The Voice Newspaper: October Issue

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OCTOBER 2025 • ISSUE NO. 1971

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Celebrating Black History Month

OUR judges make history

New body aims to transform the justice system ›› p8

THE FREEDOM FIGHTER WHO WON’T BOW

Ibrahim Traoré: defying the West, shaping the future, writing Black history today THE BURKINA Faso leader’s stand against the International Criminal Court has electrified the diaspora. This Black History Month, his bold leadership proves that our history isn’t just in the past — it’s being fearlessly written now in Africa’s fight for sovereignty and justice. ›› p10

Inside THIS MONTH

The Voice says

ROUNDUP NEWSPAPER

News, views, stories & videos

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

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‘Let the hungry be fed’: how Rastafari groups play a key role in Black British history

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COMEBACK: Michail Antonio

‘From ackee to curry goat’: the Windrush food story takes centre stage in Greenwich

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Forgotten no more: the unsung Black designers who shaped fashion history

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‘There would be no Malcolm X without her’: Grenada pays tribute to his mother Louise Little

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Nigeria’s pioneering modernists honoured in landmark Tate exhibition

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Dynamic duo: Martine and Rashidah stun powerlifting world

1 Black Futures Matter: why we must celebrate the 2 history being made today 3 4

Opinion: The far-right isn’t hiding anymore – and Black Britons must remain vigilant

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LACK History Month has always been a vital time to reflect, to remember, and to celebrate. It reminds us of the resilience of figures such as Mary Seacole, Marcus Garvey, and Rosa Parks, whose courage changed the course of history. But for a new generation of Black Britons, it is also something more: a chance to reshape the story and ensure that Black history is not only about the past, but also about the present and future.

This is where the idea of Black Futures Matter comes in as some commentators have called it. Every October, we rightly look back at the struggles and victories of those who came before us. But if we only look backwards, we risk missing what’s happening right now – and overlooking the people who are shaping tomorrow. For the Black community to shape history, we must also be future-forward.

This focus on the future is very much the theme of this special Black History Month edition of The Voice.

Alongside reflections on the important icons and struggles of the past, we’ll be highlighting the history being made today, history that could well lead to Britain’s first Black prime minister; Black Britons playing leading roles in how technology and AI will shape society; and entrepreneurs making bold moves

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

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

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

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

News: Honouring Dalston’s cultural legacy/ Dalston Square to recognise pioneers at free heritage Sponsored: Tell it Loud - tackling the full reality of sickle cell

that could open the door to a new generation of corporate leaders.

Across the country, innovation and creativity in technology is already shaping the future national story.

Black-led venture capitalists are doing some amazing things to ensure our community has a voice in how that future pans out whether its through using technology to develop innovative ways of working together or opening doors to new investment.

This is just one example of why it’s important to champion the historymaking innovation, leadership and creativity taking place in our community today.

Young people in particular say Black history cannot be confined to a handful of names or a single month.

They see history as living, evolving, and deeply connected to their own experiences.

From youth-led campaigns to digital creators reimagining culture online, they are not waiting to be written into the history books – they are writing themselves in.

Black History Month must remain a time of remembrance. But it should also be a time of recognition that the history we make today will shape the world our children inherit.

If Black futures matter, then we must celebrate today’s milestones – and commit to building a future where the next generation can thrive.

Opinion/Sport: Black excellence continues to be confined to the pitch/ When it comes to decision making, from touchlines to boardrooms, the story is different as Black managers remain rare in British football

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Opinion: Cancer patient, British citizen, cast aside: the cruelty of the Home Office exposed again Sport: Michail Antonio back in business/ Jamaican veteran prepares to tackle World Cup West Midlands News: Community rallies to honour Wesley Williams/ Tributes flow as family launch appeal to ensure the 25-year-old’s light and legacy of compassion lives on

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News: Jamaican high school bans girls from wearing ‘edges’ in their hair Entertainment: All eyes on docuseries ‘Surviving South London’ How one rapper is putting mental health at the heart of community change

Got a story? email us at yourviews@thevoicemediagroup.co.uk SPORTS EDITOR Rodney Hinds E. rodney.hinds@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk ADVERTISING AND SALES E. advertising@thevoicemedia group.co.uk

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OCTOBER 2025 THE VOICE | 3

Black History Month

News Feature

PROTEST ART ON SHOW

Creative works inspired by Bristol Bus Boycott set to be featured in public exhibitions. By Vic Motune

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EN WINNING artworks from a national competition marking the 60th anniversary of the Race Relations Act will feature in exhibitions and public events during Black History Month this month, ahead of commemorations of the Act’s passing in November.

The Designs4Change competition, run by Bauer Media Outdoor UK in partnership with Bristol-based social enterprise Curiosity Un(Ltd), has transformed public spaces into a “gallery for change” by displaying the winning designs across digital billboards, bus stops, train stations and shopping centres nationwide.

The initiative forms part of Bristol Bus Boycott 360, a campaign to highlight the legacy of the 1963 protest that played a key role in the passing of the Act, Britain’s first anti-discrimination law.

The winning works, which reflect themes of justice, equality and protest, were unveiled in August on a giant screen at We The Curious, an arts and science centre in Bristol.

The date marked both the victory of the Bristol Bus Boycott and the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

“The bus stop is a place where cultures and ethnicities mix every day… a perfect metaphor for Britain.”

Some of the artworks will now feature in the national touring Tapestry of Black Britons, an exhibition during Black History Month, and a youth symposium at We The Curious on November 10.

A large-scale public event will follow on November 11 to mark 60 years since the passing of the 1965 Race Relations Act. Julz Davis, Disruptor-in-Chief of Curiosity Un(Ltd), said: “In a pivotal year for peaceful protest, we are delighted to work with Bauer Media Outdoor. Designs4Change is more than just an art competition; it’s a movement for representation, recognition, and resilience. We thank all entrants from across the UK and congratulate this year’s 10 deserving winners.”

Several of the winning artists said their work was inspired by the Bristol Bus Boycott and the legislation that followed.

Birmingham-based winner Megan Tracey explained: “It’s a great feeling to create something that commemorates figures instrumental in UK activism. My piece aims to foreground the strength of grassroots movements and encourage the idea that there is always more room to grow.”

Southampton artist Eireen JoaoCastano, who drew inspiration from Richard Hooker’s photography project By the Bus Stop, said: “This design celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Race Relations Act, displaying its lasting impact through a bus stop. A place where cultures and ethnicities mix every day, it remains constant – a perfect metaphor for Britain. It captures the modern multicultural life made possible by the Act and pioneers like Paul Stephenson.”

Another winner, Opeyemi Vic-

LEGACY: A bus stop poster in Bristol honours the 60th anniverary of the Race Relations Act

MOVEMENT: Above left, protestors marching in Bristol in 1963; above, Audley Evans, Paul Stephenson and Owen Henry, who campaigned in Bristol

tor Olupese, said: “Inspired by the theme ‘Echoes of Protest. Agents of Change’, winning this competition is an incredible honour. I’m proud that my artwork can contribute to the conversation around race, justice, and remembrance, especially as it marks such a powerful moment in history.”

The Bristol Bus Boycott of 1963 was a watershed moment in British race relations.

added: “Designs4Change reminds us of the power that creativity has to spark conversation, especially when displayed where people live, work, and move. As we honour 60 years since the Race Relations Act, we’re proud to turn our screens into a national gallery, elevating voices that demand to be seen and heard, whilst reinforcing our role in public spaces.”

Curiosity Un(Ltd)’s Bristol Bus Boycott 360 campaign is using the anniversaries of the boycott, the Act, and King’s speech to co-create 360 initiatives that confront racial inequality. A 2017 Runnymede Trust report ranked Bristol the seventh worst city in the UK for people of colour, a statistic the campaign aims to reverse.

Members of the public are being encouraged to join the conversation by sharing images and reflections on the artworks using the hashtag #Designs4Change. l For more details and the full programme of Bristol Bus Boycott 360 events, please visit the Curiousity Un(Ltd) website.

Sparked by the Bristol Omnibus High Commissioner for Trinidad Company’s refusal to employ Black and Tobago, Learie Constantine. or Asian bus crews, campaigners The boycott ended on August 28 including Paul Stephenson, Roy 1963 when the company lifted its Hackett, Owen Henry, Audley Evans colour bar, the same day as King’s and Prince Brown organised a four- March on Washington speech. Two month boycott of the city’s buses. years later, the Race Relations Act Inspired by Rosa Parks and the 1965 became the UK’s first legislaMontgomery Bus Boycott in the tion to outlaw racial discrimination United States, their action drew na- in public places. tional attention, with support from Bauer Media Outdoor’s Chief politicians such as Tony Benn and Marketing Officer, Martin Corke,

‘AUNTIE ARMY’ TACKLE SIGHT LOSS IN AFRICAN-CARIBBEAN COMMUNITIES A NEW initiative fronted by TV personality Brenda Edwards, launched by Specsavers with guidance from Glaucoma UK, aims to prevent avoidable sight loss in African-Caribbean communities.

People from these backgrounds are up to four times more likely to develop glaucoma, and often at a younger age. The campaign, dubbed ‘The Auntie Army’, encourages self-appointed “aunties” to persuade family and friends to get their eyes tested.

Brenda Edwards, actress, singer and Loose Women panellist, said: “Aunties have been praying, cooking and looking after their communities forever. Now it’s time for

them to tell their loved ones to get an eye test. My family has a history of glaucoma so I know how important eye tests are. Do as your auntie says and book one today – even if you think your eyesight is fine.”

New research commissioned

by Specsavers shows adults from African-Caribbean backgrounds are a third more likely to avoid or delay health appointments due to nerves or anxiety. Almost one in five said it had been two years or more since their last eye test, while 6% had never had one.

While hesitancy can make traditional health messages less effective, 78% of respondents said they were influenced by “auntie advice”

from older women in their community. More than seven in 10 said it mattered that advice came from someone from a similar background.

Launching with a video briefing from Edwards, The Auntie Army calls on aunties to use their influence at family gatherings, in shops and via WhatsApp groups to push regular sight tests.

Ebahi Demi Ejegi, Optometry Director at Specsavers Sidcup, said: “Glaucoma can develop slowly without symptoms, so many don’t realise there’s a problem until damage is done. That’s why regular eye checks are vital.” l Watch the video at specsavers. co.uk/eye-health/glaucoma

LOOKING OUT: TV personality Brenda Edwards (centre) fronts a Specsavers campaign with Glaucoma UK to prevent sight loss in African-Caribbean communities, who face higher and earlier glaucoma risks

4 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

OUR COMMUNITY

News Feature “BLACK HISTORY DIDN’T JUST START WITH SLAVERY”

One of my heroes is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

She’s a brilliant, brilliant author, and a real inspiration for me. I love how articulate she is. My other inspiration is my Mum, who I’m here today with. She is someone who is always there for us.

I definitely think more Black history needs to be taught in schools.

It’s through history that you learn from your past. But I do think it’s very important to portray our history accurately. Black history didn’t just start with slavery.

Annabel, founder, Melanin Gamers

“WOLE SOYINKA AND MY SISTER ARE TWO PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE ME DEEPLY”

My Black history hero is Wole Soyinka.

He’s a writer and activist.

He is all about equality and just really having a safe place for everyone to feel included.

Someone else that I look up to is my older sister. She’s someone that fights the cause and businesswise, she really inspires me so much because she’s got her own business.

Ade, business owner

“THE HISTORY OF MANY OF OUR LEADERS HAS BEEN HIDDEN OR OVERLOOKED”

I’m from Cameroon, and my Black history hero is Thomas Sankara. He was one of the first Black African nationalists and really pushed for women’s rights, saying there’s no true social revolution without the liberation of women. I feel like we don’t hear enough about African history.

There are so many incredible politicians and leaders from the continent who made a real impact, but their stories are hidden or overlooked. We need to uncover and share those stories, create platforms that amplify Black voices, and show authentic Black experiences. Black history isn’t just for one month – it should be celebrated every day.

“BLACK HISTORY IS OUR STRUGGLES, OUR CELEBRATIONS, OUR ACHIEVEMENTS”

I believe Black culture and history represents both our struggles and our victories.

Black history is about true stories – our challenges, but also our celebrations and achievements. It’s important to recognise the full narrative of our community, not just the hardships.

For me, authenticity and genuine storytelling are key to showing the richness and strength of Black culture and history.

Itoya, model and musician

“WE MUST REMEMBER WHERE WE COME FROM AND PASS THIS ON TO OUR CHILDREN”

I’d like people to really know about Black British history – where our ancestors came from, what they went through when they arrived, and the struggles they faced. My grandfather came from Sierra Leone in 1947, and my parents arrived in the early ’60s with almost nothing. My father told me about signs saying, ‘No Blacks, no dogs, no Irish.’ It’s important that young people understand these hardships, but also remember where we come from, so they can pass that knowledge to their own children.

“RESPECT TO BOB, MY BLACK HISTORY HERO!”

Bob Marley is definitely my Black history hero.

After a long, stressful day, his music helps me reset and recharge – respect to Bob! In terms of teaching Black history and creating more awareness about the contributions to the world of our community, I believe the school curriculum needs to change. The world has shifted since Covid, and young people must be prepared for life today.

Black history is an important part of that preparation and it should be taught in schools, especially to benefit Black and minority communities in London.

WHY BLACK HISTORY MONTH MATTERS

From home and abroad, from famous to our family, which names deserve to be celebrated?

