The Voice Newspaper: February 2022

FEBRUARY 2022 • ISSUE NO. 1927

WWW.VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK

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Justice system failing black women SEE PAGE 25

IN

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O I T A G I V EST

HOW I BEAT SOCIAL MEDIA ABUSE TV Countdown presenter Anne-Marie opens her heart to The Voice about fame and being a role model

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EXCLUSIVE

r Anne-Marie Imafidon said she was stunned by the racist trolls who claimed she was not qualified to be a presenter on TV’s Countdown.

Anne-Marie, 31, told The Voice she got through it by focusing on the messages

of love and support - and was delighted to see the haters slapped down by those who pointed out how qualified she was.

The former child prodigy, who speaks six languages, said: “The support has been overwhelming and really heartening because, as people have said, represen-

Anne-Marie is leading a drive to get more young people into STEM subjects

tation matters.

“It will be the first time that certain people have ever seen a black person doing maths - and there’s power in that.” .

Read more › page 6

2 FEB - 18 APR 2022

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Inside THIS MONTH

Missing and abandoned - why black people are almost five times more likely to go missing p4

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

1. Meet Countdown’s first black host

Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon picked as presenter for popular TV show.

2. Anger as Jamaican man shot dead on hunting trip with five white men Peter Bernardo Spencer was lured into a cabin and shot nine times.

Very sadly he was later found dead. RIP.

4. Outrage as school bans ‘black’ words like ‘bare’ Campaign group makes accusations against school, which they deny.

Your Valentine’s gift dilemma solved treating your loved one, or yourself! p12

Girl gangs - young women are being groomed says ex-gang member p16

Seani B's five-point plan to get Caribbean music back on track p41 Jamaican alpine skier Benjamin Alexander to compete at Winter Olympics p46

News, views, stories & videos

3. Fears mount over missing autistic student Harvey Parker

'Gil Scott-Heron saved my life' – how legendary singer rescued a boy following abuse in UK care homes p8

t h g i l t o p S

ROUNDUP NEWSPAPER

5. Black Brits most vulnerable to losing citizenship

Campaigners fear six million black and Asian people could be impacted.

6. The tragedy of knife crime

Our in-depth investigation into the surge that claimed a record 30 teenage lives in 2021.

7. Boris Johnson’s racist comments

A reminder of the Prime Ministers’ history of offensive articles.

8. Lambeth ex-mayor under fire for racist tweets

The councillor later resigned his seat.

9. Anger as Maya Angelou image imprinted on same coin as slaveowner

African Americans unimpressed by the legendary writer being stamped on a quarter.

10. Black kids in care failed by racist system – new report Evidence that London boroughs are putting black children in harm's way.

This issue is 48 pages

Adam Jogee

Councillor Adam Jogee has served as the Mayor of Haringey since October 2020 and is the youngest serving Mayor in London.

Adam is a son of North London via Jamaica, the Wirral and Zimbabwe.

He is proud of his diverse roots as well as the fact he is the first Mayor of Haringey from the Muslim community – something that Adam believes “took too long to happen in a community as diverse as Haringey”.

Adam started his political journey early through volunteering as a teenager in the office of Barbara Roche, the then MP for Hornsey and Wood Green before being the first elected Leader of Haringey Youth Council in 2006. He went on to represent London on the UK Youth Parliament from 2008-2010.

Adam was first elected to Haringey Council in 2014 and is currently serving his second term as Mayor of Haringey and is the eldest of three children.

He says: "I was never able to stop talking as a kid – in fact – my school report aged four says, 'When I set a task, Adam spends his whole time walking around asking everyone else how they are doing; he ends the class with nothing on his paper.’ So, I guess it was always going to be law or politics for me."

“I've always been hugely passionate about helping others and speaking out on issues that matter to those most in need. My background and the experiences of my parents and grandparents drive me every day in the pursuit of a better world.

"I don't think I would be doing what I do, at my age and at this level, if it wasn't for the strong African blood flowing through my veins.

"I am very grateful that my parents ensured my siblings who got me engaged with my roots. I love Harare – and Kingston, Jamaica, too.

"I was 22 when I won my first election, I was young and definitely thought I could be everyone's friend. I soon learned that it's more important to be true to yourself and your values.

"And so to any young person who wants to get involved in representing their community and speaking out on the issues they care about, I say this: "Aim high, work hard... and keep going."

Follow Adam on Twitter @Ajogee and you can visitharingey.gov.uk to find out more.

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

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FEBRUARY 2022 THE VOICE | 3

The big interview

Zephaniah: ‘This government is turning into a dictatorship’ The celebrated poet talks politics, mental health and spirituality. By Richard Sudan

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HERE’S no doubt Benjamin Zephaniah is one of the most loved and respected poets in the country with a career spanning decades. You probably read his work in school, or saw him speaking up for social justice at countless protests.

In recent years, he became a professor at Brunel University, teaching writing poetry for performance. Flick on the TV and you might catch him on Netflix’s Peaky Blinders or on Sky’s spoken word platform Life and Rhymes.

When asked to reflect on the last year or so, in typical Benjamin fashion he begins by talking about others, not himself.

“To the people struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

It’s easy to feel isolated. We must be more socially and politically aware and invest in mental health services. Don’t be afraid to speak up. You should fix the roof when the sun is shining,” he said.

“So many people and my friends were suffering with mental health issues, and the people supporting them were often struggling themselves too.

It was nice to see people clapping for the NHS, but people were really suffering. I realised I’m one of the lucky ones” If Benjamin is fortuitous, his success as a poet over the years is certainly not down to luck.

He has remained consistent, always using his platform to speak about racial injustice and social issues culminating in the remarkable feat of

To those people who are struggling, don’t be afraid to seek help seeing his Life and Rhymes poetry show, platformed on Sky TV. Not only that, but the show won a Bafta.

“It’s great to see there is an appetite for poetry out there.

I’m really not into prizes, but some of the stuff on TV now is not just show business. Winning the award shows that people are deeper than that” As ever, though, Benjamin is less philosophical and damning in his critique of politics, something which affects us all, whether we want to be ‘political’ or not.

ADDICTS

“The government has apparently announced a ‘War on Drugs’. But it’s macho posturing, appealing to people who think all drug addicts are horrible people and what we need to do is fight them. Actually, we need to treat them, listen to them. It’s a medical condition.

“And this policing bill – it’s an attack on our civil liberties.

It’s our basic right to be able to protest, and the government wants to take that away from us. The government is divorced from people, but worried about people. They want to control them and tell them what to do. Going down this road ends up in a dictatorship.”

Both Benjamin and I are Windrush descendants. Like so many, he knows the

STAR: Benjamin on stage (photo: David Corio/Redferns)

path the new borders bill could take us down.

“The idea that you can take away my passport and nationality is terrifying. You can’t make people stateless. It really shows you how ruthless these people are. The bill is appeasing people who are scared of foreigners.”

Speaking up against the lies and racism used to attack foreigners is something Benjamin is known for, passionately having often defended immigrants on the BBC’s Question Time.

“They want to blame foreigners for all the problems, as if the border is sacred. One thing this country needs and has always needed is an exchange of people coming in and out, free to move – it keeps us going. The bill is appealing to the lowest in our society” We shift gears from talking about leadership, or lack of it, in UK politics to a figure who was undoubtedly the epitome of leadership – Desmond Tutu, who recently passed.

“For a high-ranking Christian, Desmond Tutu made clear that Christianity is not just about sitting down and blessing people that are good Christians. He talked about, and advocated, for all people’s rights, not just black people. Hearing a man of his stature speak like that was very inspiring.”

Beyond leadership, it’s clear Benjamin also views Tutu as something of a trailblazer, especially when institutions like the Church and others are often accused of being out of touch from the communities who support them.

“Desmond Tutu showed us that Christianity can remain relevant in the world, if we care about all people. That’s a wonderful legacy and example to leave behind.”

One of the things that some religious leaders stand accused of is promoting falsehoods around COVID and the public health crisis it exposed.

“An idea, sometimes pushed

WORDS OF WISDOM: Respected poet Benjamin Zephaniah (photo: Getty Images) by spiritual or natural people and people of faiths, is that science is bad. If not for science you wouldn’t get on a plane and have technology. It’s improved our lives.

“Back in the day, science was done with white men in white coats who were remote, but now we have black and educated people in science who have our interest at heart. It doesn’t mean they are perfect, but with science you do the research and tests and put the findings out there to be challenged. That’s a good thing.”

No doubt too, that while social media is often invaluable, in the midst of the pandemic there’s been a downside.

“Certain things can hold us back if we let them. Simply going to social media for your news and falling into the echo

chamber of people that agree with you, is one of them. Do the research and think for yourselves.

CRITICALLY

“Thinking critically doesn’t mean just listening to the people you agree with. You must go further. I would prefer to have questions that can’t be answered, than answers that can’t be questioned.”

When I first met Benjamin more than a decade ago, we talked about the need for black and minority ethnic political representation. It’s improved.

But it’s also clear that we need the right representation in politics.

“It’s been painted with black and brown faces but many of them maintain the status quo.

The system’s failed. The political parties of this country have made me a revolutionary. It’s their fault, they’ve shown me how impotent they are.

“I want to be put out of a job as a radical poet and be a Rasta comedian, but I have so much work to do first. I am pleased, though, when I see so many young people now rallying around issues, because there’s a lot more awareness now, and hope. We need that.”

There’s an anecdote I can’t fit into this article, but I’ll say this, having known Benjamin for a few years. You’re as likely to see him by himself chatting to a homeless person in Leicester Square, as you are on Peaky Blinders. He’s the people’s poet.

He’s one of our best. He cares.

Give him his flowers while he’s still here.

4 | THE VOICE FEBRUARY 2022

News feature

The invisible minority

FORGOTTEN: Clockwise, from top left, Abel Kidane, Andrew Gill, Aisha Kabah, Christime Aguda, Fabian Ilo, Kristopher Foster, Daniel Wayzel, Sami Tafere, Lorraine Ridout, Raymond Kubwimana, Steven Durand, Thomas Ogunmuyiwa, Konjo Tesema and Haitham Abaker. At the time of going to press, these were just some of the black people who were classed as ‘missing’

Black people are almost five times as likely to be reported missing. A new report says police are failing to take cases seriously, sometimes with deadly consequences. Leah Mahon investigates

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LACK PEOPLE have been found to make up a staggering 14 per cent of missing people reports across England and Wales while accounting for only three per cent of the population, research has revealed.

Missing People, a UK charity that supports missing people and their families left behind, have unearthed the figures in a landmark report on how racial discrimination affects families and when reporting a loved one as missing.

The shocking findings, which included heart-wrenching stories of black families’ interactions with police, have now prompted calls for police and other agencies to be trained in how to better deal with cases of missing black people in an effort to curb the racial inequality that they experience.

In poignant testimonies, many families shared that they felt their loved one going missing wasn’t treated as a priority, while others felt their concerns were not listened to and did not receive the same media coverage.

Jo Youle, chief executive of Missing People, said: “We heard about situations where missing

person reports were not accepted by the police, where concerns weren’t taken seriously, or missing people weren’t prioritised. Families felt that their loved ones were criminalised, or that assumptions were made due to their race.”

The damning report comes months after the high-profile missing cases of black people, including Richard Okorogheye, and sisters Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry made headlines.

Both families involved accused the police of racism over their mishandling of their initial missing person reports.

Mr Okorogheye’s mother, Evidence Joel, has previously alleged that when her son’s disappearance was first reported, police “did nothing” and failed to take her concerns seriously before he was found dead in Epping Forest in Essex two weeks later last year.

The Independent Office for Police Complains (IOPC) served four officers with misconduct notices, including the failure to add to Richard’s missing person’s file that he was deemed a high risk case because he had sickle cell disease.

The mother of Ms Smallman

We heard about situations where missing person reports weren’t taken seriously or prioritised and Ms Henry, whose bodies were found in undergrowth in Fryent Country Park, northwest London after being brutally murdered in June 2020, claimed that racist attitudes fuelled the response to her daughters being reported as missing despite the IOPC investigation concluding that racism did not play a part in their treatment.

However, it was found that there were multiple failings in filing their missing persons report and that a call-handler on duty made assumptions about the two sisters being on a picnic a few hours early and the address of where one of them lived.

Many drew comparisons with the media coverage and outpouring of grief for the two sis-

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ters with that of Sarah Everard, a white 33-year-old marketing executive who went missing in March last year and was later discovered to have been murdered by a serving Metropolitan police officer.

Josie Allan, senior policy & campaigns manager at Missing People, told The Voice that more research is needed to tackle the inequalities that black and other ethnic minorities face when interacting with the police.

DISCREPANCIES

“We think the more that’s known about the discrepancies in the responses and discrimination, the more police forces will be having to look internally about what’s happening in their area and what families in their area are experiencing,” she said.

One police officer, whose ethnicity was not disclosed, admitted to the Missing People charity that white officers would only do criminal checks when dealing with ethnic minority reports of missing people.

They said: “As one of very few minority police officers, I usually ended up dealing with black and minority ethnic

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(BAME) missing persons and/or their families. Supervising officers would mark up and falsify records to show enquiries were being made. Children missing from secure homes were not given the priority. Vulnerable people were not given the priority. When it came to a white family, senior officers and the press would get involved. There was a stark difference.”

Dominic Norton, the founder of Missing Black People, told The Voice that although black communities need to work with institutions like the police to combat the issue, he hopes organisations like his bridges the gap for vulnerable families across the UK. “It is an insidious culture [in the police]. I’m beyond the point of explaining racism to white people. I’m beyond the point of trying to justify and say this is racist and this is not racist. I care about talking to my people and I care about galvanising and educating my people,” he says.

“It’s cultural for them [white people] and they can’t even see you. And especially when it comes to institutions like the police.”

Speaking on the report’s

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findings, Catherine Hankinson, assistant chief constable and lead for Missing People, at the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), said: “Police forces deal with a large number of missing person cases each year and take the safeguarding of vulnerable people very seriously.

“We recognise that some black families have felt that their concerns over a missing family member were taken less seriously. We are working proactively, in partnership with the National Crime Agency, leading academics, and the national charity Missing People to understand any potential issues of disproportionality and discrimination.

“We take the findings from Missing People incredibly seriously and will work closely with them and our partner agencies to consider how best to collectively address concerns around bias and investigator training.”

To access support when dealing with missing

people reports, please visit missingblackpeople.com/

contact or call Missing People on 116 000.

www.voice-online.co.uk

FEBUARY 2022

THE VOICE| 5

6 | THE VOICE FEBRUARY 2022

Interview

‘Backlash doesn’t bother me’

TOP MARKS: Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon is keeping busy with her TV slot as well as a new book and other ventures; below inset far left, the talented mathematician on the set of Countdown; and inset below, speaking at a Stemettes event, a social enterprise which Dr Imafidon founded encouraging girls to pursue careers in the STEM sector

Countdown star Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon says it’s inspiring people that counts. By Vic Motune

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R ANNE-MARIE Imafidon is the very definition of a trailblazer.

Hailed as a prodigy, her many achievements, including being the youngest ever girl to complete an A-level in computing and gaining a Master’s degree in maths and computer science when she was 20, have been loudly applauded by those – including this paper – who have closely followed her progress over the years.

So when it was announced that Imafidon, 31, had been named as the new co-host of Countdown while Rachel Riley is on maternity leave, the news provided another opportunity to celebrate her.

Imafidon’s appointment, which sees her taking charge of the famous Countdown board, made her the first black woman to co-host the hugely popular Channel 4 show alongside Anne Robinson and Susie Dent.

The news created waves online with many commentators on social media stressing that ‘representation matters’.

“It’s surreal” she tells The Voice, reflecting on the immense impact she’s had since joining Countdown.

“It’s been daily tweets, daily tags with messages like, ‘love that outfit’, ‘love the trainers’ or friends sending me WhatsApp videos with their kids who are now counting or trying out the maths.

“Or people will tell me things like ‘my daughter is finishing her homework quicker, so we can watch the show together’. It has definitely been overwhelming but really heartening,

It will be the first time some people have ever seen a black person do maths. There’s power in that because, as people have said, representation matters.”

She continues: “It will be the first time certain people have ever seen a black person doing maths. And there’s power in that. So I’ve been really thankful for the opportunity to be that visible representation of something that we don’t really get to see that often.”

Admiration for the 31-yearold mathematician remained firm when a number of trolls took to Twitter to claim she was only given the role to “tick boxes” and that there were “politically progressive motivations” behind the choice.

Several fans took to social media to praise Imafidon for her amazing achievements.

“It’s not a surprise that a black person on a show like Countdown, which is regarded as an institution, would attract a backlash. Or maybe grumbling is the right word I guess.

“But the response to the grumbles was so loud and so deafening I found it tough, actually. I’d log on to Twitter and it was almost as though I’d died,” she says with a loud laugh.

“Tributes were pouring in that kind of read like obituaries.

It was all ‘one time I was at an event with Anne-Marie and she changed my life’ or ‘how dare you disrespect her like that’.

“I even had a couple of people who called to say ‘Anne-Marie, just checking in. Is everything, okay? And I was like, ‘Yeah, why would I not be okay?’

“The reaction was such I almost missed what was said was disrespectful at the beginning.

It was days and weeks of adulation which I’m not used to.”

Was working on such an iconic show anything like she had expected?

“I didn’t go into it with many expectations. How can you know what to expect, right? It’s an institution that’s older than I am. So I was like, ‘Yeah, okay, I’m going to come into this, I know what I’m good at. I know what value I can bring.’

DIFFERENT

“But people sit at home and watch Countdown. However, the other side of the camera is different. Some people think it’s just about the maths. And obviously the maths is an important part of what you do as the arithmetician on Countdown.

“But it’s all the other things, such as being steered in the right place so you’re not blocking numbers or letters from the camera or remembering to smile and look presentable as you’re trying to figure something out because a thinking face is not nice for TV. “The other thing is, if you’ve ever counted anything and then someone else starts shouting numbers at you, that can be quite off-putting. I’m having to

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calculate the numbers, check someone else’s numbers and still remember mine. So there’s all these things going on at once. The fact it’s pre-recorded, maybe makes it slightly easier.”

Imafidon’s appointment as a Countdown co-host is just the latest in a long line of accomplishments.

After graduating from Oxford, the talented mathematician, who speaks six languages, went to work for top companies such as Goldman Sachs, Hewlett Packard and Deutsche Bank before co-founding Stemettes, an award-winning social enterprise in February 2013.

The organisation works with businesses, governments and educational institutions to encourage the next generation of girls and non-binary people into science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers.

In 2017, Imafidon was awarded an MBE for services to Young Women and STEM Sectors and in 2020 she was voted the most influential

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woman in tech by Computer Weekly magazine.

However, the accolades and TV fame have not dimmed her passion to help create a more diverse and inclusive UK STEM sector.

INEQUALITY

A 2019 survey by UK education provider QA found more than half of young women would be interested in a career in STEM, but 78 per cent were discouraged by gender inequality.

The Royal Society of Edinburgh estimates that increasing women in STEM careers could increase the UK’s economy by as much as £2 billion.

It’s an issue that Imafidon is passionate about addressing.

Since Stemettes’ launch, the social enterprise has reached over 45,000 girls and young women across the UK and Ireland through its workshops, panel events, hackathons and mentoring programmes.

It also developed the groundbreaking Outbox Incubator, the world’s first business accelerator for teenage girls. Most recently, Stemettes has developed

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an online resource and advice hub for parents whose children want to pursue STEM careers.

The organisation also launched its own certification academies. Girls learning IT skills during the school holidays such as programming in coding language Python, for example, can gain adult qualifications which can be included on a CV. And Imafidon is fully focused on her next big goals for Stemettes.

“Young people who have been on our programmes are coming back and are actually teaching others,” she added.

“I’ve also got a new book coming out which is about women being able to kind of take back tech, but the story of this hasn’t been told.”

Asked about her plans for future TV presenting she says: “I’m not really a big showbiz person.

“It’s been fun doing all these TV bits and pieces but, actually, I’m not dying to be on TV. It can be a useful tool for representation, but not TV for TV’s sake.”

www.voice-online.co.uk

FEBUARY 2022

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8 | THE VOICE FEBRUARY 2022

Interview

‘Gil Scott-Heron saved my life’ SPECIAL BOND: Malik Al Nasir, left, and Gil ScottHeron enjoyed a special relationship, which was similar to that between a father and son; inset left, Malik – then Mark – as a youngster

Liverpudlian Malik Al Nasir reveals how and why the American musician and poet moulded him into the man he is today. By Lester Holloway

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EGENDARY SINGER and poet Gil Scott-Heron used to introduce Liverpudlian Malik Al Nasir to people as his son.

