The Voice Newspaper July 2022

JULY, 2022 • ISSUE NO. 1932

LET THE GAMES BEGIN WWW.VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK

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Windrush Generation Celebrated

Commonwealth Games special supplement p25-40

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OUR RIGHTS UNDER THREAT C

AMPAIGNERS have urged the black community to stand up for our rights as the government moves to scrap a law used to challenge institutional racism.

The Human Rights Act is facing the axe, which lawyers say is the last defence

against injustice perpetrated by the state.

Race equality think tank the Runnymede Trust warned that black people faced “the most significant threat to civil rights in recent times.”

Community leaders say tensions are at boiling point on the streets caused by police racism, disproportionately high unemployment and the cost of living crisis.

Stafford Scott, pictured, said: “We don’t want a riot but things need to change.”

Read more › pages 16-17

BIRMINGHAM2022.COM/FESTIVAL #B2022FESTIVAL

LET’S GO OUT A CELEBRATION OF CREATIVITY IN THE WEST MIDLANDS

ARTWORK: GAZ BURNS

Inside

ROUNDUP NEWSPAPER

THIS MONTH

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

Mental health matters Exploring blackcentred therapy p3, 4, 6, 8, 50

Fight for our rights Campaigners defend laws to protect black citizens p16

1. Visa racism

African and Caribbean graduates left out of a new government scheme.

2. Bridge death misinformation

Is Britain on the verge of a major uprising this summer? p17

Police investigators admit black man did not have a screwdriver when Tasered.

3. Man jumps to death

First report of man jumping from bridge after being Tasered.

4. Players face racism penalty England manager Gareth Southgate on risks of black players taking spot kicks.

More Caribbeans are adopting African names

5. Serena Williams game set for match

Star, pictured above, gets tennis fans buzzing ahead of Eastbourne.

p24

6. Boycott Ryanair call

Outrage over airline passenger tests in Apartheid language.

Riding for unity Black cyclists put their foot down for change p52

The Voice says We must guard hard-won rights CAMPAIGNERS CELEBRATED thwarting the Home Secretary Priti Patel’s attempt to deport refugees and immigrants to Rwanda.

But, ironically, this victory could come at a massive cost – our human rights.

When the European Court of Human Rights took the last three people off the Rwanda flight (the other 135 had all been given reprieves by British courts) this handed the UK government the ammo they had been waiting for.

No sooner had the European court delivered its rulings, than ministers – and their media cheerleaders — were calling for Britain to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Boris Johnson has long planned to take Britain out of the convention and replace it with a ‘British Bill of Rights’. The Rwanda rulings were the perfect cover.

The government has recently passed a Policing Act which scraps ‘reasonable suspicion’ and effectively introduces Sus Laws 2.0.

The ECHR may be our best hope to stop the police going to town in racially profiling black youths – and risking an uprising like we saw in the 1980s.

European conventions and courts may sound abstract and nerdy, but they matter to the black community, because many of the court victories we have celebrated were rulings based on ECHR. Our feature on page 16 explores the implications for race equality which withdrawal from the convention will have on our ability to challenge the British state on everything from police brutality to wrongful convictions, deportations to storing DNA. The Voice will be campaigning against the forthcoming ‘Boris Bill of Rights’, because our human rights are our last protection against a systemically racist system. Without the ability to use the convention to challenge treatment on the basic principles of human rights, we are left with institutionally racist British courts interpreting law that wasn’t written with our interests in mind, in a country that lacks a constitution.

We must guard our hard-won rights.

7. Questions for new Met boss

What the new head of the Metropolitan Police needs to know.

8. Black Jews balance identities Investigative feature by Leah Mahon.

9. Stars say stop Rwanda flight

Freedom on horseback The urban equestrian p62

Pressure grows to halt UK deportation to central African state.

10. UK bans Lil Wayne

Rapper denied entry by Home Office.

This issue is 64 pages

TAKING A STAND: Our human rights are too precious to ignore (photo: Getty Images)

Got a story? email us at yourviews@thevoicemediagroup.co.uk

NEWSPAPER

EDITOR Lester Holloway E. lester.holloway@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk

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

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

NEWS DESK E. newsdesk@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk

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

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

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JULY 2022

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3

Mental health

Cost of living crisis is having huge impact on mental health

Financial stress can harm people but help is at hand for those struggling to cope, writes Vic Motune

A

FTER COMING to London in 2018, Samuel* worked hard to put money away to help support himself and his relatives back in Ivory Coast.

He settled in south-west London and found work as a builder earning the minimum wage.

Things were going well. But everything changed in August 2021 when he was hit by a car cycling back from work, badly injuring his knee.

The accident left him out of work for several months. Because Samuel was employed by an agency, he wasn’t eligible for any sick pay from his employer and couldn’t access Statutory Sick Pay either, leaving him with no income.

Samuel’s savings were very quickly used up on rent, bills and food and he found himself having to borrow money from friends.

The stress of his financial situation meant he decided to return to work even though his knee had not healed properly.

This year rises in the cost of living have meant that things are even tougher for him.

He and his two flatmates were recently evicted from their Balham flat, because their landlord wanted to put the rent up by £400 a month which they could not afford.

“I often worry about the future” Samuel told The Voice.

“Trying to manage the cost of living in London is a struggle.

We’ve tried to look for another flat but it’s so hard to find something I can afford. I’ll find somewhere, apply for it and am then told, ‘it’s already gone’.”

He continues: “At the moment things are just very, very stressful. My colleagues at work are often asking me if I’m ok because they can see I’m so stressed. Although I’m working now and have had help from a foodbank, I’ve used all my savings to survive. It’s only speaking on the phone with my mom and my dad that gives me hope.”

PRACTICAL SUPPORT: Jeanette Stanley, Director of Manchester’s African and Caribbean Mental Health Services

WORRYING TIMES: A recent survey highlighted the disproportionate impact of the cost of living crisis on black workers (photo: Getty Images)

Samuel is not alone.

A survey published last month (June 2022) by networking group People Like Us and Censuswide highlighted the disproportionate impact that the cost of living crisis is having on black workers.

The survey of 1,639 professionals found that 34 per cent of workers from racially diverse backgrounds said their salary was not enough to cover their mortgage or rent and energy bills, compared to 27 per cent of

those from white backgrounds.

The research found a similar proportion of ethnic minority professionals were accumulating extra debt by borrowing money, compared to 30 per cent of white respondents.

Dr Adrian James, head of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, recently warned the mental health of the nation faces a “threat of pandemic proportions” due to the rising costs of living. He added that those already living with mental illness were “more likely to suffer the consequences of the looming economic downturn”.

Manchester’s African and Caribbean Mental Health Services has, for many years, provided support to people in the local community, who, like Samuel, are experiencing anxiety and stress over money.

Director Jeanette Stanley says that this support has become even more important given the cost of living crisis. “What we try to do

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is provide practical and educational help” she told The Voice.

“When people are anxious over money they become chaotic, and their situation worsens. We bring in experts who can give them useful advice about personal finance, budgeting or benefits as well as continuing to support their mental health so

reasons why someone with a mental health problem might experience money troubles.

We hear from people who have fallen into debt, or who are struggling because they’ve lost their job or had to move house.

Other people struggle with their spending habits or aren’t well enough to open their bills or

We are keen to hear more detail from the government on its 10-year plan for mental health that they will be okay enough to manage whatever situation they’re facing.”

Vicki Nash, Head of Policy, Campaigns and Public Affairs at Mind, told The Voice: “Money and mental health are often linked. Poor mental health can make managing money more difficult and financial difficulties can make your mental health worse. There are many

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keep control of their finances.”

Speaking about how people worried about their finances can manage their mental health, Nash said: “The most important thing is to talk to someone. A trusted family member or friend may be able to offer a listening ear, while our network of local Minds across England and Wales provide a range of quality mental health services.

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Services might include talking therapy, help with housing, support with the process of applying for benefits or help with money problems.

She added: “We are keen to hear more detail from the UK government on its long-awaited 10-year plan for mental health, which must have people with mental health problems at its heart. As well as investment in mental health services, to be successful this plan must set out how different government departments will work together with other agencies to identify and tackle the many contributory factors to poor mental health, including problems with employment, finances, accessing benefits and housing.” * Samuel’s name has been changed to protect his identity For more information on the relationship between money problems and mental health, and organisations that can help with practical solutions, visit www.mind.org.uk/money

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4 | THE VOICE JULY 2022

Mental health

Knowing your roots can improve your mental health

IMPACT: Josina Calliste says it was hard to connect to her Grenadian roots

New study finds link between knowledge of ancestors and well-being. Exclusive by Sinai Fleary

B

LACK BRITS are at risk of serious mental health problems because they do not know enough about their cultural heritage, a landmark new study has revealed.

A total of 21 per cent of black British people surveyed said not knowing enough about their cultural background negatively affected their mental health — hence the reason for feelings of loneliness, imposter syndrome and guilt.

The research, by StoryTerrace — a memoir writing service — also found that a staggering 42 per cent of black British respondents said they are raising their children without having enough information about their cultural heritage.

Rutger Bruining, founder of StoryTerrace, told The Voice: “Knowing the ups and downs that your parents, grandparents and great-grandparents went through helps to give a sense of belonging.”

Mr Bruining is hoping the research “places a new importance on preserving these memories and encourages people to share them with their loved ones, which future generations will benefit enormously from”.

The study was conducted across a nationally representative cohort of 2,090 respondents and paints a worrying picture about the link between knowledge of family history and well-being, for Britain’s black communities.

Stephen Ismail Thomas, right, from Hackney in east London, said that he now feels more complete since finding out more about his lineage after a holiday to Ghana. He then took an ancestry test to dig deeper into his family tree.

He told The Voice: “I got quite upset when I went to Elmina and Cape Coast Castles, even before I got in, it felt like I had been there before. “ G o i n g through that gate gave me a profound

sense of being home and even though I am not Ghanaian, it felt like somebody somewhere in my DNA had travelled through that gate.

“So, by returning home, maybe they can now rest in peace.”

A report from the UK National Commission for UNESCO in 2021 found that heritage is inextricably linked to mental health and well-being.

The report found that knowledge of your cultural background and history promotes a positive sense of self, and increases social support, solidarity and resilience.

In 2020, Mr Thomas took an ancestry test and was keen to find out more about the Caribbean side of his family, as his mother was born on the Dutch-speaking island of Aruba, but her parents were from St Vincent and Montserrat.

His ancestry test revealed he is 90 per cent African, including Ghanaian DNA. He also had links to Angola, Congo, Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Sierra Leone, Senegal and The Gambia.

Five per cent of his results pointed to indigenous Caribbean ancestry, which he believes is from his great-great grandmother who was a Carib Indian from St Vincent.

The father-of-two says the collective results have had a positive impact on his identity after feeling unsure where he belonged growing up.

Mr Thomas is a mindfulness teacher and mentor and believes many of today’s black youth are “missing” a sense of

pride because they do not fully understand their cultural backgrounds and urged the black British community to research their family history.

The study also found similar findings for people from mixed race backgrounds, with 25 per cent of mixed-race respondents agreeing they feel they don’t know themselves fully because they don’t know enough about their cultural heritage.

Josina Calliste is mixed-race and was born to a white mother with Irish, English and Scottish heritage and a black father from Grenada.

She told The Voice her family history on her mother’s side was “well documented”, but she struggled to find out about her father’s side, as much of it was passed on through “oral history and traditions”.

Ms Calliste is the strategic projects lead for Land in Our Names (LION collective). She said the biggest issue that impacted her mental health was the racism her late father had to endure.

Her father passed away when she was a teenager, and Ms Calliste admits it has been hard to connect to her Grenadian roots. “It wasn’t that I didn’t know who I

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was, it was just hard to reach it.

I didn’t go to Grenada growing up, I have only gone once,” she said. “But my family don’t live in Grenada anymore and I only have very distant relatives, so it is hard to connect.”

She recently became a mother for the first time and felt an ancestry test was necessary as

she is keen to “build points of pride for my daughter.”

“I am waiting for the results and I am excited to get them back,” she said.

Ms Caliste wouldn’t recommend an ancestry test for everyone but said those going through the process must make sure “they are ready for it”.

Ultimately, she would like to see more families documenting and preserving their own family history.

She said: “If you have older relatives, talk to them, our black elders can be some of the best storytellers we have.

“Those DNA tests can’t replace the importance of talking.”

Black Brits

Mixed-race Brits

l 25 per cent of Black-British people feel they do not know themselves fully because they don’t know enough about their heritage l 27 per cent of Black-British people have little to no understanding of their cultural background l 42 per cent of Black-British people are raising their children without them or themselves having enough details about their cultural heritage l 27 per cent of Black-British people are aware of their cultural heritage but struggle to identify with it l 21 per cent of Black-British people say that it affects their mental health negatively not knowing enough about their cultural background, for example, breeding feelings of guilt, imposter syndrome or loneliness

l 25 per cent of mixed-race respondents feel they don’t know themselves fully because they don’t know enough about their cultural heritage l 40 per cent of mixed-race respondents say they are an ethnic minority or of mixed-race heritage and have little to no understanding of their cultural background. l 13 per cent of mixed-race respondents agree that they are raising their children without them or themselves having enough information about their cultural heritage l 25 per cent of mixed-race respondents are aware of their cultural background but struggle to identify with it. l 21 per cent of mixed-race respondents say it negatively affects their mental health not knowing enough about their cultural heritage

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6

| THE VOICE JULY 2022

Mental health

A BLACK-CENTRED APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES We look at some of the community organisations delivering culturally informed services. By Vic Motune

L

ITTLE SEEMS to have changed for black people in the mental health system since the tragic death of David “Rocky” Bennett in October 1998.

Rocky, inset, a 38-year-old black man, was a detained patient in the Norvic secure psychiatric clinic in Norwich. He died after being restrained by up to five nurses.

In February 2004, the Independent Inquiry set up to examine the care he received branded the NHS, and especially its mental health services, institutionally racist. It said black and minority ethnic people in the mental health system were “not getting the service they are entitled to. Putting it bluntly, this is a disgrace”.

Nearly two decades later, serious concerns remain. Campaigners have highlighted

how the Mental Health Act has led to disproportionate numbers of black people detained against their will. Recent data from NHS England found black people are more than four times more likely to be detained under the Act, and more than 10 times more likely to be subject to a community treatment order.

Studies also show that while black people, and black men in particular, are more likely than people of other ethnic backgrounds to be diagnosed with severe mental health problems, their engagement with services is still low. But there is hope. The past decade has seen the launch of several initiatives aimed at providing black people facing ill-health with help they need.

Here, we take a look at three such projects...

Continued on p8

SUPPORT: Recent years have seen a number of initiatives launched to better meet the needs of black people (photo: Getty Images)

Irie Minds, Hackney THE IMPACT of growing up with an abusive father had a devastating effect on east London mumof-four Anthea (name changed) while living in Birmingham in the 1980s.

The violence she, her mother and five siblings experienced led to them leaving their home in the city and coming to London in the early 90s.

Even though she had escaped the abuse, what she had been through took a severe toll on her mental health. “I’m a very sensitive soul, very emotional so I bottle things up unlike my two sisters,” she tells The Voice.

Further tough times were to follow. Years after moving to London, her brother took his own life.

Her mother died a few years later. Anthea also dealt with the pressures of being a single parent of four children. After the birth of her daughter, she experienced severe postnatal depression.

In 2009, after suffering a breakdown, she was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

The lifeline she needed came when she was put in touch with Irie Minds.

The project, run by

the Hackney branch of the charity Mind, aims to provide community-based solutions to people of African and Caribbean heritage who are experiencing mental ill-health. The service is led and staffed by black mental health specialists in a bid to reflect the background of its service users who often shy away from mainstream services.

And the individual and group therapy it offers, as well as a range of other activities, are informed by key aspects of African Caribbean culture.

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The goal is to not only prevent users experiencing a mental health crisis but give them a sense of purpose and hope.

“Coming to Irie Minds has helped ground me,” she says. “I still have my struggles, but I’m getting there. If it wasn’t for places like this, I wouldn’t have been well. I probably would have had a relapse and gone back into hospital. And I don’t want to be back in the system.”

Anthea credits Irie Minds with helping her overcome some cultural stigmas that often prevent black people from seeking help.

“Our parents and elders came from the Windrush Generation, they are proud people,” she says.

“When I had my break-

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down, they couldn’t believe it. One even suggested getting a priest to exorcise evil spirits in the house.

“They just don’t understand the issue of mental health because they had it so hard when they came here, especially the racism they had to face.

“When we younger family members like me have our breakdowns, they look at us in disgust and say ‘pull yourself together’.

We’re more likely to bottle things up, but when you do that, things get worse.”

Explaining the project’s approach, Nichola Lauder, pictured left, director of Irie Minds, says: “It’s really about love for the people coming through the door.

“We look for staff who work with their hearts.

For us, it’s about creating relationships from the moment people walk through the door. We slip back all the formalities. As they come in, there are pictures and resources to do with black culture and history which helps create a sense of familiarity.

“We start by asking them what they are looking for, not asking what’s wrong with them.

It’s about starting from a place of positivity, of strength. I think mainstream services are more formal in how they work.

There’s a perception that informal means unprofessional but that’s not true.

Culturally, it’s a different approach.”

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8

| THE VOICE JULY 2022

Mental health

BLACK MINDS IN FOCUS

Mental health organisations are putting black people front and centre of their services Continued from p6

Improving Black Minds, Haringey

The shame that 34-year-old Jehorney Coulson from Enfield felt at being a male victim of domestic violence, made it difficult to speak up about the abuse he faced from his ex-partner.

It was especially tough given his Caribbean heritage.

“There were times when I felt like I wanted to commit suicide,” he tells The Voice.

“I grew up in Jamaica. Over there, if you called the police on your partner after an argument, it made you seem weak as a man.”

However, the continued abuse left Coulson with severe depression. He finally found the courage to talk to his GP about what was going on who then referred him to the Improving Black Minds Project run by Mind in Haringey.

The project, launched in September 2021, offers one to one counselling and therapeutic group support to people it describes as being from “racialised communities”.

According to figures from Mind, Haringey has the sixth highest prevalence of serious

mental illness (SMI) in London. and men from black and minority ethnic groups have the highest prevalence of serious mental illness. It’s estimated that 85% of Improving Black Minds users will report increased mental health and wellbeing after using the service. Coulson was given 13 counselling sessions through the project which eventually led him to getting the support he needed.

“It helped that the sessions were confidential,” he says. “I didn’t know the counsellor so that made it easier for me to open up. Each week after the sessions, I felt a lot better. I still have my ups and downs, but it’s much better than before.

Coulson says he also benefited from the fact that his counsellor was from the same cultural background as he was.

“When I was speaking about certain things, he could relate to me more because he understood the culture and my background. Finding someone to talk to, whether a relative, friend or counsellor is crucial.

There are people who have committed suicide who would be alive today if they had someone to talk to.”

Like Coulson, many first time Improving Black Minds users

Black Health Initiative, Leeds THE BLACK Health Initiative (BHI), a charity in Leeds which runs a wide range of health and community initiatives alongside its

work on mental health, emphasises what it calls cultural intimacy as a way of helping to create a space where people can open up.

BHI CEO Heather Nelson, pictured left, says: “Many of our counsellors are from African or Caribbean heritage.

“Our service users say that when they come to a black counsellor, they don’t have to explain mannerisms.

“So, for example, if a black person kisses their teeth,

AWARENESS: Improving Black Minds has focused on training people in Haringey as mental health first aiders to help tackle stigma (photo: Getty Images). Inset below, Lynette Charles, CEO of Mind in Haringey

are hesitant, something which Nadiyah Davis, pictured inset left, Counselling Service Manager at Mind in Haringey, acknowledges.

“There are a lot of people who present to our service who aren’t even sure about what counselling or one to one therapy is all about,” she says.

“They might feel as though the counsellor is going to tell them what to do and how to change things in their life. But

we wouldn’t be asking for an interpretation of that because culturally are aware of what that means.”

BHI individual, group and talking therapy sessions closely follow guidelines set down by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapists. However, cultural aspects are added.

“At group discussions, we’ll always have Caribbean food. We’ll have music such as reggae or R’n’B. “It sounds really simple but when people

that’s not what counselling is about. Whoever comes to the project will meet with a counsellor who is also from a racialised community. That’s really important in terms of the service user feeling comfortable and hopefully beginning that journey of opening up.”

Lynette Charles, CEO of Mind in Haringey, says that when the project was launched, a unique approach was adopted to the challenge of spreading

are in crisis, music and food can be very soothing. They can be symbols of something familiar, a connection to happier times, which can be important to a person’s recovery.”

Nelson continues: “A big part of the group discussions is asking people what they do to cope when they’re feeling unwell. Some are honest and say they’ll smoke a spliff.

“Others might tell the group how they play squash. I’ve heard the discussions where someone will come and

awareness. “We decided to train people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds as mental health first aiders,’’ she recalls.

“During the two-day training sessions, people sat in a room with others from their own community and that enabled them to speak more openly about some of the stigma that prevented them from reaching mental health services. They then walked

out of those sessions with the skills and confidence to help their family members and others in the community. So far, we’ve trained over 200 people from the black community as mental health first aiders.

“Since then, we’ve also partnered with grassroots organisations such as Somali community groups, mosques and refugee groups and given them money to deliver their own mental well being programmes.”

FAMILIARITY: Many of BHI’s counsellors are of African or Caribbean heritage, to create ‘cultural intimacy’ (photo: Getty)

say ‘what you doing with squash? It’s a white man’s sport’. But before you know it, peer

support and sharing of ideas to support recovery is happening right in front of them.”

JULY 2022 THE VOICE | 9

News feature

Black disabled women hit hardest in crisis

CONSTANT STRUGGLE: Disabled people face additional costs, including higher energy bills for equipment they need (photo: Getty Images)

The soaring cost of living is now hurting many, but some groups are hit harder than others

By Leah Mahon

A

S THE cost-of-living crisis tightens its grips on UK households, those that identify as being both black and disabled are battling the unfolding crisis in more ways than one.

Disabled people have been the hardest-hit main group of people from tax and benefit changes in successive chancellors’ budgets, and black disabled women are the worst hit of all. With inflation at over nine per cent, things look set to get worse still.

Dr Liz Okokon, pictured below, who worked as a specialist paediatric consultant before suffering rheumatic disabilities in 2010 after contracting meningitis, is a campaigner for disabled people’s rights.

She told The Voice the true hardship of the cost-of-living crisis hasn’t been felt yet for millions of households.

“I don’t think we’re ready. I don’t think you know what’s going to happen yet. I don’t think we feel it yet — and this is not to seem like a victim — but to be frank, we are already living in food poverty and health poverty in this country… it’s either you eat or your children eat.

“The pandemic and working from home has brought so many benefits, but it also means that my bills have rocketed. This month, my bill more than doubled to £250 in one month for gas and electricity.”

According to government figures, the average gas bill was £575 a year and electricity bills totalled to £764 in 2021 but that figure has since jumped to almost £700 more.

As the cost of living reared its ugly head, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the roll out of a support package worth up to £1,200 with a £400 grant now offered to cover energy bills, and a further £650 to be given to those receiving different benefits.

PAYMENT

However, the one-off, taxfree payment doesn’t include people on disabled benefits, who will instead receive just £150 to make ends meet.

Lydia, not her real name, who suffers from neurodivergent conditions, told The Voice the £200 loan she received won’t be enough to get people like her through the crisis.

She said that without help, people like her will face starvation.

Both Lydia and Liz need to keep their heating on more than average to ensure their health does not decline.

Lydia said: “It is a drop in the ocean compared to the amount of money that the cost of living is rising by. We have to have real, tangible measures.

We have to have benefits rising in line with inflation.

“We have to restore the £20 uplift to Universal Credit and

make that permanent. We need to make sure that working tax credits for disabled people still exist and that people are still able to apply for them.

“And we also need to make sure that we create policies which mean that people are not falling through loopholes, and can claim benefits that they need and that they should be entitled to.”

Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, director of the Women’s Budget Group, said: “This is a crisis of incomes as well as rising costs.

“We also know that even prior to COVID, over a third of disabled workers were having to cut back on food and heating, which was exacerbated by COVID.

DIETS

“Disabled people also face additional costs, including higher energy bills for equipment they need and special diets.

“Once we move into colder weather in the autumn and winter, when fuel prices are expected to rise still further, this will hit disabled people harder because they are more likely to have to keep their heating on during the day.”

She added: “Rising costs and disproportionately low incomes will put disabled black women in an extremely vulnerable position and meaning they are among the groups most likely to be severely impacted by this crisis.”

AN HISTORIC

10 | THE VOICE JULY 2022

REFLECTION AND CELEBRATION

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INDRUSH ELDERS wept as the longawaited monument to them was unveiled in a star-studded ceremony at Waterloo station on Windrush Day. The pioneers – British citizens in the old empire who were invited to rebuild Britain from 1948 – finally have a statue to represent the story of their journey.

Windrush passengers, now in their mid-90’s, were overwhelmed as the veil fell from the 12-foot-high bronze statue of a Caribbean family standing on their suitcases.

The statue was created by Jamaican sculptor Basil Watson who used his father and daughters for inspiration.

In an emotional service, Baroness Floella Benjamin – who chaired the Windrush Commemoration Committee and has written books about her own journey to England – said: “I arrived on platform 19, just yards

away. Little did I imagine I’d be standing here. People are finally recognising contribution the Windrush generation has made. This is a permanent place of reflection and celebration.”

“

This moment makes me very proud”

”

John Richards, 96

Windrush pioneers were seen shedding a tear after the service which included opera and a blessing from Bishop of Dover Rev’d Rose Hudson-Wilkin.

‘Big John’ Richards, 96, said: “This moment makes me very proud.”

Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge,

were welcomed to the station by The Voice’s Executive Director Paulette Simpson, who was vice-chair of the Windrush Commemoration Committee.

Prince William paid tribute to the Windrush generation: “As we look around us, we can see just how many of the institutions in our country are built by that generation: commerce and manufacturing, sports and science, engineering and fashion.”

Guests included London mayor Sadiq Khan, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, government ministers Michael Gove and Kemi Badenoch, and David Lammy.

The ceremony was broadcast live on a giant screen at the South Bank Centre and Birmingham city centre.

This was followed by a day of celebrations including music, poetry, and a carnival procession. There was also a clipper boat trip to Tilbury Docks, where the SS Empire Windrush landed on 22 June 1948.

Unveiling the National Windrush monument 03

01 01. Alford Gardner (92) - Windrush Pioneer poses on the National Windrush Monument with Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin and Hon Earl Jarrett (CEO JN Group) 02. John Richards (96) - Windrush Pioneer meets The Duchess of Cambridge while Basil Watson (Sculptor of the National Windrush Monument) looks on 03. Well-attended ceremony in Birmingham with the famous Bull Ring in the background 04. Duke of Cambridge addresses the audience gathered to witness the unveiling of the National Windrush Monument at Waterloo Station 05. Tim Campbell, Wilfred Emmanuel, Alford Gardner (Windrush Pioneer), Levi Roots, Rudolph Walker and David Lammy MP celebrate at the unveiling of the Monument with children who participated in the unveiling Christopher,Nathaniel,Zachery and Gabrielle

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02

WINDRUSH DAY

JULY 2022

South Bank screening

Port of Tilbury’s Windrush cruise

06. Just Vibz entertaining kept the vibes going with Caribbean music at the South Bank

06

THE VOICE| 11

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07. Revellers Celebrating Windrush Day at the South Bank

08 09

08. Father and Daughter moment - Alford Gardner and his daughter Paula enjoying the cruise.

09. Alford Gardner visiting at the Port of Tilbury and posing at the Eveswright exhibition 74 years after first arriving there in 1948

07

10. Windrush Day celebrations at the Port of Tilbury 11. John Richards (96) leads the group at the Port of Tilbury 74 years after first arriving there in 1948

11

A Conversation with Basil Watson - National Theatre

13

12

12. Sharon Thompson, Paulette Simpson, Marcia Dixon, Basil Watson and Baroness Benjamin 13. Rufus Norris (2nd front left), CEO of the National Theatre, and Basil Watson, Sculptor (centre) with guests at the NT

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14. Basil Watson shares his vision for The National Windrush Monument at an event hosted by The National Theatre

12 | THE VOICE JULY 2022

News

Ain’t no stopping us now

Black business is on the move in the entrepreneurial city of Birmingham MORE THAN two thousand black business-owners gathered in Britain’s second city of Birmingham for an inspiring day of networking and advice.

