending tug of war to figure out where on earth you belong.

But why should you have to choose? It’s madness.

As the first generation born here, navigating the world when you’re essentially born of two places can be a difficult tightrope to walk.

Where I see my home has always been different to where my parents see it because they were born in Jamaica — their first home.

When their parents made the decision to move them to the other side of the world to an unknown land as teenagers, it created a second home, but their first never left their hearts.

That is why when I think of home, I talk of being raised in a Jamaican household in London.

Home in my heart is stretched across two countries, two continents, and two cultures. For me, growing up in that environment, like so many others, is such a beautiful thing. And one that should endlessly be celebrated… despite others feeling as though it makes the children of immigrants less British.

Nothing, of course, could be further

from the truth. But where we think of home isn’t a conversation solely for immigrants, their children and the generations that follow. Home as a concept is something that affects all of us.

The type of home environments we grow up in as children impact who we become as adults: the partners we choose, the jobs we do, where we choose to live. The list is endless.

In No Place Like Home, I explore how my parents and grandparents created a home here in the UK while navigating the difficulties and barriers created by a political system which had asked for their help in the first place. And how that

experience impacted their children and grandchildren.

But I also tell the stories of others, about where home is for them and why… and the importance of those environments in shaping them, and in some cases, the families they went on to create.

If you were raised in a safe and secure environment at home growing up, it can be easy to forget just what a privilege that is. When your home isn’t a threat, when coming home doesn’t constantly fill you with fear, when you have a privilege of being given the gift of spending time learning who you are, the gift of making mistakes without severe repercussions, and have a safe “home” to return to

when the world seems dark — that truly is something I fear we often take for granted.

I had the privilege of telling the story of Chris Wild in the book, a campaigner who grew up in care and on the streets and who spent time living in one of the most notorious children’s homes in Halifax.

He credits growing up in the safety and security of his parents’ home until he was 12 years old for saving his life, the joy and love he knew up until his home was taken away ensured that he had the tools he needed when darkness descended on his life — and he was driven away from what he didn’t realise in that moment

If you were raised in a safe and secure environment at home growing up, it can be easy to forget just what a privilege that is

was the final time he would have safety and security for many years.

As a society, I feel as though we can all too easily forget the basics and the importance of a safe and secure home.

So comfortable are we in our own homes we can so easily shut the door to others, denying them the right to also have a chance of having the joy that comes from feeling safe.

Not just as children, but as adults, too.

That should not be seen as a privilege, it should be seen as a right. n No Place Like Home by Charlene White

is published by Renegade Books

A TREASURE TROVE OF INFORMATION ON BLACK HISTORY BLACK HISTORY FOR EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR

By David Olusoga and Yinka Olusoga Illustrated by Kemi Olusoga SHARING COMMENTARY on new non-fiction book Black History for Every Day of the Year, award-winning historian and broadcaster, David Olusoga drew attention to the story of Sara Forbes Bonetta, ward and god-daughter of Queen Victoria.

Written with his sister, the lecturer Dr Yinka Olusoga, and illustrated by their sister, the

artist Kemi Olusoga, the first time that the trio have worked together in this way, readers

discover the actors, writers, scientists, sports stars and activists who have contributed to the rich tapestry of Black history.

Focusing on the story of Bonetta, David mused: “Some people from the past lived lives so unlikely that even when the documentary evidence is in front of you, it is difficult to believe your eyes.

“Sara Forbes Bonetta was an enslaved child, imprisoned in the court of an infamous slave-trading king in West Africa. Then, in 1850, she was given to a British naval officer

as a gift for Queen Victoria.

Brought to Britain, Sara met the Queen, who helped arrange for her to be educated.

Sara eventually got married and had a daughter of her own, Victoria Davies.

“Sara’s story is so remarkable that until recently even some of her own descendants struggled to believe it.

“When the elderly members of the family told stories of Sara and Victoria, the younger members presumed they were just exaggerated family legends.”

REMARKABLE STORY: David Olusoga

46 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

News Feature National Windrush Museum’s NextGen Council member Rachel Glean-Dumbrell reflects on Seema Malhotra’s recent visit

HONOURING PAST AND PRESENT: From left, museum director Denize Ledeatte, Wade Lyn CBE, Levi Roots, Seema Malhotra MP, Paulette Simpson CBE and L’Myah Sherae during Ms Malhotra’s visit to the NWM team at Royal Museums Greenwich.

NATIONAL WINDRUSH MUSEUM STRENGTHENS WINDRUSH LEGACY

O

N MONDAY, September 9, the Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State for the Home Department, Seema Malhotra MP, visited the National Windrush Museum (NWM) team at Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG).

This visit follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NWM and RMG during Windrush 75 at the House of Lords. The partnership between NWM and RMG now positions NWM at RMG, enabling the museum to benefit from the mentorship of a national institution while working towards its goal of becoming a dedicated standalone museum.

This collaboration is pivotal in researching, documenting, preserving, exhibiting, and educating the public about the Windrush Generation and their monumental contributions to Britain.

Engaging discussions and collaborative efforts During her visit, Seema Malhotra MP engaged with the Windrush Artists in Residence, followed by detailed discussions with her team from the Home Office, NWM’s Development Council of Ambassadors, led by Levi Roots, NWM board members, and the NWM Next Gen Council.

Among those present were

Museum set to benefit from exciting collaboration with Royal Museums Greenwich

Ambassadors Paulette Simpson CBE, Wade Lyn CBE CD DL., L’Myah Sharae, and Terry Jervis, alongside board members Dr. Les Johnson (via Zoom), Mia Morris OBE, Dr. Barbara Adewumi, and Zak Offe-Burobey, with the Next Gen Council represented by Jennifer Walker, Rachel GleanDumbrell and Elise Brown.

NWM’s mission and summer season highlights Denize Ledeatte, NWM’s Director, elaborated on the museum’s mission to serve as a living archive of the tangible and intangible artefacts that reflect the social, cultural, and historical significance of the Windrush community.

This mission highlights the community’s profound role in shaping modern multicultural Britain.

Ledeatte also provided insights into the NWM Summer Season in Greenwich, which featured Windrush Lectures at the Queen’s House, starting with Levi Roots and Professor Dame Donna Kinnair, an international conference, and a Windrush

Fashion and Music Soundstage in Thamesmead.

These events explored the extensive contributions of the Windrush Generation across various sectors including healthcare, transportation, music, art, business and politics. The discussions underscored both the visible and invisible roles played by this generation in fostering a diverse and inclusive British society.

The museum’s role in commemorating these achievements while engaging younger generations to learn about the past to shape a better future was a key focus.

Community members who had attended NWM events were also invited to contribute to these important conversations.

BHM Autumn season Looking ahead to the Autumn season, Ledeatte outlined plans for the NWM Festival of the Voice, curated by NWM Founder and Chairman Dr Les Johnson, in collaboration with distinguished artists and academics.

The season, in partnership

with RMG, will continue with the Windrush Lecture series at the Queen’s House on November 7, 14 and 21, featuring a distinguished Windrush Lecture, with further details to be announced on the website (nationalwindrushmuseum.com).

Dr Johnson emphasised the museum’s role in fostering discussions about the value of collections and the importance of documenting significant experiences like the Home Office Windrush Scandal within British history. As Dr Johnson remarked, “The Windrush Generation is not just a chapter in British history; it is a living testimony to resilience, creativity and community. Their legacy transcends their own contributions, becoming the bedrock of a richly diverse Britain.

Through the NWM, we aim to ensure their stories are celebrated, shared, and remembered for generations to come.”