Malik, then known by his birth name of Mark Watson, was more than Gil’s unofficially adopted son – he was an 18-year-old homeless boy brutalised in care homes before he was mentored under Gil’s wing.

“Gil Scott-Heron saved my life,” Malik told The Voice. “It was the difference between life and death, it was the difference between success and failure, it was the difference between, you know, a life on the streets in destitution, or the lifetime I’m now leading.”

Malik’s journey from an illiterate and traumatised young man to a singer, poet and academic – who went on to fight and win a case against the local authorities that colluded to keep him in care – all hinges on a gig at Liverpool’s Royal Court theatre in 1984.

Liverpool had, just months before, experienced an uprising in Toxteth, the historically black district, one of several neighbourhoods to go up in flames in protest at police ‘Sus’ laws and racist oppression.

It seemed the whole of Liverpool’s black community gathered at the theatre to see Gil Scott-Heron, one of the great forefathers of rap. Malik, who was living in the Ujimaa homeless hostel, was desperate to meet his hero.

“So I turned up at the gig with no money, no tickets, and just that sort of desire to get in, but without any knowledge of how I was going to do that,” he recalled.

“And it was just by chance that there happened to be a photographer, Penny, who used to go around Toxteth taking black and white photos, and she’d got a backstage pass. And I was like, ‘Penny, I haven’t got a ticket, I’ve got no money, can

Meeting him was the difference between life and death, and to the the lifetime I’m now leading you get me in?’ So she told them I was her assistant, and she snuck me in.

“So I ended up getting the prime vantage point to see the whole show from the press pit right at the front. And then obviously, after the show, because I had the backstage pass, I was able to get backstage and, by twist of fate, I managed to meet Gil and he took a shine to me. The rest is history.”

Gil invited Malik to join him and the band the next day, and was soon travelling with the band doing a variety of odd jobs, from moving equipment to collecting cash from promoters, to checking the sound engineers were doing their job. But his main job was being mentored, and effectively trained, by Gil.

CRUCIAL

As the years went by, Malik got involved in every aspect of the band, from musician arrangements to marketing and understanding contracts.

A crucial moment was when Gil taught Malik how to read.

“Initially, much of the work I was doing was verbal, but while on tour in America, Gil gave me something and handed me something to read and asked me to read it out loud, because he was concerned

that maybe I had some literacy issues.

“And when I fumbled, he could see that I was struggling to read.

“I clearly had a lot of issues when it came to reading and writing, and I was obviously very embarrassed and ashamed, because I’d sort of blagged my way, past all of that. You overcompensate with the verbal.

“He then encouraged me to start breaking down words into syllables. It was done over a prolonged period of time, to the point where I then became literate and fluent. But with poetry as well, I got to sort of test language to its limits. And that gave me an opportunity to

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I clearly had a lot of issues when it came to reading and writing, and I was obviously very embarrassed and ashamed really extend my thoughts and ideas. It was incredibly cathartic.”

Malik used to engage in sometimes heated debates about political issues with Gil, something members of his band never did. Gil was fascinated with the social and racial issues in inner city Britain, seeing clear parallels

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with the struggles in America, and he took a keen interest in Malik’s time in the care system.

Life took a turn for the worse when Liverpool City Council made a compulsory purchase order on the four-storey family townhouse in Toxteth, which may have been part of moves in the 1970s to ‘dilute and disperse’ the black community.

Malik (then Mark), his siblings, his Guyanese former Royal Navy father and Welshborn mother were relocated to a predominantly white housing estate in Netherley, on the outskirts of the city, where they suffered racism daily.

He got into regular fights, mostly reacting to racist abuse, and it wasn’t long before the social workers took him away, with the alleged collusion of his ‘nan’ ‘Flo (who it was later revealed was married to his dad) and a local councillor friend of hers.

At the tender age of nine, his first experience of care was a fortnight of solitary confinement followed by nine years of regular beatings at the hands of care home staff.

Malik was kept in children’s homes, such as Greystone Heath, that were later exposed for sexually abusing children.

“They used me as a whipping boy to send a message to the

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rest of the kids. So everyone else would be told, ‘if you don’t want that, you’re going to stay in line’.

“I’m sitting watching the TV and fists would come flying through the air.

“And next thing, I’m getting booted from one end of the room to the other by a social worker, and I would have no clue why that was happening to me.

BRUISES

“If I had bruises, they would just stop my home leave for four weeks, until the bruises heal.”

Malik would go on to win an out-of-court settlement of £120,000 and a public apology from the Lord Mayor for his treatment.

His life story is expertly chronicled in his book Letters to Gil. Malik, who converted to Islam, is currently studying for a PhD in Cambridge. He fronts a band, Malik and the O.G’s.

Their 2015 album Rhythms of the Diaspora. Vol 1 & 2 features appearances by Gil (who recites Malik’s poem Black and Blue, recorded before the singer died in 2011), plus Jalal Mansur Nuriddin from the Last Poets and LL Cool J. Letters to Gil is published

by HarperCollins, ISBN: 9780008464431, £20, hardback

www.voice-online.co.uk

FEBUARY 2022

THE VOICE| 9

10 | THE VOICE FEBRUARY 2022

News feature

Book gatekeepers

STARTING A NEW CHAPTER: It’s time to see more black representation within the literary industry (photo: Getty)

Steps being taken to make publishing a more diverse world. By Melissa Sigodo

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OOK PUBLISHING is a white-dominated industry that is sidelining black books, say independent black publishers.

As of 2020, only three per cent of those in UK publishing were black, according to the UK Publishing Workforce Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging survey.

As a result, independent publishers and bookshop owners believe changes are still needed within the industry and have launched their own entities to do so.

Last month saw the owners of New Beacon Books, in north London, reveal they are going back into publishing as well as selling, after a crowdfunding campaign saved the first black bookshop from closure.

Independent black book publishing is much needed, say experts in the industry, but there

I come from Ghana, I’m no beast.

I come from a rich culture that has wisdom and knowledge also needs to be a change in the mainstream. Black publishers say the current state of publishing pushes them to bring balance to an industry overflowing with trauma narratives, and to create opportunities for black people in the industry.

One independent publisher, Nana Ayebia Clarke, worked as a submissions editor at London publisher Heinemann for 12 years and witnessed a cycle of traumatic narratives.

When the company ceased to

release its African and Caribbean Writers Series, the Oxford graduate decided to start a publishing company and received an MBE for her contributions to the industry.

The Ghanaian-born publisher was keen to showcase African love stories, and even claims to have turned down publishing the book Beasts of No Nation.

PORTRAYALS

Although the novel was later picked up by a major publisher and adapted into a hit Netflix film starring Idris Elba, Nana says she was “not prepared to put anything like that out there.”

She said: “Someone brought me a book with the title Beasts of No Nation and I turned it down. I said to him, ‘I’ll publish this book, but the first thing you have to do is change the title, and the second thing is

some of the portrayals of Africans are disturbing. I can work with you but unless you agree to change these two things, I have to turn it down.’ And I did.

“I come from Ghana, I’m no beast. I come from a rich, vibrant culture that has wisdom and knowledge. How can you call Ghanaians or Africans beasts of no nation?”

Similarly, Aimée Felone, 29, who runs Round Table Books and Knights Of publishing in Brixton Village, London, says she also wants to veer away from “trauma porn.”

The independent publisher, who launched her bookshop through crowdfunding, believes that although black people’s stories are told by major publishers, there is a fixation on trauma.

NUANCE

Aimée said: “I think black people’s stories get told, but I think what they lack is the nuance and I think without us in this industry we can sometimes just see this excess of stories of trauma. “While the indus-

try may see that as what sells, that’s not what I’m interested in giving to kids who just want books to escape and have fun.

“I think that’s what the publishing industry has known and now they’re only starting to see the worth of telling stories.”

Now that both ladies have been able to succeed on their own, they hope to add value to the industry and to the community.

“For them, being independent and having the support of the community means there’s a bright future ahead.

FEBUARY 2022

THE VOICE| 11

Windrush compensation is available to people of all ages and nationalities including those from African, Asian and Caribbean backgrounds.

Start here to see if you could claim Did you come to the UK before the end of 1988?

Yes Have you suffered – in a big or small way – because you couldn’t prove your legal right to live in the UK?

Yes Have you struggled to prove your legal right to live in the UK?

Yes

Here to support you and your family

Call the free helpline: 0800 678 1925 Visit: gov.uk/WindrushHelpTeam

Calling the Windrush Help Team will never affect the immigration status of you or your family. Your call will be treated sensitively and compassionately.

♥ Valentine’s Day ♥ ♥ ♥

12 | THE VOICE FEBRUARY 2022

LOVE AND LAUGHTER Whatever takes your fancy to celebrate the day of love, Kumba Kpakima has got you covered...

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S JANUARY blues fade away and daylight hours gradually start to increase, it is time we all started thinking positive, and what could be more positive than the most romantic day of the year!

Even if you’re boo-less, looking for that special person, or simply couldn’t care less – we have got you covered with ideas for treating your loved one!

1. Saint Aymes

Start Valentine’s Day with Saint Aymes’ special romantic brunch menu. Set in the floral café, known as the prettiest café in London – you will be sure to wow your date with this romantic brunch menu from owners Lois and Michela Wilson.

Welcomed with a fresh rose, you and your date will receive: l Brunch on an afternoon tea stand with red and pink balloons. This includes croissants, English muffins with choice of breakfast toppings, and berry waffles.

l Choice of Mimosa or hot or cold drink l Special Valentine’s Day dessert to finish Price: £40pp, saintaymes.com

2. Sip ‘N’ Stroke

TREAT A LOVED ONE: From facials to gym sessions, there are plenty of ways to get involved in Valentine’s Day this year – whatever your style

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Caribbean catering company St Foodie is here to bring the restaurant vibes to you.

Known for adding their own creative twist to traditional Caribbean dishes, they pride them-

Painting with a twist! Sip ‘N’ Stroke pride themselves on offering a fun alternative activity for lovers, friends, and family.

The event is all about giving guests the creative freedom to express themselves through painting, interactive games, and competitions.

You also have access to their bar where you can purchase drinks and light nibbles.

They will be hosting their annual R’n’B Love Edition on Saturday, February 12, with a range of hosts and in-house DJs, giving you the Valentine’s Day vibes you need this year.

Prices range from £32.34 to £37.74, sipnstroke.com

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selves on giving you a five-star restaurant feel from the comfort of your chosen space.

Their exclusive Valentine’s Day package offers you a threecourse meal, with two cocktails each of your choice.

The package also comes with a complementary bottle of Prosecco. Finally, you have the option of finishing your night with their hot tub add-on service.

A must-do!

Price: £350, linktr.ee/stfoodies

4. The Skin Laboratory

The Skin Laboratory’s exclusive couple package is exactly what you need to feel funky fresh this Valentine’s Day. The Skin Lab focuses on helping you understand your skin, relax in it, and love it unapologetically by taking care of it, the right way.

Their new V-Day package which is free (yes, I said free!) for all couples gives you the op-

3. Stfoodies

Not too keen on going out for Valentine’s Day this year? Not to worry, luxury

@thevoicenewspaper

@thevoicenews

tion to choose between a classic 50-minute-deep cleanse or one hour 20-minute advanced facial to tackle those deep acne scars.

So, if you’re looking to relax and give your skin some TLC, the Skin Laboratory have you covered.

Price: Free! skinlaboratory.uk

5. The Elite Evolution Gym

If your love language is working out together – why not start your day with a couple’s fitness class?

The Elite Evolution gym based in Hackney Wick will be hosting two one-hour sessions at a discounted price for couples only.

Their new Valentine’s Day BOX&LIFT special will give couples the ability to train together in an explosive class combining weight lighting and boxing class.

The aim of the session will be for you to increase your strength and power while ‘moving like a butterfly and stinging like a bee’. I mean couples

voicenews

who stay together, train together right? The class is first come, first serve, so be sure to book your tickets in advance – elite-evolution.com/box-liftvalentine-special Price: £20 per couple

6. Sion London

If you are looking to end your night with a delicious meal and cocktails ... Sion London is the place for you!

The stunning restaurant based in the heart of Dulwich, southeast London, promises to give you and your lover a truly exceptional dining experience.

The restaurant offers a variety of Mediterranean-style dishes alongside much-loved classics as well as an array of signature cocktails – I mean you are truly spoilt for choice.

They are also offering cocktail masterclasses on Valentine’s Day for anyone who may be interested in learning the tricks behind making the perfect cocktail.

Price: From £35pp, sionlondon. co.uk

www.voice-online.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2022 THE VOICE | 13

Dotun Adebayo

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

News

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

Even Sidney Poitier’s cool didn’t chill the fire of racism

He was the coolest dude on the screens in the ‘50s and ‘60s, but I’m conflicted by the late actor’s legacy

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OOKER PRIZE winner Bernardine Evaristo revealed to a packed audience at the Tottenham Literature Festival at the end of last year that what she remembers about me as a teenager, when we both worked in the coffee bar of the Shaw Theatre in the West End of London, is that I was cool. I breathed a sigh of relief.

Because I sat there in the stalls with my daughter, I genuinely had no idea what Bernadine’s memory would remember, so ‘cool’ was the best of the possible options.

You see, Evaristo is right. I was cool as a teenager. But then again weren’t we all?

I spent a lot of time learning the art of being cool. I spent my teens checking out my coolness in the mirror on a regular basis.

And I liked what I saw, because I read all the coolest books, listened to the coolest music and watched the moves on the coolest dudes in the movies.

The absolute coolest dude that ever graced the big screen back in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s was Sidney Poitier. Never mind your Jimmy Cagneys, Jimmy Deans and Jimmy Bonds. Poitier was so cool he was like a refrigerator on screen.

And we did like to see him

PIONEER: Main, Sidney Poitier in Lilies of the Field, for which he won an Academy Award for best actor (photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images); inset below, a younger – and cooler – Dotun Adebayo hands Bobby Brown the 1989 Voice Music Award

You knew my man was going to flash that million dollar smile in the movies. You knew my man was going to flash that million dollar smile through the toughest hardship, as he does in Porgy and Bess.

But, at the same time, we didn’t believe the hype. We knew that his screen characters were the product of a vivid fairytale imagination.

FANTASTICAL

My experience of being taken home by a white girl to meet the parents did not end with the one nation under a groove of the movie Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner, but then again I wasn’t a handsome, world-renowned doctor who spoke the Queen’s English better than the Queen and by any other criteria was only black on the outside, as Poitier’s on-screen character in that movie does and is.

Even more fantastical was the character that Poitier plays in the movie In The Heat of the Night, the fabled Mr Tibbs.

Are you kidding me? In America’s deep south at the time? Even in Tottenham, north London, that wasn’t my experience of the cops as an eightyear-old.

By the time I was 10, I concluded that the cops didn’t like us “coloureds” (as we used to be referred to on the telly, in Parliament, in the newspapers and right up to your face. We couldn’t do nothing about it.

Just had to take it.

I don’t blame Poitier for that.

But I do blame him for allowing himself to be chosen to lead his people to the fantasy land every Saturday evening up there in the cheap seats at the cinema, high up in the gods above the circle and the stalls, the section that Americans in those days used to call “n*gger heaven”.

It was there on the big screen that Poitier taught us how to be cool or in other words to turn the other chilled cheek in the face of racism.

It’s difficult to come to any other conclusion when you consider Poitier’s body of work.

Apart from the moment when you first see a young Poitier in Blackboard Jungle and you can read in his eyes how he considers whether or not to save the

Nat Turner, when you can’t take it no more.

As long as you stay cool, like Poitier does on the screen, you can aspire to be a doctor and, who knows, if you succeed you might even be lucky enough to end up with a white spouse

As long as you stay cool, like Poitier does on screen, you can aspire to be a doctor backside of the new teacher from the class bad bwoys.

There you catch a glimpse of the authentic young, black matinee idol to rival Harry Belafonte who had refused to allow himself to be used to lull black people into the fantasy land in roles that sold you the fairy tale that everything was going to be all right as long as you black people don’t murder us white folks in our sleep, like

whose parents aren’t trying to kill you.

Or you can study hard and become the best cop in the country and then we’ll start calling you “sir” instead of “boy”. Promise.

And it seems to have worked.

Because in the main we have stayed cool – at least that’s what white folks keep telling me.

We walk good. We talk good and we wear the right trainers.

Because of Poitier, being cool is still a default position for young black men.

It is the one area of the public aesthetic space that we own and our ownership is universally known. We are the coolest race on the planet. Not the wealthiest. Not the most powerful. But the coolest.

CONFLICTED

For the time it takes to be cool 24/7 we just don’t have the time for power or real wealth beyond the cool arena. In movies, we are always the cool ones. When it comes to cool casual wear, we are the coolest top dogs to model them. Virtually nothing is cool without our seal of approval.

That is why I am conflicted about Poitier’s legacy. I’m not sure if teaching us to be cool under racist fire was an asset or a waste of our valuable time.

While we’re being cool, what’s everybody else doing?

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

14 | THE VOICE FEBRUARY 2022

ADVERTORIAL

Healthy changes star

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ooking forward to the rest of the year, we all know getting active and eating better is a positive thing to do.

There are small changes we can make every day to what we eat and drink and how often we move that can make a real difference to our health.

If you want to lose weight, eat better, or get active, it’s not about getting it right, but getting started. Healthy changes start with little changes and help you to feel better, inside, and out. Why not start the year by getting creative with your food and exercise for a healthier new you?

Now’s the perfect time to lose weight, eat better and move

more If you are carrying extra weight, losing it has many health benefits.

Making small, regular changes to your lifestyle can have a big difference on how you feel inside and out. It can lower your risk of everything from joint and back pain, heart disease & type 2 diabetes and make you better able to fight off diseases.

Whether it’s making simple swaps to what you eat and drink, managing portion sizes, or introducing more activity into your day by going on a short walk, stretching

during TV ad breaks, or pacing around the kitchen whilst the kettle’s boiling, eating better and moving more can really make a difference to our health.

Nicola Burgher-Kennedy is a Registered Public Health Nutritionist who has been working professionally in the field of nutrition and health for over 20 years.

Currently employed as Consumer Nutrition Manager at one of the world’s leading food and drink companies, her passion for nutrition and health extends to faith-based arenas where, using her professional and personal ex-

periences, she serves as a credible voice through workshops, seminars, and the media.

Her passion is to see the tide of ill-health reversed through educating, empowering, and enabling others to make consistent positive food choices to impact their health, that of their families and generations to come.

For those wanting to lose weight, knowing what to eat is just as important as how to do it practically, that’s why it is important to access the help so that you can live the happy and healthy life you deserve.

ADVERTORIAL

FEBRUARY 2022

THE VOICE| 15

rt with little changes Get started with FREE APPS and special offers

Better Health has lots of free ideas to help you on your journey to feeling healthier, and getting started can be easier than you think. www.nhs.uk/better-health: explore weight loss plans, tips to eat better and new ways to get active on the Better Health website. Find everything from NHS approved tools and to special partner offers.

Couch to 5K: want to set yourself an achievable and rewarding goal? This running programme is perfect for absolute beginners and has helped more than 4 million people start running. Choose from 5 celebrity trainers to motivate you, play your own music, track your runs and connect with other Couch to 5K runners just like you! Download Couch to 5K from App Store or Google Play.

It can sometimes be tricky to know what to do with your meals if you’re trying to watch your weight. – Nicola Burgher-Kennedy, highlights some of her top tips to help you.

Control the Carbs: When it comes to carbohydrates like bread, rice, potatoes, and pasta which may be a part of your meal, opt for higher fibre or wholegrain varieties more of the time. Starchy foods should make up about a third of our food intake.

Vary the Protein: Protein sources such as chicken and fish are great meal additions but be mindful of portion sizes, go for lean cuts and skinless poultry where possible and salt (primarily from seasonings). Plant based proteins and meat alternatives such as kidney beans, black-eye peas, lentils, and soya-based alternatives are also highly recommended so remember to include them as a protein choice too.

Add your 5 A day: Fruit and veg are usually low in fat and calories so enjoy at least 5 portions a day. A good rule of thumb is to have 2 or more portions of veg with your main meal and top up your fruit intake throughout the day. Remember, almost all fruit and veg counts toward your 5 a day so it’s easier than you think to meet your recommendations Quench that thirst: 6-8 cups of water a day helps keep you hydrated and ready to go. Great for staying alert and keeping less healthy snacking to a minimum.

