The Voice Newspaper - April 2023

£2.50 | APRIL, 2023 • ISSUE NO. 1941

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AFROBEATS UNDER ATTACK EXCLUSIVE PAGE 12

PAGE 6

APPEAL: Wizkid hasn’t been refused entry but many others have (Getty)

Stars hit back as dozens of African artists blocked by the Home Office

EXCLUSIVE

AFROBEATS STARS are being refused visas to perform in Britain by uella Braverman’s ome ffice. Music producers warn they will boycott the if the hostile environment continues.

Full Story

pages 4&5

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19/03/2023 19:16

Inside THIS MONTH

Scandal of subnormal schools Survivors taking legal action for justice p8-9

Church blind eye Call to recognise domestic violence p14-15

ROUNDUP

News, views, stories & videos THE 10 MOST POPULAR STORIES ON VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK

1. White nationalist attacks race equality veteran Jasper Ruckus at presser outside Scotland Yard

2. Mum’s rage at Shop Rangers Violent arrest of teenager in Chichester Superdrug

3. Call for Sharpeville prosecutions South African campaigner wants justice

4. Senator guilty of organ harvesting

Elderly hunger timebomb Lack of savings threaten retirement p18-20

Nigerian politician and wife go down for plot

5. Casey Review: we need action today

Reaction comment to damning police report

6. Brixton tower opposition boost

Gospel sistas stand up Female artists deserve more credit p35

City Hall come out against gentrification’

7. We need Black teachers now!

L’Myah Sherae explains why issue matters

Brewing up a storm Jaega’s ambition isn’t pint sized p38

8. Sunak urged to act on pay gap Government under pressure after new report

9. Cop monitor body slams Met

Abimbola Johnson says police must listen and learn

Packing a punch Caroline Dubois wants shot at title p47

10. Antigua ends weed prohibition

First Caribbean country to legalise cannabis

This issue is 48 pages EDITOR Lester Holloway E. lester.holloway@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk

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

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

NEWS EDITOR Vic Motune E. vic.motune@thevoicemedia group.co.uk

The Voice says

Afrobeats ban shows UK isn’t serious

THE BLOCKING of Afrobeat stars’ visas is yet another example of how racism is also an act of self-harm on Britain.

Just at the moment when Afrobeats is taking over as the most popular genre — and even being appropriated by pop stars — along comes Suella Braverman to prevent Britain capitalising on this cultural opportunity.

There’s a thriving Afrobeat scene in the UK, thanks in part to how large African communities are.

Britain is the beating heart of Afrobeats outside of est frica yet all Home Office officials see are ‘potential illegal immigrants’.

Our investigation (pages 4-5) found one Afrobeats star was denied a visa because his promoter was judged to have too much money for his age.

Another Afrobeats producer said he was considering shooting his music videos in Ghana rather than Britain because immigration officials ere being too stringent. is is not t e only act of self arm Britain in icts upon itself due to racism.

A government review by Baroness Ruby McGregorSmith found the UK loses £24 billion a year — or 1.3 per cent of GDP — due to racism in employment.

On top of this, the most entrepreneurial people are newcomers, including those who sought asylum here.

The Home Secretary’s desire to pull up the drawbridge will deny Britain the top business people and job-creators of the future.

If Britain is to prosper outside the EU, the government must recognise that the value of diversity is not only cultural, but it is also economic.

In this post-Brexit world, we simply cannot afford to lose Black talent from the jobs market, turn away tomorrow’s business successes, or shut musicians out.

Last year, we revealed that no UK trade minister had visited an African nation — but Britain had struck a trade deal with Liechtenstein (pop. 40,000).

These are not the actions of a serious country, with serious leaders.

If we want to break the cycle of low productivity and the longest wage squeeze, it will help if Britain gets less racist.

Got a story? email us at yourviews@thevoicemediagroup.co.uk ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Joel Campbell E. joel.campbell@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk SPORTS EDITOR Rodney Hinds E. rodney.hinds@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk

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APRIL 2023 THE VOICE

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Big Interview

Grassroots power Dr Wanda Wyporska, new head of the Black Equity Organisation, talks about her life’s journey.

By Lester Holloway

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REMEMBER WHEN I came down to London for the first time and got out at Euston and saw all these Black people, and I was like, ‘Oh my God!’” Growing up in Chester in a terraced house with an outside toilet in the 1970s was no picnic for the young Wanda.

Her world was very different to the Chester we see on ‘Real Housewives’, mainly of football WAGs. From this working class upbringing, and following a stellar career in the voluntary sector, Dr Wanda Wyporska, 51, has just been appointed to lead the civil rights group Black Equity Organisation (BEO).

It is a body that carries a lot of hopes, and much expectation that it can make real headway in tackling systemic racism.

But who is Dr Wyporska?

Back in Chester, she was one of very few Black pupils at school and faced regular taunts.

“It was that era where you’d get called chocolate bar, and all of those sorts of things. I got called Brillo pad.”

This racism was one of the factors that drove her to achieve, and she aspired to be a professor.

Raised by her half-Polish mother and Polish grandmother, after her Bajan father divorced her mum at an early age, her identity evolved as a young person.

“I never fitted in wherever I was”, she reveals. From life in her home city, to attending an independent girls school, to gaining her doctorate at Oxford university, her journey of discovery was full of twists and turns.

“Now I count myself quite lucky that I had quite a disparate upbringing.

“I always wanted to be an author. I just wanted my name on the cover of a book” I wasn’t fussy at that age!”, she laughs.

The young Wanda embraced her Polish side, partly a reaction to her father being less present in her life. She bonded with a Polish cousin who was learning English.

She took an evening language class and went on to study Polish language, literature and history at UCL. She reflects: “I think that’s a story of a lot of people whose

VISION: Dr Wanda Wyporska wants the BEO to develop Black communities and their power (photo: Ernest Simons)

parents don’t stay together. It wasn’t until later in my life that I had the emotional confidence to really look at my Blackness and my Black side of the family and start to think, okay, yeah, I need to own this — to the extent where I’m now tracing my family roots in Barbados and doing a lot of genealogies, so I’ve gone completely the other way!

“I think it was a maturity and it was a turning point and a relationship with my father as well.”

She had a rebellious streak from an early age, and a desire to fight injustice, and recalls that at primary school she protested against the playground being dominated by a football pitch which excluded girls, who were not allowed to play.

“So we just sat down on the pitch so that they couldn’t play!”

It worked, and teachers were forced to change the playground arrangements at the primary school.

It’s Dr Wyporska’s first interview as BEO chief executive. It is a post that carries a lot of expectations.

AMBITION

Next month sees the first anniversary of the launch of the civil rights body, which burst onto the scene with a polished video announcing “Change is here”.

BEO is backed by a host of prominent figures on their board — such as historian David Olusoga, theatre boss and actor Kwame Kwei-Armah and politician David Lammy — and partnered by several big-name corporations.

The ambition — to make real progress on tackling systemic racism and scaling up the work of other organisations — is a towering one. An ambition that even some longtime activists doubt we will ever see.

The founding vision of BEO is underpinned by the confidence of Black high-achievers in business who have already attracted substantial support from the likes of Sky. Almost a year on from their launch, and the organisation could be having something of a reset as Dr Wyporska takes the reins.

Top of her in-tray is likely to be the prospect of taking Suella Braverman to court over the Home Secretary’s rejection of

three recommendations from the Windrush Scandal report.

Ms Braverman’s immediate predecessors had said they accepted Wendy Williams’ conclusions, but as the current Home Secretary shocked Windrush campaigners by announcing she will not implement two key changes that would have increased independent scrutiny of immigration policies, and a third

promise to run reconciliation events with the families of Windrush Scandal victims.

The Voice can exclusively reveal that BEO have sent a ‘preaction’ legal letter to the Home Office, which calls for dialogue on accepting all Williams’ recommendations. If Ms Braverman stonewalls BEO, she may have to answer to a judge.

Dr Wyporska is a familiar fig-

ure in the charity sector, having led the Equality Trust think tank for five years, and had a sojourn as boss of the Society of Genealogists.

She carries an air of softlyspoken determination and steely resolve as she discusses her vision for BEO. “One of the things that is very exciting is that we are working not only on the here and now,

but we’re also looking at the long term of how we change systems and how we change structures.

“We’re looking at systems that have been running for hundreds of years, so, I keep saying this, we’re not gonna change this in five years.

“But what I want to see BEO doing is really developing Black communities and their power.

BLUEPRINT PROTEST: The BEO has sent a legal letter to the Home Office after Suella Braverman shocked Windrush campaigners by announcing she will not implement changes that would have increased scrutiny of immigration policies (photo: Getty Images)

“I want BEO to be the organisation that supports and underpins other organisations. We are setting up that blueprint for real bold change.”

She acknowledged that the civil rights body was “the new kid on the block” but said they were determined to “scale-up” the work other groups were already doing, which — in the current cost of living crisis — was needed now more than ever.”

Reflecting on her time at the Trade Union Congress ‘Union Learn’ programme, she added: “I think that really taught me when we come together we have collective power. It really is about the power of the grassroots.”

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| THE VOICE APRIL 2023

News Feature

AFROBEATS STARS

Suella Braverman’s Home Office accused of “slavery mentality” after denying dozens of visas to stars. EXCLUSIVE by Sinai Fleary

T

HE HOME Office has denied dozens of Afrobeats stars visas to perform in Britain.

Artists and producers warn the hostile environment against the world’s fastest-growing music genre risks top names boycotting the UK. An investigation by The Voice found that Suella Braverman’s department stopped at least 20 artists from entering the UK to perform at Afrobeat festivals.

Music insiders say West African artists are treated with more suspicion despite being part of a multi-million dollar industry, and when visas are granted to stars, their dancers have been turned down.

Afrobeat stars fume that Britain is the hardest embassy in the world to deal with, and they are routinely given short stays of just two weeks which prevents them from making the most of their visits.

Music lovers say this is the biggest attack on a Black music genre by British authorities since dancehall in the 1990s.

Ghanaian singer Ishmael Nii Arday Ankrah, known as Nii Funny, who had a visa application refused in 2021, told The Voice: “It is not fair for them to treat us that way because the UK is our former enslavers so if we are going there to play a show, I think they have to support us.”

Mr Ankrah’s management team insists they submitted all the right documents but Home Office officials turned the application down after questioning why his UK-based sponsor had so much money when they were so young.

The singer was aware of numerous African artists having their visa applications denied who are not willing to publicly speak about it as there is a stigma attached to visa refusals from Britain – which many believe will tarnish their brand and reputation.

Being refused entry to the UK can also have a negative impact on other overseas trips.

He said he was only given two

weeks on his last visa which put limitations on his plans.

“When I got to the UK, I performed at the Kente Festival and the way the crowd were responding to my songs, I loved it and I feel like I could stay more than the two weeks.

“People have been calling me for shows here and there but my time was limited.”

Mr Ankrah wants artists granted a minimum of three months stay, so they are able to build on the momentum and excitement surrounding African music.

Christian Borquaye, inset below, who manages three prominent African artists and is based in Birmingham, said he personally knows at least 20 artists who have been refused visas and had “their money taken by the Home Office”.

“The criteria giv that they are giving the artists to come here is quite demanding.

An artist who is trying to climb the ladder has to pay visa fees and guar there is no guarantee he is going to get that visa.”

Mr Borquaye, whose showbiz name is Hunta, said he now plans to shoot the majority of his music videos in Ghana instead of the UK. Emmanuel Boakye Bidewtey, is the CEO of Livenewsgh Creative Hub, and is also an artist and event manager based in Ghana.

He told The Voice Ghanaian artists want to travel to Britain for festivals and concerts but says the British embassy has been dubbed “the most difficult embassy to work with”.

He says he knows of five African artists who have recently had their UK visa applications denied and, since the start of 2023, one artist has been prohibited from travelling to Britain.

“We had a collaboration with an artist in the UK and there was a show that we really wanted to be on, but the process was like hell.”

Mr Bidewtey, known as Zolla Nie, said three of the recording artists he works with were nominated for awards at the UK Ghana Music Awards last

The criteria that they are giving the artists to come here is quite demanding year and wanted to perform and thank their UK fans for nominating them, but their visas were not issued, which left them “devastated”.

He says it is no secret that “Afrobeats artists go through a lot of stress to acquire a visa to the UK” and believes applications from African artists are treated with more suspicion with their documents doublechecked.

Mr Bidewtey said that “Afrobeats is the music that sells Africa”, which pop stars now freely tap into, but West African artists are losing out financially by not being able to travel to the UK.

Renowned African artists like Burna Boy, Davido, Fuse ODG, Wizkid, Yemi Alade, Stonebwoy, Rema, Asake and Shatta Wale all have huge international fanbases, appeal and acclaim, which is helping to propel African music genres to the top.

In the UK, the rise of African music has directly resulted in the launch of the landmark official Afrobeats music chart.

Each week, the UK’s 20 most popular Afrobeats songs — based on sales and streams across a seven-day period — are compiled by the Official Charts Company (OCC).

The chart was launched for the first time in 2020, with

‘PROBLEMS’: Article Wan

the first chart being revealed on BBC Radio 1Xtra in July 2020.

With a buzzing African music scene now on British shores,

which has been undoubtedly driven by Britain’s African and Caribbean community, the UK is now being seen as a key market for artists to tap into.

APRIL 2023 THE VOICE

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5

News Feature

ARE UNDER ATTACK ‘UNFAIR’: West African singers say their applications for visas to come to the UK are unreasonably scrutinised; right, Home Secretary Suella Braverman at the construction site of UK’s Rwanda immigration detention camp

‘MISPLACED POLICY’: Rocky Dawuni, far left, has called for an easing of regulations once artists can prove they are ‘credible’ (photo: Life in Lens); left, Ghanaian singer Nii Funny had a visa application refused in 2021

‘PROCESS LIKE HELL’: Emmanuel Boakye Bidewtey

West African singers say their applications for visas to come to the UK are being unreasonably scrutinised and they are required to submit endless

amounts of proof that they are really recording artists — which they say is unfair and discriminatory.

Many are calling for a reform of the current regulations to ensure African singers have the same rights as American and European Union artists to travel and enter Britain to perform at concerts.

Three-time Grammy nominated musician Rocky Dawuni called for the easing of regulations once artists can prove they are “credible” and “established in their own country.”

He said: “They are coming to the UK to play, I think there should be a fast-track of helping these artists to be able to come and do what they do.”

Speaking to The Voice from Costa Rica ahead of a performance, he said: “Obviously

living in Ghana, I’ve had musicians who have tried to travel and some members would get visas and others would be denied.

“It’s a really complicated process and system because every embassy has their rules, regulations and requirements about how artists can get visas and also work permits to be able to perform.”

Mr Dawuni is currently working on a new album and his new single Never Bow Down, which features Jamaican artist Blvk H3ro.

He told The Voice he is unsure if there is a “bigger plan to suppress” African music and “keep it at bay” but whatever is driving the difficulties in artists getting to perform abroad is a “misplaced policy”.

“It is diminishing the music at a time when African music is on the rise, African music is

It is diminishing the music at a time when African music is breaking new boundaries breaking new boundaries and African music is connecting with new audiences.”

Afrobeats and Afro-dancehall artist Article Wan said that while he has never been denied a UK visa, many of his musical peers have experienced problems.

He said: “The artist maybe travelling with five dancers going for a show and most of the time three dancers are going to be given a visa and two are going to be denied.”

The Accra-based musician says this makes things difficult and “destroys their craft” and creativity.

Article Wan, real name

Bright Homenya, told The Voice he knows of several artists who have had their applications denied, but said many don’t want to make it public for “their brand’s sake”.

He said: “The embassy will give you their reasons, which you can’t do anything about.

You need to reapply again or wait for some time, and if you have to perform within a particular time you cannot even go, it will stop you.

“Music is broad, people want to travel, go and shoot music videos, and go and link up with other artists and promoters and spread their wings.”

He added that money is being

wasted on applications which have no chance of being approved.

Article Wan said he has an assistant to help him with his applications but is aware other artists do not have the same support.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Musicians and performers are a valued and important part of UK culture with the country attracting world class entertainers and musicians from around the globe.

“This is why we offer a dedicated immigration route for creative workers.

“All visa applications are carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with the immigration rules.

“The application process is designed to ensure that all visa decisions can be made using the most accurate information and is fair for all applicants.”

6 | THE VOICE APRIL 2023

News Feature

Never forget Stephen Lawrence

1993

1999

THE START OF THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE: Our cover on April 27, 1993 ran the headline ‘Murdered for being Black’; our March 1, 1999 edition called for a day to honour Stephen

Thirty years have passed since his brutal murder – and we’ve been there every step of the way

T

HIS MONTH marks 0 years since Stephen Lawrence was murdered on the streets of Eltham, south-east London, by a racist gang.

Today, he would have been years old. Had this vicious gang not stabbed him to death, Stephen might have fulfilled his ambition to be an architect. He may well have had children, or even grandchildren.

The tragedy of his murder on April 22, 199 sparked a grassroots community campaign of activists and his parents, Doreen and Neville.

It prompted the then-shadow home secretary ack Straw to ask Operation Black Vote to organise a press conference in 1996, where Mr Straw said he would establish a public inquiry if Labour were elected.

And so, after Tony Blair’s victory in 1997, the inquiry came into being, led by Sir William Macpherson.

His 72 recommendations in 1999 and the finding that police were institutionally racist shook up Britain, and sparked a far-reaching conversation about racism, not just in the police but across society.

The debate underpinned the Race Relations (Amendment) Act in 2000, which introduced ‘public duties’ on public services to promote race equality, in an effort to prevent racism from manifesting in the first place.

For the next eight or nine years, the ‘Stephen Lawrence

agenda’ of action to tackle race inequality, and consultative committees where Black members gave their input into policies and practices.

That agenda began to wane around 200 , when a new ‘multiple identities’ approach took over, leading to a new law that merged race equality with other groups who were discriminated against, leading to the axing of the Commission for Racial Equality.

CHASED

The Voice has been following the Stephen Lawrence case from the very start, when we broke news of his killing with the headline “murdered for being black.”

Neville Lawrence told us: “It doesn’t take a genius to see it was a racist murder. He was chased down the street by about six white youths, for no other reason than he was black.”

As the inquiry report was being published, we reported that Stephen’s friend, Duwayne Brooks and others were calling for the resignation of then Metropolitan Police Com-

missioner Sir (now Lord) Paul Condon.

Mr Brooks said in 1999: “Racism killed my best friend Stephen. Racism also rubbished our chances of convicting the killers of Stephen Lawrence.

“Racism has also shattered my life.”

The inquiry found that the failure of the initial police investigation had compromised the chances of prosecution. It wasn’t until 12 years later, in 2011, that two of the murderers Gary Dobson and David Norris faced a trial following fresh evidence. Neil and amie Acort, and Luke night, were never convicted.

Following the inquiry report, The Voice ran a piece headlined “The lessons that must be learnt”, which called for real action on issues like stop and search disproportionality and the lack of Black police officers that still haunt the force 2 years later.

Next month, The Voice will be publishing a special edition with key interviews and reflections on the life and death of Stephen Lawrence, looking back at Macpherson and what has changed – or not changed – since then, and where we go from here following the Casey Review.

@thevoicenewspaper

2003

2012

ONGOING ANGUISH: Ten years after Stephen’s murder, his parents Neville and Doreen could not gain closure; in January 2012, almost two decades on, Gary Dobson and David Norris were jailed

2019

2021

LEGACY: Baroness Doreen Lawrence marks the inaugural Stephen Lawrence Day in 2019, above left, and above right, we reflect on how little policing has changed over the years in 2021

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8

| THE VOICE APRIL 2023

News Feature

The lasting trauma of ESN survivors who were labelled ‘backwards’ are stepping up and taking the government to court. By Vic Motune

A

S A SIX-YEAR-OLD in the 1970s, Noel Gordon was sent to an “educationally subnormal” boarding school, some 15 miles from his family home.

The reason wasn’t due to any intellectual or developmental disability. It was a result of undiagnosed sickle cell anaemia.

As a four-year-old he had gone to hospital to have a tooth removed, and while treating him doctors found out that Noel had the condition.

The medication he was given triggered a serious reaction. But then, bizarrely, his health issues saw him classified as having “learning difficulties.”