Despite three years away due to the COVID pandemic, the UK Black Business Show returned with a bang at Birmingham NEC — and the appetite for entrepreneurship was still burning brightly.

The Voice and JN Bank UK each had a stall at the busy convention, along with over 100 exhibitors including tech and law firms, companies with skin and hair care products,

and financial investments.

Rapper, poet and African historian Akala headlined the main stage, and told the packed audience: “As the black middle class grows and society changes demographically over the next decade, I’d like to see more empathy towards the disadvantaged.”

A series of sessions on branding, funding and more also proved popular. Paulette Simpson, executive director of The Voice and deputy CEO of JN Bank UK, spoke at a session on overcoming challenges and creating black leadership.

Raphael Sofoluke, CEO of

UK Black Business Show, explained why he created the event. “I just wanted a space to inspire and connect black professionals and entrepreneurs, and we’ve become the biggest black business show in Europe doubling in size every year.

You can’t replace face-to-face networking.”

One of the session hosts, former Sky News presenter and current conference facilitator Juliette Foster said networking was important to learn and grow. “When you’re sharing information everybody benefits. We need to lose that shyness because ultimately we

This is an untapped sector of the economy harm ourselves, so go out there and share.

“Why are HSBC, Lloyds Bank, Goldman Sachs here?

Because they can see this is an untapped sector of the economy, that black people are becoming more confident and we can empower ourselves.”

Black and other minority

ethnic (BME) businesses are estimated to be worth £25 billion to the economy, according to the Federation of Small Businesses. But a government review led by Baroness Ruby McGregor Smith also found that Britain could grow by a further 1.3% of Gross Domestic Product if BME people participated in the economy to the same extent as white people.

The Black Business Show returns to London on October 22, at the Business Design Centre, Islington. For more info, visit ukblackbusinessshow.co.uk

BACK WITH A BANG: Main, an audience listened to events on the main stage and Akala, left, was a key speaker; far left, The Voice and JN Bank had stalls at the event; left and above right, delegates chat at the event (photos: Thierry Lagrin)

JUNE 2022

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16 | THE VOICE JULY 2022

News feature

Equal rights and justice facing a serious threat Government plans to scrap the Human Rights Act will remove a vital protection against state racism, experts say

By Richard Sudan

G

OVERNMENT PLANS to scrap the Human Rights Act will have far-reaching consequences for the black community’s ability to challenge racial injustice, experts predict.

Boris Johnson plans to pull Britain out of the European Convention on Human Rights, which has formed the basis of many court victories where black Brits have challenged police brutality and wrongful convictions.

Critics of the government predict a new British Bill of Rights will be far less effective upholding human rights in a systemically racist British justice system.

The Human Rights Act, which enshrines the European Human Rights Convention into UK law, offers a layer of protection, especially those fighting cases against the state.

Human rights lawyer and poet David Neita said the changes would strip away an essential defence and expose people to abuse by the state.

He told The Voice: “Human rights, like the rule of law, provide a safe and equitable shelter for all human beings.

Black people in the UK face the most significant threat to their rights in recent memory “Any government that sets out to dismantle the protections offered by our human rights infrastructure is guilty of not only exposing the people they target to systematic abuse, but also rendering every person vulnerable and insecure within our social fabric whilst demolishing the very foundations of a credible legal order.”

The European Convention, and the European Court of Human Rights, which upholds the convention, has long been a bulwark against state power and has been used by families of death-in-custody victims to seek justice. The Convention was also crucial in holding the Home Office to account over the Windrush scandal.

More recently, lawyers advocating for potential asylum seekers were able to use the convention to ensure around

CHANGE FOR THE WORSE: European Human Rights law has played a major role in legal action taken by the families of black deaths in custody, but could soon be scrapped in the UK. Inset, David Neita has voiced his concern (main photo: Getty Images) 130 of the migrants and refugees, who were due to be deported to Rwanda, remained in the UK. The government has used the example of Rwanda as evidence as to why the Human Rights Act has to go, by linking the European court to Brexit, even though it is completely separate from the EU. An independent panel set up by the government last year found there was ‘no case’ for reform of the Human Rights Act, but ministers led by Johnson and Dominic Raab want to press ahead regardless.

Media reports suggest Raab wants to push the major change through parliament without it being scrutinised by parliamentary committees.

Dr Halima Begum, director of the Runnymede Trust, commented: “The Human Rights Act has played a fundamental role in progressing racial

@thevoicenewspaper

equality. It guarantees that human rights and fundamental freedoms are applied without discrimination, and it has enabled people to secure their right simply to live without prejudice, and secure justice for those who were not afforded this right.

“As more racist legislation is set to become law, black people in the UK face the most significant threat to their civil rights in recent memory.

“Overhauling our Human Rights Act would limit our ability to challenge things like Voter ID proposals, revoking citizenship for those with ties elsewhere, or deporting refugees to Rwanda against the public will.”

Dr Begum believes that a proposed Bill of Rights would dilute the protections for black and minority ethnic individuals and groups, and create new barriers denying them effective

@thevoicenews

means to enforce those protections.

This would disproportionately hurt those communities who already have to fight for their rights, fight to belong, and fight to secure justice, and harm the UK’s reputation as a champion of equality and human rights.

FAMILY

Stefanie Alvarez, co-chair of Save Latin Village campaign and a pupil barrister at Imperium Chambers, outlined how the Human Rights Act had helped her family as well as being a vital tool in the law she practices.

She said: “The Human Rights Act is one of the few laws that encapsulates all humans, regardless of their memberships, ethnicity, class or citizenship.

“I think back to when I arrived in the UK as a child refugee from Colombia in the year 2000 and how monumental

voicenews

the 1998 Act was for my family and I, having come from a country where conflict was rife and seeking asylum was detrimental to our lives.”

The government argues the proposed British Bill of Rights would “restore a proper balance between the rights of individuals, personal responsibility and the wider public interest”.

But many have their doubts.

Ministers say a new Bill of Rights will make it easier for the government to deport ‘foreign criminals’ by restricting the circumstances in which their right to family life would trump public safety and the need to remove them.

Labour’s former shadow attorney general and self-styled ‘activist-lawyer’ Baroness Shami Chakrabati described the plans as “constitutional butchery”, while Amnesty International said it was a “full-frontal assault on our rights.”

www.voice-online.co.uk

JULY 2022 THE VOICE | 17

News feature

History in danger of repeating itself

FLASHPOINT: The 1985 riots in Brixton were triggered by the shooting by police of a black woman (photo: Getty Images)

We don’t want a riot but government must tackle conditions that cause unrest, say community leaders

By Richard Sudan

T

HIS SUMMER is predicted to be a long, hot one — conditions that could create a tinderbox that could ignite caused by the long build up of anger over racist policing.

Add in the cost of living crisis — which is predicted to hit the black community hardest — factor in unemployment rising three times as fast for black workers during the COVID pandemic, plus the fact that the community was worst affected by a decade of austerity cuts, and it is understandable that tensions are running high.

Heavy-handed policing of black citizens has got worse in the eyes of many, following a series of stories over the conduct of ‘Babylon’s enforcers’ over the past few months in particular.

With police now enjoying new powers to stop and search without ‘reasonable suspicion’ — labelled the Sus Laws 2.0 — some community leaders see parallels with social conditions before the uprisings of 1981, and fear it may only take one spark to light the fuse again.

“We don’t want to riot,” said Stafford Scott, a community or-

ganiser and youth worker, who was present during the 1985 riots in Broadwater Farm, Tottenham.

Scott said the government must tackle the conditions that cause unrest. “They’re not just bringing back Sus laws, nowadays you don’t even have to behave suspiciously. They can just stop you for any reason.

Every day they are unlawfully strip-searching black kids.

“What we need is to build a movement. A riot happens in a moment. We need a movement that keeps moving.”

SIGNS

Veteran anti-racism campaigner Lee Jasper, once an advisor on policing to the former London Mayor Ken Livingstone, said all the warning signs were there for police and the government.

If there is unrest, it will be because those in authority lack the political will to deal with the causes of tension, such as lack of investment and jobs, and the ability of families to put food on the table.

He said: “Some 41 years since the uprisings of 1981, we see history repeating itself today. The reality is this government has massively amplified systemic racism, and its impact has been devastating on our communities.

CALL FOR ACTION: Youth worker Stafford Scott, who was present during the 1985 riots in Broadwater Farm, says a movement is needed to avoid a repeat (photo: Getty Images) They’re busy ramping up the prison-industrial complex, and in response to the rise of Black Lives Matter and climate change movements, they’re giving the police unprecedented powers that, in effect, represent a codification of racism into British law.”

There is an acute lack of trust among black communities toward policing in London. For black communities, already dis-

proportionately subjected to unjust, often brutal and sometimes deadly policing, there is a sense that things could become even worse.

The Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Act gives police more power to clamp down on protests to increase surveillance, and to stop and search individuals on a hunch. Black people are already far more likely to

be racially profiled. Amnesty International UK noted in January, that a “huge expansion in stop and search will obviously be disproportionately deployed against black people who are already much more likely to be stopped and searched, to be Tasered, or even to die in police custody”.

From the strip searches of schoolgirls Child Q and Olivia,

to the outrage over the sharing of photos of the dead bodies of Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman, to the extreme racism exposed at Charing Cross police station, the Metropolitan police have rarely been out of the headlines.

Then, there is the brutal detainment of Ian Taylor in 2019 who was denied life-saving treatment, and the tragedy of Oladeji Adeyemi Omishore who, suffering a mental health crisis, fell from Chelsea Bridge into the River Thames following multiple Taserings by the Metropolitan Police.

Community leaders believe the government has the ability to prevent the powder keg from exploding, but Jasper thinks it’s all part of their plan. “Such is the provocation that if I didn’t know better, I’d think the Tories were trying to provoke a civil disturbance enabling them to fly the law and order flag and introduce even more draconian legislation.”

Whether or not there is any unrest — and The Voice hopes there is not — it is clear that communities need to organise like never before to demand change in policing, economic improvements, better and cheaper housing, and properly funded public services.

18 | THE VOICE JUNE 2022

This World Sickle Cell Day (WSCD), 19th June, Novartis launched the Code This World Sickle Cell Day (WSCD), 19th June, Novartis launched the Code Red campaign which aims to shine a light on the impact of sickle cell disorder Red campaign which aims to shine a light on the impact of sickle cell disorder (sickle cell) in the UK by putting those with the condition at centre stage. (sickle cell) in the UK by putting those with the condition at centre stage.

Sickle cell cell mainly affects Sickle mainly affects people of African or people of African or Sickle cell is a complex, Sickle cell is a complex, African-Caribbean origin, African-Caribbean origin, geneticgenetic blood blood disorder disorder however, the sickle gene is is however, the sickle gene which is inherited which is inherited found in allinethnic groups. found all ethnic groups. from both It is It is fromparents. both parents.

Prevalence is increasing Prevalence is increasing estimated that there estimated that there are are inUK thebecause UK because in the of of with sickle 15,000 15,000 peoplepeople with sickle immigration into the immigration into the 1 cell UK. in the UK. 1 cell in the 2 2 country and new births. country and new births.

What is sickle cell? cell?

What is sickle

Sickle cell is is a adisorder Sickle cell disorderof of thethe haemoglobin haemoglobinininthe thered red blood cells.

Haemoglobin blood cells.

Haemoglobinisis thethe substance ininred substance redblood blood cells that is is responsible cells that responsiblefor for thethe colour ofof the colour thecell celland andfor for carrying oxygenaround aroundthe the carrying oxygen body.

Individualswith withsickle sickle body.

Individuals cell have sickle-shaped cell have sickle-shaped

red cellsinstead instead red blood blood cells 1 of round.

1 of round.

Sickle cell comes comeswith with Sickle cell significant challengesfor for significant challenges both andmental mental both physical physical and health and health and can canimpact impact everyday living, everyday living,as aswell well as educational educational and as andcareer career

prospects.

The most 3 prospects.

The most common symptoms common symptoms of of sickle cell include painful sickle cell include painful episodes (also called episodes (also called sickle cell crisis or vasosickle cell crisis or vasoocclusive crises (VOCs)), occlusive crises (VOCs)), anaemia, fatigue, andand anaemia, fatigue, increased riskrisk of serious increased of serious 4 4 infections. infections.

3

References: 1. Sickle Cell Society. About Sickle Cell Disease. Available at: https://www.sicklecellsociety.org/about-sickle-cell/ [Accessed: June 2022]. 2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2012). Sickle cell disease: managing acute painful episodes in guideline [CG143] [Online] at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg143/chapter/Introduction [Accessed: JuneJune 2022].2022].

3. Osunkwo I, et al.Institute Impact of celland disease patientsʼ daily lives, symptoms reported, and disease management strategies: References:hospital 1. SickleClinical Cell Society.

About Sickle Cell Available Disease. Available at: https://www.sicklecellsociety.org/about-sickle-cell/ [Accessed: 2. National forsickle Health Careon Excellence (2012).

Sickle cell disease: managing acute painful episodes in Results from the international Sickle Cell World Assessment Survey (SWAY). Am J Hematol. 2021;96:404–417. 4. National Health Service (2019). Overview – Sickle cell disease. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sickle-cell-disease/ [Accessed: June 2022]. hospital Clinical guideline [CG143] [Online] Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg143/chapter/Introduction [Accessed: June 2022]. 3. Osunkwo I, et al. Impact of sickle cell disease on patientsʼ daily lives, symptoms reported, and disease management strategies: Results from the international Sickle Cell World Assessment Survey (SWAY). Am J Hematol. 2021;96:404–417. 4. National Health Service (2019). Overview – Sickle cell disease. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sickle-cell-disease/ [Accessed: June 2022].

JUNE 2022

THE VOICE| 19

Haematology tology �JENICA’S�STORY� Celebrating our heritage Haematology tology �JENICA’S�STORY� Jenica Leah is a successful, 32-year-old, Birmingham-based, Celebrating our heritage

award-winning author of a children’s book series and founder Jenica Leah is a successful, 32-year-old, Birmingham-based, of her own publishing company, JLG Publishing. Jenica is award-winning author of a children’s book series and founder also a blogger, as well as a specialist speaker on sickle cell of her own publishing company, JLG Publishing. Jenica is and invisible illnesses. Jenica has achieved all of this despite also a blogger, as well as a specialist speaker on sickle cell living with sickle cell. and invisible illnesses. Jenica has achieved all of this despite living with sickle cell.

The challenges of growing up with sickle cell

Jenica stresses the importance of taking control of your own health and doing your own research, stresses the importance of taking control so you feelJenica completely informed when you yourhealthcare own healthprofessionals. and doing your own research, are talkingofwith This but never really had a full explanation about what Philip, Laurel, Dunstan, Zainab so you feel completely informed when you remembers not being able to do things like her peers, allowed her to understand the ‘health jargon’ sickle cell was or how it would affect her. A lack of are talking with healthcare professionals. This but never really had a full explanation about what and be more ‘in-the-know’ when it came to her information about the symptoms and complications allowed her to understand the ‘health jargon’ sickle cell was or how it would affect her. A lack of condition. She explains: “Being in tune with your led to a lack of confi dence when discussing it with and be more ‘in-the-know’ when it came to her information about the symptoms and complications own health, being aware of your triggers and healthcare professionals and friends. condition. She explains: “Being in tune with your led to a lack of confi dence when discussing it with jotting them down is helpful. Always acknowledge own health, being aware of your triggers and healthcare professionals and friends.

Jenica had a stroke at the tender age of 13. The if a medication makes you have a particular jotting them down is helpful. Always acknowledge realisation of how serious sickle cell was, to both You must have a bank of facts and Jenica had a stroke at the tender age of 13. The side-effect. if a medication makes you have a particular herself and her mother prompted them to conduct become an expert in the condition.” realisation of how serious sickle cell was, to both side-effect. You must have a bank of facts and their own research into the condition and the herself and her mother prompted them to conduct become an expert in the condition.” complications that could result.

Greater support is needed for mental health their own research into the condition and the Jenica believes her mental health and wellbeing complications that could result.

Greater support is needed for mental health Pain crisis has inevitably been affected by the hurdles she Jenica believes her mental health and wellbeing Episodes ofPain paincrisis known as sickle cell crises are one has faced has during her sickle cell journey. inevitably been affected byOn thea hurdles she of the mostEpisodes commonof and distressing symptoms of positive note, Jenica has noticed thatcell young pain known as sickle cell crises are one has faced during her sickle journey.

On a 1 sickle cell disease. of the most common and distressing symptoms of people arepositive startingnote, to talk about mental Jenica hastheir noticed that young sickle cell disease.1 health much moreare now, as well healthcare people starting to as talk about their mental Describing her own experience of pain crises as an teams signposting more towards appropriate health much more now, as well as healthcare adult, Jenica explains: “A crisis is absolutely horrible…

Describing her own experience of pain crises as an support, such as signposting therapy, butmore she would still like to teams towards appropriate I was ticking off this list of chronic“A complications one horrible… adult, Jenica explains: crisis is absolutely see more support being offered up but front forwould thosestill like to support, such as therapy, she by one.” Following her stroke, on blood I was ticking off thisJenica list of was chronic complications living one with chronic diseases like sickle cell. see more support being offered up front for those �THE�CODE�RED�WEBSITE� transfusionsbywhich iron overload aroundwas the on blood one.” caused Following her stroke, Jenica living with chronic diseases like sickle cell. liver and resulted in a condition called intrahepatic �THE�CODE�RED�WEBSITE� transfusions which caused iron overload around the Impact on relationships provides useful resources to cholestasis.liver Sheand thenresulted experienced acute chest in a condition called intrahepatic has sometimes felt like a “burden” Impact on relationships provides useful to syndrome which startedShe when she was 16 years of chest Sadly, Jenica cholestasis. then experienced acute support people living withresources sickle in past relationships and believes it hasfelt even Sadly, Jenica has sometimes like a “burden” age and resulted in her being admitted to she the was critical syndrome which started when 16 years of support people living cell, as well as information for with sickle contributed to the breakdown of at least one in past relationships and believes it has even care ward inage hospital.

“I was literally given a 50:50 to the critical and resulted in her being admitted cell, as in well as information previous relationship.

However, instead viewing contributed to the breakdown of at least one those interested learning about for chance of whether I would survive or not,” she says. care ward in hospital.

“I was literally given a 50:50 this negatively, she acknowledges that its up previous relationship.

However, instead of viewing those interested in learning about chance of whether I would survive or not,” she says. the condition: to the individual how theyshe respond to someone Now armed with information that she had researched this negatively, acknowledges that its up the condition: having sickle cell.

Jenica does, however, findto it someone by herself about her sickle Jenica learnt to adjust to the individual how they respond Now armed withcell, information that she had researched hard to trust people sometimes and explains: to new situations and manage her condition to cope having sickle cell.

Jenica does, however, find it by herself about her sickle cell, Jenica learnt to adjust �MANAGING�YOUR� “Maybe I have some trust issues when it comes to hard to trust people sometimes and explains: with new experiences and phases of her life.

“I’m to new situations and manage her condition to cope �MANAGING�YOUR� �SICKLE�CELL� and allowing to have a say in it….

I have people some trust issues when it comes to quite a determined she says. with newperson,” experiences and phases of her life. “I’mmy health “Maybe �SICKLE�CELL� Build a discussion guide for your my and allowing people to have a say in it…. but I’m still okhealth with being me.” quite a determined person,” she says.

Build aconsultation discussion guide for your Always a person to pursue her goals in life, Jenica was but I’m still ok with being me.” next healthcare Always a person to pursue her goals in life, Jenica was a successful model for a time but had to stop following next healthcare consultation Looking to the future forof a time but had to stop following a diagnosis aofsuccessful avascular model necrosis the hips.

Download an ‘in-crisis’ eCard to the her future Jenica hasLooking found writing children’s book a diagnosis of avascular necrosis of the hips.

Download an ‘in-crisis’ eCard for emergency situations Jenica has found writing herexercise. children’s book series, ‘My Friend Jen’, a therapeutic In pursuit of a better quality of life, Jenica successfully for emergency situations series, ‘My Friend Jen’, a therapeutic Her inspiration for her books came from her exercise. pursuit of a better quality Jenicashe successfully requested aInhip replacement at the age of life, 25, which Herasinspiration forlonging her books came from experiences a child and for a book to her requested a hip replacement the age 25, which she felt necessary due to the number of pain at killers sheof was �BECOME�A�SICKLE�CELL� experiences as ahelped child and longing for a book to refer to which could have her understand felt necessary due the number of pain killers she was �BECOME�A�SICKLE�CELL� taking to control the pain of hertoavascular necrosis. �SUPPORTER� refer to which could have helped her understand taking to control the pain of her avascular necrosis.her condition and the complications that come �SUPPORTER� her condition and says: the complications that with having sickle cell. She “More children in come Becoming an expert in your own health Test your sickle cell knowledge with having sickle cell.

She says: “More the UK are now being born with sickle cell and a children in Becoming an expert in your own Test your sickle cell knowledge When describing her personal transition fromhealth with the quiz the UK are now being born with sickle cell and a When describing herexplains personalthat transition from book needs to be a resource for them growing up.” childhood to adulthood, Jenica the with the quiz book needs to be a resource for them growing up.” childhood adulthood, Jenica explains Learn about sickle cell biggest difference wastothat she started to be ‘seen’that the about sickle cell Always the optimist, Jenica strives to put a positive biggest difference was that she to be ‘seen’ in healthcare consultations discussing her started condition: symptomsLearn and play the Sickle Always she the optimist, to put a positive in healthcare consultations discussing her condition: spin on anything writes to Jenica inspire strives those with symptoms and play the Sickle “I was spoken to, rather than spoken about,” she says.

Invaders game spin on anything she writes to inspire those with “I was spoken to, rather than spoken about,” she says. sickle cell to go on to lead a successful and happy Invaders game sickle cell to go on to lead a successful life - as she has done. She will no doubt achieve and happy As a younger patient, she did not have the life - as she has done.

She will to notick doubt As a younger patient, she did not have the many more accolades as she continues off achieve opportunity to talk about her sickle cell or question many more accolades as she continues opportunity to talk about her sickle cell or question her goals and lead a full and inspirational life thatto tick off those advising her about her treatment plan, as she her goals and lead a full and inspirational life that those advising her about her treatment plan, as she goes way beyond her sickle cell diagnosis. looked to her parents to answer on her behalf. goes way beyond her sickle cell diagnosis. looked to her parents to answer on her behalf.

Code Red ambassadors

from left to right: Reflecting on her own childhood, Jenica clearly Code Red ambassadors ofdo growing Philip, Laurel, Dunstan, Zainab remembersThe not challenges being able to things up likewith her sickle peers, cell from left to right: Reflecting on her own childhood, Jenica clearly

SwitchUpOnSickle.co.uk SwitchUpOnSickle.co.uk

Reference: 1. NHS UK, Symptoms – sickle cell disease. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sickle-cell-disease/symptoms/Date accessed: June 2022.

Reference: 1. NHS UK, Symptoms – sickle cell disease. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sickle-cell-disease/symptoms/Date accessed: June 2022.

UK | June 2022 | 220173 UK | June 20

20 | THE VOICE

JULY 2022

Dotun Adebayo

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

News

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

Live black or turn white

We’re all in danger of going Full English unless we take the time to get back to basics

W

HEN YOU’VE been living in a white man’s country too long, there comes a moment when you realise “S**t, I’m white, too.” Or at least becoming white — more and more each day.

And if not becoming white, you’re certainly not black any more or are in the process of losing your blackness. If we are still conflicted about that, one thing we can all agree on is that after nearly a lifetime in Britain, you are no longer African or Caribbean, or wherever else you came from.

This fact was not lost on me when I met up with the former Manchester City defender, the elegant Nedum Onuoha the other week. I tried to drop a little itsekiri tribal greeting on him, ‘cos my mum is from dem parts in Nigeria where his mum is from.

But it didn’t work on him. It wouldn’t have worked on me either. Just listen to the way he speaks, he’s a Manc through and through.

CLASSIC

Listen to the way I speak.

Which part of the way I speak doesn’t say Totty, north London? All day long.

Look at Idris. He’s still the bookies’ favourite to become the next James Bond. Everybody knows it makes sense — the fans, the critics, the money people. It will be the biggest box office draw since the Rumble in the Jungle. Not because he’s West African, but because he’s from Hackney.

And the real fear for the Bond franchise must be that if they go with Idris, Daniel Craig may be the last white Bond.

IN THE FRAME: Idris Elba is the bookies’ favourite to be the next James Bond (photo: Getty Images)

Idris will be a box office draw — not because he’s West African, but because he’s from Hackney Do they not say, when you go black, you don’t go back?

Don’t get me wrong, Idris did an amazing job in the role of an African guerrilla leader in Beasts of No Nation, but I bet you he does an even better job as the quintessential MI6 spy if and when he gets the nod to succeed Craig. Hear me out!

I’m the only one of us in this conversation who has actually been in a James Bond film (Diamonds Are Forever) so I know what I’m talking about.

When the role demands a classic Englishman, call Idris.

He is as English as the weald… or wold.

If Idris Elba doesn’t get the role of James Bond now, he will never get it, and it will be the biggest travesty of the movies since the Duke of Wellington beat Napoleon Bonaparte, the greatest soldier the world has ever known, in the battle that

WARNING: Actor David Harewood whites-up for a hard-hitting voter registration campaign by Operation Black Vote (photo: OBV)

Abba turned into a Eurovision song contest video.

Talking of heatwaves, you’ll know when you’ve been living in a white man’s country too long when you jump out of the fire because you can’t take the heat no more.

Let’s face it, being black ain’t easy. Not only do you have to style it out with your neighbours that everything is cook and curry, but they also expect you to be militant because Black Lives Matter blah-blah-blah.

As far as your neighbours are concerned, you’ve got every right to be an angry black man after 400 years-plus of enslavement and all the institutional racism that you have to go through

every day just to maintain.

And, I know they mean well, but they can trap you into a victim paradigm.

Trust me, you can get tired of a lifetime of civil rights and, before you know it, you’re tired of all this ‘living on the front line’.

You can’t blame Al Sharpton for feeling that way. The new Spike Lee joint is called Loudmouth and it’s Sharpton’s story.

Of course, he was a loudmouth when I walked side by side with him through the streets of Brixton in the late 1980s. But as well as shedding all the timber he was carrying as a noisy firebrand, you can’t blame him for wanting a bit of peace and quiet and passing on the baton of civil rights campaigning to his understudy, Ben

Crump, whose Netflix life story is out now.