Fish is good: If fish is your thing, you should aim for 1 to 2 portions a week, with at least 1 portion being oily fish like salmon, sardines, or Mackerel - also consider steaming, baking, or grilling more often than frying.

Keep a check on the Dairy: Lower sugar and reduced fat versions of milk, cheese and yoghurts are advised and help top up your daily calcium levels. Dairy alternatives such as Soya, Oat & Almond & Soya also make tasty options.

■ For more eat well tips why not download the Easy Meals app!

NHS Weight Loss App: Take things one day at a time with the free NHS weight loss plan.

THE PLAN IS BROKEN DOWN INTO 12 WEEKS SO YOU CAN:

• Set weight loss goals • Use the BMI calculator to customise your plan • Plan your meals easily • Make healthier food choices • Get more active and burn more calories • Record your activity and progress

Active10: Every minute counts and that’s why the Active10 app records every single minute of walking that you do! Just pop your phone in your pocket and away you go. Take your first steps on Active10 today and start tracking your progress right away.

■ Download the NHS Weight Loss App from App Store or Google Play.

We’re all in this together Small changes to your cooking can go unnoticed on your tastebuds but have a big impact on your health.

Nicola Burgher-Kennedy says using unsaturated oils like olive and sunflower oil in meals instead of ghee, butter and animal fat when cooking is definitely the right way to go.

Follow this recipe for a healthier version of a traditional Caribbean chicken classic:

CLASSIC CARIBBEAN CHICKEN Cooking time – 25mins, Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 1/2 lb) 1 medium red or white onion, cut into chunks 4 Scotch bonnet peppers, (De -seeded) 4 spring onions (escallion), cut into approx.

1-inch lengths, plus additional for garnish 4 large cloves of garlic 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 2 tbsp high-heat cooking oil (such as sunflower, rapeseed or vegetable oil), 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves - whole 2 tsp ground allspice 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger or 1 tsp ground ginger 3/4 tsp salt (optional) 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon 3/4 tsp fresh grated or ground nutmeg Lime wedges for garnish

PREPARATION

1. Divide the chicken among 2 large resealable plastic bags; set aside.

2. In a blender, combine onion, scotch bonnet peppers, escallion’s, garlic, lime juice, oil, thyme, allspice, ginger, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Blend into a purée, stopping to scrape down the jar as necessary. Transfer 1/4 cup mixture to a small bowl and set aside. Add remaining mixture to bags with chicken, dividing evenly. Squeeze out as much air from bags as possible and seal tightly. Massage bags to evenly distribute marinade throughout and refrigerate for 4 hours, or overnight.

3. Thirty minutes before cooking, remove chicken from the refrigerator and set aside at room temperature.

4. Heat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil. Remove chicken from bags, shaking off excess marinade. Grill, turning once, until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a large plate, cover loosely with foil and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with garnish, if desired, and a side salad.

■ For free tips and tools to lose weight or get active, search Better Health, or visit

16 | THE VOICE FEBRUARY 2022

News feature

Gang leaders grooming girls Ex-drug dealer calls for end to terrifying crime. By Sinai Fleary

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IRLS ARE being groomed to join gangs because gang leaders believe they are less likely to get caught carrying weapons or drugs, says an ex-drug dealer who now helps turn young women away from crime.

Nequela Whittaker, from Brixton, south west London, once aspired to become the “biggest drug dealer in South London” and was convicted of selling crack and heroin.

The 33-year-old has since turned her life around and is using her experience to stop other girls from going down a similar path, as a project manager at Global Thinking, an initiative helping vulnerable girls and young women at risk of joining gangs.

Speaking to The Voice, she said: “Girls are getting groomed with nice handbags, or getting their eyelashes and nails done, they are being given credit on their phone or a nice mobile.

“If it’s a tom-boy girl she will get the same aggro as the men, but if her appearance is that of a very girly girl, she will be able to cut through and slide through without being stopped by the police.”

Ms Whittaker, pictured below right, urged parents and carers to look out for behavioural changes in the young people in their families.

She said: “Look out for the deviant behaviour and the choice of friendship groups, and I would encourage all parents to understand how social media platforms work and understand the privacy rules.”

The qualified youth worker and mentor revealed girls are being “used as the go-between” for many gangs and are often used to “order weapons, hold weapons and do credit card fraud, which their parents are not even aware of.”

Girls are getting groomed with nice handbags, or getting their eyelashes and nails done Ms Whittaker grew up on the Myatt’s Field Estate in Brixton, which was once a notorious hotspot for the importation of drugs in the 1980s.

Her mother later moved the family to a three-bedroom maisonette with a garden in Clapham Common to keep her children safe. But despite relocating and joining several after-school clubs like football, dance, performing arts and athletics, Ms Whittaker still fell in with a bad crowd and had some horrific experiences.

When she was just 12 years old, she was sexually assaulted.

She said: “The case got thrown out and I was getting intimidated by the perpetrator’s friends. I was at home for eight months by myself because my mum had to work, I knew my mum cared about me but she had to work.

VICTIMISED

“There was a lot internally that I couldn’t express because I didn’t have a voice.”

Ms Whittaker created a tough alter ego called ‘Nikks’ to protect the “naive, quiet and innocent child known as Nequela”, so she would never be victimised again.

At 13, she started selling cannabis, and during the summer of 1999 things spiralled out of control. She said: “I was different, I played the violin at grade five as a child, and people didn’t

like that. The secondary school I went to was 14 miles from my home and I was bullied for being different and also because I wasn’t from the area.”

She admitted to The Voice she created a gang to “protect herself”. She added: “We were actively fighting, kicking girls down, we even beat up boys and were running up in people’s houses, between year 9 and 11.”

Moped and bicycle thefts and other petty crimes became part of her routine with the boys on her old estate.

“Where I lived there was a rehabilitation centre nearby, and it was for people who were trying to reform from crack and heroin.

HEROIN

“These people used to cut through my estate to get there and we befriended them and went from selling weed, to crack and heroin, and after a while we started to see the loopholes in the drug game,” she added.

For four years, she was part of a drugs trafficking gang and sold weed, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and pure cocaine, making between £43,000 and £63,000 during her teenage years.

Ms Whittaker was also a drugs mule, transporting Class A and Class B drugs across the UK. She went on the run for a year, because she “wasn’t ready” to go to prison.

She added: “My brother has been institutionalised my whole life and I knew first-hand what going to prison would mean

@thevoicenewspaper

WORRYING: Gangs are increasingly using young girls in a bid to make their operations run more successfully (photo: S Gallup/Getty Images); inset, below left, a terrifying example of a concealed weapon being held by a young woman for me and my family. A weak mind would have never got me through that sentence.”

In October 2008, when she was just 17, she was caught in Scotland and pleaded guilty to intent to supply crack, heroin and Class B drugs and was given a four-year sentence, which she served just under a year.

During her time in prison, she thought long and hard about the path she was on and did a lot of soul-searching.

She said: “They called me ‘Wisey’ in prison and I knew when I came out I wanted to be a beacon of light and become the change in my community.”

Since being released from prison in May 2009, Ms Whittaker graduated from university and is now a qualified youth worker.

She has also written and self-published a book called Street Girl and hopes her story will inspire others to stay away from gang life.

John Carmichael, 53, is a social worker of 20 years, a youth worker of 13 years and a youth offending officer of two years.

He told The Voice gangs are providing “cultural currency” for many youths at risk, which is making them feel like they have “a worth and are of value”.

Mr Carmichael said: “Sometimes girls are creating their own gangs as a way to protect themselves, because if they are in a male-led gang it is extremely abusive, with the brutal initiations, and sometimes they are used as collateral with other gangs.”

@thevoicenews

The father-of-two is from Cheetham Hill, Manchester, an area that was once notorious for violence and drug dealing in the 1970s and 1980s.

He believes a holistic approach tackling poverty, high school exclusions and poor parenting is the only way to address gang violence once and for all.

FUTURES

He said: “This is not about just putting government programmes in place and doing more paper exercises.

“The reality is, until young people know that people are truly investing in their futures and truly care about them, we will continue to see them joining gangs.”

The Metropolitan Police told The Voice that gangs comprised only of women is not a phenomenon they recognise as a current significant issue within London.

But they are aware that some women, and also vulnerable people including children and those with mental health or addiction issues, are often exploited by individuals linked to gangs.

DCI Steven Brownlee, of Specialist Crime South, said: “We have specialist crime detectives working to dismantle gangs, and remove drugs, knives and guns across London.

“We have seen a significant amount of violence, often chaotic violence involving young people, which is why tackling it remains a top priority for the Met. “Despite significant reduc-

voicenews

tions in violent crime, we know there is more to do.

“However, we cannot tackle it alone, which is why I would implore you to share any information you have regarding drug dealing, exploitation or violent crime in your area.

We all have a responsibility to make London a safe place for everyone.

“Knowing the signs of gang grooming can mean you can help a young person before it’s too late – before they either get hurt or do something that they ending up regretting.

“The tactics criminals use are clever, and someone might not understand they are being used or groomed.’’

The Met also said they are “actively working to reduce the harm caused by gangs within London” and have a variety of operational tactics to tackle gang activity in London.

Operation Gallion aims to prevent gun crime discharges and Operation Orochi is a new tactic of targeting the lineholders, who are the individuals controlling the line.

According to The Met, they rarely leave London and avoid the risk of handling commodities, but coordinate the distribution of drugs through the exploitation of children and vulnerable adults.

Here are some useful contacts: • Childline (24 hours) 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk • NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk • #KnifeFree knifefree.co.uk • Crimestoppers (report crime anonymously), crimestoppers-uk.org

www.voice-online.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2022 | THE VOICE

Kelechi Okafor

17

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

Polymath & Baby Girl

NO, WE DON’T ALL HAVE THE ‘SAME 24 HOURS IN A DAY’

In response to Molly-Mae’s statement, I’d like to invite you to be easier on yourself this year

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Y NOW, the drama around Molly-Mae Hague’s controversial statement has died down somewhat and I, for one, do not want to dredge it all back up. However, I believe there is some nuance still to be added to the capitalist myth that “we all have the same 24 hours in a day.”

I’ve spoken about this particular subject on my podcast - Say Your Mind - and if you are not yet listening to it, you really should.

It is a space where I can expound upon the points I bring up in my writing, albeit with a lot more swearing.

We have all heard that phrase thrown about so many times that rarely do we take the time to consider how damaging it is as a narrative.

Variations of ‘rise and grind’ or ‘I’ll sleep when I’m dead.’

These phrases – while people who parrot them intend to be motivational – further highlight the issue with our society; linking our sense of worth to how hard we appear to be working.

It is not natural for us to work in the way that we do in the UK and in the western world generally.

The past two years have allowed many people the space to deeply consider the trajectory of their life and the unhealthy relationship we have with the greatly imbalanced ‘work-life’ continuum.

I’ve even begun to see phrases like “if you do what you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life” as problematic, because as a business owner I can tell you that as much as I love all the things I do, I am very tired a lot of the time. Work is work no matter how much or how little you love it.

Businesses try different approaches to make the amount

A DAY IN THE LIFE: Never underestimate the value of getting your rest when you consider how you spend your 24 hours; inset below, Molly-Mae Hague’s comment has become a major talking point (photos: JGI/Jamie Grill via Getty Images, David Parry/PA Wire/ PA Images)

Do black boys or men have the same access to their 24 hours when they’re stopped by the police? of time you spend working feel more bearable by telling you that you’re “part of the family” because they are aware that to tap into the emotive aspect of why we strive in life (love, belonging, among others) might maximise productivity.

All very uncomfortable to consider.

While many people were focused on Molly-Mae’s “technically I’m correct, we do all have the same 24 hours…” I was focused on “both of my parents were police officers”.

POISON

Why? Because sometimes when people are talking and think they’re dropping gems, they’re really dropping poison.

We already know that the police disproportionately stop and search black men and boys.

Do these black boys or black men have the same access to their 24 hours in their day when they’re being stopped for no good reason by police?

Black women are woefully underpaid for doing similar roles to their white and/ or male counterparts. Are

Keep in mind that you are more than the things you produce for others the hours that these black women devote to their work being valued in the same way as their peers? The answer is no.

I use those examples to highlight the fact that institutional and systemic oppression does not allow for those who are racially minoritised to optimise their illusive 24 hours because the priority is to stay

alive and mentally intact.

Many people have given the example that even the workers who make the garments for PrettyLittleThing (the company that Molly-Mae is creative director of) do not get to use their 24 hours in a similar fashion to her because they were born in different socio-economic circumstances.

While, of course, there are those who manage to find a way out of the lower socio-economic situations that they

Kelechi Okafor is an actor, writer, public speaker and host of the Say Your Mind podcast and founder of Kelechnekoff Fitness studio.

were born into, if you consider the size of the population and the number of people who are living below the poverty line, these success stories are essentially anomalies.

The way our system has been working is that somebody must have much less for somebody else to have more.

BEATING

So I invite you to be easier on yourself this year. Yes, you have 24 hours in a day, but you cannot spend the majority of those hours beating yourself up for taking time to rest. Rest is revolutionary. Work at a pace that suits you and keep in mind that you are more than the things you produce for others.

18 | THE VOICE FEBRUARY 2022

Midlands News

by Veron Graham

PAWLET’S MBE HONOUR REGAL REWARD: Pawlet Brookes was the founder of Serendity – Institute for Black Arts and Heritage in Leicester in 2010

Pawlet Brookes proud to be recognised for her services to the arts and cultural diversity

P

AWLET BROOKES, CEO and artistic director of Leicester-based Serendipity – Institute for Black Arts and Heritage, has been awarded an MBE for her services to the arts and cultural diversity.

Brookes has been the artistic director and chief executive of the Leicester organisation since she founded it in 2010.

Under her leadership, Serendipity has become known internationally for being a catalyst for bringing African and African Caribbean dance, arts and cultural heritage to the fore with flagship activities including the Let’s Dance International Frontiers (LDIF) festival, Black History Month Leicester and the Annual Windrush Day Lecture.

that I have had the pleasure of working with over the years.

I am truly VOICES humbled and “So much has been done to amconsider it a plify diverse voices in arts and heritage. recognition of “For myself and Serendipity, this honour is a wonderful start the contribution to the year as we embark on a of projects from our anto the fantastic range nual dance festival, Let’s Dance people I’ve had International Frontiers (LDIF), Black Digital Dance Revolution, the pleasure to a national project connecting four cities through technology work with and development on our archive She told The Voice: “It came as a surprise, but I am delighted to have received an MBE. I am truly humbled and consider this a recognition of the contribution to the fantastic people

of Black arts and heritage.”

The news comes as the organisation prepares for this year’s LDIF (April 29 to May 8), which will be themed In Situ: Responding to Space, Place, People and Time.

Funds provided to make streets safe A NOTTINGHAM mother, who has suffered from anxiety and finding it difficult to sleep since her home was burgled, has welcomed a new security project for giving her confidence again.

Tanya’s city centre home has been fitted with state-of-the-art security including CCTV cameras, video doorbell, window locks, lamp timers and motion-sensor lighting using money from the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund.

The NHS administrative worker was burgled two years ago in the early hours of the morning as the family slept peacefully upstairs. The offenders broke in through the back door of her home and stole her son’s mobile phone, a PlayStation console and television. They even tried to remove her cooker from the wall and took her milk from the fridge.

Tanya, 34, said: “I’ve not slept in the dark since. I sleep with my TV on in my bedroom and if I hear a noise I shout to my children straight away and go downstairs to check everywhere is still locked.

“When I think about what happened with my children asleep in the house I can’t help but think about the worst that could’ve happened. I did hear some noises during the night but because it’s a new build I assumed it was my neighbours moving about. It turns out it wasn’t.

“They got in through the back door and let themselves in.”

JOINING FORCES: Tanya with PCSO Amardeep Sandhu and the Safer Streets installers

The Fund, a multi-agency project which is being delivered by the PCC in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, is set to fund security upgrades at more than 400 residential properties in selected areas of Nottingham and with free Ring doorbell devices provided for 200 other city centre properties.

HEARTBREAKING

Sergeant Matthew Ward, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Hearing stories like Tanya’s in which she and her family have been left feeling anxious due to the actions of someone else breaking into their home and safe place is heartbreaking.

“We know burglary can have a devastating impact both emotionally and financially on victims - not only in the short-term but long-term as well. The Safer Streets initiative is all about making things as difficult as possible for criminals, and that is exactly what these measures are all about.

“The force already has two dedicated teams of detectives investigating burglary offences and we also have a specialist burglary reduction officer to prevent offences from happening in the first place.”

Tanya concluded: “I am so happy to benefit from this project and be able to sleep in the dark again, knowing I have a CCTV camera and window security locks. It will make me feel safer and I know it will be the same for my kids, too.”

Pitch your ideas to the ‘Dragons’ BUSINESSES IN the West Midlands will soon have a unique opportunity to interface with potential investors who have specific expertise in innovation at a free event.

‘Venturefest’ will offer opportunities for entrepreneurs, innovators and investors to share ideas for co-operation and collaboration, particularly in the fields of science and emerging technologies.

The event is being led by the West Midlands Combined Authority and Innovation Alliance WM, working with local enterprise partnerships, universities and Bruntwood, a property provider to the science and tech sector.

The programme will include keynote speakers from a range of sectors, including David Darling, founder of video game companies Codemasters and Kwalee, and Emma

Jones, CEO of Enterprise Nation. There will also be panel discussions, workshops and an exhibition of innovative businesses and support for innovative businesses.

PROFILE

Running alongside the event will be Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up, which is a Dragon’s Denstyle competition enabling businesses to raise their profile both in the West Midlands and in front of a national audience of investors.

Business owners are invited to present their ideas in a pitch for investment.

Venturefest will take place on Thursday, March 24 at the Eastside Rooms, Woodcock Street, Birmingham B7 4BL, from 8.30am to 5pm.

Places can be booked at venturefestwm-2022. eventbrite.co.uk

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 @thevoicenewspaper

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FEBUARY 2022

Agatha Claudette Hart, bus conductor, 1962. Hart was one of many women recruited from the Caribbean to work in vital roles on the London Transport network.

Discover the stories of the people who shaped London

THE VOICE| 19

20 | THE VOICE FEBRUARY 2022

News feature

Our citizenship is under attack Successive governments have eroded the right to be a British citizen, writes Ilayda McIntosh

B

RITISH CITIZENSHIP has become an everchanging concept in recent years.

It has been increasingly eroded by ongoing changes to law.

However, the latest Nationality and Borders Bill dramatically shifts the relationship between citizenship, race and security.

Despite both UN concern and national protests, the legislation is currently in the process of going through Parliament.

The bill radically changes the system of asylum and citizenship within the UK, granting the home secretary hugely increased power.

The government has stated three main objectives to the bill. Firstly, a fairer and more effective system to better support and protect those in genuine need of asylum. Secondly, to deter illegal entry into the UK, and intervene in the business model of criminal trafficking networks. And, thirdly, to

This new bill radically changes the UK system of asylum remove from the UK those who have “no right to be here”.

The topic of citizenship cropped up in the case of Shamima Begum. She grew up in London, as a British citizen.

At 15, she left the country to join Isis in Syria but has since denounced the regime and asked to return to the UK. However, the British government chose to remove her citizenship and refuse her re-entry to the country. This is where complications against British citizenship surfaced. Originally, the home secretary could only revoke citizenship from either

a naturalised citizen (a British citizen by registration), or from someone who had committed an act of treason.

This was also true in the Nationality Act of 1948 and 1981.

ILL FEELING: Groups have been taking to the streets to voice their disapproval over the latest Nationality and Borders Bill

REVOKED

Those born in the UK couldn’t have their citizenship revoked up until 2002, after which both those born in the UK and naturalised citizens could have their citizenship revoked, on the condition that they wouldn’t become stateless.

In 2014, home secretary at the time Theresa May changed this to allow loss of citizenship on the condition that the individual was eligible for citizenship elsewhere, inevitably targeting those with non-white heritage.

This is what happened in the case of Shamima Begum; it was argued her citizenship could be revoked as she was eligible for Bangladeshi citizenship.

The element of the Nationality and Borders Bill which evoked major concern, sits under clause 9.

The 1981 Nationality Act, states that the Secretary of State must give written notice if an individual is being deprived of their citizenship.

The recent bill says this can

be ignored ‘if it’s not reasonably practical to give notice’.

Notice also doesn’t need to be given if it’s not in the interest of national security, the UK or public interest.