His parents were never given any evidence of this.

“When I was six, a man from the local education department came to our house,” Mr Gordon, pictured inset below, recalls.

“Because the hospital had informed them that I had to be monitored for the rest of my life, the man told my parents that they had a boarding school for me with a matron where I would be taken care of when I was not well. What he was alluding to was a school for ‘educationally subnormal’ children, or special schools as they were called at the time.

But my parents weren’t told that.

“If they had been told they would never have agreed to it.

“My parents trusted the education department officials. They thought small class sizes meant I would get better teaching, but they were basically lied to.”

Confused and scared, Mr Gordon was sent to the White Spires boarding school for educationally subnormal children. It was the beginning of an extremely traumatic educational experience, one that has left him with mental scars.

And it was the start of a decades-long struggle to catch up on the education and opportunities he missed out on.

“That school was hell,” he recalls.

Soon after joining the school he was assaulted by a much older boy in the school’s dining room. When his father

While he was there my dad quickly realised what type of school it was visited the school for the first time with his brother to complain, what he saw devastated him.

“While he was there my dad quickly realised what type of school it was. My brother asked him, ‘Are you going to leave him here?’

“He didn’t want to. But it was out of his hands. My parents didn’t know at the time that they could have appealed the decision.”

Further physical assaults were to follow, this time from a teacher at the school.

“When I was about 12, I remember playing with another boy in the playground. The teachers at the school knew my character, I never got into fights. As I chased this boy as part of a game we were playing this teacher catches up with me, wrenches my arm and pulls me and starts beating me over the head with her fists, calling me a Black b*****d under her breath so no one would hear. This woman was quite stocky so I couldn’t get away from her. I ran home crying and told my mum.”

The teacher was eventually sacked despite her claiming that Mr Gordon had been rude to her.

But the incident only marked the start of his problems. He was marked out by other teachers as a troublemaker.

“I was bullied by three teachers, but the most painful, and mental torture came from a staff member who I called the ‘she devil’. She bullied me for four years, until the day I left that school. It was an absolute nightmare.”

As well as the racism and bullying, Mr Gordon’s education took a backward step. There was no curriculum. Children did ad-

dition and subtraction on a Friday afternoon but that was about it. For the rest of the time they played games.

“We were never taught how to spell, use grammar or the English language,” he says.

OPTION

Mr Gordon was given the option to enrol in a mainstream school, so from the age of 12 he attended the Educationally Subnormal (ESN) school during the week, and a local secondary school on the weekends.

Sadly, by that point, it was too late. Not only was he racially abused at his new school as well, but his education had fallen too far behind to catch up. He was returned to White Spires ESN. Exams were out of the question for all ESN pupils, so he left education unable to read or write, without a single qualification to his name.

“I couldn’t fill out job application forms or even spell basic

words. The only jobs I could apply for were labouring or cleaning jobs. These are not the best jobs to do when I’m trying to manage my sickle cell.

“Had I been educated, I could have gone straight to college or university.”

After leaving school he discovered a love for learning and went on to earn a number of impressive qualifications, including a degree in computing. He has also written a children’s book.

However, Mr Gordon says he feels like he’s spent his whole life trying to catch up on his education, and still carries the stigma of the label ‘educationally subnormal’.

He is one of many Black people wrongly classified as educationally subnormal in the 1960s and ‘70s, a subject that was dramatised in one of Steve McQueen’s Small Axe films. They are now set to launch legal action against the Government.

The former pupils have banded together to demand a formal apology and compensation for their lives being ruined.

Members of the group say they have struggled with a lack of self-worth and confidence.

Last month, the eight survivors told MPs about the lifelong impact of being classified as educationally subnormal. Mr Gordon told The Voice: “My life could have been

so different if I had had a proper education like the other children.

“A lot of us are living lives that have been diminished. We’re not walking in our true potential.

“My life has been diminished by the struggle to overcome barriers that shouldn’t have been there in the first place, barriers that were put there because of racism.”

Mr Gordon disagrees with those who say he should leave the past behind.

“People need to walk in my shoes before they start saying things like that. I, and others like me, are living with trauma.

“The system holds us back.

And then when you try to hold it accountable there’s nothing but denial.”

Among those who are part of the campaign is Maisie Barrett, pictured inset above left, who grew up in Leeds.

Ms Barrett says the decision to send her to an ESN school ruined her life chances.

APRIL 2023 THE VOICE

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9

News Feature

the ‘subnormal’ schools

INVISIBLE SCARS: Black children across the UK were sent to subnormal schools in the 1960s and ‘70s after their parents were assured they would offer better support and learning opportunities. Bernard Coard exposed the system in a pamphlet titled How The West Indian Child is made Educationally Subnormal in the British School System, seen left. Above left and right, a young Maisie Barrett and Noel Gordon, whose experiences in subnormal schools shaped their adolescence and had a profound effect on their adult lives. While Ms Barrett is now an author after being diagnosed as dyslexic, Mr Gordon says he is still playing catch-up lives with stigma from his experience “In terms of education, we did nothing,” she recalls.

“We played, we did PE, we traced letters and numbers, but we didn’t learn anything.”

When she was 1 , she was transferred to a mainstream school after her mother got in touch with a Black social worker who, after evaluating her, concluded that young Maisie was intelligent and had been sent to the ESN school due to racism.

But unable to read or write she struggled to make up the lost ground in her new school.

“I was hearing the words like Maths, English, Geography and History for the very first time.

I didn’t know what they were.

“I also didn’t have any social skills so very few pupils could relate to me, so I just became a loner.

“I left with zero self-confidence and a self-image that is poor to this very day.”

It was only in her 0s that she was diagnosed with dyslexia.

Ms Barrett now has four university degrees and is also a published author.

But her early education has had a lasting and painful impact on her children, who have been negatively affected by her own feelings of inadequacy.

many Caribbean parents were told special schools would offer better support and learning opportunities.

This deception was exposed in 1971 by the Grenadan writer and teacher Bernard Coard, who

FOCUS

There needs to be change that stands in law, to say that if STIGMA consequences as adults as racist bullying is taking place in “The well as in childhood have been extreme. Their whole lives they school, or if a school is being have carried the stigma of being treated as incapable of being discriminatory, that school educated. needs to be investigated “The Government needs to

“When I was studying my children needed me,” she recalls. “I should have been working, earning good money and looking after them. But I needed to focus on my education so we lived in poverty for many years, and that poverty brings its own issues.

“One of my sons stole some mobile phones to buy clothes.

He later went to prison, and told the prison authorities he was sad.

And what do they do to a Black child when they say that? They gave him medication that messed up his mind. So what they did to me, because of racism, has affected another generation.”

During the 1960s and ‘70s,

wrote a pamphlet titled How the West Indian Child is Made Educationally Subnormal in the British School System.

Mr Coard argued that ESN schools were being used as a “dumping ground” for Black children, and that teachers

were mistaking the trauma of immigration for a lack of intelligence.

The pamphlet proved instrumental in shifting the opinion of Black parents, and was a key factor in the establishment

of Black-led Saturday schools which taught curriculum subjects alongside Black history and prepared students for employment.

The 19 1 Education Act eventually abolished the term “educationally subnormal”.

Francis Swaine, a solicitor at

Leigh Day who is leading the legal action, says it is as much about justice as it is about compensation.

“The histories given by people, whose entire lives have been shaped by being wrongly labelled as educationally subnormal, are sad and traumatising,” she says.

face up to its shameful history and the harm systemically racist schooling caused to so many children and their families.”

The group behind the campaign have also launched a petition in a bid to get the issue of racism in education debated in parliament.

They argue that cases such

as that of Child Q, and the fact there are high numbers of Black children in Pupil Referral nits, mean that the problems they experienced are still manifesting themselves in today’s education system.

Cheryl Phoenix, of the campaign group Black Child Agenda, said that changing the law is the only way to tackle an enduring problem.

“Labelling Black students is still a problem,” says Ms Phoenix. “The blatant racism is there, I read these cases every day.

“But what we don’t need is another inquiry. Change has to come from the top down.

“There needs to be legislative change that stands in law, to say that if racist bullying is taking place in school, or if a school is being discriminatory, that school needs to be investigated.”

For details of the petition visit petition.parliament.uk

10

| THE VOICE APRIL 2023

News Feature MISTAKEN IDENTITY: Kemi Badenoch, far left, Marsha de Cordova, left, and Florence Eshalomi, right, have all been wrongly captioned by BBC Parliament

BBC axe to fall on Black workers

By Vic Motune

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BC INSIDERS have expressed fears of a mass exodus of Black staff and freelancers working in local radio ahead of changes to Black shows.

The corporation announced restructuring plans last year which could have seen Black community programmes axed, but did a u-turn following a campaign by The Voice.

This paper has learnt BBC executives have now made Black presenters and producers reapply for their own jobs — and banned freelancers from applying.

The decision automatically excludes several long-serving staffers who complain they are only freelance because the BBC has failed to invest in Black programming.

L a s t m o n t h BBC staff, pictured, went on strike in protest over cuts to local radio which will see counties merged and programmes axed.

The row comes amid anger at BBC Parliament mixing up two Black MPs. As Streatham MP Florence Eshalomi spoke in the Commons, the corporation captioned her as Abena OppongAsare, who is MP for Erith and Thamesmead.

The mistake caused uproar as the MPs look nothing like each other, and BBC Parliament do not have a problem distinguishing between White MPs. In 2021, the same channel confused Labour’s Marsha de Cordova with the Tory Kemi Badenoch, giving wrong captions for both MPs. The channel also previously confused Ms de Cordova with Dawn Butler.

BBC insiders told The Voice there was a climate of fear about speaking publicly against changes to the Black local shows.

A source said: “The major-

ity of presenters, producers and contributors who work on these shows are freelancers so, certainly, what the BBC is proposing is going to have a disproportionate impact.”

Another insider added: “The process the BBC has created has been very divisive and disrespectful.

“They’ve not replied to any of our queries about how the job application process is going to impact people working on these shows, many of whom are freelance.

“They’re just hoodwinking people. They’re saying to people externally that they are increasing shows. What they’re not saying is that they’re merging shows. The shows as they exist are going. I just don’t understand why they’re not being clear and honest with people. “To be honest, there’s always that level of disrespect towards the African Caribbean shows.

“I can certainly see many of us leaving.”

Campaigner Zita Holbourne has launched a petition in protest at the cuts, which attracted nearly 20,000 signatures.

A BBC spokesperson told The Voice: “We are committed to having a range of voices on Local Radio and don’t agree with this characterisation.

“We have clearly laid out future schedules which include an increase in hours broadcast and opportunities for staff and freelancers. We are increasing the resource for each show and we’ll be working that through region by region.

“As standard, we have carried out an Equality Impact Assessment and shared with the unions.”

The BBC declined to share the document with The Voice.

The NUJ said: “I don’t think it’s worth the paper it’s written on.”

APRIL 2023 THE VOICE

|

11

News Feature

Legalise cannabis, don’t criminalise communities Anti-prohibition campaigner calls for reform: free the people not just the herb

ing future job opportunities, impacting on housing, access to education and breaking up ANNABIS PROHIfamilies.

BITION has had a Even Black people who massively negative do not smoke cannabis are impact on Black impacted by increased police communities in Britain since its surveillance, violence linked introduction in 1971. to the illegal market, and the But ending prohibition will impact on loved ones. not be enough to fix the damStreatham MP Bell Ribeiroage, according to leading drug Addy hosted a Parliamentary policy advocates. meeting last month, presented As a growing number of

by Release and UNJUST UK, countries around the world which featured prominent move to end the prohibition advocates in drug policy reform, of cannabis, Britain will surely including Kassandra Frederique, eventually jump on the bandwho has led the campaigns in wagon.

New York. Ms Ribeiro-Addy There are a multitude of said at the event ways cannabis can “Cannabis is be decriminalised sometimes deand it is important scribed as a gatewe learn the lesway drug. There is sons from around zero evidence this the world, say is the case. What Release, national is true is candrug law experts, nabis prohibition and UNJUST is a gateway to UK, who tackle the criminal legal systemic racism in system for many the criminal legal Black people.”

REFORMER: Labour system.

Ms Frederique MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy Despite the explained her stereotypes, Black battle wasn’t to people do not smoke cannabis decriminalise cannabis, it was any more frequently than their to decriminalise a community. white peers, but bias in the way “It wasn’t about freeing a the drug is policed means the plant; it was about freeing the negative impacts are concenpeople. About figuring out how trated in poor communities in do we actually decriminalise general and Black communities communities,” she said. in particular.

Release argued that cannabis Every year around 500,000 decriminalisation in the UK has people are stopped and to expunge all cannabis-related searched by the police. Black criminal records, must provide young men are stopped at nine access to the new legal market times the rate of their white for Black communities and that counterparts, and Home Office some of the revenue which will figures show almost two thirds be made in taxes needs to go (63 per cent) of these stops are back into communities hardest because an officer suspects hit by the prohibition. someone of drug offences.

Calls for drug law reform In most cases of Stop and have been gaining momentum, Search (71 per cent), nothing at but there is still a long way all is found, but on the occato go. UNJUST UK believes sions when cannabis is found, communities most impacted by Black people are around six cannabis prohibition should be times more likely to be arrested at the heart of designing the than their white peers. new legislation and will work to There has been a tenfold amplify the voices of Black and increase in the number of posracialised communities. session offences for cannabis since the mid-1970s.

Cannabis criminalisation has Read more www.release.org.uk/ publications/cannabis-regulatdevastating consequences for ing-right, www.unjust.org.uk Black communities, hinder-

By Maurice Mcleod

C

12 | THE VOICE APRIL 2023

News Feature

More Ghanaian nurses in NHS than in Ghana Warning of health staff shortage in Africa as UK seeks to plug vacancies. By Micah McLean

T

HERE ARE more Ghanaian nurses working in the NHS than in Ghana, raising concerns about health worker shortage in the west African country.

A House of Commons report has found more than 3,000 health professionals had left Ghana for the UK in each of the three years to 2021.

The proportion of Africanborn NHS staff almost doubled from 1.8 per cent to 3.1 per cent since 2016, with Botswana and Kenya also featuring heavily. Numbers have risen sharply following recruitment campaigns in African countries by UK-based agencies, as the NHS tries to fill 48,000 nurse vacancies.

Health unions say nurses are leaving the NHS in droves because of poor pay and stressful working conditions in British hospitals.

While African nurses are helping to plug the gap, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says sub-Saharan Africa’s own healthcare crisis will intensify

as it estimates the region will be short of 5.3 million health workers by 2030.

The chair of the Ghana Nurses Association (GNA) said the recruitment of nurses from the subcontinent was a problem.

Martha Nugent, a specialist palliative care nurse, told The Voice: “If your expertise is all being exported, the health system will suffer.

“What we need is support to develop our health system, and working within a better health system makes you happy and you become more committed.

“Money or no money you will stay within a system where you feel comfortable.

“It’s not easy to leave your home country to come aboard but circumstances make you want to move on to be able to support your family.”

Last year, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) raised concerns that the NHS was recruiting nurses from countries which faced their own shortage of nurses. RCN figures showed new nursing recruits

CONCERN: New nursing recruits from Ghana rose 1,328 per cent between 2019 and 2022 (photo: Getty Images)

from Ghana rose 1,328 per cent between 2019 and 2022, while nurses from Nigeria rose 990 per cent between 2021 and 2022.

NHS nurse recruitment from these countries was in breach of WHO’s Global Code of Practice, which stressed that “active” re-

cruitment of nurses from red-list countries should be avoided.

The Nuffield Trust expressed concerns that in the six months to September 2022, more than 2,200 of new international nurses came from just two red-list countries alone — Nigeria and

Ghana. The Trust said a major contributor to the NHS crisis was the loss of European Union staff after Brexit.

The NHS has also seen a rapid rise in the number of doctors recruited from Africa, with nearly 35 per cent having obtained

their qualifications from overseas, including 8,241 from Nigeria, 4,192 from Zimbabwe and 1,719 from South Africa.

Watch the video on this topic on Micah McLean Talks YouTube channel

Logan blasts Met chief Rowley over institutional racism BRITAIN’S MOST well-known ex-cop blasted Sir Mark Rowley after the Metropolitan Police Commissioner refused to accept a report s findings that his force was institutionally racist.

Retired police chief superintendent and former Black Police Association chair Leroy Logan said that the Met boss, pictured right, was engaging in “semantics” which meant that change was less likely.

Speaking outside Scotland Yard on the day the review by Dame Louise Casey was released, Mr Logan fumed: “I’m so angry. [Sir Mark] doesn’t acknowledge that the narrative has to change from the top, because if he’s defensive, the rest of the Met will be defensive.

“And that’s the thing.

The rest of the country will be defensive. And so you’re not going to even have the attitudinal changes that’s necessary. You’re not going to see the accountability and transparency that’s critical.”

Sir Mark said he accepted his force had “institutional issues” but said the “label” of institutional racism was “politicised and ambiguous”.

In 1999, Sir William Macpherson made a clear definition of institutional racism in his public inquiry report into the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence.

The

Casey review found the Met to be institutionally racist, sexist and homophobic. The report found that Black officers were more likely to be discriminated against and were 81 per cent more likely to be investigated for misconduct.

It concluded that “Black Londoners in particular remain over-policed.

They are more likely to be stopped and searched, handcuffed, batoned and Tasered, are over-represented in many serious crimes, and when they are victims of crime, they are less satisfied with the service they receive than other Londoners.

“There is now generational mistrust of the police among Black Londoners.

Stop and search is currently deployed by the Met at the cost of legitimacy, trust and, therefore, consent.”

SCATHING: Former Black Police Association chair Leroy Logan

APRIL 2023

THE VOICE| 13

14

| THE VOICE APRIL 2023

News Feature

‘Church must recognise Debbie says she felt abandoned while suffering a controlling husband. By Leah Mahon

T

HE BLACK church has long been a cornerstone of many livelihoods for first and second generation migrants of the Windrush era of the 1940s and 50s, and later as more African communities began to settle in the 1980s.

Black majority churches (BMCs) became ‘safe spaces’ for families of African and Caribbean heritage, as they built a new life away from home while dealing with the often violent racism on Britain’s streets.

Yet, within this place of togetherness and worship, often lurks a problem that the church often helps to suppress – domestic abuse.

The issue has led some to label the Black churches as a growing “public health concern,” but victims – members of the congregation – often struggle to speak out in an atmosphere that prioritises Christian unity over justice.

Landmark research by religious community forum Spirit and Solace found that 38 per cent of church members had experienced abuse – and most had not sought support afterwards.

Eighty-four per cent of the survey’s participants were female, of Caribbean heritage and between the ages of 46-55 years. Many have been attending weekly church services for over 40 years.

Dr Ava Kanyeredzi, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of East London, who led the research, said she hoped to gather more evidence.

But what she had already seen indicates that far too many Black women worshipped in churches that were not responsive to their experiences, and even operated as ‘gatekeepers’ to block women from the help they needed.

She said this proved how hidden, and prevalent, domestic abuse in faith spaces actually is for the Black diaspora.

“It’s complex because of the nature of domestic abuse. And it’s also complex because of the relationship people have with their faith and going to church,” she tells The Voice.

“One of the things that people disclosed was that church spaces are almost like hospitals.

People come when they’re broken or they’re sick, when something (bad) has happened. It’s a space that they come to; al-

SO LONELY: Debbie Worrell felt she didn’t get the right support from her church when she revealed she was suffering domestic abuse most like a spa, where the spirit makes them feel whole again.”

The research said the BMCs were divided into two categories. Churches that embraced an Old Testament-style approach, reminiscent to churches of the early Windrush generation, often had troubled responses

He used the scriptures to tell me this is how you’re meant to be submissive in how to deal with domestic abuse.

Even when disciplinary procedures existed, speaking out risked demoting the victim to “the back row” of the church.

These churches, in particular, were more likely to have leaders who were described as controlling, dictatorial and demanding “blind loyalty” from their congregation.

Abused women faced the sharp end of this leadership approach and were expected to “put up and shut up,” particularly if their abuser was a pastor or another church leader.

Debbie Worrell, 51, is a survivor of domestic abuse and said she dealt with the “whole shebang” when she was with her ex-husband, also a member of the church community.