We asked the community to choose. By Vic Motune and Hannah Ajala

“YOU CAN ONLY KNOW

WHERE YOU’RE GOING ONCE YOU KNOW WHERE YOU’RE FROM”

My living Black history hero would be Barack Obama, the first Black president of America. My Black hisRobert Dyer, probation tory hero behaviour mentor from the past

would be Martin Luther King. Why? Because both men, in their different ways, have, I would say, embraced the Black community in ways that no one has ever done. Martin Luther King in the 1960s with his speeches, his marches, and his non-violent approach, and Barack Obama with his oratory.

There definitely needs to be more Black history taught in schools. There is a lot of history that people are just finding out about now, so their stories should be shared.

It’s especially important for young

people in our community because you can only know where you’re going once you know where you’re from.

Darren Sylvester, DJS Law

“WE NEED TO RESTORE WHAT WAS LOST IN ORDER TO MOVE FORWARD” My Black History Month hero is Dr Marimba Ani. Her work is about understanding what oppression has done to the Black community – what has been taken from us, and what we

OUR HEROES

OCTOBER 2025 THE VOICE | 5

Black History Month UNPRECEDENTED: Mayor of London Sadiq Khan on his trip to Ghana

ART AND SOUL: Bob Marley and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie were named by community members The Voice spoke to as being Black history heroes

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Photos: Getty Images

HOW A HISTORIC TRADE MISSION TO AFRICA INSPIRED LONDON’S BLACK CELEBRATION

VERY October, Black History Month gives us the chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate the struggles and triumphs of our community.

It is a time to shine a light on our rich heritage, the pioneers who came before us, and the generations who continue to push boundaries and create history today.

Black History Month is about recognition – not only of the painful chapters of our past, but also of the extraordinary achievements and resilience that continue to shape Britain and the wider world.

Traditionally, we use this month to highlight well-known icons such as Mary Seacole, Rosa Parks, and our own Windrush pioneers.

Their legacies are central to our story and deserve every bit of the recognition they receive.

But this year, we wanted to do something different. Instead of only focusing on the figures we as a newspaper choose to celebrate, we wanted to listen to the community. After all, Black History Month is about all of us – and the stories, heroes, and role models that matter most to our people.

That is why The Voice spent time at Black on the Square, the annual one-day festival of Black need to restore in order to move forward in this society. She really helps you to centre yourself, recognise the challenges we face, and think about how we can build systems to overcome them.

Brian Channer, the Black Policy Institute

culture that was held in London’s Trafalgar Square last month.

Organised by Mayor Sadiq Khan, the event brought together thousands of people from across the capital and beyond, united in music, food, art and joy. The sunny afternoon created the perfect setting for conversations about Black pride and history.

We spoke to dozens of people – young and old, artists and activists, families and friends – asking them about who their Black History heroes are and what Black History Month means to them.

Their answers reminded us why community voices matter.

Some chose global icons, others spoke of figures closer to home, family members who had inspired them. The range of names showed just how diverse and powerful Black history truly is.

What united them all was the sense that Black History Month is about recognition, pride, and passing on knowledge to the next generation.

This feature is part of our effort to shift the focus from us telling the community who to celebrate, to instead listening and amplifying the voices of those who live and breathe Black history every day.

“BLACK HISTORY MUST GO BEYOND JUST ONE MONTH”

We must move beyond just celebrating Black History Month once a year to making Black history a continuous, everyday learning experience.

We should be finding out about our history not just from slavery but before that, finding out all the different stories that belong to that history. Every year Black History Month tends

Heroes come in many forms, and the people we honour in October should reflect the breadth of our collective experience.

Black History Month is not only about looking back – it is also about looking around us and recognising that history is being made today, by ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

That is why, this year, The Voice wanted to hear directly from you.

One young woman told us her hero was Marcus Rashford for using his platform to fight child hunger.

Another highlighted Claudia Jones for her role in founding the Notting Hill Carnival.

One mother we spoke to proudly named her grandmother, who came to Britain as part of the Windrush Generation, while others mentioned figures such as Nelson Mandela, Maya Angelou, and Olive Morris.

The wide range of voices captured at Black on the Square reminded us that Black history is living, personal, and ever-expanding.

Vic Motune and Hannah Ajala spoke to members of the community on the day.

Here are just some of the other answers we heard on the day.

to concentrate on the few icons like Malcolm X. While they are important and inspirational there are a lot more stories to hear about.

For example, I’ve just found out that a Black girl helped Shakespeare write some of his famous works.

I’d never heard that before but it would be good to hear about stories like these.

“MARCUS GARVEY AND PATRICK EWING”

Marcus Garvey’s message of Black empowerment is powerful for me. The US basketball player Patrick Ewing is another icon. He paved the way for Jamaicans to believe you can go anywhere and keep your roots.

Louis Knight, basketball player

THE cheers in Trafalgar Square were loud, the music vibrant, and the air rich with the smell of jollof rice and jerk chicken.

For Sadiq Khan, this year’s Black on the Square was more than a festival – it was the continuation of a journey that had begun weeks earlier, when he made history as the first Mayor of London to lead a trade delegation to Africa.

“London’s diaspora is our secret weapon,” Khan told The Voice. “Proud Londoners of Nigerian, Ghanaian and South African origin are helping us build the cultural, business and educational relationships that will shape our city’s future.”

That link between London and Africa sat at the heart of this year’s event.

For the thousands gathered, the mayor’s historic mission and the festival both stood as reminders that Black History Month is not just about the past, but about recognition, investment and pride in the future.

Khan’s six-day trip to Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg and Cape Town was unprecedented. Joined by 30 British businesses, he pitched London as a city open to trade in a post-Brexit world.

In Lagos, he connected with Africa’s booming tech sector; in Accra, he told students that closing Britain to international talent would be “economic self-harm”; in South Africa, he pledged the first London-Africa business summit.

Critics asked why the mayor was abroad, but supporters stressed its importance.

John Dickie of BusinessLDN said the mission would “benefit Londoners” by boosting investment and cultural ties.

That spirit was visible at Black on the Square, where the “Accra to London” stall captured the essence of the mayor’s trip. “It’s important to have a platform that showcases the best of Black London,” Khan said.

As the music faded, one message endured: London’s diaspora is not a footnote to its story, but the engine driving it forward.

HERITAGE: The Mayor meets with Ghanaians in traditional attire

6 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

News Feature

Black History Month

RASTAFARI COMMUNITY SERVING BLACK BRITONS The movement’s charities provide unique services to those who fall through the cracks of mainstream provision. By Sinai Fleary

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HE Black British community has a long and rich history of establishing organisations and charities when mainstream services have failed.

For the Rastafari community, shaped by historical marginalisation and Marcus Garvey’s philosophy of self-reliance, building their own spaces has always been essential for meeting spiritual, cultural, and social needs.

These initiatives – open to the wider Black community – often provide unique services to those who fall through the cracks of mainstream provision.

In 2025, sadly, their role is as important as ever.

Building community from the ground up In south-east London, Sistah Stella Headley founded the Rastafari Movement UK Wellbeing CIC in 2021. The community interest company provides culturally relevant food, wellbeing support, and doorstep befriending for households in crisis.

“I’ve been told by at least five people that I’ve saved their lives,” she told The Voice. “Too many people go unseen and unheard and suffer in silence. One mother told me the money she saved because of our service meant she could buy trainers for her two boys to go back to

LIFELINE: Volunteers preparing food distribution at Sistah Stella Headley ’s wellbeing centre in Catford

school. That’s the difference we are making.”

The initiative primarily supports African and Caribbean households but also serves White, Asian, European and mixed-heritage families. Many face food poverty, risk of homelessness, or loneliness.

The pandemic and rising food prices spurred Headley to act. “At the height of the pandemic, I went to a shop for five scotch bonnet peppers and was charged £6,” she recalled. “Prices of some of our foods went up by 300 per cent. I saw elderly people in the queue and thought, how are they going to pay?”

Determined to help, she secured a Southwark Council community centre for four hours a week and turned it into a food distribution hub.

Using her warehouse contacts, she sourced yam, plantain, okra, green bananas, and other staples. “Government parcels were tins. People weren’t eating properly,” she explained.

A GoFundMe campaign and bulk purchases from Spitalfields Market allowed the project to expand quickly. Today,

SACRED LEGACY: Rastafari celebration at Fairfield House in Bath, the former home of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, inset

more than 500 households are registered, with an average of two to three people each relying on the service.

The initiative soon outgrew its spaces. “We had to move from the community centre into a one-bedroom flat in Lewisham, and then that was too small,” Headley said. “For the last two and a half years,

I’ve been negotiating for a site in Catford, and last August I finally signed the lease. Now we have nine rooms, a courtyard, and a garden.”

Weekly activities include coffee mornings, doorstep deliveries, and Roots and Fruits gatherings where roots music is played and people collect fresh fruit and vegetables. A “social supermarket” allows members to pay £4 and pick up groceries and household essentials.

“People come and socialise, meet neighbours, and get things for others. The principle is dignity, kindness, belonging, and respect,” she said.

The project also reduces food waste, stopping items from going to landfill.

Headley sees her work as a calling. “My faith as a Rastafari allows me to do this work. The Creed is: let the sick be nourished, the hungry be fed, the aged protected, children cared for, and the naked clothed.

Doing this allows me to live Rastafari.”

She added: “It is hard work, but I’ve been through a lot, so I know what it’s like to need a helping hand. That’s why I have empathy for others.”

Her volunteers, often skilled tradespeople, also go out of their way to help – fixing homes and signposting families to other support.

The roots of Rastafari in Britain Founded in Jamaica in the 1930s, the Rastafari movement is a religious, spiritual, and cultural way of life rooted in Black consciousness and African identity. Rastafarians believe His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, the last Emperor of Ethiopia, is the Second Coming of Christ.

Garvey’s teachings about Ethiopia’s divine kingship and Africa’s central role in Black liberation profoundly shaped early Rastafari beliefs. In Britain, the movement has played a pivotal role in Black history, offering both a cultural foundation and practical support for communities.

One of the most sacred spaces for the faith is Fairfield House in Bath – the former home of Haile Selassie I. Fairfield House: A sacred legacy The Grade II-listed Victorian house which was built in the 1980s was purchased by the emperor in 1936 when he lived in exile after fascist Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia. He stayed for over four years with his family and government. After his return, he gifted the house in 1958 to the City of Bath for the care of the elderly. Today, it is managed by Fairfield House Bath CIC, which

works to preserve his legacy and provide a community hub.

Operations manager Ras Benji explained: “The earliest Rastafari visit we have on record here is from 1972.

“We know that there was Rastafari that was waiting in the garden for a couple of days just in case that the emperor came.

“He didn’t visit Bath on that visit but for us that’s an amazing record because that’s over 50 years of celebration.”

The link between Rastafari and Fairfield House was deepened by the late Ras Bandele Selassie, High Priest of the South West, who mentored generations and established monthly Sabbath celebrations there.

“Ras Bandele really strengthened the focus of the community,” said Ras Benji. “Rastafari now have more celebrations in the diary than any other group at Fairfield House.”

Since 2019, the CIC has opened the building to multiple communities, from Rastafari and Windrush elders to Chinese, Indian, and local Bath residents.

“Charities like Headway and the Brain Injury Association also use the building. It fulfils a social purpose during the continued on page 13

OCTOBER 2025

THE VOICE | 7

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

ENJOY THREE EXHIBITIONS AT LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM AS PART OF YOUR ANNUAL PASS Visitors will be able to explore a new blockbuster exhibition Art deco: the golden age of poster design opening on 21 November 2025 as well as its ongoing Legacies: London Transport’s Caribbean Workforce and Then and Now: London’s Transport in photographs exhibitions.

100 years of art deco style

London Transport Museum is celebrating the origins of art deco and its significant influence on London and its transport design over the last 100 years, and how it shaped the capital’s visual identity and heritage.

The new exhibition Art deco: the golden age of the poster design will take the visitor on a journey which starts with the origins of the artistic movement, moves on to posters that capture the world of leisure and pleasure, and then explores its architecture and the role of architect Charles Holden who helped change the face of London with his remarkable designs for new Tube stations.

Design fans, history lovers and transport enthusiasts will be amazed by an array of beautiful vintage posters of gleaming ocean liners, stylish 1930s bathers, period photographs, Clarice Cliff pottery and loans from the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), which include a Japanese Government Railway poster by one of the masters of graphic design, Munetsugu Satomi.

The glamour of the jazz age is illustrated in the posters by depicting new clothing and fashions to promote travel to the shops and evening entertainment. Viewers are invited to ‘take a trip’ through transport posters that focus on the destination rather than the mode of travel.

Then and now in pictures

Don’t miss Then and Now: London’s transport in photographs exhibition which marks the 25th anniversary of Transport for London (TfL). The images explore how public transport in London has evolved amid social change. Visitors will be able to compare scenes from the capital’s past with the present day, revealing the major influence transport infrastructure has had on the city’s development.

The exhibition features 40 striking photographs, bringing together historical images from the Museum’s collection – some dating back to the 19th century – alongside newly commissioned contemporary images Posters from left to right: Hearing the riches of London, by Frederick Charles Herrick, 1927 © TfL London Transport Museum collection, by photographer and TfL General joy, by Vera Willoughby, 1928 © TfL London Transport Museum collection and By tram from Hammersmith, Wimbledon or Train Driver, Anne Maningas.

Shepherd’s Bush, by Fred Taylor, 1922 © TfL London Transport Museum collection.