Essentially, a British citizen could be made stateless if they are eligible for citizenship elsewhere, without any notice.

This deprives those British citizens from their right to a fair trial.

In light of the mistreatment of the Windrush Generation and the case of Shamima Begum, it’s a widely concerning development for first and second-generation immigrant communities.

FEBRUARY 2022 THE VOICE | 21

Montel Gordon

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

What do Priti Patel’s citizenship plans mean for our community?

VOICE IN PARLIAMENT: Labour MP Diane Abbott is fighting for the Windrush Generation (photo: Wiktor Szymanowicz/ Barcroft Media via Getty Images)

The controversial Nationality and Borders Bill puts the British citizenship of six million people in jeopardy

F

ROM THE Windrush Scandal and the case of Shamima Begum, to this new plan introduced by the government, the concept of ‘British citizenship’ seems very hazy.

At the centre of the controversy of course is our Home Secretary and immigrant-hunter Priti Patel, the orchestrator of the Nationality and Borders Bill who sees this as an opportunity to restructure what she considers “our broken asylum system”.

The new plan proposed by the government allows them to revoke citizenship at their connivance; this new Bill puts the British citizenship of six million people in jeopardy.

Interestingly, it overrides the British Nationality Act 1981 which requires the person to receive written notice of a decision to relinquish their British passport, whereas Clause 9 on the Bill gives the government exemption of doing so in the situation of diplomatic relations, the interest of national security, or in the public inter-

British citizenship or a British passport won’t save you est. This is not a new issue of ‘adjustments’ to British citizenship and immigration as laws had been adapted throughout the 1960s into the 1970s to accommodate the state.

EXPULSION

Most notably, the expulsion of Asians from East Africa sparked new legal changes however the reality stays the same; British citizenship or a British passport won’t save you. As they used to say, ‘There ain’t no black in the Union Jack’.

As the New Statesmen report, out of the six million citizenships in jeopardy, 160,000 Jamaicans, 191,000 Nigerians, 191,000 South Africans,

101,000 Zimbabweans and 100,000 Somali people are all at risk of losing their British citizenship.

Ultimately, black and minority ethnic (BAME) people face the worst disenfranchisement at the hands of the bill; to the government, British citizenship is ‘privilege not a right’ as overnight, millions of people’s lives are jeopardised as citizens can be made stateless without notice.

This optimises the hypocrisy

of the UK, a state which prides itself on multiculturalism and an assimilation/melting pot of a plethora of different cultures and identities while on the other hand, stripping those of their citizenship at any given moment.

VICTIMS

Again, this brings further debates as to how secure we feel as British citizens? From a longterm perspective, we can expect

to see more unjust controversy (like Windrush) to many people from the black and Asian communities who have lived in this country for years and paid their taxes only to become victims to this draconian Bill.

As Lord Simon Woolley told the Independent, it only “further exacerbates the nature of second-class citizenship many black and Asian people feel in this country”.

For me, this only solidifies

the hypocrisy of multiculturalism as Britain is a land of immigrants, from the Normans who landed in 1066, to those from the Commonwealth and the European Economic Community (now known as the European Union) in the post-war years, Britain has been shaped by its multiplicity of different cultures and identities that co-exist with one another.

The effect of this Bill only contradicts these ideologies.

Where are you really from? Why we’re stuck in a cultural identity crisis

STRUGGLE: It’s difficult to proudly assert Britishness (photo: Mikhail Nilov/Pexels)

FOR SOME reason, it’s always been difficult to see me as ‘British’ rather than affirming my Jamaican heritage.

Tone-deaf conversations with white people about my ethnicity would often include “Where are you really from?” with me answering the initial “where are you from the question” with “England, of course”. This is the only country I know and have become accustomed to Western life as my grandparents emigrated from the Caribbean in the 1950s.

To the second question, I would proudly go into detail about Jamaican heritage and how both my parents and I were born and raised here.

PSYCHE

Then it dawned upon me, that in the psyche of many people, they related whiteness as synonymous with ‘British’. On the trip to my grandparent’s maiden country of Jamaica, I soon found myself encountering the same issue as back

home; to them, I was English but no part of me felt English nor British. In that case, who am I? And this is where I found myself serenaded in a cultural identity crisis.

These nuances present themselves every day for black British people and many other ethnic minorities in this country and continue the emotional disconnect we have with Britain.

Amid the institutional racism that exists in a myriad sectors of society which include the police and government – in addition to

the ongoing Windrush Scandal or even overt racism shown towards black football players – it’s difficult to be patriotic and proudly assert my Britishness, and this year it’s felt increasingly more apparent.

However, I continue to have faith in this current and next generation and hopefully, we can put to bed these same banal conversations that have occurred for the past several decades in this country; our true identities are shaped by us.

22 | THE VOICE

FEBRUARY 2022

Finance

How to recover from the festive spending splurge Nearly two-thirds of us spent up to £250 over our budgets at Christmas. Danielle Ferguson offers advice on how to regain control of the purse strings and avoid financial strain

J

ANUARY IS a difficult time for many who are worried about bills piling up after Christmas. However, 2022 does not need to start in a stressful way.

The beginning of a new year can be a good time to review your finances and household budget to find areas where you could make adjustments.

Why now?

We all know the festive season can be expensive. In 2020, the average UK family budgeted £350 for their Christmas food, presents and decorations. Yet, nearly two-thirds of us spent up to £250 over our festive budgets.

On top of that, many workers are paid earlier than usual in December, meaning that your pay needs to last longer than other months of the year.

New rules around credit cards this January mean that your minimum payments may have gone up, and interest rates on overdrafts have increased.

If money is tight right now, it could be a good time to take action. Most importantly, help is available.

Take back control of your budget Budgeting is a great way to get on top of your bills and save money. To get started on your budget, you’ll need to work out how much you spend on your outgoings, including bills, living costs and leisure activities.

The Budget Planner at MoneyHelper is a useful tool that can help you to figure out exactly how much you’ve

Many workers are paid earlier than usual in December, meaning that pay needs to last longer got coming in and where your money is being spent. Here, you can record all your spending, break down your finances by category, and review personalised tips when you’re finished.

Why get help with debt?

Our research shows that people will often wait one year or more before they seek help to deal with their debts.

While it may feel tempting to avoid dealing with money

DO YOUR SUMS: Budgeting is a great way to get on top of your bills, so work out how much you spend on your outgoings, including bills, living costs and leisure activities (photo: Getty Images) worried or struggling to keep up with bills or payments to use the Debt Advice Locator Tool or speak to a MoneyHelper expert for free, confidential support.

Three quarters of people who seek help feel more in control after getting advice worries, we know that the sooner you act, the easier it will be.

A Money and Pensions Service study found that three quarters of people who seek help feel more in control after getting debt advice and 63 per cent will reduce or clear their debts within three to six months after having received advice.

I would urge anyone who is

If you are worried about the impact of the pandemic on your finances, you can also use the Money Navigator Tool on the MoneyHelper website, which provides tailored guidance based on your circumstances, to find a way forward with your finances. For free, confidential and impartial money and pensions guidance visit moneyhelper.org.uk or call 0800 138 7777.

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Six ways to tackle money worries 1. Open up to someone. Talking about money can be challenging because of feelings of shame, embarrassment or not wanting to burden others. However, opening up to someone can be an important first step to help you regain control of your finances. Research has also shown that people who talk about money feel less stressed or anxious and more in control.

2. Work out your debts. Write down everything that you owe. This might seem overwhelming but facing up to what you owe will help in the long run.

3. Pay your bills in the right order. Make sure to pay priority bills and debts such as mortgage, rent and energy payments before secondary debts like overdrafts, personal loans, credit cards and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) arrangements. You should pay back BNPL agreements

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only after paying off any priority debts first.

4. Avoid high-cost credit. While it can be tempting to use high-cost credit options like payday loans, if you do need to borrow, then shop around and consider more affordable options like credit unions.

5. Set a budget. A good way to understand how much you can afford to pay back each month is to write down what your income is and list all your expenditure. The budget planner on the MoneyHelper website can help you calculate this.

6. Seek professional help quickly if you’re struggling with debt. The sooner you act, the easier it will be to manage. You can use the Debt Advice Locator Tool to find a free and confidential debt adviser in your local area or call MoneyHelper to speak with a money guider over the phone 0800 138 7777.

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FEBRUARY 2022 THE VOICE | 23

Lerone Clarke-Oliver

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

Pro-black is loving all black people Many of the founders of our civil rights movements were LGBTQ+ people who continue to fight for the rights of all black people. Whether they be women, immigrants or gay, their lives all matter

T

HE POLICING BILL — or to give it its full title, the Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Bill — prohibits and penalises demonstrations within the UK. Yet it is by the act of protesting that many of us have gained the rights we deserve.

By collectively understanding the impact of racism and discrimination experienced by our black LGBTQ+ siblings, and the historic and current role that queer black people play in fighting for the lives of all black people, can we fully grasp the dangers this bill truly wields.

If you look closely enough, you’ll find that many of the founders of our pro-black movements have been black LGBTQ+ people.

Black Lives Matter, as an example, was founded by three black women, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi — two of whom identify as queer. Civil rights pioneers such as Pauli Murray, Bayard Rustin, and Audre Lorde were LGBTQ+ also. Protesting has always

You cannot claim to love and value all black lives if you oppress black people been about all black people. At times, the Black Lives Matter movement came under criticism for its painstaking focus on straight black men, but we cannot ignore the violence facing black LGBTQ+ people, particularly black trans women.

You cannot be pro-black if you oppress black people. You cannot claim to love and value all black lives if you oppress black people.

“Black Lives Matter” is meaningless if you take objection to the relentless, blatant mistreatment of black people at the hands of organisations that are supposed to protect and offer care, yet discriminate against

your black LGBTQ+ sibling.

These are our people.

Somewhere along the way, we decided to pretend that intersectionality didn’t exist and ideas like ‘this is a gay issue’, and ‘that is a black issue’ arose.

In reality, we’re all so many different things; women, immigrants, a black person, a queer person — our identities are not completely isolated.

INTERESTS

We start to vote against our own interests when we place people from our own communities in boxes. It is why we sometimes see competition within marginalised communities. People say, ‘The black issue is more important than the gay issue’. Yet many of us struggle to identify the intersectionality of shared experiences, and miss out on the power this unity would afford us.

In his 2021 exploration on accepted African LGBTQ+ people pre-European and Arab occupation, Boy-Wives and Female Husbands writer

ROLE MODEL: Black Lives Matter founder Alicia Garza (photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Stephen O. Murray documents how homophobia was a concept imposed by invading imperial cultures to serve as a divide and conquer tactic.

Its sole purpose? To segregate our communities and prevent us from organising effectively

for our collective liberation.

We must remind ourselves that it is not just straight, cisgender black men who are dying or being failed by our governments.

If reading this you think, ‘I don’t care about these peo-

ple’, or their lives don’t matter, I ask, what is it you mean when you say the words “Black Lives Matter?” All Black Lives Matter, not just the ones you are comfortable with.

We should all continue to protest for all black lives.

Why family conversations about LGBTQ+ lives matter IN RECENT years, research has demonstrated the importance of dealing with diversity in early childhood education, but as we know, values — and views – start at home.

According to Stonewall, nearly half of UK LGBTQ+ pupils are bullied in school because of their gender or sexual orientation.

In fact, LGBTQ+ bullying is the most common type of bullying in UK schools, according to a Sky report.

A Diversity Role Models report says that just 27 per cent of secondary school pupils believe it would be ‘safe’ to come out as LGBTQ+ in their schools.

With the encouragement of their

parents, black children today are more aware of racism and we’ve thankfully witnessed the tide start to turn as black children become more willing to speak up when racial discrimination shows up.

CANDID DISCUSSION: Sway Calloway and Kanye West (photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

TREATMENT

But, it seems we’re still struggling to have meaningful conversations with our children about the discriminatory treatment of their LGBTQ+ peers.

This translates into adult life. In its 2021 report UK Black Pride found that 47 per cent of all respondents have been insulted, pestered, intimidated, or harassed in person. Of respondents

who had experienced violence or harassment, 47 per cent felt that it had been motivated by their sexuality.

Schools need to take an active ap-

proach to tackle all forms of bullying, including homophobic bullying.

Schools should be creating a safe space and an environment that takes

action to prevent bullying behaviour, as well as responding to incidents when they occur.

A preventative approach to bullying means that schools safeguard the welfare of all their pupils. It also means that schools are playing their part to create a society in which people treat each other with respect.

I’m reminded of a 2005 interview with MTV’s Sway Calloway, in which Kanye West had a candid discussion about hip-hop’s deep-rooted homophobia. Kanye framed homophobia as being akin to racism, and said: “Yo, stop it, fam.’ Seriously, that’s discrimination. To me, that’s exactly what they do to black people.”

Lerone Clarke-Oliver is a PR, publicist, artist manager and ghost writer. He is a commentator on the black LGBTQ+ community and contributor to a number of media outlets.

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24 | THE VOICE FEBRUARY 2022

News feature

Keeping our memories

Reminiscence books helping members of the black community suffering from dementia. By Vic Motune

T

HE NUMBER of black elderly is set to rocket, yet there are very few ‘memory’ materials which help African and Caribbeans remember the past.

Step forward publishing director Tayo Idowu, who was asked by a friend – whose mother suffered from dementia – if he could produce something that might help her.

Initially unsure about what to do, he then had the idea to create an adult reminiscence colouring and word search book.

The book, African and Caribbean Life: Adult Reminiscence Colouring Book, features scenes from the 1950s and ‘60s which readers are invited to colour in.

The idea is to help readers remember the richness of the African and Caribbean cultures and traditions they grew up with before emigrating to Britain.

Through his company, Ebony Life, Idowu went on to create a series of similar books which recollect the people, fashion and music of Britain’s swinging ‘60s, which many senior citizens will remember after arriving here during that period.

Aubyn Graham, manager for the Southwark-based Elim Community Association, a day centre for African Caribbean elders to whom Idowu donated copies of the book, describes it as “a brilliant” idea. “They will help our users maintain and remember their culture. We’ll definitely use them at the centre on a daily basis,” he says.

They will help our users maintain and remember their culture Angela Sandiford, a carer for her 90-year-old mother, has keenly welcomed the series of books.

Like most people living with dementia, her mother struggles to recall recent memories.

RECREATE

She can, however, still remember things from earlier in her life. Experts say being able to recreate these memories through initiatives like reminiscence therapy is a key part of coping with the condition.

Sandiford says Idowu’s books will play a vital role in helping her mother achieve that.

“Culturally appropriate resources are essential for people from black communities because they are more likely to engage with these resources,” she says. “They will help them to access earlier memories, thus encouraging social interaction, which is good for their wellbeing.”

However, resources like this are few and far between at care homes and day centres around the country.

Figures from the Centre for Policy on Ageing and the Runnymede Trust estimated that

there were nearly 25,000 people with dementia from black communities in England and Wales in 2011.

That number is expected to grow to nearly 50,000 by 2026 and over 172,000 by 2051, marking a nearly seven-fold increase in 40 years.

This compares to just over a two-fold increase in the numbers of people with dementia across the whole UK population in the same time period.

But it can be more difficult for people from this group to access the best care.

Currently, people from black communities are under-represented in services and are often diagnosed at a later stage of the illness, or not at all.

Idowu fears many care homes and other institutions are not geared up to deal with rising numbers of African Caribbean elders because of the lack of culturally specific resources.

CHALLENGES

“One of the key reasons I was asked to produce the books is there’s nothing for senior citizens going through challenges like dementia that reflects our culture,” says Idowu, inset.

“They might go to Memory Cafes but the activities they take part in and the resources they use are based on Britain in the Blitz or the songs of Vera Lynn. These won’t mean much to a black person who arrived in Britain during the Windrush Generation and after.”

He continues: “We came up with some ideas of the pictures we’d like to include in the book like someone stirring a cooking pot in an African village, or someone washing clothes by the river or playing steel pans in the Caribbean.

“These books have been shown to work well for people with dementia. They accomplish three important things.

“Firstly, they keep the person with dementia relaxed and engaged. Secondly, they improve hand coordination. Thirdly, and what certainly it’s all about, is they trigger familiar and happy memories and conversations.

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INCREASINGLY COMMON: More people from our community are developing dementia

Our app is a solution to at least some of the causes of problems “If you’re an elderly Caribbean or African person, and see a picture of someone washing clothes by the river, for example, that will evoke memories of doing this in the places they grew up in. It’s a conversation they can start with their grandchildren, for example.”

Idowu is now in negotiation with daycare centres and care homes across the country to stock the reminiscence books.

“We’ve now expanded into African Caribbean-themed jigsaw puzzles,” he says. “We’ve just finished one called the African Market and we have another coming out called the Caribbean Front Room. For me, this is a fantastic opportunity to help elders in our community.”

Others are taking a different route to Idowu and turning to technology to fill the gap in culturally relevant dementia resources.

Birmingham-based brothers Karl and Junior Wilson created the Culturally Sensitive

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Reminiscence Therapy tool for senior citizens of African and Caribbean heritage living with dementia, as well as their families and carers.

The tool is an app which provides a collection of culturally specific memorable items and downloadable activities which have been built up and populated by the elders and their family members. It feeds into a private family support social network which allows invited family and friends to provide and share reminiscence stories, music, videos and photos the person being cared for enjoys.

RELEVANT

The brothers, who both have backgrounds in IT and marketing, created the app after their late mother, Pearl, who lived with dementia for 15 years, passed away in 2016.

They noticed that many of the Memory Cafes and day centres for senior citizens were using reminiscence resources based on mainstream British culture which was not relevant for people from the black community.

The need for culturally specific resources was even more apparent when they witnessed the problems their mother’s carers faced when interacting with her at the care home she lived at.

Karl said: “The carers didn’t know what to do or how to

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interact with those that were from other cultures apart from their own. When we visited our mother we became more and more aware this was largely due to a lack of culturally sensitive resources in the care home.”

A 2013 report from the All Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia highlighted the need for high-quality services tailored to support people with dementia from black communities. It said these services do exist but too many struggle with little support from the NHS or local government.

Among the recommendations it made was that the Department of Health should map specific services for people with dementia from black communities across England.

Paulette Winchester-Joseph, Consultant Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, said the need for nationally agreed best practice on how to support black people living with dementia was greater than ever.

She told The Voice: “The numbers of Black, Asian and minority ethnic people with dementia in the UK are expected to rise significantly as the population ages. We also know that the majority of people living in care homes have dementia. Therefore, we need to look at how we can better support them, their families, and professionals.”

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FEBRUARY 2022

THE VOICE | 25

News feature

No excuse for ignoring abuse

TIME FOR ACTION: The violent murder of Valerie Forde, main image, led to calls for ‘Valerie’s Law’, which has gained the full backing of the likes of the MP Abena Oppong-Asare, inset below (photo: Ollie Millington/Getty Images)

Shocking new statistics reveal black women who have been the victims of rape and domestic violence get less justice.

Leah Mahon investigates

B

LACK WOMEN who are victims of domestic abuse are less likely to see their perpetrators convicted in court than white women, shocking new figures reveal.

Between 2016 and 2020, 37 police forces across England, Wales and Northern Ireland charged alleged perpetrators in 6.7 per cent of cases where the domestic violence victim was white, and just 5.5 per cent where the victim was black.

Freedom of information requests sent to police forces and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) also show that black victims of sexual assault and rape were 1.5 times less likely to see police bring charges against their alleged abuser in comparison to white victims.

However, while the police were less likely to prosecute perpetrators where the victim was black, the figures also showed that black defendants were less likely to be convicted of domestic abuse-related offences (65 per cent, compared to 78 per cent of white defendants) between 2016 and 2020.

The damning figures come almost a year after the tragic disappearance of Sarah Everard in March 2021.

The 33-year-old’s kidnap, rape and murder at the hands of a then-serving Metropolitan Police officer sparked outrage across the UK and prompted debate on how best to combat escalating violence against women and girls.

INEQUALITY

Following the release of the government’s rape review in July last year, it also shone a spotlight on how black women faced even more inequality in their pursuit for justice.

Ngozi Fulani, a director and Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) at Sistah Space, told The Voice she wants to finally see change for black women in the criminal justice system, almost eight years after the violent murder of Valerie

It seems like it’s okay for the police to ignore the plight of two black women who have gone missing Forde and her baby daughter by her ex-partner.

“We’ve seen that the IOPC found there were mistakes made with the case of Valerie Forde and (her daughter) baby RJ. Nothing has changed,” she said.