“He would use the scriptures to tell me this is how you’re meant to be submissive, which is really control. So, he used the scriptures to make me try and stay in line, and made me think it was my God-given duty as his wife to do this,” she said.

“If I said that I was going to be going out with my friends, he wouldn’t necessarily stop me, but after the fact, he would basically say when a husband says to his wife that he’s not happy with something, you ought to fall in line because he’s the head of the house.

“Therefore, what you’re doing is not being in alignment with what God told you to do.”

A total of 34 participants gave evidence in the research, which found there was a ten-

dency to protect the abuser in ‘Old Testament’ Black churches where leaders stressed reconciliation between the abused and the abuser.

SUPPORT

Ms Worrell, who was running her own childcare business at the time, said she experienced this first-hand when she turned to her pastor for help as her marriage broke down, and they were told they had a “good foundation” to improve.

However, the mum-of-five thought otherwise and wanted to “outsource” support away from the church, but at that

point she said her relationship with her ex-husband was “irretrievable”.

Eventually, he stopped coming to church. The pastor – who worked closely with her exhusband – would ask her how things were progressing, but says that “nobody else was doing any kind of talking or supporting or anything”.

Ms Worrell recalls how the pastor’s wife was aware of the domestic abuse she was suffering, but felt she couldn’t turn to her and others from the church’s women’s ministry for help.

She described it as a lonely time and said she just needed

someone to “pray with me, hold my hand, give me a hug every so often” as she dealt with the abuse.

Dr Kanyeredzi argues that BMCs struggle to deal with cases of domestic abuse because of the belief systems that Christians form about marriage and spirituality.

“Christian churches promote marriage, good marriages, and domestic abuse seems antithetical to marriage,” she explains.

“In terms of faith with God, all things are possible. But therefore, perhaps misguidedly, church leaders might think we can solve this.

APRIL 2023 THE VOICE

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News Feature

domestic abuse exists’

NO HEALING HANDS: Church members who suffer domestic abuse say they struggle to speak out in an environment that prioritises Christian unity over justice (photos: Getty Images) down since slavery around Black people. “‘Black men are the aggressors’, ‘Black women are sexually promiscuous’ and so on.

And these are ways in which oppression or ill-treatment of Black folk have been justified.

We do have a very difficult relationship when it comes to Black people who are abusive to other Black people.”

One of the other damning aspects to emerge from Dr Kanyeredzi’s research is that old-style BMCs opted to keep the abuse “in-house” and was sometimes covered up for people who served as church

his nephew stole my car and I got dragged up the road”, says Ms Worrell.

“It was all a culmination of things that have happened and the police being called and my doctor saying to me that my health is really, really deteriorating, and if I didn’t deal with the situation they were going to have to deal with it for me from a medical perspective.”

After suffering domestic abuse for eight years, Ms Worrell finally separated from her abuser in 2016 and obtained a non-molestation order against her ex-husband.

She now supports other

We do have a very difficult relationship when it comes to Black people who are abusive to other Black people “We can solve this because, especially when both parties are in the church, we know the man and we know the woman.

There’s an emphasis on seeking a spiritual solution to that problem and not thinking about domestic abuse as a crime.”

Black churches sprang up in London, Birmingham, Manchester and other cities and towns as the Windrush generation settled and found English churches to be racist, hostile places.

These Black churches became “first places that people turn to for help and lots of things” as African and Caribbean families

suffered racism in society. They were also places where the community turned to for help with education, housing, and immigration status.

CULTURAL

“A lot of people describe those spaces as non-judgmental spaces… they feel at home in Black majority churches. They feel like they can be themselves.

They feel freer because they’re among people from a similar racial and cultural background,” says Dr Kanyeredzi.

However, in a place where faith and culture have united a diaspora of people histori-

cally separated through slavery, she believes that this can make dealing with problems like domestic abuse even more complicated.

“We know there were a lot of stereotypes around Black families, Black men and Black women. These churches [BMCs] are like pillars in their communities in relation to positive images and aspirations of marriage and family and togetherness,” she said.

“When it comes to topics such as abuse and violence, especially people who are racialised minorities, there are stereotypes that have been handed

leaders in the community. Ms Worrell admits she was “functioning well” while in church, despite the abuse she was suffering. But, inside, her self-esteem had plummeted.

Things finally started to change when her health started to deteriorate, to the point where she and others couldn’t ignore it.

“I had a mild stroke and I had heart problems and urinal problems. I had a fractured finger and that was due to a fight.

He (the ex-husband) tried to take my car keys and my finger got fractured, and then he and

women who are survivors of domestic abuse.

Ms Worrell believes that as well as the Black churches needing to improve how they handle domestic abuse cases and support for survivors, she feels that our cultures as African and Caribbean people also play a role in how abuse rears its head.

“They don’t want to discuss it and they minimise the impact.

It’s just an unheard of, unspoken thing and a lot of behaviours are quite normalised from Caribbean backgrounds,” she explains.

“My parents are from Jamai-

ca and it’s the norm if someone was telling you to shut your mouth, sit down. Even with your grandparents. I see abuse more now than I ever have done because I know what abuse is.”

Ms Worrell, who says her faith never wavered when suffering at the hands of her exhusband, says that education and awareness of what abuse looks like in Black culture and faith spaces is the only way to bring about change.

Dr Kanyeredzi agrees, and has seen progress in ‘New Testament-style’, post-Windrush churches, that also have congregations from other backgrounds attending. Some of these BMCs have church leaders with backgrounds in social services.

She revealed both styles of churches gained a new insight during the COVID pandemic when domestic abuse was reported to have escalated.

Speaking on the conclusion of the research, Dr Kanyeredzi said: “I was just fascinated by how, without even being asked about their religion or their spirituality, they just offered up these wonderful narratives.

“I didn’t ask them about their faith. They all spoke about their faith. They all spoke about church spaces as important at some point in their journeys with experiences of abuse.”

She added: “The congregation is ready to have these conversations, but they’re waiting.

They’re waiting for their cues from the leadership to make it okay to have these sorts of conversations.”

16 | THE VOICE APRIL 2023

ADVERTORIAL

Produced in association with the NHS

How vaccines protect O

ffered throughout our lifetime, vaccinations protect us from potentially life-changing diseases - says Dr Sarah Ann Filson, an Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Doctor working at the Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust in London.

Dr Sarah Ann Filson answers questions about vaccinations and children’s health.

Dr Sarah Ann Filson

How do we know NHS vaccines are the safest way to protect children?

The vaccinations offered by the NHS, including those given in school, are thoroughly tested and millions of people across the country receive them - including those from our own communities. Authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) they are continuously monitored for rare side effects, as well as more common symptoms like a sore arm.

The evidence around the vaccinations offered to our children is reassuring. It shows they don’t cause allergies or other conditions. There is a lot of misinformation about vaccines and if you’re concerned, please talk to your GP practice, school nurse or a pharmacist. We are here to help.

Should I vaccinate my child?

It’s your decision. If an unvaccinated child comes into close contact with someone who has a highly contagious infection like measles, it’s likely they’ll catch it too. Measles can have serious complications including pneumonia, meningitis and in rare cases death. It can also weaken a child’s immune system for a few years after infection. Vaccination is the safest way to protect against serious infectious diseases. The MMR vaccine provides protection from measles, mumps and rubella and also helps to stop their spread, protecting others who can’t have the vaccination.

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines help to train your immune system to react effectively when you come into contact with a specific infection. Making antibodies and special cells to get rid of the bugs, bacteria and viruses causing that disease, helping to protect you from getting seriously ill.

Book an appointment with your GP now

Can I check if my child has missed a vaccination?

Yes, your child’s digital health record or their red book will show if they are up to date with their vaccinations. You can also speak to your GP practice, which has a record of which vaccinations your child has had.

What can I do if my child has missed their vaccination?

By the time our children leave school, they will have typically been offered vaccinations against 18 different serious diseases or infections. If your child has missed a vaccine, including those given at school, talk to your GP practice to find out how your child can receive this. If your child is home-schooled, or not in mainstream education, and has not had all their vaccinations, contact your local authority education department. It is never too late

for children to catch up on their childhood vaccinations.

Are vaccines halal or vegetarian?

Vaccinations contain different ingredients. A very small number of vaccinations contain animal products, such as gelatine, whilst some might contain products such as egg. The vaccine consent letter might tell you whether the vaccine being offered contains animal products and what is in it. You can also ask the person providing the vaccination whether it contains animal products and whether there is a suitable alternative, like the flu vaccine. You can also seek guidance from your religious leader.

Does my child need the BCG vaccine?

BCG vaccine (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) protects against tuberculosis (TB). It is not routinely given to all children, but a small number of babies and children with an increased risk of TB may be invited for the vaccine. Babies who are in close contact with someone who has infectious TB, or live in UK areas with high TB rates, or if their parents or grandparents were born in a country with high TB rates are recommended to have the vaccine before they are 28 days old. It can also be given to older children whose parents or grandparents were born in a country with high TB rates, if they recently arrived from one of these countries, have lived with local people for 3 months or longer in countries with high TB rates or are in close contact with someone who has infectious TB. Can my child have a COVID-19 jab?

All children aged 5 or older on 31 August 2022 can get 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine until 30 June 2023. Others can get the COVID-19 vaccine only if they are at higher risk due to a health condition or weakened immune system, or they live with someone who has a weakened immune system. Those with a severely weakened immune system can also get an additional, third dose.

Can my child be vaccinated against Strep A and scarlet fever?

You may have been worried about your child getting scarlet fever and group A streptococcus infections over the last few months. Whilst

APRIL 2023

Produced in association with the NHS

our children there isn’t a vaccine and it can’t be prevented, trep infection can be treated with antibiotics.

Please contact your GP practice or call for free if your child has symptoms of scarlet fever or strep throat’ such as fever, sore throat, swollen glands, difficulty swallowing and headache. carlet fever also causes a sandpapery rash on the body and a swollen tongue.

Can adults catch-up on missed vaccinations?

If you have missed a vaccination offered to you as a child or an adult, speak to your GP practice about whether you might need it. This includes for e ample the Pneumococcal (PP ) vaccine (pneumonia vaccine) given to people at the age of or the shingles vaccine for people in their s. r arah nn ilson is an Infectious iseases and Microbiology octor working at the oyal ree ospital in ondon. he recently completed a Master of Public ealth in ealth Policy at arvard T. . Chan chool of Public ealth in Boston. he is passionate about addressing health ine ualities especially within the Black community and is keen to facilitate better collaboration between the community and health professionals.

■ Find out more at: www.nhs.uk/vaccinations

THE VOICE | 17

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or more information on getting your child vaccinated see accination ti s or arents .nhs.u accine nowledge is a source of independent, evidence-based information about vaccines and infectious diseases https://vk.ovg.ox.ac.uk/home

18

| THE VOICE APRIL 2023

News Feature

Elderly hunger timebomb driven by lack of savings

B

LACK BRITISH pensioners are going hungry because they do not have enough money to live on.

Experts say thousands of Black pensioners are facing a food crisis, and they warn of a timebomb in future over the lack of savings of working-age Black women.

This comes after an alarming report by Scottish Widows last month found over half (54 per cent) of Black women don’t have anything saved for retirement.

High unemployment and lower earnings due to systemic racism are blamed for the disparity.

Pensioners and campaigners say the current crisis among elderly Black Britons is leaving them hungry, cold and forgotten.

Kathleen Francis, from Perry Common in Birmingham, is due to retire in May this year, and says she doesn’t feel prepared.

Speaking to The Voice, she can barely make ends meet in the cost of living crisis.

“It’s been hard but I’ve tried to stretch out as much as I can, it hasn’t been easy,” she said.

“I am worried because if you’re over a certain amount there are a lot of benefits and help that is cut off from you.”

She says other friends and family members who are approaching retirement are extremely “worried” about their future in Britain, as energy prices and the cost of food continue to rise.

Ms Francis worked in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham for over 34 years and says she was “opted-out” of her workplace pension scheme some time ago.

She said: “We didn’t have an option, we were told it’s best to, so we did.”

Half of Black women have no retirement pot as experts call for urgent action. By Sinai Fleary Ms Francis, who is 65, said despite her retirement just weeks away, she is still unsure how much money she will get to live on to pay for her food and heating bills.

“I’m waiting on an adviser to let me know exactly what I am getting and I also heard that it will be taxed, so I still don’t know.

“All I know is the government pension is short because even though I’ve done 45 years, it’s still short because I was opted-out.”

Looking back on her career, she said her working environment changed and became “toxic” when a new man-

being forced out of her job.

She said the agreement was later withdrawn by the new management team and she walked away with just 12 weeks’ pay.

In 2013, she was signed off sick after being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia — a debilitating health condition which causes severe pain and excessive tiredness.

While on sick leave, Ms Francis was forced to rely on benefits for the first time and was receiving Employment Support Allowance (ESA) before being transferred onto Universal Credit.

She said the last nine years

I am worried because if you’re over a certain income there are a lot of benefits and help that is cut off from you agement team took over. “I worked there for 30-odd years without a single warning,” she added.

But according to Ms Francis, when new directors took over, she began to receive “written and verbal warnings” based on hearsay and about her “attitude”.

She went to her union for help, but her mental health deteriorated because of the unbearable atmosphere at the job she once loved.

After dedicating 34 years to the company, she negotiated a settlement deal after

have been “difficult” and she is grateful she has been able to manage without taking any money out of her pension.

She added: “I thank God I didn’t take any money out of my pension back then because it would have affected me now.”

Selina Flavius is the founder of Black Girl Finance (BGF), a platform and event that puts Black financial experts and Black women together, to discuss how to address financial inequalities for Black and ethnic minority women.

Speaking to The Voice, she said she was “deeply shocked”

by the findings in the report and said a “huge number of women are unprepared” for when it is time to finally stop working.

“If there is a workplace pension available to you, make use of it.

“If you are earning over £10,000 you are auto-enrolled into it and you have to opt-out, so for anyone who has optedout consider opting back in as soon as possible.”

“You pay in, your employers also pay in,” she added.

Ms Flavius, from Hertfordshire, said gone are the days where people are guaranteed a “job for life” and many have changed jobs over the years — which leaves thousands of pounds “lost” or unclaimed from past workplace pensions.

She urged people to find the “paperwork” or use pension tracing services to get access to any previous pensions.

She added: “Try and keep track of your current pensions if you are moving jobs in the future.”

The finance coach says it is crucial to include where you would like to live when you retire into your financial plans, and any dreams to go ‘back home’ should also be factored in.

She said: “I know a lot of Black women are self-employed because we tend to move out of the workplace, think about setting up your own pensions for yourself, you can use platforms such as NEST and an app called Get Penfold.”

In recent years, the term generational wealth has become a popular buzzword in the Black community, but what does it actually mean?

Generational wealth is a term Continued on page 20

HERE TO HELP: Black Girl Finance’s Selina Flavius is looking to fight the ine uality

APRIL 2023 THE VOICE

|

News Feature TROUBLESHOOTING: It’s vitally important to plan for the future to ensure you have enough in your pension pot to pay off your bills so you can fully enjoy your retirement

The ‘Black Tax’ sucking cash from our savings BLACK ELDERS have less cash in retirement because they are supporting family during their working life.

Ronke Lawal, founder of Ariatu Public Relations, a leading PR company that works with small businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs, told The Voice there is a hidden “Black Tax” which reduces savings for their own retirement.

She said: “Some of us have to pay a ‘Black Tax’ supporting our elders who didn’t prepare for retirement.

“An honest conversation needs to be had about that because that is also becoming a bit of a drain for those of us who are starting to actually find a stable footing “We are realising our parents didn’t unfortunately do the planning so we are having to support and help them which is fine because we love our parents and we don’t want to neglect them, but what does that do to our financial security Ms Lawal said many Black British elders “thought they were going to go back to their countries of origin” and retire and never planned to stay in Britain, but have ended up living here due to ill health or wanting to be closer to their children and

WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE: Ronke Lawal provides sound advice when it comes to savings

grandchildren. In addition to supporting our elders in the UK, Ms Lawal noted many Black families also support their extended family ‘Black home’ in Africa and the Caribbean because they “want to uplift our families” in those countries.

She said all of these additional financial commitments could be leaving many Black Brits financially on the back foot and without enough money to save for the future.

Ms Lawal used to be a panel member for the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) – the government workplace pension scheme, and maintains the Black community needs to be “intentional” and consider doing more than just using the “high street bank system” in order to be ready for retirement.

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20

| THE VOICE APRIL 2023

News Feature

Check your investments It’s never too early in life to start investing for the future and enjoy your retirement. By Sinai Fleary

C

HECKING YOUR pension and investments are more important now than ever.

Elizabeth Buko, founder of Wealth From Little, a platform to help Black women change how they think about money, told The Voice that people should be prioritising their retirement plans as we are living much longer.

“Make sure your workplace pension, if you have one, is growing at a rate that will give you the return that you want,” she said.

Ms Buko said people who have taken time out from working to raise children need to check if they are “eligible for the full state pension.”

She said: “If you haven’t put in 35 years of National Insurance contributions or credits then you might not actually get the full state pension.”

She added: “If you are not entitled to a state pension, you may want to think about starting a private pension for yourself.”

Ms Buko added those who have worked for a minimum of 10 years will get a very small weekly state pension, but advises people to research their options and entitlements so they do not get a “shock” when they reach retirement age.

She said there is help available, like National Insurance credits, which can be applied for, if there were gaps in your employment history from caring for someone or raising children – which applies to both men and women.

Ms Buko said if you are aged between 18 and 39, consider opening a Lifetime ISA, where you can save for a deposit for your first home or use it to save for retirement and the “govern-

ment adds a 25 per cent bonus” which you “can use towards your pension.”

Owning property could be a “great way to build up rental income which can support you in your retirement years”, according to the financial coach.

Ms Buko said her advice is only a guide and is advocating for the Black community to do extensive research and speak to experts so they can make informed decisions.

According to Ms Buko, people in their 30s and 40s should be ideally investing half of their age into their pension every month.

For example, if you are 40, she recommends putting 20 per cent of your monthly wages into your pension plan.

The financial coach believes one way more mature Black workers can increase their income is by using their specialist skills and extensive experience to either start a business or “charge more” for their ser-

ADVICE: Elizabeth Buko, founder of Wealth From Little

GOOD TIMES AHEAD: You should take steps to ensure a happy retirement

vices. She said: “If you are in your 50s and 60s, because you have a lot of personal experience and are now a specialist in a particular area, you can monetise it and charge higher fees for your time.”

Ms Buko said people over 50 should be saving approximately 35 per cent of their monthly income into their pensions and believes communities should research if they can dramatically increase their income by switching from an employee to a contractor in their respective field.

She is also warning the Black community to take action now, to prevent a pension poverty crisis with elderly family members and the next generation.

Caroline Abrahams, Age UK Charity Director, said: “Our

own studies have shown that for Black older people the risk of poverty in later life is nearly twice as high as for White pensioners.

“We also found that this group has lower average incomes, are more likely to receive means-tested benefits, and less likely to receive private pensions.

“This could be due to their financial position over their lifetime, or if they haven’t been able to build up all the contributions needed for the full State Pension.

“How well off you are in retirement is largely the product of what you have been able to earn throughout your working life.

“Going forward, it’s crucial that Black people are able to access good employment opportunities throughout their working lives so they can develop their careers. Black people need better access to private pensions, too, because these make a big difference to your income once you retire.

Ms Abrahams also said the government could strengthen automatic enrolment to increase pension savings as a way to combat pension poverty in Black communities.

She added that “there’s a huge amount that needs to happen to dismantle the barriers that hold Black people back in education and the labour market, the consequences of which can really hit you hard once you retire.”

Ms Abrahams said Age UK will always encourage any older person who’s feeling the pinch in retirement to check if they might be entitled to some extra help.

According to the charity, each year up to £2.4bn of Pension Credit and Housing Benefit go unclaimed.

Ms Abrahams added: “Pension Credit is a really important benefit that can make a big difference. It’s a meanstested, tax-free benefit for pensioners that opens the door to many other potential benefits including:

• A free TV licence (if also over-75) • Help with Council Tax • Free NHS dental treatment and help towards the cost of glasses and travel to hospital • A Cold Weather Payment of £25 when the temperature is 0°C or below for 7 days in a row • Help with rent • An extra payment within Pension Credit for carers, worth up to £38.85 a week “We encourage any older person who is worried about money and/or who thinks they may be entitled to claim benefits to contact us at Age UK for free information and advice on 0800 169 65 65 to check they’re receiving all the financial support available.