Rachel Glean-Dumbrell, interim Communications Director and member of the Next Gen Council, added: “Our engagement with the younger generation is crucial in ensuring that the legacy of the Windrush Generation continues to inspire future leaders and creators. The National Windrush Museum provides a vital platform for this intergenerational dialogue, helping us build a more informed and inclusive society.”

‘THE WINDRUSH community are a priority’ was the overwhelming sentiment of MP Seema Malhotra’s visit to the National Windrush Museum (NWM) in residence at Royal Museums Greenwich.

The visit was a signal from the newly elected Labour Government that the Windrush generation and their continued contribution and legacy deserve recognition. It was a privilege to welcome MP Malhotra, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Migration and Citizenship.

During her visit, she learned about the vision and mission of the NWM and discussed the wider issue of how Parliament proposes to do better for the Windrush Generation, and by doing so, right the wrongs of the previous government.

It is thanks to the visionary leadership of the NWM that we are in a position to have such significant conversations. Dr Les Johnson, founder and chairman, and Denize Ledeatte, museum director have worked tirelessly to get us to this point.

I joined the NWM’s NextGen Council precisely to be involved in conversations like these. As a Windrush descendant, it is important for me to hear how respect will be shown to the Caribbean people who helped to rebuild Britain and helped to pave the way for the wonderful diversity that we all benefit from in this country today.

Alongside Ms Malhotra, Nigel Hills (deputy director, Home Office) participated in a meeting with Museum Board Members, NextGen Council and the Development Council. This included some of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs and businesspeople such as Mia Morris OBE, Levi Roots, Paulette Simpson CBE and Wade Lyn. Crucially, this Museum team are also members of the Windrush generation or descendants who contribute to British culture, commerce and industry in many ways.

Consequently, we are all well-positioned to speak with our community and personal experiences front of mind.

We spoke first with Mr Hills, who is involved with the Windrush Compensation scheme.

It was heartening to hear that he feels his team is well-resourced, though he admits that he needs more capacity to work with the wider community on bigger initiatives. This is where I believe the NWM can collaborate with the Home Office and Windrush campaigners. This is one way they can improve their relationship with the Windrush Generation.

HOPE: Rachel This could help where some of the Glean-Dumbrell teams who deal with Windrush claimants may lack the diversity and lived experience that would facilitate smoother engagement. Mr Hills had a desire to improve the status quo and seek meaningful solutions to improve relations. So I hope that his team will take steps to create these solutions, alongside other government departments, and in consultation with the NWM and relevant groups.

MP Malhotra then spoke about the Government wanting to do better by the Windrush Generation and have a ‘reset moment’ — a time to start listening and learning in order to create a culture shift in how they support and recognise the Windrush elders and their achievements. Hopefully this means we will see improvements in not only policy, but education reform to encourage the British public to give this generation their flowers.

Overall, all parties agreed that the recognition of the Windrush Generation’s valuable impact is long overdue and so the need for the NWM is clear. The visit was encouraging and a reassuring stamp of approval from the government.

The desire to re-build trust was repeatedly mentioned, so I am open to giving the Labour government that opportunity.

I look forward to us working with the government to ensure that Windrush elders finally feel seen, heard and appreciated. Not only by their descendants but by Britain as a whole. And the National Windrush Museum is just the place to execute and deliver that mission.

OCTOBER 2024 THE VOICE | 47

News feature

‘I’M PROUD TO PAVE THE WAY FOR BLACK ACTORS’

After arriving in 1960s Britain, Rudolph Walker has gone on to become a star of screen. By Rodney Hinds

I

T WOULD BE fair to say that British television icon Rudolph Walker, CBE, continues to go about his business with dignity.

The star of EastEnders aptly released his much-anticipated autobiography, Walking With Dignity, in September just in time for his 85th birthday two days later.

This heartfelt memoir offers an intimate glimpse into his extraordinary career spanning six decades, making it a must-read for fans of television history and British culture.

Rudolph, a pioneering figure in British television, has witnessed first-hand the evolution of the industry. His career, which includes notable roles in beloved TV shows such as Love Thy Neighbour and The Thin Blue Line, has made him a household name and a respected figure in the entertainment world.

He established the Rudolph Walker Foundation in 2009 on his 70th birthday, to provide inspirational role models and positive activities which empower young people to overcome the obstacles which they may face in life, and build positive futures, as limitless as their imaginations.

Here he talks to The Voice about the new book and much more.

You have done some wonderful things in your life and career.

Your book launch at the Trinidad & Tobago High Commission, among family and friends, must have been really special for you?

Yes, it was! To write and reveal a bit about myself, yes, it was quite something. It was heartwarming because of the reception from the people who were there. You get in the car, you get home, and you kind of reflect, wow, was that about me? It was quite something.

When did the first thought of actually putting a book together come for you? How long ago was that and what was the process?

It was a long, long, long time ago. Years ago, just by chance, I

IN ROYAL COMPANY: Rudolph alongside fellow EastEnders star Letitia Dean meet the then-Prince of Wales on set in 2022

LEGEND: Rudolph Walker CBE is now a household name

bumped into a guy in Portobello Road, and he said, ‘You should really write your history.’ This was an old Black gentleman, and I think that’s where the seed was, so this is going back a number of years.

I made several attempts. I wrote bits and pieces on paper and things like that. But really, since the last, I suppose 18 months or so, certain other individuals have said, ‘It is about time you put your history from pen to paper, and let the next generation know what you’ve been through.’

It must have been quite challenging and emotional recalling your life and career. Would that be fair?

Yes. I mean emotional, of course, because there are moments that I kind of recall that had a tinge of sadness, such as my mother not being there at times, at my great achievements.

There were also moments of laughter and fun when I recall the mischief that I got up to as a youngster and things like that.

But yes, you’re absolutely right. It was a roller coaster.

Give me a little taste of what it was like arriving in the UK in the 1960s, and what your early impressions were of the country?

My early impression was like most West Indians were right, especially in the ‘60s when I came.

First of all it was cold and it was supposed to be the height of the summer.

Travelling on the train, you see

“We need our African leaders, our politicians, to do a lot more. We need examples. We need guidance” smoke coming out of a house and my first reaction was, ‘That house is on fire, it’s burning down!’ Then someone explains that it is a chimney!

I don’t know what my expectation was, because I was one of

those youngsters who all through life and I continue to understand that I have to deal with the good, bad, or indifferent. I will overcome. I will assimilate into the society I am in, see what it has to offer. Let me see what I can do today to better myself for tomorrow?

Did you ever think you would be a part of the EastEnders family for over two decades?

No, absolutely not. Originally these contracts, and certainly in my case, was for six months. So at the time, I thought, yes, six months. And as you said, here I am, 23 years later, and I’m still there, still enjoying every minute of it.

Initially there was a slight apprehension as there was no stability as an actor, and you live hand by mouth. I could be out of work for six months or a year, which has happened prior to EastEnders. It was precarious, but it was a challenge.

It was fun. And just the thought of being tied down for any length of time with just doing one character at that time did fill me with trepidation. However, I have no regrets.

You have paved the way for other Black actors on EastEnders, how does that make you feel?

From day one, or from the early days, there’s been a fight and a movement to be more inclusive, not just in the theatre, but right across the board, to see greater representation. That has been my drive, quietly, without any fuss, not to be seen as playing second fiddle.

There’s a long way to go, because like in football and other professions, I want to see us in management. I want to see us also pulling the strings and making decisions in boardrooms.

So, having not just Angela (Wynter), but Tameka (Empson), Diane (Parrish) and Colin (Salmon) in the series and others, playing fantastic roles and making tremendous contributions, fills me with pride.

I’ve seen you pictured with Muhammad Ali. Explain a little about spending time with ‘The Greatest’ He invited me and another friend to have lunch with him at a hotel the very day the picture was taken. So it was just the two of us, the man himself and a friend of his. So it was just the four of us sat for nearly two hours at the Hilton.