CONTEMPT

“The news reports on violence against women, and they called Sarah Everard’s name as if nobody else has ever died. So this just compounds what we know right across the board in society that black women’s lives don’t matter when it comes to domestic abuse.

“There is racism in the violence against women and girls sector.”

Ms Fulani and the Sistah Space team, who specialise in supporting women from African and Caribbean backgrounds who have experienced abuse, have led the calls to make specialist training mandatory for police and other government agencies to support the cultural needs of black women and girls affected by abuse.

The Valerie’s Law petition – named after the late Valerie Forde – received over 100,000 signatures after garnering support from the likes of music artist FKA Twigs and motorsport legend Sir Lewis Hamilton.

MPs such as Dawn Butler, Diane Abbott and David Lammy

The shocking murder of Valerie Forde shows that police need to do more to help black women have all thrown their support behind bringing Valerie’s Law into practice.

Abena Oppong-Asare MP, who raised the importance of the petition in the Commons, told The Voice she pays tribute to the incredible work that Sistah Space is doing as they await a Parliamentary debate about the landmark law to be set.

PROUD

“I am proud to be supporting the campaign to introduce Valerie’s Law, which would introduce mandatory training for the police and other agencies when dealing with domestic

abuse against black women and girls,” she said.

“The shocking murder of Valerie Forde shows that the police need to do more to help black women experiencing domestic abuse – and sadly evidence from Sistah Space shows that many other black women do not trust the police to treat them fairly.

“So far, the Government’s response to this issue has not been good enough.

“I will continue to push ministers to take action, including during an upcoming Parliamentary petition debate on the issue. We will not stop until we achieve these vital reforms.”

Valerie’s story

Valerie Forde, 45, and her 22-month-old daughter were brutally murdered by Valerie’s ex-partner Roland McKoy in 2014. Six weeks prior to their murder, Valerie reported McKoy’s threats to police but this was carelessly recorded as a threat to property rather than a threat to life.

Valerie had given her ex-partner until March 31 to leave their home for a fresh start for the family in April.

Valerie phoned her then 28-year-old daughter at work in fear of her ex-partner’s suspicious behaviour in the house. Her daughter ended up hearing on the phone as her mother and sister’s lives were needlessly and violently taken.

After hearing the screams and ringing 999 on a coworker’s phone, the police arrived in six minutes but left because they had allegedly knocked and no one answered. The police then returned and took over 10 minutes to break down the door. Overall, entry to the home allegedly took 40 minutes since the call to 999 was made. The question remains: had the police entered the home upon initial arrival, would both

26 | THE VOICE FEBRUARY 2022

Lyndon Mukasa

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Eye on the Diaspora

History repeating itself: Military once again snuff out democracy in Sudan

The east African country has reached crisis point despite transitioning to a civilian-run government

W

HEN THE Prime Minister of the Republic of Sudan Abdalla Hamdok resigned following years of political turmoil and instability last month, it was just the latest in a string of troubles that have beset the country.

Mr Hamdok was a democratic successor to the former longtime president Omar al Bashir, but he struggled to navigate a country riddled with economic crisis.

These stresses were compounded further by a military coup in October last year.

This was the second coup since April 2019, which ended the 30-year presidency of Mr al Bashir.

Mr Hamdok’s decision to resign follows the eruption of mass protests in response to a power-sharing deal that he had reached with the military.

Within the first few days of 2022, thousands of Sudanese people had taken to the streets to protest, and resist the military takeover and demand a return to civilian rule.

The military, however, re-

FIRE AND FURY: A man holds a Sudanese national flag in front of flames at a barricade as people protest against the military coup in Sudan in the east of capital Khartoum in November (AFP via Getty Images)

Thousands of Sudanese had taken to the streets to protest sponded with full force, violently crushing the demonstrations which has so far left two people dead.

So how did Sudan reach this point despite seemingly transitioning to a more civilian-run government?

FAILURE

First, it was the failure of the 2019 transition to civilian rule.

According to Muzan Alneel, co-founder of the Innovation, Science and Technology Think Tank for People Centred Development in Sudan, the roots of the current crisis reside in the failure of the government to draft a constitution that could effectively keep the military out of the affairs of civilian government.

Ms Alneel argues that the

2019 Constitutional Declaration — signed after the overthrow of Mr al Bashir by the military — did not restrict the role of the military interfering in government nor provide any legal response in case they did.

When Mr Hamdok struck a deal with military leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in November, the new deal in-

cluded conditions for forming a new technocratic government that would enable the military to continue to control the government thus ending any hopes for full civilian rule.

Despite this, a large number of Sudanese activists and civil society groups are determined to keep on pushing for the government to honour the 2019

Constitutional Declaration that guarantees a full transition to democracy.

JUSTIFICATION

Many activists reject calls for peace by the international community due to the role that foreign countries such as the UAE have played in empowering the

Sudanese military, while the IMF and France have pushed unfavourable neoliberal policies on the transitional government that made the economic situation worse and provided a justification for military intervention.

The future is uncertain but we will be monitoring the situation as it unfolds.

Haiti’s cycle of disaster and instability shows no sign of abating WHILE much of the world has been in the midst of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, and all the challenges that come with it, the last few years for Haiti have been particularly difficult.

In addition to the pandemic, Haiti has been dealing with the aftermath of a huge earthquake and soaring levels of violence and instability.

Last July, president Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in a conspiracy against the Haitian government.

In the early weeks of 2022, a Colombian man, Mario Antonio Palacios, was charged in the United States and was due to appear in court on January 31.

While there are still many questions about the assassination that remain unanswered, the instabil-

ity has not decreased. On January 1, another assassination attempt was made, this time on Prime Minister Ariel Henry at an event celebrating the anniversary of Haiti’s independence. He survived.

Mr Henry has been the acting head of state following Mr Moïse’s assassination last year.

TROUBLING TIMES: Police drive past a mural of the assassinated president Jovenel Moïse in Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince (photo: Valerie Baeriswyl/ AFP via Getty Images)

JUSTICE

The attacks took place in the northern city of Gonaïves where an armed group opened fire at Mr Henry and his security forces following a warning issued by the armed group for the politician not to set foot in the city.

One person died and two people were injured in the gunfire between

the armed group and security. Despite Mr Henry’s claims to bring the armed group to justice, it is uncertain how Haitian forces are going to hold

these groups accountable. Another issue is addressing the source of armed violent groups. For more than 30 years politicians and

oligarchs have used and empowered gangs to crush protests against the government, drug trafficking and the assassination of rivals and competitors.

The weakness of Haitian institutions is a big part of this but also corruption which has left many ordinary Haitians disillusioned with the government and political process.

Many gangs have won support and legitimacy by filling in for the role of the government by funding schools, providing healthcare, security and tuition support for those under their jurisdiction.

Therefore the violence and instability in Haiti is complex and multifaceted and unlikely to be resolved with a simple armed response.

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

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FEBRUARY 2022

Faith

Love all on Valentine’s Day ALWAYS SPECIAL: Valentine’s Day is something that can be celebrated by every generation (photo: MOMO Productions/ Getty Images)

February 14 is a special day for so many when we can rejoice in the love we share – and also come together to thank God.

By Rev John Root

D

OES ANYONE love February? The cold weather has dragged on too long.

We may well have had colds, even COVID or flu. There’s no guarantee that March will be much of an improvement.

Yes, February is a low time.

When I taught in a college that trains pastors, we always reckoned that the second week of February would bring to the surface all the students’ grumbles, complaints and general sense the college and the world were not good places.

COINCIDENCE

So it is by a nice coincidence that St Valentine’s Day falls in the middle of February14, let me remind myself.

If ‘what the world needs now is love, sweet love’, then surely Valentine’s Day is the day to provide it.

Primarily, of course, the focus is on romantic love, but all love overflows, and Valentine’s Day provides encouragement to ramp up our commitment to love all those around us.

That’s why St Paul’s words on love in 1 Corinthians 13 get so widely quoted, especially

We always reckoned that the second week of February would bring to the surface all the students’ grumbles and complaints read in Marriage Services, but they are also worth remembering in Valentines: “4: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5: It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6: Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7: It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

It is worth scrolling through those words as we think of our marriages or partnerships, our

families, but also in relating to our friends or work colleagues.

How do I turn those fine words into behaviour, habits, words, attitudes that show real love, and bring warmth into the lives of other people

in this cold month? Paul here was not writing fine-sounding, bland, general greeting card sentiments.

He was writing about a real situation – one where his readers at the church in Corinth

Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Archbishop Desmond Tutu walked with the Lord DESMOND TUTU was heavenly minded and of earthly use. It is a combination that is more common than critics of Christianity usually recognise.

While Archbishop Tutu’s role as a political leader has been widely recognised, it was undergirded by a disciplined personal faith. Beginning from a period of being out of school in his mid-teens with tuberculosis, he learned to make prayer, scripture and Holy Com-

munion the bed-rock of his life. The present Archbishop of Cape Town said of him: “His starting point and his ending point was his relationship with our Creator.

“Prayer, the scriptures and his ministry to the people of God entrusted to his care were at the heart of his life.”

This faith led him to becoming increasingly active in opposing apartheid, for which he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, and he was also the

leading spokesman until Nelson Mandela’s release in 1990.

He will be best remembered for being chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that sought to both face and expose the evil of apartheid, and bring about repentance and forgiveness.

OUTSPOKEN

Subsequently, he became outspoken in criticism of the growing corruption of the African National Congress, eventually withdrawing his support.

The sermon at his funeral summed the life he had learned to follow, using the words of the prophet in Malachi 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you but to pursue justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God”.

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(which is in present-day Greece) were failing to show ‘love, sweet love’.

Instead, conflict ruled the day. They were divided by factions and group loyalties, valuing different gifts and playing

“One remains hungry, another gets drunk,” Paul tells them scathingly. (You can read about it in 1 Corinthians 11, verses 17 to 22).

Instead of keeping themselves to themselves, they

Rather than sharing their food as one close family, the rich enjoyed a good meal off different leaders against each other. In particular, the wealthier church members showed serious disregard and lack of respect for the dignity of their hard-up church members.

Paul had heard how this came to the fore when they met to share the Lord’s Supper.

Unlike our present day services of Holy Communion or Mass, these were fullblown meals. But rather than sharing their food as one close family, the rich enjoyed a good meal, the poor could only bring along scraps.

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“should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it” (chapter 12, verse 26).

Valentine’s Day is a day to rejoice in the love we share.

Celebrate it, and thank God. But we can also make it a time to draw close to those who suffer, and warm up these cold days by asking God to show us ways in which we can bring love to the suffering.

You will be bringing in an early Spring.

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FEBRUARY 2022 THE VOICE

Lama Rod

| 29

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

Love yourself to love others When you are able to let go of demands and expectations of society, you will find true liberation

CONTENTED: Once in love with yourself, you can look outwardly to find love elsewhere (photo: Getty Images_

I

HAVE BEEN concerned with the idea of freedom for a while now.

Growing up black and queer in the southern United States has gifted a certain trauma both in my mind as well as in my body. After years of struggle with racial trauma and depression, I began to practice meditation and commit myself to experiencing liberation instead of simply longing for it.

In my early exploration of mind and body through the strategies of awareness and mindfulness, I began to discover that freedom is really about remembering my body, and remembering it is the result of many people that have come before me, and many decisions, and many acts, and much love, and much celebration, but also much despair.

I wanted to connect to that, to my history, my lineage, and not connect, necessarily, to the violence or the despair, but to that liberatory joy within the body. To do that meant that I had to negotiate this trauma in my body. I eventually realised that what I wanted to be free from was the trauma of discrimination and devaluing that I had experienced my whole life as well as the pain stemming from the resentment of never feeling good enough.

Often if we just listen, our bodies are telling us how it needs to be healed.

Healing is being situated in love. Healing is not just this courage to love, but it’s also the courage to be loved. It is the courage to want to be happy, not just for others, but for ourselves as well. It is interrogat-

ing our bodies as an artefact of accumulated traumas and doing the work processing that trauma by developing the capacity to notice and be with our pain.

If we are to heal, then we must allow our awareness to settle into and integrate with the pain and discomfort that we have habitually avoided.

We cannot medicate this pain away, we embrace it, and in doing so we establish a new relationship with the experience.

We must see that there is something that must be befriended.

This is the true nature of our experience, and in finally approaching this experience, we can contact this basic kind of sanity.

SENSITIVE

In this basic sanity love can begin. Once I began to love myself that I felt unlovable, I began to love others. I began to become very sensitive to the way the world was loving me. If you want to become addicted to anything, become addicted to love.

This is how I’ve come to understand liberation. It is about loving and being loved. The love doesn’t make the hurt go away nor does the hurt need to go away for us to be free. Love holds both our pain as well as our joy and in doing so, we get the space to choose how to be our most loving and less violent selves.

Lama Rod is visiting the UK between March 20 - April 3 for his The Dharma of Spring Awakening Teaching Tour with several dates in London and the South. For more information see lamarod. com

30 | THE VOICE FEBRUARY 2022

News feature

Vax facts winning When it comes to improving public health in London, Professor Kevin Fenton holds the key. By Vic Motune

I

T’S PROBABLY fair to say that most of us rarely think about what public health means until there’s a crisis.

But following the pandemic, public health is more critical than ever and the expertise of public health professionals is highly sought-after.

One man certainly in demand is Professor Kevin Fenton, recently appointed as the regional director of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID).

Fenton, who has also been appointed as regional public health director for the NHS in London, replacing his previous role as regional director for Public Health England (PHE), has been described as a ‘public health polymath’. His deep knowledge of the subject has been developed over the course of a three-decade career.

And his expertise in epidemiology, the study of infectious diseases, has seen him work in a variety of high-profile roles across government and academia, both here and in the United States.

After joining Public Health England in 2012, Fenton has been guiding government policies to combat tobacco use and obesity and promoting mental and sexual health issues. In 2020, he contributed to PHE’s review into the disproportionate impact of COVID on black, Asian and minority ethnic people in the UK. Fenton was voted the second most important black person in Britain in that year’s Powerlist

There’s so much we can learn from our experience of urban health of the most influential people of African and Caribbean heritage in the UK. And among his plaudits is a CBE in the New Year’s Honours list for his role in orchestrating London’s response to the pandemic.

He will bring his passion for improving health to two new roles. One of these is as regional director for public health for OHID, which will focus on addressing health inequalities and breaking the link between socio-economic status and health.

Fenton has spent the past few weeks setting out some of the key goals he wants to achieve.

“What really excites me about this job is the challenge of improving the health of nine million people in a global city like London,” he says. “It has also got me thinking about what lessons we can learn from other global cities, not just Paris and Rome but cities like Kinshasa. There’s so much we can learn from our experience of urban health.”

However, that work faces huge obstacles. Inequalities in health, housing and employment disproportionately affect people from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. As COVID-19 spread, many of these underlying disparities exacerbated the pandemic’s impact.

Statistics published in March 2020 revealed that people from BAME backgrounds are more than four times more likely to die from COVID-19. However, they are often among the most hesitant to get a vaccination.

Factors such as personal experience of insensitive treatment by the NHS and a mistrust of authorities have played a role in making some black Britons more sceptical about getting vaccinated.

Initiatives such as the Grab A Jab campaign by the NHS and its work with mosques, churches and community organisations to tackle misinformation about the vaccine, including the belief it contains alcohol or can affect fertility, have all played a role in increasing uptake among people from minority ethnic communities. But, concedes Fenton, tackling vaccine hesitancy is complex.

“It’s really important to recognise that there’s no one reason why people in our commu-

FACING THE CHALLENGES: Encouraging everyone in the community to get a COVID vaccination is one of the many important tasks ahead for Professor Kevin Fenton, pictured inset nity avoid getting vaccinated,” he says. “For example, there are people who don’t trust the government or its messages.

“We’ve done a lot of work with this group of people, building relationships, creating spaces for people to ask questions and challenge us as providers, so that we can respond honestly. Then there are those who are absolutely anti-vaccination. They are on Facebook, on WhatsApp chat groups, and they are absolutely resistant.

“But, over time, even this group is declining.”

That need for trust is more important than ever given the emergence of the Omicron variant. In December, Professor David Williams of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, which works to tackle ethnic inequalities in health and care, said governments of wealthy nations needed to do more to allocate vaccines equally across all countries. Williams argued the spread of Omicron, first found in

South Africa, should have been no surprise. “When African nations don’t have sufficient vaccines to protect their people, unvaccinated people will be more likely to get COVID and all of us will be vulnerable to new variants,” he said.

VARIANTS

Are these fair criticisms? “Absolutely,” says Fenton. “As Omicron spreads globally, we see its impact in countries with much lower rates of vaccination. If we want to avoid going through wave after wave of new variants we have to invest in not only controlling infections here, but controlling them across the world.

“In some Western countries people are now having their third or fourth course of a vaccine, but in other countries people haven’t yet had their first dose, this really just highlights the nature of the inequality.”

Born in Glasgow, Fenton grew up in Jamaica. When he started

medical school at the University of the West Indies in 1985, he developed an interest in public health. That interest was heightened after witnessing the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

When he returned to the UK in 1992, HIV was still a focus.

At the time, there were few black researchers working on sexual health issues. Fenton says he was fortunate to have had mentors who supported him in pursuing a path as an HIV/AIDS epidemiologist. “The mentors I had helped to open doors for me and gave me support at different stages of my career. No matter how enthusiastic and hard-working I was, if I hadn’t had people who saw the potential in me and helped me get established it would have been much harder.

“So I now pay it forward. I’m always open to coaching and mentoring others, being a listening ear to people who are having challenges because I’ve been there and I know the power of having a good mentor.”

Gourmet patties light up London

BRIGHT FUTURE: The Jamaica Patty Co stores are painted a distinctive yellow

JAMAICA PATTY Co. has been providing an education in real Jamaican patties since opening in Covent Garden in 2014.

Delicious, thick yet delicate pastry wraps with mouthwateringly chunky fillings are made with authentic ingredients and cooked to secret recipes handed down the generations in the beautiful island.

And while many food and retail outlets have suffered during the COVID pandemic, this family firm has been expanding, opening a second shop in Liverpool Street last year.

The Voice caught up with Theresa Roberts, pictured inset right, the indomitable Jamaican-born business woman behind the distinctive bright stores that have been visited by the likes of singer

and presenter Mica Paris, and ex-boxers David Haye and Chris Eubank.

Roberts came to the UK in the 1960s to join her parents and remembers how much she enjoyed real patties.

“In Jamaica I used to live on patties and coconut water, and when I came here I felt passionate about showcasing this part of my culture.

“When I was a little girl growing up in Battersea, my father used to make them for us and it was almost like a gourmet-style patty. So that’s what I wanted to bring back.”

The two London restaurants cater for the ‘grab and go’ market, but they are also notable because they are the only Caribbean food chain in central London, a

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city where Caribbean people have lived in numbers since the Windrush ship landed in

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1958. As well as serving delicious patties, their menu also includes Tortuga rum cake and Blue Mountain coffee. And, being in central London, it was inevitable that Roberts would link with the Get Up, Stand Up musical at the Lyric in Shaftesbury Avenue, supplying 200 patties for their premiere.

Roberts is passionate about patties, hers in particular. She said: “My patties are different from everyone’s. I want to elevate the patty. You know, everybody always sees it as something that people put on a hot plate and microwave, but it’s so much more than that.”

She explained that the patty originated when Cornish people brought the pasty to Jamaica, which “we made better”.

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Roberts has two other passions, Jamaican art – she sits on the board of the Edna Manley Arts Foundation – and her property portfolio. She is excited about a forthcoming exhibition of Jamaican art to showcase in Liverpool later this year, and publication of a book on the subject.

And she had some words of advice for anyone thinking about entering the food retail business.

“If you’re really interested in doing something, you have to be sure your food is authentic and good. And you have to work hard to get anything – it’s not easy.”

Visit jamaicapatty.co.uk for more information.

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FEBRUARY 2022 THE VOICE | 31

News feature

WEST’S DOUBLE STANDARD OVER OMICRON DISCOVERY

GREAT MOMENT: Dr Borna Nyaoke is a leading light in the efforts by the African nations to lessen the impact of COVID-19

A leading physician explains why SA should have been thanked and not subjected to racism over the variant.

By Lerone Clarke-Oliver

S

OUTH AFRICA should have been given the credit for identifying the Omicron variant of COVID-19 instead of being subjected to a “racist” backlash, a senior physician has said.