“Alternatively, people can visit www.ageuk.org.uk/money or contact their local Age UK for information and advice.”

Age UK says they have a free and anonymous Benefits Calculator on their website which can provide an estimate of the benefits that older people could be entitled to.

‘Have a talk with your kids about workplace pensions’ Continued from page 18

referring to all of your financial assets, such as money, investments, property and land that can be passed down from one generation to the next.

Ms Flavius wants “open conversations” about money, in-

vestments, retirement and wills “normalised” in Black communities to protect any generational wealth, as circumstances can change very quickly. She said: “Have conversations with your kids about workplace pensions and make sure they’re also enrolled into them.”

The business owner said she “grew up in a household that did not talk about finances at all”, adding: “Passing on whatever knowledge you are gaining to the younger generation is important, even if we are learning the knowledge late ourselves.

“It can still build that wealth, there is a huge wealth gap in the UK.” She believes more “safe spaces” for Black women and men to discuss their financial situation are needed to break down the barriers which stop members of the Black commu-

nity coming forward to seek financial help.

According to leading charity Age UK, more than two million pensioners live in poverty in the United Kingdom Worryingly, for older people from Black backgrounds, they are twice as likely to ex-

perience poverty compared to white pensioners, according to the charity.

The latest figures show that 3 in 10 (30 per cent) of older people from Black ethnic groups are experiencing poverty in old age compared to 16 per cent of white pensioners.

APRIL 2023 THE VOICE

|

21

News Feature

Street Pastors head to Jamaica C HRISTIANS FROM Britain are heading to Jamaica to prevent crime and keep kids

VITAL ROLE: Street Pastors patrolling the streets at night (photos: Getty Images and TPi Zone/YouTube)

UK initiative looks for volunteers to walk the streets of Kingston. safe.

The island has seen 210 EXCLUSIVE by Shirin Aguiar

murders so far in the first two months of 2023, and has one of the highest homicide rates in the world per head of population.

The London-based Ascension Trust, which runs Street Pastors in the UK, visited Jamaica for talks with local law enforcement to support parents and children travelling to and from school.

Christian leaders from Britain want to send volunteers to Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago for a ten-day stint on the streets.

It is hoped the initiative will help stem the tide of youth crime and help deal with peer pressure problems.

“There’s a combination of problems that are being played out in and outside schools, on the buses and in shopping areas. In Jamaica and Trinidad, it’s trauma,” Reverend Les Isaac,

inset below, founder of the Ascension Trust, told The Voice.

He said violence, poverty, and single-parent families had created a major challenge for children and society at large.

The Street Pastors scheme in JaJa origimaica origi nally began in 2014, following talks with the Ascension Trust, and has seen positive interinter action with night revellers in downtown streets in Kingston.

Reverend Isaac is working with the Jamaican government’s ministry for national security, police and churches.

Two churches have already promised 100 volunteers to the initiative, with Pastor Bruce Fletcher, chairman of community transformation organisation Operation Save Jamaica, among other church leaders who have invited the Trust to introduce the scheme in Jamaica. Initially, 35 schools in Jamaica and four in Trinidad will be involved.

Reverend Isaac added: “We’re talking about collaboration, about synergy, so everybody’s working together, schoolteachers, principals, guidance counsellors, school pastors.

“We want to ensure the various agencies are working together so that when we meet the young person that has challenges, we know there’s a route by which they can get help to overcome their challenges, whether it’s mental health, abuse or vio-

lence, whatever the trauma. We talk about collaboration and joined-up thinking.”

“The churches are really desperate to throw everything at it because they are concerned about the way things are going with young people.”

He appealed for qualified counsellors to volunteer ten days of their time.

“Any Jamaicans or others es post-pandemic among that who are reading this who are generation.” trained counsellors and are willing to do a ten-day stint in Ja- There are over trained 20,000 maica to help with after-school Street Pastors in Britain and Ireprogrammes and get involved, land, and the initiative is currently please contact me. celebrating its 20th anniversary.

“We really need to be able Qualified counsellors wishing to support these countries, to get involved in Jamaica can particularly with such a high email L.isaac@ascensiontrust.org. level of trauma and challeng- uk or Schoolpastors.org.uk

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22 | THE VOICE APRIL 2023

Terence Channer

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

Masculinity is not one dimensional

I

’VE SEEN emasculated men but this ain’t one. First off, this cover is about Rihanna, not A$AP. I thought long and hard when writing this. My gut reaction was of switching roles and of a feminised man until I realised that masculinity is multi-faceted and should never be one dimensional.

Masculinity has to be pliable, e.g. Monday manly swagger, Tuesday sensitive loving gentle father. The two are not incompatible.

It is tempting to see this image as a reversal of the traditional gender roles, as A$AP is holding the baby, his posture appears submissive, his chest is not puffed out as he accommodates the child. There appears to be no Black swagger or Black bop in his step. He lovingly kisses their child.

He is being led by a bold Rhianna — her chest is prominent, as her spine is arched backwards and her head tilts back, arm swinging wide, as she walks with a powerful 1980s-style Rastaman bounce.

The word ‘emasculated’ is heavily loaded — particular as so much is being said about toxic masculinity — because ‘masculate’ means to make manly or strong and the opposite, means to “deprive a man of his male role or identity” At this point, whilst writing this post, I paused and began to ponder on my use of the word emasculated.

This was in the context of what I considered to be the male role in family life and in particular the Black male role in the Black family. Why the Black family?

Black family life was wholly incompatible with slavery and therefore a thriving post-slavery Black family remained inconsistent with afrophobia and antiBlack racism.

Hence the effect of Jim Crow and colonialism on the Black family was to stunt its development by limiting opportuni-

Rihanna’s Vogue cover sparked claims A$AP was ‘emasculated’ but e’s confident in imself and t ey stride for ard toget er as a Blac family ties and ensuring unfairness in respect of housing, education, healthcare, employment and criminal justice.

That’s why — if you’re wondering — successful celebrity Black families are powerfully symbolic and inspirational for many Black folk. Women are disproportionately the victims of male violence (remember Chris Brown?).

Men disproportionately commit familicide (e.g. murder their family then commit suicide) — the depths of toxic masculinity.

In this image, A$AP is showing the different facets of mas-

A$AP is not insecure.

He is enjoying his own highly successful career culinity, i.e. that masculinity is not, and should never be, onedimensional.

He has already played the stereotypical hyper masculinised ‘Black criminal thug’ rapper — an obligatory image that rap music execs have successfully monetised.

Now he — or rather Rihanna — is facing accusations of emasculation for not sticking to the script.

His reasons for deviating from the script? Fatherhood and family life comes first! The role of the Black father in Black families

has been under constant threat.

The fact Rihanna is more famous, and is multiple times richer than A$AP, is only relevant to A$AP’s masculinity if he is insecure.

However, A$AP is not insecure. He is enjoying his own highly successful career, whilst basking in the glow of his beautiful Black Queen, Rhianna. I believe that the male role — visa-vis the likes of A$AP and Rhianna — is to act in a way that is: Loving not hateful Respectful not disrespectful Sensitive not insensitive Faithful not unfaithful Kind not cruel (or abusive) Caring not uncaring Diligent not lazy Whilst reflecting, I considered the saying “behind every successful man there stands a woman.” Unsurprisingly, this elicited the witty feminist counterclaim that “behind every successful woman is herself”.

Soon to be father to two of her children, and with reports that wedding bells are soon to be chiming, I very much doubt that Rihanna is going to apply the mantra to herself that behind every successful woman is herself.

I believe she will view motherhood as an integral part of her success through her partnership with A$AP. I also believe she will feel a deep debt of gratitude to the people of Barbados and others who have helped her achieve the goals.

As for A$AP, he is walking into greater success with Rhianna firmly by his side (not in front, not behind).

‘Roles are equally important, they are fluid and can change’ I posted about the Vogue cover on social media.

Here are a selection of comments I received:

“I’M OLD fashioned, should it not be the man leading the woman ok well this is what they do create all these pictures to take away women’s femininity and try to make them more masculine. This then trickles down the line to young ladies that will have this idealistic approach of a relationship and who is at front. This is all part of the dehumanisation process. It

is also generated again at Black community … Stay awoke people.”

“I DON’T see a problem.

Rihanna didn’t even have to have him on the cover… the situation exists because of Rihanna’s work; it is appropriate for him to support her, the event is NOT a result of his work. it would be crazy for him to be leading her IN THIS EVENT… imagine she does the work and on award night he goes up in front of her and accepts her award…or vice versa. Dah

conversation yah a foolishness!!!”

“THIS IS healthy masculine and feminine energy.

Anyone who wants to scrutinise it is socialised and potentially abandoning themselves. In one way or another, our roles are equally important and they are fluid and can change. If we stand true in ourselves we will only ever be giving love and it will radiate we wouldn’t even notice anything but the good first and foremost ”

Terence Channer is a consultant solicitor at Scott-Moncrieff & Associates LLP who specialises in police misconduct, injury and healthcare law. He is a passionate anti-racism advocate.

AUGUST 2022

THE VOICE| 33

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24 | THE VOICE APRIL 2023

Black Busines Guide

Black entrepreneurs boosting the economy The Voice’s Black Business Guides are leading the way in promoting economic empowerment. By Vic Motune

B

LACK ENTREPRENEURS contribute as much as £25 billion to the UK economy, according to recent research from the Federation of Small Businesses and Aston University.

Support for these businesses — which spans London, the southeast, the Midlands, and the north of England — can be clearly seen through events such Black Pound Day and the Black Owned Business Expo.

As the Black Pound Report 2022 highlighted, Black and minority ethnic consumers are an increasingly important economic force with an annual disposable income of £4.5 billion.

The figure for African Caribbean consumers alone is £1.1 billion.

Importantly, Black consumers are increasingly vocal about using their sizeable buying power to invest in companies where they know they are being catered for. However, despite this trend, Black entrepreneurs still face significant hurdles, especially when trying to launch their businesses.

Research published earlier this year by Channel 4 and Clear Channel revealed that Black

PROBLEM: Black business owners find it harder to raise the funds needed to grow their business (photo: ndrea iac uadio e els)

business owners find it harder to raise the funds needed to launch or grow their businesses or get investors to believe in their plans.

This is an enduring problem, one that needs real, tangible change. Governments must also acknowledge the role they play in openly supporting minorityled organisations and develop a clear policy for inclusive entrepreneurship.

PROPERITY

The entrepreneurial ambition of ethnic minorities can play a crucial role in the government’s ‘Levelling Up’ agenda, helping to create prosperity and a more cohesive society.

The successful launch of the inaugural Black Business Guide in 2018 saw The Voice take a lead role in campaigning for change on these issues as well as providing a platform for the Black community’s economic empowerment.

And it continues to champion Black-owned businesses through the latest edition which comes out in May. Despite the obstacles they face, these businesses are creat-

ing employment for thousands of people and are using technology in innovative ways in industries ranging from haircare, property and cuisine to fashion and retail.

The forthcoming guide will tell their stories of overcoming barriers through features, inter-

views, and analysis pieces.Readers will also find a wealth of information on products ranging from black dolls, books and toys for children, natural hair and skincare products to authentic African-inspired clothing and Caribbean food and drink.

But their success is not just

about levelling the playing field That has significant benin the business world. efits for the UK as a whole. So Black entrepreneurs tend to please continue to support them. play a key role in supporting and revitalising the communities If you would like to advertise in the where they are based, helping to next edition, please contact us create job and training opporat: advertising@thevoicemediatunities for people from undergroup.co.uk represented backgrounds.

Philanthropist gives struggling families a helping hand

By Leah Mahon HI H O IS property developer is giving away thousands of pounds to struggling families amid the surging cost to live tkinson set up a business with his nieces that runs a ash Giveaway after seeing firsthand how countless people are battling to put food on the table or to keep the lights and heating on he businessman of igerian heritage who coaches on building generational wealth and investing in properties said: I ve always been uite big on helping others I ve grown up in a hristian environment and we ve always been

taught to give away some money to the church and to people in need I m fortunate enough to have been able to make some money for uite some time and I ve been trying to find different avenues to help people r tkinson revealed that a recent encounter with his mother helped to further inspire his altruistic efforts She told him about a friend who was helping people in need and he gave her to contribute he friend then went on to pass the donation around to people she knew he entrepreneur later got a te t from her relaying a story from their pastor about how his gener-

ous sum had helped one lady in desperate need She described tkinson s donation as a blessing from God because the lady only had p to feed her kids that week He admits he knew the cost of living crisis was taking a toll on people but didn t believe it when he heard how much this mother had to live off r tkinson decided to give her a call so he could hear her story for himself What he heard affected him greatly It touched me the lady s plight I m in a position to help some people and I thought let s see who we can help hat s when

my niece and I started up this little business and we re ust trying to save the world by helping people where we can ccording to the Office for ational Statistics per cent of adults found it difficult to afford to pay bills In October a survey revealed that per cent of people were worried about being able to afford food in the ne t month and percent said they d skipped a meal or cut down the si e of their meals o be considered for and his niece s ash Giveaway ampaign visit www givetolani co uk or head to s Instagram page t alife

CRISIS: nderson with a cash giveaway winner whose bills were soaring

APRIL 2023

THE VOICE| 25

ADVERTORIAL

Start a career in adult social care today!

Having the right qualities is all you need to start a career in care.

T

By Oshane Beach here are numerous roles in adult social care to choose from, including supporting individuals with disabilities live independently in their own homes or providing daily assistance Tenesha to those in care homes.

You will have a profound impact on people’s lives by offering interaction, support, and empathy.

If you have a strong passion to support others, even without prior experience, you are a great candidate.

Various opportunities are available depending on your preferred work location and responsibilities, and there’s plenty of support to help you find t e rig t fit.

Care workers in the community Being a care worker is a rewarding experience, providing emotional, practical, and physical support to someone who needs assistance with daily living activities.

Additional areas include support with household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or doing the laundry.

Generally, making a positive difference in someone’s everyday life is what it means to be an adult social care worker. However, it’s the little things you do constantly and consistently that can positively impact their lives and, in so doing, the lives of their friends and family.

As a care worker, you’ll pick up a lot of knowledge, not only from the training provided by your employer but also from the individuals you work with and the people you support. In addition, working in adult social care is a very rewarding experience that allows you to interact with people from various walks of life who require different levels of assistance.

Starting a career in adult social care is a smart choice! The adult social care industry can offer a good career choice, as the demand for adult social care workers continues to rise as the UK population ages.

Tenesha’s story The Voice newspaper spoke to Tenesha a Community Support Worker. “I have been in this role for over two years now. I knew early on that health and social care were where my heart and passion lay.”

“I started my career as a District Nursing Administrator, where I regularly interacted with patients and their

relatives. However, I wanted more interaction and involvement, so I applied for a role as Care Co-ordinator, which was more hands-on, this led to me becoming involved in the community support work team, I had found my calling and my home within adult social care.”

“When I look back, my career might have gone in a completely different direction, but I knew that this was the route for me.

I understand that some people may miss out because if you don’t know what’s required or have little to no experience, it can seem daunting to take the initial step, but don’t let that put you off. I persevered because I wanted to care for people and adults in particular.

Personally, I believe that being a care worker is much more than just a job; it gives me a sense of purpose because the people that I support, and their families really value me and the service that I am providing.”

People in the community look forward to seeing us Working in community mental health care you’ll find t at no day is t e same, this is one of the reasons why I find t is role so ositively c allenging yet rewarding.

I work in various domains within our team covering a range of activities.

I really love and enjoy my job immensely because we are making a massive difference to those we care for; people look forward to seeing us as sometimes we are their only contact for the week.

Rewarding experience In conclusion, being an adult social care or er gives a fulfilling re ard ing experience that allows you to have a real positive impact and make a difference in someone’s life and wider society as a whole.

Wherever you are positioned within the care sector, be it in a nursing home or a domiciliary care worker where you support people in their own homes, it is a hugely varied and ultimately rewarding career where no two days are the same.

Start your career journey today.

Search for a role in adult social care near you today at: www.adultsocialcare.co.uk

26 | THE VOICE APRIL 2023

Dotun Adebayo

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

Rate him or hate him - you can’t ignore him!

Let’s face it, I’m not Gary Lineker That’s what my wife tells me… and she’s right, you know. I’m not!

I

T’S QUITE something when your missus has to point out: YOU AIN’T GARY LINEKER. You would have thought it was obvious. But every now and then I lose my mind and think the same rules apply, even though deep down, when I think about it really hard, I know that I don’t have anywhere near Lineker’s privileges. And yet, when I look in the mirror, I am the fairest of them all.

That mindset has cost me dearly in the past. When you try and reason with the old bill and you see whether you have white privilege. They pulled me over for nothing just before Christmas and left me two grand poorer.

My missus wants to ensure that doesn’t happen again.

That’s why she keeps going on…

YOU’RE NOT GARY LINEKER YOU’RE NOT GARY LINEKER YOU’RE NOT GARY LINEKER Morning, noon and night...

YOU ARE NOT GARY LINEKER I can see clearly now that I am not Gary Lineker.

NAIVE

I won’t lie, I deluded myself into thinking that he and I are on the same level – he’s a broadcaster... well, so am I. But it don’t work like that. Maybe for some, but for the majority of us WE AIN’T GARY LINEKER. The difference is if WE slip WE slide back to being unemployed.

No, I don’t think it would be any different if I presented Match of the Day. I am not 100 per cent sure Ian Wright presenting Match of the Day would have made any difference to the outcome.

He is not naive enough to think he’s got white privilege, and that the Prime Minister would come out urging the BBC to find some resolution with him after he tweeted (in support of migrants) that the government are that of Nazi Germany in some of their rhetoric, as Rishi Sunak (the government) did over Linekergate.

It’s always a shock though when you are told in no uncertain terms YOU ARE NOT GARY LINEKER. I had to tell one of my

brothers that the other day. He now realises that he ain’t got white privilege. Took a long time, but now he gets it.

For years I thought he was as English as the weald or wold, though not equally as old. You can’t blame me. He was kinda odd. He was certainly the odd one out at school and in the workplace and also at home.

Somewhere along the line his blackness was discombobulated and he thought he could get into an argument with the old bill when he knew full well that he had half a spliff on him. I didn’t even know, I swear.

Why would anyone carry half a spliff with them and then get into an argument about equal rights and justice with the old bill who were simply asking us where we were coming from and if we had any guns on us.

As they do, particularly if you haven’t got said privileges.

I know. I know what you’re think-ing.

Where were the par-ents when my brother was becoming discombobu-lated?

Did they not real-ise they were bringing up a ‘privileged’ child?

Or at least a child who thought that the same rules that applied to the rest of us didn’t apply to him.

Our parents wouldn’t have liked it, but in dem times it wasn’t such a bad thing. In dem times if you managed to turn your children from Black to white it was like you won the lottery, because there was this one kid who would lift you out of the ghetto you were living in.

Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t just our parents who might have reasoned in that way but, indeed, us the rest of the children as well.

All I ever dreamt about when I was young and ignorant was

TAKING A STANCE: Gary Lineker was backed by Ian Wright, below, when the BBC asked him to “step back” from presenting Match of the Day (photos: Getty Images)

being white. It just seemed to probbe the answer to all our prob lems, including the sometimes strained relationship between our parents.

Sometimes I would give our dad cuteye (behind his back obviously, otherwise I would not be here to tell the tale), thinking why did mum marry you, why couldn’t she have found a nice caucasian guy?

I reasoned it was better to be Black with a white father than to be white with a Black father.

You know how the juvenile mind works, and sometimes you have to get a proper clap in the head.

Look at Boris Johnson. Do

you think that if he was Kwasi Kwarteng (KK — I do hope his middle name is not Kenneth) he would have been able to say “It wasn’t me?” like Shaggy in front parliamenof that parliamen tary committee he spent hours pleading with the other day that “hand on heart” I never done dem things you say I done (‘blow the grammar, I never went to Eton like Boris and Kwasi).

Nah, man. They would have sent Black Boris to the political gallows for breaking COVID rules.