He was more interested in what we were doing as Black people in this country. How were we uniting? It was just fascinating.

It wasn’t the Muhammad Ali that we talk about, or we see on television, being the great orator.

There was this man who was just phenomenal. Sitting in his presence for a couple of hours was one of the highlights of my life.

You have travelled the world extensively, but Ghana seems to hold a special place in your life.

Oh yes, very much so. I went there first of all in the 1970s.

You would read stories of various parts of Africa but I just

wanted to see it for myself. From the minute I landed on that soil, there was something about Ghana that just touched me. Hence the reason I call it my spiritual home.

Where do you think the Black community stands in the UK at the moment?

Oh boy, there is a million-dollar question. It will take the whole day to answer that.

We have a long, long way to go to unite and to bind and to support each other. Using Brixton as an example, we don’t own places that have grown through our involvement.

We don’t have a stake in these places. We don’t have a stake in our own theatres. We don’t have a stake in television. The representations are too small, too minuscule, and we have to blame ourselves. I think we have to stop blaming other people, blaming the powers that be. We have to do these things ourselves. And here is where I think we need to do more.

We need our African leaders, our politicians, to do a lot more. We need examples. We need guidance, or guys who have achieved to be more vocal.

I get the distinct sense that there’s a few more chapters to come from you What’s to come from me? Who knows? As long as there’s health and strength, things like my foundation, I want to play a greater part. I want to spread it across, especially to the Caribbean and African Diaspora.

There are many people who are doing the sort of work that I’m doing, trying to inspire youngsters. l Walking with Dignity by Rudolph Walker is published by Chronos Publishing

48 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

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GREATEST BLACK BRITISH WOMEN OF ALL TIME

Who are the pioneering women of Black British history we should all know about?

T

HE obvious thought for Black History Month this year would be Kamala Harris. But we just don’t know, do we? We just don’t know. Even at this eleventh hour the American people may very well lose their minds and do the right thing.

Or should that be the other way around? We just don’t know.

And so it has been through time immemorial that the destiny of the Black woman has been viewed through the lens of a man. Usually a big fat White guy. But not always.

Diane Abbott’s fate of course was determined by Keir Starmer. It would have been an ignominious end to her glittering political career if it had all ended with her being booted out of the Labour Party by the now Prime Minister. So we may as well call him Keir of a Black Woman.

And it’s about time we remembered the pioneering women of Black British history. Many of them go unsung and it’s about time they got their props. We’re not talking women who have simply done their job.

We’re talking women who have achieved over and above what was expected of them.

I’m talking world beaters. I’m talking ordinary women whose tenacity and resilience in the face of discrimination have enabled them to make a positive difference to the lives of the generations that have come after them so that we don’t have to face the same obstacles that they faced.

But which are the GREATEST BLACK BRITISH WOMEN OF ALL TIME? I present them to you here, for the first time ever:

MARY PRINCE

Born into enslavement in 1788 on the British colony of Bermuda, in 1829 Mary Prince presented a petition to Parliament, arguing for her human rights.

The first woman to do so. In 1931, she published the brutal account of her enslavement, The History of Mary Prince, a West Indian Slave, which saw

her become the first Black woman to document a slave narrative in Britain. The book is crucial to our understanding of British enslavement.

MARY SEACOLE

Mary Seacole needs no introduction to a British audience. She has been commemorated for her pioneering work in nursing and for, in particular, her ‘wonderful adventures in many lands’ – primarily in assisting British troops in the Crimea in the 19th century. She was posthumously awarded the Jamaican Order of Merit in 1991 and in 2004 she was voted the greatest Black Briton. Her achievements continue to give Black Brits a sense of pride and belonging.

FANNY EATON

Fanny Eaton was the muse for many famous European artists in the 19th century at a time when Black women were considered not to be desirable enough to be featured in paintings. Eaton successfully challenged the Western concept of beauty.

ALICE KINLOCH

Alice Kinloch was a South African activist. She cofounded the African Association in 1897 and helped organise the first Pan-African Conference in 1900. She was an influential yet overlooked figure in history.

AMANDA ALDRIDGE

Amanda Aldridge (aka Montague Ring) was born on March 10, 1866 in Upper Norwood, London, the third child of African American Shakespearian actor Ira Frederick Aldridge and his second wife, the Swedish Amanda Brandt. One of the first recognised Black British songwriters, she published about 30 songs between 1907 and 1925 in a romantic parlour style, leaving us a legacy of music without which people wouldn’t even have known that we were entertaining the Edwardians.

AMY ASHWOOD GARVEY

EVELYN MARY DOVE

AMY ASHWOOD GARVEY

Amy Ashwood Garvey co-founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) with her husband Marcus Garvey. In 1965, she founded the Afro Woman’s Centre, which was one of the earliest Black women’s organisations in the UK.

ADELAIDE HALL

Adelaide Hall, a jazz singer, holds the Guinness World Record for longevity in entertainment – eight decades. She was born in 1901 in New York, but adopted Britain as her home and was still performing into her nineties.

STELLA THOMAS

Stella Jane Thomas, born in Lagos in 1906, became the first African woman called to the bar in 1933.

She was an activist with the West African Students’ Union and co-founded the League of Coloured Peoples, promoting minority rights in Britain and the Commonwealth.

EVELYN MARY DOVE

Evelyn Mary Dove was one of the true pioneers of the booming cabaret age of the 1920s. She thrilled audiences around the world and her exquisite stage costumes helped to make her one of the most glamorous women of her time. Dove was a Black British performer who toured Europe throughout the 1920s and 1930s, courting admirers and fans wherever she performed.

Her mesmerising movie star looks and grace captivated those in her presence. The public and press couldn’t get enough of the rising star who went on to replace Josephine Baker as the star attraction in a revue at the famous Casino de Paris. In 1936, amidst a frenzy of public interest, she became the first Black British singer to try to conquer America, 25 years before Shirley Bassey. She was also the first Black singer to feature on BBC radio in 1939.

MARY SEACOLE

GERLIN BEAN

STELLA THOMAS

LILIAN BADER

Lilian Bader was born in Liverpool in 1918 and became one of the first Black women to join the British Armed Forces when war broke out in 1939.

UNA MARSON

Una Marson, political activist, poet and playwright, was also the first Black woman programme maker at the BBC and the first Black female producer at the BBC. During the Second World War, she was the host of the radio programme West Indies Calling and secretary of the League of Coloured Peoples.

WINIFRED ATWELL

Winifred Atwell was the first Black woman to top the UK pop charts with the piano rag Let’s Have Another Party in 1954. She also played an important role in providing rental accommodation to newly-arrived members of the Windrush generation in the 1950s and 1960s.

CLAUDIA JONES

Claudia Jones founded Britain’s first major Black newspaper, the West Indian Gazette, in 1958, and played a key role in founding the Notting Hill Carnival.

JOCELYN BARROW DBE

Jocelyn Barrow DBE was an educator and community activist. She paved the way for the Race Relations Act of 1965 and 1968, which made racial discrimination within public services such as housing and employment illegal in Britain.

KATHLEEN WRASAMA

Kathleen Wrasama was an activist and founding member of the Stepney Coloured Peoples Association.

LILIAN B

OCTOBER 2024 THE VOICE | 49

MAVIS BEST

DR ANNE-MARIE IMAFIDON MBE

CLAUDIA JONES SHIRLEY THOMPSON

WINIFRED ATWELL

UNA MARSON

BADER

MAVIS BEST

Mavis Best was the Leader of the Scrap SUS Campaign when that racist law was being used by police to put us behind bars in the 1970s & 80s.