More than anything, you know when you’ve been living in a white man’s country too long when the midday sun becomes a health hazard and you are constantly looking shade (in the old school sense) and looking forward to winter. And even more so when the sun burns you.

It’s a shock that it could ever happen to you, I know. You didn’t listen to the warnings.

You expect all that melanin to protect you from sunburn. But when you’ve been living in a white man’s country too long, you take it for granted and start disrespecting the programme when you need to stick to the flipping script.

You can’t expect to be African

when the sun comes out if you don’t live African. And to live African you’ve got to be African in your mindset and in your body.

When you haven’t been eating the food that Africans eat in the heat, and when you haven’t been imbibing in their favourite lubrication, how do you expect your natural African skin protection to put its science around you?

Nah, man, it don’t work like that. You need to get back to basics somewhere in the motherland and learn to be black and African again.

And if all else fails, to find out if you’ve been living in a white man’s country too long, take a look in that mirror and face it. Is that white guy/girl you’re looking at?

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

JULY 2022 THE VOICE |

Lyndon Mukasa

21

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

Eye on the Diaspora

Colonial dark side of conservation

Shooting of Maasai tribe members protesting at eviction to make way for trophy hunting range highlights history of conservation being used as a weapon against indigenous people

A

S FEARS grow over a ‘sixth mass extinction’ amid climate breakdown, conservation movements have spread across the world in an effort to preserve biodiversity for future generations.

There have been many examples of conservation efforts by indigenous peoples across the global south for centuries, but in a tragic yet unsurprising twist, many Western models of conservation still function as a continuation of the philosophical and racist foundations of colonialism that seek to extract and exploit land, people and resources. Across the world, indigenous communities inhabit over 80 per cent of all protected land.

EVICTIONS

Survival International said thousands of Maasai people fled their homes following a crackdown on protests against government attempts to evict them to make way for trophy hunters and conservation.

Last month, police arrived in Loliondo, Tanzania, near the Serengeti National Park, to demarcate an area of Maasai land as a game reserve. Survival International said they later fired on Maasai protesting at efforts to evict them and at least 31 people were shot, and 13 wounded with machetes. One person reportedly died.

In Botswana, the San peoples have been repeatedly resettled by force from their traditional homeland in the Kalahari to make way for a game reserve.

In 2014, their way of subsistence hunting with spears, bows and arrows was made illegal by the government of Botswana, even though this ban did not apply to private game ranches or fee-paying big game hunters, who are actively being encouraged to continue hunting for sport.

To make matters worse, a $4.9 billion diamond mine had been opened in a reserve, raising serious questions about

In most cases, quality of life decreases for displaced people whether Botswana’s conservation efforts are really about conservation, or whether it is a continuation of the colonial project to push indigenous peoples off resource-rich land in order to access natural resources.

Many San people seem to think so, since the reservations that they have been moved to have been described as “places of death” where alcoholism, depression and Aids has been disproportionately represented in their communities.

Evictions of indigenous communities from land that has been occupied for thousands of years is sometimes thought of by supporters as an improvement to the standards of living of such communities and a way to “bring them into modernity”.

Such racist and condescending thoughts underlie the fact that old ideas rooted in colonialism and imperialism such as the “white man’s burden” have simply been repackaged to fit contemporary sensibilities.

The reality is that in most cases, the quality of life decreases for such people displaced from their land.

There are rarely any integration programmes in place to facilitate the transition from one way of life to another.

Often, as demonstrated with indigenous groups from the Amazon, they enter the nation state already marginalised and desperate, making these communities vulnerable to all forms of exploitation at the bottom of a classist and racist society.

In recent years, many NGOs and conservation groups and organisations have been accused of facilitating violence

SUFFERING THE IMPACT: An elderly Maasai man wounded in the attack on protesters in Tanzania (photo: Survival International) against indigenous peoples on protected land.

Organisations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and African Parks have been accused of cover-ups as well as removing indigenous peoples off protected land.

This has been the case with the Baka people of Cameroon, who have been restricted from accessing their traditional lands, with incidents of attacks being reported.

For the WWF’s part, they have argued that the attacks are largely related to internal, ethnic and political issues in the countries they operate for whom they have no direct control over. However, this claim is contested by indigenous rights group Survival International, who argue that the WWF has been aware of such abuses for many years and has

refused to update its engagement with governments.

Moreover, Survival International has identified a failure to implement adequate monitoring for those working in conservation under the WWF banner. According to Survival

forced off their lands on to reservations in order to facilitate the expansionist agenda at the time.

The parallels between the justification for conservation that negatively impacts indigenous communities in the US

Indigenous communities are far more effective at protecting the environment than organisations International, there is a need to update the approach to conservation around the world. The idea that for nature to thrive, it must be completely sterilised of human habitation is a falsehood going back to the establishment of national parks in the US in the late 19th century. During this period, Native Americans were violently

then, and the plight of indigenous communities across Africa, South America and Asia today cannot be understated.

Behind this falsehood hides the reality that humans have been just as much an integral part of the ecosystem for over 11,000 years in ways we are just beginning to understand now. In the Amazon rainfor-

est, there is evidence that indigenous populations managed huge portions of the rainforest and maintained it right up to the 19th century.

In New Zealand, the indigenous Maori peoples established protected forests to avoid over using the land and its resources. The fact is that before colonialism, people had been living in and had created genuinely successful conservation movements.

Currently, there is an increasing need to recognise that indigenous communities have been and are far more effective at maintaining and protecting the environment than external organisations are.

With the ongoing climate crisis, it is vital more than ever that indigenous communities are engaged as part of the solution, rather than as an obstacle to it.

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

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22 | THE VOICE JULY 2022

Advertising feature

Let intergenerational wealth bloom DREAMING BIG: Nina Mohanty wants to create products that fit into communities’ lives. Inset, with Bloom co-founder and chief technology officer Dan Sorahan

FinTech company founder Nina Mohanty wants to inspire migrant communities to improve their financial situations. By Anshu Taneja

N

INA MOHANTY is the founder and CEO of Bloom Money, a FinTech company that inspires migrant communities to build generational wealth with simple technology. She is a firm believer in improving monetary literacy to rethink the way customers interact with financial services. Nina appears in the Tech Women 100 Awards and also the Innovative Finance Women in the Fintech Power List.

AT: Why does financial technology inspire you?

NM: I have dedicated most of my career to FinTech because in the last 10 years, it has had a huge effect on the way we live and the way we think about and manage money. At university, I got myself into debt and talking about money was a taboo.

The bank advised (in very small print) on 0% APR, or that it was free credit, and we have all been trapped in this because we were not educated otherwise. So, I racked up significant debt. The bank was unforgiving.

FinTech companies allowed me to pay that debt down, start saving money and encouraged investing.

I have worked at Swedish company Klarna and a London start-up called Bud, but I really fell in love with FinTech when I started my career at Mastercard.

I thought they were a bank but they are actually a card scheme and so many FinTech companies emulate them. I learnt how other entrepreneurs were solving problems using technology, and that inspired me. Since then, my whole career has been

I learned how other entrepreneurs were solving problems using technology — it inspired me devoted to how technology can make people’s financial lives better. How can we give people the tools they need to reduce debt, build wealth in order to send their children to school and send money back home?

That is the driving force that inspires me about FinTech.

AT: Why did you launch Bloom Money?

NM: When I was building these financial services products, I would always be creating it for the same user type — typically an upper middle class tech worker with disposable income who wanted to get on the housing ladder and who visited Marbella every summer. That’s fine, but I thought: ‘What’s the point of all this technology if we can’t apply it to the people that could really benefit from it?’ This led me to create Bloom.

AT: One of your products is Bloom Circles – is that an old or new concept?

NM: I talked to hundreds of people and discovered that many were taking part in ‘informal’ financial systems with their community, friends, and

people from the church and mosque. Although this was great because it was communal and social, it didn’t always work because the longer people engaged in informal financial systems, the more they locked themselves out of formal financial systems.

For example, there are stories of people who have saved enough money for a mortgage deposit but then the bank says ‘No, we don’t know who you are, you don’t have a credit score.’ People don’t exist in the system.

Another issue was that entire generations would take part in these ‘Circles’ which go by different names all around the world. So, in India they are called ‘chit’ funds, in Taiwan they’re called ‘kwey’, Somalis called it ‘ayuuto’ or ‘hegbad’, Nigerians call it ‘ajo’ or ‘esusu’, Caribbean communities call it ‘pardna’, and Bangladeshi and Pakistanis call it ‘kameti’. The funny thing is that everyone thinks they invented it, but it’s been going on for decades, perhaps centuries.

I realised it was almost always cash based, which is cumbersome to withdraw and deliver, unsafe, and you would not be rewarded when using it.

If something simple like your phone contract is able to build up your credit score, why can’t this? Therefore, we are making the old new again, and bringing this tradition, which is part of so many of our cultures, into the 21st Century!

AT: Are people’s behaviours leading to new financial products?

NM: A big thing I struggled with is that we force people to contort themselves to fit the current financial system, e.g.

‘Here’s some tips and tricks to build your credit score’, or, ‘These are the things to keep in mind when you are trying to get a mortgage’, instead of saying: ‘You know what, the behaviour you’re already engaging in is really positive and you’re putting money aside every month.’ Why don’t we change the system to fit people and their behaviours? We’re making a digital version of what they are already doing.

Another relevant point is that there are millions of Muslims in

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this country who are underserved by the financial system because there are no options which are in line with their faith. So, we made Bloom Circles Sharia compliant.

Separately, a lot of what we have been doing lately is translating basic personal financial key words and content on our Instagram pages, such as the Bloom Money A-Z. For example, A is for APR, B is for Budget, C is for Credit Score.

It’s translated into nine different languages and provides enormous confidence and familiarity to our customers.

AT: Why is much of your focus on black and ethnic communities?

NM: The UK is actually a very racially vibrant and diverse country, but the wealth in this country does not reflect that and we are trying to change it. One of the pivotal moments for me was in 2020 when the Runnymede Trust released a report called The Colour of Money. It’s a fascinating read and in summary, they found the average black African, black Caribbean, Bangaldeshi, and Pakistani family has 10 times

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less wealth than the average white British family. There are many reasons for that and most of them are mired in systemic issues, but that is when I really thought that we need to build products to enable people to build wealth for themselves and by extension their communities.

AT: You’ve had tough experiences being mixed race and being a woman. What’s your advice to anyone wishing to break into the industry?

NM: My advice is to really sit in your power. It is not easy being a person of colour in this country. I have received racist, sexist, and xenophobic abuse. Many times, people have said to me ‘Go back to your country,’ and I have replied, ‘I’m from the Silicon Valley!’ to which they are mystified. But I have stood firm in my conviction that not only are we doing the right thing and building the right products, but our communities will rise up and say, ‘Yes, you heard us, this is what we need. We want to be part of this journey and we want to build wealth with you at Bloom Money.’

In my free time, I do a lot of

voicenews

work around causes that are important to me for example getting more women into technology, and equality for women in general. I currently advise a notfor-profit charity that works with refugees; I’m advising a company that works with formerly incarcerated people to help them reintegrate into life; and I think I have been very driven by my morals, and again the conviction that this is the right thing to do.

AT: What is your long-term vision at Bloom Money?

NM: Dream big! Our mission is to give communities the tools to build intergenerational wealth.

Anyone can build wealth for themselves, but where it becomes important is when you can pass that on to your family, children and community.

That’s when it has a lasting impact and legacy. I would say the grand dream is to continue to create products that fit into our communities’ lives. I really like the idea of turning the system on its head.

www.voice-online.co.uk

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24 | THE VOICE JULY 2022

News feature

Shedding slave names Record numbers of people are changing their names by deed poll. By Leah Mahon

W

HEN MILLIONS of the black diaspora were forced to start a new life from the shores of Africa and under the hands of slave owners, it left behind people that are still in search of the heritage and names that were taken from them.

Jendayi Serwah, from Bristol, is of Jamaican descent and told The Voice that her old slave name was the Scottish name Allison. She decided to change it after hearing a calling from her ancestors who have “always guided” her.

JOURNEY

“I know my ancestors worked with me,” she said. “My journey into knowledge of self started before I reached double figures in age. So, it was part of a process of awareness.

“I always say to people I’m thankful that I wasn’t brought up in a Christian home, because it allowed me to explore my culture, my identity, and the right music was in the house.

“I wasn’t under those kinds of restrictions that some of my peers were under because they couldn’t play reggae music in the house, you couldn’t go certain places or mix with

I grew up on a diet of music that was telling me about myself, my ancestry, my homeland certain people because those people were deemed to be ‘inappropriate’.

“So, I grew up on a diet of music that was telling me about myself, telling me about my ancestry, my homeland.”

In 1994, Jendayi travelled to Ghana for a renaming ceremony and was renamed as Jendayi — meaning “give thanks” in the Zimbabwean language, Shona.

Her surname, Serwah, has its roots in Ghana.

The mother-ofthree made her new name official a year later through deed poll in 1995. It cost her just £15.

A record 85,000 people changed their names by deed poll in 2015, according to the UK Deed Poll Service.

While no data is readily available on the number of

GAINING FREEDOM: The Emancipation Statue in Barbados symbolises breaking the chains of slavery; inset right, slave names on a plaque in Mississippi (photos: Getty Images); inset below left, Jendayi Serwah black people with previous slave names who have undergone the change, the process remains just as popular and today costs as little as £18 to apply for a deed poll.

For Kweisi Ausar, inset above left, he embarked upon a slightly different journey to ridding himself of his slave name while living in the US, but believes the path he took is a similar one to many others.

He grew up as Anthony Gatlin, and it was on a trip to an old home in Gatesville in North Carolina with his great-grandfather and great-grandmother that he first encountered the bloody legacy of the slave trade. His

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great-grandfather worked as a sharecropper at the house and his grandfather was held as a slave.

“When we drove up to the house in Gainesville, Carolina, the first thing I remember seeing was the mailbox with the name ‘Gatlin’ displayed,” he recalls, speaking publicly about his experience.

TRAUMA

“I was excited at that moment to witness this generation of history, quite naive and unaware of the trauma that I was about to experience.

“So after sitting in the car for a few minutes and wondering, why are we going up and knocking on the door?

“A white woman came out and looked into the mailbox and I asked, ‘Who is that?’

“And my great grandfather then began to explain the history of our name, how he worked as a child on this plantation, how he ran away at an early age and came up

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from the Deep South for a better life.”

He said that a single moment in his childhood led him to “elude the search for his identity” all his life, but officially renamed himself as Kweisi, meaning ‘conquering sons of kings’ from the Ashanti tribe in Ghana.

His surname comes from black, ancient system of Egyptian spirituality and describes his new identity as “empowering”.

Linford Sweeney, inset right, a historian and genealogist, praised the movement of black people reclaiming their identities.

“I think changing our names is moving us forward as a people. I believe that I’m helping people to rewrite history every single day,” he tells The Voice.

“We were taken away from something that was indigenous to us. My great, great, great

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grandfather came on a ship to Jamaica in the early 1800s — that was just over 200 years ago.

“When you look at it from that point-of-view, you end up wanting to connect to who you are.”

Despite changing her name, Jendayi doesn’t believe the diaspora changing their slave names will move them forward collectively, but believes it has a greater meaning.

“Influence goes on in the same way. You can’t change history, but you can change the future and I’m not suggesting that this [changing slave names] is significant in changing the future…

“You tell people your name, they can tell you who your family are.

“So it binds you to a place, it binds you to a people.”

www.voice-online.co.uk

JULY, 2022

BIRMINGHAM GOING FOR GOLD Commonwealth Games special supplement • • •

The perfect setting for the Friendly Games

• •

Colonialism or unity?

Kare Adenegan looking to inspire ‘There’s a lot of teams that could get to the netball final’ Legacy of Games in the spotlight

28 | THE VOICE JULY 2022

Birmingham 2022

‘WE’RE ON THE WORLD STAGE’

CELEBRATION: Paulette Hamilton, MP for Birmingham Erdington, is excited about the opportunities resulting from the Commonwealth Games. Inset below left, Paulette with Ashley Bertie, who was the other candidate in Labour’s selection battle

Paulette Hamilton, a long-standing councillor and Birmingham’s first black MP, tells Veron Graham why she can’t wait for the Games

L

AST MARCH, a longserving Birmingham city councillor broke new ground by becoming the Second City’s first black MP. Now representing the city’s Erdington constituency, Paulette Hamilton also made history en route: winning the first Labour selection battle between two black candidates.

With a rich history of civic service which stretches back 17 years, The Voice recently did some canvassing of its own, and spoke to one of the House of Commons’ newest recruits to get her thoughts on a range of issues including her pioneering exploits and the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

“The fantastic facilities that have been put in place will benefit future athletes” VG: What impressions are you picking up as you travel the country about the Commonwealth Games, and what impact do you think it could have as a legacy piece for Birmingham and surrounding areas?

PH: It’s still early, but I hope when the Commonwealth Games start, they bring a sense of pride for our communities.

I hope the Games bring our communities together and that people see the value the games will bring to our city.

Birmingham

will be on the world stage and the Games will bring our city investment and opportunities.

The fantastic facilities that have been put in place will benefit future athletes for generations to come. The city will have a transformed state-of-the-art sports stadium that has the potential of attracting future events.

VG: What do you make of dissenting voices who say the Games isn’t actually for the people, as organisers claim, but an attempt to ‘sportswash’ what is essentially a competition between former members of the British Empire?

PH: Member states can choose whether they want to be part of the Commonwealth or not, and the Commonwealth Charter sets out the shared values of promoting peace, democracy, human rights, respect and freedom of expression around the world.

The Games bring people and nations together in a colourful celebration of sport, and it is no coincidence that they are referred to as ‘the Friendly

Games’. I think it’s really important that all our communities get involved and support the Games as much as possible.

Our great city, and the whole of the West Midlands, will be on the world stage and this is a monument that we should all be proud of.

VG: Do you hold any strong memories from previous Games, tournaments or sporting events that took

place in Birmingham in years past?

PH: I still remember the Olympic torch passing through Birmingham ahead of the London Olympics in 2012.

Although the Games weren’t held in Birmingham, celebration events were held across the city as our communities felt part of the Olympic spirit.

VG: Which events at the Games are you most look-

ing forward to or planning to attend?

PH: It has to be the men’s and women’s 100m finals! Nothing can match the drama of the 100m sprint and I’m looking forward to watching a new generation of sprinters now that Usain Bolt has retired.

I’ll also be cheering on the fastest British woman in history, Dina Asher-Smith, who recently confirmed that she will compete at the Games.

Vibrant, multicultural city perfect setting for Friendly Games

By Dario Bharat THE EYES of the world will be paying close attention to England’s Second City as Birmingham hosts the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the summer.

This year’s Games will be the first time the West Midlands has played host to the so-called ‘Friendly Games’, and only the third time the multi-event extravaganza has in fact been held in England, following London in 1934 and Manchester in 2002. With the spotlight firmly on the West Midlands, what can national and international spectators alike expect from Birmingham as a whole?

The city has seen a major transformation, from its humble origins as a market town to a busy and dynamic industrial powerhouse.

Local ‘Brummies’ would be quick to point to The Custard Factory for its exciting art and nightlife venues, the iconic Cadbury World based in Bournville for its much-loved chocolate, and the Bullring for the hustle and bustle of

its busy shopping centre and markets.

Birmingham has been largely known as “the city of 1000 trades”, with its chief industry centred around motor vehicles and engineering.

The city also has influential grassroots arts, music and literary scenes, and its major institutions such as the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Hippodrome and the Birmingham Royal Ballet amongst others, have gained international recognition.

PLACE TO BE: Diverse Birmingham is home to the Bullring, left (photos: Getty Images)

SKILLED

The wealth of existing sports venues and arenas have made it an ideal location for the upcoming Games, with the Alexander Stadium set to host the ceremonies as well as the athletics.

The city is also well-known for being a melting pot for people of many different ethnicities and backgrounds, and has often been referred to as the most diverse city in the country. Much of this has had to do with the city’s industrial history.

Rather than specialising in a par-

ticular industry, which many northern English cities took the route of, Birmingham was known for its smaller artisan trades. This has meant skilled workers have been drawn to the city for many years, and continue to do so to this day.

As of the most recent census conducted, just under half of the city’s population is of an ethnic minority, with black and Asian communities making up the majority of their backgrounds.

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Birmingham itself is home to 8% of the overall African and Caribbean population of England. The economic devastation of both world wars coupled with the division of the British Empire saw England, and with it its major cities, begin to house many migrants during this period.

Many of these new arrivals quickly settled into the Midlands, with most minority communities congregating largely within Birmingham and the

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neighbouring ‘Black Country’ towns like Wolverhampton and West Bromwich.

Birmingham has itself played host to some important events for the minority communities, with both the Birmingham Caribbean Festival and African Heritage International Festival both held in the city in recent years.

Much of the community’s most notable names have managed to find their way out of Birmingham and on to a national stage, from UB40’s reggae music hits, to Lenny Henry’s comedic works, and even The Godfather of black British photography Vanley Burke.

The relationship the city has with its demographic is one that makes it the community that it is, and anyone who makes the journey to the West Midlands will be able to feel that almost immediately. Birmingham itself can be considered a Commonwealth simply for the diversity and sense of belonging that it offers to its people, and as such the decision to make the city the host of the 2022 Commonwealth Games is one that is long overdue.

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JULY 2022 THE VOICE | 27 JULY 2022 THE VOICE | 27 JULY 2022 THE VOICE | 27

Birmingham 2022 Birmingham 2022 2022 Birmingham

VICTORIOUS: Kare Adenegan VICTORIOUS: of Great Britain, Kare Adenegan right, celebrates of Great Britain, after setting the right, celebrates new setting world record after the following new worldthe record Women’sthe T34 following 100m at the Women’s T34 Mullerat the 100m Anniversary Muller Games in Anniversary LondoninStadium Games in 2018 Stadium (photo: London Stephen Pond/ in 2018 (photo: British Athletics Stephen Pond/ via Getty British Athletics Images). via Getty Images).

Adenegan aiming aiming to to inspire inspire Adenegan

West Midlands para sprinter wants to be an example for next generation, writes Rodney Hinds West Midlands para sprinter wants to be an example for next generation, writes Rodney Hinds

C C

OVENTRY PARA sprinter Kare AdenOVENTRY PARA egan says she Adenhopes sprinter Kare to inspire thehopes next egan says she generationtoof inspire para athletes as the next she sets her on competgeneration of sights para athletes as ing sets at the Birmingham 2022 she her sights on competCommonwealth Games, which ing at the Birmingham 2022 will have the biggest parawhich sport Commonwealth Games, programme Gamespara history. will have the inbiggest sport Adeneganinsaid of the upcomprogramme Games history. ingAdenegan Games: “To theupcomhonour saidhave of the of representing England in a ing Games: “To have the honour home Commonwealth Games is of representing England in a something truly special and we home Commonwealth Games is could not be prouder.” something truly special and we Team England has announced could not be prouder.”

21Team Para athletes that have England has announced beenPara selected to represent the 21 athletes that have homeselected nation atto this summer’s been represent the Games. home nation at this summer’s The team features athletes Games. who experiThe have team previously features athletes encedhave Paralympic and experiComwho previously monwealth Gamesandsuccess, enced Paralympic Comincluding the Games likes of David Weir, monwealth success, Hannah Cockroft, OlaWeir, Abiincluding the likes ofand David dogun. They will and be aiming to Hannah Cockroft, Ola Abi‘Bring itThey Home’ of the dogun. will inbefront aiming to Alexander Stadium ‘Bring it Home’ in crowds front of from the August 2-7.Stadium crowds from Alexander It was August 2-7.clear from an early age that clear Adenegan desIt was from was an early tined to be a star.

Inspired by age that Adenegan was desthe exploits wheelchair tined to be aofstar.

Inspired racby the exploits of wheelchair rac-

ing legends Cockroft and Weir at London sheand tookWeir up ing legends 2012, Cockroft theLondon sport that same at 2012, she year tookafter up joining wheelchair academy the sporta that same year after in Coventry. joining a wheelchair academy Having previously found herin Coventry. self excluded from found sportsherat Having previously school due to her cerebral palsy, self excluded from sports at Adenegan school due toannounced her cerebralherself palsy, as a serious force by beating Adenegan announced herself her ahero Cockroft 400m as serious force inbythebeating at the Grand Prix final in London her hero Cockroft in the 400m in the 2015. at Grand Prix final in London Her first major medals folin 2015. lowed later major that year, securing Her first medals folbronzelater in the 800m lowed that400m year,and securing T34 events at 400m the World bronze in the and Cham800m pionships before adding T34 events at the World Cham-a silver and two bronzes at the Rio pionships before adding a 2016 and Games. silver two bronzes at the Rio SheGames. handed Cockroft another 2016 defeat in 2018Cockroft aged just 17, She handed another setting in the2018 women’s defeat agedT34 just100m 17, world record in the process, besetting the women’s T34 100m fore being named BBC Young world record in theas process, beSports Personality of BBC the Year. fore being named as Young The Personality double Tokyo Sports of theParalymYear. picThe silver medallist Univerdouble TokyoandParalymsity silver of Warwick student also pic medallist andhas Univerbeen a prominent speaker on sity of Warwick student has also race issues and hosted a series been a prominent speaker on of live broadcasts on Instagram race issues and hosted a series in 2020. of live broadcasts on Instagram Adenegan has starred in Birin 2020. mingham campaign Adenegan 2022’s has starred in Bir-

alongside other elite athletes who have an association with the alongside other elite athletes West Midlands. who have an association with the Speaking to Birmingham 2022 West Midlands. toSpeaking mark International Day of2022 Peoto Birmingham ple with Disabilities, she said: to mark International Day of Peo“It’s with reallyDisabilities, exciting to be to ple sheable said: racereally in front of suchtoabe bigable stage.

“It’s exciting to [The in front integrated race of such programme] a big stage. meansintegrated that we actually have a [The programme]

new audience. We’ve got an audience that hasn’t new audience.

We’veseen gotpara an sport before, it gives an audience that so hasn’t seenus para opportunity reach out to sport before,toso it gives usnew an people andtothey canoutsee opportunity reach to para new sport in a different way. people and they can see para “The way that sport in same a different way.I saw Hannah [Cockroft, at that London “The same way I saw2012] Hanand [Cockroft, was left inspired, that’s2012] what nah at London we want to do: try and get more and was left inspired, that’s what

people in the sport. That’s really important. the That’s next Compeople in the For sport. remonwealth Games, ally important.

For thewe’ll nexthave Com-a new generation of athletes.” monwealth Games, we’ll have a Adenegan be something new generationwill of athletes.” ofAdenegan a local herowill during Games. be the something “Because I’mduring fromthethe West of a local hero Games.

Midlands, I’m it’s just more “Because from even the West special. I’ve opMidlands, it’snever just had eventhemore portunityI’ve to compete in the special. never had theWest opMidlandstoatcompete such a inhigh level. portunity the West My dad was actually BirMidlands at such a born high in level. mingham, so I’ve got that link, My dad was actually born in Bireven though mingham, soI’m I’vefrom got Coventry,” that link, she says. even though I’m from Coventry,” hope people will see she“Isays.