Remember how Liz Truss threw KK under the bus last autumn when she was in that desperate race to survive longer than the lettuce? He is still there.

Under the bus. No doubt thinking this cannot be happening to me. I am an old Etonian!

Things like this don’t happen to people like us – me, Boris and Rishi (a Wykehamist).

Remember what I said, YOU AIN’T GARY LINEKER, my wife says. You may be a top broadcaster for the BBC, probably the best if truth be told, but there are different rules in life for the likes of you and for the rest of us who ain’t millionaires.

They can take a stance and not back down and even get up and stand for their rights like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer told us to do.

PRIVILEGE

But you can only get away with that when you’re on a certain level and, I won’t lie, it probably helps if you’re not Black.

But privilege is about money too. The privilege to be able to say, I don’t care if they sack me. I’ve got more millions than they’ve had hot dinners.

My wife gives it to me straight. And I needed to hear it straight: DOTUN, HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU, YOU ARE NOT GARY LINEKER? One of my cousins, who was brought up by white foster parents, had to be told by his broth-

er on his 60th birthday that ‘Oh by the way, Scooby, you’re not mixed-race.’ The poor guy had been deluded all this time. What a moment. You should have been there.

I myself was gobsmacked.

Absolutely gobsmacked. This was news to me. You see, I always thought he was mixed race. Not so much because of the complexion of his skin but because of different kind of stuff.

You know how you just assume that someone is mixed-race.

Living in this country we do have privileges too. Beige privileges. We can see that every time there is a story about the lengths migrants are prepared to go to, to get to the UK. When they are risking their lives trying to cross the Channel in a bathtub, I think it’s fair to say that they regard the US as white with all the privileges that follow.

Some of us are even joining in the chorus of: SEND ‘EM BACK SEND ‘EM BACK THEY AIN’T GARY LINEKER SO SEND ‘EM BACK DOTUN ADEBAYO!

DOTUN ADEBAYO, BRITAIN’S MOST CELEBRATED BLACK BROADCASTER, IS KNOWN AS THE KING OF THE NIGHTTIME AIRWAVES. ALL VIEWS HERE ARE HIS OWN. LISTEN TO HIM OVERNIGHT ON BBC 5 LIVE FROM 1-5AM SATURDAY MORNINGS - MONDAY MORNINGS & 1AM - 4AM ON BBC RADIO LONDON (WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY MORNINGS). FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER: @dotunadebayo

APRIL 2023

THE VOICE| 27

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28 | THE VOICE APRIL 2023

Museum

ADVERTORIAL

PHOTOS CREDIT: Yanle Shen

Dancing in Time: Th

International Slavery Museum announces pop-up installation in collaboration with artist LR Vandy.

T

L NC N on pril , artist LR Vandy, who is represented by ctober allery in London, will create a new outdoor sculpture, which will see audiences engaging with nternational Slavery Museum from outside of its traditional walls.

Launching on 6 April 2023, artist LR Vandy, who is represented by October Gallery in London, will create a new outdoor sculpture, which will see audiences engaging with International Slavery Museum from outside of its traditional walls.

TRANSFORMATION ARTIST: LR Vandy

Providing a platform for multiple voices in developing the overall vision of the Waterfront Transformation Project, this installation, named ‘Dancing in Time: The Ties That Bind Us’ will feed into plans for the overall transformation of the new International Slavery Museum, exploring storytelling, interpretation, and the wider historic waterfront. Continuing in the same spirit as the first and second pop-ups, this intervention, and the placement of the sculpture on the Canning Dock quayside, echoes Vandy’s recent studio relocation to Chatham Historic Dock Yard, working with the Ropery, a 19C building which still makes rope in the traditional way.

Artist LR Vandy comments: “Working with the team of Master Ropemakers has given me a new material to explore and express current themes in my practice. I am not interested in making something inert. I want movement, and movement often implies tensions, and what better material than the rope. What people might not appreciate is how much symbolism the rope holds.

Through this sculpture I also want to evoke the feeling of dance – movement. How people throughout times have used dance to break free from oppressive systems.”

HAND MADE

The rope holds both symbolic and historic importance as it was used in ancient construction, the building of Colonisation and Empire through shipping, as well as its more sinister association with slavery and captivity. Vandy uses the materiality of the rope to create abstract female figures out of twists and turns, creating a new sculpture for the International Slavery Museum.

The sculpture is hand made by sewing sections of rope and binding the ends with twine. The end form of the rope speaks to the origins of dance in hunting rituals, carnival masquerades and spirit dancers of the African diaspora, reflecting the title of ‘Dancing in Time.’ A source of inspiration for Vandy has been Barbara Ehrenreich’s book, an exploration of dance as a manifestation of the timeless human need for communal joy in Dancing in the Streets: A History of Collective Joy.

HERITAGE

One of the overarching ambitions of the Waterfront Transformation Project is connecting people, outside the International Slavery Museum walls, to the heritage site the museum is surrounded by. Exploring how

APRIL 2023

THE VOICE| 29

Museum

ADVERTORIAL

he Ties That Bind Us

slavery and its legacies still influence the world today and how different art forms transform how we connect people with this heritage.

Nicola Selsby-Cunningham, Exhibitions lead at National Museums Liverpool said: “I cannot think of a more appropriate artist to take the story of historic slavery and maritime history, out from our museum walls to the public. This sculpture is a visually striking artwork with a multi-layered story, with powerful insights and perspectives on the compelling issues of our time.

Placing this sculpture on the Canning Dock quayside allows us to

chart new ways of confronting legacies of racism and celebrate cultures of resistance and affirmation. We are deeply grateful to Lisa and October Gallery for this wonderful opportunity to collaborate.”

EXPLORING

Through her work, Vandy brings together both found and made objects to create new meaning. Using beautiful, precious objects while exploring painful subjects of migration, historically through the lens of the Transatlantic slave trade, and currently the many people making desperate, treacherous boat journeys in hopes of

a safer life.

This final pop-up installation is part of the International Slavery Museums’ series of activations and will be located beside the dry dock in the public realm of Liverpool’s Waterfront.

The ational Lottery Heritage und Heritage Hori on Awards has supported the International Slavery Museum throughout this series of pop-up activation, and in helping the museum to re-imagine their ambitions for the newly transformed museum.

■ For more information, visit: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ waterfront-transformation-project

Liverpool’s iconic waterfront is being transformed Want to know more and get involved?

Visit liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ waterfront-transformation-project

30

| THE VOICE APRIL 2023

Midlands News

By Veron Graham

Windrush remembered through power of music Rush – A Joyous Jamaican Journey is helping to play a key role in keeping the history and issues of a Generation alive

T

HE SECOND City is to host the return of a well-loved theatre production set for a national tour to mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the feted Empire Windrush.

Rush – A Joyous Jamaican Journey will once again seek to further underscore the significant role music played in the early years of mass immigration from the Caribbean and amongst subsequent generations.

Kicking-off on April 26 at the famed Birmingham Repertory Theatre, the show will again boast the eloquent and poignant narration of John Simmit.

The show includes musical accompaniment from the JA Reggae Band, plus vocalists Ika and Janice Williamson in homage to the contribution ska, calypso, soul, reggae and gospel plus Caribbean customs and traditions have made to British culture.

Musical Director Orvil Pinnock told The Voice: “I am excited about the tour. It keeps the history, life and issues of the Windrush Generation in the

minds of the theatre-going public, celebrating this wonderful generation of people who sacrificed a lot for their respective countries and Great Britain.

“We hope the viewers will, firstly, enjoy the music and atmosphere, and also take away a sense of pride in the Windrush Generation and their contributions to British society.

“Also, despite the political issues that dominate the news about migrants, they will understand that migrants are important and necessary to every society.”

Rush’s Associate Director Sara Myers, inset left, added: “The show has been going for six years and has been so well reviewed, and the theatres it has been through have invited us back!

“So many of the people who have come to the show have recognised how much Caribbean communities have brought to this country: like the (radio) grams, (glass) fish, ornaments.

We have grandparents bringing their grandchildren to see it and vice versa.”

A fascinating subplot has been stirring in the background, which has enabled Sara to

EXCITING TIMES: Musical Director Orvil Pinnock can’t wait to get the tour under way; below, the production of Rush has helped bring a great deal of joy and colour to theatres (main photo: ET Photography)

‘meet’ her late grandfather, Gilford Rankin, and incorporate his story into the production.

The connection came through finding a cousin, Shani Ware, when both had traced their ancestry through separate online platforms. They found that Mr Rankin is the half-brother of Shani’s great-grandfather. The former came to the UK on the original SS Empire Windrush voyage in June 1948.

“I connected with Shani early last year. We started talking and sharing family photos. I didn’t know much about my family tree. She found my grandfather’s boarding pass and other details, photos, etc. I recognised him from a pop-up exhibition but didn’t realise it was my grandfather!

“I’ve grown up as a first-generation Briton that is fragmented from both sides of my family, so to discover this connection with Shani and finding these records is a little like a treasure hunt that has given me a sense of belonging, grounding and connection.”

TOUR DATES 2023

April 26-29: Birmingham Repertory Theatre (28th will be signed for the deaf); May 12: Ulverston, The Coro; May 18: Liverpool Playhouse; May 20: Llanelli; May 31: Derby Theatre (will be signed for the deaf); June 10: Leeds Playhouse; June 14: Crawley, The Hawth; June 20: York Theatre Royal; June 22: Wolverhampton Grand (will be signed for the deaf); June 23: Hackney Empire, London; June 28: Dunstable, The Grove; July 8: Edinburgh Festival Theatre; September 1-2: Oxford Playhouse; September 9: The Palace, Watford; September 30: Hexagon, Reading; October 4: Doncaster CAST; October 7: roydon airfield Halls; October 20: Cardiff, The Sherman; October 21: enue to be confirmed This connection has added poignancy for Sara: “It’s great to be able to share this with my mother, who is now 80; also with my father, despite him having motor neurone disease.

“To have this link to my grandad who I never met is incredible! To have a picture of him and even his mother (Lydia Beatrice McKay, March 1884 to June 1975) has given me a real sense of connection, that I’m

part of something bigger, which means so much.”

“I decided to check my ancestry because I was fed up with hearing bits and pieces about my family history,” Shani revealed. “My mum didn’t grow up with her father, and no-one in the family talks about the family tree or uses real names, so it was really hard to trace anything back.”

The cousins have found all

manner of interesting links: including that their mothers once lived on the same street in Bristol decades ago without knowing they were related!

“It is lovely to have actual photos of my ancestors: I teach Black history to my daughters, whom I home-school. My husband is white English and has details and photos of his family going way back so it’s really nice to have some names and pictures too,” Shani added.

“This process has impressed on me the real importance that families share stories, that they passed down before they die to give the coming generations that sense of connectedness that is so important.”

Now gearing up for a nationwide tour, with her own personal history bolstered, Sara has similarly grand plans for the production. “I would love to see the show go international — back to Jamaica so they can see what we are doing here, with things like lovers’ rock, which is British, which we developed here.”

APRIL 2023 THE VOICE

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31

Midlands News Kameese is the golden girl again!

TOP OF HER PROFESSION: Entrepreneur Kameese Davis whose pitch for investment for her hair care products business won her the Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up contest at the Venturefest WM 2023 Festival of Innovation

A MIDLANDS entrepreneur has once again struck investment gold by scooping top prize at the Venturefest WM Festival of Innovation in winning this year’s Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up competition.

In front of an audience of more than 500 entrepreneurs, innovators and investors, Kameese Davis clinched £3,000 in prize money and a package of bespoke business support for her business, Sandwellbased Nylah Hair, Heritage and Science, which specialises in providing quality products for African and curly hair care.

The feat follows Kameese’s 2022 triumph when she landed £50,000 of investment funds for her range of vegan plant-based hair care products during a televised appearance on Dragons’ Den. “Winning the Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up means so much to me,” she said.

“It’s given me a massive confidence boost in terms of the product and brand be-

ing an attractive proposition for investors. It also gave me the opportunity to speak and engage directly with people who are interested in helping the brand maximise its full potential.”

Over the past eight years, Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up – which is run by the Centre for Growth at Aston University, BizzInn at the University of Birmingham and Minerva at the University of Warwick Science Park – has put scores of entrepreneurs directly in front of investors and brought over £40m of investments to the region’s small businesses.

The day also offered inspiration for would-be entrepreneurs in the roll-out of the region’s Plan for Growth and forthcoming Trailblazing Devolution Deal with national government, in a bid to ramp up regional development. The event also featured keynote speaker Megan Goodwin, who spearheaded the digital development of worldwide TV blockbuster Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

Youth mentors helping to win Wellbeing battle

A

PAIR OF youth mentors from a sports charity have been acknowledged for the positive differences they are making to the mental health and wellbeing of pupils at a Black Country school.

The successes of Jevaughni Robinson and Daniel McCalla, from Sport4Life at Bristnall Hall Academy in Oldbury, is part of a £1.1m Emotional Wellbeing Programme launched by Sandwell Council to address the long-held concerns about the mental health of local youth.

Since last autumn, students at Bristnall Hall Academy have been taking part in a sport mentoring programme run by the duo using sporting activities to help improve their confidence,

resilience and emotional wellbeing.

Councillor Simon Hackett, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said of their work after visiting the Academy: “I am overwhelmed hearing from the young people involved and the positive impact these mentoring sessions have made to them personally.

“It is clear the students really look up to Jevaughni and Daniel, who are really making a difference to the young people they mentor.

“This programme is having such a positive impact on our children and young people and I am pleased to announce our investment into the programme will continue in 2023.”

Lindsay Mason, Assistant

PLAYING A KEY ROLE: Sport4Life’s Daniel McCalla and Jevaughni Robinson with Sandwell Council’s Simon Hackett Principal at Bristnall Hall Academy added: “Being part of the council’s Emotional Wellbeing Programme has meant a lot to

our young people who have gained a considerable amount from the sessions, in terms of both their physical and emo-

tional wellbeing. Thank you to mentors from Sport4Life who have made a positive impact on the young people involved in these sessions.”

McCalla commented: “I’m proud to be involved in a project like Sandwell’s Emotional Wellbeing Programme.

“Seeing the young people come out of their shells and talk is really important, I don’t do this job for the money. I do it because I want to make a difference. I want to see young people being aspirational and know that with a little bit of help, they all can achieve.”

More than 2,000 children and young people with mental health concerns have received support since the programme was first launched in July

2021. The programme has seen Sandwell Council team up with partners in the voluntary sector for the delivery of targeted help and support for young people with mental health concerns.

There have been 13 organisations funded to complete programmes providing a broad range of support for young people aged five to 18, including one-to-one and group work, mentoring and counselling.

Buoyed by a further £500,000 investment and support from the voluntary sector, education and health partners, work will continue on rolling the Emotional Wellbeing Programme, out to more children and young people across the West Midlands borough.

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

32

| THE VOICE APRIL 2023

News Feature

‘The young people are not standing for homophobia’

SLOW PROCESS: Donnya Piggot, an LGBTQ activist in Barbados and co-founder of LGBTQ charity B-GLAD, admits that a change of attitude towards members of her community will not happen overnight

Anti-gay attitudes in Africa and the Caribbean can be traced back to colonialism – but thankfully things are changing. By Leah Mahon

O

N A roadside in Eldoret, Kenya, the lifeless body of an LGBTQ activist lays stuffed inside a metal box with his eyes gouged out and sock stuff inside his mouth as a court case remains underway in the fight for justice over his brutal killing.

Edwin Chiloba, fashion designer and model, was living as an openly gay man in the east African country before being smothered to death.

Details around the motivation behind the killing remain unclear, but his tragic death sparked uproar from LGBTQ activist groups after a series of violent deaths have blighted their community and made many question whether they could live without fear of reprisal because of their sexual orientation. In Kenya, homosexuality is taboo and gay sex is punishable by up to 14 years in prison, although the law is rarely enforced.

Throughout 54 African countries, just 22 have thrown out anti-gay laws. Angola, Botswana and Mozambique were some of the most recent nations to decriminalise same-sex relationships.

In some countries, to be gay means a prison sentence, and in others, such as Mauritius, So-

malia, South Sudan and parts of Nigeria where sharia law is practised, to be gay is punishable by death.

South Africa remains the one and only African country to legalise same-sex marriage.

Yvonne Muthoni, an LGBTQ rights activist based in Kenya, tells The Voice that the effect of constitutional change for gay people living in Africa was hard to gauge as the country grapples with ongoing homophobic violence.

VIOLENCE

“There are legal avenues now for issues like intimate partner violence or homophobic violence that you can actually approach,” she says. “The LGBTQ community can actually stand up and say I’ve been abused and my partner’s abusing me or this person is attacking me and it’s a homophobic attack – there’s legal recourse.”

Yvonne, pictured below right, who is based in the capital Nairobi, says she still has doubts as to whether “the lived realities of everyday citizens” has drastically altered because of the law, adding that society’s mindsets towards gay people firstly need to shift.

Across oceans, the Caribbean has arguably made more strides in the fight for gay rights than

their African cousins. Some Bajans recently marked the death of Darcy Dear, a prominent LGBTQ activist and founder of the United Gays and Lesbians Association of Barbados.

In the east of the tropical region, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis and Barbados have all made constitutional history by banishing their archaic laws around same-sex relations.

Belize and Trinidad and Tobago also ruled for anti-gay laws to be taken out of their constitution. Caribbean countries like Dominica, Grenada and Jamaica still continue to criminalise gay relations. However, these laws are hardly reinforced on the islands.

The passing of gay-marriage laws in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands were shot down by a UK court in 2022, and the British Virgin Islands government announced that they would be holding a referendum on whether to legalise same-sex marriage that would change the “social and religious fabric” of their society.

Donnya Piggot, an LGBTQ activist in Barbados and cofounder of LGBTQ charity B-

@thevoicenewspaper

GLAD, says that recent constitutional change on the island and throughout the Caribbean “doesn’t change overnight” for the community.

“I heard some people just walking on the beach and there were some queer people. And then one of them said ‘we could hold hands now’,” she tells The Voice. “So there is this joke that we are now included. I don’t think it will happen overnight, because it takes some time to sink into the psyche of people.”

The increased exposure to technology during the Covid-19 pandemic and the influx of digital nomads, Donnya believes, is changing the landscape of Barbados and the kind of people that reside on the island.

She says that an older generation of Caribbean people

@thevoicenews

are the ones still holding on to traditional values.

“Our parents are holding onto a level of tradition. It’s the same thing with the monarchy,” the activist explains.

“It’s all mixed up and we’re holding on to these ideals with this identity of a Christian nation, the identity of the Commonwealth countries is identity. The younger millennials and Gen Z are saying ‘f**k that’.”

The traditional values make up a large part of the conservative Caribbean and Africa, which traces back to colonial rule. Despite rich cultural differences, the Black diaspora are forever linked because of the horrors of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the rule of the British Empire.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, colonists implemented Christian fundamentalism as the core belief system when once before ancient African spirituality and traditions like Voodoo, Pocomania and Orish were widely followed in African countries, and even survived the journey to the Caribbean. Many of these British colonial-era

laws and Christian fundamentalist beliefs are still widely practised across these two regions.

Countries in Africa or the Caribbean, dubbed commonly as “third-world countries” by the West, have historically only been viewed as an exotic holiday resort or as a mere flight stop-over, a no-go area entirely because of these very antiLGBTQ laws and economic hardship. By and large, these “thirdworld countries” are a direct result of colonial belief systems brought over by the British.

Donnya credits more people being openly and unapologetically gay across the media landscape is “moving the needle” against anti-gay tropes in the Caribbean.

“It’s 2023, there is a whole slew of innovation happening.

And as soon as that happens, our ideas of ourselves have to change as well.

“There are still some people who are very homophobic and archaic, but these young people are not having it,” she says.

“And so as time goes on we’re growing up, but we’re going to become the leader, and some of us are already.”

voicenews

www.voice-online.co.uk

DIFFERENCES

APRIL 2023 THE VOICE

Lyndon Mukasa

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33

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

Eye on the Diaspora

Playing the white racist tune Wave of anti-Black hate in Tunisia mirrors ‘white replacement’ paranoia of Far Right in the West

T

HE PRESIDENT of Tunisia, Kais Saied, indulged in dangerous racist ‘great replacement theory’ rhetoric against Black Africans, sparking a wave of fear leading to thousands of Sub-Saharans fleeing the north African state.