Anne Maningas is a self-taught, internationally On Friday 20 March 2026 The exhibition celebrates the Caribbean to recruit employees published photographer whose potential applicants to London work explores the themes of Transport’s recruitment camcontribution Caribbean people directly from Barbados and there will be an art deco journeys, being in transit and paign in Barbados, recorded have made to transport in other islands from 1956 to themed Museum Late evenoral histories from people of London since the 1950s to the public transport. Her unique 1970. Visitors will be able to ing event for adults only where Caribbean heritage, written present day, while also docuperspective is influenced by explore the legacy people of guests can hear talks, have a quotes from early arrivals to menting the struggles these her role as a Train Driver at Caribbean heritage have had drink in relaxed environment the UK, historic newspaper individuals and their families TfL, where she brings a deep on today’s culture in London and see the exhibition. clippings, maps and a fun endured, especially at the start understanding of the city’s and beyond. interactive to identify modernof their new lives in the capital. transport network to her work. day Caribbean Commonwealth Visitors can uncover stories Caribbean flags, will trace the journey and memories from first, Caribbean people made. second and third generation history Entry to these three exhibitions is included Lots of us are familiar with Caribbean people, from those The popular Legacies: Lonwith the general Museum admission. Adult the arrival of Caribbean people who worked for London Transdon Transport’s Caribbean tickets to visit London Transport Museum on the HMT Empire Windrush port in the 1950s and 1960s to Workforce exhibition continin Covent Garden include free return at Tilbury Docks in 1948, today’s employees. ues in the Museum galleries day-time entry for a whole year, and kids but many are unaware that Archive photography of the heart of Covent Garden. go free! To book visit: London Transport went over to the ltmuseum.co.uk

London Transport Museum Legacies Exhibition

Passageway at Tottenham Court Road Underground station, by Topical Press, 1946 © London Transport Museum Collection

8 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

News Feature

Black History Month

LAW’S FUTURE IS BLACK

TRAILBLAZER: Judge and co-founder of the Black Solicitors Network (BSN) and UK Association of Black Judges (UKABJ) Cordella Bart-Stewart

Cordella Bart-Stewart was told she wouldn’t become a lawyer — which only made her more determined.

Today, she hopes to inspire others. By Vic Motune

A

T SCHOOL, a young Cordella Bart-Stewart told her careers adviser she wanted to be a lawyer. The response was blunt: it would be too hard for her — not because she was Black, but because she was a girl.

Later, even her church pastor warned her mother she was “getting above herself ” by daring to aspire to the law.

Those voices could easily have crushed her ambition. But BartStewart never doubted herself.

“I didn’t see women lawyers on television at the time, only men, but it never occurred to me that women couldn’t do it,” she recalls.

She pressed on, gained her law degree, and in 1987 qualified as a solicitor at a time when Black women lawyers were almost unheard of in Britain.

Her determination to step into

spaces others thought off-limits has carried her from setting up her own High Street practice, to co-founding the Black Solicitors Network (BSN), to serving as a leading immigration judge, and now to helping create history once again as a co-founder of the UK Association of Black Judges (UKABJ).

fee-paid judges, only 69 are Black.

“It is disappointing that in 2025 such an organisation is considered necessary,” Bart-Stewart told the audience at the launch.

“But representation matters.

For the system to command the confidence of the society it serves, it must reflect the full breadth and richness of that society.”

A foundation of change The UKABJ’s aims are clear: In July this year, the Supreme Court to be a unifying voice for Black hosted the launch of the UKABJ, judges, to challenge structural described as “a foundation of change barriers in appointments, and to for those who will come after.” mentor the next generation.

Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, It will work with the Judicial Supreme Court justices including Diversity Committee, the Judicial Lady Simler and Lord Leggatt, and College and the Judicial AppointBaroness Doreen Lawrence were ments Commission, while also among those present at the launch. providing career support and The new body was born of a networking opportunities. stark reality: just one per cent of judges in the UK are Black — a Breaking barriers figure unchanged in a decade. Out For Bart-Stewart, the launch is the of more than 5,000 salaried and latest chapter in a career defined

by perseverance in the face of For 25 years she combined her seeming obstacles. judicial role with running her pracShe set up her own firm in 1990, tice, showing that Black solicitors determined to serve her commu- could not only reach the bench but nity rather than pursue corporate thrive there. law.

“I wanted independence, to run A call for allies my own firm, and to be rooted in The idea for the Association of the Black community rather than Black Judges grew out of conpart of a large corporate practice,” versations at a conference of the she recalls.

Association of Women Judges.

Her introduction to immigration “After speaking there, I followed law was almost accidental. A faup with colleagues and suggested we vour for a friend snowballed into a meet more broadly. We realised that, caseload of people in need of help. despite the many diversity initiatives, Over time, she saw stark injus- no one had even compiled a list of tices in how Black communities Black judges so most of us didn’t were treated. That led her to push know where the others were or even for wider change, including the how many there were” she says. launch of the BSN in 1995.

“That struck us as significant.

Its Diversity League Table, first We needed a space to connect, published in 2005, forced law firms share experiences, and address to confront uncomfortable truths progression, because apart from about recruitment and progresLinda Dobbs, who later resigned, sion. no Black judge has ever reached “Law is a club with its own rules, the High Court. Other groups have and if you don’t know them, you moved forward—there are Asian can’t progress,” she says. judges in the Court of Appeal—but By creating spaces where Black we haven’t even broken through solicitors could share knowledge that barrier.” and support each other, she helped The UKABJ is determined not to open doors for thousands. be a closed circle. “Progress cannot rest on the shoulders of a few,” Path to the bench Bart-Stewart told the launch audiBy the early 2000s, the absence ence. “It requires those who are not of Black judges was glaring. “You directly affected to also recognise could count them on one hand,” their role in removing barriers and Bart-Stewart recalled. widening the path.”

When urged to apply for the She is frank about the frustrabench, she hesitated. “If I applied tions. Black judges, she said, are and they didn’t appoint me, at least often forced to justify their presI could highlight the hypocrisy,” she ence, with colleagues muttering tells The Voice. that they have filled a quota.

She spent two years preparing Others face barriers even enterbefore applying for a part-time im- ing the very court buildings where migration judge role in 2000. they sit. “It is tiring and tiresome,” Many told her she would not she said. “But we keep excelling, succeed — because she was a forcing uncomfortable conversasolicitor, because she was Black, tions through undeniable talent.” because she was a woman.

Bar Council chair Barbara Mills But she refused to self-exclude. KC, the first Black woman in that “I knew I had the right experience, role, welcomed the launch. “Every and I didn’t see why I shouldn’t year we are told that there is gradual succeed. These constant messages progress being made towards a make people exclude themselves, more diverse judiciary, but it’s far too but I refused to do that.” slow for Black lawyers and this is no She applied, was interviewed, longer good enough,” she said. and was appointed.

Law Society president Richard

Atkinson agreed. He said: “While there have been some positive changes relating to Asian and mixed-ethnicity candidates, no progress at all is being made about Black candidates.”

Advice for the future For aspiring judges, Bart-Stewart’s message is clear: excellence and preparation matter.

“Seek guidance early and choose work experience carefully, because judicial appointments are senior, highly competitive, and demand excellence,” she says.

“Study the backgrounds and skills of existing judges to understand what it really takes.”

Her own journey offers a blueprint: resilience in the face of scepticism, independence of vision, and the belief that obstacles can be turned into stepping stones.

Black futures matter As The Voice marks Black History Month under the theme “Black Futures Matter,” the launch of the UKABJ is both historic and forward-looking. It honours those who paved the way, while creating structures to ensure the next generation can go further.

“This moment is not just for us,” Bart-Stewart told the Supreme Court gathering. “It is for the young law student wondering if there’s a future for them in the highest courts. It is for the communities who deserve to see justice done and to see themselves reflected in those who deliver it at every level.”

For her, the four-year-old Windrush Generation member from Jamaica whose mother cleaned offices and whose father worked in a factory, the journey has come full circle.

“The young Cordella would never have imagined this evening, speaking in this venue,” she told the audience at the launch.

“We hope this is a foundation of change for those who will come after, and I hope you will all be proud to be part of it and contribute to its success.”

OCTOBER 2025

THE VOICE | 9

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

CELEBRATING BLACK CONTRIBUTIONS TO HEALTH RESEARCH

A

s we celebrate Black History Month 2025, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is proud to spotlight Black researchers who are shaping the future of health and care.

These Black individuals are leading the way, doing groundbreaking research and working to make healthcare better for all. They are advancing science and delivering vital work to address existing health inequalities, while empowering communities and encouraging more Black people to take part in research.

We are honoured to shine a light on their achievements and show how you can also help shape the future of Black health through research.

Predicting pre-term births

Dr Dilichukwu “Dilly” Anumba is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Sheffield and a NIHR Senior Investigator. He is particularly interested in how new technologies can help solve problems in pregnancy and reduce inequalities in care and outcomes.

Encouraging conversations about prostate cancer

Dr Anumba

Over the last decade, Dr Anumba invented a new tool to help predict the risk of pre-term birth.

The small handheld device uses a weak electrical current to measure the tissue in the cervix. It is able to determine as soon as 20 weeks, whether a woman is at risk of having her baby early.

The tool is now undergoing regulatory approvals for use in the UK, Europe, China, India and the Middle East.

Pre-term birth is the most common cause of death in babies and can lead to several complications, such as cerebral palsy, lung infections, and problems with eyesight. In the UK, roughly 50,000 babies are born before 37 weeks in the womb every year.

Black and Asian women are more likely to give birth prematurely than white women. Dr Anumba is also working to change this by developing a new app that helps midwives better assess a mother’s risk of pre-term birth.

He said: “There’s good evidence that using a decision support tool can reduce this variation in care. When you use the tool you ask the right questions, you give the right information, and you signpost every pregnant person to the right care.”

The tool will be rolled out to 26 maternity units across England for testing as part of an NIHRfunded and supported trial.

Dr Olufikayo Bamidele is a NIHR Advanced Fellow at Hull York Medical School. She is passionate about understanding inequalities in cancer and engaging Black communities to bring their voices to the forefront of research.

1 in 4 Black men in the UK will develop cancer. That’s double the number of white men.

Catching cancer early when it’s easier to treat, or can be monitored, can save lives.

But stigma and misconceptions can prevent Black men from talking openly about prostate cancer or seeking timely help.

Dr Bamidele Dr Bamidele’s current research, called DESTIGMATISE, aims to understand and address stigma related to prostate cancer within Black communities in the UK. She said: “We don’t have a national routine screening programme for prostate cancer at the moment. So there is a need for Black men to be aware of their risk and be proactive about getting tested early before they develop symptoms.”

“If we’re able to understand what the stigma is about, then we can address these misconceptions and begin to normalise conversations about prostate cancer within Black communities. We may not be able to do much about ethnicity and family history being risk factors, but we can change men’s behaviour and attitudes towards the illness and save lives.”

Getting older people more engaged in rehab

Dr Rhian Milton-Cole is a Senior Clinical Research Fellow in the Centre for Bone and Joint Health at Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NHS Trust. She is an orthopaedic physiotherapist by trade.

During her PhD, Dr Milton-Cole studied the impact of depression on hip fracture rehabilitation. She is now expanding her research into all fragility fractures.

Fragility fractures typically happen when older adults have a fall. As people age, their bones get weaker and can break more easily. Common fragility fractures include hips, wrists and spine, but they can also happen in the pelvis and ankles.

Dr Milton-Cole hopes to develop a way for community physiotherapists to better engage with people with a low mood, as this can impact how quickly they recover.

She said: “I’m hoping to develop an intervention that will help people with depressive symptoms to engage in their fragility fracture rehab as much as possible. The whole idea is about increasing their mobility and getting them back to what they were doing before their broken bone.”

Dr Milton-Cole is also developing a longerterm research programme that will examine how underserved groups experience rehabilitation.

She said: “I’ll be looking at things like ethnicity and socioeconomic status and how those factors influence rehabilitation for fragility fractures.”

How you can help too

You can also make a difference to the health and care of tomorrow by taking part in research. This

Dr Milton-Cole can be as simple as filling out a survey or talking about your experiences. And you don’t always need to have the condition that is being studied.

Ensuring everyone is represented in research helps ensure that treatments and care work well for everyone. It can lead to a better, healthier future for you, your family and your community.

Not sure where to start? The NIHR has developed an easy-to-use service, called Be Part of Research, that matches you to suitable studies based on your interests and where you live. We’ll send the info straight to your inbox, then you decide whether to take part or not.

SCAN ME ››

Help shape the future of Black health through research. Learn more at bepartofresearch.uk

10 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

News Feature

LEADING AFRICA’S WAY

W

HEN BURKINA Faso, Mali and Niger announced earlier this month that they were immediately withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC), the global community was stunned.

The three military-led countries denounced the court as an “instrument of neo-colonialist repression” and declared they would no longer recognise its authority.

“The ICC has proven itself incapable of handling and prosecuting proven war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide, and crimes of aggression,” the leaders said in a joint statement.

Instead, they pledged to create “indigenous mechanisms for the consolidation of peace and justice”.

For many observers, the fingerprints of Captain Ibrahim Traoré – the 37-year-old president of Burkina Faso and one of the world’s youngest heads of state – were all over this historic move.

For millions across Africa and the diaspora, it is yet another example of Traoré positioning himself as the face of a new era of African resistance.

How Captain Ibrahim Traoré has turned himself into the face of the living struggle for the continent’s liberation. By Obinna Amaechi

RALLY: Supporters of Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traoré hold placards in support of him in April after military authorities claimed to have foiled a “major plot” to stage a coup (photo: Getty Images)

colonial powers on trial for the historic crimes of slavery, plunder and the exploitation of African resources.

For Traoré and his allies, pulling Why say “no” to the Hague? out of the ICC is not a rejection of justice but a demand for fairness.