The Sus Law (Section 4 of the 1824 Vagrancy Act) was manipulated by police to racially profile, stop, search, arrest, detain and assault young Black men and women.

KATH LOCKE

Kath Locke was born in Manchester in 1928. An active member of Moss Side community politics, she campaigned for teaching Black history, and campaigned against educational materials which stereotyped and disenfranchised Black people. She also set up the Abasindi Co-op to support women in Manchester.

GERLIN BEAN

Gerlin Bean launched the Black Women’s Action Committee in 1970 and opened the Black Women’s Centre in Brixton.

MOIRA STUART CBE

Moira Stuart CBE, pioneer of television news presenting. She was the first female newsreader of Caribbean heritage on British TV. In a four-decade career, she presented BBC news, radio programmes, and hosted a music show featuring timeless classics on Radio 2.

GILLIAN JOSEPH

Gillian Joseph. The Sky News presenter is the longest-serving Black news presenter on British television

DR ANNE-MARIE IMAFIDON MBE

Child prodigy in mathematics, Dr Anne-Marie studied hard and was admitted to Oxford University at the age of 16. Former British Computer Society

MOIRA STUART CBE

NAOMI CAMPBELL

Young IT professional of the year and ex-president of the British Science Association. She was made CEO of Stemettes in 2013 and still only 34 years old.

DR ALTHEIA JONES-LECOINTE

Consultant haematologist and pathologist, she was an activist in the Black People’s Movement and the UK Black Panthers, campaigning against police brutality and harassment and was one of the Mangrove Nine charged with incitement to riot on August 9, 1970. Eight months pregnant, she defended herself at the Old Bailey and won. The trial became the first judicial acknowledgement of racism within the Metropolitan Police.

JOAN ARMATRADING

Joan Armatrading was the first Black British female to be nominated for a Grammy award in the Blues category.

SHIRLEY THOMPSON

Shirley Thompson is the only woman in Europe to conduct and compose a symphony (New Nation Rising) within the last 40 years. She was also commissioned to compose the main musical piece for the King’s coronation.

ALICE DEARING

The false assertion that ‘Black women don’t swim’ was cast once and for all into the dustbins of time when Alice, the first Black British female swimmer for Team GB, entered the pool at the Tokyo Olympics, inspiring Black women and girls throughout the country. She put the joy back in swimming for Black women, and as co-founder of the Black Swimming Association she has been outspoken, amongst other things, about the lack of swim caps for Afro hair.

RENI EDDO-LODGE

Reni Eddo-Lodge inspired a new generation of Black feminists to dismantle White hegemony when her

book Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race topped the British book charts, becoming the first book by a Black woman to do so. Along with Malorie Blackman and Bernardine Evaristo, Reni has formed The Black Writers Guild to try to change the racial inequalities in the publishing industry.

Unapologetically Black, her book has helped others understand what it’s like to be Black.

BETTY CAMPBELL MBE

Betty Campbell MBE was Wales’ first Black head teacher at Mount Stuart Primary in Cardiff.

A community activist, she implemented innovative educational practices and was recognised for her contributions to Black history and Welsh education with a lifetime achievement award. Speaking to BBC Wales in 2016, said she read Enid Blyton books as a child and dreamt of attending her fantasy boarding school Malory Towers.

DAME ELIZABETH ANIONWU DBE

Dame Elizabeth Anionwu is a pioneering British nurse and the UK’s first sickle-cell specialist. She founded the Mary Seacole Centre for Nursing and has earned numerous honours throughout her career. In 2016, she published her memoir, Mixed Blessings from a Cambridge Union.

NAOMI CAMPBELL

Naomi Campbell broke every barrier in modelling to pave the way and to become the most successful of the supermodels. She has achieved every ‘first’ there is to achieve in her industry and continues to inspire young girls to be Black and beautiful.

MALORIE BLACKMAN

Malorie Blackman is one of the leading, beloved and most prolific writers in the country of fiction for young people. She has written over 60 books since her first in 1990.

LINDA DOBBS DBE

Linda Dobbs DBE, a former high court judge who in 2004 became the first non-White person to be appointed to the senior judiciary of England and Wales.

DAWN BUTLER MP

Dawn Butler MP was the first woman to speak from the despatch box in Parliament in December 2009.

BERNADINE EVARISTO

Bernadine Evaristo became the first Black woman to win the Booker Prize for fiction with her novel Girl, Woman, Other in 2019.

CHINYERE ADAH ‘CHI-CHI’ NWANOKU Chinyere Adah ‘Chi-Chi’ Nwanoku, founder and artistic director of the Chineke! Orchestra, the first junior classical orchestra in Europe to be made up of a majority of Black musicians.

REV.ROSE HUDSON-WILKIN

Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin was the first Black woman to become an Anglican bishop and Chaplain to the Queen.

SHARON WHITE DBE

Sharon White DBE was the first Black chief executive of the media regulator OFCOM and first Black chairman of the John Lewis Partnership.

CANDICE CARTY-WILLIAMS

Candice Carty-Williams. With the release of her debut novel Queenie, Candice became the first Black female to win Book of the Year at the British Book Awards.

KEMI BADENOCH

Whether she wins the Conservative Party leadership contest or not, Badenoch has already made Black British history in simply taking part.

50 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

News Feature

IT’S THE FIGHT OF OUR LIVES

In the second edited extract from 40 Years of Black British Lives, co-author Dotun Adebayo reflects on the tragedies of Stephen Lawrence and Damilola Taylor and their impact on racism in Britain

VICTIM: Stephen Lawrence was murdered in April 1993

THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE BEGINS: Stephen Lawrence’s father called for his son’s killers to be handed the death penalty in The Voice’s front page story on April 27, 1993

I

N 1992, The Voice reflected felt denigrated women, as a take pride in my heritage, but on a challenging year for threat to traditional values.

I’m concerned by the rise of Black Britons, marked by THis clash of perspectives ‘slackness.’ Women’s provocative inflation, job losses, and home became evident on The Voice’s behaviour and dress, especially repossessions. However, there letters page, where readers in dancehall culture, degrade our was growing optimism. debated the heart and soul of values and should be censored.”

THe Voice celebrated its 10th Black British identity. One reader, THe Voice’s job market pages anniversary with a glamorous Diane, wrote: “As a Jamaican, I reflected Black Brits’ growing event, symbolising Black Britain’s rising prominence. Linford Christie won Olympic gold, Lennox Lewis became world heavyweight champion, and Trevor McDonald anchored News at Ten. Diane Abbott and Bernie Grant represented Black Britons in Parliament, while ‘buppies’ emerged as a term for upwardly mobile Black professionals, mirroring the White ‘yuppies’ of the time. A new era of success and social mobility seemed within reach.

In the 1990s, a cultural divide emerged between so-called ‘buppies,’ and those embracing the street lifestyle associated with dancehall or ‘ragga.’ Buppies STANDING FIRM: The Voice has never wavered in its viewed ragga’s lyrics, which they commitment to fighting injustices in our society

presence in professional and executive roles, suggesting progress in the labour market.

However, early 1993 news stories highlighted that structural racism still existed.

For example, Kwik-Fit was ordered to pay £10,000 to Robert Young after he faced racial harassment at work, while London Underground had to pay £80,000 for paying Black managers less than their White counterparts. The Voice also rallied the Black community to oppose the controversial Asylum and Immigration Bill, reinforcing the ongoing struggles despite past achievements.

Although The Voice celebrated the successes of Black Britain, the newspaper remained vigilant about the lingering inequalities.

THe tension between a “new Britain” of progress and the “old Britain” of racial discrimination persisted, reminding the community that no matter their circumstances, they were never far

from being treated as second-class citizens due to their skin colour.