Mr Saied said that “hoards of irregular migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa” had come to Tunisia “with all the violence, crime and unacceptable practices that entails”.

He added that this was “unnatural”, and part of a plot to “change the demographic makeup” turning Tunisia into “just another African country that doesn’t belong to the Arab and Islamic nations anymore.”

The speech was met with great controversy both inside and outside Tunisia primarily because it has sparked a wave of anti-Black attacks against Black migrants as well as Black Tunisians, shining a light on Tunisian racism that had long been ignored until recently.

What makes the Tunisian president’s statements interesting is the way in which he has framed migration, race and national identity.

While there is rightly controversy and opposition to the obvious anti-Black and racist framing of migration, there is also some familiarity in those statements.

These racist arguments have been made much closer to home and President Saied’s remarks are not new or original. In fact, it is borrowed rhetoric from far right white nationalist circles across the Western world who believe that migration from the non-white global south will eventually lead to the extinction of the white race.

This theory is known as the “great replacement” and is largely considered to be a conspiracy theory that is rooted in a racist analysis and inter-

WAVE OF FEAR: Citizens of the Cote d’Ivore head to Tunis Airport to be evacuated (photos: Getty Images)

pretation of demography. But why is the president of Tunisia attempting to use a white nationalist conspiracy theory that is antagonistic to African interests, and what does the African country hope to gain from using it?

Despite President Saied going back on some of his comments, denying accusations of racism and that he in fact “has Black friends,” his racist comments have been accompanied by increasing over-policing of Black African communities under the guise of targeting illegal migrants.

SUSPICIOUS

The issue of immigration in Tunisia seems suspicious as it is estimated that there are only 21,000 African migrants out of 12 million people in Tunisia.

This is hardly a migration crisis and the measures taken are highly disproportionate. This action ignores the fact that when migrants are racialised, the distinction between a Black Tunisian, an African student and an illegal migrant disappears and Black communities regardless of their immigration status become the targets of greater surveillance, violence, discrimination and marginalisation.

Up to 10 to 15 per cent of Tunisia’s population is Black.

Many are descendents of enslaved people trafficked in the Arab slave trade prior to the 19th century, but many are descendents of earlier African populations as well as recent waves of immigration in the 19th through to the 20th and 21st centuries.

The hate crime spike in Tunisia has impacted many Black residents, like Aboubacar Moussa, pictured right, a 27-year-old who was assaulted by four Tunisians while

waiting for a taxi. As a result of the president’s statements, hundreds of acts of violence have increased towards Black Africans with little concern for their rights in Tunisian society. Reports of illegal evictions, homes being burned down and families being attacked in the streets have surfaced. The African Union (AU) has condemned the rhetoric of the Tunisian government while African

countries such as Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea have sent planes to evacuate their citizens from the country. President Saied came to power in 2019 under a platform of reform and anti-corruption.

According to the World Bank, Tunisia has experienced a decade of lost growth following the 2011 revolution which was later exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. GDP growth had declined to 1.7 per cent from 2011 to 2019 with a further 8.7 per cent contraction in 2020.

A lack of job creation for the working age population and the war in Ukraine has pushed food and energy prices up which has been compounded by lower oil and gas production. Increased demand for energy and agricultural products have made the Tunisian economy much more vulnerable to shocks.

While there has been some recovery in certain sectors such as travel, business, mining and manufacturing, unemployment remains high at 15.5 per cent of the population.

President Saied has sought to reduce unemployment but many of his promises have failed to manifest for the Tunisian pop-

ulation. He has been unable to secure loans, grants and vital financial aid for the relief of these economic crises. As the rate of inflation has increased, prices have skyrocketed.

Combined with these challenges, the president has relied on various conspiracy theories to explain the lack of growth while cultivating support among his base.

He consolidated power by dismissing parliament, the judiciary and the Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi in response to massive protests against police brutality, economic hardship and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

Moreover, the Tunisian government under President Saied has targeted political opponents and shut down media platforms deemed hostile to the government. With ongoing economic issues, the Tunisian president has sought to divert attention away from economic issues, and towards the issue of migration as the source of the country’s problems.

It could therefore be argued that the Tunisian president is

attempting to exploit the disposability of Black people in his society by mimicking the immigration dog whistles and conspiracy rhetoric of the “great replacement” that is found in Europe.

What the president didn’t anticipate was the level of opposition among ordinary Tunisians towards this idea. Many Tunisians have taken to the streets in protest over the racist statements made.

Protesters assert that the president’s attempts to divide Tunisians is a sign of desperation in light of no solutions to the multiple challenges facing the country.

In addition to this, the president has won no allies in the West who have largely ignored the idea of Tunisia being a “White” country being overrun

by Black Africans.

While he still has some support domestically, the North African country has also alienated itself from its African neighbours, and the ongoing economic and political issues could in the long term place President Saied in a vulnerable position going forward.

voicenews

www.voice-online.co.uk

HOSTILE

Lyndon Mukasa is a writer and researcher. He studied International Development at the London School of Economics.

@thevoicenewspaper

@thevoicenews

34 | THE VOICE APRIL 2023

ADVERTORIAL

Senior NHS staff encourage Africans and Caribbeans to consider a career in nursing ahead of National Careers Week his ational areers ee the e re the ’ ca ai n is hi hli htin the ins irin stories o senior lac sta and the e citin and varied nursin roles available across the .

N

ichole Mckintosh believes she was destined to work in nursing.

“As far back as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to help people, so pursuing a care role felt like a natural fit, she says. hen I help people, I help myself. It’s a two-way process that benefits everyone involved.

Nichole studied nursing at London South Bank niversity and later trained at ing George ospital. It took three years for me to become fully ualified, shares ichole.

I have now been a nurse for years You look back and wonder where the time goes

WORKFORCE Nichole is now the Regional Head of Nursing and Midwifery at ealth ducation ngland ( ). s part of her ob ichole works closely with partners across the capital to develop and sustain a world-class nursing and midwifery workforce that is fit for the st Century. he helps to ma imise opportunities for professional growth and development for ’s students and staff. But ichole’s ourney hasn’t always been easy.

BLACKNESS “Sometimes it can be challenging to navigate the professional space in a white ma ority organisation for instance, I have even not applied for certain roles because I didn’t feel confident enough to go forward despite being perfectly ualified, shares ichole. But I have learnt to embrace my blackness and will be assertive when I need to. You don’t change things by preaching to the choir, you change things by speaking to the congregation - and I’m glad the is a place that values my voice.

Nichole believes good communication skills are important - especially in the .

Being able to articulate yourself clearly and confidently will help you to overcome some of the challenges you may face, she says.

INCLUSIVE There is also the challenge of choosing which path to take when it comes to nursing - not least because there are more than types of nursing roles to choose from in the NHS. Being a parent to two young children hasn’t been a barrier to ichole’s career success either. The is very inclusive and fle ible to meet the professional and personal needs of its staff.

If you’re successful here - you have a ob for life. s for ichole’s family, they are elated with her success. My family is very

proud of how far I’ve come, says ichole.

My father is a retired teacher in amaica who keeps copies of every article that mentions my work I am e tremely grateful to have a loving and supportive family behind me.

Nichole wants to encourage others to also pursue a career at the .

urses are offered a privileged position to witness someone at their most vulnerable and are given the opportunity to help - for me this has always been a real honour, says ichole.

I would recommend a ob here for anyone who has a passion to help others. I always say a big part of my role is to bring oy, which

comes naturally due to my amaican roots laughs Nichole. earch ursing Careers’ for more information or visit: htt s .healthcareers.nhs.u e are the nhs nursin careers

APRIL 2023 THE VOICE

Sadé Thomas

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35

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

The Gospel Truth

Gospel sistas get their shine My top pick’s ‘a banger’

Podcaster Paula Melissa says female artists deserve more attention than they receive

H

AVING ASKED a group of people to name the first Gospel artist that comes to mind, it was no surprise that 74 per cent of responses listed prominent male figures within the Gospel industry, with the most mentioned Gospel artist being Kirk Franklin, followed by names such as Donnie McClurkin and Israel Houghton.

While artists such as Cece Winans and Shirley Caesar were also identified, more work needs to be done to showcase the talented women behind faith-filled music.

Paula Melissa is passionate about tackling this disparity within the Christian music scene and is the founder and producer of SheHH podcast, which seeks to celebrate Christian women and their artistry by amplifying their voices through a collection of interviews, where artists share their stories. As a podcast, SheHH is now in its third year and has conducted more than 40 interviews with Christian female artists. We reached out to Paula to get more details on her heart behind it and the exciting future that she and her team are planning.

PASSIONATE: Paula Melissa

Just out of interest, why the name ‘SheHH’ for the Podcast?

Paula: SheHH is a play on CHH a recognisable acronym, that stands for Christian Hip Hop. I wanted a name that made it clear our focus was women in music, and whilst our initial focus was on female rap artists, we have expanded to women making Christian music in all genres.

THIS MONTH’S pick is the undeniable banger, All In Good Time.

As far as debut singles go, Tofunmi Adorna has already mastered what it means to capture hope in the form of a song, as the uplifting lyrics comfort listeners who may feel discouraged, anxious or frustrated with life’s circumstances.

The singer-songwriter, explains that this song came about at a time when she had been feeling disappointed and God encouraged her through these lyrics ,“to keep going”.

As a self-professed fan of Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, Doe and Maverick City, Tofunmi’s eclectic taste of music is another reason as to why she is an artist to be excited about.

If that wasn’t enough, she is set to drop her debut EP later this year, which is certain to be a smash hit filled with a mi ture of spoken word, soulful music and even a re ective ballad.

Considering ‘SheHH’ is in its third year, what growth have you witnessed?

Paula: The growth has been tremendous! The first series was me recording phone calls so it was audio only and wasn’t great quality.

Now we record UK-based artists in a podcast studio in central London and use online podcast recording software to get the best quality interviews for our virtual interviews. It started with me, in my room and now we have an international team of content editors and my sister as our creative director. I’m very proud of the journey and continue to see an increase in our followers and listeners.

There is definitely a lot to be proud of, what are some of your highlights?

Paula: The podcast going into its fourth season, is a huge highlight, as well as, interviewing some of Gospel’s brightest stars, like GRAMMYnominated Gospel artist, Jekalyn Carr.

Listen to All in Good Time on any digital streaming platform and follow Tufunmi’s musical journey, ‘@Tufunmi.adorna’ on Instagram.

Given SheHH’s specific focus on Christian women, why do you feel that women need to be heard in the Christian space?

Paula: It’s no secret that female artists simply don’t get as much time in the limelight as they should, in comparison to their male counterparts. It’s even harder to find recognised female artists within the smaller Christian music genre.

The SheHH Podcast is a series of interviews with women in front and behind the scenes of Christian Music globally. Women have stories of God at work in their lives

It’s no secret female artists don’t get as much time in the limelight as they should and I believe they should be heard too.

loving Asha Elia, Emandiong, CRYS and Adeshola!

Speaking of Christian women in music, who would you say were your favourite artists growing up and who are some of your current favourites?

Paula: Growing up I was a big fan of Mary Mary — they were my favourites! I also listened to Tamela Mann, Sinach and Nicole C Mullen. Currently, I’m

Thinking about the future, what can we expect from the Podcast going forward?

Paula: We have big, BIG dreams! We are hoping to put on our own events where we can host Christian artists on grand stages. We want to run a distribution label that helps emerging artists with the production and marketing of

music — we want more women as career artists (living off their music and art full-time).

Wow! So many plans and such an exciting future ahead! Thank you for sharing the journey of the SheHH Podcast but before we sign off, how can people support the vision?

Paula: You can follow us @ SheHHPodcast on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and podcast platforms. Like and share our content. And if led, support financially with the production costs, as we are completely funded by me, so any donation is greatly appreciated!

36 | THE VOICE APRIL 2023

Muyiwa Olarewaju

Nothing But Truth and Light

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

e no errified o ech A NEW VISION: Technology can be daunting – but it can also help us to look to the future (composite image: Getty Images)

The Bible teaches us to embrace change

A

S ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) continues to advance, it’s essential to examine how it may affect opportunities for people of colour.

Here are five potential ways experts have said AI could impact us in employment: Job displacement: AI is already automating many jobs that require repetitive tasks, such as factory work and data entry. These jobs are often filled

by Black workers, and AI’s ability to perform them faster and more accurately could lead to significant job displacement.

Skills gap: As AI becomes more prevalent in the workplace, new jobs will emerge that require skills in areas such as data analysis and machine learning. Black workers who lack access to quality education and training may struggle to acquire these skills, further widening the skills gap and limiting job opportunities.

Bias in hiring: AI is only as unbiased as the data it’s trained on, and if that data includes bias against Black people, AI-powered hiring tools could perpetuate discrimination. Black job applicants could be overlooked or unfairly rejected by these systems, further exacerbating existing inequalities.

New job opportunities: While AI may displace some jobs, it will also create new ones.

For example, there will likely be a greater demand for workers who can build and maintain AI systems. Black workers who can acquire these skills may have new and lucrative job opportunities.

Racial wealth gap: The impact of AI on the job market is likely to widen the racial wealth gap. Black workers who lose their jobs to AI may struggle to find new employment, while

white workers who benefit from AI’s productivity gains may see their wealth grow.

While it’s clear that AI will have a significant impact on the job market for Black workers, it is also crucial to address the potential negative impacts and work towards creating a more equitable future of work that benefits everyone.

This can be achieved by increasing access to quality education and training, addressing bias in AI systems, and creating policies that ensure the benefits of AI are shared equitably.

Over the last 100 years, Black people have demonstrated remarkable adaptability to technological change. Despite being historically marginalised and excluded from many of the benefits of technological advancements, Black individuals and communities have found ways to leverage technology to their advantage, creating new opportunities and overcoming barriers.

On the upside, there’s a long history of people of colour adapting and excelling. An example of Black people adapting

to technological change is the rise of Black-owned businesses in the digital age.

With the advent of e-commerce and social media, Black entrepreneurs have been able to reach new audiences and create online storefronts that allow them to compete with larger, more established companies.

Additionally, the use of digital payment systems and crowdfunding platforms has made it easier for Black individuals to access capital and finance their ventures.

In the field of education, Black people have also adapted to technological change by utilising online learning platforms and digital resources. This has been particularly important during the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced many schools and universities to shift to virtual learning environments.

Black educators and students have been able to leverage technology to maintain their academic progress and stay connected to their communities despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Finally, Black people have also adapted to technological change in the realm of social justice activism. From using social media to organise protests

Black people have adapted to technological change and raise awareness of issues affecting Black communities, to creating websites and apps that provide information and resources to those in need, technology has become an important tool for advancing the fight for racial justice.

Global changes can cause us to despair especially when reported from a certain vista. Here are two things I hope would encourage you today.

Deuteronomy 31:6 is a powerful and encouraging verse found in the Old Testament of the Bi-

ble. It reads: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

This verse is part of Moses’ farewell speech to the Israelites, encouraging them to trust in God as they prepare to enter the promised land.

PROMISES

It emphasises the importance of relying on God’s strength and promises, rather than our own fears and doubts.

This verse has been a source of comfort and inspiration for believers throughout history, reminding them that God is always with them, even in times of uncertainty or difficulty. Philippians 4:6-7 in the New Testament passage is also often used as a source of comfort and guidance for us believers.

It reads: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all

understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This passage encourages us to bring our worries and concerns to God in prayer, rather than allowing anxiety to consume us.

It promises that God’s peace, which is beyond our understanding, will guard our hearts and minds.

This passage reminds us that prayer and thanksgiving are powerful tools in our spiritual journey and that God is always ready to listen and provide us with the peace and comfort we need.

Black people have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to technological change over the last 100 years. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, we have found ways to leverage technology to create new opportunities and overcome barriers, in business, education, and social justice activism.

This is not going to change… we shall always overcome. Deep in my heart I certainly do believe. In the meantime, protect your peace at all costs.

Muyiwa Olarewaju OBE is Station Director at Premier Gospel Radio, a TV & Radio Broadcaster, and Principal of gospel group Muyiwa & Riversongz

@thevoicenewspaper

@thevoicenews

voicenews

www.voice-online.co.uk

Lifestyle Find out why these three ladies are Peppah p39

Breakin’ Convention celebrates 20 years p40

JAEGA WISE

Something special is brewing p38

Storytelling for kids with hero Ignatius Sancho p44

38 | THE VOICE APRIL 2023

Lifestyle

Jaega brewing up a storm

Wild Card Brewery co-founder is a rising star in the world of food and drink. By Joel Campbell

I

N THE heart of east London, Jaega Wise has been working tirelessly to build her brewing empire for over a decade.

She started out as a co-founder and head brewer at Wild Card Brewery, a craft microbrewery based in Walthamstow, and has been a driving force behind its success.

Hailing from Nottingham, Wise, a chemical engineering graduate who previously worked in Water Treatment and International Chemical Trading, could have easily pursued a more lucrative career. However, she decided to follow her passion for beer and use her knowledge to craft unique, high-quality brews.

Wild Card Brewery has won numerous awards for its premium beers and has become a favourite among beer enthusiasts. What started as a kitchen table dream among friends William and Andrew in 2012 has now grown to include two taprooms in east London.

Wise and her team use the latest technology and sustainable ingredients to create a range of delicious beers that are both classic and innovative. In addition to their core range, the brewery also releases exciting special editions every month that showcase their creativity and expertise.

Despite the challenges that come with running a successful microbrewery, Wise remains dedicated to her craft and committed to growing her business.

With her passion and expertise, the future of Wild Card Brewery looks bright.

Speaking to Lifestyle following her inclusion in the respected Waitrose list of the most in uential women in food today’, she explained why there’s no resting on her laurels.

“It’s borderline overwhelming really, to be in the company of people who are literal legends.

“Claudia Roden is on that list, Andi Oliver is on that list, it’s pretty unbelievable to be honest, I was quite shocked.

“I’ve been working for a few years just generally in the food space, I wrote a book last year, number one best-selling book, just saying! I work super hard but honestly, to even be in the same

sentence as some of those legends, to be honest I was frankly amazed, but I am going to grab that accolade and take it.”

A businesswoman, author and rising star in the world of food and drink, Wise also cohosts BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme and presents Beer Masters alongside James Blunt on Amazon Prime.

Having left Loughborough University with a different career choice in mind however, how did she end up brewing beer?

“I come from a chemical engineering background and they are actually part of the same family,” she enthused.

“A good example is we studied yeast activity, enzymatic activity, fermentation, it’s all part of the same family. So lots of people do a degree in chemical engineering and go and work for Heineken, Molson Coors or Carlsberg. Lots of people go and work in oil and gas as well as lots of my friends did, or in the City where they are making lots of money, but essentially the two are part of the same family.

“It was super helpful coming from a strong engineering background, it gave me a running start.”

Wise also co-owns The Tavern on the Hill, situated on Higham Hill Rd, Walthamstow, which is famed for its Caribbean roasts and attracting famous faces.

She’s a busy and very ambitious woman who knows the sky is not the limit. She also knows she can’t do it all on her own.

“I have an amazing team, everyone is super supportive of each other and it’s one of the key

HAND ON: Jaega Wise has been a driving force behind the success of Wild Card Brewery; below, Jaega and her team use the latest technology to create a range of delicious beers including Imperial Stout, inset left

things that I would say, you can’t do anything alone. You need help, you need friends and you need a solid team around you.

“Within the business we have Will who looks after the sales, Andrew who looks after the finance and I look after the product. So just generally we are all really good friends but also we recognise the things that we are really good at, so we build the strongest foundation that we can.

“Business can be testing. The pandemic was horrific for everybody and I think it’s at time like that at extreme stress, I think you really find out what kind of company you are and what kind of person you are as well.”

Wise’s involvement in The Tavern on the Hill is the most ironic element of her journey to date, having worked there over a decade ago, to have come full circle and now own the venue, is a rich source of pride.

“I used to work in the basement of that pub when we first

“If you want to see something change, get stuck in ” started ten years ago. The pub had failed during COVID so they let us come and use the pub and effectively take over the lease.