Since its creation in 2002, the ICC has indicted 73 individuals, the The echo of Sankara and overwhelming majority of whom Lumumba are African. From Sudan’s Omar Traoré’s leadership cannot be al-Bashir to Ivory Coast’s Laurent understood in isolation. His rise Gbagbo, African leaders have fits into a much longer Pan-African repeatedly found themselves in tradition — from Ghana’s Kwame the dock.

Nkrumah, who declared independMeanwhile, no Western leader has ever faced ICC scrutiny for al- ence meaningless without the liberation of all Africa, to Congo’s leged war crimes in Iraq, AfghaniPatrice Lumumba, whose defiance stan or elsewhere. of Belgian and Western interests The imbalance has fuelled cost him his life, and Burkina long-standing suspicion that the court was designed not as a global Faso’s own Thomas Sankara, the revolutionary leader assassinated arbiter of justice, but as a tool at just 37. to discipline leaders who stand The comparisons with Sankara outside the orbit of the West. are especially striking.

Critics of the ICC argue that Both men came to power young, international justice has never been neutral. It has punished some both wore military fatigues, both spoke unapologetically about of the powerless while shielding sovereignty, and both sought to the powerful.

And it has never, not once, put wrest their countries from depend-

ALTERNATIVE PARTNERSHIPS: Traoré with Vladimir Putin: critics in the West call him a Kremlin proxy, but supporters say his alliances reflect Africa charting its own course (photo: Getty)

ency on foreign powers. Sankara called for Africa to live African, produce African, and consume African. Traoré has echoed those calls by expelling French troops, demanding the renegotiation of exploitative gold contracts, and asserting that Burkina Faso’s natural resources must benefit its people, not foreign corporations.

It is no accident that demonstrations in support of Traoré, from Ouagadougou to Paris to London, often feature his face alongside posters of Sankara, Lumumba and Nkrumah. His admirers see him as the next chapter in an unbroken story of resistance.

LEADER: Captain Ibrahim Traoré, president of Burkina Faso, has become a symbol of Africa’s fight against neo-colonialism and a new generation of Pan-African leadership (photo Getty Images)

rooted in Cold War thinking, is Whatever his flaws, Traoré has being written every day in Ouagadougou, Bamako and Niamey, misleading and deeply patronisreignited debates about soverjust as it was written in Accra and ing. It assumes that Africans are eignty, resource nationalism and incapable of independent thought, the unfinished business of decolo- Kinshasa in decades past.

By saying “no” to The Hague, echoing the same condescension nisation. He has also weathered once directed at the leaders of alleged assassination attempts and Traoré and his allies are not rejecting justice. They are forcing Haiti’s revolution, when European continues to enjoy extraordinary observers insisted there must have grassroots support, with thousands the world to confront the double been a hidden white mastermind taking to the streets to defend his standards of international law, to question why colonial powers behind their victories. leadership and vision. have never been held to account, As Traoré’s supporters argue, coFor many across Africa, this is operation with other powers does what true revolution looks like: not and to ask whether Africa’s future not mean subordination. The point empty speeches, but concrete ac- must always be dictated by others.

This is not nostalgia. It is not is not whether Africa chooses to tion on housing, healthcare, educasymbolism. It is a living, breathing partner with the West, Russia or tion and wealth redistribution. struggle for liberation that conChina, but that Africa makes those nects past, present and future. choices for itself.

History in the present A new generation Whether Traoré can deliver on Here in Britain, October marks But Traoré is not simply a revival the immense hopes invested in Unfinished struggle Black History Month – a time to of old revolutionary rhetoric. He him remains uncertain. History is Of course, Traoré faces enormous remember the giants of our past, represents something new: a full of leaders whose promise was generational shift in African leader- challenges. Burkina Faso continues from Marcus Garvey to Harriet cut short. But what is undeniable to be ravaged by jihadist violence, Tubman, from Kwame Nkrumah to ship. More than 60% of Africa’s millions remain displaced, and crit- Thomas Sankara. But this year, the is the impact he has had – energispopulation is under 25. For these ics point to delays in democratic theme “Black Futures Matter” asks ing Africa’s youth, inspiring diaspoyoung people, tired of unemploytransition and restrictions on press us to look not only backwards, but ras across Europe and beyond, and ment, insecurity and corruption, reopening global conversations Traoré embodies their frustrations freedoms. Yet his supporters argue forwards: to celebrate those who about sovereignty and justice. that these issues must be seen in are shaping history right now. and their hopes.

For his critics, he is a dangerthe context of a state struggling to That is why Ibrahim Traoré He has tapped into a spirit of stabilise itself after decades of un- matters. He reminds us that Black ous populist. For his supporters, Pan-African self-determination he is the embodiment of Africa’s that feels both urgent and contem- derdevelopment and exploitation. history is not a closed book. It is unfinished revolution. porary. With Mali and Niger, BurFor many in the African and kina Faso has formed the Alliance Caribbean diaspora, he is a figure of Sahel States, pledging mutual who resonates profoundly with support and rejecting the dictates the question at the heart of Black of regional and Western blocs.

History Month: not only what our This co-operation is not simply past means, but how our future symbolic. will be shaped.

It marks a realignment away The truth may lie somewhere from dependency on foreign aid in between. and military bases towards regional But one thing is clear: Captain solidarity and, in some cases, alterIbrahim Traoré has reminded native partnerships with Russia, LEGACY: Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah (left) was the first president the world that Africa’s strugChina and other powers. to champion Pan-African unity; Burkina Faso’s other revolutionary gle against neo-colonialism is Western governments have far from over – and that Black responded by dismissing Traoré as hero Thomas Sankara (right) had a vision of self-determination a Kremlin proxy. But this narrative, that continues to inspire leaders such as Traoré (photo: Getty) futures matter.

OCTOBER 2025

THE VOICE | 11

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

“Like with fire safety, prevention and early detection make all the difference with prostate cancer”

I

n my line of work, I see the power of prevention every day. Just like having and testing a smoke alarm at home regularly can save lives, understanding if you’re at higher risk of prostate cancer and acting early by speaking to your GP might just save your life.

I know this all too well, because prostate cancer has had a huge impact on my family. My dad was diagnosed with the disease after it had already spread, meaning it was much more difficult to treat.

AWARENESS He was one of the lucky ones and reacted well to treatment, but I know of other men, especially in the Black community, who weren’t so lucky.

Awareness is key, and that’s why it was an honour to work with Prostate Cancer UK at the London Fire Brigade’s Open Day at Notting Hill Carnival this summer. The charity is the biggest public funder of prostate cancer research in the UK and also works to raise vital awareness of the disease, campaigns to right historic health inequalities across the UK, and provides support for men living with and after prostate cancer.

Assistant Commissioner for Operational Resilience and Control at London Fire Brigade, Patrick Goulbourne

NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL The open day also highlighted that important messages about health work best when they come from trusted voices from within the community.

Just as the London Fire Brigade is a pillar of safety in the capital, we need charities like Prostate Cancer UK and men who have been affected by this disease sharing their stories to break down the barriers that often prevent Black men from talking about prostate cancer.

Community engagement: Prostate Cancer UK & LFB team members raising community awareness at Notting Hill Carnival The statistics are stark; 1 in 4 Black men will get the disease - that’s double the risk of white men. For me, it’s even more important to have prostate cancer on my radar given my family history of the disease and my age, as Black men over 45 and white men over 50 are at higher risk.

PREVENTION Understanding your prostate cancer risk isn’t about living in fear – it’s about taking responsibility. That’s why I recently had a PSA blood test. It was quick, simple and gave me peace of mind. I urge all men to take this step, because like with fire safety, prevention and early detection make all the difference.

Black men are also more likely to be diagnosed when their prostate cancer is at an advanced stage, just like my dad. However, the earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat, meaning that finding it early could be lifesaving.

At the moment, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK without a screening programme, meaning it’s down to men to speak to their GPs about

testing. The UK National Screening Committee is due to release its recommendations on prostate cancer screening by the end of the year, meaning that targeted screening for men at higher risk like me could be a possibility soon.

GUIDELINES But until then, I’m supporting Prostate Cancer UK’s call to empower GPs to start conversations about prostate cancer with men at highest risk of the disease from 45 years old, rather than wait for men to come to them. If these guidelines had been changed sooner, brothers, sons, friends and dads, like mine, could have been diagnosed much earlier, giving them an even better chance of successful treatment.

The good news is that Black men don’t have to wait for guidelines to change to act; you have the right to a PSA blood test for free from your GP. But right now, what we can all do, and what I urge everyone reading this to do, is talk to the men closest to you about this disease and ask them to check their own risk and speak to their GP.

Check your risk in 30 seconds using Prostate Cancer UK’s online Risk Checker via www.prostatecanceruk.org/riskchecker Fighting for a common cause: L-R Patrick Goulbourne Assistant Commissioner for Operational Resilience and Control at London Fire Brigade, & Keith Morgan, Prostate Cancer UK Associate Director of Black Health Equity

Prostate Cancer UK Risk Checker

12 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

Black History Month

News Feature

BLACK ENTREPRENEURS ARE SHAKING UP THE TECH WORLD

Black-led companies are shaping tomorrow and making sure that Black futures matter.

By Vic Motune

W

HEN TWIN brothers Oliver and Alexander Kent-Braham launched their insurtech company Marshmallow, they were told the insurance industry was too traditional, too entrenched to disrupt.

But by 2021, their firm had joined the exclusive unicorn club for companies valued at over $1 billion. In the process of reaching this milestone, they rewrote the rules of what a Black-founded tech company could achieve in Britain.

Their story is no outlier.

Across fintech, healthtech, AI and creative industries, Black entrepreneurs are helping to reshape technology while simultaneously tackling systemic barriers that have long kept people of colour at the margins of innovation.

It is proof, say observers, that Black history is not only something to look back on each October, it is being written today.

That message is at the heart of this year’s Black Tech Fest (BTF), the UK’s largest gathering of Black professionals in technology.

Set to take place on October 9 at London’s Drumsheds, it will host 7,000 attendees, over 150 speakers and a line-up that includes global giants like Microsoft, Uber and Citi alongside grassroots innovators.

Organisers say it will be the biggest BTF yet and the clearest demonstration of the idea that “Black Futures Matter”, that Black history is being made today and will shape the future.

of Black professionals in the tech sector that I know of, and every year it continues to grow. Looking back at last year, we had people from companies like Microsoft, Google, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Expedia, Just Eat and many more – even competitors who came together to be part of it.”

This year’s programme spans three stages. The “Future of Work” track will explore career journeys from apprentices to C-suite leaders. “Tech and AI” brings together top engineers and product chiefs from Monzo, Spotify, Microsoft and IBM to discuss everything from generative AI to ethics and bias.

“Innovation Meets Culture” highlights the intersection of creativity and technology, with appearances from comedian Munya Chawawa, cultural fashion houses like Daily Paper, and executives from Uber and BT. “I’m really proud of what we’ve put together for this year’s Black Tech Fest,” says Ainsley. “We’ve created a world-class programme across three stages. For me, that’s what Black Tech Fest is about: world-class conversations rooted in our community.”

Why Black futures matter The timing of the event – in the first week of Black History Month – is no accident. However, Ainsley is clear that BTF is about looking forward and shaping history rather than merely looking back.

“At Black Tech Fest, we see ourselves as sitting at the intersection of innovation and culture,” A festival for the future he says. “For me, innovation is Co-founded in 2020 by Colorinabout creating something new and tech, Black Tech Fest began as a looking to the future. That’s why virtual conference to tackle the I don’t see Black Tech Fest simply lack of diversity in the UK’s tech a celebration of Black history. Yes, sector. the people on stage are iconic and In just five years, it has become have achieved incredible things, a cornerstone event, bringing tobut what excites me most is what gether students, start-ups, industry they’re going to do next and the leaders and investors to celebrate contributions they’ll make to the Black excellence and debate how technology of tomorrow.” technology can be harnessed for Technology, he argues, is moving inclusion and innovation. too fast for the Black community Ashleigh Ainsley, one of the fes- to be left behind. tival’s co-founders, believes what “Take facial recognition as an exthey have built since the event was ample. It’s being rolled out across launched is groundbreaking. councils and law enforcement, “I’d say what we’re doing with but studies repeatedly show that it Black Tech Fest is historic,” he tells performs less accurately for people The Voice. “ It’s the largest gathering with darker skin tones, particularly

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS: A Black AI developer leads a team meeting – proof of the talent and leadership emerging across the technology sector (photo: Getty Images)

Black people. This has serious implications. We need our community to understand the risks, but more importantly, we need people from our communities involved in building these technologies.”

It is this urgency – ensuring that Black voices are at the table when the technologies of the future are being designed – that makes BTF more than just another conference.

Breaking barriers in tech But the barriers are real. A landmark 2020 study by Extend Ventures found that just 0.24 per cent of venture capital investment in the UK between 2009 and 2019 went to Black entrepreneurs. Only one Black female founder raised significant Series A funding during that decade.