Birmingham a verywilldiverse “I hope as people see city, a really as welcoming, vibrant Birmingham a very diverse and amodern city. I justvibrant hope city, really welcoming, people will be and modern city.excited I just about hope being there.” people will be excited about Shethere.” took up wheelchair racing being at She the age after witnessing took of up11 wheelchair racing thethe remarkable of para at age of 11 strength after witnessing athletes such asstrength Cockroftofatpara the the remarkable London such 2012 Paralympics: athletes as Cockroft at“That the was the2012 first Paralympics: time I saw wheelLondon “That chairthe racing sowheelI was was first properly, time I saw really racing inspiredproperly, by it andso I wanted chair I was to take it up. by it and I wanted really inspired “I was to take it up.quite fortunate that literally minutes away from “I was10 quite fortunate that where I10live, at theaway University literally minutes from of Warwick there was a where I live,track, at the University wheelchair racing there group of Warwick track, wasthat a

mingham

means that we actually have a

we want to do: try and get more

wheelchair racing group that

2022’s

campaign

ACHIEVEMENT: Kare Adenegan ACHIEVEMENT: won the 2018 Kare Adenegan BBCthe Young won 2018 Sports BBC Young Personality Sports Of The Year Personality (photo: Mike Of The Year Marsland/ (photo: Mike WireImage) Marsland/ WireImage)

was training, so it all worked out quitetraining, well.” so it all worked out was Just four years later, and aged quite well.” just 15,four sheyears raced herand wayaged to a Just later, silver15, and bronze just shetwo raced her medals way to at a the Rio 2016 silver and twoParalympics. bronze medals at then, Adenegan has theSince Rio 2016 Paralympics. mastered juggling training has and Since then, Adenegan studying; she went training straight from mastered juggling and Rio to preparing forstraight her GCSEs, studying; she went from andtoafter sittingforher Rio preparing her A-levels, GCSEs, she was to the World and after heading sitting her A-levels, Championships.

She’s currently she was heading to the World balancing her training with a Championships.

She’s currently degree in history at the University balancing her training with a of Warwick. degree in history at the University Kelly Sotherton, Team Engof Warwick. land’s team leader at Kelly athletics Sotherton, Team Engthe Birmingham 2022 Commonland’s athletics team leader at wealth Games, 2022 said:Common“We are the Birmingham absolutely delighted welcome wealth Games, said:to “We are these 21 athletes totoTeam Engabsolutely delighted welcome land after they accepted these 21 athletes to Team invitaEngtions after to what to invitabe an land theypromises accepted incredibly tions to whatexciting promisesCommonto be an wealth Games in Birmingham. incredibly exciting Common“ThisGames team represents a wonwealth in Birmingham. derful of youth and ex“Thisblend team represents a wonperience, andof we know derful blend youth andthese exathletes can’t to represent perience, and wait we know these England can’t this summer.

We look athletes wait to represent forward tothis supporting both England summer.them We look in the lead-up to, and during, the forward to supporting them both Games in front of a home crowd in the lead-up to, and during, the in Birmingham.”

Games in front of a home crowd in Birmingham.”

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Birmingham 2022

‘I WANT TO MAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY COUNT’ Geoff Thompson, independent deputy chair for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, gives The Voice some insight about planning for the Games.

RH: How challenging has it been to organise these Games bearing in mind the global pandemic?

GT: I knew that time was always going to be a challenge, bearing in mind that these were the first multi-sport games, post COVID and we were already having to make scenario planning for different situations.

Above all, what I’ve learned through my varied experience of global events, is to use what we have most efficiently and effectively. We were further challenged by the fact that this was a remotely organised Games.

If you consider all of the aforementioned, it presents multiple levels of challenge, but I believe challenge is opportunity, because it’s about the experience, the commitment, and the dedication of the people that are on the project.

I presented a framework that I believed I could deliver, because I bring resilience, and the ability to make the most efficient and effective use of limited time and limited resource. My agenda was always fully declared. I believe that the involvement of young people of Birmingham and other major cities in the UK and the Commonwealth are key and this is reflective of the Youth Charter’s work over the last 29 years .

RH: With just weeks to go how do you feel?

I am feeling the pressure of ongoing demands and expectations, I know the importance of these Games and the opportunity for change and hope; I know what it could and should provide. We’re at a really important moment in time in our communities and in the world.

“I fall into that very naive category of being the eternal optimist” Birmingham, I think, has been handicapped, for all the reasons we know historically have plagued them, and these Games are supposed to unite them the way Manchester did in 2002.

Manchester had public, private, third sector, civic and civil society working for the Games.

If you don’t have that, in any collective effort; it will present considerable challenge. Sport will always reflect society and society will always reflect and influence sport.

For me, this time next year, will tell us what these Games and its legacy will look like.

I fall into that very naive cat-

HAVE BATON, WILL TRAVEL: Geoff Thompson, left, Dame Louise Martin, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, fourth left, and Minister for the Commonwealth Games, Nigel Huddleston, right, with Baton bearers during the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay at the Superbloom installation at the Tower of London. The Queen’s Baton Relay toured the capital for four days to coincide with the Platinum Jubilee weekend at the beginning of June (photo: Getty Images) egory of being the eternal optimist. Whilst there are still days to count, I want to make every opportunity count. We have to make this work.

That’s why our involvement in the unveiling of the National Windrush Monument in the build up to the Games was im-

portant for me. I served on that committee for four years and hosting the ceremony here in Birmingham was my opportunity to make a significant contribution to the community So, at this moment, I believe the jury is out as I believe that it’s going to take decisive lead-

ership over the next few weeks. when challenges are presented, you have to take the opportunity.

Vision without action is but a dream, vision with action can change the world. That is one of the lessons that I learnt from the late President Nelson Mandela.

City pays homage to Windrush Generation

By Rodney Hinds THE CITY of Birmingham paid homage to the Windrush Generation on June 22.

Members of the Windrush Generation and their families joined HRH Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at London Waterloo Station today to witness the unveiling of the National Windrush Monument. There was

also a live link to Birmingham’s New Street Station as hundreds took in the proceedings in the capital.

Geoff Thompson Windrush Statue Committee member and independent deputy chair, Birmingham 2022, gave the opening remarks. He said: “It is a special moment, a unique moment in the calendar now, June 22.

“The day pays tribute to a re-

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markable generation who made the journey to this green and once pleasant land.”

Prayers were offered by Bishop Paul McCalla who spoke next and said he hoped that the monument would stand as a permanent reminder of the Windrush Generation. “It pays tribute to their courage, resilience, fortitude and service to the nation.

Lord Mayor of Birmingham,

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Cllr Maureen Cornish added: “This city has 1.3 million citizens that reflect a rich heritage of the Caribbean diaspora.

“With the largest Afro-Caribbean community outside of London, we are proud to play our part in a special moment.

We should celebrate, acknowledge and recognise the contribution of the Afro-Caribbean community.”

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RH: It is clear that you are committed and dedicated to the project, what is your reflection?

I’m in my 65th year and I’ve had 38 years in public life. I still have people asking me to almost provide the evidence of my credentials. I’m having to still justify or make a case for being able to do the role.

I think there hasn’t been an occasion where my role as deputy chair has not been questioned. But that’s fine. As long as the greater good is realised.

I have found it an interesting and challenging experience; however I am not new to this. I have fought for the streets that I come from and represent every single day.

My colleagues and I continue to working assiduously to ensure that these Games are truly the Games for everyone.

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Birmingham Birmingham 2022 2022

Ebony aiming for career high Local girl hoping to do her family proud as she represents Jamaica in 70kg judo

E

BONY DRYSDALE-DALEY is a Jamaican judoka who competes in the women’s-70kg class.

Based in Birmingham, with dual British and Jamaican heritage, she has been competing for Jamaica since 2019. Her brother Nicholi has also competed in judo for Jamaica.

Ebony made history as the first Jamaican athlete to compete in judo at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

You made history as the first Jamaican athlete in judo at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games — how did that experience feel?

I felt hugely proud. When I was

“My energy is positive and it’s a blessing to get the chance to compete” younger, my brother and I used to joke about representing Jamaica at the Games, as we grew up being very close to our Jamaican heritage and grandparents, so it was a fantastic feeling to get to the Olympics for Jamaica and make my family proud as well.

Initially, when I made the transition from competing for Jamai Great Britain to Jamaica, I did feel a little sad knowing I would never compete at European Championships and other similar Games, but I love my British identity, nonetheless.

How did you get started in judo? Where does her love of the sport stem from?

I started when I was five years old. My father also trained in judo, but he started it as an adult

and just took my siblings (brothers) with him to his training.

I didn’t go to his judo sessions initially because my mum didn’t really want me to be involved as a girl, but eventually she gave in and I was so happy.

My brother also competes and he is hoping to qualify for this year’s Commonwealth Games. We both live in Birmingham, so it would be a huge achievement for us to be at the Games together this year.

So, this year, the Commonwealth Games must be extra special for you given that it is being held in your home town?

It definitely is extra special for me. And I really want my family to come. My aunties, my uncles have never seen me compete and even my mum has never had the chance to see me compete in such a large-scale competition. It would be very emotional for me to know they are in the crown supporting me.

What are your ambitions for the Commonwealth Games?

Ultimately, I want to win. I believe anyone that competes wants to win and wants to get the gold medal, but really my energy now is just very positive and it is a such a blessing that I have

MAKING HISTORY: Ebony Drysdale-Daley competes at the Olympics in Tokyo.

Inset below left, Ebony with Games mascot Perry

this opportunity to compete. For me, there are layers of pride — it is all about making my family proud and then making Birmingham proud as a local girl.

And then, of course, I am representing Jamaica, so this is a first for the national team to be featured in judo.

I had to let go of some of the woes from the Olympics and just focus on my performance in Birmingham.

What has the sport given you in terms of personal development/experience?

Resilience has been key and how to talk to people in different situations.

Also how to communicate effectively and be respectful of all individuals regardless of their background. In my younger years, it really equipped me to be able to handle conversations and stand my ground, know my

worth. In that sense it has really helped me navigate through life in a good way.

What would it mean to medal at the Games?

It would be a great achievement and give me a career high.

Honestly, the pinnacle would be for me to win and then use my platform to help to secure funding to develop the sport even further.

‘There’s a lot of teams who could get to the netball final’ SPORTING LIFE: Ama Agbeze, right, and with the England netball team in 2018, left

By Rodney Hinds

AMA AGBEZE is on the board of the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee to help deliver the biggest sporting and cultural event ever staged in the West Midlands.

Originally from Birmingham, Ama captained Team England’s netballers to their historic Commonwealth gold medal at the Gold Coast 2018 Games, as well as winning a bronze medal at the Melbourne 2006 Games.

RH: You know what it’s like to win a gold medal. What does netball mean to you in the first instance?

AA: I’ve got a love-hate relationship with netball. It’s been the bane of my life and it’s been my life. I guess it’s given me so much opportunity, I travelled the world, I met my husband, indirectly through netball. It has definitely been life-changing but it’s also given me lots of frustration in terms of

non-selection, injuries, mental strain, strain on relationships. So, I guess, when you do a sport to that level, you make sacrifices, and it’s definitely come with its highs and lows.

RH: How do you think England will get on this year in what is a ‘home tournament?’

AA: I think the proximity of the Games will lend itself well to teams who can just pick up and run with it and Aus-

tralia are that team that they could come together in one day and have one training session, and they’re ready to hit the ground running. Other teams, not so much. England are a team that sort of need to train and become more cohesive. I want to say that England are going to get to the final, I guess we’re at home, we’re defending champions.

RH: Give me your view of Jamaica’s highly talented ‘Sunshine Girls’.

The island celebrates 60 years of independence in August. Could they mark it with netball gold?

AA: I almost I feel like Birmingham is Jamaica’s second home. When London 2012 was on, they trained here, they have connections to the University of Birmingham. Also, the way African and Caribbean nations lend themselves to supporting is with noise with energy with colour so when you’re playing, you only thrive off that energy, so I just feel

almost, it’s Jamaica’s time. Jamaica can be very hot and cold, sometimes you don’t know which Jamaica is going to come out. You can’t discount Jamaica, like you say it’s an English home tournament, but Birmingham is almost a Jamaican home tournament.

There’s lots of teams who could get to the final and it makes the games that bit more exciting. Everybody wants to get tickets to the England games, Australia games, New Zealand games, but I’ve not really heard people saying, ‘Oh, I’m going to get tickets to Jamaica or Malawi’, but actually, some of the games of the lower ranked nations are going to be really tight and really close.

I think watching netball on TV is no match to watching it live and seeing what’s happening off the ball and who’s getting in whose head and that kind of thing. I’m just excited to see live netball and I hope that other people can go and get a passion for it as well if they don’t have it already.

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Birmingham 2022 Birmingham

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ROSPERITY, DEMOCRACY and peace were just some of the words first used as the Commonwealth was created more than 50 years ago.

Bonded together by 54 countries around the world, including those in Africa and the Caribbean, for some, the very existence of the political association ahead of the Commonwealth Games this summer is the last and eerie legacy of the British Empire’s reign.

Its colonial aftermath was most recently noted as the royals embarked on controversial tours of the Caribbean, which were fraught with calls for reparations and plagued with demands for an apology over the slave trade.

For even the black diaspora in Britain, it left unanswered questions about the role of the Monarchy in the Caribbean and Africa, and how since its gradual collapse in the early 20th century, has still tainted two vast parts of the world that are the very product of it.

Geoff Palmer, a professor in Life Sciences at Heriot-Watt University, told The Voice that despite the Empire’s bloody past, being a part of the Commonwealth still has a purpose for Africa and the Caribbean today. “I see the Commonwealth as a group of countries that are independent and who are a part of this body, because they believe it has some political value,” he said.

PROSPERITY

“Some people say that it has no influence or no power, but I think that any organisation that has representatives at the highest level of these countries attending the Commonwealth Games there must be some power and influence there.”

“I see the Commonwealth as a group of countries that are independent and who are a part of this body, because they believe it has some political value.”

Driving trade and prosperity is just one of the many benefits the Commonwealth advocates for across the 32-small states, which include “vulnerable” countries like Jamaica, Botswana and Namibia.

Fighting the climate crisis unfolding in the global south, natural disasters and financial instability are only a few of the factors that the organisation say are impacting these black majority countries they aim to tackle.

Rashid Rose, a political commentator on African and the Caribbean, told The Voice that Britain’s involvement in the Commonwealth goes back as early as 2018 when discussions around Brexit were taking precedence.

As Britain prepared to exit Europe, he said talks with African nations ensued to “fill the gap or shortfall” of resources on life outside of the EU, but that black leaders needed to push back against intervention from Western

ROLE: Queen Elizabeth makes a speech in front of flags that make up the Commonwealth countries

Colonialism or unity?

The Commonwealth has conflicting meanings for many, writes Leah Mahon nations. “If the Commonwealth countries were more upbeat with the strategy behind the Commonwealth, behind Brexit, there would have been a more pivotal role in leading Britain in a position in which the Commonwealth countries would have been in control,” he said.

“What I mean by that is Britain has made the Commonwealth countries to believe that there is something that is in it for them, they need to move away from financial support in terms of financial aid.”

He added: “The Commonwealth is only an extension of Britain’s continued colonial rule over these countries.”

In November 2021, Barbados was the latest country to “leave their colonial past behind” as they made a historic transition to a republic.

It saw the removal of the Queen as their head of state and their exit from “Commonwealth Realms,” while still choosing to remain as part of the overall Commonwealth.

Just 14 countries out of the 54 now still recognise the Queen as their head of state after centuries of colonial markings.

ROYAL ON TOUR: The Queen on a Commonwealth visit to the Caribbean in 1966 (photo: Getty Images) It sparked what some deemed a “domino-effect” across the Caribbean on the legacy of the British Empire and most recently further prompted Jamaica to aim to be a republic by 2025.

They follow in the footsteps of Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Dominica to remove the Queen’s sovereignty over their nations.

Despite many countries throughout Africa and the Caribbean gaining independence and

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reaching republican status, many still choose to remain within the Commonwealth of Nations.

Mozambique was the first member to be admitted in 1995 with no historical ties to the British Empire, Rwanda followed in 2009 while Togo made a recent bid to join the club in April 2022.

Rashid said even though formerly colonised countries are making the move, it still lacked solid “bilateral or special trade agreements” to reap any signifi-

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cant benefits for its improvised black populations.

“The Commonwealth is only for Britain’s interests. More Caribbean and African countries need to become a republic and move away from being stewages of Britain,” he said.

“The sooner African and Caribbean countries understand this, the sooner we could have better trade and travel relationships between Commonwealth countries, similar to what they are doing throughout Europe.”

The Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, has already been leading in developing trading links between Africa and the Caribbean, and recently sought to improve relations with Ghana.

Rose believes it’s part of a wider plan to structure a “different ideology for Caribbean people” and eventually “abandon the Queen and the colonial influence on black people.”

However, Prof Palmer said these black nations have gone on to become independent and continue to make political moves free from shackles of colonialism, which include opting to join the Commonwealth.

“The narrative is they belong to

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an organisation, which is a residue of colonialism,” he said.

“If you start to tell people or individuals what they should do about things like that, then you are behaving in a way like the slave owners,” he said.

“I think it’s insulting to independent countries to say they’re being forced.

“These are governments and people have free will to decide what they think is right and if our country decides to be a part of the Commonwealth, it is that country’s decision and the people’s decision.”

As a summer of sporting excellence and national pride from around the world prepares to take over Birmingham, the Commonwealth today still carries for some after its long reign and legacy a story of a once bloody and difficult past, and for others a new, prosperous future for the black diaspora.

The decision to be a part of the Commonwealth lays in the hands of African and Caribbean nations.

Bonded by past and present, the legacy of the 54 countries is still present today as millions plan to watch the 50th Commonwealth Games unfold in Birmingham this summer.

www.voice-online.co.uk

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Birmingham Birmingham2022 2022

Hometown Heroes prove why they are real winners If it wasn’t for the dedication of the ‘chosen few’, the West Midlands would miss so much

By Rodney Hinds

T

HE BIRMINGHAM 2022 Commonwealth Games has unveiled its list of 14 Hometown Heroes – inspiring local champions of community sport in the West Midlands – after receiving hundreds of nominations from members of the public.

The campaign celebrates and recognises the diversity of the region by shining a spotlight on those that go above and beyond to develop sport, encourage participation and promote physical and mental wellbeing in their community.

The Hometown Heroes include 14 selfless individuals, made up of coaches, managers, umpires, and fundraisers, who have dedicated their lives to grassroots sport in the West Midlands.

To celebrate their inclusion, each Hometown Hero will be profiled on Birmingham 2022’s website and social media channels and will each receive a special glass award to mark their achievement.

One of the Hometown Heroes is Haseebah Abdullah – England’s first hijab-wearing boxing coach and an incredible ambassador for women’s sport.

Coaching at Windmill Boxing Gym in Smethwick, Haseebah has been key to promote and develop female participation in boxing in her community, having also played a huge role in changing official dress code rules to allow women to wear a headscarf and full length clothing. Known for making others feel welcome and comfortable, Haseebah has seen the confidence of the club members soar and membership numbers increase.

Naseem Akhtar BEM, who is also Hometown Hero, has

spent over 20 years inspiring and encouraging thousands of women in inner city Birmingham to transform their lives through physical activity. She is the project manager at Saheli Hub, a centre in Balsall Heath run by women for women, which aims to improve health and wellbeing and encourage participation in exercise. Naseem has set up The Young Sahelis, a youth club for girls aged 14-25; The Saheli Running Club, which has seen over 75 women run half marathons and six women complete full marathons; and The Saheli Cycling Club which has taught over 1,000 women to ride a bike.

Kevin Dillon, who has also

the club and has always aimed to get the best out of them, both physically and mentally.

In 2019, Kevin launched a podcast called Black Country Blokes, which covers the struggles and successes that men experience, with topics such as mental and physical health, fitness, work and family life, aiming to remove the stigma around taboo subjects.

Bringing this ethos into his gym, Kevin also set up a men’s support group which involves an hour of training, followed by an hour to talk openly about whatever is on their mind.

To mark the announcement, former Birmingham Poet Laure-

“I’m in awe of our 14 Hometown Heroes. Shining the spotlight on these individuals will encourage participation in sport” been recognised as a Hometown Hero, is the head coach at Lions Amateur Boxing Club in Brierley Hill. Kevin, who is visually-impaired having contracted meningitis as a child, has coached hundreds of boxers aged from six to 60 in his time at

ate and four-times Birmingham and Midland boxing champion Matt Windle has written and performed a spoken word poem, entitled Hometown Hero. The piece is inspired by the Hometown Heroes’ stories and reflects their drive and determination to

INSPIRATIONAL FIGURE: Joan Hunter, the coach at the University of Birmingham netball club support participation in grassroots sport in their communities.

Birmingham 2022 launched the search for Hometown Heroes in October 2020, welcoming nominations for those that go the extra mile to develop sport in their local community.

After receiving hundreds of nominations, the final list of Hometown Heroes was chosen by a judging panel consisting of Sarah Rennie, Chair of Birmingham 2022 Accessibility Advisory Forum; Ammo Talwar, Chair of UK Music Diversity Taskforce; Mike Chamberlain, Chief Executive of Sport Birmingham; Piero Zizzi, Founder of Proud Bag-

Full list of Hometown Heroes:

l Haseebah Abdullah, coach at Windmill Boxing Team, Smethwick l Naseem Akhtar BEM, Project Manager at Saheli Hub, Balsall Heath, Birmingham l Salma Bi BEM, coach, umpire and fundraiser, and Director of Sporting Pathways, Birmingham l Jeevan Chagger, chairman, coach and umpire at City of Birmingham Hockey Club l Ricardo D’Alva, pictured right, coach at City of Birmingham

Rockets Basketball Club, Nechells l Kirsty Davie, team manager and coach at Birmingham Moseley Women’s RFC l Kevin Dillon, Head Coach at Lions Amateur Boxing Club, Brierley Hill l Dave Heeley OBE, runner and charity fundraiser, West Bromwich l Joan Hunter, coach of the University of Birmingham Netball Club,

l Steve Mroso, coach and team manager at Team Birmingham Elite Basketball Club l Yasmin Nessa, co-founder of Saltley Stallions Women’s Football Club, Birmingham l Kevin Redmond, coach at Solihull Moors FC Ability Counts, Solihull l Sarah Scanlon, Umpire at Ernesford Grange Netball Club, Coventry l Ranjit Singh, Coach at Wolverhampton Wrestling Club

gies; and Abigail Shervington, Lead Community Engagement Manager at Birmingham 2022.

Ian Reid, CEO of Birmingham 2022, said: “I’m in awe of our 14 Hometown Heroes. Their generosity to their club, whether that’s giving up their time or just being a listening ear, is inspiring.

“Birmingham 2022 promises to be the Games for everyone, and whilst it’ll be an event that brings together the best athletes in the world, we are also aiming to inspire the next generation.

“Shining the spotlight on these devoted individuals will no doubt encourage participa-

tion in sport and physical activity across the West Midlands.”

Sarah Rennie, Hometown Heroes judge and Chair of Birmingham 2022 Accessibility Advisory Forum, added: “It was my pleasure to be involved in the judging process for Hometown Heroes.

“After a difficult year, it was uplifting to read the nominations which demonstrated how one person’s dedication can enhance a community.

“These people put others first and deserve recognition for their selfless work and, in some cases, breaking down barriers placed in their own way.”

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The people of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands are our greatest strengths.

The dedication and effort these Hometown Heroes have put into making their communities a better place through sporting activity is truly inspirational.

“They capture the essence of what the Birmingham 2022 Games are all about.

“We want to inspire people to get involved, and by celebrating what the Hometown Heroes are doing can only help us achieve that.”

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Birmingham Birmingham 2022

Sky’s the limit as athletes prepare to grab the glory of gold F

ANS OF other sports might not agree, but there’s no element of the Commonwealth Games that resonates like athletics.

With the dominance of America in track and field, it can be hard for those from smaller nations who are on the cusp of breaking through to world-class level to get the type of exposure where they can pit their talents against elite competition.

In the world of track and field, after the Olympic Games and the World Championships, if you’re eligible, the Commonwealth Games is a highly sought-after medal. So, who have we got an eye on this year ahead of Birmingham 2022?

The truth of the matter is, with their dominance in the sprints, especially the 100m and 200m, you would be hard pressed to look past a Caribbean taking the top honours in those events, especially in the women’s races.

It’s not clear at the time of writing who from Jamaica will be gracing the Alexander Stadium track to represent their country, but you can be sure that (unless they false start) the island will feature in the medals.

Jamaica boasts the most prolific female sprinters in the world right now, and the best scenario for the country would be to see both world champion Shelly

AIMING HIGH: Anderson Peters is the man to beat in the javelin

There’s nothing quite like watching the world’s best athletes in action, and many will soon be in the UK, writes Joel Campbell Ann Fraser-Pryce and Olympic champion Elaine ThompsonHerah make the final in Birmingham, with either one winning in a world record time.

With both likely to have competed in the World Championships which ends just three days before the Commonwealth Games starts, it’s yet to be seen if they will don their spikes for the competition.

In the men’s 100m and 200m, things aren’t so cut and dry.

If present, Yohan Blake will be looking to add a medal to the one he picked up at the 2018 Games. He’ll have to beat The Voice’s favourite for the gold medal, though, and that comes in the shape of the UK’s very own Reece Prescod.

The east Londoner has been showing a clean pair of heels this season and Britain’s best black newspaper expects this to be his time.

In the field, watch out for India’s Sreeshankar and Bahamas LaQuan Nairn in the long jump, both athletes have put in decent efforts this season.

Flying the flag for England

in the triple jump will be Naomi Metzger. Twenty years ago, in Manchester, England’s Ashia Hansen leapt to a Games record of 14.86m to take the gold medal, defending the title she’d won four years earlier in Kuala Lumpur.

Metzger, who has a personal best of 14.22m, has already told The Voice she is chasing those numbers with intensity. Could this be her year?

If Hamish Kerr transfers the

form he was in earlier this season, then he will have his eye on gold in the high jump. Having made the Olympic final in his event, the New Zealander will be looking to home in on another major medal to add to his world indoor championship bronze.

Kerr won’t have it all his own way, though. Sri Lanka’s Ushan Thiwanka Perera poses a threat on his day, and the 24-year-old will see this as a real opportunity.

On a home front, following his

IN CONTENTION: Reece Prescod and Teresiah Muthoni Gateri

personal best last month, England’s Joel Clarke-Khan might just be running into the type of form that could see him land a podium finish.

Should Grenada’s Anderson Peters hit the UK shores fit and in one piece, the javelin gold medal in Birmingham will probably be hung around the former world champion’s neck.

He’s already thrown over 90m twice this year and the smart money would be on him doing it again when it matters most.

In the women’s javelin, remember the name Annu Rani.

The Indian threw a national record earlier this year and is used to making finals and podiums.

A young name coming out of Kenya is Teresiah Muthoni Gateri. The 20-year-old is ranked in the top 15 5000m runners this year and should she qualify for the Commonwealth Games, they would represent a great opportunity to cement her status as one to watch.

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan and Jamaican’s Demisha Roswell and Tonea Marshall have all run the times which make them hot fa-

vourites going into the Commonwealth Games 100m hurdles.

The standard of women’s hurdles over the last few years has been a spectacle to behold. Talent emanates from all over the world and these three, who are all ranked in the world’s top ten this year, have it in bucket loads.

Sticking with the women, Jamaica’s Andrenette Knight looks to be in the form of her life and will have her eye on topping the podium in the 400m hurdles.

And look out for England’s Lina Nielsen somewhere in the mix, with the Londoner hoping to capitalise on the home crowd fervour.

One event where form can go out of the window is the relay.