Dr Borna Nyaoke, who is in charge of ANTICOV in Kenya and Sudan, the largest COVID-19 clinical trial in Africa, told The Voice that the discovery was a “great moment” for SA but the travel ban which was immediately slapped on southern African countries was disappointing.

The Omicron variant, feared to spread faster and partially evade vaccines, was first identified in South Africa last year, and classed as ‘a variant of concern’ by the World Health Organisation (WHO) – the WHO’s top category of worrying COVID-19 variants.

To date, the Africa CDC (Centres for Disease Control) has recorded more than 231,157 deaths from COVID-19, although the true toll is estimated to be far higher, with figures suggesting some 8.9 million Africans have contracted the virus.

Omicron is now prevalent worldwide, and South Africa, in particular, is providing clues to life after the variant.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government has said the country’s fourth COVID-19 wave has now peaked. The estimated fatal impact attributed to Omicron is about 10,000, compared with about 110,000 deaths during the previous Delta-driven wave.

Even though three-quarters of all South Africans are still not double-jabbed against COVID-19, vaccinations, immunity after previous infections and signs that Omicron is a milder disease appear to have kept the pressure off hospitals.

Had this variant been the West’s discovery, I firmly believe there would have been more grace As we enter year three of the global coronavirus pandemic, the mainstream media continues to be distracted by the racial undertones of the African-discovered Omicron variant – but our focus remains the care and protection of Africans.

The Voice spoke with Dr Nyaoke, named as one of ‘the top 40 under 40 women’ by Business Daily Africa, as she is one of the people leading the fight against COVID-19 in Africa.

RESEARCH

Dr Nyaoke, a Liverpool University and Harvard Medical School-educated scholar, is the Senior Clinical Project Manager at Drugs for Neglected Diseases (DNDi), and is a woman who believes strongly in research “for Africans by Africans”.

Dr Nyaoke said: “Our primary aim is to find drugs and/or treatments that reduce the likelihood of mild to moderate COVID-19 developing into serious illness, helping to avoid overwhelming already overburdened health systems across Africa. Our hospitals do not have adequate critical care responses, so this is our focus.

Launched in November 2020 by the ANTICOV consortium, the study is an open-label, randomised, comparative ‘adaptive platform trial’ that is test-

ing the safety and efficacy of treatments in mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients.

ANTICOV aims to identify early treatments that can prevent the progression of COVID-19 to severe disease and potentially limit transmission.

DISCOVERY

On the Omicron discovery, Dr Nyaoke says: “We thought it was a great moment for Africa and our researchers. But the response was that we had Omicron rather than we, before any other, had found it first.

“Had it been their (The West’s)

discovery, I firmly believe there would have been much more enthusiasm and grace. I don’t think anyone anticipated the racist response, but it was very disappointing.

“If another breakthrough is made here, I imagine steps will be taken to mitigate the political issue and keep the focus on global health.”

While it may appear that the contribution from African doctors and scientists has been diminished, those from the region were penalised for their vigilance and expertise. Travel bans were also imposed to

many sub-Saharan countries – we now know the variant was discovered in South Africa, but did not originate in Africa.

REMARKABLE

This is the global thanks for these remarkable researchers from predominantly black nations identifying COVID-19’s Omicron variant ahead of the world.

While Dr Nyaoke and the team at ANTICOV are not fazed by this “disappointing” response, the ANTICOV clinical trial, conducted in 13 African countries, has started the re-

cruitment of participants to test a new drug combination, nitazoxanide and ciclesonide, to treat people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 before their cases become severe.

The team of researchers continues to seek the most promising treatments from ongoing global scientific efforts with proof of reliability, in collaboration with the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A) Therapeutics Partnership, co-convened by Unitaid and Wellcome on behalf of the COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator.

32 | THE VOICE FEBRUARY 2022

ADVERTORIAL

Here’s why I got tested for HIV and why you should too

“

T

I’ve been in the nursing profession for over 15 years. From starting out as a student nurse, to where I am today, I’ve always been committed to raising awareness about HIV. Although we’ve made so much progress in the fight against HIV since the 1980s, it’s still something we need to destigmatise and educate people on.

hat’s why teaming up with Terrence Higgins Trust for National HIV Testing Week was a dream come true for me. It’s a great opportunity for you to get tested and encourage others to do the same, particularly those from groups most affected by HIV including gay and bisexual men and Black African men and women.

That’s why teaming up with Terrence Higgins Trust for National HIV Testing Week was a dream come true for me. It’s a great opportunity for you to get tested and encourage others to do the same, particularly those from groups most affected by HIV including gay and bisexual men and Black African men and women.

I had my first HIV test when I had just become a qualified nurse. I was nervous; however, I was lucky enough to have an incredible doctor who talked everything through and made me feel at ease.

Whether you do an HIV test, or not, your status won’t change either way. Putting off getting tested can delay treatment and lead to complications for your general health.

CHANGED Because of the stigma and a lack of education that we’ve had around HIV, people mistakenly still think of it as it was in the 1980s. HIV has changed, it is no longer a death sentence, and a positive test is no

longer something that should be feared.

Effective treatment means you cannot pass on the virus and can expect to live as long as anyone else.

Additionally, it’s vital to know that HIV affects everyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, race, and age. If you’re sexually active, you could potentially have HIV. Never think that you’d never need to test just because you’re not from a certain demographic. Everyone should test for HIV because anyone can be affected by it.

diagnosis.

Cultural barriers and systemic problems prevent people from accessing sexual health services. Some of the patients I’ve spoken to also struggle due to language barriers and differences in culture. They may not feel comfortable with their clinician and feel like they can’t relate to them, or that they can’t reveal certain things.

ORDER YOUR FREE HIV TEST You can do it at home by ordering a free test kit now from startswithme.org.uk which will be posted through your door in plain packaging.

If you have any questions, you can contact Terrence Higgins Trust in confidence via 0808 802 1221 or tht.org.uk/thtdirect

AWARENESS Something I love about National HIV Testing Week is the diversity of everyone involved in the campaign. I worked with people of all genders, races, ages—and that visibility matters. Seeing someone who looks like you that you can relate to in some way makes it easier for you to think, ‘Ok, I can go and get tested’. The campaign resonated with a variety of people, I had messages from a lot of older people from Black African communities, as well as people living with HIV who thanked myself and Terrence Higgins Trust for normalising talking about the virus. It was incredible to see such a positive response from an array of people and to hear from many that the campaign encouraged them to get tested.

I am committed to doing my part to help raise awareness about the importance of HIV testing in our community. I want everyone who reads this to know that it’s never

COMMUNITIES Recent stats have shown that late diagnosis continues to be a problem in Black African communities. Late diagnosis means that you’ve tested positive after the virus has already started to damage your immune system. In 2020, 59% of Black African people in the UK were diagnosed with HIV late — this is unacceptably high given the advancements we’ve made in the fight against the virus.

It’s clear that much more needs to be done to tackle the barriers that prevent people in our community from testing.

Sadly, stigma and fear continue to be an obstacle. In our culture, there’s a lot of pride in how much you let people know about your health and family. HIV and sexual health are often not openly discussed and there’s a lot of shame attached to a

”

been easier to test for HIV. It’s quick, painless and it’s always better to know your status sooner rather than later.

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VOICE panel of past few months for race activists and en- equality Their conclusion “the seed has trepreneurs was echbeen oed by has planted” Britain’s most to deliver change predicted 2022 senior go- trade union will ing forward. be a better year leader, Dr Patrick than the last Roach who Black Britain was one. seeing a message, said, in a New Year new generation Looking into their that black workers of activism crystal ball and had the power the panel said entrepreneurship. to force change that although One and tackle panellist said: “The we had survived structural racism. tide is cera turbulent tainly changing.”

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Supported by John J. Studzinski CBE With additional support Exhibition Supporters from the Lubaina Himid Circle, Tate Americas Tate International Foundation, Council and Tate Patrons Media partner

Lubaina Himid Le Rodeur: The Exchange Courtesy of the artist and Hollybush 2016 © Lubaina Himid Gardens, London.

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Castle, a documentary lenges, and to determine “This symposium makes a major contribution by future-facing strategies filmmaker, producer illuand in minating a setting designed how expanding “We believe that change director, Managing Directo ulour knowledge about timately strengthen this starts with a conversation tor of DocHearts Films.

Black Co-organiser Sheryl personal and professional community will help all During UK Black History Nwosu and through the amplifi said: “We’re here, see that the histories - Month, October networks. and 2019, the we’re embedded cation of the voices here, less three began experiences of black to collabo- through history, Britheard’, said Simon culture, Cane, rate on convening ons are both the story of a Executive Director, Black and contribution; buildUCL people and a nation.”

Culture. “This is a critical Britons to engage in and ing and solidifying institu- “There are few things as critically assess important the signif- tions, and the very conversation about and as necfabric essary the icance of their For continuing informaunique cul- of a society that as the need to future that we want to we can cre- ture, heritage tion about speakers, better understand and identity. sometimes forget ate, a future where the performers, Black The goal became that history, sponsors the impact and lives are valued as to gal- we have, should we much vanise Black want the and registration please Contemporary chalBritons, to it, the ultimate stake as any other, a future in, i.e. lenges that acclaim their visit the events website space in the its future. This symposium faced by black Britons,’, said Smithsonian at www.blackbritainbeyond.org.uk.

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WHERE AWE-INSPIRING & WONDERFUL THINGS HAPPEN For more infromation about opportunities to train to teach with Teach Wimbledon, please visit www.teachwimbledon.com, or email us directly at teachwimbledon@uhsw.com.

Lifestyle Sword-swallowing Livia Kojo Alour p36

Jordan Nash on gaming and mental health p44

RAMZ

p40

Focused on mental health and greatness only

Mother and son launch NFT Kids magazine p45

36 |

THE VOICE FEBRUARY 2022

Lifestyle

Stage

Livia’s search is finally over

Performance artist Livia Kojo Alour’s debut play Black Sheep is a frank and deeply personal show

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

L

IVIA KOJO Alour’s life has been one big search.

Searching for her origin, searching for her lane in life and searching for recognition.

The German-born performance artist will be giving theatre-goers a glimpse of what that search has been like through her debut play Black Sheep, taking place at the Rich Mix in east London this month.

Forming part of a series of works by Certain Blacks titled, Shipbuilding, Alour’s Black Sheep will close the show on February 27 and the former circus fire breather says those who attend are in for a treat.

Referred to as “a candid autobiographical show” and a euphoric reclamation of her core identity and ongoing fortitude, Alour said her play was “an extension of the way I grew up”.

She added: “Black Sheep is basically the show that connects the dots, that talks about the person that lies under the shimmering entertainment outlook and who I really am.

“And also, that the person I really am, is also worthy of being on a stage.”

Regularly gracing international stages as a renowned sword

“You defy death.

It’s something that only 50 women in the world can do, skin colour doesn’t matter” swallower, circus artist and dazzling burlesque artist, Alour is also a poet, musician, public speaker and theatre maker.

Speaking out about the challenges and repercussions facing black women who dare to ditch stereotypes, Alour reclaims her core power in this frank and deeply personal show.

“I came to the UK over a decade ago, I think it’s my 13th year at this point,” Alour said.

“Ever since I decided to become a performer and performance artist full time I’ve been searching.

“I think I’ve been searching to get recognition the way I’ve seen my white peers getting their recognition around me.

“As we all know, people of colour, especially black women as well, we always push and work against our stereotypes. And it’s really, really hard to, even if we overcome them ourselves, it’s really hard to actually be seen the way we are.

“Coming to London, working

here in the cabaret scene first, I didn’t get recognition. I wasn’t seen. I was like struggling to find something that made me stand out.

“So, I ventured into the trapezium and I realised, oh my God, I have really bad vertigo!

I can never do anything that’s in the air.

“But then there was this big circus revolution and everybody became a fire performer.

“So I toyed around with fire and I did it for, I think it was about two years, a quite successful one woman-type fire show.

SWORD

“But then I saw a sword swallower on stage in a theatre in Germany. And I thought, oh, this is it because I needed to do something that stood out.

“And at this point there was a certain desperation to do something that nobody else does.

“You defy death. It’s something that only 50 women in the world can do, you and skin colour doesn’t matter anymore suddenly.”

Alour says learning how to sword swallow gave her a platform where she ‘felt seen and appreciated’.

Alour says she recently did a DNA test which determined she was 48 per cent Nigerian.

Adopted by white German parents when she was young, Alour never met her father but does know her mother was Austrian.

Growing up in an all-white town in Germany fuelled her desire to learn about who she was and the search for identity and belonging was aided by the fact Alour could speak and understand English from an early age, courtesy of the private tuition her adoptive parents insisted she be exposed to, despite the fact they could not speak the language themselves.

Few places that Alour has been to, though, have felt like home.

“My parents were like big fans of English music, everything that came from the island was amazing.

“My mom was a really big fan of Benny Hill and that was like a major influence because

@thevoicenewspaper

CORE IDENTITY: German-born Livia Kojo Alour says Black Sheep is the show that ‘connects the dots’; inset below left, Alour performing on stage (photos: Yannick Lalardy) she was like a proper fan. They didn’t speak English, I was almost raised bilingual because before I had English in school, I already had an English teacher because my mum believed that I have to learn the language properly to be successful internationally, whatever I’m going to do.”

Alour continued: “My partner from when we left school, my boyfriend at that time, got into film. He was studying film and he relocated to Portsmouth and I visited London for the first time.

I had no idea there were black people in London.

“I didn’t know. I came to London and I started crying.

“Like, I was crying in Soho on the street. And back then I thought, well, this is where I’m supposed to be living at some point in my life. It just took a couple of decades to get there.

So expensive. I do really feel

@thevoicenews

I can be myself in England, in London specifically, there’s only two places in the world where I feel this way, it’s London and New York. And this feeling has never changed.”

DIVERSE

After moving from Germany to London over ten years ago to live and work in a more diverse community, Alour learned that lifelong feelings of self-hatred and otherness are part internalised racism and part survival techniques.

With a successful career under her stage name MisSa, but tiring of playing someone else full-time, Black Sheep has been long in the making.

“I think if you peel the layers of Black Sheep, you really find identity search and coming into myself understanding who I am,” Alour said.

voicenews

“And I think because my journey was so complex, that I hope to touch everybody with the story.

“It doesn’t matter what heritage, what skin colour, where they come from, because I guess the deep roots of identity crisis are so complex when you start looking at what hurts you, that it’s almost like going into a rabbit hole, and it gets so scary, but when you actually get to the bottom, it gets very light because the journey is so difficult that you start rewarding yourself with trust and with self-love.

“I mean, it sounds a bit corny, but it’s really what happened.”

Livia Kojo Alour’s solo show, Black Sheep takes place on Sunday February 27, 7.30pm, as part of Shipbuilding Festival Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA

www.voice-online.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2022

Art@thevoicenews

voicenewspaper

8

www.voice-online.co.uk

THE VOICE | 37

Lifestyle Exercise

Three chairs for Mac Mac Collins wins Design Museum’s inaugural prize that celebrates emerging talent

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

J

USTIN MCGUIRK said Mac Collins’ design is “breaking away from paradigms and introducing clean decisions”.

The observation and high praise from the chair of judges for The Saltzman Prize and chief curator at the Design Museum came in the wake of Collins being named as the first ever recipient of The Ralph Saltzman Prize, a new annual design award that celebrates emerging product designers.

As a commitment to the future of design, the new award includes a £5,000 bursary and the opportunity for the winning recipient to exhibit their work at the Design Museum.

A designer and artist from Nottingham, Collins is commit-

“The bursary provides a degree of financial, and thus creative, freedom” ted to designing and making narrative-rich pieces.

Alongside his design practice, Collins lectures at both Nottingham Trent University and Northumbria University.

The Design Museum will exhibit together three chairs that have helped evolve and develop Collins’ design practice; the Iklwa chair, Concur chair and Jupiter chair.

To support these pieces are some of his smaller objects, as well as process material, drawings and models, and the tools used to create his designs.

ACCOLADE: Mac Collins’ three chairs, right, will be exhibited at the Design Museum, (photos: David Cleveland, Jason Yates, Mac Collins)

Embracing the good news, Collins said: “It is an honour to receive the inaugural Saltzman Prize at the Design Museum.

“The bursary provides a degree of financial, and thus creative, freedom to communicate a current narrative through a new collection of works.

“This accolade also provides a physical platform to present work within an institution that carries considerable weight.”

HUMBLED

He added: “Though I presented work at the Design Museum for Discovered in September, I am yet to show a solo retrospective of this nature, an opportunity for which I am humbled and grateful. I extend my gratitude to Sam Hecht and Kim Colin of Industrial Facility for the nomination, and to the Design Museum and Saltzman Family Foundation and for the running, and judging, of the award.”

McGuirk said: “The judges were almost surprised to find themselves awarding this prize to a furniture designer given the scope of design today, but it was the way Mac Collins channels an alternative cultural heritage through otherwise tradi-

tional objects that felt like it was pushing in a new direction.”

He added: “He is breaking away from paradigms and introducing clean decisions, and there is something quite strong in his processes as a designer.”

38 | THE VOICE FEBRUARY 2022

Lifestyle

Culture

There is history and heritage at the Chelsea Flower Show

Showʼs first black designer Sargeant, on this yearʼs judging panel, knows the hard work ʻwill be worth itʼ

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

J

ULIET SARGEANT, the designer of the ‘The New Blue Peter Garden – Discover Soil’ at RHS Chelsea Flower Show and RHS Judge, says that despite the ‘anxiety’ she will be feeling in the run-up to this year’s event, ‘it will all be worth it’.

The first black designer at Chelsea in 2016, Sargeant told Lifestyle she was glad there was more interest from black people looking to attend this year’s show as “there’s a history and heritage in horticulture for people of colour to claim”.

Gardens teeming with native plants that benefit wildlife will take centre stage at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022, as the show makes its anticipated return to the spring season between May 24 and 28.

She told Lifestyle: “I’m thrilled both for the return of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in spring and also to be designing my second garden at the world’s most famous gardening event.

“It is already taking over my life, and I know when I set foot on the grounds of the Royal Hospital to start the build I will be riddled with anxiety, but when the garden is complete and the show opens to the public, it will

SANCTUARY: Juliet Sargeant will be on judging duty at the Show in May; inset below, ‘The New Blue Peter Garden – Discover Soil’, designed by Sargeant, is one of the features

“It is already taking over my life, and I know when I set foot on the grounds to start the build I will be riddled with anxiety” all be worth it, and I can’t wait to see people’s reactions.

“My garden will showcase the role of soil in supporting life and its role in locking in carbon – soil is the forgotten climate-solution.

“I hope people see my garden and come away thinking that soil is amazing, it is fragile and we need to look after it for the good of tomorrow.”

NATURALISTIC

Wild plants such as nettles, cow parsley, poppies and nectar-rich buttercups will add to the pastel colour palette and continue the wildlife-friendly, naturalistic theme this year.

Sargeant enthused: “It’s great to see that so many designers are showcasing native plant varieties.

“My own garden will feature a roof-top meadow and a barley

field.

“We’ve known for years that naturalistic planting is aesthetically pleasing in the context of a garden, but we are now going a step further as there is a greater awareness of the role of plants in the context of our wider environment.

“We need to think more about the plants we choose and what they do to support wildlife and to help us create a more sustainable future.”

Encouraging the black community to not only come and experience Chelsea Flower Show but get involved with every element of the horticulture business, Sargeant added: “Being the first black designer at Chelsea in 2016, I would love to see more people of colour entering this wonderful industry.

“After all, there’s a history and heritage in horticulture for people of colour to claim, and there’s also a future for

Fancy a read? Here are three of the best new books...

LIFESTYLE PROFILES three books this month that you might want get your hands on.

The Black Joke,

by A. E. Rooks The Henriquetta was a Brazilian slaving ship, captured in 1827 and repurposed by the Royal Navy to catch other slave ships.

Its new name, The Black Joke, was reference to a bawdy song of the time. The transatlantic slave trade had

been abolished, but enforcing the law required naval might.

Over the next five years, The Black Joke liberated more enslaved people than any other in Britain’s West Africa Squadron.

The Black Joke is a crucial and deeply compelling work of history, both as a reckoning with slavery and abolition and as a lesson about the power of political will – or the lack thereof.

Wealth David Income and Wealth, Parker Essays, Vol. 1 The relationship we have with money begins to form at a very early age – thanks to the messaging we internal-

ise as we’re growing up. And what do we hear? That in order to become wealthy, we have to have money to invest and grow.

What if there was an alternative?