“When I think about innovation and technology, it’s not just about looking back; it’s about shaping the history that’s being created now and in the future. If we only focus on the past, we risk missing what’s happening right now and what’s ahead”

Meanwhile, a 2023 reCatford in south London, he port by BCS and Coding recalls his mother ensuring Black Females showed he had strong literacy skills that while Black women before starting school, giving make up 1.8 per cent of him a head start. the UK workforce, they Denied access to an account for just 0.7 per Oxbridge prep programme decent of IT professionals. spite high grades at GCSE and The report found A-level, he taught himself how that many needed more to apply and eventually earned skills and qualifications a place at Oxford University. than their peers to seHISTORIC: Ashleigh “I think the theme running cure roles, faced microaggressions Ainsley, co-founder through my life is that I don’t like in predominantly White teams, of Black Tech Fest being told I can’t do something,” and struggled to progress to senior he reflects. “When people say I’m positions. not capable or it’s not for me, I take Despite this, Black-led VC funds that personally and use it as fuel and founders are making breakto prove them wrong. I set my own throughs. their expertise, we create the conlimits – others don’t get to do that Eric Collins’ Impact X Capital ditions for them to influence the has successfully backed minority- future of technology in meaningful for me.” led tech companies, while Black ways,” says Ainsley. “Because the Seed, a Brixton-based venture firm, truth is, if we don’t change who is Looking ahead Ainsley and his team are deterhas raised over £5m to invest exat the table, the same groups will clusively in Black-owned start-ups. continue to be disadvantaged – mined to ensure that the innovaObservers say Marshmallow’s women, ethnic minorities, people tion shaping society is not built unicorn success proves the ecowithout the voices of those most with disabilities. We’ve seen that nomic value of inclusive investpattern repeat throughout history. often excluded. ment.

Whether it is AI in policing, I want us to break that cycle.”

Entrepreneurs like Anne-Marie financial tools closing the racial Imafidon, founder of Stemettes, Innovation and resilience wealth gap, or creative tech giving and Sharmadean Reid, creator Ainsley insists representation must Black culture global reach, the of Beautystack, are building new be more than tokenism. future is already being written. pathways for women in STEM and “I’ve never accepted the excuse As Ainsley puts it: “When I think digital industries while Londonfrom the organisers of mainstream about innovation and technology, based investor Chenelle le Ansah is tech events that ‘we can’t find it’s not just about looking back; it’s directing millions into climate tech diverse speakers.’ Every year, our about shaping the history that’s beand fintech ventures. line-up has been majority women And programmes like the UK’s and overwhelmingly Black profes- ing created now and in the future.

Black Founders initiative – backed sionals. These people exist – they’re If we only focus on the past, we risk

by Sony, Channel 4 and Digital just not always given the platform missing what’s happening right now and what’s ahead.”

Catapult – are helping early-stage they deserve. By showcasing For those gathering at DrumBlack-founded start-ups in deep them, we challenge the industry to tech and creative industries thrive. rethink its assumptions and prove sheds this October, the message is clear: Black history is alive in the “By raising the profiles of Black- that the talent is out there.” here and now – and Black futures led VC funds and founders, giving His own story is proof of what them visibility, and showcasing persistence can achieve. Raised in matter.

OCTOBER 2025 THE VOICE | 13

News Feature

Black History Month continued from page 6 week,” said Ras Benji. For him, Fairfield House represents both history and hope: “The Rastafari community have always been forebearers of African-centric activities.

Championing His Majesty inspires everyone. Locally, their contributions are visible – maintaining the grounds, working in the kitchen, serving on the board. Rastafari are across this organisation, working for progress with others.”

He urges members of the wider Black British community to visit.

“It’s important to walk in the emperor’s footsteps. In exile, he lived humbly, like an ordinary man. That inspires us. As it was a sanctuary for him, it remains a sanctuary for Rastafari today.”

Most Sundays, visitors can join guided tours exploring the emperor’s history. This October 18, the Ethiopian com-

BELONGING: Sistah Stella munity will host a celebration marking the day Haile Selassie was made a Freeman of the City of Bath.

Keeping the spirit alive One elder closely tied to Fairfield House is Ras Habakkuk, from Clarendon, Jamaica, who came to England in 1967.

“When I arrived, there weren’t any Rastas in Bath apart from the emperor himself living at Fairfield,” he recalled.

Calling Fairfield House “the palace of the emperor,” he described finding it as a spiritual experience.

“It’s like a spirit pulled me straight across Victoria Park, following the emperor’s footsteps, and I wound up at Fairfield House.”

In the 1970s, he often helped the elderly residents, sometimes being the only Black person permitted inside.

“The milkman was Black, but he would leave the bottles on the doorstep,” he recalled.

In 1994, when the council proposed selling the house, Ras Habakkuk and Ras Bandele led a campaign to save it.

“That’s why Fairfield House is standing today,” he said.

Since then, he has worked closely with the Ethiopian Royal Family to preserve its significance. “It means everything to me. I love what I am doing. We are here to keep the legacy going – it is the number one house in the world!”

He also wants more Black Britons to visit Fairfield House.

“Come and feel the spirit in the house and yard. I want Black women especially to be empowered, knowing Empress Menen was here. She was the backbone for the emperor.”

Earlier this year, Ras Habakkuk was honoured with the Beryl Dixon Community Leader of the Year Award by Bath and North East Somerset Council for his contributions to the local community.

He told The Voice he has a deep love for his community and the elderly and says he will continue to be of service for many years to come.

A lasting contribution From food banks in London to historic sites in Bath, Rastafari-led initiatives continue to sustain and uplift Black Britons.

Their work draws on a legacy of self-reliance, faith, and service – ensuring no one is forgotten.

Speaking about this legacy, Sistah Stella Headley said: “The Rastafari Creed is let the sick be nourished, the hungry be fed, the aged protected, children cared for and the naked clothed. So doing this it just allows me to be Rastafari.

“I used to wonder how I can be Rastafari in this country but doing this work allows me to fulfil the Creed and it doesn’t feel like work, and it feels like I am just doing what Rastafari is.”

COMMUNITY FOCUS: Fairfield House operations manager Ras Benji holding a copy of Time magazine which features Emperor Haile Selassie on the front cover; far left, Ras Habakkuk in the grounds of Fairfield House

BCAP Independent Advisory Steering Group

CHAIR AND X4 MEMBERS Independent Advisory Steering Group Black Community Action Plan

Help Shape the Future of Brent’s Black Community Action Plan Are you passionate about driving meaningful change and tackling inequality?

Do you bring lived experience, professional expertise, and a commitment to community-led progress?

Launched in 2020, the Black Community Action Plan (BCAP) is Brent Council’s 10-year commitment to addressing the structural inequalities disproportionately affecting Black communities.

Following a recent community-led refresh of the Plan, Brent Council is recruiting a Chair and four Independent Members to join its Independent Advisory Steering Group (IASG) – a newly established body supporting the delivery of the BCAP 2025–2029.

The IASG will be responsible for ensuring accountability of the BCAP. It will help drive activity and evaluate delivery, attract and oversee project funding, provide insight, challenge and transparency and amplify community voices.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We’re seeking individuals who can bring knowledge and/or lived experience of Black communities, along with expertise in at least one of the following areas: • • • • • • •

Early Intervention, Children and Family Development Health and Health Inequalities Management or Operation of Community Assets Housing (Social Housing, Private Rented Sector, Housing Associations) and Property ownership Employment, Skills, and Business Enterprise Community Engagement and Development Fundraising and Income Generation

You’ll need to be a confident communicator, strategic thinker, and someone who can collaborate, challenge constructively, and advocate for long-term, evidence-based solutions. For the Chair role, we are looking for someone with demonstrable leadership experience, ideally having chaired boards or partnerships at a regional or national level.

HELPING HAND: Sistah Stella’s project reduces food waste

Remuneration: Chair: £1,800 per annum.

Members: £1,110 per annum.

Time Commitment: Minimum of 6 meetings per year (in person, Brent Civic Centre). Additional occasional meetings and at least one annual public event.

Tenure: 4-year term (with a maximum of 2 terms)

HOW TO APPLY

Please read our candidate pack on our website for more information about the roles and how to apply. www.brent.gov.uk If you have any questions about the role or would find it helpful to have an informal conversation, please contact: CommunityDevelopment@brent.gov.uk To apply, submit your CV, along with a short supporting statement (maximum 1 page) outlining your motivation for applying along with your knowledge and experience as outlined in the person specification.

Please indicate if you wish to be considered for the Chair, Member, or both roles.

TIMETABLE

Closing date: Sunday 12 October (midnight) Interview date: Week Commencing 20 October 2025 The interviews will be held in person held at: Brent Civic Centre.

We would appreciate it if you could complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form via the online application process. This information will not form part of your application.

The information we collect from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct.

Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas and your data protection rights, can be found on our website.

As a disability confident employer Brent welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including “non-visible” disabilities and mental health conditions.

If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process, please contact amanda.Jales@brent.gov.uk

14 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

Special Feature

What is flu?

Flu (influenza) is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms include a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and

ADVERTORIAL

fatigue. Flu spreads easily between people when they cough or sneeze.

Flu can cause severe illness which can lead to pneumonia and sepsis, resulting in hospitalisation and death, particularly among the very

Who should have a flu vaccine and why?

young, older people, pregnant women and those with a serious medical condition.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease.

Is the flu vaccine safe and what are the side effects?

• The injected flu vaccines do not contain

HEALTHCARE WORKERS

• Anyone working in healthcare whose job brings them into contact with patients should have a free flu vaccination to protect

the people they care for from the complications they may suffer if they get flu.

As well as clinical and nursing staff, this includes estates and facilities staff, admin support staff and additional clinical staff.

live viruses, so cannot give you flu. Instead, they trigger your body’s own immune response or defence mechanism to produce antibodies to the vaccine.

Some people get a slightly raised temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards. This shows your immune system is working to protect against the latest strains of flu and is mild compared to the complications if you get flu.

These vaccines have been rigorously tested, are constantly monitored and we know

that the benefits of having the vaccinations far outweigh any risk. We encourage everyone who is eligible to get their flu vaccination as soon as possible. It is without doubt the best way to protect yourself from the flu virus that can cause serious harm.

Why do I need a flu vaccine every year?

Protection from the flu vaccine goes down with time and the types of flu virus in circulation change so the vaccine is updated each year. This is why it’s important to get the flu vaccine every year.

OCTOBER 2025

THE VOICE | 15

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

(L -R) Dr Oge Ilozue, Dr Datapwa Mujong and Dr Julie Hammond are all GPs and, along with their colleagues, take active roles within their community.

CHILDREN

• Flu can be very unpleasant,

DURING PREGNANCY

• Black women have historically faced disparities in healthcare and ensuring that more of us are vaccinated in pregnancy is one step closer to closing these gaps.

We already know that Black women have higher rates of pregnancy complications, and our babies are at greater risk of preterm birth and also low birth weight as well. This means

CARERS

• If you provide unpaid care, for example as a family member, close friend or neighbour, for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick, get your free flu vaccine to protect them from serious illness.

that protecting our health and also our baby’s health is even more critical. Vaccinations against flu, whooping cough and RSV during this period offer a powerful way to safeguard against and prevent serious illnesses that can exacerbate these risks.

This is why the three doctors strongly recommend and advocate for vaccinations in the Black community.

especially for children. It can lead to serious complications like pneumonia and in some cases, admission to hospital or intensive care.

That is why every year, children aged 2 to 16 are offered the nasal flu vaccine.

It is quick and painless. An injection is available if you do not want your child to have the nasal spray vaccine. Ask for the flu vaccine injection on the school consent form.

Children aged 2 to 3 years can get the flu vaccine at their GP surgery or at a local pharmacy that offers NHS children’s flu vaccination. School-aged children (Reception to Year 11) should receive an invitation from their school.

Some children may get a mild fever or muscle aches for a day or two after the vaccine.

These are signs that their immune system is building protection against the latest flu strains. If you have any concerns or questions about vaccines, speak to a healthcare professional such as your GP, nurse or pharmacist.

They can provide clear, evidence-based information.

What if you still have questions?

• If you do have questions or concerns about

vaccinations, we encourage you to speak to a trusted healthcare professional. This can be your GP, pharmacist, health visitor or consult-

ant, all of whom can provide evidence-based information. nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine

16 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

Dr Julie Hammond Health Matters

Black History Month Join the debate online voice-online.co.uk/opinion

MAKING A BIG DIFFERENCE

CHANGE FOR THE BETTER: As a student considering a career in medicine, Dr Julie Hammond recalls the lack of visible Black role models — a landscape she says has transformed today (photo: Getty

Introducing the modern-day Black healthcare leaders revolutionising UK healthcare

W

HEN I was growing up with the dream of becoming a doctor, the barrier to entry felt impossibly high.

I attended a secondary school where only a third of students were expected to leave with at least five GCSEs at a passing grade. I had no role models in medicine who looked like me, no teachers who believed in my potential to cheer me on, and I had no connections to hospitals or healthcare organisations.

At the time, I could barely imagine a future in medicine, and I certainly had no idea of the many ways in which healthcare leaders could make an impact that stretched beyond the consulting room.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape looks very different.

As part of The Voice’s Black History Month coverage, which celebrates the Black Britons making history today, I asked on LinkedIn for nominations of inspiring modern-day leaders transforming UK healthcare – and the response was overwhelming.

I received more than 50 names of individuals working across hospitals, general practice, public health, community services, academia, and digital health.

I am delighted to highlight five individuals who represent the brilliance, innovation, and dedication within our community. Each of them is playing a vital role in revolutionising UK healthcare services across the country.

Professor Kevin Fenton CBE Professor Kevin Fenton is an internationally recognised public health leader and infectious disease epidemiologist with executive experience across government, academia, and global health institutions. He has played a pivotal role in shaping national and international policy on health improvement, health protection, and reducing inequalities.

As Regional Director of Public Health for London, he led the city’s response to the pandemic and authored the landmark Beyond the Data report on disparities in risks and outcomes.

Images)

Professor Fenton is also Chief Advisor on HIV to the UK Government, and in 2020, the Powerlist named him the second most influential Black person.

His career is dedicated to advancing health equity and improving outcomes for communities most in need.