The most exciting way to round up the Games, predictions are redundant ahead of the actual finale taking place, but fans should expect fireworks as the teams look to close the show with a bang.

Four years ago, on Australia’s Gold Coast, England took the honours in the 4x100m for both men’s and women’s.

It was a special moment, especially for the women whose team was anchored home by long jumper Lorraine Ugen. It’s the type of strange situation that can sometimes come up at these Games, but one that adds to the beauty of it all.

JULY 2022 THE VOICE | 33 JULY 2022 THE VOICE | 33 JULY 2022 THE VOICE | 33

Birmingham Birmingham2022 2022 Birmingham 2022

It’s It’s the the Commonwealth Commonwealth Games, Games, but but the the whole whole world world is is watching watching Fans get high calibre track Fansfield, get high calibre trackget and and the athletes and field, andtothe athletes get their chance shine, for this their chance to shine,are for this journalist the Games journalist Games are a win, win.the

By Joel Campbell a win, win. By Joel Campbell

II

’VE LOOKED everywhere on the foreverywhere it, but I just ’VE internet LOOKED on can’t find myforfavourite the internet it, but Imojust ment Commonwealth can’t from find amy favourite moGames it might mentwhich, from aalthough Commonwealth sound is of an itathlete Gamesbizarre, which, although might failing recognise had soundtobizarre, is ofthat anhe athlete completed the race. that he had failing to recognise The said the athlete completed race.or para-athleteThe (his said nameathlete escapes was or me), para-athnew to his event and though he lete (his name escapes me), was had raceand by though a country newwon to histhe event he mile, he kept anda no one had won the going race by country could catch him to telland him.no one mile, he kept going It had thehim whole stadium could catch to tell him. in fits Itofhad laughter when it finallyin the and whole stadium dawned on himand thatwhen no one else fits of laughter it finally was competing, he nowore the dawned on him that one else most lookheonwore his face was bemused competing, the as he bemused looked in look the crowd most on his who face were to tell him as hefrantically looked intrying the crowd who to cease. were frantically trying to tell him toOnce cease.he’d cottoned on, he completed the cottoned voluntaryon, extra Once he’d he lap, applauded the wayextra by completed the all voluntary fans the sport who recognised lap, ofapplauded all the way by the moment for what it fansspecial of the sport who recognised was. the special moment for what it For me, the moment was spewas. cialFor because was four me, theitmoment wasyears speon the Manchester cialfrom because it was four 2002 years Commonwealth Games, which on from the Manchester 2002 were the first to fully incorporate Commonwealth Games, which sports forfirst eliteto athletes with a were the fully incorporate disability. we’d begun sports forFinally, elite athletes withtoa dispel the Finally, notion we’d that disabled disability. begun to sports and women needed dispel men the notion that disabled to do their sports ‘over there’. sports men and women needed the first realthere’. identifitoIronically, do their sports ‘over able para-sports starreal at aidentifiComIronically, the first monwealth Gamesstar was Afriable para-sports at an a Comcan.

Swimmer Natalie DuanToit’s monwealth Games was African. Swimmer Natalie Du Toit’s

story is an inspiration. The two gold she won in Manstory medals is an inspiration.

The two chester just over year after gold medals she a won in Manhaving amputate left after leg chestertojust over aher year at the knee following a road having to amputate her left acleg cident the following ultimate mix of talat the is knee a road acent, gritisand cident the determination ultimate mix ofpertalsonified. ent, grit and determination perI say it’s ironic that she was sonified.

African, a while, I saybecause it’s ironicforthat she this was year’s Games African,Commonwealth because for a while, this was meant to be hosted Games on the year’s Commonwealth continent. was meant to be hosted on the While we can still celebrate continent. theWhile achievements of Du Toit’s we can still celebrate endeavours and rightly so, Toit’s how the achievements of Du beautiful, andand significant would endeavours rightly so, how itbeautiful, have been be recognising andtosignificant would such a galvanising forwardit have been to beand recognising thinking action on the part of the such a galvanising and forwardCommonwealth Games, it thinking action on the parthad of the been taking place in her home Commonwealth Games, had it country? been taking place in her home country?

INCLUSIVE Durban, slated as the INCLUSIVE

original destination for theas2022 Durban, slated theGames, original dropped outfor of the many destination therunning 2022 Games, moons ago the world dropped outnow of theand running many ismoons a veryago different to world what now place and the itis was when they place entered the a very different to what bidding, but hosting them there it was when they entered the would have a nice continubidding, butbeen hosting them there ation the efforts ensure this wouldofhave been atonice continusport at to all ensure levels. this ation is ofinclusive the efforts Africa awaits attheir debut sport is inclusive all levels.

Games.

Africa awaits their debut On these shores however, inGames. cluding Birmingham 2022, lucky On these shores however, injournalists like myself2022, have lucky had cluding Birmingham the chancelike to myself cover ahave Games journalists had the chance to cover a Games

LEAP FOR GLORY: Phillips Idowu jumps for gold in the men’s triple jump at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Inset a young Christine flewfor down home straight takeat the gold medal in the 400m Games Down Under LEAPleft, FOR GLORY: Phillips Ohuruogu Idowu jumps goldthe in the men’s tripletojump the 2006 Commonwealth in Melbourne.

Inset left, a young Christine Ohuruogu flew down the home straight to take the gold medal in the 400m Down Under every decade since the turn of the century. every decade since the turn of Following the century. on from Manchester in 2002, Glasgow inManchester 2014 was Following on from another for was the in 2002,fantastic Glasgowevent in 2014 home nations. another fantastic event for the Between home nations.England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, Between England, Wales, 275 medals were won.

Northern Ireland, and Scotland, Even though it’swon. dubbed the 275 medals were friendly the dubbed CommonEven games, though it’s the wealth have repfriendlyGames games, thealways Commonresented a chance foralways athletesrepto wealth Games have really get their careers resented a chance for going. athletes to In 2002, sprinter Mark Lewis really get their careers going.

Francis was sprinter the young buck on In 2002, Mark Lewis the blockwas who all buck the po poFrancis thehad young on tential in thewho world upset the block hadto all the the poapplecart for world the hotto favourites tential in the upset the going into the applecart for 100m the hot favourites Up into against fellow England going the 100m sprinter Dwain Chambers and St Up against fellow England Kitts’ KimDwain Collins, few couldand have sprinter Chambers St predicted happened the Kitts’ Kim what Collins, few couldinhave final when what both happened home sprinters predicted in the pulled up with final when both injury home half-way sprinters down to watch the pulledtheuptrack withonly injury half-way Caribbean sprinter to win down the track onlygo to on watch the the race. sprinter go on to win Caribbean It was the race.exactly the unexpected, high valueexactly dramathe that everyone It was unexpected, wants from drama the finale a major high value thatofeveryone sporting event, except your wants from the finale of aif major name wasevent, Chambers or Lewissporting except if your Francis, of course.

In Melbourne, name was Chambers or LewisFrancis, of course. In Melbourne,

four years later I would watch a young Christine seizea four years later Ohuruogu I would watch her opportunity let the world young Christine to Ohuruogu seize know she was onto a mission. her opportunity let the world Watching know she was Ohuruogu on a mission.tear down the home Ohuruogu straight on route Watching tear to her the goldhome medal in theon 400m, down straight route secured in a medal then personal best to her gold in the 400m, time andin beating the current secured a then personal best time and beating the current

silver, World Indoor Championships Cup gold silver, gold, WorldEuropean Indoor Champion(2008), and European in 2009 Cup he won ships gold, gold World Championships (2008), and in 2009gold. he won AwayChampionships from the UK home World gold. nations thatfrom compete in the ComAway the UK home namonwealth Games, over theComlast tions that compete in the two decades some over stellar monwealth Games, theperlast formances have emanated two decades some stellarfrom performances have emanated from

Olympic champion, was a thing of beauty.champion, was a thing Olympic London-born athlete had ofThe beauty. onlyThe turned to the sport profesLondon-born athlete had sionally a handful yearsprofesprior only turned to theofsport to this wina and it kicked off aprior pesionally handful of years riod of win goldand medal-winning to this it kicked off aperpeformances saw her go peron riod of goldthat medal-winning to land worldthat andsaw Olympic titles formances her go on intothe consecutive thattitles folland world and years Olympic lowed. in the consecutive years that folIn 2006, we saw Phillips Idowu lowed. jump to gold Under.Idowu His In 2006, we Down saw Phillips following saw him win Eujump to years gold Down Under.

His ropean Championships followingIndoor years saw him win Eugold (2007), Games ropean IndoorOlympic Championships gold (2007), Olympic Games

athletes who hail from Africa and the Caribbean. athletes who hail from Africa and The 100m, still considered the the Caribbean. blue-riband have providThe 100m,event, still considered the ed some memorable moments. blue-riband event, have providGames on these shores, edInsome memorable moments. theIn Games aforementioned Collins on these shores, took home for St Kitts in the itaforementioned Collins 2002, the Bahamas sprintin took while it home for St Kitts queen, Ferguson, 2002, whileDebbie the Bahamas sprint was the best of the women over queen, Debbie Ferguson, the sprints that wasshortest the bestofof the the women over year. the shortest of the sprints that Jamaican Kemar Bailey-Cole year. topped the podium in 2014, Jamaican Kemar Bailey-Cole while Blessing Okagbareinetched topped the podium 2014, while Blessing Okagbare etched

“The Games in Birmingham are “The Games in Birmingham are another chance for the present another chance for thetopresent generation of athletes etch generation of athletes to etch their name in history” their name in history”

her name in history winning the women’s a Games record her nametitle in in history winning the of 10.85s. title in a Games record women’s ofWatching 10.85s. athletes fulfil personal milestones after fulfil yearsperof Watching athletes persistence, trials after and years tribulasonal milestones of tions, setbackstrials and comebacks persistence, and tribulaistions, a huge part ofand the satisfaction setbacks comebacks true followis a track hugefans partglean of thefrom satisfaction ing sport. truethe track fans glean from followA the lot of controversy surrounding sport. ed A India hosting the 2010 Games lot of controversy surroundwith many athletes not ed India hosting thedeciding 2010 Games to attend, for those who did, with manybut athletes deciding not like Nigeria’s Tosin Oke, to attend, but for those whowho did, landed gold in Tosin the triple like Nigeria’s Oke,jump who and England’s Lewis-Francis, landed gold in the triple jump who silverLewis-Francis, in the 100m and secured England’s having fought silver back from who secured in thecareer 100m threatening injury, thefrom unpredicthaving fought back career able journeyinjury, of sport been threatening the had unpredictrewarded, in aofway can able journey sporthistory had been never erase.in a way history can rewarded, The Games never erase. in Birmingham are another chancein for the present The Games Birmingham are generation of athletes to present do the another chance for the same, seizeofthe day, etch generation athletes to dotheir the name history. same,inseize the day, etch their Like inOhuruogu, Idowu and name history.

Collins al, they canIdowu chooseand to Like etOhuruogu, let the competition be choose a springCollins et al, they can to board future andbecontinued let the for competition a springsuccess. albeit a Commonboard forFor, future and continued wealth Games, the whole world success.

For, albeit a Commoniswealth watching.

Games, the whole world is watching.

3434| THE VOICE 2022 | THE VOICEJULY JULY 2022

Birmingham Birmingham 2022 2022

SPORT’S COMMON GOALS

The Commonwealth Games aim to unite through sporting challenges, says Ben Johnson

T

HE FIRST edition of the Commonwealth Games took place in 1930 and 92 years later, athletes from the Commonwealth’s 54 countries are preparing to compete again this summer in Birmingham.

The Games have taken place every four years since, except during the Second World War. A total of 19 cities in nine countries have played host.

They have become a core part of what the Commonwealth of Nations does, evolving and re-inventing themselves just as the Commonwealth itself has.

With its roots in Empire, the organisation has aimed to become a family of nations with common goals.

The Games’ administrators, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), believe sport “underpins” those goals, uniting its “athletes, citizens and communities through the transformative and connecting power of sport”.

Final preparations are now

GOLDEN GIRL: Boxer Nicola Adams won gold for England at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

“It unites its athletes, citizens and communities through the power of sport” being made for the 22nd edition of the Games, which are taking place in Birmingham between July 28 and August 8. Some 72 teams and over 5,000 athletes are expected to take part.

Hundreds of those athletes will be representing UK teams who get to compete separately as England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. As hosts, England alone will be sending over 400 athletes hoping to bring back a medal.

The first Games took place in Canada in 1930. There were just 400 athletes from 11 teams and the event was known as the “British Empire Games”. After

MAKING HISTORY: Chantal Petitclerc won the Games’ first parasport gold in the 800m wheelchair race at Manchester 2002

several name changes, it arrived at its current title in 1978.

Since 1930, the number of sports has risen from six to 20 in 2022 — the most ever. Unlike the Olympics, the hosts have more freedom over which sports they include. Some 16 of the sports — such as athletics, swimming and boxing — are classed as “core”, meaning they have to be included, but the hosts can pick the rest.

In Birmingham, this includes basket the debuting sports 3x3 basketball and women’s T20 cricket.

It is also an opportunity to in see some sports not always included at other major multi-sport

events — such as lawn bowls and netball. In 2018, England won a thrilling 52-51 final match to beat Australia and win the netball gold medal.

RECORDS

Team sports were only allowed for the first time in 1998 in order to get more people watching on TV. In 2022, organisers hope the inclusion of esports as a demonstration event will also help increase engagement.

Over the years, many highprofile athletes have taken part in the Games, including Usain Bolt and Mo Farah. In 1990, the Fast & Furious actor Jason Statham

22 things to note about Birmingham 2022 l 72 nations and territories are planning to send teams to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games l Around 6,500 athletes and team officials will be coming to Birmingham l The Queen’s Baton Relay, right, started on October 7 2021 and will finish when the baton arrives in the Alexander Stadium on July 28, which means the relay will last a total of 294 days l The first medals of the Games are expected to be won at Sutton Park in the triathlon events l Three students from the School of Jewellery have designed the medals, ribbons and boxes l There are 19 sports and eight para sports that will feature, making it the biggest sports programme ever for a Commonwealth Games

l Women’s cricket will be included for the first time, and it is the first time that T20 cricket has ever been included in the Commonwealth Games l Although the full court, five-a-side version of basketball has been included before, this will be the first time basketball 3x3 has featured l The addition of wheelchair basketball

means there will be more para-sport than ever before l Wheelchair basketball 3x3 has been included in the Games for the first time l Para sport is integrated into the sports programme, so if you have tickets for sports like swimming or athletics, you will get to see para athletics and para swimming, too l Beach volleyball will be taking place Comfor only the second time at the Com monwealth Games and this sport was added to the Birmingham 2022 sports programme in August 2019 l 54 hockey matches will take place during the Games and these will all be held at the University of Birmingham l There will be two super Sundays at Birmingham 2022 and the second is a big day for women’s team sport featur-

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competed for England in diving.

Numerous records have also been broken. In 1974, Tanzania’s Filbert Bayi took an early lead in the 1,500m and beat the world record by almost a second — with the race’s top five all recording times within the seven fastest in history.

In 2014, Nicola Adams won one of the first Commonwealth Games gold medals in women’s boxing after being the first to win Olympic gold in the sport at London 2012.

At Manchester 2002, Canada’s Chantal Petitclerc won the Games’ first para-sport gold in the 800 metres wheelchair race.

ing the women’s cricket T20 final, the netball final and women’s hockey final l Across the 11 days of sport, there will be 286 different sessions of sport l There are 280 different medal events included at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games l There are more medal events for

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voicenews voicenews

She later said that “it meant so much to me that the Commonwealth Games decided that a performance is a performance — and it doesn’t matter if you accomplish it in a wheelchair”.

The Commonwealth Games were the world’s first fully inclusive major multi-sport event.

42 gold medals will be available in para-sports this year, including in swimming, cycling and athletics.

The CGF awarded to Games to Birmingham in 2017. With just weeks to go, the organisers are hoping the Games will unite people under the CGF’s values of humanity, equality and destiny.

women than men for the first time ever at a major multi-sport event l There are 15 venues in total and 14 of these are in the West Midlands l Sandwell Aquatics Centre, left, is the only brand new venue and after the Games, it will be converted into a community leisure facility l One of the key venues is the Alexander Stadium and this venue has underunder gone a £72 million transformation l Three parks are included on the venue list — West Park in WolverhampWolverhamp ton, Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield and Victoria Park in Royal Leamington Spa l The Solomon Islands women’s team will take part in beach volleyball for the first time. In the men’s competition, there will be Commonwealth Games debuts for Rwanda, South Africa and the Maldives

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JULY 2022 THE VOICE | 35 JULY 2022 THE VOICE | 35

Birmingham2022 2022 Birmingham JOINING FORCES: Special guests gather together with Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin, centre

Stronger through sport

Commonwealth Games ready to help the world get back on right track, writes Milton Boyce

T

HE UPCOMING Commonwealth Games will inspire and empower all Commonwealth citizens, in turn helping to boost development and health outcomes following the COVID-19 pandemic, ministers and sport sector representatives have heard.

Over 120 Commonwealth sports and health ministers, sports industry professionals and stakeholders from bodies like UNESCO, the Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport (CABOS), the Olympic movement and FIFA came together for a roundtable breakfast in Kigali, Rwanda, ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on June 25.

Birmingham 2022 was hailed as an opportunity to leverage the power and popularity of sport to drive social change, promote sustainable development and improve global health outcomes following the pandemic.

Speaking at the opening of the event, Dr Suddhoo Arjoon, Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat, said: “Sport serves as a major catalyst for inclusive development for all 2.6 billion Common-

wealth citizens, 60 per cent of whom are young people under the age of 30.

“Beyond its convening power, sport is also an important tool for ensuring that the social and health gains made prior to the COVID-19 pandemic are restored and accelerated. This is what the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham represent.

“The Games speak to the resilient and inspiring nature of sport, they showcase how we are finding ways to re-energise communities and development opportunities, whilst reminding us of our collective heritage, embedded within our shared Commonwealth values.”

His words were echoed

by Lord Ahmad, Minister for Foreign Commonwealth and Development Affairs, who shared the UK Government’s vision for the Games and its legacy.

He said: “Big sporting events like the Commonwealth Games are an opportunity to see worldclass athletes in action.

“The UK has a brilliant track record for hosting events like this – from the London 2012 Olympics to the 2014 Games back

UNITED: Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin, right, with Rwanda’s Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju in Glasgow. And, every time we do, we’re reminded of the sheer power of sport and its impact on communities.

“From positive memories of sporting achievements, to employment opportunities and images of children learning to swim, young people representing a local athletics club and communities coming together to get active.”

Also speaking at the breakfast, facilitated by Commonwealth Secretariat and hosted by the Government of Rwanda, and sponsored by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), was CGF President, Dame Louise Martin CBE. She said: “We believe sport has the power to bring us together, reconcile our differences and inspire us to change our lives

for the better. It is sport that underpins our values of humanity, equality and destiny. It also sits at the centre of our vision which states: ‘Through sport, we create peaceful, sustainable and prosperous communities across the Commonwealth’.

“We see this vision manifesting itself in the lead-up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.”

The roundtable heard how the inspiring example of the Games, and the athletes taking part, should be used to galvanise support from a broad spectrum of leaders for development ambitions across the Commonwealth – particularly when ministers come together at the accompanying 10th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting (10CSMM) in Birmingham on July 27.

The theme will be ‘Creating an inclusive and resilient sport sector; enhancing the contribution of sport to the sustainable development goals’ and will see ministers agreeing and setting sports-related goals for the Commonwealth.

Participants at the roundtable noted the importance of main-

taining a collaborative Commonwealth approach, and building partnerships between stakeholders and governments to fully realise the potential of sport as a development tool, especially as member states explore policy options in the post-COVID-19 context.

After lively discussion, it was also suggested that the Commonwealth Games be used as an example to inspire and fuel stakeholder’s ambitions towards creating fairer, more equal societies and to tackling burgeoning conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Rwanda Minister for Sport Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju said: “Rwanda remains a strong supporter of inclusion through sports. As a matter of fact, sport has played, and plays to date, an important role in the reconstruction of our nation and of our people from our tragic past.

“Today, we are ever more convinced that sport is a much needed tool not only for health and professional achievements (to mention but a few), but also for bringing people together with a common understanding and a common goal.”

36 | THE VOICE JULY 2022

Birmingham 2022

PLATFORM FOR PROGRESS

Rodney Hinds talks to Birmingham City Council Leader, Councillor Ian Ward

B

RINGING THE Games to Birmingham is the culmination of a very, very long journey for Ian Ward that began way back in 2003.

The Birmingham City Council leader says he is looking forward to the biggest event the city has attempted to host.

RH: What does the Commonwealth Games coming into the city mean for you on a personal basis?

IW: For me, personally, it is the combination of a lot of work and a lot of effort, which goes all the way back to 2003, when the city of Birmingham hosted the World Indoor Athletics Championships.

We put quite a bit of effort into hosting that and were delighted when the IAAF announced it was the best ever and off the back of it, I thought to myself this can’t be the end of these major events coming into the city. We have to set ourselves another ambition.

So, at the end of those championships, at the press conference, I set out that Birmingham would now seek to at some point in the future to host the Commonwealth Games, which would be the biggest thing a city like Birmingham could play host to in terms of sporting events.

I have to say, I am delighted that we were successful in our bid and I’m very much looking forward to when we play host to the biggest event it’s ever attempted to host, and I know that

the people of Birmingham will make it a stunning success.

RH: What do you feel hosting the Games means to the city and community?

IW: I think that for the city, first of all, it’s a fantastic platform to present this city and its people to the entirety of the world.

We have to make sure we make the most of that, we’ll never get the opportunity in my lifetime anyway, to present our city to the world, and to try and attract investment into the city, grow the city even more and build the homes and the jobs that we’re going to need in the future, so we have to make the most of that.

The people of this city like their sport, they’re very knowledgeable about sport, we’re the home of UK Athletics after all and I know that the people of Birmingham will get behind the events.

The level of excitement will be at fever pitch and I expect us to have one hell of a party during the 11 days of sport, and I anticipate we will have sold out stadia because I know that people in this city love their sport.

Birmingham is a very welcoming city. It only exists because of immigration. Every single person living in this city, if they trace their family tree back far enough, will find someone who came to this city looking for work and a better future for their family.

From the four corners of Great Britain in the 19th century,

FLYING THE FLAG: Councillor Ewan Mackey, deputy leader of the Conservative group on the City Council, Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Muhammad Afzal, Councillor Ian Ward and Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council, Deborah Cadman, pictured as a St George’s flag is unveiled at Birmingham Town Hall as Team England celebrate St.George’s Day ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2022 at Birmingham Town Hall in April (photo: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images) the four corners of the world in the 20th century, people came to this city looking for work. Because we are that city of immigration.

We have attracted people from around the world. Every person in this city can trace their heritage back to one of the 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth.

I really do think we can set the bar really high in terms of hosting the Commonwealth Games and whoever follows Birmingham in hosting the Games, I think will have a very tough act to follow.

RH: Once all the running and jumping and throwing has been done, and a third of the world comes to visit you, what would you expect in terms of legacy for your city?

IW: I would hope part of our legacy will be that people are going to start to walk with a bit more swagger and talk with a little more swagger about their city and have that pride.

Ultimately, I’d like to think that people will look back and say that Birmingham changed for the better as a result of hosting the Commonwealth Games and what we will see is not just the

economic benefit that we will get.

I would expect that we will be in a position to see increased interest in Birmingham, increased investments, which is going to help us because we are a growing city.

We expect our population to increase by 150,000 between now and the end of the decade, so we need to build the homes and create the jobs that our growing population is going to need going forward.

I think the Commonwealth Games gives us a platform to help with that task.

RH: What about the younger community, of all backgrounds?

How do you think they feel about the Games? Do you think they feel that it is for everybody, or do they feel a little excluded?

IW: I’d like to think that they did, but you would have to ask them, I guess. I do think it’s important that the Games themselves and those attending do reflect the makeup of the city. I think it’s very, very important that the Games are, through everyone, which is what we have built the Games as.

Sport England aims to tackle inequality through investment

By Milton Boyce SPORT ENGLAND’S £35m investment into creating a Commonwealth Games legacy is premised on tackling inequality and offering better access and opportunities for underrepresented groups.

That could be through national governing bodies investment, their Birmingham 2022 small grants programme, their Places and Spaces work or the Commonwealth Active Communities commitments across Coventry,

Solihull, Birmingham and the Black Country. The 21 sports they are working with through the Birmingham 2022 Participation, Innovation and Digital Fund, for example, includes clear plans to connect with women and girls, those with long-term health conditions and disabilities, and those from culturally diverse communities.

Within the swimming investment, the Black Swimming Association are looking to build on the work they have been doing in other areas of the country to tackle issues holding back engage-

ment in swimming across disenfranchised African, Caribbean and Asian communities. The aquatics plan and issues of water confidence among young people in the Black Country make this a key priority for partners.

FOCUS

British Wrestling are focusing on increasing engagement and take up of wrestling with women with a particular focus on women from Sikh and Muslim backgrounds.

British Cycling have a strong focus

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on young people, particularly those with disabilities in connecting with cycling opportunities.

England Boxing in partnership with Coach Core are appointing 10 new ‘Community Boxing Apprentices’ from underrepresented groups, as part of a community-led approach, with applications especially encouraged from the Travelling community and women and girls.

These relatable role models will be supported with digital skills training to amplify their reach via digital channels,

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in order to connect with diverse communities and demonstrate that there’s a place in boxing for everyone.

Sport England’s Commonwealth Active Communities collaborations are working with a range of communities including some exciting social prescribing approaches connecting people to sport and physical activity opportunities to support people’s well-being.

These range from supporting women with yoga to walking and cycling activity, and supporting people’s mental well-being.

www.voice-online.co.uk

JULY 2022 THE VOICE | 37

Birmingham 2022

Building a brighter future Games can provide a once-in-a-lifetime boost for the West Midlands, writes Anshu Taneja

A

CCORDING TO a 2019 report published for the Commonwealth Games Federation, the 2018 competition held on Australia’s Gold Coast saw an enormous uplift of £1bn to its economy.

With a potential global broadcast audience of over one billion people, Birmingham is similarly hoping to provide a once-in-alifetime economic boost to the region and deliver huge benefits to the people and places that really need the uplift.

The local area and infrastructure will be completely transformed to provide an attractive place for a wide range of people to live, work and visit.

While the Alexander Stadium will seat almost 30,000 spectators, post Games it will be reduced to around 18,000 – which will make it the largest permanent athletics stadium in the UK – and become redeveloped as a location for the community to use for health and wellbeing, as well as providing an academic base for up to 1,000 students.

Hosting global multi-sport competition has generated significant economic benefits and repositioned and transformed previous host cities.

A recent example is London 2012, which converted a 500-acre area of mostly toxic wasteland into the Olympic Park and saw the construction of 11,000 homes afterwards.

According to Forbes business magazine, London recouped a vast £175m while also hosting 25 additional sporting events in just six years after the Olympics.

Another undoubted achievement from London 2012 was the huge success of the Team London volunteering programme, which proved how participating free time for an event can benefit local communities for the long term. Initiatives such as social action projects, arts, or community sports always need a constant supply of volunteers and so organisations such as sports clubs, community centres and faith leaders have played a key role in helping to attract volunteers to Birmingham.

Nicola Turner, Director of Legacy on the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee, explained: “We listened and tried to learn the lessons from 2012 where the contact details of all volunteers disappeared when the games were over.