THe Voice fiercely opposed the Government’s racist Asylum and Immigration Bill. In the March 2 issue, the editor’s letter declared, “We’re here to stay,” warning that Black Britons and their families risked arbitrary removal.

It went on: “A stroke of a pen can make us undesirables... This country is our home.”

London was the epicentre of opportunity for Black youth, drawing them from across the UK. The Voice’s young staff, mostly graduates, mirrored its readers, many of whom moved to London from cities like Sheffield, Cardiff, and Manchester.

With 53,000 audited sales, the newspaper’s audience was concentrated in the capital. But The Voice also mapped Black British life beyond London, documenting communities in Moss Side, Liverpool, Leicester, and Leeds.

THings, one could argue, had never seemed rosier for the Black British community. But on April 22, 1993, Black Britain was reminded in the most callous way that no matter how far up the social ladder Black people climbed, Britain was still a killing field of our children.

Stephen Lawrence was waiting at a bus stop in Eltham, south London, when he was murdered by a mob of White racists.

In their grief, his parents turned to The Voice after being let down by the authorities, particularly the police.

Looking back on The Voice’s coverage is haunting, as we now know the full horror of the murder and its impact on race relations in Britain.

At the time, The Voice ran the frontpage headline: “Murdered for being Black.” Stephen’s father, Neville Lawrence, told the paper, “[Stephen] was chased down the road by about six White youths for no other reason than he was Black.” However, the police initially resisted acknowledging the racial nature of the crime.

THe headline echoed the longstanding history of racial violence, from the murder of Kelso Cochrane in 1958 to the killing of 15-year-old Rolan Adams just two years before Stephen’s death. Yet Stephen’s murder had a profound impact, particularly due to the failure of the police in those critical first hours. The case would eventually shock the nation and become a defining moment in British race relations.

Stephen Lawrence was no different from any Black teenager, and every Black parent could see their own child in him.

What made this case resonate even more was the dignity with which his parents, Doreen and Neville, pursued justice while grappling with their unbearable

loss, making their pain felt across communities and races.

THe police initially treated the attack as a gang fight, missing the crucial investigation window.

While authorities later admitted it was “a completely unprovoked attack” The Voice said they had failed Stephen because of his race.

THe tragic deaths of Stephen Lawrence and Damilola Taylor bookended a painful decade for Black Britons.

While Stephen’s 1993 murder exposed both casual and institutional racism, the killing of 10-year-old Damilola Taylor in 2000 highlighted a new set of problems that affected immigrant families with high hopes for their children’s futures in Britain.

Damilola, who had only been in the country for a few months, was stabbed by two young boys on a Peckham council estate.

His story resonated deeply, with The Voice publishing the poignant headline, “Damilola, we failed you,” in December 2000 shifting the focus to the community’s responsibility to prevent such tragic deaths.

The piece called for selfreflection, asking uncomfortable questions about the violence within inner-city Black communities.

Like the Lawrences before them, Damilola’s parents showed dignity in front of the media, despite their heartbreak. Their son had attended an after-school computer class on the day he was killed, and CCTV captured his last moments outside a library before being fatally attacked with a broken beer bottle.

While murderous racism demoralised Black Brits, we were not beaten. The Voice is witness to that.

It was a reminder that no matter how high you reach, no matter how successful you become, there is always a danger that you and your family’s lives are at risk while institutional racism influences the thinking of the worst forms of humanity.

Institutional racism treats Black people as less.

It is what the murderers of Stephen Lawrence treated him as. n To purchase your copy of

‘40 Years of Black British Lives’ scan the QR code below or email subscription@thevoicemediagroup. co.uk

OCTOBER 2024

THE VOICE | 51

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52 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

Muyiwa Olarewaju OBE

Nothing But Truth and Light

Join the debate online voice-online.co.uk/opinion

A WORLD WHERE ALL LIVES ARE CELEBRATED

The Bible shows us we are all made equal, regardless of our culture, creed or colour

T

HE BIBLE begins with an unmistakable affirmation of humanity’s worth: So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27).

This is a foundational truth that transcends time, culture, and race. Every human being, regardless of skin colour, is made in the image of God. Blackness, like all other hues of humanity, is not an afterthought or mistake, but a beautiful reflection of divine creativity.

An English Heritage article reminds us of the longstanding presence of Black people in Britain, countering misconceptions that Black histories in the UK are recent or peripheral.

Similarly, the Bible highlights diversity as integral to God’s creation.

From the beginning, the Scripture celebrates the various peoples and nations that make up the tapestry of humanity.

Genesis 5:1 reinforces this by reminding us that all human beings, no matter their racial background, carry the likeness of God. When we recognise that every individual is made in God’s image, it transforms how we view ourselves and others. This truth confronts and dismantles the racial hierarchies that have plagued Black communities throughout history, asserting instead that Black lives are imbued with divine worth.

A key tenet of the Bible is the universality of salvation, which dismantles racial and cultural barriers. Jesus’ command to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19) underscores the

inclusive nature of the gospel.

This message is not reserved for a specific race or ethnicity.

Jesus’ followers are tasked with spreading a message that transcends borders and breaks down barriers between people.

The gospel’s vision of racial unity is further emphasised in Romans 10:12, which states, For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.

God recognises the diversity of His creation while offering grace to all, regardless of background.

RACISM This is a radical idea, particularly in a world where systemic racism has long sought to marginalise and oppress people of African descent.

The Bible’s vision is one of racial reconciliation and equality, where no group is seen as superior or inferior.

In the book of Acts, we are reminded again of God’s impartiality: God does not show favouritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right (Acts 10:34-35). This is a call for us, as believers, to live out this truth,

acknowledging and celebrating the diversity within the body of Christ while rooting out favouritism and prejudice.

Throughout the Bible, we encounter figures of African descent whose stories weave into the biblical narrative.

From the Cushite wife of Moses (Numbers 12:1) to the Ethiopian eunuch who became one of the first non-Jewish converts to Christianity (Acts 8:27-39), these accounts remind us of the significant role Africa and people of African descent have played in biblical history.

The historical interplay between Africa and the Bible reminds us that Black identity is not peripheral to the Christian faith but has been an essential part of God’s story from the beginning.

This historical reality aligns with modern research. As noted in a Psychology Today article on self-love, identity and self-worth are deeply connected to our understanding of our place in history and culture.

For many Black people, understanding their contributions to biblical history offers a source of empowerment and dignity. It is a reminder their

KEY MESSAGE: Embracing our identity as God’s beloved combats empowers self-love and love for others, says Muyiwa

THE WORDS OF WISDOM: The Bible’s message of universal salvation breaks racial and cultural barriers (photo: Getty Images)

Black identity is not only a vital part of history but also a beautiful reflection of God’s image identity is not just rooted in a legacy of struggle but also in one of divine purpose and inclusion.

The Bible encourages a healthy form of self-love, one that acknowledges the inherent value of each individual. Jesus famously said, Love your neighbour as yourself (Mark 12:31), which implies that love for oneself is not only permissible but necessary. However, this self-love is not rooted in pride or vanity but in a recognition of our God-given worth. The concept of self-love is essential, especially for Black communities that have historically been subjected to dehumanisation and marginalisation.

The psychological and emotional toll of racism often leads to internalised self-hate, a destructive force that distorts one’s identity.

Yet, the Bible provides an antidote to this by reaffirming the inherent worth of every individual. You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm

139:14) is a proclamation that speaks to the beauty and value of Blackness, as well as every other facet of humanity.

Self-love, from a biblical perspective, empowers individuals to love others more fully. When we embrace our identity as beloved children of God, we are better equipped to stand against the lies of inferiority and embrace the truth of our divine worth.