In his book, Income And Wealth: David Parker Essays — Volume One, author and entrepreneur David Parker flips the script on everything you thought you knew about wealth creation.

“There’s no relationship between income and wealth,” Parker said dur-

@thevoicenewspaper

ing a recent interview. “You can do what you really want in life. You can be an artist; you can be a schoolteacher; you can open a restaurant. … Do it because you want to do it.”

In Income And Wealth, Parker provides a detailed analysis of how someone earning the minimum wage can become financially independent in 10 years.

Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn Yinka wants to find

@thevoicenews

voicenews

love. The problem is, she also has a mum who thinks she’s better qualified to find it for her. She also has too many aunties who frequently pray for her delivery from singledom, a preference for chicken and chips over traditional Nigerian food, and a bum she’s sure is far too small as a result.

Oh, and the fact that she’s a 31-year-old south-Londoner who doesn’t believe in sex before marriage is a bit of an obstacle, too...

When her cousin gets engaged, Yinka commences ‘Operation Find A Date for Rachel’s Wedding’. Will Yinka find herself a huzband? And what if the thing she really needs to find is herself?

www.voice-online.co.uk

FEBUARY 2022

THE VOICE| 39

40 |

THE VOICE FEBRUARY 2022

Lifestyle

IN TUNE: Ramz has received some harsh criticism and online bullying during his fledgling career, and is hoping that being a part of YouTube’s Reframe series and sharing his experiences will be of benefit to an online audience

Music

Staying strong

Talented young musician Ramz determined to send out positive mental health message

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

F

RESH BACK from Jamaica, looking sunkissed, Vitamin D’d up and rejuvenated, Ramz told Lifestyle he was about ‘greatness only’ in 2022.

The musician, still only 24 years old, has hit some heady heights in his fledgling career, and he’s adamant there is further ascension to come.

Success, though, has not come without its pitfalls, and it’s no secret the south London artist has been exposed to some harsh criticism and online bullying that invariably took its toll on his mental wellness.

This month sees YouTube launch Reframe, a new series empowering young people with the skills they need for life online.

Ramz, alongside talents and creators, features in the series, speaking about their first-hand experience of the important topics young people encounter online today.

“I think the reason why this was a massive thing for me to be a part of is because mental health is very important for young people, especially with the social media impact it can have on young people as well.

“I think a lot of the times, you can forget how much time you spend on platforms, which can have a positive and negative impact on you.

“So I just wanted to put my word out there and let people know there are a lot more positives you can gain out of being on social media platforms.”

Reframe is aimed at an audience of 13- to 15-year-olds, and Ramz says it’s important to help young teens help themselves identify when their mental health

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: Ramz performing at the Arsenal Foundation Night to Inspire Charity Ball at Emirates Stadium in 2019 (photo: Getty Images)

“I made sure I was happy surrounding myself with all of the right people” feels compromised. Drawing from his own journey, he said: “I think when I first started experiencing mental health problems and struggling to have a positive mindset from, let’s say Monday to Sunday or majority of the days anyway, I feel like it starts from a young age.

“For me, as I was getting older, I understood what was happening in my life.”

He added: “For example, me not having a relationship with my father. I never really understood why I didn’t have a relationship with him.

EXPRESS

“And I had to ask myself, if I had, would I have been in different positions in my life? For example, there’s times when I was feeling low, whether it was in school or university.

“Coming out of that, music was the thing that allowed me to express myself.”

Ramz admits he ‘took some wrong turns in music and it had a negative impact’.

On how he dealt with the resulting downturn in mental health, he shared some advice for anybody who finds themselves in a similar place.

“The way I overcame that was by trying to better myself, and I made sure I was happy surrounding myself with all the right people, having time to myself, learning how to love myself as well. So that even if there are

negative comments, wherever they may be, I know myself that I love myself so much that none of these comments or negative things will ever get me down.”

The Ramz generation don’t know a world without mobile phones or social media. The technology is an omnipresent for them.

Sharing his thoughts on whether he felt older generations were able to understand what they were experiencing where the evolution of the online experience was concerned, Ramz was positive.

“I think it’s definitely become a lot easier, I think there are more platforms out there right now that allow a lot of young people to help the older generation understand what’s going on.

“For example, going to Jamaica opened my eyes a lot and made me realise that some people don’t even have phones out there. Some people can’t read or write. That was beyond me.

“But some of them had phones still and they were able to connect with what was going on in the world.

“So, for the older generation, now they see these young people getting attached to phones and going on different social media platforms, and they kind of understand what’s going on now.”

Looking ahead to Reframe and the resulting discussions that emanate from the show, he enthused: “I am grateful to be involved in this project because it’s very important for the younger generation to be aware of their mental health and be open to speaking about it.

“Even though I went through some difficult times, I hope that from sharing my experiences they will know there will always be some light at the end of the tunnel”.

FEBRUARY 2022

This is Brukout!

THE VOICE | 41

by Seani B

The Caribbean calling Let me introduce you to my five-point plan for trying to get the music back on track

I

N LAST month’s column I wrote about the artists I believed you should be keeping an eye on for 2022 and, as always, I’m excited to see what the year has to hold for them and Caribbean music as a whole.

I often get entangled in private conversations with key players and tastemakers about the industry and where we are actually at, and if Caribbean music has a seat at the bigger table.

The answer to the above question has to be a resounding YES for the music. Just look at Popcaan’s recent show in Gambia, completely sold out and a total shutdown. Or you can cite the example of Beenie Man when he was recently in the UK. He was being requested just like the dancehall king he is.

The culture, its influence and a few “playas” can be seen regularly on display, but do we see those wins reflect within the industry?

SUPPORTING

Scroll through any genre playlist and you will hear the sound of Caribbean, but is it with the artists or producers that we know and have been supporting throughout the years?

Do we need to even talk about the culture? From the big boxes of a Soundsystem, the overproof rum that has been a staple in any home or just the language that many have a d a p t e d …

These are all key Caribbean traits.

It all looks good but, in my opinion, and if the truth is to be told, I think we are struggling!

You may have noticed I talk of ‘Caribbean music’ and not just individual islands. I do this purposely as I believe this is the manner we have to now put our best foot forward. It’s time we all join forces and make those numbers start

LEADING LIGHTS:

The crowds at Popcaan’s show in Gambia underline just how popular Caribbean music remains; inset below left, Beenie Man went down a storm when he was recently in the UK

adding up, because that’s what matters right now – numbers!

Without the correct stats and analytics in this world that is data-driven, you can unfortunately be left at the back of the queue without anyone paying attention. Love it or hate it, this is the reality of the situation and one I believe the music I love is facing.

This has been driven home to me many times when I have conversations with one of the music’s biggest streamers, Shaggy. He openly talks about this on many platforms and doesn’t mince his words. How and why should he still be outselling and streaming many of the young hopefuls alongside the likes of Bob Marley and Sean Paul?

To get back on track will take a huge effort of looking really hard at ourselves, which is not the easiest thing for many in entertainment to do due to the amount of overly inflated egos. Harsh but true!

So, without judgement, here’s Seani B’s five-point plan that may help - from the position I look at the game...

“It all looks good, but if the truth be told, in my opinion we are struggling!”

1. Dropping the ego and pride!

At present, the industry is running in a false economy. The money that is being demanded in many different sectors is out of control.

The cost of bringing artists on tour usually exceeds what the ticket sales should reflect.

The fan ends up paying ridiculous amounts to see their favourite artist in return, usually, for a show that has no form of production or lighting with a 100-man entourage on the stage serving no purpose.

Reputable producers cannot even afford to record the trending artist because of silly advances which stifles great collaborations happening that may make that special song.

2. There have been so many missed opportunities for the music due to lack of management.

Good management has been instrumental in my rise and so many others that are succeeding. It’s so important to have someone that can shield you from unnecessary conversations, but at the same time someone to make sure you are functioning at full capacity and strong enough to keep you in check.

3. I would love to see more DJs and presenters with a true passion for the music.

The complaint has landed at the feet of the artists saying music has changed and it’s not the same. That’s a lie! There is too much music available for us to say there isn’t enough choice. It’s just many follow what’s trending with seeking that next special thing. Go find music bredda!

4. Appreciating our own worth and what we bring to the table.

I’ve noticed so many creatives chasing the trends in other music forms whilst watering down what the Caribbean brought to the world. Yes, Trap, Drill and Afrobeats are all trending right

now. But do we have to chase the sound to get the pound? Be creative and experiment 100 per cent, but not to the detriment of who you actually are.

5. Probably the most important thing and always has been is systems and structures.

This has always been a massive issue for Caribbean music and is now causing major issues. The facts are, to get anything done within our community takes a lot of effort and many have just given up because the payback for all the headache is miniscule unless you LOVE this ting like me. I’m sure many of my coworkers have cuss whole heap ah badwud because the way of working is so lapse at the best of times and shouldn’t be. The above may be quite difficult to read, and it’s not all like that, as I work alongside talented individuals who put themselves forward as true professionals. It’s not regular that I put myself out in this manner, but knowing the position I hold I would be doing my culture a great disservice if I kept quiet and allowed the music not to thrive. Surely, it’s what ALL Caribbean music lovers want?

42 | THE VOICE FEBRUARY 2022

Lifestyle

Television

Making family values count

Jean-Paul handed the perfect platform to get his positive messages across to everyone

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

J

EAN-PAUL NOEL-CEPHISE was fed up of talking about the fact there weren’t enough TV talk shows that encapsulated the type of content he wanted to see, so he created one himself.

Kicking-off on Sky platform Ben TV this month, courtesy of his partnership with Rep Dat TV, The Jean Paul Show, featuring music artists, performers, business men and women and activists mainly from the black community, will be focussed on the guest’s character, what they feel about their work and ‘most importantly, their families’.

Speaking with Lifestyle ahead of the show’s first episode, Hampshire-born Jean-Paul explained why he’d felt inspired to bring this vision to life.

“I thought, one, it’d be great to have some representation from our community who talks to people from our community, but at a very high level.

“And then, number two, I think what drove me to produce the show was we’ve got people on there who are artists, singers, performers, entrepreneurs, comedians, and so forth.

“But rather than just hear about what they do in their lives, I wanted to hear some underpinning values.

“I watch a lot of stuff all the time. And at the moment I’ll get a sense that bubblegum wrap and doing things to get into the media is quite common.

“Doing things to have a high number of views is quite common, but what I seem to have lost a sense of or I think we’ve lost a sense of, is that underpinning family value, community value.

“Because, how do you make that watchable? How do you make that sexy? How do you make that interesting?”

He added: “So I wanted to combine it in a way that still made it interesting to an urban community, but also you walk away with a sense that there is a work ethic in here.

“There’s a family value in here. There’s a value of community in here, without throwing it in your face, but that’s what you walk away with after each episode.”

“Rather than hear about what they do in their lives, I wanted to hear about their values” Comedian White Yardie features in the first show of 14 episodes, while jazz singer Omar and musician Shola Ama are among other guests scheduled to appear in the coming weeks.

Jean-Paul says he admires White Yardie and wanted to dig down into some of the not-soregularly seen facets of what maketh the man.

“The very first one kicks-off controversially a little bit, I think.

“He (White Yardie) is the departure from the tone of the rest of the series.

“So, in some ways, you think why kick-off with that one? But I think I wanted to do that one because he is a hard worker and there’s a lot of interest in him.”

CONSCIOUS

He added: “Next up, we’ve got Two Bada, a conscious rapper. He went viral a couple of years ago and he’s been doing a lot of stuff on conscious rap and expressing his views, activist views for his music, he’s got some great music out there.

“Then we’ve also got a guy who went big in Jamaica called NVasion.

“He had a song called Dem Gyal Yah Wicked and that blew up in Jamaica, and they were calling him the guy who’s gonna do the next Jamaican National Anthem and so forth.

“And we’ve got a guy called Stamma Kid. He’s a dancehall artist. Stamma Kid’s one of the funniest guys I’ve ever met, who’s got an actual proper stammer.

“That’s gonna be interesting to watch him on a show, working his way through there.

“But we’ve also got entrepreneurs, we’ve got a guy called Dexter Sims, never short of a few words to say, especially at

DOING IT HIS OWN WAY: Above, Jean-Paul Noel-Cephise in conversation with Lee Campbell, and below, with Talldon Fabian the moment when it comes to his passion about NFTs and the community. Also, there’s Charles Gordon, who I was at a meeting with recently.

“I’m not a politician, but I went there (to the meeting) just to get a flavour of what’s going on in his part of the world – and couldn’t believe it.”

It’s hard not to pick up on the passion Jean-Paul has for delivering his talk show.

As well as the benefits he believes the community will glean from the show, bringing the show from a mere concept in his head to reality represents a huge personal milestone.

“I grew up in a predominantly

“This show is about me expressing that love for other people through these performers” white area in Hampshire in the ‘80s and came to London at the back end of the ‘80s, early ‘90s,” says Jean-Paul He added: “And when I came here, I came here originally to study business and also to become part of a bigger

black community because I’d grown up so isolated because of my colour.

“I felt I really wanted to come and join a black community to feel one, like part of a network.

“But I came in and realised that’s not how life works. The only thing that really moves you forward in life is to work hard.”

Settling in London, JeanPaul soon married and had two children.

Sixteen ‘struggling’ years later, however, he is divorced, a process he says got a ‘bit dirty’ and which saw him go to court to fight for the right to have joint custody of his kids.

Born to parents hailing from Mauritius, where Jean-Paul says there is ‘a huge sense of family’ and ‘divorce is kind of frowned upon’, it was his yearning to converse on and present the varied stories that emanate from the black British community where family is concerned, that has seen him bring his talk show to fruition.

He said: “I went to a Catholic school in this country. You get a lot of subliminal programming.

“I managed to erase a lot of that software, but ultimately, your journey with a family is the most blessed thing that you have.

COMMUNITY

“So, I’ve got to find my family through my community.”

He adds: “Me producing this show is about me trying to express that love for other people through these artists and performers, to be able to show the community a work ethic and family values can get you so far.

“And that’s my message. The underlying message I’m trying to get out there.”

The Jean-Paul Talk Show will begin 4.30pm on February 10 on SKY Ben TV Channel 7 and SKY 182. For the full interview visit voice-online.co.uk

@thevoicenewspaper

@thevoicenews

voicenews

www.voice-online.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2022

THE VOICE| 43

BENEFIT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY? KING’S CROSS WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU! King’s Cross has launched a competition to find the best ideas to transform an existing 1,200 sq ft premises on Beaconsfield Street into a new community offer.

Competition entries just need to show how they would deliver positive outcomes for local residents and communities.

Individuals, community groups, established and emerging enterprises and organisations are encouraged to put forward their ideas.

For more information about the competition, the Beaconsfield Street premises and how to enter visit: bit.ly/nlalondonnews

10 Feb – 12 Mar Tickets from £10 lyric.co.uk | 020 8741 6850 Registered Charity No. 278518 | Photo: Helen Maybanks

DEADLINE FOR COMPETITION ENTRIES IS Monday 28th February 2022

A LYRIC HAMMERSMITH THEATRE AND TALAWA THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION

44 | THE VOICE FEBRUARY 2022

Lifestyle

Gaming

‘It spirals into an addiction’ Jordan Nash reveals how his love affair for gaming impacted on his acting career

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

C

ONTINUING WITH our focus on the increased adoption of gaming and Esport, ahead of Children’s Mental Health Week this month, Lifestyle sat down with acting talent Jordan Nash to talk about the importance of young children staying on top of their mental wellbeing.

Nash, 14, confessed that his own love affair with gaming spiralled out of control and it happened so quickly he didn’t even realise he had an issue. The star of the recent John Lewis Christmas advert has been sharing his story with children his age at various schools over the last few weeks, in a bid to help those who like gaming to strike a balance between engaging in their favourite pastime and maintaining good mental health.

Lifestyle: Esports, gaming and children’s mental health is a big topic, one I know you’re eager to help others navigate based on your own experiences, talk about what you will be doing in the coming weeks where this is concerned?

Jordan Nash: I’ll be visiting more schools. I started last December, visiting mainly Londonbased schools talking directly to students my age about gaming and the pitfalls when it comes to our wellbeing and more importantly mental health.

“The love of video games is a bigger issue than what many appreciate” L: Why is this an important area of concern for people to get to grips with and understand?

JN: I think, I’m not just speaking for myself here and hopefully anyone reading would agree, the love of video games is a bigger issue than what people on the outside would appreciate.

It’s something that for many, takes over their life and spirals into an addiction as I eventually realised.

PROBLEM

An addiction can quickly become a problem that not only affects every aspect of your existence but also your mental wellbeing. I didn’t realise that my love for gaming became a problem until it affected my ability to work as an actor.

A lot of kids my age typically hide behind the game because their parents neglect us out of innocent convenience.

I think as far as they are concerned it’s entertaining the children, and they leave us to drown in the console. It’s not until we all realise that being on console is substituting other aspects of life, like the ability to concentrate at school or even have the time to look at homework!

In my case, back in 2018, I’d been offered the lead role of Peter Pan in the movie Come Away opposite Angelina Jolie, a role that was so big in so many ways and was my first lead role — which don’t come around every day!

At the point of offer, I had already fallen into a dark place mentally due to

some problems at home within the family and my gaming went from casual fun to an addiction.

I’d got to a point where I didn’t have the desire to prepare for my new role and almost quit acting shortly before my first day on set.

During the talks with the other kids, I’ve been sharing what my methods were that I used to help refocus and eventually turn everything around. It was also a relief to know that, I didn’t actually want to quit being an actor but just the desire to game had totally consumed me.

There were actually some great positives that came about from my personal recovery eventually, including winning multiple awards for my work in 2021 including best debut performance with the BBC and best performance by a lead actor in a feature film at the Young Artist Academy Awards in Los Angeles, but also the fact that I still play on my console without any harm to my career, daily tasks or mental health — so I’ve turned a negative to a positive.

L: Speak more about your own love for gaming, how did it start and what games are you currently playing often, your favourites?

JN: I’ve been a gamer since I was about five or six-years-old!

I should be a pro! Wow, I can’t believe it’s been so long actually. There’s a funny picture on the wall of our bathroom at home of me sitting on the toilet playing on my Nintendo 3DS at the time.

Today I play on the Xbox.

Fifa is my main grind. I’m division three which is half decent, but I also play Rocket League, Forza Horizon, Mario Kart, Mario Party and F1 2021.

L: How do you see the gaming industry developing from your perspective, it’s bigger than the film industry, right?

JN: I think it’s probably bigger than the film industry. If so, it just goes to show how many people are playing. Like how many possible addicted gamers are there likely to be? Crazy.

The technology has changed so much since my parents were playing on consoles like the Atari. My dad keeps telling me how easy and fast it is today to load a game. He says he had an Amstrad, and it took almost

@thevoicenewspaper

UNWELCOME DISTRACTION: Jordan Nash says the desire to game had totally consumed him; inset left, the 14-year-old has been speaking about his experiences in schools

“The first thing people should do is choose a person they are happy to talk to”

L: If you were to make a game what would it be?

JN: How about being able to be in the world of Fifa virtually.

Mario Live, that would be epic.

15 minutes to load a game!

Recently, I went to a virtual reality gaming experience event, where you played inside a pod with a headset on and you had the experience of actually being inside the world and even with your friends – so you could actually participate together inside

L: We’ve spoken more about gaming and mental health but with it being Children’s Mental Health week between February 7-13, what tips do you use to make sure you are looking after your own state of mind that maybe others could benefit from?

@thevoicenews

the world. I don’t think we’re far off having some kind off technology implanted within our heads to take the gaming experience to it’s craziest level yet.

voicenews

JN: I think many kids my age have challenges with their mental health and for the most part goes unnoticed by their parents.

I think the first thing people should do is choose a person they are happy to talk to. It’s important to be open and just get stuff off your chest.

Setting goals, even small ones worked for me. Having something to work towards helps to keep you charged and energised – perhaps someone else can work with you to set targets and a healthy purpose if you’re struggling to find it. Never keep stuff bottled in! You’ll be surprised how quickly things can turn around for the better.

www.voice-online.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2022

THE VOICE | 45

Lifestyle

Technology

The next big thing...

Claira Soazandge explains how she has turned non-fungible tokens into a business

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

C

LAIRA SOAZANDGE and her 12-year-old son GemeiDon are the co-founders of NFT Kids Magazine, the first of its kind in the world.

Last year saw a lot of noise around non-fungible tokens (NFTs), however, a lot of people are still a bit confused about what they are exactly and what the technology offers.