“We will provide the facility for people to stay connected via our volunteering platform which will go on beyond the Games till 2025 and allow people to volunteer for many future events in their neighbourhood and connect people to local grass roots projects. Many of the 14,000 volunteers start to feel like a closeknit team and want to stay in touch.

Organisations such as the police, fire services and the Canals and River Trust need a lot of volunteers in their community and outreach work.

They would love to find younger and different people to help them.”

Birmingham 2022 will deliver many new concepts such as being the first carbon-neutral Games, having the largest business and tourism plan ever seen with an investment of £24m, offering more than £350m in business contracts, and also implementing a huge volunteer engagement and employment programme.

The Games will create around 35,000 new jobs ranging from construction, security and cleaning to stewarding, venue management, catering and food hygiene.

VALUE

“There are many Games firsts,” says Turner. “Previous Games have never required local suppliers to give back. We think there may be as much as £200m of added value in jobs, sports equipment and services that our suppliers could hand back to the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands. How cool would it be if all future Games could do the same? We are definitely raising the bar.

“We set out to be a carbon neutral Games, which is so hard to achieve because of the carbon footprint that delivering an event of this magnitude leaves behind – and yet Paris is copying us for the 2024 Olympics by

COMMUNITY FOCAL POINT: Alexander Stadium will seat almost 30,000 spectators, but capacity will be cut to 18,000 post Games with the stadium redeveloped. Inset left, Nicola Turner, Director of Legacy on the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee planting their Commonwealth Forest. We have many innovations in place; simple things like installing water points for people to fill up and reduce plastic waste. We have also included free public travel within the price of the ticket, which amazingly has never been done before.

And finally, the three women that designed the medals talked to para-athletes and discovered that wheelchair athletes in particular end up with the heavy metal medals in their laps.

“No Games ever before has come up with the idea of an adjustable ribbon to ensure the medal is at the centre of your chest.”

A Jobs and Skills Academy has been formed and will liaise with local authorities, colleges, universities, youth hubs, and community networks to enable 1,000 young and unemployed people to access volunteering and skills opportunities.

After more than a year of living through extended Covid-related restrictions and isolation, coupled with the current hardship of the rising costs of living, organisers are optimistic that the Games will bring joy, relief and hope to

the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands. Lockdown has changed behaviours, with more people cycling, walking, and exercising at home – but many have struggled to adapt.

The Games now provides a huge opportunity to witness top level competition, to celebrate diversity and to bring people together with a sense of pride.

A huge emphasis of Birmingham’s legacy is to provide a tan-

about improving the infrastructure, it’s also about changing the lives of people that live here,” Turner clarifies.

“Birmingham was the fastest growing city in 2019 but then the pandemic interrupted that trajectory and hit us hard for many reasons. The Games gives us a great chance to get back on track economically but only if we can derive real local benefit from that. We have secured £350m to

“No Games has come up with the idea of an adjustable ribbon to ensure the medal is at the centre of your chest” gible change with real benefits for local people around jobs, health and well-being, and sustainability. Another important aspect is the Learning Program initiative, which aims to inspire confidence in the next generation and to ensure young people have a range of practical life skills to broaden their future and be tolerant of others.

“Of course, the economic legacy is important, but it’s not just

spend on goods and services and we wanted local businesses to get the first bite of that cherry – our figures show that 75 per cent of that money is with local West Midlands suppliers.

“In addition, we have been able to train 7,000 local people who were unemployed or without credentials towards roles at the games, and they get to keep the qualifications for the next stage of their career.”

The Games provides a huge opportunity to tackle inequalities and give people the skills to improve their local communities after the event, but how does Turner think this can be assessed?

DEPRIVATION

“We have a huge share of deprivation. We really wanted to involve equity and inclusion in our Games for Everyone vision as we are recognised as a young diverse region with people from 180 different countries. We set up Generation 2022 to help 1,000 young people to build their experience by asking them to do 30 hours of social action and rewarded them with Games tickets.”

Excitement has been building through six months of cultural events leading up to the Games, and with just a month to go, Turner feels the city is due some recognition on its improved image.

“Although we are maybe rough around the edges, we are authentic. I hope that we see thousands of visitors, our stock goes up, and we get more trade and investment here for more big events.

It’s a privilege to welcome the world to our amazing city. They will be pleasantly surprised!”

38 | THE VOICE JULY 2022

Birmingham 2022 ALL SMILES: Famed Guyanese-British artist Hew Locke with pupils from Small Heath Leadership Academy in front of Foreign Exchange – a temporary new artwork by the artist that reimagines Birmingham’s statue of Queen Victoria for the Birmingham 2022 Festival.

Photo credit: Shaun Fellows.

T

AKING PLACE across the West Midlands, the Birmingham 2022 Festival is one of the biggest cultural festivals ever associated with a Commonwealth Games and runs through until the end of September.

The Voice spoke with Raidene Carter, pictured below, Executive Producer of the Birmingham 2022 Festival, to find out more.

AT: What types of festivals have you organised for the Commonwealth Games?

RC: The Games are much more than 11 days of world class sport. The surrounding festivals have been underway since March and is absolutely central to Birmingham 2022 as a global event.

The festival not only offers everyone the chance to enjoy a wide range of events right across the city, but it is also an incredible opportunity to showcase the amazingly vivid cultural world that is reflected in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

There are over 200 events in the festival programme from exhibitions to dance, films to theatre.

For example, we have People, Place & Sport, an outdoor photography exhibition in Sandwell Valley Country Park, and To The Streets, a new concert musical taking place outdoors in parks across the region.

Route 34 celebrates the rich cultures in Birmingham through carnival, reggae and lots of singing and dancing and, in the final month of the festival, giant fabricated trees and thousands of plants will take over the city’s Victoria Square in PoliNations for a grand finale like no other!

AT: Tell us more about the music and themes of the exhibitions?

RC: Birmingham 2022 Festival events all consider our place in the Commonwealth, the present moment and stories of Birmingham and the West Midlands.

The festival programme ranges from large-scale outdoor events to a brand-new Birmingham-inspired album.

On Record, described as a sonic love letter to Birmingham, is a concept album celebrating the vibrant sounds of Brum and is full of music that beautifully reflects the host city. Artists include rapper

A sporting culture The second city is offering so much more than just the Games, says Anshu Taneja

Sanity with her track Midlands Child, the reggae legends UB40 ft Gilly G for a song called Champion, and the marvellous Friendly Fire Band with a tune named It’s a Brum Ting.

Hew Locke’s Foreign Exchange is one of several visual arts projects that draw conversations about the Commonwealth. This temporary artwork

creates the illusion of Queen Victoria standing in a boat surrounded by smaller replicas being sent out to represent her across the British Empire.

Don’t forget the new Vanley Burke exhibition, Blood and Fire, at the city’s Soho House.

Elsewhere, The Healing Gardens of Bab is a celebration of queer artists from across the Commonwealth and includes outdoor artworks, pop-up performance, drag, pageantry and creative club nights with artists from countries including South Africa, Ghana, Canada, India and Australia.

Finally, as the Games get closer, the Birmingham 2022 Festival is hosting a series of performances, films and visual arts installations all inspired by sport.

The performances range from an interactive show featuring a table

tennis-playing robot, a performance starring basketballers and percussionists, a play about women’s cricket and a public art installation reflecting the speed of elite swimmers.

place, to street-side carnivals that drive athletes on to victory, and, celebrating the landmark cultural venues that make tourists out of spectators, the power of art and creativity in the con-

“The festival is an incredible opportunity to showcase the amazingly vivid cultural world that is reflected in our region” AT: Why is it important to run these festivals before and after the Games?

RC: Previous Commonwealth Games and major sporting events have already shown us that when sport and culture come together, they achieve more than the sum of their parts.

From unforgettable ceremonies that reflect our time and

text of sporting moments is unquestionable.

AT: Do you think the festivals will inspire local people for the Games?

RC: Absolutely! This is an extraordinary time for Birmingham and the West Midlands. The festival offers so much that is publicly available and, combined with the arrival of the Commonwealth

Games, it’s an electric opportunity to celebrate Birmingham and its diversity. Lots of the festival is free to enjoy and there’s plenty of opportunities to join in!

AT: How have people responded to the festivals so far?

RC: Around 20,000 people watched the festival opening show, Wondrous Stories by Motionhouse. The show brought together the creativity and talent of so many performers from across the West Midlands and it heralded the start of an incredibly exciting summer ahead for Birmingham.

The atmosphere proved that people can’t wait for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games to begin!

For more information, and a taster of performances and projects, visit: Birmingham2022.com/ festival

JULY 2022 THE VOICE | 39

Birmingham 2022

Legacy of Games in spotlight Opinions are divided on the impact the event will have on the region, writes Veron Graham

W

HILE THE countdown clock to the Commonwealth Games enters its final weeks and the host city of Birmingham and surrounding areas make final preparations, opinions are largely split among key city activists as to whether the multi-sports event will prove to be a ‘Games for Everyone’ as the organisers have asserted.

The Games will take place between July 28 and August 8 2022, essentially in Birmingham, with events also taking place in several regional venues.

The Games landing in Birmingham was met with initial surprise in December 2017 when the announcement was made. It had been more than two years since Durban was declared as hosts, until the Commonwealth Games Federation pulled it from the South African city for failing to meet its requirements. It was only after previously interested cities in Canada and Malaysia withdrew their interest that Birmingham’s unlikely candidacy emerged victorious.

QUESTION

The announcement was soon followed with pledges to refurbish and extend the Alexander Stadium, encourage sporting activity amongst local youth and put a dent in the city’s enduring housing shortage by converting the apartments and houses built in a new Games Village into accommodation for sale, market rent and social housing.

Aside from conversations around the Commonwealth’s obvious links to the former British Empire, which came into sharp focus during the Black Lives Matter protests, planning for the Games itself got off to a bumpy start. Considerable ire was raised about the lack of ethnic diversity on the Games’ organising committee which caused claims to its inclusive nature to come into question.

Lincoln Moses MBE, the inspiration behind the nearby Holford Drive Community Sports Hub, has been involved in discussions with sporting and civic authorities ever since the city council’s public engagement began post-announcement.

The Hub, which opened in 2013, engages up to 800

“I don’t see many real opportunities for the next generation” youth in a range of sports each week.

Ongoing discussions between the Hub and senior Games officials over nearly two years, exploring expanding the venue and using it as a pastoral centre for athletes, have ground to a halt, save for using the Hub’s car park for the Games’ corporate guests, providing the majority of the Hub’s activities cease.

The authorities reportedly refused the Hub’s request to meet its expenses in lost revenue. There has been no development to an alternative request — to install a bike park to securely house bicycles and charge the city’s growing stock of electronic bikes.

“There has been a lot of namedropping and parachuting black faces to sit on boards, but I don’t see what change this is amounting to,” said Moses. “I may be wrong or have missed something, but I don’t see many real opportunities for the next generation after the Games; sustainable ones, not street entrepreneurship that will end when the Games do.

“Young people are. aren’t feeling the buzz like with the Euros or World Cup — feeling that the Games are not for them.

Ashley Bertie, the county’s former deputy Police & Crime Commissioner, said: “I think the Games are fantastic for Birmingham and the West Midlands.Often, we get overlooked in favour of Manchester — which is sometimes seen as the Second City, which it isn’t, although it has had more investment and better transport links. To have a massive athletic showcase like the Games is a great achievement for the city, which I’m really proud of and can’t wait to be there.”

Fresh from an unsuccessful by-elec-

Sports hub in Perry Barr set for £500k boost

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: Lincoln Moses, of the Holford Drive Community Sports Hub, is concerned the impact of the Games will not be sustainable; inset, CJ Lloyd Webley says the legacy will be vital; inset below left, Ashley Bertie is feeling positive tion campaign against Paulette Hamilton to become Labour candidate for Birmingham Erdington last March, Bertie continues as CEO of the Independent

ing the netball and table tennis on August 7. I’ve seen our initial work in (neighbouring) areas like Aston, Newtown and Lozells come to fruition, getting young

“We need to see ourselves as a global city capable of hosting events like this, showcasing greatness and diversity” Custody Visiting Association, a national organisation which works with the Home Office to hold the police to account.

Bertie’s involvement in the Games stems back to his previous role: “I got involved in some of the legacy work with the West Midlands Combined Authority to give our view on how the Games could benefit young people, that they feel part of it and making sure its impact lasts longer than two weeks.

“We commissioned community groups to put on activities in and around the Games and called for the police to engage as much as possible, fairly and with the independent advisory groups. I’m now supporting it as an outsider and I will be watch-

people involved at the early stages so they really feel part of it.”

In a speculative response to opposers of the Games, particularly the expense and disruption to the local area, he countered: “I’d put that down to short-minded thinking: you can’t put a price tag on the inspiration the Games will have. Look at how London 2012 galvanised a new generation to get involved in sport and the regeneration in areas like Stratford (in east London). We need to see ourselves as a global city that is capable of hosting events like this, show the greatness and diversity of our city and for our youth not have to move away from the city to aspire and achieve their dreams.”

CJ Lloyd Webley is a writer, producer and founder of the city’s Black Pounds Project, which is also the Games’ official West Midland’s representative, supporting the build-up and coordinating the region’s baton bearers for the ceremonial relay, also supporting them in sharing their stories. He said: “The Games need to be about inclusion and legacy.

“It’s all very well bringing them and having advocates like myself and others, but what’s going to happen afterwards? That’s my primary concern.

“There are many grassroots organisations that need support, progress is being made through collaboration and exposure but there is more that can be done, especially around Perry Barr and other areas that typically don’t get much investment.

“The Games has brought new people to the area. If we can see a real shift in how people are treated in more marginalised areas and being included in projects to do with their own communities, that’s all we can really ask for.

“My involvement has been positive — I’ve seen people being treated well so far. My main concern now is the legacy left behind once the Games are over.”

PLANS for a £500,000 upgrade to a community sports facility in Perry Barr, to further strengthen the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Legacy have been confirmed.

A new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) will be developed at Holford Drive Community Sports Hub (HDCSH) in the months following the Games through the project – jointly funded by Sport England and the Birmingham City Council capital contribution towards Birmingham 2022.

The MUGA will be located at the front of the premises on what is currently an unused piece of grassland.

The proposed addition of floodlights will enable yearround use and dramatically increase the useable times sporting activities can be provided for people in the area.

Currently HDCSH attracts around 800 people per week from Perry Barr and the surrounding areas to participate in a whole range of sporting activities.

POSSIBLE

These attendances however fall to around 300 during the winter months due to a lack of facilities that can be utilised during the darker nights. It is estimated the wider use that will be possible due to the floodlights will at least double the current winter numbers.

A total of £366,685 of National Lottery funding is being contributed by Sport England with the Birmingham City Council element of the Birmingham 2022 capital budget supplying the remaining £150,000.

John Crabtree, Chair of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, said: “An important part of the Games Partner legacy plan is an ambition to increase physical activity and wellbeing and the investment that is being made at the Holford Drive Community Sports Hub is a great example of the work that’s being done to achieve this aim.”

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JULY 2022 THE VOICE |

Montel Gordon

41

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

Black excellence to cherish My visit to the University of the West Indies makes me wish I’d studied there

T

HE CARIBBEAN education system is among the best globally and having witnessed this first-hand, it’s no surprise.

The Times Higher Education magazine places The University of The West Indies (UWI) in the top 1.5 per cent of universities worldwide.

This is an excellent achievement for a university without the investment and funding of other western institutions.

UWI is spread over three campuses: St Augustine’s Trinidad & Tobago, Cave Hill, Barbados and Mona, Jamaica. My experience at UWI comes from a five-day summer school, ‘Cultures of Protests’, held jointly with the University of Leicester, and our cohort was based at Mona campus.

One factor that astounded me with the UWI system was their inclusive focus on the education system.

UWI, like most other universities in post-imperial states and the West, has become more neo-liberalised at the turn of the century. This places a fervency upon securing research grants and research output for universities and academics amongst the privatisation and

competitiveness of the marketplace. In the UK, academics have become accustomed to the phrase ‘publish or perish’ where the Research Excellence Framework (REF) has institutions in a neoliberal chokehold to consistently produce new, initiative research or face scrutiny or even their jobs.

According to a report by Times Higher Education in July 2021, university staff are less happy and more anxious on average.

Equally, the charity Education Support Partnership reported around 55 per cent of academics deemed themselves stressed, and nearly four in 10 considered leaving the higher education sector.

Ultimately, juggling producing research, lecturing and marking leaves academics in a dire situation. It’s a never-ending enduring cycle of anxiety – most academics are underpaid, overworked, and in precarious employment positions. This only affects the quality of education; my entire undergraduate experience was plagued with strikes, which sometimes lasted a whole term due to these conditions.

Despite an overarching theme of continuities between

PASSION FOR LEARNING: The Times Higher Education ranking system places the University of The West Indies in the top 1.5 per cent of universities worldwide. Inset, Montel Gordon at UWI (main photo: Atiba Cudjoe / UWI) both universities regarding research output, I found that students were receiving a worthwhile quality education in the Caribbean.

Being around so many black students and academics is an experience I’ll cherish. UWI has a rich history of dedicated scholars and black excellence, from Walter Rodney and Norman Girvan to more contemporary, the vice-chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles.

His newest book, How Britain Underdeveloped the Caribbean, brought the reparations argument to the forefront of academia, legitimising why these claims are so feasible and how the legacies of the transatlantic slave trade have left the Caribbean in economic plunder and dependency.

Too often, I’m a black face in a white space in UK universities as black academics are very

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rare in Britain. Research centres are dedicated to anti-colonial work, race and ethnicity, and modules looking at the Global South are primarily staffed by white academics.

I took modules on African American and black British history and cultures at elite UK universities and never had a

Christopher Charles, and Fabian Thomas, to name a few.

Their theme of Caribbean resistance against colonial regimes and its legacies was lionising.

Learning more about Leonard Howell and the Rastafari, the Morant Bay rebellion, dancehall, and the politics of noise and space in Kingston gave me

Juggling producing research, lecturing and marking leaves academics and the students in a dire situation black lecturer. It was black history through white eyes.

However, the engagement and passion I felt lacking in the UK was in abundance with the UWI conference speakers, who included Dr Sonjah Niaah Stanley, Professor Verene Shepard, Dr Michael Bucknor, Professor

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strength, and internal power. It was one of the few times I’ve felt myself and comfortable in an academic space. That is something I’ll both cherish and use to drive my work.

As Dr Sonjah Stanley Niaah told us when we arrived, “Jamaica has a way of

voicenews

showing you to yourself,” which I feel is true. I saw how I could be when I’m at home.

It shaped my politics and aspirations. I watched other students change and become more themselves over the five days as we worked together to discuss resistance, rebellion and reparations.

I believe more opportunities should be created for study exchanges with the Caribbean.

UWI’s partnership with The University of Glasgow bridges the gap between the UK and the Caribbean.

Staff and students will move between the two institutions, and there will be investments in research around health, history, and reparative justice.

These are exciting times, and I hope that more people rightly choose to study at UWI. Trust me; it will show you yourself.

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42 | THE VOICE JUNE 2022

LET’S GO OUT A CELEBRATION OF CREATIVITY IN THE WEST MIDLANDS ARTWORK: GAZ BURNS

JUNE 2022

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44 | THE VOICE JULY 2022

Midlands News

PETRONILA FLYING THE FLAG FOR DYSLEXIA AWARENESS

by Veron Graham

Solihull-based campaigner tells The Voice how accessing the right support after moving to the UK from Cameroon was crucial to her success

A

CAMEROONIANBORN NURSE turned home care manager and campaigner is calling for greater awareness and support for people affected by dyslexia.

The request, made by Solihullbased Petronila Ngeka, 40 and is dyslexic herself, came during Carers’ Week — the annual UK campaign which aims to place more focus and provision for those providing and in receipt of care.

Now running a series of home care businesses caring for people with learning difficulties since 2015, Ngeka was diagnosed with the condition in 2011, as a student nurse, a fact which she hid out of fear of being stigmatised.

It is the knock-on issues like fear, alongside cultural ones, that she wants to eradicate.

She told The Voice: “The word ‘dyslexia’ isn’t widely used in Cameroon. It’s commonly

thought of in some communities as people who have it just lack

Growing up, I always felt something was affecting my learning, but didn’t know what intelligence or even because they have been affected by witchcraft.

“Growing up, I always felt something was affecting my learning but didn’t know what it was.

“I did what a lot of dyslexics do: because of my ambition and hope not to get found out, I would work harder. When I was diagnosed I did not even tell my

mentor because I wanted to hide it. I didn’t tell family but sought professional support from a coach. But what about those who can’t get that support?”

PASSIONATE

She said: “I was a C-grade student in Cameroon but was a Bgrade student in the UK, because I had support, including extra time to complete work and exams. I was able to just scrape through and pass. But lack of awareness made me overly cautious — nurses can still practice if they have dyslexia. I am passionate about raising awareness of how hard it can be for dyslexics, even ones that are in respected professions.

“I also want to help build understanding: for example, how many people know that dyslexia isn’t just about language? That it can also affect numeracy or be orientation-based, confusing left and right?”

WRITE STUFF: Petronila Ngeka has written a book on dyslexia, with another in the pipeline Ngeka’s activism is widening her work portfolio: her second book on dyslexia is soon to follow-up 2019’s Dyslexia With

Cameroon Dyslexia Association, while running home care businesses on referral from Midlands councils and the NHS.

I’m proud to offer support to my staff who need adjustments to cope with dyslexia. This should be common practice Success – which recounts her personal history with the condition. She runs a non-profit foundation, offers coaching services for nurses and supports the

Her activity is motivated by her current plight which is impacted by continued ignorance of the condition: she is in dialogue with educators to access

support for her 15-year-old son, who also has the condition: “They are saying he’s too intelligent to be dyslexic and so doesn’t have special educational needs. They are probably only supporting children who are profoundly dyslexic or have other conditions like autism or dyspraxia.

“Now, as an employer, I am proud to offer support to my staff who need adjustments to cope with dyslexia – whether they have it themselves or care for someone that does. This needs to become common practice and not the exception.”

Ceremony honours people for good work in mental health care RESIDENTS from across the West Midlands were honoured for their outstanding work in mental health in an award ceremony that is part of the launch of a multi-agency commission to identify examples of innovation and good practice in mental health care.

After hundreds of nominations submitted for acts of heroism and innovation within the region through the COVID-19 pandemic, eleven awards were presented

at the virtual Mental Health Star Awards, which was convened by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “The Mental Health Star Awards are a wonderful way to recognise the achievements of the many unsung heroes from across our region who are making such a positive impact within their communities. In some ways, lockdown brought

mental health issues to the fore like never before and as mayor, I want to see the wellbeing of West Midlands residents prioritised so that we can all flourish and reach our full potential. I’d like to congratulate all of the winners and nominees on their success.”

The Mental Health Commission includes leaders from key sectors including local authorities, the NHS, the business sector, sports, the criminal justice system and academia, as well as

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those who have experienced the challenges presented by the pandemic. A commission spokesperson said: “We need to learn from the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on mental health and wellbeing, and understand what action can be taken to respond to those wide and deep impacts. (The Commission) will work with all our communities to understand what we action we can put in place to tackle those challenges.”

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Mental Health Star Awards 2022 winners Young Person (16-25): Florence Grant Individual (over 25): Vickie Pring (Birmingham & Solihull); Ranjit Singh (Black Country); Taylor Pattison (Coventry & Warwickshire) Collaboration: Music and Mental Health Group Innovation in Work: Rebecca Mainstone

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Team, Service or Organisation (Large): Like Minds Team Team, Service or Organisation (Supporting Community Mental Health Through Being Active): Gro-Organic Term, Service or Organisation (Targeted Support for Communities): Himaya Haven & Lindale Recovery Services

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JULY 2022 THE VOICE | 45

Midlands News

TIME TO APPRECIATE CARERS

Day of fun and respite celebrates and honours the people who provide care to those in need of it

W

ITH 20-PLUS years of providing support, material and aid to the needy interrupted by the pandemic, Birmingham-based campaigner Erma Lewis returned to host her first event since 2019 with a Carers Appreciation Day recently.

The H Suite was the venue for the day of fun and rare respite put on for those who provide care, often around the clock, for disabled or unwell relatives.

Addressing the hundred or so attendees, Erma commented:

Your support improves the quality of life for those being cared for “Here in Birmingham, we have thousands who volunteer their time and support to care. The contribution made by carers is

immense. Firstly, your support improves the quality of life for those cared for. We also know the contribution given has a large economic value — at times, all the gains are at personal cost to the carer. That is why it is important to celebrate the work you do and applaud all carers for their hard work.”

SERVICE

Lewis and her volunteers had adapted their work during the pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns: setting up a telephone-based befriending service, delivering hot meals to the lonely and isolated, also providing a shopping collection service.

Under the banner of her Jamaica Hospital Appeal Fund (JHAF), Erma is now gearing up for the return of its fundraising Anniversary Gala Ball, which will take place on Saturday September 24 at The H Suite. JHAF was founded in 1998 in response to the impact of the flood which hit Erma’s birthplace of Portland, Jamaica.

FUNDRAISING: Erma Lewis at Birmingham Children’s Hospital with a bypass machine that they hope to supply to a Jamaican hospital. Inset, Erma at the Carers’ Appreciation Day event.

NEWS IN BRIEF l Younger men are being called to take action in a campaign to discourage unacceptable behaviour towards women across Leicestershire. You’re Right, That’s Wrong, which targets men aged 18-30, is being promoted in and outside of bars, pubs and clubs across Leicester’s city centre, train stations and parks across the county, also across social media.

The aim is to encourage men to become active bystanders by calling out negative attitudes and intolerable behaviour among their peers when they witness this type of conduct.

“Violence or harassment against women is never acceptable. It should not fall to women to change their routines or lifestyles to avoid being abused or harmed,” said Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commis-

sioner Rupert Matthews. “Our research shows men already feel embarrassed and ashamed by other men’s inappropriate behaviour towards women — and often feel ‘guilty’ by association. We want them to feel confident to act and not be afraid to call out behaviour that is wrong.

“This campaign urges men to take greater responsibility to prevent the toxic attitude that allows abuse to flourish. There is absolutely no excuse for bad behaviour or violence, so let’s not excuse it.”

Grace Strong, Strategic Director of Leicestershire and Rutland’s Violence Reduction Network (VRN), said: “I am pleased to have supported the development of this campaign, not least because it focuses on the role men can play in making a stand against these unacceptable behaviours and empowers them to be part of

the solution. By being active bystanders, men can assist by modelling the right behaviours thereby challenging some of the social norms which have led to many women feeling unsafe in public places.

“I very much hope it prompts all men to recognise the critical role they play in preventing violence against women and girls.” l Free festivals will take place across Birmingham as part of the Commonwealth Games celebrations — including the city centre venues Victoria Square and Smithfield on Saturday July 30.

As well as a daily schedule which includes sunrise stretch sessions and a showcase of upand-coming local talent, the Victoria Square Festival Site will host additional special events. These include watch parties for the tournament’s

opening and closing ceremonies plus music and cultural acts to mark the 60th anniversary of Jamaican independence.

Tim Hodgson, senior producer for Birmingham 2022 Festival and Festival Sites, said: “The Birmingham 2022 Festival Sites are where sport and culture will combine to provide a fantastic free opportunity for local residents and visitors alike to embrace the Commonwealth Games and celebrate together.”