Professor Bola Owolabi Professor Bola Owolabi is Director of the National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme at NHS England and a GP in the Midlands. She spearheaded the Core20PLUS5 approach, a pioneering national framework to narrow healthcare inequalities by focusing on the most deprived communities, underserved groups, and priority clinical areas. Professor Owolabi is also Chief Inspector of Primary Care and Community Services at the Care Quality Commission, an Honorary Professor at the University of Birmingham, and Vice President of the Royal Society for Public Health. Her work spans national and international stages, including advising on healthcare equity policy across Europe, the Commonwealth, and beyond.

Network, a well-renowned national, Blackled organisation tackling health inequalities.

She is a leading advocate for Black women’s health, particularly in relation to fibroids, reproductive equity, and maternal outcomes. Professor Ruddock also cochairs Greater Manchester’s Maternity and Neonatal Equity group and serves as NHS England’s North West Independent Chair for Anti racism in Nursing and Midwifery. Her work is shaping the future of maternal health and ensuring that the voices of Black women are heard and acted upon.

Cedi Frederick Cedi Frederick is Chair of NHS Kent and Medway and The Centre for Healthy and Empowered Communities.

He is also a Non-Executive Director of Sage Homes, Co-Chair of Inspire for Black Londoners and a Kent Ambassador. Alongside his leadership roles he runs Consiliaris Digital Systems, Professor Faye Ruddock DL Article Consulting Ltd, and his own Professor Faye Ruddock is the Chair of executive coaching practice. Recognised Health Equity at the University of Greater as one of Britain’s most influential Black Manchester and the Founding Chair people and named among the HSJ’s of the Caribbean and African Health top fifty leaders from ethnic minority

backgrounds, Cedi was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Canterbury Christ Church University in 2024 for his outstanding contributions to health, social care, and education.

Dr MaryAnn Ferreux Dr MaryAnn Ferreux is Chief Medical Officer for Health Innovation Kent, Surrey & Sussex and a Non-Executive Director for both Kent and Medway NHS Partnership Trust and Kent Community Health Foundation Trust. She has over two decades of experience across both the UK and Australian health systems, combining clinical expertise with innovation to drive change.

Her leadership focuses on tackling inequities in digital health, exploring bias in artificial intelligence, and ensuring fair access for underserved communities.

She also chairs the Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh EDI Committee and is committed to mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders.

These five leaders represent only a fraction of the excellence within our community. The next generation deserves to see role models who look like them and who are shaping healthcare and policy in real time.

For my younger self, it would have made all the difference to know that this path was not only possible but already

being paved by others. There are also incredible organisations committed to increasing representation in healthcare. Organisations such as Melanin Medics, Modern Day Medics, and Black Female Doctors are working tirelessly to increase diversity in medicine, support aspiring clinicians, and ensure that young people know their ambitions are achievable.

Their work complements the leadership of those featured here, and together they are building a pipeline of talent that will continue to transform healthcare for years to come.

You cannot be what you cannot see.

As we celebrate Black History Month, it is vital that we continue to spotlight and showcase these leaders and their achievements.

Their work is transforming patient care, improving equity, and shaping policy in ways that benefit us all. Most importantly, they remind us of what is possible when talent is recognised and given space to thrive.

I would encourage readers to follow these inspirational leaders on LinkedIn, to learn from their work and to be inspired by their journeys.

Each of them shows us that there is no single path to making a difference in healthcare, and that our futures are brighter when we lift each other up. l Dr Julie Hammond is a multi award-

winning GP, health advocate and innovator.

She is the founder of the mamAR app: www.mamarhealth.com and is also writing a book on The Fourth Trimester due to be released in 2026

AUGUST 2025

THE VOICE | 7

Why it is incredibly important for Black women to have their vaccinations in pregnancy “Black women have historically faced disparities in healthcare and ensuring that more of us are vaccinated in pregnancy is one step closer to closing these gaps.

We already know that Black women have higher rates of pregnancy complications, and our babies are at greater risk of preterm birth and also low birth weight as well.

So this means that vaccinations during this period offer a powerful way to safeguard against and prevent infections like flu, RSV and whooping cough that can exacerbate these risks.

The injected flu vaccine does not contain any live virus, so it cannot give you flu and is safe at any stage of pregnancy.

Some people may get a mild fever or muscle aches for a day or two, but these are signs that your immune system is working.

As a mum and GP, I know that getting the flu jab is one of the easiest and most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your baby during pregnancy.”

Dr Julie Hammond Mum and GP

From 01 September 2025 you can get your flu vaccine if you are pregnant at your GP surgery a pharmacy that offers flu vaccination (if you're aged 18 or over) or speak to your maternity service

18 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

Dotun Adebayo

Black History Month

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

WILL THE HISTORY BOOKS REMEMBER DAVID LAMMY? As he becomes Deputy Prime Minister, Lammy’s legacy hinges on whether this milestone leads to Britain’s first Black Prime Minister or him fading from memory

L

ET’S CELEBRATE Black History Month. Come on.

Like Kool and the Gang sang.

Black History Month is a celebration throughout the years.

It’s not just a back in the day thing from the time of enslavement, and the time when we were marching up and down and being beaten up and down by forces of brutality when we were simply demanding our rights from the ignoble, and unhappy regimes that were holding us and our brothers and sisters down in subservience and human bondage.

No. Black history is alive and dynamic and kicking and all around. Black history is NOW. And it’s a privilege to be able to witness it and experience it with you lot live and direct. And to be able to debate it with you. You know what Black people are like – Argument United.

So what do you reckon about David Lammy’s appointment as Deputy Prime Minister? Are you bothered? Shouldn’t we be dancing in the streets, singing from the rafters, calypsoing up and down the avenues and alleyways of Brixton, Handsworth, Moss Side and Chapeltown?

Or has the gentrification of these once Black areas silenced our history for good in those neighbourhoods? Let’s face it, NEXT STEP: Kemi Badenoch, the first Black leader of a major UK political party, whose place in history may hinge on future successes (photo: Getty Images)

a Black man as deputy prime minister is probably the most significant Black history moment this country has ever known.

It should be a time for rejoicing.

We’ve got a forefinger on the reigns of power. Church bells should be ringing up and down the country from the spires in the shires to the Glens and the Fens. We’re in the room where it happens. A time for celebration.

Instead, it’s more like a time of ‘so what’?

Especially for those who couldn’t care less about us and what these 30 days of “Say it loud: I’M BLACK AND I’M PROUD” that we call Black History Month Tottenham Hotspur supporter in Downing Street. Are you Gooners means. ready for that? Well you better be.

You see, although I’m not TECHNICOLOUR one for making predictions, For the rest of us, Black and White, this is the highest public the way the PM dragged his attainment of any Black Briton feet over sacking the disgraced since Septimius Severus. That’s Peter Mandelson, now ex-UK got to mean something. Surely. ambassador to the US, might hasten the path to Downing And yet...

This is Black history in our Street for Lammy and his family.

And although I’m not a betting time. This is more than just being man, the odds for a White the leader of a major political Christmas are not looking good. party. Any old Kemi can achieve And such is the jeopardy of that. This is more than just being history and how it will remember Black. Or just being a woman. Or you. Gloriously or notoriously. just being a Black man for that And will it remember you at all? matter. This is proper history.

How will history remember BLACK HISTORY. In glorious Donald Trump? technicolour. This is UK history.

It’s a good question. His AIN’T NO BLACK IN THE UNION relationship with the convicted JACK history. Lammy is the first paedophile Jeffrey Epstein may yet write its own history as it has for Mandelson.

It must eat away at Trump that no matter how much he huffs and puffs and tries to bully his way to a peace in our time Nobel prize, future generations (say in 50 years’ time) will simply see him as some long-dead, crusty-looking white guy smiling cheesily in some official White House portrait.

Whereas the Black guy (the first Black president of the US, are you kidding?) will still be talked about in every Black History Month for a thousand years. And he got

HISTORY MAKER: David Lammy is now Deputy Prime Minister, a hugely significant milestone. But will the appointment secure him a lasting place in Black history? (photo: Getty Images)

If Deputy Prime Minister is as far as Lammy goes then he’ll be ‘David WHO?’ the day after Labour eventually lose a general election the Nobel Prize. That’s history.

And the more the paedophile connection keeps coming back to haunt Trump, the greater the gamble he has to make to secure a glorious place in history. Like I say, I’m not a betting man, but the odds of a major world war before Christmas are not looking good.

Anyway, back to David Lammy.

Barack Obama is a hard act to follow. And so is Nelson Mandela.

And you’re only as historic as your last historic achievement.

Because history does not have space for everybody and everything.

Over time it fades you out as contemporary history-makers fight for your space. They set the rules. Ultimately who and what is history, and who and what is not, is determined by the dread

at the controls at any given time in Black history. When Kemi Badenoch is eventually sent up to the House of Lords (I’m reliably informed that a seat in the upper chamber is being prepared for her as we speak), her place in history as the first Black leader of a major British political party will begin to be eroded. Unless she becomes prime minister.

And the same goes for Lammy.

Even though he is the deputy prime minister, he has effectively been demoted in his ministerial brief from holding one of the great offices of state as Foreign Secretary (which does not secure his place in history as James Cleverly beat him to it) to the lowly position of Justice Secretary.

MANSION I don’t know what this means for that 100-room grace and favour mansion that comes with the previous job and whether the current Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and her husband, the political commentator and broadcaster Ed Balls, will allow the Lammys to stay in the west wing of the gaff.

If Deputy Prime Minister is as far as he goes then he’ll be ‘David WHO?’ the day after Labour eventually lose a general election and a new administration (of whatever political persuasion)

takes over. It’s bound to happen eventually, isn’t it? Gordon Brown knew that hence the reason he made a pact with Tony Blair that he would get a turn as Prime Minister. Otherwise we would be saying ‘’Gordon WHO? Gordon Bennett?’

And If Keir Starmer were to stumble and fall and Prime Minister David Lammy were to wave to the crowds with his wife and family alongside him in front of that iconic black door that can only be opened from the inside, we will still be talking about him in a thousand years time.

The first Black prime minister of the UK! Are you kidding, his name will still be tripping on people’s lips in a couple of millenniums.

But if he doesn’t become PM after this, his name will be added to the ever-growing list of our Black History Month historymakers of today who will be the fish and chips paper of tomorrow. l 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 X: @radiodotun

AUGUST 2025

THE VOICE |19

20 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

Black History Month

Opinion

Daniella Maison

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

LET’S STAND FIRM IN OUR POWER AND PRIDE We must stay strong firm in a society that seeks to diminish our worth

IN A world where the narratives of identity are often shaped by external forces, this year’s Black History Month theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” invites a profound exploration of resilience and self-determination within the Black community.

It is a clarion call to recognise the intricacies of power, both as a historical legacy and a contemporary imperative, whilst also embracing the richness of Black experiences across generations.

This month, we are not simply celebrating achievements and contributions; we are interrogating the structures that have consistently sought to undermine them.

As we reflect on the complexities of the dynamics of power, we must also confront the ways in which pride manifests in everyday resilience, serving as both shield and sword in the ongoing struggle for equity and justice.

In an era marked by both progress and backlash, this theme challenges us to engage with the deeper meanings of empowerment and to stand firm within that meaning.

To practice ‘power’ as a way of life is to embrace a profound understanding of ourselves.

The trouble with power is that for the Black community, power is political; power is precarious.

Claiming our power is a tricky business; it is taken not given, the upwards ascent is sharper, the air is thinner, the scrutiny is harsher and the fall back down harder.

Power is woven into every element of our lives, economics, politics, history, institutional structures, intersectionality, cultural narratives, public perception, identity and more.

Then, there is the temporal nature of power: it is often fleeting. Our very own Diane Abbott MP is the first Black woman ever elected to the

PROTEST: Black communities in 1960s London stood firm against discriminatory treatment, laying the groundwork for today’s struggles and reminding us that Britain’s Black history charts the story of a fight for dignity and justice (photo: Getty Images)

House of Commons and is now rightfully the Mother of the House, as the longest standing female MP. She was recently suspended again. Her suspension, ostensibly over comments deemed controversial, reflects a pattern in which the powers that be seek to strip her of authority and influence, even over the most trivial matters.

This tactic is not merely punitive; it is a calculated move to silence dissent and undermine

As the children of the Windrush generation, we carry within us the echoes of ancestors who dared to dream.

It is our birthright to embody their courage

the voices of those who have the power to hold power accountable.

By focusing on minor infractions, they distract from substantive issues while reinforcing a culture of fear and compliance.

This example serves to remind us that in our everyday interactions, in our communities, and in our aspirations, we must cultivate a sense of pride that radiates from within, a pride that affirms our identity and our right to thrive unapologetically.

There is a reason the Black community has claimed the word power as our own.

In 1960s America, the phrase ‘Black Power’ meant Black autonomy, Black selfdetermination, Black freedom from oppression.

Hence, ‘Black Power’ spread like wildfire from South Africa to London as its clenched fist evoked and inspired so much about political consciousness in

LEGACY: Right, the National Windrush memorial at London’s Waterloo station; above, the Black Power salute remains a powerful emblem of resilience (photos: Getty Images)

just two words. As the African proverb says, “Power lies in the hands of those who don’t need applause” meaning that power is not only for politicians, it is the currency of change and we are all power brokers.

At a time when we walk streets doused in flags that tell us we are not welcome, under the guise of ‘Operation Raise the Colours’, our pride and awareness of our history is more important than ever.

The fight for dignity and fair

treatment has deep roots in Britain’s Black history.