Lifestyle sat down with Claira to find out how she and her son turned their understanding of NFTs into a fully fledged business.

“To put it simply, NFTs are digital certificates of ownership of digital assets,” Claira said. “These assets can be digital art, audio, video and written work like poems. It’s like having a certificate to prove you own the rarest Pokémon card.”

She added: “Prior to the Ethereuem blockchain, this was never possible. NFTs have unlocked another realm of creative outlet that can be used to do almost anything. It will change the way businesses interact with the customers, intellectual properties, copywriting and more. For the first time in the history of art, artists can have full-fledged control of their art and rack uploads in the process with no middle man.

It’s liberating. There’s no better time to be creative. It took us a while to understand their potential but once the penny dropped, it was like a lightbulb moment.

“I was creating a children’s magazine called The Power Of Kindness. The plan was for me to do a feature on NFT kids.

That magazine was 90 per cent finished. Leogami, founder of

“Non-fungible tokens have unlocked another realm of creative outlet that can be used to do almost anything” @nft_community advised me that the whole publication should be about kids in the NFT space.

“He said, ‘Trust me on this one!’ My gut feeling knew he was right. So I put POK on the back burner and started NFT Kids Magazine from scratch, not knowing the impact we were going to create in the NFT scene.

We are proud to say NFT Kids Magazine is the first publication for children’s NFTs in the world.”

Lifestyle: What’s your background?

Claira Soazdange: I’m a children’s author. I love writing dystopian, near-future alternative realities and thought-provoking quirky fantasies for kids. My son is an avid photographer who loves taking pictures of his surroundings and writing reviews.

He is one of the youngest Google maps contributors, with over 500,000 views. Prior to NFTs, he had asked me what else he could do with his photography, and I decided it would be cool to do a children’s magazine.

L: Why focus on children’s art and young artists specifically?

CS: Children are born fearless with an innate self-belief and imagination. I want to help them capture that magical moment and remind

them as they grow up to never forget their creative superpowers.

And no one can deny that heartwarming sensation when a kid does a spectacular piece of art.

L: You just dropped the second magazine, how often will they be produced, where can people find it and what did you learn from producing the first issue?

CS: The plan this year is to first, have the magazine released on a quarterly basis and as soon as we have a strong team, the magazine will be made available on a bi-monthly basis. I designed the first issue by myself all in Canva.

It took me seven weeks to create 74 pages that spotlight 30 young artists from around the world. We interviewed and featured seven articles with topics ranging from mental health in the arts to how to become a top NFT collector like Q and Candice from NFT Aficionado. What I learned from the first issue is something I knew before; the importance of creating a team. We are thrilled to now have a fabulous team of mothers from all over the world who are all pitching in.

L: What’s been the most fascinating aspect of the NFT world?

CS: The partnerships and phenomenal friendships we’ve been able to create in a short period of time. Opportunities we wouldn’t have dreamt of in a million years.

Superworld App is one of our biggest supporters. Ever since the magazine has been published, we’ve been bombarded with out of this world curation opportunities. We are the first publication to take kids NFTs to ARS Electonica NYC, NFT NYC and Art Basel.

L: What ambitions do you have in the space?

CS: Last year, it was all about

TRAILBLAZER: GemeiDon shows off a new NFT on his tablet; inset below left, NFT Kids Mag is the first publication for children’s NFTs in the world

getting to know who’s who and having a presence at key events.

Although it meant many sleepless night, we are delighted to have opened many doors for the kids. This year, we’re taking things to a new level by showing the metaverse how creative we really are by putting together our own projects, events and experiences.

To start the year, we had the brilliant idea of creating the first ever NFT Kids Calendar, which happens to be one of the most expensive kid calendars around. It’s available on Opensea for 0.0405 ETH= $130 and people are buying it! We want the magazine to be known for creating community drops. A place for families to feel safe and energised to create.

L: There are some talented children out there – is it easy to find your artists to profile in the magazine? How do you find content that’s relatable to children?

CS: It’s been very easy for us to find young artists from day one.

The majority were already creating art and they just so happen to stumble on NFTs so finding them has been pretty easy. New parents reach out to us on a daily basis for advice, support and ways for their kids to feature in the magazine or our events. It’s been difficult for everyone to adapt. The space is brand new so we are all learning at the same time.

L: There’s a lot of money floating about the NFT world, but I get the sense there is a lot more to the growing interest in NFTs beyond the financial benefits. What are your thoughts on some of those?

CS: The NFT economy will be the new form of crowd funding.

Don’t be surprised if platforms like GoFundMe will become obsolete.

People can bootstrap and generate funds by releasing an NFT collection with cool utilities or even put together a dream team and raise funds from the plethora of new NFT mega organisations looking to fund amazing projects. It’s refreshing to see that starving artists will soon be a thing of the past L: We know you’ve worked with some talented artists already, some amazing children, any you want to shine a light on?

CS: Yes, the NFT Kids Magazine family includes Nyla Hayes, the sensational 13-year-old who sold $6m (£4.4m) worth of NFTs last year. She is the NFT NYC emerging artist winner and was recognised as one of the Futures 50 Tech influencers alongside Elon Musk.

We are one of the founders of her new Web3 Education platform that will rock the metaverse.

We were thrilled to launch the NFT journey of Christopher Lyons, the 12-year-old Future astronaut who works closely with Nasa and

is the youngest Mars City design youth Ambassador. Chris interviewed Sir Richard Branson last summer, live on NBC about his space travels. Chris will also star in a Amazon Prime drama series this month.

We advised 10-year-old autistic NFT creator Amazing Devya to turn her creations into a book, making her the first NFT Kids book author.

If you can keep a secret, soon we are announcing signing our first kid writer, @rainbowmosho who will be the first young autistic reporter in the world!

L: Where will NFT Kids Magazine be in five years?

CS: The dream is to establish a global reach with offices in key locations such as in NYC, Paris, Toronto, Africa and also South America. We will have our own metaverse, which will be a fantastic meeting place for kids’ NFT events and experiences. NFT Kids Magazine will be a household name within the NFT scene that would have launched the journeys of numerous extraordinary kid artists.

There’s a lot to love about NFTs, but there are risks.

E-commerce in general is rife with scams, such as fake/unverified sellers, and cyber attacks. Always find out if a seller owns an NFT.

46 | THE VOICE FEBRUARY 2022

Sport TOP SPORTS COVERAGE 24/7 VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK/SPORT

OF SPORT NEWSPAPER

THE OLYMPIC DREAM

Alexander ready to make history in Beijing as Jamaica’s first Alpine Olympian skier

T

HERE’S GOING to be more cool running next month with Benjamin Alexander poised to become the first Jamaican Alpine skier to compete at a Winter Olympics after qualifying for Beijing 2022.

Who can ever forget the beloved 1993 Disney film Cool Runnings inspired by Jamaican athletes attending their first-ever Winter Olympics, the 1988 Calgary Games?

Now, Alexander is set to provide more history in Beijing. The 38-year-old will fulfil a dream by becoming the 15th Jamaican to

“To actually then be in the start gate, it’s probably not going to feel real”

told Olympics.com.

It was only seven years ago Alexander took up the sport while on a trip to Canada. He added in the interview: “Am I better than the average skier in terms of my ability to control a race ski on an icy surface? Hell yeah, way better.

compete at a Winter Olympics.

He has no full-time coach but recently secured qualification at the inaugural Cape Verde National Ski Championships in Liechtenstein.

“My mother, my father and my brother have spent the most part of their working career either in factories or driving.

None of the three of them finished high school with any decent GCSEs or O-levels,” he

“Am I better than a superstar Austrian kid who’s been skiing since he was two and racing since he was seven but now he’s 14? No, that 14 year-old is probably much better than I am.

“But to actually then be in the start gate, or in the Opening Ceremony, it’s probably not going to feel real.

“If I’m able to start a sport at 32 and get to an Olympics at 38, then there is no excuse for anyone – whether they’re 40, 50, 60 – to not go out and get some lessons and get some enjoyment out of skiing. It’s not too late.”

At one stage, qualification for Beijing looked out of the

STAYING COOL: Benjamin Alexander is relishing the chance to compete against the world’s best Alpine skiers at the Beijing Winter Olympics

SUPERSTAR

question. He confessed to the Jamaica Gleaner last year: “Every race that gets cancelled because of COVID-19 hurts my chances. Every week that I am

not on snow, or because of the coronavirus or borders being closed, hurts my chances of qualification. And every month longer it takes me to get to qual-

ification hurts me financially.

So it hurts me in three different ways, but I still feel very confident I have enough time to get to where I am going.”

Door is open for black jockeys to be part of the sport of kings

By Rodney Hinds YOUNG BLACK jockeys can pursue their ambitions with the news that applications have opened for the Riding A Dream Academy’s second Residential Week which is aimed at supporting talented young riders aged 14-18 from under-represented communities, diverse backgrounds and those that ride at urban equestrian centres.

The Academy, which is funded by the Racing Foundation, was set up following Khadijah Mellah’s win in the Magnolia Cup at Goodwood when she became the first British Muslim woman to win a UK horse race.

It aims to help broaden diversity and inclusion in racing by providing opportunities for other young people.

The Residential Week acts as a fun introduction to British horse racing and will once again be held at the British Racing School (BRS) from May 30 to June 3.

who might not otherwise have had it, and showing what a wonderful sport racing is.”

Feedback from students and parents has been incredibly positive.

One parent also said: “I can’t praise the week highly enough – it’s a ground-breaking opportunity that has educated me more in a week than all the years I have been trying to find out what potential there may be for my child in the horsey world.”

So far the Academy has supported 18 young riders from under-represented groups and urban equestrian centres through its first Residential Week in 2021 and the Khadijah Mellah Scholarship which runs for a year and currently has eight students.

To date, 72 per cent of the Academy’s cohort have come from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

PASSIONATE

ITV presenter Oli Bell, who co-founded the Academy alongside Great British Racing’s Naomi Lawson, said: “At the Academy we are passionate about providing opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds, who have learned to ride at an urban equestrian centre or city farm so we can help to make racing more diverse and inclusive.

“We are thrilled to have supported so many talented riders so far and are looking forward to welcoming our next Residential Week group later this year.

WONDERFUL

HISTORIC: Khadijah Mellah was the first British Muslim woman winner “We’d love to uncover more stars of the future but, more than that, this is about giving opportunities to people

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Andrew Braithwaite, finance director at BRS, said: “Everyone involved at the British Racing School in the Academy has thoroughly enjoyed hosting the students on the Residential and the Scholarship.

“And it is simply wonderful to see young people being given the opportunity to get involved in racing and experience the thrill of riding thoroughbreds – both groups have been an inspiration.

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“There are obviously a range of initiatives within racing aimed at widening access and giving opportunity to those from underrepresented backgrounds, but I would venture few will have as much impact as this.”

While on the Residential Week students benefit from the brilliant coaching of the British Racing School instructors and learn to ride racehorses for the very first time.

They learn how to hold the jockey position and bridge their hands, whilst also learning how to look after the horses.

Students also have the chance to find out more about the sport by going to the races, visiting studs and other racing establishments and going up on to Newmarket’s famous gallops.

The closing date for applications, via the website www.ridingadreamacademy.com/the-residential-week, is Sunday, February 13.

www.voice-online.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2022 THE VOICE | 47

Sport

A 2020 vision

Let the countdown begin!

Olympian Donna Fraser updates the Voice of Sport as Birmingham prepares for this summer’s Commonwealth Games

I

T’S HARD to believe we’re in 2022 – the countdown to Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games begins!

Since beginning 2022, I have really noticed the pace ramp up with the planning and organising. I must say this is no different to my athlete preparation days, whereby we will do all that we can, in the time that we have, to deliver a great performance at a major competition.

The same goes for Birmingham 2022. We remain focused and want to ensure we hit key milestones along the way.

I feel it’s important to point out we have had less time than any other Commonwealth Games to deliver a major sporting event and we are on target and on budget.

Just a few weeks into the New Year so much has happened already which has contributed to the excitement. In the second week of January, we launched a search to find 2,022 Batonbearers for the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay in England.

The Queen’s Baton Relay is a Games tradition that builds anticipation for the forthcoming Games by celebrating, connecting and exciting communities across the Commonwealth and shining a light on untold stories and

“Batonbearers will play a major role in the Queen’s Baton Relay” unsung local heroes from the places it visits.

Batonbearers will play a major role in the Queen’s Baton Relay when it returns to England this summer, taking on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to carry the Queen’s Baton in their region during the final build-up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. People are encouraged to nominate those who are always willing to take on a challenge, have a unique and inspiring story, are a figure of inspiration who positively challenges others to achieve their best, or is passionate about making a positive impact within their community.

Nominations can be made by visiting the Birmingham 2022 website and submitting 100 words or less on how the nominee is making a difference in their community and why they deserve to take on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Nominations are open for all nine regions of England, which

is where the Baton will visit in the summer and Batonbearers must be aged 12 or over as of June 2 2022.

And there are more opportunities to get involved.

We have also begun the search to find the volunteer cast, Athletes Hosts and existing choirs who will bring this summer’s Opening and Closing Ceremonies to life.

The Birmingham 2022 Ceremonies Team is made up of some of the finest West Midlands creative talent, including theatre director Iqbal Khan, award-winning writer Maeve Clarke, rapper Joshua ‘RTKal’ Holness, and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.

CELEBRATION

This team is calling for the most ambitious, outgoing and dedicated local people to apply to be part of the performance that opens and closes the biggest sporting celebration since the London 2012 Olympic Games.

These volunteer performers will be at the heart of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and aspiring talent is being urged to apply today for one of 2,000 opportunities on offer.

Specifically, the organisers of the Ceremonies hope to find: • People who can move to a beat to join the volunteer cast who will be in the majority of our show. Additionally, we are also looking for people with some of the following specialist skills; amateur circus, dance, ballet or

BEST FEET FORWARD: Haseebah Abdullah, Kadeena Cox and Salma Bi at the Queen’s Baton Relay Mural; inset below left, Donna Fraser is delighted with the way everything is shaping up parkour enthusiasts, so please do tell us what you can do.

• Welcoming and friendly people to act as Athletes Hosts who will welcome the athletes that are taking part in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

This would particularly appeal to those who want to be part of the ceremony but don’t want to be on stage.

• Established choirs who can join together to form a truly oneoff mass choir.

To be part of the cast, applicants must be able to participate in a movement and dancebased audition that will take place in Birmingham, between March 1 and March 13, 2022.

In addition, applicants must be able to commit to regular rehearsal sessions beginning in May 2022, running all the way up to each Ceremony. The established choirs must have

previous singing and performing experience and be able to learn show material from March and commit to regular rehearsal sessions beginning in July 2022, running all the way up to each Ceremony.

INTERVIEWS

Athletes Hosts will be required to attend three rehearsals in July prior to the Opening Ceremony and one rehearsal before the Closing Ceremony in August. Interviews will take place between March 1 and March 13, 2022.

For all roles a full attendance schedule will be provided to successful applicants before they accept the role.

I have been moving at pace on the ED&I agenda, where I continue to engage with community leaders through our EDI Forums, and, along with

my colleagues from Youth Engagement, Legacy and Culture, supported a Deputy Lieutenants meeting hosted by our Chair John Crabtree to share our progress.

I also joined the Faith Forum delivered by the Community Engagement team where we engaged with various community leaders to share plans for the faith provision for the athletes we will be hosting in the summer.

So, as the Birmingham 2022 clock continues to countdown, my colleagues and I continue to work hard behind the scenes to deliver the ‘Games for Everyone’ this summer. Stay tuned… birmingham2022.com

Donna Fraser is the Games’ Head of Inclusion and Engagement

Yorkshire sign top Barbadian coach

By Rodney Hinds

IN THE HOT SEAT: Ottis Gibson

BARBADOS-BORN Ottis Gibson has been appointed head coach of Yorkshire County Cricket Club on a three-year contract. He will start work from the end of February.

Gibson’s new role comes in the wake of the racism scandal that has engulfed the Headingley club, which has seen wholesale changes at every level.

Yorkshire’s website reports that Gibson will report to interim managing director of Yorkshire Cricket, Darren Gough, and will have over-

all responsibility for the performance and management of the first team, supported by two assistant coaches who will be appointed shortly.

Gibson joins Yorkshire with a wealth of coaching experience, having previously performed the role of head coach for the West Indies and South Africa, and bowling coach for England and Bangladesh.

The former West Indies allrounder played in two Tests and 15 One Day Internationals during a 17-year playing career, and was

in charge of the side during their 2012 T20 World Cup triumph.

Gibson also formed a key part of England’s backroom staff during two Ashes series victories and has played a pivotal role in the development of many players around the world.

EXPERIENCED

The 52-year-old has also experienced county cricket, representing Durham, Glamorgan and Leicestershire across both red and white ball games.

In 2007, Gibson made history,

taking ten wickets in an innings against Hampshire for Durham.

Gibson said of his new challenge: “I’m extremely honoured and excited to be given the opportunity to join Yorkshire County Cricket Club as head coach.

“This is one of the most prestigious roles in English County Cricket, and I am really looking forward to working with this talented group of players to take the club forward. I’ve spoken at length with Goughy about the direction the club is heading in, and I’m excited to be a part of that future.”

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FEBRUARY 2022 | THE VOICE

WORLD WAITS OVER LEWIS

WILL HE, WON’T HE?: Lewis Hamilton has gone quiet as he considers his future; inset below left, Carol Glenn can understand his frustration

Motorsport official Carol Glenn hoping Hamilton fights on for eighth title after controversial finish

EXCLUSIVE by Rodney Hinds

A

S THE world waits to see if Sir Lewis Hamilton will appear on the Formula One circuit again, Carol Glenn – the first black woman to have obtained a race and speed licence in the United Kingdom – is of the opinion that after his ‘digital detox’ we will see the Great Briton back where he belongs.

Hamilton was denied a hardearned victory, and a record eighth championship, when the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was restarted after a safety-car phase and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen exploited the new tyres he was on to power to victory on the final lap.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has sat down with the new ruler of Formula One to discuss the farcical conclusion to last season in a meeting that will go a long way to deciding Hamilton’s future, when a final decision on the controversial

incident is revealed in March. There are, however, genuine fears that Hamilton will walk away from the sport, such is his disgust and disillusionment.

But Carol hopes the recently knighted racer is on the grid when the new season gets under way.

“When the safety car was called there was never going to be enough laps to complete.

“How must Lewis have been feeling inside? It must have been gutwrenching – he had it snatched from him. To his credit, he did not behave like a petulant child but it wasn’t fair.”

“How must Lewis have been feeling?

It must have been gut-wrenching – he had the title snatched from him” Carol started her career in motorsport in 1988.

Over the years, she has progressed to become a clerk of the course in national races, covering events at some of the country’s most famous tracks, namely Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Donnington Park, to name a few. She is well qualified to give an opinion into the debacle in Abu Dhabi.

Carol told the Voice of Sport: “It wasn’t fair how that race ended.

After consideration, Mercedes withdrew their legal action against the sport’s rulers, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

“I don’t think he would have wanted to win that way, but there was not a proper outcome. It’s not the way he would have wanted to win his eighth championship,” added Carol.

“I’m hoping that when Wolff sits down with new F1 ruler Mohammed Ben Sulayem they come up with something positive for the sport

TRAILBLAZER: Ben Odeje, pictured main and above, was dropped from the England set up after being hailed as man of the match “I think his appetite is still there as a whole. It has to be about the rules that the Race Director (Michael because I think he still wants to get Masi) broke. He was inconsistent to eight world titles. with the rules.

“If the meeting doesn’t change “The FIA make the rules. They much moving forward, it might lead need to make sure that the rules are him to decide he’s had enough and very clear. The Race Director was he can put his energies into other influenced by Christian Horner from things.

Red Bull.

“He’s done his digital dextox. He’s gone quiet as he gets himself back into gear.

“Either way, his legacy is super “Team Principals should no longer special. In many ways he’s surbe able to talk to Race Control.”

There is talk that Sir Lewis may passed Michael Schumacher in well quit the sport after being denied terms of the cars he’s driven and the another world crown. Carol hopes type of people he’s had to race and that he continues to entertain and beat. Let’s be patient and wait and inspire. see what happens.”

“Lewis has a lot to deal with in his head. This season it won’t be just about a rivalry with Max – there are a lot of young drivers coming through.

They’ll all have new cars, too.

“Lewis is now 37. Even though he is still in peak condition he’s no longer coming through like these youngsters are now.

INSPIRE