As another Psychology Today article points out, selflove enables us to set healthy boundaries, pursue our purpose, and cultivate resilience — qualities that are essential in the fight against systemic racism and social injustice. The Bible’s message of reconciliation extends beyond the spiritual realm and into social relationships.

Ephesians 2:14 speaks of Christ as our peace, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility.

In Christ, racial and ethnic divisions are dismantled. This message is especially poignant during Black History Month as we reflect on the continued struggle for racial equality and justice.

The Bible offers a vision of the future that is inclusive and celebratory of diversity: There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Revelation 7:9).

This vision affirms that, at the end of time, people from every

race will stand united before God. This is the ultimate hope of reconciliation — a time when the divisions and hostilities that plague humanity will be healed.

As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s take encouragement from the biblical narrative.

The Bible affirms the dignity of all people, challenges systems of oppression, and calls us to pursue justice and reconciliation. Black identity is not only a vital part of history but also a beautiful reflection of God’s image.

MUTUALITY In the words of Dr Martin Luther King Jr from his letter from Birmingham jail, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.”

Our shared humanity, rooted in the image of God, calls us to love one another and work together for a future where all people are valued, celebrated, and reconciled. The journey toward justice and reconciliation is not easy, but it is one we are called to.

As the psalmist writes, The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still (Exodus 14:14).

In this, we find strength, hope, and a vision for a world where Black lives are not only valued but celebrated in the fullness of God’s design. l Muyiwa Olarewaju OBE is station director at Premier Gospel radio, a TV & radio broadcaster, and principal of gospel group Muyiwa & Riversongz

OCTOBER 2024 THE VOICE | 53

TOP SPORTS COVERAGE 24/7 VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK/SPORT

OF SPORT NEWSPAPER

OCTOBER 2024 | THE VOICE

TRUE SPORTING HEROES

Rodney Hinds delves into 40 Years of Black British Black Lives to celebrate the Black sporting pioneers and their unique journeys

T

WO YEARS ago The Voice published 40 Years of Black British Lives.

The Black pioneers were key to today’s sporting landscape. Below are extracts from 40 Years of Black British Lives and their unique sporting journeys.

TESSA SANDERSON On August 6, 1984, Tessa Sanderson made history at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles by winning the gold medal in the javelin, becoming the first Black woman to achieve this feat for Great Britain.

Sanderson was key to the Black sports fraternity when The Voice covered sport.

The landscape of international sport was inherently political in the 1980s – the diplomatic row over South African apartheid resulted in a number of highprofile sporting boycotts, while Black athletes were threatened with violence ahead of the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Yet against this backdrop, a number of Black Brits, including Sanderson, fought to rise to the top of sport, and The Voice was on hand to document their journeys.

Sanderson secured her place as a sporting superstar when won her gold.

Born in Jamaica, Sanderson was raised by her grandmother before following her Windrush generation parents over to England when she was six years old.

It was in Wolverhampton where her sense of purpose and love for sport was born. “We slotted in with everything but one of the good things about having the parents we did was that they were really level-headed and taught us all about what to expect,” she told The Voice.

Sanderson’s PE teacher Barbara

TRAILBLAZER: Paul Ince played 53 times for England including a stint as captain in 1993 Richards introduced her to the javelin when she was just 14 and the sports star later joined Wolverhampton & Bilston Athletics Club.

She won the first of eight British javelin titles in 1975, before making her Olympic debut in Montreal a year later, where she finished tenth. Sanderson would go on to compete at six Olympic Games, but it was at her third, in Los Angeles in 1984, when she became the first and only British athlete to win an Olympic throwing event.

The Voice celebrated her achievements on the front cover, left, of its hundredth issue under the headline ‘Black Gold,’ picturing Sanderson alongside sprinters Evelyn Ashford and Carl Lewis as well as decathlete Daley Thompson. Sanderson’s victory was iconic, it paved the way for other Black female athletes.

MICHAEL WATSON While he enjoyed success in the ring as a British and Commonwealth boxing champion, Michael Watson earned legendary status as a vocal disability campaigner.

Emerging as a tough competitor in the 1980s, Watson defeated fellow Brit Nigel Benn to secure Commonwealth middleweight gold in 1989. But Watson was hungry for more.

Months after his victory over Benn he told The Voice: “I don’t want to end up fighting for the world title known only as the guy who beat Nigel Benn. I want to be known as Michael Watson – a class boxer in his own right.”

Tragically, just two years later, Watson suffered a near-fatal brain injury during

his 1991 WBO super middleweight title fight with Chris Eubank, an event that ended his boxing career.

After spending 40 days in a medically induced coma, Michael defied the odds to make a miraculous comeback. His long road to recovery included numerous brain operations to remove a blood clot and a year in intensive care and rehabilitation.

He spent six more years as a wheelchair user, slowly regaining the ability to walk, speak and write.

Watson has since become a vocal campaigner for disability sport, calling for improved disabled access to gyms and fitness centres, among other campaigns.

In 2003, he took on the London Marathon, using a walking stick to complete the course over six days. He told The Voice: “When I crossed the finishing line, words couldn’t explain how I felt; the moral support that I got from my fans, and people in general. I’ve never experienced anything like that in my life.”

In 2004, Watson was awarded an MBE for his services to disability sport.

ROLAND BUTCHER In the early 1980s, Barbados-born Roland Butcher broke boundaries as the first Black cricketer to represent England.

Butcher moved to England at the age of 14, joined Middlesex in 1974 and was picked for two one-day internationals against Australia in 1980.

That September, he won a place on the team’s tour of the Caribbean. Ironically, Butcher made his debut in the Barbadian capital of Bridgetown. Looking back on his career, Butcher told The Voice: “That

was the beginning of the motivation for many of the Black players in England who perhaps felt they would never get the opportunity to play.

“It certainly helped them and spurred them on. I feel very proud that I was the catalyst for that change. The numbers who have walked through that door have obviously motivated others as well. It needs to be spoken about.”

Acknowledging his place in history, Butcher said: ‘I remember Viv Anderson and Laurie Cunningham were England’s only Black international footballers at this time, but I think only later on, did I truly understand the significance of it. Back then I just wanted to play international cricket. Devon Malcolm spoke to me later and said I was an inspiration.’

However, Butcher attracted criticism from Bernie Grant in 1989 when he, along with fellow Black cricketer Phil DeFreitas, was announced as part of a 16-man team to tour South Africa.

When it was reported at the time, each player was set to receive £100,000 from the South African apartheid government.

Grant told The Voice: “It is blood money and a massive propaganda coup for the South African government.” After the media backlash, both Butcher and DeFreitas withdrew from the tour.

PAUL INCE Inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame in 2021, England’s first Black captain Paul Ince is well regarded as a trailblazer in combatting racial prejudice in sport. Born in Ilford, he was signed as an academy player for

West Ham at the age of 14. Over his 21year playing career he achieved 53 caps for England and a stint as captain during the 1993 tour of the United States.

After beginning his career with the Hammers, the club he grew up supporting, Ince soon cemented himself as a key member of one of the most successful Manchester United sides in the club’s history, winning two Premier League titles, two FA Cups and both the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the Football League Cup. In a 1993 interview with The Voice, Ince said: “I’ve been told to smile more often. But my attitude is that I’m better off getting stuck in than smiling. Football’s a hard, competitive game and I haven’t got time for that stuff.”

He went on to play for Inter Milan in the Serie A before returning home to play for Liverpool, Middlesbrough and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Towards the end of his career, Ince featured as player-manager for Swindon Town and Macclesfield Town before making the successful transition to manager where he coached MK Dons, Blackburn Rovers, Notts County, Blackpool and Reading.