We had a Jamaican food vendor in there and one of the things you have to do in a British pub is you have to do a Sunday roast and we did a spin on it.

“The household I grew up in you have a normal roast dinner but you might have jerk chicken, lamb or pork. You would have rice and peas, you would have plantain, macaroni cheese, mostly a quad-carb meal.

“We did that as a normal thing and it went kind of insane on TikTok, it went viral and then ce-

lebrities started coming and then Stormzy came, that was kind of crazy. That day I called the team and said I was going to be a waitress for the day. It was great.”

If you ever see Wise on the job down at her brewery you will know that while she is grateful for all of the celebrity endorsements, the back breaking hard work she puts in is also for reasons that might not garner the column inches of the hottest blogs, nevertheless it’s just as, if not more important. fierce advocate for e uality within the brewing industry and a leading force in bringing in new rules in the UK that banned sexist, homophobic, and racist labelling on beer, there is a distinct purpose to her work beyond preparing pints.

“One of the things I noticed in this industry was that there wasn’t very many women at the top. It’s something that causes you general issues by the way you are spoken to, by the way

you are treated. One of the things that really always bothered me was the fact that out there in the world there was this culture of belittling women on branding in a way that was seen as cheeky or fun.

“It was one of the things that we decided to try and change.

So there is a group called the Portman Group, whose job it is to look after alcohol labelling and it wasn’t in their rule book to stop labels that were deemed as sexist, racist or homophobic. So, it would be a problem in the UK to have a can of beer that looked like it was aimed at children, that would get you pulled off the shelves.

“But if you had a sexist label, that was perfectly acceptable within the rules. So what we decided to do was change the rule book.

“It was a lot of work, I worked with a trade body and got lots of signatures from people all over the country and it’s now been added into the rule book. And that is all alcohol all over the UK that is being sold, so if you see an issue you can complain to the Portman Group, an independent body who can launch an investi investigation and potentially have that product pulled from the shelves.”

She added: “I’m a big believer if you want to see something change, get stuck in and change it. It might be things that perhaps don’t make you the most popular but you have to get involved.”

Watch the full interview with Jaega Wise at www.voice-online.co.uk

APRIL 2023 THE VOICE

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39

Lifestyle

Peppah proving to be very hot property

Meet the three women who have got tongues wagging in the music business. By Joel Campbell

D

ANAI MAVUNGA, Beverley Akom and Sade Salami have known for a while that when it comes to their respective areas of expertise, they were hot stuff – and that was before the three came together to launch their company, Peppah.

A bespoke events, music and PR organisation, Danai told Lifestyle that Peppah is for us, by us, a business that aims to elevate and positively promote the culture.

Only a year down the road as an official company eppah have got tongues wagging, having garnered the attention of and worked with some big players.

In their first months working across the Tech, Music and Entertainment industries, the company boasts a glowing reputation with clients such as TikTok, Google, Empire, Black Tech Fest, Translate Culture, NHC Carnival, MOBO Awards, Ghana’s rising star and Black Sherif, as well as South Africa’s Amapiano twin pioneers, Major League Djz. It’s quite a remarkable feat and a glowing testament to the tenacity of the three Black women who run the company.

Speaking on their ambitions in the space, Danai said there were big inspirations who have helped to shape how they build for the future.

“We recently asked ourselves what we want out of this, and legacy is definitely at the forefront,” Danai enthused.

“We’re only a year in and we’re really in this for the long run. So it’s about how do we really want to be remembered? What is it that we want to leave behind?”

She added: “RIP Jamal Edwards. When he passed away one of the great things that people kept talking about was what he left behind, what he gave to

the culture. SBTV inspired Link UP TV, etc.

“Things like that, what he gave us, is priceless.

“So for us, that is exactly what we want to do for our sector.

How do we inspire young Black girls that look like us? What blueprint are we leaving for them?”

“We asked ourselves what we want out of this. Legacy is at the forefront” Peppah services include, Ideation, Creative, Contracting, Gifting, Events Management and Consultancy.

Sade said nearly two decades of event delivery at the highest levels has put her in a position to bring real value to the Peppah partnership.

I ve been doing events for years. Mainly corporate, working with big tech companies, ones that everybody knows and uses

on a daily basis, and I have always had a passion and love for it,” Sade explained.

“I think what we bring to the table is that we are three very dynamic, very focused, very driven women that have come together to create this company, out of hard conditions because of the pandemic. We just thought ‘you know what, let’s bring our skills together and create something which is Peppah’.

“Last year we had back-toback events, and we’re a baby in terms of the business world.

“But we are really focused on creating great events for Black people and want to work with brands that also want to do the same thing.

“Speaking to the culture, that’s what we’re all about. Our tagline is ‘We’re Driven By The Culture’, so everything we do we’re thinking about how are Black people placed. How are they being perceived? How can they connect with this agency, this company or this business? How can we have them have a great experience and tell really interesting stories through events and PR and music?”

GOOD TIMES: The talented trio have found a winning formula through Peppah Bringing a sharp focus on managing the pennies, Beverley said her role came about as a direct result of her former vocation.

She said: “My role is operations and finance so any events that do come up or PR, I deal with most of the background and logistics.

“Primarily, my background is corporate finance I ve known Danai my whole adult life and I’ve worked with Sade on events

for two years now. When I started, I was like, this is something that I want to get into fulltime.

So as of anuary Peppah started. Danai and I had another events company, so we already worked closely in that aspect, but she suggested it would be good if we all came together.

“We’ve got Sade’s expertise, Danai’s knowledge in events

PARTY TIME: Peppah are helping make a mark with bespoke events (photos: Digitally Kreative)

and music and me trying to merge the two together, making sure everything works more efficiently more effectively With over years of e perience between them in the industry, Peppah pride themselves in having a unique understanding of event execution, solving pain points and raising brand artist profiles within the media.

Underscoring their determination to make significant inroads is their belief that the time was right for a unique company like theirs to take a stranglehold of how the best of Black culture is presented.

In short, few can deliver the way that they can.

Danai added: “We really understand what it takes to bring profiles to the forefront how to run sweet events and how to rere ally honour the culture.

“Black people, we run tings.

Let’s be real, we are at the forefore front of the culture, we are popupopu lar culture.

“And we see a lot of brands that would want to buy in, but then there is that whole thing of not paying people and not giving credit where it’s due.”

40

| THE VOICE APRIL 2023

Lifestyle

Jonzi D ready to celebrate anniversary

LIVING THE DREAM: Jonzi D wanted to bring the best hip-hop dance theatre performers to the UK

Founder reflects on Breakin’ Convention reaching milestone. By Joel Campbell

C

OVERING ALL aspects of hip-hop culture, Breakin’ Convention Festival celebrates 20 years at Sadler’s Wells Theatre this month.

The brainchild of Jonzi D, the festival represents the origins and evolution of hip-hop culture from around the world and around the corner.

The exciting announcement that international dance sensation Les Twins, pictured below, will join this year’s line-up has been made already. Other acts featuring throughout the weekend include the likes of South Korean crew Mover, 2019 winner of BBC Young Dancer Max Revell, locking specialists Ghetto Funk Collective, Brazilian bboy Samuka from Ill-Abilities, La Diva aux Pieds Nus as well as UK dance companies Far From The Norm and Boy Blue.

There will also be performances from live DJs, bespoke graffiti freestyle sessions and a total makeover of the Sadler’s Wells foyer – before embarking on a UK tour from May 17 to June 14.

It’s the 20th time it’s taken place, no mean feat considering the authentic, raw and unrestricted brand of artistic expression that can, and often has, occurred over the years.

Breakin’ Convention Sadler’s Wells Theatre, EC1R 4TN Breakin’ Convention 2023 International Festival of Hip Hop Dance Theatre Friday 28 April – Sunday 30 April Performances from 6pm Tickets: £15 – £40 But how did it all come to life?

How did this celebrated venue, famous for once being a mineral spring, discovered in 1683 by Richard Sadler in the grounds of his music house, become the home of Breakin’ Convention?

In 2003, Jonzi D had the dream of creating a festival to bring together the best hip-hop dance theatre performers from around the world on London’s doorstep.

The following year Sadler’s Wells helped make that dream a reality. The groundbreaking line-up saw artists and groups like Rennie Harris, Benji Reid, ZooNation, Boy Blue and the Electric Boogaloos performing to a sell-out audience hungry for the kind of cutting edge hip-hop theatre that had been missing from the UK landscape.

Jonzi D sat with Lifestyle and re ected on the ourney

“After performing Aeroplane Man at the Queen Elizabeth Hall programmed by Alistair Spalding, when he was head of dance there, I said to him that I am not the only person doing this type of work, hip-hop theatre, using rap, using dance styles as narratives, as emotive. This was in the 1990s. I told him about the other people because I’d already been touring around Europe and the rest of the world.

“He got the job here (Sadler’s Wells) and in his first year he was like ‘Jonzi, can we do that idea that you suggested, the hip-hop dance festival?’ And I said yes, of course. t first we didn t really have the budget to do it big and he proposed a certain amount to be able to do some nice local event but I was like, no, if we’re coming to Sadler’s Wells, one of the main dance houses in the world, you’re telling me we’re going to come in with halfmeasures?

OPPORTUNITY

“For me, with my knowledge of what was out there already, I said no, we have to start big, we have to start strong.”

Jonzi says he set about delivering an event from which he had no future expectations for himself, it was an opportunity to present the art in a guise never seen before, to audiences who had never seen it, in a venue where it had never been seen. sold out first festival featuring some of the top tier names from across the world in a UK first of its kind got him a little more than he bargained for.

“The broadsheets were loving it we were getting five star reviews across the board, I think we got one four star.”

He added: “The initial gamble, to do it, wasn’t as much as an initial gamble because we

@thevoicenewspaper

got funding from Bloomberg, who are funding this year as well, which is nice.

“So to a certain extent it wasn’t risky to Sadler’s Wells but after that they were like ‘ok Jonzi, we’ve got to do this again, we’ve got to do this every year.’ Alistair said he’d not seen anything like that in the space, especially because of the way we took over the space putting graffiti over all the building and having ciphers.

They had never seen anything like it.

“For me, that was normal.

That’s how hip-hop jamz go. But obviously there is this distinction, that is an illusion basically, that this kind of art is not made for these kinds of buildings, we smoked that, in a moment.”

Success achieved by Breakin’ onvention wasn t confined to these shores. Jonzi recalls: “Harlem Apollo 2013. To be able to go a stone’s throw away from the culture for our first international date felt like an amazing co-sign.”

He added: “I have a lot of confidence in what we do I ve got a lot of confidence in all of

@thevoicenews

the dancers I have worked with when it comes to their hip-hop technique but we know how New York can be when it comes to what hip-hop is and how it’s theirs almost.

“I felt like we were humbly going out there saying, ‘New York, thank you for this wonderful culture that you have given us, now check what we are doing with it and that was the vibe and that was definitely communicated And it was great. We did it three times, 2013, 2015 and 2017.”

ATTENTION

It’s been an incredible two decades for Breakin’ Convention rolling from one year to the next, unearthing and showcasing talent on a stage few in their dance careers get to grace, Even the 2020 lockdown couldn’t stop the show with Jonzi telling Lifestyle ahead of the ‘virtual festival’, Lockdown Lock-in: “Isolating but not isolated! We still connect, and we’re still creative. Social ‘diss’ dancing will attract attention. So let’s start Breakin’ Convention.”

voicenews

Speaking about the feeling of fulfillment that comes with delivering this year’s programme of events, Jonzi enthused: “I was pretty anxious prior to the announcement of our big names.

“For the 20th anniversary of Breakin’ Convention I think it’s really important to be able to present someone of a certain stature. Throughout the years of Breakin’ Convention we have been putting on people and they have gained stature.

“That’s one of the things that I noticed particularly at the Olivier Awards nominations this year.

There’s at least four acts whose first large scale show was at Breakin’ Convention.

“So in relation to legacy, coming from an idea, as something that breaks the convention of what receives value and attention and given praise, because hip-hop was never in these spaces back then, that for me is 20 years’ work and what it means to get there.”

Watch the full video with Jonzi D on our website

www.voice-online.co.uk

APRIL 2023 THE VOICE

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41

Lifestyle

Reaching out to the lost souls

Jake Isaac discusses the inspiration behind new single Start Again. By Joel Campbell

J

AKE ISAAC is at the forefront of a British soul renaissance. Fusing a soul voice and sensibility with the craftsmanship of classic songwriting, he expresses through his art the vulnerabilities that men rarely feel comfortable discussing.

A proud south Londoner, Isaac’s father is Rev Les Isaac OBE, the founder of the community charity initiative Street Pastors.

Isaac started drumming in his father’s church in Crystal Palace at the seemingly impossibly young age of three.

Inspired by Paul Simon’s Graceland album, Isaac’s talents continued to develop and he completed his grade eight drum exam by his mid-teens while also teaching himself bass, keys and guitar as well as songwrit-

ing. No newcomer to the heady heights of the music industry, his artistry has connected with fans (150 million-plus streams to date) and iconic artists such as Sir Elton John and Sting.

Explaining why he dropped the single Start Again last month in the lead up to his new 2023 album, When It Hurts, he told Lifestyle: “I grew up in Crystal Palace, south London, and I think growing up there was the evolution of garage music, the legacy of reggae music, those types of genres always around.

“Somewhere in my journey though, being British, whether we like it or not you’re not going to get away from elements of rock and roll or indie music.

I think sonically Start Again was an ode to that part of my life.

“It’s what you would hear on the radio or what some of my

TH

HONOUR: Jake Isaac says it’s a privilege to release music (photo: Getty Images)

mates at school would listen to. Lyrically, I kind of talk about a man’s inadequacies, a man’s lack of ability to communicate the need for forgiveness or communicate that we got it wrong in a relationship.

“That’s where the song came

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from fundamentally, just my expression of wanting the chance to start again in a relationship with my other half and what that looks like for not just me, but men that struggle to communicate those sensitive topics.”

By the age of 19, Isaac was

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working as a session musician and a songwriter, while also holding down a job as a marketing manager, all valuable experiences for a life in music.

One simple truth stood out to him; making a connection with listeners is of far greater impor-

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tance than the opinions of the industry around him. And as he embarked upon a solo career, that’s precisely what he did, with landmark moments including a set at Glastonbury’s Other Stage as well as the release of his 2021 album Honesty.

“I always see it as a privilege to release music let alone have people that listen to my music,” Isaac enthused.

“I’ve been doing this music journey for a while now and over the years there have been some great highlights.Playing Galstonbury, touring the US, Europe and the UK, being signed to Sir Elton John, all of that was great but as I release a third album, I feel like a massive sense of gratitude.

“I made the album from my little space at home and collaborated remotely with some other musician. I had some great friends come and join me on the album and it’s just a real privilege really.”

Check out the full video interview with Jake Isaac on The Voice website www.voice-online.co.uk

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| THE VOICE APRIL 2023

This is Brukout!

by Seani B

Remembering a golden era Earthkry seeks old school inspiration for latest release Dandy Shandy

IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL:

Jamaican band Earthkry have been together for more than ten years

W

ELL, WHAT a month it has been for myself and the BrukOut

camp.

February saw us trawling around Jamaica as part of BBC Radio 1Xtra’s trip and we had some incredible sessions from the likes of Jahsii, Valiant and some of reggae’s cornerstones including Tony Rebel and Junior Reid.

March rolled in and boom!

We hit the road across the UK for an incredible tour with the one and only Dexta Daps.

What followed showed the strength of genuine fan interaction, with the man himself touching down with two dates in London as well as hitting Birmingham and Manchester.

Dexta is a consummate pro, and knows just how to hit those places to make his (almost exclusively female) audience go wild with delight.

However, this month’s column isn’t about either of those events. I want to salute a release that has been getting a lot of critical acclaim in reggae circles and beyond. It comes from a band who are no newcomers to the scene, Earthkry.

THEME

Coming from The Edna Manley College of Performing Arts, Phillip McFarlane, drummer Kieron Cunningham, bass guitarist Kamardo Blake and vocalist/guitarist Aldayne Haughton followed a long list of notable Jamaican bands who have brought the music around the world.

Their latest project, Dandy Shandy, is an EP which isn’t just a collection of studio recorded tracks – the theme behind the set makes it very different, as McFarlane explained to me.

Dandy Shandy is a selfproduced project consisting of an old school sound reminiscent of the 1960s to early 80s Jamaican music.

“The idea of the project really came during the pandemic

when we were at home and couldn’y tour or even perform locally. So, we decided on a project that would be different from what’s mainstream at that moment.

“We thought of doing something of old sounding and vintage just for our personal satisfaction, however it has surpassed expectations based on the love we have received thus far. The whole process of how we record, mix, write, style of harmonies, sonics and so on was intentionally done.

“So you will hear a bit of rocksteady, ska, and early reggae elements. We are basically paying homage to different styles that there were during that period.”

It is an incredible body of work, demonstrating love and respect to their heritage, whilst bringing that particular sound to a new audience. I was intrigued to know why they chose this particular time span.

“That era between the 1960s to late 80s was the golden era for Jamaican music history. Those sounds are what the world fell in love with and opened many doors for generations after. We

“Band life is a difficult one, as it requires a lot of sacrifice and resilience” wanted to pay homage to that time. We are strong admirers of pioneers like the Wailers, Black Uruhu, Wailing Souls, Steel Pulse, The Heptones, and many other groups before us and we wanted to emulate their style as we know the world still loves that sound.

We find that Earth ry has an important role to carry out with the sounds of reggae, not just to the outer world but for the young ones in Jamaica who may not hear at the parties, radio or clubs which would kill the development and creation of the genre from the younger generation.

“We have so many ideas on how we could bring back the presence of enthusiasm in reggae back in Jamaica, however it takes a good budget, government and

media corporation, educational campaigns, and collective effort of the top artists who value the importance of reggae,” McFarlane expanded.

Reggae as a national treasure and selling point of Jamaica?

Seems obvious, right? In these testing economic times, having a band touring and recording isn’t cheap. It seems Earthkry acknowledge the value in having a collective set up though.

Band life is a difficult one as it re uires a lot of sacrifice dedication and resilience.

It’s a long journey to the top, especially if you are doing roots reggae. EarthKry have been together over ten years now, and we are still struggling to break certain grounds.

“When a group like ours has to move, you are looking at around five si people at the least. Plane tickets, work permits, hotel, food and logistics is hard versus an artist who can go with just his DJ and go do promotions, shows, etc.

“We realise that we are one of the few bands remaining in Jamaica for sure.

“In today’s industry people tend to focus more on individual

artists. They get all the highlights, so musicians rather go and play for one of these acts as it’s an easier route to earn.

“We wouldn’t consider our sound mainstream; it’s twice as hard to break on radio, which would help in popularity to sell tickets, higher booking fee, gain sponsorships and so on. So we have to grind a lot, doing over 100 shows a year trying to get our name out there.

Not many bands can do that independently these days.

“That’s what we have been doing for the last seven years.”

COURAGE

The last point shouldn’t be overlooked.

Working independently in a global music market as a reggae collective takes courage and belief – two things this set up is not short of. Phillip told us why Earthkry places so much emphasis on hitting the road.

“Touring is very, very crucial to any band. When you look at bands in the USA like Rebelution, Stick Figure and Soja, they are selling huge venues every night, but they have been touring for decades

building that fan base even without hit records. So they can drop an album and they sell over 100,000 copies easily because of that loyal fan base that they have obtained over the years of touring. Meanwhile, our most popular reggae/dancehall artists will struggle to sell 5,000 copies of their albums even with major label backing, whether by distribution, licensing or straight record deal.

“An artist can sell 3,000 tickets in New York but only 20 in Utah, because it’s a different market. We have to go into all the places multiple times until we start selling out then we can start requesting higher fees. If we are not careful there will be little and or no Jamaican acts on these big festivals anymore for these very same reasons.”

It seems like common sense, but as I was once told, common sense is not so common…

So kudos to Earthkry – check out the EP (you won’t be disappointed).

If you are reading this from America, Puerto Rico, Mexico or Canada then stand by, cos the band are heading to a town near you soon…

APRIL 2023 THE VOICE

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Lifestyle

Diversity in the arts world

Black-led independent arts and education charity Culture& joins orces ith otheby’s nstitute of Art. By Joel Campbell

D

R ERROL Francis, CEO and Artistic Director at Culture&, a Black-led independent arts and education charity, said that he was “delighted to be partnering with Sotheby’s Institute of Art” on an initiative to nurture the next generation of talent.