As the children of the Windrush generation, we carry within us the echoes of ancestors who dared to dream, to resist, and to rise. It is our birthright to embody their courage, to stand firm in a society that often seeks to diminish our worth, and to express our pride in every facet of our lives.

Black pride is an essential affirmation of identity and resilience. When I was racially abused by adults as a nine-

year old, my father bolstered me up by having me affirm ‘I’m Black and I’m proud’ until those words transformed my pain into power.

Each repetition became a declaration of existence, a celebration of who I am, and a commitment to rise above any attempt to diminish my spirit.

Pride isn’t possessed, it’s worn like a crown. Pride is a vital act of defiance against erasure and a profound declaration that Black lives, stories, and experiences are not only valid but indispensable.

As we embark on this month of remembrance and reflection, let’s stand firm in our power and our pride.

Not just as a fleeting moment of celebration, but as a continuous way of life that reaches beyond Black History Month. We must, in every month, harness our power and wear our pride.

ACTIVIST, AUTHOR AND SOCIAL CAUSE WRITER DANIELLA MAISON IS BEST KNOWN FOR HER VIRAL ARTICLE SERIES ‘BLACK WOMEN & HIP HOP’ WHICH EXPOSED R. KELLY IN 2009

OCTOBER 2025

THE VOICE | 21

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

ACSIS2025

Building Africa-Caribbean Bridges for Sustainable Innovation and Inclusive Growth The African Caribbean Sustainability & Investment Summit (ACSIS2025) returns on 21–22 November 2025 at MPW Queen’s Gate House in London, uniting influential leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from Africa, the Caribbean, and the diaspora.

This year’s edition will showcase dynamic conversations, investment opportunities, and strategic partnerships under the theme: “Africa and the Caribbean through Sustainable Innovation and Inclusive Growth.”

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

ORGANISED BY:

Headline Participants

• David Mullings, Jamaican American Founder, Chairman & CEO of Blue Mahoe Capital (NASDAQ ticker symbol reserved: IRIE), will participate as a multitalented presenter using several platforms with a message aimed at unlocking diaspora access to investments in the Global South.

• Marlene Street Forrest, Managing Director, Jamaica Stock Exchange, will provide insights on capital markets and financial innovation.

• Tsonam Akpeloo, Chair, Association of Ghana Industries (Accra), will highlight Ghana’s growing role in trade and industry.

• Segun Ajani-Kadir mni, Director General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Co-Interim Secretary General, Pan-African Manufacturers Association (PAMA), will spotlight manufacturing-led growth across Africa.

Vibrant Vendor Showcase

Delegates will also experience a curated vendor exhibition, featuring: Oyemi.afrikana | Sincerely Sheila | KEMDII Ltd | Tarocollection Ogbegems | Jeka Play | Sackville Travel | Wembley Mortgage Centre and The VOICE Newspaper With only five spaces remaining, ACSIS invites entrepreneurs from Africa, the Caribbean, and the UK to apply: info@popupfinder.co.uk

Opportunities for Delegates

• Pre-booked B2B meetings with investors, policymakers, and

business leaders • Access to exclusive country sessions and sector showcases • Networking with Africa-Caribbean decision-makers driving the future of trade and investment • Interaction with African Union (AU) trade and investment executives

Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd November 2025

08:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Queen's Gate House, 65-67 Queen's Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5JS

Chairman’s Brief

ACSIS Chairman David F. Roberts will update delegates on milestones achieved since the ACSIS2024 launch, including: • Establishment of the ACSIS Ambassador Programme • Strategic partnerships with global institutions and regional blocs • Report on the World Reparations Conference to be held at the House of Lords, September 2025 • Development and investment projects, ongoing and in the pipeline, advancing the shared prosperity of Africa and the Caribbean

REGISTRATION & TICKETS Register and secure your place here: https://africancaribbeansummit.com/

For media inquiries and partnerships: enquiries@africancaribbeansummit.com https://africancaribbeansummit.com/

ENQUIRES@AFRICANCARIBBEANSUMMIT.COM | +44 (0) 207 050 0728

WWW.AFRICANCARIBBEANSUMMIT.COM

22 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

News Feature

Black History Month

NO LONGER FOREIGN BUT PART OF GREAT BRITAIN Caribbean cuisine now has a firm place in multicultural Britain’s menu — and an upcoming tribute at the National Windrush Museum shines a spotlight on the story of food and migration

O

N THURSDAY October 16, 2025, a moment of cultural significance will unfold at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. The National Windrush Museum will present the highly anticipated launch of its landmark showcase, Windrush Food Culture: From the Margins to the Mainstream.

This celebration of Caribbean food, history, and migration marks one of the most dynamic tributes yet to the Windrush Generation’s legacy – told not just through pictures, but through testimonials, storytelling, flavours, aroma, and the intimacy of Windrush Food Culture with its partner venues and restaurants.

The exhibition launch is hosted by celebrity chef and cultural icon Levi Roots, who serves as Lead Ambassador for the National Windrush Museum, and Dr Les Johnson, the visionary founder of the Museum, entrepreneur and cultural historian. The evening promises to be a compelling fusion of heritage, taste, and storytelling from some of the top Black chefs in Britain. More than a culinary showcase, this is the unveiling of a cultural movement.

“This is a moment where food becomes memory, memory becomes legacy, and legacy becomes power,” said Dr Les. “Caribbean food has always been more than nourishment.

It has been our resistance, our poetry, and our map home.”

A national tribute to Caribbean legacy At the heart of the exhibition is a deep acknowledgement: the kitchen has always been a sacred site in

Event details

l Venue: National

Maritime Museum, Greenwich l Date: Thursday 16 October 2025 l Time: 6pm-9pm l RSVP: admin@ museumswindrush.com l More info: national windrushmuseum.com

Black British history. Whether in cramped Notting Hill basements or bustling Midland homes, the food of the Caribbean acted as a vital tether between new British lives and old Island traditions.

The exhibition, curated by the National Windrush Museum and hosted in Royal Museums Greenwich gallery, will showcase the evolution of Caribbean food in Britain – from its early status as “foreign” or “spicy” to its current place in the mainstream of British culinary life. In this two-stage exhibition, visitors can expect an experience that combines archival footage, education programmes, reconstructed Windrush-era kitchens, oral histories, and a range of interactive culinary features, including live workshops from acclaimed Caribbean chefs and a tasting menu of classic dishes reimagined for the modern palate in the restaurants of partner venues.

“The journey from ackee and saltfish being a household secret to being sold in UK supermarkets is a journey of cultural acceptance,” explains Reggae Reggae sauce king Levi Roots. “It shows how we’ve seasoned Britain with our stories.”

BRINGING THE FLAVOUR: From oil drum barbecues to bustling street markets, Caribbean food became a vital way to claim cultural space in Britain; below, Levi Roots and Les Johnson; below left, Windrush pioneers carried flavours that would change British kitchens

A coalition of culture and community The Windrush Food Culture exhibition has been developed with the support of the Esmée Fairbairn Communities & Collections Fund, delivered by the Museums Association. The project is a testament to the power of partnership, involving an influential cultural alliance:

National Windrush Museum, Royal Museums Greenwich, the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, Island Delight, and The Voice Media Group. And more partners are coming on board this educational showcase which runs from October 16 to July 31, 2026.

It is through these multiinstitutional collaborations that the exhibition gains its

national stature. This is not just an event – it is part of a broader Windrush educational, culinary, and socio-cultural movement that will travel across the UK in the coming years. Schools, libraries, galleries, museums, and community centres can access an A–Z of Windrush and Caribbean foods, school resource packs, and a digital version of the exhibition set to launch in

early 2026. Chef training and mentor programmes will take place alongside supper clubs and tasting sessions in restaurants around Britain. The food, commercial, and educational experience will extend into supermarkets and food halls.

Denize Ledeatte, Director of continued on page 24

OCTOBER 2025

THE VOICE | 23

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

The Power Brunch Returns to Celebrate Black Women in Business and Creativity

E

very October, during Black History Month, more than 250 Black women from across the UK gather in London with one shared purpose: to honour how far they have come, what they have built, and the barriers they continue to break.

This annual event transforms the ILEC Centre into a vibrant hub of ambition, joy and sisterhood, where women arrive in their sharpest business attire ready to connect, exchange stories and celebrate their impact.

The Power Brunch was founded seven years ago by Christina Okorocha, Ruby Arkiyu and Rumbi Mupindu. The three women, working across media, culture and business, recognised the need for a dedicated space where Black women could network, exchange knowledge and access opportunities that were often withheld in traditional professional settings. From its first edition, the brunch set out to be both a celebration and a corrective, ensuring that Black women would not only be seen but heard and supported.

FOCUS This year, hosted by culturefirst agency VAMP, the brunch returns on the 15th of October at the ILEC centre, during UK Black Business Week with the theme Standing in Your Power. The choice of theme was no coincidence. It extends the wider focus of Black History Month, emphasising resilience and self-definition in spaces where Black women’s contributions are often minimised.

Ruby explains the heart behind the theme: “Black history isn’t just something we look back on; it’s something we’re building every day. I believe one of our greatest powers lies in what makes us uniquely us.

Too often we trim away the edges that make us different just to fit into a mould, when in fact our brilliance is in those very edges. There is magic there, and we all have something special about us.”

TRANSFORMATIVE Over the years, the brunch has welcomed cultural leaders such as Author Yomi Adegoke, Fashion Designer Gbemi Okunlola of Alonuko Bridals, Financial Advisor Bola Sol and content creator Sarel. For many attendees, the experience has been transformative.

“At my first Power Brunch, I met a mentor who helped me navigate the early stages of running my business,” said

L - R Christina Okorocha, Entertainment Director & Co-founder, Vamp, Ruby Aryiku, PR Director & Co-founder, Vamp, Rumbi Mupindu, Talent Director & Co-founder, Vamp. one past participant. “It wasn’t just the advice, it was the reassurance that I wasn’t alone. That sense of community changed everything for me.”

The 2025 line-up is just as strong, with Mamadinya, the internet’s favourite midwife, broadcaster Henrie Kwushie,

aware of how severely underrepresented Black women are in investment spaces. Christina explains, “For us, it was not enough to talk about empowerment in abstract terms. We wanted to confront the question of access head on. Who gets funded and supported? Who is

female founders secured only 0.02 per cent, with none reaching late stage funding. These numbers reflect the systemic barriers Black women face, even as they represent one of the fastest growing groups of entrepreneurs. Rumbi puts it simply: “We have always been capable.

space where women exchange business cards, yes, but also encouragement and laughter. It is networking without pretense, where conversations about contracts and capital sit alongside moments of sisterhood. Many return year after year not just for professional growth but for

“We have always been capable.

What we are demanding now are the resources to match that capability.” and football agent Marcia Lewis joined by other women whose voices carry influence and impact.

A new addition to the 2025 programme is the Power Pitch Session, designed to give Black female founders a platform to present their businesses to an audience of peers, investors and mentors.

The founders of the brunch wanted to bring funding to the centre of the conversation,

“At my first Power Brunch, I met a mentor who helped me navigate the early stages of running my business” over. You are already enough.”

As UK Black Business Week continues to expand in scale and influence, the Power Brunch remains one of its most anticipated highlights. It is more than a gathering. It is a movement that insists on visibility, resources and recognition for Black women.

With its return this year, the brunch once again affirms the brilliance of a community that is shaping industries, rewriting narratives and building legacies on its own terms.

Vamp Power Brunch, 2024 consistently overlooked? And what can we do to change that?”

The statistics are stark. In the last decade, Black founders received just 0.24 per cent of venture funding in the UK. Black

What we are demanding now are the resources to match that capability.”

The atmosphere of the brunch reflects that urgency but also carries something softer. It is a

the sense of community that the brunch sustains. Another past attendee described it as “a place where you are reminded that you do not need to explain yourself or prove yourself twice

The Vamp Power Brunch will take place at the ILEC centre in London on the 15th of October from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the UK Black Business Week.

Tickets are available now via UK Black Business Show. For updates and announcements, follow the VAMP Network.

24 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

News Feature continued from page 22 the National Windrush Museum, added: “We’re not just actively seeking out and preserving recipes and food photography/media and objects for our collections. We’re preserving the dignity of Windrush Generations who made a life here in Britain, sometimes one pot of soup at a time. This is about resilience and food innovation and family preservation at the same time.”

Food as protest, memory and power What makes this exhibition unique is its unapologetic focus on food as both personal and political. Many of the original members of the Windrush Generation arrived in Britain only to face rejection – in housing, in jobs, and in the streets.

But in the kitchen, they retained a kind of sovereignty. They cooked

for themselves. They cooked for each other. They created businesses, churches, and entire communities around shared meals.

“We were not welcomed,” Dr Johnson reminds us. “But we fed this nation. Quietly. Relentlessly.

With rice and peas, curry goat, roti, steamed veg and dumplings in hand.”

The exhibition also explores how second and third-generation Black Britons have adapted, innovated, and commercialised this culinary heritage. Pop-ups, supper clubs, YouTube chefs, food trucks, and award-winning Black-owned restaurants all form part of this living, continuously evolving story.

One section will showcase how Caribbean Street food evolved into a vital economic force – and in many cases, a form of protest and visibility in spaces that previously excluded Black voices.

Black History Month An invitation to taste and remember The launch will feature top Black chefs in Britain, a cultural showcase of food and music, alongside tributes to Windrush elders and performances by Caribbean musicians.

Guests will also get a first look at the Windrush Cookbook Project, a hybrid publication and media platform to be launched by Dr Les Johnson with Levi Roots that will feature family recipes, migration stories, and artistic interpretations of Caribbean food culture. The cookbook is already being hailed as a future bestseller – and a vital tool for schools and diaspora families alike.