GEOFF THOMPSON Geoff Thompson is a former world karate champion who has gone on to become one of the country’s most respected sports administrators and youth activists.

Raised in Hackney, Thompson is a lifelong advocate of the role that education, sport and culture can play in improving the lives of young people.

During a distinguished sporting career, he was the world heavyweight karate champion and world team karate champion between 1982 and 1986 and won more than 50 national and international titles. Following his retirement from competitive sport, he spoke out against British karate, telling The Voice in 1988: “They didn’t give a toss whether you were alive or dead until a win was needed on the square.’

Thompson says that sport has given him everything. He told The Voice: “I will always push the boundaries and look to raise the bar of excellence.”

54 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

Sport

EXPLORING A VERY SPECIAL CONNECTION

A new book reveals how Arsenal Football Club’s affinity with Black identity transcends football. By Anshu Taneja

H

IGHLY respected Clive Nwonka is Associate Professor in Film, Culture and Society at the Institute of Advanced Studies at University College London and his research centres on the study of Black British and African American film.

Growing up in Brent, north west London to Nigerian parents, he became a fan of Liverpool FC largely due to the prominence of the iconic John Barnes.

Along with Matthew Harle, he is the co-author of the new book Black Arsenal and reveals how the club’s affinity with Black identity transcends football and spreads across cultures: in the media, music, fashion, politics and everyday social experiences.

Black Arsenal encounters the moments, stories and experiences of how Arsenal became an important and under-examined feature of modern Black British culture and identity.

Clive talks to the Voice of Sport about the new book.

Where did the idea of Black Arsenal come from, and what were your aims?

That’s an amazing question, and I’ve been thinking a lot about this recently. I talk in my chapter about the origins of Black Arsenal. When I began working at the London School of Economics in 2017, I began thinking a lot more about my cultural memories, history and my own place as a Black person in a white majority space of academia. And looking back to my childhood, I remembered my exemplars of Black excellence or Black identity or recognition was always John Barnes, and that was my defence mechanism in the playground, as a kid and beyond as well.

But I was also grappling with my own class identity, which is essentially a working-class background in north west London on a housing estate and as a free

INSPIRATIONAL FIGURES: Ian Wright became a poster boy for the Premier League while Bukayo Saka is a shining light in the current Gunners side

school meals kid. My parents were Nigerian and we were raised culturally in a Nigerian household.

But economically, of course, it was very challenging at times.

What I discovered was that in those spaces of academia, I am seen to be some level of Black excellence because I’m working at a legal institution, and teaching there.

But also, my working class identity became a point of denigration at times and it’s still the case now.

And what became clear to me growing up was TALENT: Anita Asante joined Arsenal as a junior in 1998

that there’s a transitional point where Ian Wright became the exemplar to many people around me of a Black urban working class identity and vernacular and attitude that really transpired to our experiences even to this day. And it became how you integrated in the barbershop, or on the playground, all the areas around the housing estates or walking down Harlesden High Street. And thinking about the Notting Hill Carnival; I’ve been going since I was four years old and always see people in Arsenal shirts there. So that became me exploring about h o w Arsenal Football Club was relevant in my

formation as a young Black person to a Black adult and the certain cultural experiences that came from there.

I then started to piece together what it could look like. I thought initially it would be a long read in the New Statesman or the Guardian and realising there were so many moments that were quite significant to me. For example, thinking about Wright and the Millwall battles he had in the mid1990s and him calling it out as a racist club, which I remember reading about as a kid thinking, okay, that’s going to be my stance as well.

Or, thinking about the birth of the Premier League and how he became a poster boy, you saw all the advertisements and billboards and things. But also thinking about the ways in which it was allowing for a certain integration.

I remember being around my friends who were Irish, who were all wearing Wright shirts and I thought to myself, this is

LANDMARK BOOK: Dr Clive Nwonka interesting because there weren’t that many places where you would see integration but this was definitely something.

So, I began linking together all these kinds of elements. I did a talk at the Barbican in 2022 once I moved to University College London. I had three or four years of research I was doing and I thought it would just be a small seminar there. It turned out to be a massive event which sold out

within 24 hours, months before the event took place.

I thought to myself “what’s going on here?” And then it became clear to me that other people found resonance in the idea or had similar experiences to share. That came from people who were just from my local area, other academics, members of the public; it was a much broader palette.

So, on seeing that, I thought that there’s a book here to capture that.

Initially I thought I would write it myself and it would become a little like the Trinidadian historian C.L.R James type of exploration of identity and sport, in a very intellectual way and academic way. And I thought, well, these experiences I’m jotting down and thinking about, surely other people have similar thoughts as well.

Now, I can talk about Arsenal versus Millwall and the racial element to that, but I was a child when it happened, are there

OCTOBER 2024 THE VOICE | 55

Sport LEGEND: Rachel Yankey is one of the most decorated players in women’s football

other people who I know who were actually there at the time who could speak about it more directly? Perhaps the sociologist Les Back might be a good person to write about this instead.

I was also concerned and interested in questions from Black women about how they feel about Arsenal from a local perspective, or a club perspective. And then I thought of Lola Young, who’s been going to Arsenal since the 1970s and is from Islington – maybe she’s best placed to talk about this as a Black woman rather than myself. Then it became a small composite.

Another significant person was the English sociologist and Cultural Studies scholar Paul Gilroy, who has been a mentor to me for many years, and one of the best race thinkers there has been since 1966. He’s got things to say that could probably be put in a better way than I could.

MISTREATED But I also realised that whiteness is important: how do White people think about Black Arsenal and the racial element towards that? And how does that change their perspectives on race in the UK? Separately, one of my closest friends, a teacher at Sheffield University, was mistreated by Barnsley fans in the mid-nineties and switched to become an Arsenal supporter. And that became another access point.

So, overall then my research for the novel became this fusion of different ideas held together by these quite strong theoretical moments that I was using for my background, my childhood, and for my history. That really became the structure of the book. And I’m really pleased now it became what it is, rather than simply me spending two years in a room trying to piece it together myself.

What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book?

It was deciding who was best to

contribute. Once I put together my chapters, I thought about what themes were missing and then began deciding how to fill them. For example, I knew I wanted to write about women, so who is the best person for that? I wanted to write about gentrification and displacement, particularly around the relocation from the old stadium to the new stadium – so who can write best about those things?

What became challenging was managing people’s expectations but also interests, and this relates back to what I mentioned before about Black culture being something that can be often pounced upon by brands.

Once we had the Black Arsenal ready, there was a lot of interest from media outlets to do documentaries and other things as well. I found it a bit voyeuristic and a bit vulture-like, and I had many conversations with different broadcasters and agencies about doing something to make it much more mass appeal. I was thinking, “you have no real interest in Black identity or Black culture per se, but you’re seeing the connection between Black people and Arsenal in a more lucrative way, which to me is problematic.” It’s not what Black Arsenal is about”.

Black Arsenal exists as an experience that’s very germane to people’s inner experiences that becomes communal, either in the stands or on the streets or beyond. You haven’t got to sell it.

People will understand what it’s saying. It’s there and it’s inherent in you.

And I think that’s something we’ve probably seen for decades with Black culture whether rap music or something else. There’s always this need to incorporate something that’s more machinelike whereas it should be preserved rather than exploited.

So, I think there have been attempts at exploitation with the idea – which may be inevitable as I don’t own it. Black Arsenal

“The book is there to allow people to think about their own convictions” can be what it is to anyone. But I think there are elements that have required me pushing back a bit on people’s natural instinct to try and commercialise things in a much more negative way than writing a book.

What are your three key messages that you want the readers to digest?