The city centre sites complement the seven that proceed in the inner city areas of Castle Vale, Sparkhill, Edgbaston, Yardley, Handsworth, Selly Oak and Ward End. In addition, 10 towns and cities across the West Midlands will also host festivals: Coventry, Solihull, Warwick, Leamington Spa, Sandwell, Dudley and Wolverhampton, plus

PARTY TIME: Artist Sharon Brown promotes the festival Tamworth and Telford. Minister for Sport and Tourism, Nigel Huddleston said: “Birmingham 2022’s free-to-access Festival Sites will bring the spirit of the Commonwealth Games to an even wider audience this summer with live performances, arts and culture to be taken

to tens of thousands of visitors. We can’t wait to see Birmingham, the West Midlands and London come to life for this vibrant programme as we continue to celebrate this major year of sport and culture.”

For more information, visit: birmingham2022.com

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

46 | THE VOICE JULY 2022

Muyiwa Olarewaju

Nothing But Truth and Light

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

Don’t mind your own business Covid has meant we now live our lives not wanting to judge others or be judged. Show people you care by talking to them

L

ET ME ask you this question: how many times have you seen something going on, either on your street as you’ve been driving or something near your workplace, and your first thoughts were: “I better stay out of it and mind my own business?”

The culture of minding our business is so alive and strong in our cities. We all live our lives not wanting to judge others or be judged. “Don’t judge me” is the new phrase that falls off the tongue with alarming alacrity.

We see other people’s children acting up and our first thought of correcting them is nudged out of the way by a second thought of “mind your own” fearing the child, or worse still, his or her parents telling you it’s none of your business.

ADVERSITY

Here’s another question: have you noticed how the spirit of competition has become so strong that even in our communities we have neglected lifting up each other? We are so busy looking on reality TV and social media at the successes of others wishing it was us, longing for when it will be our time and turn so much that we forget to stop and applaud those who among us have fought through great adversity.

We have missed the opportunity to applaud our children as they get a grade that may not be A*, but certainly is a long way from where they started.

We’ve not stopped to applaud the man collecting the rubbish on our streets because we are so fixated on the star footballer who makes millions of pounds a year, as we dream of how we would spend that cash if it was us making that type of money.

We forget to applaud the young man who is bringing up his family in a world where they say people like him neglect families. We’ve missed the opportunity to applaud the sister

who is bravely fighting off cancer and other ailments because we’re very busy minding our own business.

I wonder as a community would we consider these words from the Bible, the book of Hebrews Chapter 10 Verse 24. The voice version says: “Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds, not forgetting meeting together as a community as some have forgotten but encouraging each other daily.”

So here’s a challenge to us — Covid has meant that we have got very comfortable with just us and our own pod, our own friends, our own space. Yes, the world is opening up. Yes, people are going out, but actually in our minds we have so enjoyed being by ourselves and not having to spend energy on anybody else.

Would you make up your mind today to find five people that you may not have done this with before or in a long time? Find ways to inspire them to greater love and to righteous deeds, inspire them to do better, encourage them for what they’ve done well — find them, talk to them, encourage them.

Also, can I challenge you, like the book says, not to forget gathering as a community, whether it’s the checker club the chess club, bingo club or the church?

Whichever group you can plug into, talk to our brothers and sisters, link up with our brothers and sisters, let’s talk to each other, let’s love each other, let’s build each other up, let’s inspire each other.

Remember: people don’t know how much you know till they know how much you care.

Muyiwa Olarewaju OBE is Station Director at Premier Gospel Radio, a TV & Radio Broadcaster, and Principal of gospel group Muyiwa & Riversongz

GOOD TO TALK: Let’s build each other up and show our brothers and sisters that we care (photo: Getty Images)

God’s grace can bear our weight

M

Y HUSBAND and I visited a skyscraper while on holiday. One of the highest floors had a glass section we were told to walk across because the glass could withstand the weight of hundreds of elephants. My husband heard this information but still refused to stand on it.

There is often a gap between what we know to be true intellectually and how we act in practise. We can understand something is strong enough to hold our weight but behave as though it is fragile.

That can be the case in our Christian life, too. We know the truth but act as though we believe something different.

When I need God’s help in the moment I can sometimes hesitate to ask because I know what a poor disciple I am. I’ve been lazy and undisciplined, choosing Netflix over Bible study. I go through this panic when my image of God has

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By Shirley Morgan become skewed and I’m imagining an angry God instead of a loving Father. A harsh critic, quick to punish for falling short of his perfect standards.

Yet the truth revealed in scripture says the opposite. We are told that God is gracious, forgiving, unfailing in love.

The truth is clear but, in my fear, I act as though something else is true. Just like my husband on the glass floor.

When we experience this faith gap between the truth and our mental picture of God, what can we do?

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STAND STRONG: There’s no gap (photo: Tim Trad/Unsplash) SEEK THE TRUTH The Word says we are standing in God’s grace. The Gospel message declares we have peace with a Holy God despite our flaws because of what Jesus has obtained for us.

RECOGNISE THE LIE It’s easy to lose our grasp on this truth. We inhabit a culture quick to demonise people who need help, such as asylum seekers. The world prizes

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independence. But we stand dependent in a grace we could never earn and must reject the world’s mentality.

STAND ON THE TRUTH God wants us to grasp that he accepts us. He knows us and loves us anyway. We can stand in God’s grace. It is strong enough to bear our weight.

Shirley Morgan is a Reader at the Church of England’s Newcastle Diocese

www.voice-online.co.uk

JUNE 2022

Wakes in Wembley.

THE VOICE| 47

Makes it at Meta.

Join Meta at metacareers.com/London

Juran, Privacy Program Manager Priya, Software Engineer

48 | THE VOICE

JULY 2022

Finance

STAY VIGILANT AGAINST FINANCIAL SCAMMERS No one thinks they’ll be caught out by a scam, but it happens more often than you think, says Danielle Ferguson

T

HE PANDEMIC and rising cost of living have created more opportunities for scammers to try to target us — so it is more important than ever that we remain vigilant in order to protect ourselves and our money.

New research from Citizens Advice released earlier this month found that more than three quarters of UK adults said they have been targeted by a scammer this year — a 14 per cent increase compared to this time last year.

The most common types of scams reported to Citizens Advice included energy scams. Ofgem recently issued a warning about energy scams where scammers contacting you pretending to be from Ofgem.

The scammers may suggest, for example, that you switch energy providers or ask for your bank details — which can then be used to commit fraud.

Scams can come in many forms, but all are designed to get hold of your money — so knowing what to look out for when it comes to scams is one of the best ways you can protect yourself.

It is very important to remember that if you receive any kind of contact out of the blue, then this could be a scam Unsolicited or unexpected contact It’s important to remember that if you receive any kind of contact out of the blue, this could be a scam.

If you are unsure, it is best to avoid it.

If you’re a customer of the company, use the contact details given to you in official paperwork or on their website to check if the person contacting you is legitimate.

Since January 2019, there has also been a ban on cold calling about pensions.

This means you should not be contacted by any company about your pension unless you’ve asked them to.

THREE SIMPLE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO LOWER THE RISK OF FALLING VICTIM TO FRAUD l STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe. l CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or make you panic. l PROTECT: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

STAY ALERT: Make sure you know who you are receiving text messages from, as it could be a scam (photo: Getty Images) Emails and text messages If you receive an email that you’re not too sure about, expand the pane at the top of the message to see exactly who it has come from.

If it’s a scam, the email address that the message has come from might not match up with the sender’s name, have misspellings, random numbers or be from one of your contacts that’s been hacked.

This actually happened to me in a previous role where I received an “email” from my CEO requesting I purchase client gifts with my own money — fortunately, I checked the email address when I became suspicious.

Scammers can also make their numbers look like one you trust. The scam text

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message might even appear in the same conversation as legitimate texts you’ve had before. This is known as ‘number spoofing’. You should avoid clicking on links in

phishing.gov.uk, while suspicious text messages can be reported by forwarding the original message to 7726, which spells SPAM on your keypad.

Be suspicious if you’re pushed into a decision. Scammers don’t want you to have time to think text messages and don’t be afraid to contact the company directly to check it’s a real message.

You can report any suspicious messages that you have received but not acted upon easily.

Suspicious emails can be reported by forwarding the original message to report@

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Quick decisions Be suspicious if you are pushed into making a decision on the spot. Scammers don’t want you to have time to think about it. Any legitimate company who calls you won’t mind if you hang up and call them back later.

Always use the phone number you find on letters from the

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company or the back of your card, rather than a number provided to you.

Too good to be true If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. This is something you normally find with pension or investment scams, where the fraudster guarantees you huge returns, but tells you it is low risk.

Scams are getting more and more sophisticated, and anyone can fall victim. It’s nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about, but it’s important that you report it as soon as possible.

If you want help with your immediate needs and need assistance to see if you may be able to get your money back, visit moneyhelper.org.uk or call our financial crimes and scams unit on 0800 015 4402.

www.voice-online.co.uk

News feature Spotlight ‘TIDE IS TURNING ON TV’ JULY 2022

F

RANCES-ANNE SOLOMON is a Toronto based award-winning filmmaker, writer, producer, director, curator and distributor in film, television and radio. Solomon is also a member of the Directors Branch Executive Committee of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

The entrepreneur was born in England to Trinidadian parents who came to Britain as part of the Windrush pioneers. Before settling down in Canada, Frances-Anne lived in several countries including South Africa, France, and Britain. This nomadic lifestyle was no surprise considering her life was synonymous with travel as part of her diplomatic family.

She is now based in Canada, but considers herself a Trinidadian who was born, lived, studied and worked in Britain. The Voice caught up with Solomon.

My journey in film and television began at Channel 4 where I worked with the late, great Darcus Howe. It was from working on The Bandung File, with Darcus and some amazing people that I moved to the BBC where I was the first black woman to join the radio drama team. While there, I was able to open doors to many other black people to get their first job at the BBC. Following my stint in radio, I moved over to work in BBC TV Drama where I did a host of very senior roles, thanks to one specific person. Therefore, I think it is so very important for everyone to have a champion and that champions to pay it forward.

After over a decade at the BBC, I began to see the tide turning. There were opportunities opening up after the uprisings in the ’80s, a reckoning, reminiscent of the changes and questioning following the recent Black Lives Matter movement. Then, it began to close back down.

I remember when Stephen

HELPING HAND: Frances-Anne says she opened doors for other black people at the BBC

Lawrence was killed and the whole debacle with the police handling of the case. The incident made me examine how I felt about the UK. It was a country I had committed to, one I felt I had given my life to, I took it very, very personally, I became disillusioned. I moved to South Africa, where I spent several years before returning back to Canada where I had studied and where my mother lived and have not looked back since.

In Canada, I founded the CaribbeanTales Media Group through which I have created several other companies over the years, under that umbrella.

In 2006 we launched the C a r i b b e a n Ta les International Film Festival in Toronto. The festival has been successfully running year after year as a platform for Caribbean and Caribbean diaspora films and film-makers from the region.

It’s critical that our voices be heard and taken seriously.

Among the numerous bodies I sit on, I was particularly honoured to have been appointed as a voting member of the Directors Branch of the Oscars.

I hope this will enable me to be a part of the transformation process currently under way at the Academy with relation to increasing diversity and inclusion.

Fast forward 15 years, the programs we continue to put in place supporting our filmmakers have proved to be successful, we are coming off the successful UK tour of my film HERO, based on our family friend Ulric Cross and we are embarking on our third year of the Windrush Caribbean Film Festival.

Frances-Anne Solomon is currently an artist-In-residence at Ryerson University’s School of Image Arts.

She recently founded CineFAM, which supports bold, original film stories by Women of Colour creators worldwide.

THE VOICE | 49

Celebrated film-maker, producer and director Frances-Anne Solomon says she makes the most of her opportunities in the creative world by paying it forward

50 | THE VOICE JULY 2022

Mental health

‘No decision about us without us’ FEELING ISOLATED: Having mental health issues as a black person can be tough, as they can fear the impact of institutional racism (photo: Getty Images.

Posed by model); inset below, Ariel Breaux

Mental health experts demand to be heard as the government overhauls the law. By Vic Motune

A

S THE government introduces plans to tackle racial disparities in mental health ‘sectioning’, race equality campaigners say black communities must be heard.

Black people are more than 10 times more likely to be subject to a community treatment order, and more than four times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act, according to recent data from NHS England.

The latest Queen’s Speech included a promise to bring in a draft bill to address racial disparities in the use of compulsory powers, with a parliamentary committee set up to advise on new legislation.

However, mental health organisations say they should be given an input into how the law is reformed, in an effort to make it fairer for people from minority communities.

The Voice spoke to Ariel Breaux, strategic delivery manager for race equity at Mind, about the key factors to reduce racial disparities.

Ariel Breaux: One of the key things to focus on is how racism manifests and is reinforced through the use of the Act. It’s very important that the parliamentary committee doesn’t neglect that the mental health system is institutionally and systemically racist.

It’s only from this starting point that they can critically examine how the Act goes on to contribute to such inequitable

treatment of black people, and how the inequitable use of the Act can be linked to racist ideology, like beliefs of dangerousness, that sees black people more likely to be placed under various types of state sanctioned control.

A prime example of this can be seen with Community Treatment Orders, which are a point in the Act where racism meets perception of risk, power and coercion.

The Voice: Some say that what would help to create a better understanding of race inequality in healthcare is the involvement of more black people in patient and public boards within the NHS, Local Health and Wellbeing Boards, Clinical Commissioning Groups.

Do you think this is important?

AB: This is incredibly important. There’s a saying that goes, ‘no decision about us without us’. You cannot address the issues that face people of colour without considering our voices and experiences.

Redistributing power is central to dismantling the systems that perpetuate these inequities.

Additionally, we need to be led by people with mental health problems, making sure their voices are heard and acted upon.

Involvement should not be transactional, rather, it must be understood that creating a better understanding of race inequality in healthcare cannot be done without those who experience it leading the way.

TV: Campaigners say that this understanding must reflect itself in the whole of the care pathway, from prevention, to assessment, to therapeutic intervention to sustained recovery. What would a whole care pathway that takes into account race equality look like?

AB: From start to finish we need to be looking at the ways in which systemic and institutional racism manifests within health and care.

For example, we know that many black people seek help for their mental health issues and are turned away, then don’t get help until they are much more unwell.

So we need to be critical in our assessment of the current care pathway asking questions like ‘how are we relying on assessment practices and therapeutic interventions that were created without people of colour in mind and are not culturally appropriate? How does our view of sustained recovery ignore the nuances about what recovery means for people of colour?’

When thinking about prevention, are we considering how interpersonal, institutional, and systemic racism within the larger society underpin the poor mental health of people of colour?’

We have to look deeper into root causes and contributing factors to avoid solutions that don’t truly address the problem.

TV: Should reform of mental

health legislation and service provision include things such as provide better access to talking therapies and culturally relevant interventions?

AB: Overall, there needs to be better access to culturally appropriate interventions, and at an earlier stage, rather than taking a one size fits all approach.

Culturally appropriate therapies are a must, but not all services are culturally appropriate despite being labelled “evidence-based” and providing more access to therapies that are not fit for purpose won’t solve anything either.

Services should be codesigned and co-produced with those from the communities the services will be targeting.

TV: Campaigners are also pushing for legislative reform to acknowledge the way wider determinants such as poor housing, insecure employment and living in areas where GP practices are more likely to be poorly rated can exacerbate mental health inequalities.

AB: I completely agree with this. We cannot treat mental health issues in isolation as if other environmental factors do not have an impact on mental wellbeing.

It is imperative we take an approach that centres social justice, and seeks to intervene at all levels.

We need to make sure there’s multiple levels of intervention and avoid locating a problem in the individual when the problem actually resides in the social system.

Neglecting to do so can result in inaccuracies in treatment and diagnosis, as well as causing harm.

Lifestyle New sound, familiar name: Seun Kuti p56

BLACK UNITY BIKE RIDE 2022 Ready to ride out p52

No joke: Eddie Kadi is gonna show em Ghana p57

This Is BrukOut: Black Am I p58

52 | THE VOICE JULY 2022

Lifestyle

Cycling

Riding for black unity ‘Awesome, vibrant’ cycling event which aims to drive positive change returns to streets of London for third year

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

T

HE BLACK Unity Bike Ride (BUBR) sets off around the capital once again on August 6, 2022, and following on from last year’s ride, which was nearly scuppered due to severe weather, organisers are expecting a surge in participant numbers.

Founded by Londoner Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa, BUBR is set for its third year on the roads, driving “positive change and encouraging unity and empowerment amongst the black community”.

COLLECTIVES

The annual ride is led by an alliance of more than 20 black-led cycling collectives from across London and welcomes novices and experienced riders alike to join in.

Birthed in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, and during a period of mourning the tragic death of George Floyd, BUBR served as an antidote for the UK black community, who were calling for a coming together to unite against social injustice and inspire more active wellbeing.

The ride creates support for

“We make sure each ride is a joyful experience that feels empowering, all within a safe space, where our riders can be themselves” the capital’s underrepresented demographics to take to the city’s streets and increase the diversity of the current cycling population in the capital.

BUBR founder Ajasa-Oluwa says: “The Black Unity Bike Ride is a community ride that was created with the aim of inspiring more unity and a sense of empowerment.

“It’s an awesome, vibrant day where we get participants aged seven to 70-year-olds riding side-by-side and enjoying some of London’s most iconic landmarks.”

He added: “BUBR is a perfect example of the positivity that can be achieved when we choose to unite.

“We make sure that each ride is a joyful experience that feels empowering, all within a safe

BLACK PEDAL POWER: The Black Unity Bike Ride is being held in London in August. Inset below left, the official kit space, where our riders can be their unapologetic selves without judgment.”

Despite the severe downpour, last year saw over 1,000 people from around the capital, of all backgrounds and ages, hit the roads of London to promote peace and unity as part of the trail.

Participants m o u n t e d their bikes at Walthamstow, riding through the bustling roads and across the River Thames, to the event’s end destination –— Shoreditch Park via the West End. This year sees the introduction of the BUBR-

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Fest, which is the finale for the 15-mile ride.

BUBR have partnered with Black Eats LDN, who will provide music, entertainment and 20 vendors selling food and arts celebrating black culture.

Lauren Larocque, a 2020 and 2021 BUBR rider and now a BUBR volunteer, says: “The pandemic was very tough, and really tough for black peo-

me had a really positive impact on us all.

“Cycling is now a huge part of my life, and I owe that to the BUBR.” BUBR is a charity initiative that has grown significantly in just 24 months — this has been reinforced by a new collaboration with the leading cycling brand Le Col and the launch of the official BUBR kit.

“We believe we will not only inspire more black people to cycle, but also inspire future Olympic champions” ple who had been triggered by events that highlighted once again the discrimination and oppression suffered by the black community.

“Before I found and signed up to the BUBR, my mental health was declining, and I had never even imagined having the confidence to cycle across London, and to do it with people like

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The allure of embracing and encouraging the UK’s black community where cycling is concerned is highlighted by the BUBR strategic partners including; Sport England, London Marathon Events, Sky, Science in Sport, Trek and Rapha.

The support is good to see.

Last year, Ajasa-Oluwa ex-

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plained why he felt inspiring black people to get on a bike wasn’t as difficult as some made out.

“BUBR dispels the myth that black people do not cycle,” he enthused.

“By documenting our activations and with the support of some strategic partners, we believe we will not only inspire more black people to ride their bikes but also potentially inspire the careers of future Olympic cycling champions from our communities.”

The organisation is currently recruiting 500 volunteers to support the successful execution of their 2022 event.

This year’s ride will take place on Saturday, August 6 — starting at Leyton Sports Ground at 9am for registrations.

There will be two rest and refreshment pit stops along the 15-mile route.

To register for the Black Unity Bike Ride 2022, visit blackunitybikeride.com/bubr22/

www.voice-online.co.uk

JULY 2022

THE VOICE | 53

Lifestyle

Cycling

The BUBR kit explained... unity, empowerment and love, it felt fitting to use these as our brand colours.

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

We understand the founder didn’t want to tweak the kit — why?

BUBR is more of a movement and a community, rather than a cycling club. So that’s why our founder was hesitant to do a kit — however once made, it’s been inspiring to see how many people have ordered our kit as their first piece of cycling lycra!

SOME VERY specific colours were used for the new Black Unity Bike Ride kit. Lifestyle wanted to know the thought process behind it — a spokesperson filled us in.

Do you have plans to upgrade the kit, or will this be the version for a while?

We’ve just started our collaboration with cycling brand Le Col so don’t expect to update the kit for at least a year.

Why did you pick those colours?

Red, black and green are African liberation colours and symbolises panAfricanism. As BUBR is about black

Check out the BUBR Instagram account @BlackUnityBikeRide for more information on upcoming community activations.

Empowering women One of the BUBR core objectives is to amplify black women, to encourage them to take up space on the road.

Ahead of BUBR 2022, the organi-

sation are hosting a Women Who Cycle discussion.

Organisers have highlighted that the event is a space safe for black women, however, they are encouraging everyone to attend.

B o t h men and allies are also welcome to join.

A spokesperson told Lifestyle: “In the sport of cycling, from grassroots to elite level, only 25 per cent of riders are women.

“At BUBR, our participation in our monthly events alongside our annual event reflects a 50/50 gender split. This level of equality is important to us as a community.”

Join BUBR on Wednesday July 6, at 6.30pm for a virtual

discussion. Guest speakers include: Alison Wood from @wccc_uk Women Of Colour Cycling Collective; Faith Uwadiae from @bwow.cycling/Black Women On Wheels; Kerine Hilton from @twr_cyclingclub/Together We Ride Cycling Club; Elaine Swaby from @nolimitwomencc.bike/No Limit Women CC Hosted by Magda Kiros from BUBR. To sign up, visit the BUBR Instagram page, where riders can link to the invite.

PRAISE BE!

THE FEEL-GOOD EVENT OF THE SUMMER

GREAT DAY OUT: Participants enjoy last year’s bike ride despite the rainy weather in London

JENNIFER SAUNDERS BEVERLEY KNIGHT KEALA SETTLE LESLEY JOSEPH CLIVE ROWE LIZZIE BEA Music by

Alan Menken Additional Book Material

Lyrics by

Glenn Slater

Douglas Carter Beane

Book by

Cheri Steinkellner & Bill Steinkellner

Based on the Touchstone Pictures Motion Picture “Sister Act” written by Joseph Howard

LONDON | 19 JUL – 28 AUG 2022 | sisteractthemusical.co.uk

What’s your ideal ADVERTORIAL

54 | THE VOICE JULY 2022

S

ummer has finally arrived, bringing with it the promise of carnivals and dancing in the streets, a host of sports to watch and play, and time with loved ones. We all want to make the most of it and while there’s nothing we can do to improve the British weather, there are a few things we can do and think about so we’re able to enjoy time out with friends and family.

Making a few little changes to your routine or taking health advice will help you be on top form, regardless of whether you’re living with a long-term health condition, feeling a bit under the weather, or have any worries about your health or fitness. And taking precautions about COVID-19 when you’re out and about will help make it a summer to remember for the right reasons.

Catching the carnival vibe

Many celebrations are returning after a twoyear absence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the biggest is Notting Hill Carnival which will bring dancing to the streets of West London over the weekend of 27 to 29 August.

Since the first Notting Hill Carnival in 1966, led by local resident Rhaune Laslett, the event has grown to one of the world’s biggest Caribbean celebrations and around two million people are expected.

Away from the capital, the Leeds West Indian Carnival, which was founded by Dr France in the Yorkshire city in 1967, also returns on August 29, while Liverpool’s Brazilica Festival, the UK’s only samba carnival, and Leicester Caribbean Festival, are on Saturday 6 August.

After a challenging two years marked by COVID-19 restrictions, Dr Bimpe Oki, a consultant in Public Health at Lambeth Council in London, hopes to see these and other community events offering health checks and advice as well as fun, food and culture.

“Over the past two years, people might have missed out on vital health checks and vaccinations, as well as opportunities to meet and socialise with their neighbours and friends,” she said.

“Missing out on health checks could mean that potentially serious issues such as high blood pressure have not yet been diagnosed, whilst reduced contact with friends and family can massively impact on our mental health and

wellbeing.

“If you are at an event and your local health team are on hand offering advice or health checks, my advice is to call in and say hi. From running my own community event, I know staff will be more than happy to talk to you about the services they offer. They might be able to offer you a health check-up or advise you how to get help and support.”

Staying COVID safe over summer

During the pandemic, restrictions designed to keep people safe meant that high attendance events, like carnivals, couldn’t go ahead when the risk of transmission was so high.

Staying at home when you are ill, regular hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and keeping a window open when you have guests indoors are still important measures we can take to reduce risk of infection.

The COVID-19 vaccine remains available to everyone over the age of 5 too and millions of people have had their jab, significantly reducing the numbers of people catching the virus and becoming seriously ill.

COVID-19 spreads easily when people come together, such as mixing in new groups or crowded places, and getting all doses of the vaccine you need as soon as possible will ensure you get the best protection against COVID-19 through the summer months.

Community and health experts continue to encourage people to come forward for their vaccination, and to share any questions or concerns.

“It’s not too late to have your first, second or booster dose”, adds Dr Oki, “The data shows that the vaccine has been extremely effective in preventing serious illness and death from COVID-19. It’s also gone through rigorous testing, including on people from our community, so we can trust it to protect us against the virus.”

Scoring with your sporting heroes

It’s a bumper summer for sports fans, whether you’re planning on catching some of the tennis action from Wimbledon (27 June – 10 July 2022), the F1 British Grand prix (1 – 3 July), are waiting for the UEFA women’s Euros (6 – 31 July) or the 2022 Commonwealth Games (28 July-8 August 2022) in Birmingham. It’s also a

prime opportunity to take up a new hobby or sport of your own.

“Whatever your age or fitness level it’s easy to catch the sporting bug, and never too late to improve your own fitness,” said Dr Sam Botchey. A specialist in sport and exercise medicine, Dr Botchey treats people with physical activityrelated injuries and helps people to improve their health through exercise.

“If you haven’t exercised for a while, have mobility concerns or a long-term health condition, it can be helpful to get advice before you take up your new hobby. This will help you to identify a sport or leisure activity that will suit you, one that you will enjoy. You can also discuss how long you should do that activity for

and how regularly, to build up your fitness. This is the best way to enjoy yourself, whilst getting fitter and reducing the risk of injuries.”

When taking part in any activity outdoors, whether in the UK or overseas, it’s advisable to protect your eyes and use at least a factor 30 sunscreen offering both UVB and UVA protection. Applying sunscreen regularly, even on a cloudy day, helps protect your skin from dam-

age and reduces your risk of sunburn which can increase your risk of skin cancer.

People with naturally brown or black skin can still develop skin cancer and are more vulnerable to burning if they are only exposed to intense sun occasionally (for example, while on holiday).

Extra care is needed to protect children and babies’ sensitive skin and some adults are also at greater risk because of a long-term medical conditions or treatment. Further advice is available from NHS.uk.

Need a little bit of extra motivation? Dr Botchey has this advice for you; “Find an activity you love and it will be easier to develop a regular routine. This might be a samba or zumba class, swimming or aquacise, joining a local group for a walk or a run, or gardening at home.

“The right activity is great, not only for improving our strength, fitness levels, mobility and stability, but just as importantly for our mental health. It can help to relieve stress and improve our mood and, when setting realistic goals, our confidence too.”

summer?

ADVERTORIAL

Holiday magic

Whether your ideal holiday is action-packed, somewhere to relax, or brimming with cultural delights, you might be wondering about COVID-19 and how to stay safe. If you are planning a trip or holiday abroad, you might also have questions about travel vaccinations.