The groundbreaking partnership is set to accelerate diversity in the art world through education. Commencing from September 2023, the Culture& and Sotheby’s Institute of Art Cultural eaders rogramme the first of its kind in the contemporary art world in the UK – is designed to empower and nurture the next generation of diverse leaders.

Through this partnership, the Cultural Leaders Programme will offer three fully-funded scholarships per year from 2023/24 to 2025/26 to promising students from under-represented communities to pursue one of the Institute’s prestigious one-year, full-time Master’s programmes: the MA in Contemporary Art; the MA in Art Business; or the MA in Fine and Decorative Art and Design.

The programme will allow these promising young professionals from diverse

backgrounds with leadership potential to study full-time and receive a London Living Wage bursary for their living expenses.

The selected students will have access to the full range of Sotheby’s Institute of Art services to support student learning and wellbeing, including high levels of teaching time, personal tutors, specialist library and research facilities, expert career service support, counselling and much more.

Additionally, students will receive tailored mentoring and networking opportuniopportuni ties, drawing on both Culture&’s and Sotheby’s Institute’s networks of profesprofes sional and social supsup port.

Dr FranFran cis said: “We are delighted partner to be partnering with Sotheby’s Institute of Art on this groundbreaking initiative to nurture the next generation of diverse talent.”

He added: “Extending the backgrounds of the students who study at this centre of excellence will bring fresh perspectives and creativity into the commercial art sector.

“This programme builds on Culture&’s ongoing work to open up the UK’s arts workforce and,

NEW VISION: Students will have access to the full range of Sotheby’s Institute of Art services; inset, a Sotheby’s student graduates for the first time brings together the worlds of the charity sector and private education. We look forward to welcoming a new cohort of young people into the Institute’s esteemed academic community as we build a more diverse art world of the future.”

The Culture& and Sotheby’s Institute of Art Cultural Leaders Programme marks a significant milestone in the educational model of both organisations. It stems from

“Extending the backgrounds of the students will bring fresh perspectives” their mutual awareness of how much more needs to be done to support people from diverse backgrounds to take their right-

ful place in the art world. It implements one of the key recommendations of the 2022 report that Culture& co-authored with Museum X for the Art Fund: To support a focus on specific initiatives leading to permanent curatorial employment, rather than generic entry-level or temporary roles.

Dr. Jonathan Woolfson, Director at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, said: “We are tremendously excited to be collaborating

with Culture& on this initiative.

Their impressive record of success on diversity in the arts, combined with our own history of excellence in postgraduate education, makes for a powerful mix. We greatly look forward to welcoming a new generation of diverse students into our community.

I am confident that in so doing we will be preparing the ground for a new art world of tomorrow.”

Powerful exhibition celebrates women artists CURATOR MASHONDA Tifrere is partnering with Christie’s Private Sales in a powerful exhibition that marks a month dedicated to the celebration of women around the world.

Tifrere’s Harlem upbringing, enlivened by the Expressionist art, music and photography that captivated the 1980s, resulted in her prominence as a singer/songwriter, author and activist.

She has since fortified her position as an art leader and cultural disruptor with the creation of Art LeadHer; a platform that has challenged patriarchal history and championed the professional development of marginalised woman artists since its

2016 launch. Entitled Note To Self, the works in this exhibition, rich in individuality yet delicately connected by a sense of liberation, are a visual manifestation of Tifrere’s commitment to showcasing art by living Black artists.

The result of an upbringing inspired by the cultural and artistic significance of the Harlem enaissance, Tifrere has selected works that re ect her own personal ourney and awakening. Varied in their refreshing use of landscapes, gaze, body language and posture, the works in Note To Self encourage viewers to engage with the elements of ease, peace and comfort that are

accumulated along a woman’s path to self-realisation. rom to I wrote five songs, and called the group Note to Self. I created them using my experiences in bliss, compromise, enlightenment, sexuality, and heartache.

“In celebration of Women’s Month, I wanted to visualise the music with art by women who make works that I deem compelling and profound yet ethereal and fierce his e hibition represents the conversations we have in our mind, the poignant affirmations that evolve us Isabel Millar, Specialist, Post-War and Contemporary Art, Christie’s said: “Christie’s is delighted to col-

laborate with Mashonda Tifrere on Note to Self which celebrates a dynamic range of living women artists.

“Tifrere’s commitment to showcasing woman artists and combating gender bias is inspiring and we look forward to presenting the exhibition at Christie’s in London.”

The works of the 15 women artists included in the exhibition uniquely navigate the ever-intertwined, contemporary world, with qualities of oy and wisdom in what ifrere describes as “Feminine Sovereignty”.

The selling exhibition of 24 works will be open to view for free from March 28 to April 14 at Christie’s in London.

SHOWCASE: Mashonda Tifrere

44

| THE VOICE APRIL 2023

Lifestyle

Prize-winning author goes from strength to strength

The second book in a thrilling middle-grade mystery series, Joanna illiams’ latest tale is set in 18th-century London and inspired by real Black British historical gures. By Joel Campbell

T

HE LAST time Lifestyle caught up with Joanna T. Williams, the then aspiring author was in the mix to land a Spread The Word Life Writing Prize for her story, Birds Can Be Heard Singing Through Open Windows, a candid piece about her relationship with her mother.

Longlisted with 11 other authors from a variety of backgrounds, Williams was highly commended for her work and landed £500, a writing mentor, and development meetings with an agent and editor.

That was in 2020 and since then she hasn’t looked back.

A former primary school teacher, Williams champions reading and writing for pleasure.

She brings a wealth of experience as a creative writing facilitator for the British Library and in schools across the UK. Passionate about the power of representation in stories, the ondoner writes fiction to shine a light on the Black British past and inspire historical curiosity.

Her latest work, The Lizzie And Belle Mysteries – Portraits And Poison, is a result of her own deep dive into letter-writer, composer and abolitionist, Ignatius Sancho.

PATHWAYS

The project was developed by Jasmine Richards at Storymix, who creates pathways for UK BME authors and illustrators into the creation of children’s books.

Williams explains: “It’s amazing, I can’t even believe how much has happened since we last spoke. At that point. I was highly commended for the Spread The Word Life Writing Prize and that piece of writing that I sent in was really the first piece of writing that I had shared publicly and I had just gone into this position of leaving my job, hunkering down and writing, writing, writing, everyday, all day.

“The following year I got together with Jasmine Richards at Storymix. We had met at the

British Library – I’d been running a workshop for some teachers about Ignatius Sancho, this amazing writer and composer, an African man living in London in the 18th century who I had become really fascinated by.

“Jasmine had this idea around him and she runs Storymix, which is a fiction development studio with a focus on creating fictional stories for kids that centre Black and brown characters because as we know there is a lack of that representation in children’s literature, in the history curriculum, on all levels.

“So Storymix was working to address that and she came to me with an idea to write a mystery series based on Ignatius Sancho, so I jumped at the chance.”

The Lizzie And Belle Mysteries – Portraits And Poison is actually Williams’ second book in the series.

This follows on from The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger which was published last June.

A daring mystery series set in vibrant Georgian London, The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries is about friendship, girl power and two enthusiastic detectives Lizzie and Belle.

Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle are from different worlds. Lizzie lives and works in her family’s tea shop in Westminster, while Belle is an heiress being brought up by her aunt and uncle at grand Kenwood House – but they both share a love of solv-

SHINING A LIGHT ON THE PAST: Joanna T Williams has a wealth of experience in creative writing

the Earl of

ansfield the

ord

into schools and run assemblies

sweet spot Williams has been working hard for over the past few years and her fervour to be the best she can be is underpinned by the fact she is currently studying for a PHD. Pleased with the way the book has been received, she highlighted the other areas of value that come from her journey so far.

“One of the best things that I have been able to do as a result of writing these books is to go

shops.

“So I’ve been going in and working with smaller groups of young people and getting them to write letters in character, getting them to do a bit of drama and theatre themselves and writing.

“Ultimately I feel it’s all about inspiring our young people to write their own stories and find their own voices and think about what they want to put out there into the world.”

acters Dido Belle and Ignatius “I feel it’s all Sancho, Williams uses her work Chief Justice who was famously based on the real history that inan educator and historian to involved in two important cases spired them,” she enthused. about inspiring as “I’ve been able to do readings encourage children to explore involving slavery, the Somerset case and the Zong massacre for the kids, hear from them, take British hidden histories. young people Black questions about the history, hear The real Elizabeth Sancho case. their responses to the books and and Dido Belle lived in Georto find t eir do what I really love best, which gian London. At this time, little JOURNEY own voices” was recorded of women’s lives, Educating through books is the is to run creative writing working mysteries. It’s the summer of 1777, the night of the grand unveiling of Sancho ansfield s family portrait. But soon enough things take a chaotic turn – the painting has been stolen. This theft is only the start, revealing a terrifying secret that haunts the cobbled streets of London.

A conspiracy is underway, one that has links to the kidnapping of Lizzie’s friend Mercury.

Inspired by real historical char-

and even less so of the lives of Black women and girls. Williams helps unearth this past for children in The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries.

Ignatius Sancho was a proud African man. Born on a slave ship and an orphan, he was sold to a family of three sisters in Greenwich. He worked his way to independence and freedom, running his own grocery store in Westminster.

Dido Belle was great-niece to

AUGUST 2022

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46

TOP SPORTS COVERAGE 24/7 VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK/SPORT

OF SPORT NEWSPAPER

Role models celebrated Level The Playing Field Awards hail efforts of young people to help communities through sport. By Rodney Hinds

I

NDIVIDUALS AND organisations committed to using sport to prevent young people from entering the Criminal Justice System were celebrated at the 2023 Levelling the Playing Field egional wards in Sheffield recently.

The Levelling The Playing Field Awards are designed to recognise the dedication and efforts from young people, role models and leaders in positively impacting their communities through sport across the project’s four delivery areas: South Yorkshire, West Midlands, Gwent and London.

Levelling the Playing Field (LtPF) is this year hosting regional award ceremonies across these four delivery areas. The winners progress in July.

LtPF is a project run by the Alliance of Sport in Criminal Justice, in partnership with the Youth Justice Board. It uses the power of sport and physical activity to engage and improve health and life outcomes for ethnically diverse children who are more likely to enter, or already involved with the Criminal Justice System.

Organised with LtPF’s strategic partners Yorkshire Sport, the event at Concord Sports Centre brought together young people

orld

and leaders from the community organisations in the Levelling the Playing Field network across South Yorkshire, all of whom use sport and physical activity to engage ethnically diverse children and achieve positive change.

Young people, role models, coaches and guests – including representatives from the Youth Justice Service and the Secure Estate – enjoyed activities including wheelchair rugby, dance and basketball.

Among the win-ners of the 2023 South Yorkshire Levelling the Play-ing Field Awards were: Young Person of the Year: Mu-fasser Aslam, Saalik Youth Project Mufasser, 21, has been going to sport sessions in the community of Burngreave since the age of six. He now works with his idol Imran Ali as a coach and role model at Saalkin Youth Project with young people starting on the same journey as his own.

POSITIVE CHANGE: Winners at the Levelling The Playing Field Awards; below left, young people enjoy activities including wheelchair rugby

Mufasser said: “Speaking honestly, if it wasn’t for Saalik, I might be doing criminal things because ours is not the best of areas to grow up in and there’s a lot of negative things

going on that are easily accessible.

“For us, Saalik plays an important role of being held accountable by your coach and peers for what you say or do.

You get questioned on it.

That’s very important.

“You learn responsibility and you learn that all actions have consequences, whether that’s for yourself or other people.”

Young Cohort of the Year: United 4 Community, Rotherham United Community Sports Trust The United 4 Communities (U4C) group is formed from refugees and asylum seekers housed around Rotherham.

The group gets together to play football, improve mental and physical wellbeing and to help integrate into the local community.

Many of its young players have joined local grassroots clubs and some have joined Rotherham United CST as volunteers and have gained coaching ualifications.

“We do a lot of hard work with our United 4 Communities group and I think we’ve earned this award,” said coach Ben Bagshaw. “The impact we’re having on the participants has been awesome.”

hle ics a es significan s e s owards gender e ui

By Rodney Hinds WORLD ATHLETICS is to take a significant number of new steps towards gender equity in the sport this year, including 40 per cent female representation on the World Athletics Council.

These steps are outlined in a series of new and impactful pledges – published in celebration of International Women’s Day – which include implementing individual safeguarding policies in each of their 214 Member Federations, and the extension of our Ukraine Solidarity Fund – enabling dozens of female Ukrainian athletes to take part in World Athletics Series events.

Each of the new pledges is designed to improve gender equity and close the gender gap in athletics as the organistaion enters the third year of their #WeGrowAthletics campaign.

Initially launched on International Women’s Day 2021 with the ambition of eliminating gender bias

in athletics, this campaign has already made notable strides in fulfilling or initiating all of the pledges World Athletics have made in the last 24 months.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, pictured left, said: “I am immensely proud that World Athletics is once again leading the way for gender equity in sport.

It was an important part of the reforms we introduced in 2016.

“In today’s world, it is not enough to provide equal opportunity, we must provide equity.

“In order to achieve true equity in our sport, it

is important that we offer our female athletes, administrators, and officials the tools and environment they need to be empowered to pursue careers at all levels of athletics – be it by setting quotas for female representation on our Council, or providing more e ible learning and development opportunities that better suit women’s commitments – we are absolutely dedicated to making our sport equitable and representative for all.

“I am also proud that, according to research conducted for us by Nielsen, 74 per cent of our fans believe that World Athletics is truly committed to championing equality.

“We are happy to lead the way on gender equity initiatives and set the example for other International Federations.

“However, it is important that all of our stakeholders take an active role in helping us achieve our collective goals in this area. From our Member Federations to Local Organising Committees, to the media and photographers who cover our events, each of us plays a crucial part in achieving equity for women in athletics, sport, and every aspect of life.

“I invite everyone in our sport to do their part in standing up for gender equity whenever and wherever they see a need for improvement.”

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ort

Big-hitting Dubois eager to land shot at world title ndefeated fi ter ants to cli t rou t e o in ran s as uic l as ossi le Matthew Chadder

A

S PART of International Women’s Month, The Voice sat down with one of the UK’s most talented up and coming female boxers, Caroline Dubois. he undefeated fighter spoke with us about the growth of women’s sport, and how it is finally being seen as just sport. he year old has fought three times in quick succession during recent months and was a part of the historic Shields v Marshall bill in October 2022.

She wants to continue to remain as active as possible and keep ying the ag for women everywhere MC: Talk to me about being involved with the Shields vs Marshall event, the most watched women’s boxing event ever, with over two million people tuning in?

CD: It was amazing! I’ll be honest, I didn’t know it was going to be as much of a success as it was. I didn’t expect it to go down as well as it did. I was really an ious of how it was going to be accepted ll my fears got put away the moment I walked into the O2. The crowd, atmosphere and build up was insane. The support from men and women, just boxing fans, was great.

MC: Does that event demonstrate we are finally reaching a point where women’s

RAW POWER: Caroline Dubois, right during her fight with Milena Koleva at the O2 last October (photos: Getty Images

sport isn’t ‘women’s sport’ but just sport?

CD: One hundred per cent. It’s not women’s boxing, it is boxing hat night they did have the highest number of female ticket buyers but the ma ority of the buyers were men Some 60 per cent of the tickets were bought by men hat s great to see because I have trained since I was nine years old and it’s time that I start getting the respect I deserve.

MC: Do you see that trajectory continuing?

CD: It’s going to continue, it’s going to get bigger, bigger fights are going to happen bigger moments are going to happen and it’s going to continue, people are going to take notice and they re going to take interest. Women are just so eager to jump in the ring and risk everything for the opportunity MC: Is it key to have those household names, your Katy Taylors, Shields and Marshalls’?

CD: You need to have people that you could say this is who I want to be It s very important to have role models and people like that When they walk down the street everybody s going to say wow It s very hard to be the first person to do something and it’s nice when you can follow in somebody s footsteps.

MC: Are there any heroes in

particular that stand out to you?

CD: Claressa Shields is a star, in terms of the boxing world and as a person, I feel like she’s a massive inspiration to me and other young girls coming through. She was one of the first female fighters that I saw that I really resonated with how she was and how she con conducted herself. She said that being beautiful is not necessar necessarily how you look but it s when you can get in the ring and you can support your family lso thanks to everybody that turned up to London 2012.

Even though they were laughed at and told, this is never going to work they kept striving I’m so thankful each and

anybody wants to look up to me and my story and what I have achieved and learn from my mistakes then I m thankful

possible. I want to be in big fights s an amateur when you re stepping in the ring you don t know if you re stepping in with the world number one or somebody who is unknown and I miss that fear factor.

I want to be involved in big fights dangerous fights fights again

MC: What are your goals for this upcoming year?

CD: he aim is to have five fights this year one down four to go. I want to continue stepping up the ladder Every fight must be a step up Hopefully by the end of this year I ll be in major contention for a world title. I want to climb through these ranks as uickly as

MC: What is a message you want heard, for girls across the globe, this International Women’s Month?

CD: amily is everything it s hard to get where you are without somebody supporting you Everybody should try and support and help each other and be thankful for what you have!

s an a ateur, ou don t no if ou re ste in in t e rin it t e orld nu er one or an un no n” every one of them did what they did otherwise I probably would not be where I am today MC: What would it mean to you if in five years time I sit here interviewing someone else, and they say, Caroline Dubois is my inspiration?

CD: For me to be a boxer, just a normal young girl to being somebody who people are saying that they re inspired by I m so thankful that I’m in a position where I can do what I do.

If young girls young boys

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APRIL 2023 | THE VOICE

HISTORIC EVENING: From clockwise top left, guests attending included Michelle Moore and Natasha Henry, guests with the PL Trophy, AFTV presenter Robbie Lyle with guest Chantelle Azille, FBL co-founder Rodney Hinds with guest Carlos Moore, Yaya Toure won the Keith Alexander Award, the team behind the Football Black List celebration (photos: Ernest Simons)

Night to remember

Star names out in force as Football Black List celebrates its 15th year. By Matthew Chadder

T

HE FOOTBALL Black List (FPL) returned in person for the first time since 2019 in resounding style recently at the Battersea Arts Centre.

The venue was packed to the brim full of attendees who were eager to be part of such an historic evening.

Founded by Rodney Hinds and Leon Mann, the Black List was celebrating its 15th year and Ashanti George-Faure, who was co-ordinating the event alongside Mann, described the evening as “tremendous”.

Ashanti told The Voice of Sport: “We were at capacity with every seat taken and people stood at the back. It was just incredible to see everyone reconnecting in-person, chatting, swapping numbers and having a great time.”

The event was full of celebration, joy and surprises with the whole FBL team pulling out all the stops, and Ashanti looked back at his highlights from a wonderful evening.

“We just want to say thank you to the Premier League for supporting us”

KEY NAMES: The Voice revealed this year’s Football Black List in February “Janet Kay! Her performance was brilliant, what a way to kick the night off.

Secondly, seeing the glee in people’s eyes as they took pictures with the Premier League trophy.

“Then Yaya Toure winning the Keith Alexander Award. I know how hard he has worked and how much he inspires the next generation not only in the UK but globally, particularly in Africa where he

is idolised across the whole continent, he is going to be an exceptional football manager.”

Previously held at Village Underground in London’s Shoreditch area, Ashanti is of the opinion that the move to the Battersea Arts Centre took the initiative “to another level”. He added: “The aesthetic of the venue makes it stand out and certainly had the wow factor!”

On the back of such a successful evening, it is important to remember that it is by no means mission accomplished, and the event must continue to grow to reach its goal of equality in representation.

“We’ve already begun to look to the

future and there are things we can do to continue to expand such as having even more footballers attend, bigger entertainment acts and more people in attendance to show their moves on the dance oor “We just want to say thank you to the Premier League for supporting us and allowing us to bring back the Football Black List bigger and better than ever.

“Our event team led by Claudia, all of those who helped us on the night, our co-founders Leon and Rodney for their vision and commitment to the cause and finally every single person who attended and made the event what it is!”