The first thing is that Black Arsenal represents a generation of experiences, and doesn’t have to be packaged in a certain way – which is perhaps a little contradictory given it’s a book! The book is there to allow people to think about their own convictions and their LEADER: Patrick Vieira lifted three league titles with the club

possibilities as well. I wouldn’t want to see a Black Arsenal show being produced, that would be horrifying in many ways.

I think the second thing is to emphasise the connection between Black culture and Black people. Whilst conducting research for the book, I would frequently get a black taxi from LSE University all the way to Highbury and for some reason all of the taxi drivers were Arsenal fans, and they would have tons of stories about their friends back in the 1970s or 1980s sneaking into the back end of the North Bank for a pound.

There was always a multicultural feel there and they would often ask whether it was a conscious decision by Arsenal to encourage this feeling.

They would ask: “do you think this is something that Arsenal cultivated and deliberately tried to augment?” And I always replied that I didn’t think that Arsenal thought, “OK, we have a lot of Black fans” and started doing things to try and preserve that.

I think that’s happening a bit more now across all of football, because I think that fans now are like floating vases; their connections to the club aren’t going to be bounded by geography. It’s more like, who has the best social media content? Or who has a player they can brand in that way? Everyone’s always going to fight to get their social media likes.

I think it’s important to know that this multicultural feeling isn’t something that Arsenal actually deliberately and consciously created. Through the work I’ve done with the club, they’ve come to realise that it’s something that was always innately there, that it wasn’t packaged by them or sometimes fully recognised by them. But they do much more to recognise it now. I think Black Arsenal is really going to succeed from how Black people have come to Arsenal, rather than Arsenal to Black people.

Black Arsenal is also

serendipitous. It covers what the late influential cultural theorist Stuart Hall calls a conjuncture – just the collision of different social and cultural factors that make Black people in London gravitate towards a particular club, because it’s more recognising of them. There are things that they recognise on the pitch or in the club culture that makes them feel safer.

But the book also connects with other cultural forms taking place at the time as well. I write a little bit about national news which formed a large part of my research for many years. 1993 was a big year for me, because I remember Arsenal playing Sheffield Wednesday twice at Wembley, and I lived behind Wembley Stadium, so I saw and heard what was happening. But also, Stephen Lawrence had been killed the week before. And these two events were in my visual memory of television: either watching Ian Wright being interviewed for the game, or seeing news of the Stephen Lawrence murder. But that’s a connection that I made personally.

DELIBERATE So, this perhaps proves that Black Arsenal has been born from an indeliberate cultural experience of the late 1990s, that has now subsequently become something you can create moments from, or be deliberate about in your visual media. I think that’s a good thing, but it’s always something that begins from the inner experience and I think often sometimes lost on people.

I think the third thing is recognising history. And I think it’s very easy now for us to place our imaginaries onto, for example, Bukaya Saka. I like the guy a lot!

I’ve not met him in person before, but he’s actually BritishNigerian, so we share the same cultural heritage. The way he carries himself is superb and he’s an ambassador for many things beyond Arsenal. Of course, I remember what happened after the Euros in 2021.

When England reached the final of the Euros this year, suddenly all these celebrities came out and started wearing their England shirts and getting on the bandwagon thing. In the midst of that, the British historian and writer David Olusoga, who I respect a lot, was interviewed by the BBC. He explained that England were forging this brand-new English identity. I remember thinking to myself: “I can see what you mean, but I completely disagree.” Firstly, our English identity that’s new and integrated can’t be based on simple success. Like: if that’s the entry requirements, it’s not going to work.

Because, remember in 2021, when we beat Denmark and Germany, we were screaming about the new culture. So, what I said then is: well, if you really want to think about how footballing culture can influence national

identity, go back to the late 1980s, early 1990s, when being Black and British wasn’t as it is now. When England were playing appallingly in the early 1990s, they’re a grand terror club and we were picking multiple Black players in these squads. We weren’t performing and the Combat 18 terrorist organisation was still going to Wembley, and sending bullets to people’s doorsteps.

Yet those players were representing a new Black Britishness in a way that wasn’t the prerequisite of winning and that’s when you make those connections. So, what I’m arguing is this: I think that club football has an even bigger role to play in forging national identity.

For example, at Arsenal in the late 1980s till around 1993 you had Kevin Campbell, Ian Wright, Paul Davis, David Rocastle and Michael Thomas all playing together – way before the time where it really mattered – where to be Black and British was about how you performed at club level and what you represented there was more significant than the English national team.

In the book I talk a lot about the early 1990s and things that were happening in the UK context that were important in club culture, such as the formation of music groups like Soul II Soul, and the real creation of Black Britishness as a cohesive term, which had been challenged beforehand, but was now making its way to television with shows like The Real McCoy and more.

That’s the period of time where it really became significant and different and formed a cultural change. I think we often forget history and I think it’s extremely important to remember that substantial change that we’re talking about in British society didn’t take place through national football.

It took place through club level football. I think that’s a period of time where it really mattered. It wasn’t in 2024 where England may or may not have won the Euros.

How do you see football’s relationship with social issues, race and identity – particularly with the recent riots across the country?

There is a very close connection.

For example, at the recent Euros, the interesting thing was when people were talking about England potentially winning the final against Spain; that it was going to inaugurate this whole mass hysteria and bank holiday and celebrations in the street and all those things – and it may well have done. However, I’m convinced that if England won, it would not have prevented what happened in the following weeks at all.

I’m not convinced that those specific footballing moments can really address underlying structural racism. I think it gives the impression of that, but substantially, no it can’t.

56 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2024

Sport

LIFE IN THE FAST ZANE

UP TO THE CHALLENGE: Zane Maloney is teaming up with ‘Mr Formula E’ Lucas di Grassi

B

ARBADOS racer Zane Maloney’s career is about to spark into life.

Lola Yamaha ABT will enter its first ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season with one of the grid’s most exciting driver pairings, having confirmed development driver for the rookie Maloney as the teammate Andretti team since 2023, Maloney of ‘Mr Formula E’ Lucas di Grassi. already has Formula E experience, having completed several tests.

“I am delighted to be part of INTENT In combining the driver with the Lola Yamaha ABT team and the most races in championship history with the only rookie confirmed so far, the team underscores its intent to shake up the status quo and drive the next generation of motorsport talent and technology.

Born and raised in Barbados, Maloney’s blossoming career has already seen him win the British Formula 4 Championship, finish runner-up in the FIA Formula 3 Championship and be named FIA Rookie of the Year in 2022.

The 21-year-old is currently third in the FIA Formula 2 Championship and is a reserve driver for Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber. A reserve and

Formula E rookie Zane Maloney is teaming up with the best in the business. By Rodney Hinds

“This is a completely new chapter for me, so working with such an experienced team, alongside such a successful driver, is the perfect next step”

looking forward to this exciting challenge,” he said.

“Although I already know the championship well, this is a completely new chapter for me, so working with such an experienced team, and alongside such a successful driver, is the perfect next step.

Maloney’s rise through the junior ranks of motorsport has been hugely impressive, having started his karting career on the 0.9km Bushy Park circuit in Barbados where he competed against and beat juniors almost twice his age.

Honing his speed and astute race craft, he took the bold step to compete in European karting, where he faced grids almost 10 times the size of those he was used to.

Success in these categories led to Maloney competing in

numerous junior formulas, including claiming the British F4 Championship, as well as securing race wins in the Formula Regional European Championship and Formula 3.

TALENT “We are very much looking forward to having Zane as part of the team for Season 11, and he has already brought a breath of fresh air during our first days working together,” said ABT CEO, Thomas Biermaier.

“Giving young talent a chance and supporting them has been a strong tradition at ABT for many decades and that’s why it was clear to us that we would also follow this path in Formula E.” l The 11th ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season kicks off in São Paulo on December 7