In just the same way you’d want to make sure your passport and holiday insurance are up-to-date, speaking with your GP practice about how to get any vaccinations you’re eligible for could avoid your plans being ruined.

Information about how to get your COVID-19 vaccination can be found at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronaviruscovid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ and via

the NHS app.

The app also records the doses you receive, and you can use it to obtain a COVID Pass which may be necessary for your travel and holiday providers. Whether it’s your first, second, or a booster dose, no appointment is necessary – visit: www.nhs.uk for a walk-in site near you. Whichever option you choose, you will be welcomed by the NHS.

JULY 2022

THE VOICE| 55

If you’re living with a long-term condition and need regular medication, don’t forget to order your prescription in plenty of time especially if you’ll be away from home over the August Bank Holiday weekend. If you’re in the UK and need advice, you can visit NHS.uk, or contact NHS111 online or by calling 111.

56 | THE VOICE JULY 2022

Lifestyle

Music

A true legend of Afrobeat

BY SEMPER AZEEZ-HARRIS

T

REVOLUTIONARY: Seun Kuti wants people to ‘feed their consciousness’ (photo: Alexis Maryon)

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WENTY-FIVE YEARS since his father’s death, the son of Fela Kuti continues to bring that Fela magic alive.

Oluseun Anikulapo Kuti, aka Seun Kuti, who performed with his inherited band Egypt 80 at the Jazz Café, spoke after the gig and said he’s happy to be back. “It has been awesome to be back gigging and on the road.

Over the pandemic, of course we had not done much. We performed some shows back home and worked on new material, but we have missed our global family.

It’s nice to be back.”

He’s decked out in a fresh white T-shirt and colourful African beads adorning his neck. Relaxing, he takes out a rather dubious, slightly tapered ‘cigarette’ as we start the interview.

As the old cliché goes, he is the spitting image of his dad physically and, as I learn, in many ways mentally.

OUTSPOKEN

Stories in music folklore are punctuated with amazing stories about his father, inset right.

He was an enigmatic, perhaps slightly eccentric, and obviously outspoken man.

Meeting 39-year-old Seun Kuti (for all of 30 minutes), he is as outspoken as his father was. He has that matter-of-fact attitude. In truth, I am immediately drawn to his slightly hoarse delivery. I can see how he would capture listeners in a live performance.

“I have been in the band since I was eight, so many of the band members have been my colleagues for many years. The band has always been home for me.”

Some of the original members who performed with Fela in his pomp are still active pushing that revolutionary and addictive Afrobeat sound. Think names like the awesome saxophonist Abedimeji ‘Showboy’ Fagbemi.

“Egypt 80 is more than just a band who founded a musical genre that has gone on to dominate the African music conversation globally,” he strenuously states. “This band is also a musical institution. If you did not know, Egypt 80 is the most recorded band in the world, with 54 albums.” He adds, bringing out that ‘no beating about the bush’ delivery: “Even though ‘they’ don’t want to give us [the band] accolades for such an amazing achievement and behave like what we have done is ‘normal’,

“It’s hard to talk to someone when you preach about acquisitions they can never have”

we understand. We do this for us, but also for the benefit of African musical history and presence as a whole.”

I ask him if he is a musical political activist. He’s resolute and direct in his response.

“I do not think I am a musical activist; I am a revolutionist. Political activism is an integrationist ideology. I think we need something completely new. Activist I feel assist the system to pacify the masses.”

It is perhaps telling that he is sees himself as a revolutionist.

Currently, Nigeria’s ‘youth’ seem to be pushing for a revolution against traditional Nigeria where for some, children should be seen and not heard.

The ENDSars riots (not hugely covered here in Europe) were testament to that wish.

It was clear Nigeria the system/police/ government used brute force to attempt to quell the disquiet. ENDSars has, of course, gone on to be more than just a voice against police brutality.

The importance of music as that conduit for emboldening Nigerian youth is evident. While Seun is absolutely on board, the significance of music for change, he is also clear that Nigerian/African artists perhaps do not truly appreciate the power of their music on those who listen.

“As artists, we owe those who listen to our music a true representation. I feel every artist has that responsibility, but it is hard to talk to someone when all you preach are about acquisitions they can never have.”

He then takes a long draw on his ‘dubious’ cigarette, exhaling silently with a cloud of smoke.

“How do I say this without sounding harsh? At the end of the day, if you want to teach, being harsh is not the way forward.”

A wry smile comes over him.

“Look, I am not saying stop making songs about drinking champagne, ****** the nicest girls, driving nice cars, or going to nice places. I am just saying you cannot continue to tell African people this is how we measure hu-

man beings or indeed success.

The majority of African people do not have access to these things.

How many people do you think drink champagne? Less than seven per cent, I am sure. Even less than that have ever entered a Ferrari.”

Far from preaching or indeed any superficial need to be seen as better than others, Seun displays a genuine fear in the tried-and-tested negative tropes perpetuated by the West and Africans as well.

“To preach to these people that they are less human without these superficial acquisitions is sinister.

We absolutely need a balanced narrative. I would say that the current ideology states that Africans can only find value in feeding their appetites. This is wrong. We must feed our consciousness.”

True to his word, Seun Kuti continues to do exactly that with his music. His fourth album Black Times (2018) is a thunderous eight track collection true to his “social” and “political beliefs”.

Like many musicians, they have used the pandemic to fruitful creative productivity. Seun worked on new material and new collaborations. Collabs to whet the appetite: Common, and soon to be released, a project with Black Thought.

But in this juncture, I was interested in his two fresh singles, Love and Revolution and the monumental Emi Aluta. Both were performed live at Clout Studios. The latter performed in all its live glory as bouncing drums, boisterous horns and an addictive hook and chorus, lead everyone into that hypnotic synchronised jam.

“Emi Aluta is a song about how the priests blame the problems on African spirits. I also talk about Martin Luther and Malcolm X both men of God. With all the thousands of priests we have in Africa, why don’t we have priests like these men?” He laughs, before adding almost straightfaced and in that distinctive Nigerian accent: “The priests can see ghosts, see demons, but they cannot see the corrupt governor in your face. I always say if the devil paid tithes in church, the priests would forgive him.”

And with that passing but telling bit of humour, Seun Kuti is out. The dubious cigarette almost down to its nub. I think it was a Camel cigarette. It was quite pungent. Camel cigarettes are known for being rather smelly. I digress.

I need something sweet, crisps, Fanta, cookies. I’m tired.

JULY 2022 THE VOICE | 57

Lifestyle

@thevoicenews

voicenewspaper

8

www.voice-online.co.uk

Television Exercise

Ghana’s riches uncovered Comedy star Eddie Kadi takes us round country’s hottest spots

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

H

E LOVES Africa, and the world is about to see just how much when comedy star Eddie Kadi turns tour guide and ticket in a newly commissioned pilot, Crazy Rich... Ghanaians.

The one-hour show, brought about through a partnership with Channel 4 and Rumpus

TOUR GUIDE: Eddie Kadi, also right, will show the best Ghana has to offer, inset below left, as well as some of its wealthiest residents (photos: David Geli, Getty Images)

Media, will see Kadi exploring west African country exposing the largely unseen exclusive world, full of rich culture, history and beauty.

CULTURE

Joined for the ride by another famous comedian mate who’s a first-time visitor to Ghana, Kadi’s taking them and viewers behind the scenes of this high-end, mega-rich, uberluxe side of Ghana, while also digging deep into the beauty of the country’s culture and history.

K a d i knows all the places worth g o i n g and all the people worth knowing,

Jeff Mills Presents: Tomorrow Comes the Harvest Presented in partnership with fabric

SUN 10 JUL

In the Black Fantastic R.A.P Party FRI 15 JUL

Hew Locke FRI 15 JUL

Poetry + Film / Hack: Supa Modo FRI 15 JUL

from lavish retreats and extravagant restaurants to billionaire business stories of success, innovators, multi-millionaire playboys and Afrobeats megastars.

As a globally celebrated ambassador for all things Africa,

Kadi has access to a Ghana no usual tour operator could take you to.

Over the course of a week, the two comedians will be fully immersing themselves in the rich culture, history, luxe local

lifestyle and surprising stories, while the pair also explore, play and party in this comedic travel romp.

Kadi enthused: “I am so thrilled to be working with Rum-

pus and Channel 4 on this very special project.

“I’m so excited to showcase the different layers of this beautiful continent — the culture, lifestyle and, most importantly, the people.

“Africa is so diverse and is home to some of the most successful, impactful and innovative people in the world.

Sharing their stories will be an absolute revelation.”

Vivienne Molokwu, commissioning editor for Channel 4, said: “Eddie is a hilarious, broad and brilliant talent with a very different experience of and perspective on many countries that we simply don’t know much about over here in the UK. “We love nothing better than a celeb travelogue and seeing how the other half live, so the combination of the two in an unexpected destination should make for a highly entertaining watch.”

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58 |

THE VOICE

JULY 2022

This is Brukout!

by Seani B

Back on the road in style Black Am I’s activity is picking up pace, with new releases and plans to tour his music worldwide

T

HE EVOLUTION and explosive entry of young artists has often been one of the strong points of music from the Caribbean. The big “breakout hit” can lead you to a fork in the road — does you follow it up with banger after banger, or do you fall into oblivion?

Time and patience aren’t qualities you would normally instantly associate with music from the region. Belief in true development — exploring the talent that is within the artist themselves — is in short supply.

Step up the Ghetto Youths crew, and namely Black Am I. The roots star has been part of the camp for a number of years, selectively releasing singles and touring extensively with the team, including head honcho Damian “Junior Gong” Marley.

UPBEAT

His early releases include the excellent 2019 Living Dread EP, and the last year has seen a flurry of new releases, including his latest track, Work Day. He came to the UK on a whistlestop trip recently alongside label mate Kabaka Pyramid, which included a performance at the excellent City Splash event in south London.

So, why the new release activity now?

“The change of pace was

“We step out of the comfort zone for a minute — it has been worthwhile” necessary with the intention to be more consistent as well as boost the following and have them more in tune for what is in store,” he says. As well as the quantity of output, it seems the range has also increased — from roots to the upbeat ska feel of Work Day. “It goes to show the versatility and also we expanding the sound — we step out of the comfort zone for a quick minute, and it has been worthwhile so far. Expect more great songs from Black Am I.“ His story is not the usual one — he comes from the area that celebrates Bob Marley as one of their sons, and he revels and celebrates country life to the max.

“Growing up in the hills of St Ann, Nine Mile to be exact, is what we would called humble

REASON TO CELEBRATE: Black Am I is happy to be touring his music again; inset right, Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley (photo: Getty Images) beginnings. We learnt to use what we have in order to get what we want. Simple life but still growing up mannersable, we respect and appreciate life to the fullest.”

It is this wholesome attitude that has made Black Am I a breath of fresh air in the field.

Always willing to learn and take on advice, the young man from the country is definitely making an impact in the cities across the globe.

“Music is life and that is my life and since we make music weh people can live it and its just positive energy you gonna feel that vibes.”

With touring being such an integral part of the reggae scene, you cannot

underestimate the massive hole that was created during the past two years. This live element is absolutely crucial for artists attempting to carve out followings, particularly in foreign territories.

After touring across the world alongside Damian Marley before the hiatus, Black Am I is looking forward to filling his passport

been missing the fans for two long years.

It’s a reason to celebrate and the catalogue has grown so looking forward to grace these stage with some brand new material.”

It is full-on planning mode for

“We’ll deliver in style and have fun like we always do, I’ve missed the fans” with some stamps once more, but looks at the imposed break with a reflective tone.

“That was a lot a time to reflect and also adjust, so now when the chance presents itself we shall deliver in style and have fun like we always do. I’ve

him at the moment — with new material taking shape at different pace in different territories, the anticipation for progression is real. The camp are in a good place at the moment, with the UK’s very own Christopher Ellis having success with the smash

Rub A Dub, which followed hot on the heels of the still popular Still Go A Dance, plus a new Kabaka Pyramid album about to be released and even Gargamel aka Buju Banton releasing a single on Ghetto Youths recently. The next year should bring some more gold from the entire roster, but especially from BAI. “As for the next 12 months, steady release is the way forward so we should have some more singles and content reaching the fans as well as tours and spot dates.

Stay tuned to the social media @black.am.i.music on IG & @blackamimusic on FB and Twitter for regular updates.”

JUNE 2022

THE VOICE| 59

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JULY 2022 THE VOICE | 61

TOP SPORTS COVERAGE 24/7 VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK/SPORT

OF SPORT NEWSPAPER

PHILLIP’S PLAQUE HONOUR Rodney Hinds salutes England women’s first black captain

E

X-FOOTBALLER MARY Phillip, the first black woman to officially captain the England women’s team, has been honoured with a plaque.

England Football and Nationwide Building Society have launched a new campaign that aims to promote mutual respect on and off the pitch and inspire the next generation of footballers.

The campaign made its way to Peckham, specifically Peckham Town FC’s Menace Arena, to honour ex-England captain Phillip as part of the ‘Where Greatness is Made’ campaign.

CELEBRATE

The campaign has been set up to celebrate the lives and careers of some of the iconic women who have captained England to date.

Phillip is currently manager of men’s Kent County League team Peckham Town. She was known for her versatility on the pitch, playing in all four positions at the back and in midfield.

After attending the 1995 Women’s World Cup as a squad player, Phillip made her debut the following year, after the birth of her first son.

SO PROUD: Mary Phillip shows off her ‘Where Greatness is Made’ campaign plaque which has been unveiled at Peckham Town FC’s Menace Arena in recognition of her many achievements in the game

“It’s amazing to be involved with a campaign that focuses on equality” Until 2011, Phillip was the only player to represent the country in two World Cup squads.

During her playing career, she gained 65 international caps and had a successful club career with Millwall Lionesses, Fulham and Arsenal.

The ’Where Greatness is Made’ campaign is honouring captains with a commemorative plaque in their hometown community which will serve as a permanent reminder of their inspirational stories and the importance of mutual respect for all, on and off the pitch.

Phillip’s plaque has been erected at Peckham Town FC’s Menace Arena.

Phillip said of the campaign and being honoured with her plaque: “I was pleasantly delighted when Nationwide reached out to me about my plaque. It was an honour to wear the captain’s armband for

my country and attentiveness was something I always aimed to instil amongst my teammates whenever I did.

“It’s amazing to be involved with a campaign like this that focuses on championing equality and respect.

“I hope the ‘Where Greatness Is Made’ campaign will emphasise that everyone starts somewhere and serves to nurture respect in our next generation of footballers.”

Nationwide and England

Football are working with local councils and grassroots football clubs to install the plaques in a notable place in the captains’ hometowns.

GREATNESS

Each will feature the stories of the captains being celebrated and shine a light on the communities where their greatness was made.

The initiative follows last year’s hugely successful ‘Coin for Respect’ campaign and is

part of Nationwide’s pledge to ensure one million players, parents and coaches get involved with the England Football Respect campaign by 2023.

As part of the campaign, a series of videos showcasing the current and former players’ grassroots football heritage will be released, which looks at their inspiring stories, the communities they grew up in and the people who inspired them to achieve their goals.

Director of advertising & marketing at Nationwide Building Society, Paul Hibbs, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be working with England Football once again to promote mutual respect, both on and off the pitch.

“At Nationwide, mutual respect has always been a core value to us, so we are incredibly proud to be able to drive such a positive message and promote equality, respect and inclusivity in society.”

Morgan to take Burnley to next level

By Karen Palmer

NEW MAN: Jonathan Morgan has moved.

JONATHAN MORGAN has been appointed as the new first-team head coach for Burnley FC Women.

Morgan has women’s Championship-winning pedigree, having guided Leicester City to the Women’s Super League for the first time in their history.

He left the Foxes in November 2021 after seven years at the club, who he took from the Midlands Division One, the fourth tier, to the top division.

Under his tenure, during the side’s Women’s Championship-

winning season, Leicester enjoyed a Championship record-breaking 12-game winning streak and secured a spot in the Women’s FA Cup quarter-final.

Morgan told the club’s official website: “It’s a great feeling. I’m honoured, to be honest, to come to such a fantastic football club like Burnley.

“From my point of view, I’ve heard a lot of good things about Burnley behind the scenes for the last couple of years and it’s a club that I’ve followed quite closely seeing their rise through the leagues.

“Burnley are definitely a club on the up, and their commitment

to move forward was one of the biggest pulls for me to come here.”

Morgan has a wealth of experience having achieved several accolades during his illustrious career.

During the 2020/21 season he was crowned FA Women’s Championship Manager of the Year and handed four FA Women’s Manager of the Month awards.

PLEASURE

Chairman Alan Pace added: “It’s my pleasure to welcome Jonathan to Burnley Football Club.

“Since taking over the operations of the women’s team, I’ve been

open about our aims and ambitions and I’m pleased we have managed to take great strides forward over the course of the past year.

“Appointing Jonathan, with his experience and knowledge of women’s football, is another milestone in our journey and I believe is testament to our commitment to growing the game here.

“The women’s team have enjoyed some fantastic results this season, especially during the latter half of the campaign, and Jonathan is going to be a great addition.

“I’m pleased to welcome him to the Clarets and I’m very much looking forward to what’s to come.”

62 | THE VOICE JULY 2022

Sport

Freedom on horseback

Racehorse trainer has won an award for his equestrian academy. By Rodney Hinds

F

REEDOM ZAMAPALADUS is the founder of The Urban Equestrian Academy.

Based in Leicester, he is a fully qualified racehorse trainer and horse breeder.

The academy’s We Ride Too initiative provides a viable pathway for anybody looking to make a career in the equine industry.

Earlier this year, Freedom was the recipient of the prestigious Godolphin Award for community contribution. Here, he talks to The Voice about some of his ambitions…

RH: Massive congratulations on winning the award. It’s a big award from a big organisation, how does it feel to be honoured in that way?

FZ: You know what, it’s like a sense of relief for me, because I have been on this journey for five years doing what I do, and we have never really had any significant type of recognition. We’ve been nominated for some big awards in the past, but we’ve never won.

To finally get it at that level is a big deal. It is a sense of relief and appreciation. I thank God, I know God is good.

I hope people can take us seriously now, because there are other organisations who do similar things to what we do who have all the backing in the world. We have done this from the mud. We don’t have big sponsors, this is a community effort, the community of Leicester has put Urban Equestrian on the map and allowed me to win this type of award.

RH: Winning the award, does that now hopefully take you

RIDING AMBITION: Freedom Zamapaladus has founded the Urban Equestrian Academy in Leicester, which has won a Godolphin Award

“We don’t have big sponsors, the community has put us on the map” and the organisation to another level?

FZ: I hope so. I think the best way that we can use this spotlight through receiving this award, is to see how organisations such as Godolphin can help us, because they are aware of what we do, other organisations are aware of what we do. We are very thankful to the Racing Foundation. If it wasn’t for them, we would be non-existent in terms of surviving COVID. The money doesn’t even matter to me, what matters to is how can Godolphin and other organisations of that prestige help establish Urban Equestrian’s aims and objectives.

We have so many people getting in contact with us saying we wish this was in Nottingham, in Birmingham, in London. If people can get on board with us, they can see it is a legitimate thing that we are doing.

RH: Tell me a little bit about when your love of horses began?

FZ: My love for horses started when my parents decided to leave England and move back to Antigua. My uncle in Antigua had horses. I was always in love with animals, because he had horses it was my opportunity to

work with animals I never had an opportunity to work with back in England. So, through working in his race yard at the age of 14, I advanced quickly, and by the time I was 17 years old, after a hurricane when we had to let go of staff, my uncle made me his chief trainer. I applied for my trainer’s licence and got it at 17 — I was the youngest racehorse trainer at the time.

We dominated Antigua. We won many races in Barbados and Trinidad, too. It was at that point I said to myself, I am good at this and want to take it further.

My whole ambition at the time was when I finished school in Antigua, to come back to England, because I know England is a horse country. However, my whole outlook changed when I came back to England and saw that I was ostracised for being black and being brash. I was a proud black youth, I was a street youth, raised on the streets of Antigua by my uncle.

So, I came back to England, went to equestrian college, got my qualifications I went and lived all around England. And everywhere in England there was no one like myself. I couldn’t get access to my cultural foods, my social circles, I couldn’t see any black people or any other nonwhite people, and it frustrated

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me. Not just that, but any time I was in the city of Leicester, my own family and peers used to wonder what I was messing with horses for, and when I went out into the rural community, it was the same thing, they couldn’t understand it. It frustrated me, and that’s what led me to write my book and people understood it.

I came back to England and went to work in the horse industry, I fell out of love with it, because of the racism I faced,

tures and communities together through horses, and we don’t neglect the fact that the UK is a horse country, it is embedded in equestrianism, but we don’t forget our own cultural connections to horses, it is important.

We look at horses from a global perspective, and that is what makes Urban Equestrian attractive.

RH: What about the possibility one day of you being the

“I learnt in the Caribbean. I bring cultures and communities together through horses” the social isolation that I faced, a lack of acknowledgement, the undermining.

I turned my back on it for five years. I got into youth work, and through youth work I did little horse projects and got into network marketing which led me to come across a guy who wrote his own book, and he was saying it is so important that we all need to write our own stories.

One of the reasons why Urban Equestrian is partly successful is because I didn’t learn anything about horses in the UK, I learnt in the Caribbean. I bring cul-

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first black trainer of note in this country?

FZ: That’s my ambition! By the time I am 50, I want to be challenging Godolphin. I am 43 now.

I have always said to myself, if I was ever given the opportunity, I could take on the best — I will take on all of them. I have 12 horses, I have an ex-racehorse which is the bloodline of Sadler’s Wells, with the same bloodline as Frankel who was one of the greatest. I have one of his, you could say, cousins.

She is only eight years old, at the minute she is training our

voicenews

young people who want to be jockeys so they can get experience of what it is like to ride an ex-racehorse.

Who knows, we might have our own locally bred racehorses and locally trained people riding these horses, and we would have expanded into Urban Equestrian racing, that is an ambition.

RH: How ready is British horse racing to accept someone like you ?

FZ: It hasn’t been so far. As for Urban Equestrian, we just set it up and did what we had to do. I don’t think it is a case of if anyone is ready or not, they will have to be, because we are just going to kick off the door, in a positive way, not a negative one. When you say to yourself less than 1% of black and Asian minority ethnic people make up the equestrian world, we can’t wait on anyone to do these things, I can’t wait on someone to give me a chance, I just must go out and do it.

I will look for people who love the vision and idea, and want to help me do that, and I will go and do it, and we will see where it takes me, and even if I don’t get to see the fruits of what I want to do, it will inspire young black youths, who then might take it to the next level, if I don’t take it to the next level but just open the door.

www.voice-online.co.uk

JULY 2022 THE VOICE | 63

Sport

A 2020 vision

Connie’s efforts are finally rewarded

By Rodney Hinds AFTER working tirelessly to transform the lives of disadvantaged young people, Track Academy founder Connie Henry was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2022.

The former international athlete will receive an MBE for her Charitable Services to Young People through Sports and Education.

It’s the icing on the cake for

Connie, who turned 50 in April and whose charity celebrates its 15th birthday this year.

She said: “For all the people that believed in me when I doubted myself; for my team who go above and beyond; for the young people who consistently prove what opportunity and patience can do: we have been awarded with an MBE. It is truly an honour.”

Connie, from Brent, north-west London, was a high-class triple

jumper. She went on to win a bronze medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

CHANGED

Retiring from athletics in 2000, she became a broadcast journalist.

But her life was changed when she was approached by the Willesden Sports Centre to lead their new athletics programme on a temporary basis.

“I used all my contacts from the

athletics world and got some top coaches in to train,” she said.

The project was supposed to last for six months. But Connie’s tenacity, coupled with her desire to give disadvantaged young people the social mobility she herself enjoyed, saw it evolve beyond her wildest expectations.

Today, Track Academy is a well-established charity which has helped hundreds of young men and women reach their goals and fulfil their potential.

ON THE RIGHT TRACK: Connie Henry MBE.

S-Factor is a real winner Matthew Chadder talks to Mensah Elliott about the joy of being a club member

T

HE S-FACTOR Athletics Academy based in south-east London is bringing joy to and inspiring the community through sport.

The club was founded in 2010 and has been engaging young people in the community ever since, teaching young people valuable life skills. The Voice spoke to S-Factor coach Mensah Elliott.

MC: What is the overall goal and mission statement of S-Factor Athletics?

ME: In short, our mission at S-Factor Athletics Academy is to inspire young people to develop their life skills, and empower them so that they realise their full potential through sport.

MC: What do you do to bridge the gap between disabled athletes, who may struggle with certain physical aspects, to make sure everyone feels that they are on a level playing field?

ME: We deliver PAN disability sessions to ensure our club is inclusive to all. We are also a deaf-friendly club.

Athletes with physical needs are met with para-specific equipment, such as racing wheelchairs, race runners, seated throwing frames and adapted throwing equipment to ensure all are able to train and compete.

“Our mission is to inspire young people to develop their life skills” We also run intra club competitions across run/jump/throw, with specific categories for the physically-impaired to compete against their peers.

Coaches also attend further CPD to ensure they stay ahead of the curve and fully inclusive for running on blades, wheelchair racing and seated throwing.

MC: Is passion a key aspect you look for in your volunteers? What other important qualities do you look for?

ME: Passion is most certainly one of the things we want our volunteers to have, because this is the key quality that drives and encourages our volunteers to be present for the athletes on a weekly basis.

We also look

BORN TO RUN: The S-Factor Academy is helping youngsters reach their full potential through sport; inset, coach Mensah Elliott. for individuals who are dedicated to helping others without seeking a reward for themselves. Knowledge of track and field is also an important aspect, although this is not necessarily at the top of the list. All our volunteers are given the necessary training to ensure they have the relevant qualifications for whichever role they are in.

We want volunteers who can be great role models to all members of the club so it is also essential that they present themselves in a positive manner and have good communication and timekeeping skills.

MC: Stress and pressure can

overwhelm young athletes.

What do you say to help manage this stress and pressure?

ME: As part of our coaching sessions, we teach the athletes to visualise the activities before they perform them. This helps to reduce the stress and anxiety, especially before a race.

MC: At this age, do you believe personal bests and records are most important, or is it about the development and lessons the children are learning?

ME: At the younger end of the age groups, we want the athletes to have fun during the sessions. They need to be able to enjoy the activities, because

the more they enjoy it, the more they are likely to continue in the future.

As they get older and progress in their abilities, it becomes more important to keep a record of their progress. This is motivating, not only for the athletes but also for the coaches and volunteers.

MC: Being based in Lewisham, how important is the local community to S-Factor Athletics club?

ME: The local community is a vital part of S-Factor’s existence and bringing athletics to a wide range of young people. Athletes and volunteers help make the

club what it is. We welcome volunteers and business from all areas. However, we appreciate that volunteers and businesses from the local community may have that sense of belonging and feel more of a part of the S-Factor family.

The pandemic has hit everyone really hard over the past two years and the effects on S-Factor has not gone unnoticed.

The numbers of athletes and volunteers have declined, but we are working hard to increase this again so it is crucial that the community can stay together and help us rebuild and strengthen this club.

64 | THE VOICE JUNE 2022

In the Black Fantastic 29 JUNE – 18 SEPTEMBER 2022

MEMBERS GO FREE Lina Iris Viktor, Eleventh © 2018. Courtesy the artist.