A moment for the nation As Britain continues to reckon with the failures of the Windrush Compensation Scheme, and with

ALL ARE INVITED: The launch will feature top Black chefs in Britain and a cultural showcase of food and music the legacy of systemic exclusion still present in many institutions, this exhibition stands as a powerful counterpoint – one that centres dignity, creativity, and cultural wealth.

“The Caribbean community has given Britain far more than it ever acknowledged,” said Levi Roots.

Dr Les added: “Now is the time to put respect on that legacy, document and preserve it.”

Plans are also underway to showcase the foods from Caribbean countries like Antigua, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Dominica, and others.

SEASONED WITH RESISTANCE: WHY CARIBBEAN FOOD IS ONE OF OUR CULTURAL ARCHIVES

F

OOD IS not just for sustenance. It is remembrance.

It is protest. It is power.

When our elders came to this country in the belly of Empire’s promise, they brought with them no wealth, no status, and largely no welcome.

But they brought something else — something ancestral, something sacred, something that couldn’t be stolen or colonised. They brought seasoning. Not just in the literal sense, but as a ‘way of being’. They seasoned Britain with a new rhythm. A new imagination. A new palette of survival.

As we launch the exhibition Windrush Food Culture: From the Margins to the Mainstream, I want to offer a simple but profound proposition: Caribbean food is one of our most important cultural archives.

To combine tangible creativity — cooking from our grandmothers, mothers and partners — to the intangible: flavours, sizzles, scents that stimulate our senses in profound and lasting ways.

This is not a decorative archive in the museum sense – glasscased and distant – but a living archive. A hot, steamy, pepperscented, bubbling-with-memory archive. An archive of survival. Of taste. Of touch.

Of tenderness. An archive written not in ink, but in stews and rice. In cornmeal and sweet potato pudding and sky juice.

An archive of the unwritten Most of what we know about Windrush Generations cannot be found in official records.

They were often invisible to the census, misnamed in newspa-

By Dr Les Johnson, Founder & Chair, National Windrush Museum pers, excluded from history books.

But they left traces. They left laughter in the front rooms where Tupperware was passed around like communion. They left onepot cooking that fed duties and uncles and cousins and families and neighbours. They left bun and cheese alongside top-ranking restaurant recipes.

This exhibition brings those legacies to life. We have developed an exhibition in two phases; the first that promotes the historical and educational themes. The second phase will recreate a Caribbean kitchen — a simulation of one where many of us grew up.

One where food was made on a budget but flavoured like royalty.

One where “just a little bit of this” and “taste it for me” became the unofficial language of love.

And it is here, I argue, that the true records of the Caribbean in Britain exist.

Jerk chicken is a protest document What is jerk chicken, if not an act of rebellion? What is saltfish if not a message from our enslaved ancestors turned into sustenance with style? What is pepper sauce but a distilled, fiery declaration that we refuse to be bland?

Our food has always been more than food. It is a language. It is a mirror. It is a ritual. It is — and I say this with the greatest seriousness — a protest document.

When we couldn’t afford meat, we cooked red peas soup. When we couldn’t go to restaurants, we made cornmeal pudding. When we were told our food smelled strange, we seasoned it harder and sometimes with more fire.

I remember being a child and seeing my mother cook with dignity even when money was low.

Her hands were writing a new history. One that told us: You are here.

You are settlers. You belong. And you will eat well.

‘YOU BELONG’: Our mothers’ cooking gave us a sense of home

Our mothers were the first cultural workers Let us say this clearly: Black women in Caribbean kitchens were the first cultural theorists of migration.

They built community, economy, and memory from fire and flour.

They welcomed strangers with stew. They trained generations without lectures — around the kitchen table.

Our mothers passed down knowledge that scholars are only just now trying to name. Terms like “diasporic belonging,” “culinary identity,” and “taste-based heritage” were lived by our mothers decades ago — before the language caught up.

They knew that a pot of food could keep a family together. That a shared Sunday dinner could rebuild fractured friendships and sometimes heal racial scars. That hard food made soft people strong.

Legacy isn’t just a statue — it’s a recipe This exhibition isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about justice. It is about placing Caribbean food not in the margins, but in the centre of Britain’s cultural narrative.

And that’s why we titled the exhibition From the Margins to the Mainstream. Because that is the journey of Caribbean food — and, indeed, Caribbean people — in this country.

We were told our patties were “foreign.” Now they’re sold in supermarkets. We were mocked for planting pumpkin and okra in our back gardens. Now they’re served in fine dining restaurants. We were told our sorrel was too sweet, our pepper too hot, our methods too “unusual.” Now everyone wants a

taste. And the supermarkets are cashing in on what was previously overlooked.

But we must not lose the memory of what it cost to season this nation.

From food to future The National Windrush Museum is not simply curating a history — we are building a future. Through our school packs, touring exhibitions, oral history archives, and youth engagement work, we are training the next generation to see their family stories as history. To see their dinner table as a place of politics. To see their grandmother’s cookbook as a sacred text.

We aim to roll out resources to schools across the country — from Birmingham to Bradford, from Bristol to Brixton. We will offer elders spaces to share stories, and young people spaces to innovate.

Because we want to say loudly and clearly: Caribbean food is not a side dish. It is the main course of multicultural Britain.

A personal note This exhibition is personal to me. It is not just a professional achievement. It is a tribute to my mother.

To my aunties. To the market women who fed us. To the men who cooked outside on barrel grills. To the church sisters with foil containers stacked in their handbags. To the bus drivers who ate dumplings on break. To the children who were bullied for their “smelly food” but grew up to become chefs, creators, and culture-bearers.

This exhibition is for you. It is also for Britain – because if Britain is to truly understand itself, it must taste from the hands that helped build it.

OCTOBER 2025

THE VOICE | 25

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

The 6th Black Book Festival and Education Expo 2025: A Celebration of AfricanCaribbean Literature and Culture

T

he 6th Black Book Festival and Education Expo 2025: A Celebration of AfricanCaribbean Literature and Culture Simon Education, the UK’s premier education company and publishers of the best-selling Genius series, is thrilled to announce the 6th Black Book Festival and Education Expo 2025, set to take place on Saturday, 18th October 2025, at the renowned University

of London, Goldsmiths, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This year’s event promises to be a dynamic celebration of AfricanCaribbean authors, booksellers, and publishers, bringing together literary talent, educators, readers, and families in a vibrant and educational environment. With 45 stalls showcasing a rich variety of African-Caribbean literature, the event will highlight a broad spectrum of genres, including fiction,

non-fiction, poetry, children’s books, and more.

What to Expect at the Black Book Festival and Education Expo 2025: • 45 Stalls featuring African-Caribbean booksellers, authors, and publishers.

• 8 Engaging Seminars, exploring important topics in literature, culture, and education.

• Family Tent with interactive sto-

rytelling sessions and activities for children.

• Author Interviews, where attendees can hear first-hand from prominent African-Caribbean writers.

• Book Launches and Book Signings, giving fans the chance to meet their favourite authors and get their books signed.

• Last year’s attendance saw 450 visitors, with a strong turnout expected this year.

Simon Education is proud to present this event, which aims to foster connections between literature and education, creating a space for dialogue, learning, and celebration.

The Black Book Festival and Education Expo is a unique opportunity for individuals of all ages to immerse themselves in the rich literary heritage of the African-Caribbean community while engaging with thought-provoking seminars and family-friendly activities. The event is set to be a hub of knowledge, creativity, and cultural exchange, attracting authors, publishers, educators, students, and families alike.

Key highlights: • Wode Maya, Africa’s top Youtuber • Kelechi Okafor talking about her debut novel, Awakened.

• Author Neil Mayers talking about Raising the Achievement of Black Children.

• Book launch of ‘100 Black Doctors’ • Classical piano performance by William Campbell.

• Family Tree Hub with genealogy expert Adrian Stone.

• STEM workshops for children.

Family-Friendly Activities: The event will feature a Family Tent, where children and families can engage in storytelling sessions that bring African-Caribbean tales to life. These interactive activities will make the festival an exciting day out for all ages, promoting literacy and imagination in younger generations.

Simon Education’s Commitment to Literature and Education: As the event’s lead organizer, Simon Education is dedicated to promoting quality education and the celebration of diverse literary voices. Their mission is to empower individuals through knowledge and creativity, and the Black Book Festival and Education Expo is a direct extension of this vision.

“We are proud to host the Black Book Festival and Education Expo 2025 and to bring together so many incredible voices within the AfricanCaribbean literary community,” said Simon Education’s Founder, and award-winning author and educationalist, David Simon. “This event

“This event is an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to engage with literature that reflects the diverse experiences of AfricanCaribbean communities” is an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to engage with literature that reflects the diverse experiences of African-Caribbean communities, and we look forward to celebrating these voices with our attendees.”

Event Details: • Date: Saturday, 18th October 2025.

• Time: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM. • Location: University of London, Goldsmiths.

This event is a must-attend for anyone passionate about literature, culture, and education. Whether you are a book lover, an educator, or a family looking for fun activities, the Black Book Festival and Education Expo 2025 offers something for everyone.

For more information on the event, sponsorship opportunities, or to inquire about media passes, please visit www.simoneducation.com or contact Simon Education at 07944504501.

About Simon Education: Simon Education ( founded in 1987) is the UK’s premier education company and the publisher of the best-selling Genius series. They have won several national and international awards for their Saturday schools, published books and international work. With a commitment to advancing education and promoting diverse literary voices, Simon Education empowers individuals of all ages to learn, grow, and excel.

Simon Education is the founder of the SEADS Projects that supports schools in Africa and the Caribbean with free educational resources and teachertraining. It currently works with schools in 12 different countries.

SCAN ME

26 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

Black History Month

News Feature

THE AFRICAN EMPEROR S

Dr Simon Elliott FSA explores the life of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus who proudly embraced his North African heritage

EPTIMIUS SEVERUS was the Roman Empire’s African emperor, born in the blazing heat of a Libyan spring in Leptis Magna in AD 145.

Sometimes called the Black emperor, his story arc is truly astonishing, ending with his death in the freezing cold of a northern British winter in York in February AD 211. Severus’ career is truly one of superlatives.

He ruled at the height of Roman military power, commanding more legions than any other emperor.

Furthermore, under his rule Roman territory was expanded to its greatest extent. Given this martial prowess, I argue in my new book The African Emperor, that Severus was the most powerful person ever born in Africa based purely on military and political agency.

Throughout his life Severus stayed true to his African heritage. Dark skinned, he ensured he was portrayed this way in contemporary portraiture. While in his time this was unimportant in what was a largely Mediterranean empire, in our world today it can be.

ACCENT I address this directly in The African Emperor’s opening chapter, Identity and Race in the Roman World. Severus definitely favoured his North African heritage. For example, even in politest Roman society amid the patricians in the imperial capital, he chose to maintain his strong North African accent. Then, once in power, he swiftly promoted North Africans at every opportunity to key positions of authority.

This is not surprising given, as I have seen in my own frequent research trips across the region, this was the richest part of the empire, with a proud cultural heritage to match anything in Rome, Athens, Antioch or Alexandria.

Severus used his North African upbringing as the template for what I call the Severan reset. This was the first major post-Augustan reformation of the Roman world, establishing the Severan dynasty which lasted over 40 years. Such was the scale of this reorganisation, which some go further and call a hostile takeo-

ver, that it was not repeated again until the accession of Diocletian over 90 years after Severus became emperor. Roman legions certainly played a key role in his story. Across the vast territory of the empire, war could always be found. Even in times of relative peace, which were very few in Severus’ sanguineous reign, conflict could always be found.

He understood this better than most, in his case from the very beginning when he rose to power at the point of a sword in AD 193, last man standing in the ‘Year of the Five Emperors’.

Severus never forgot his military roots and on his death bed famously told his squabbling sons Caracalla and Geta to ‘…be of one mind, enrich the soldiers, and despise the rest.’

Severus was not a shy man, monumentalising his rule across the empire at every opportunity.

He visited, and fought in, every region. Each time he did he left a mighty legacy in the built environment.

I have visited many of the sites personally, following in the footsteps of his travels. Intriguingly, given the popular focus on the likes of Julius Caesar, Augustus, Trajan and Hadrian, this urban Severan legacy often hides in plain sight, with few aware of it.

Yet the high-profile examples of this legacy are many in number.

Think of forum Romanum in Rome where much is Severan, as are many surviving areas of the imperial palace on the Palatine Hill, the monumental Baths of Caracalla (which would have been called the Baths of Severus had he lived to see the enormous bathing complex completed) and the lovely Temple of the Vesta.

Elsewhere in Europe, the presence of Severus is writ large from east to west. Even in far off London, provincial capital of troublesome Britannia, the land wall that still defines the city today is Severan, while in York one can actually stand close to where he perished in the legionary fortress praetorium. This is now beneath the undercroft of today’s Minster.

Meanwhile, in his native North Africa, every city and town I have visited has a highly visible Severan phase, whether in the soaring snow-capped Atlas and

LEADER OF MEN: Portrait of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, who ensured he was depicted with dark features in imperial art. He ruled at the height of Roman military power, commanding more legions than any other emperor (photo: Getty Images)

Aures Mountains or along the Saharan fringe. The story of Severus features a dramatis personae fit to dazzle any historical epic.

Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher emperor, and Commodus, his mad and bad son. There was also Publius Helvius Pertinax, son of a manumitted slave who became Roman emperor and was Severus’ friend and mentor.

EPIC And Decimus Clodius Albinus and Pescennius Niger, British and Syrian governors respectively, and Severus’ former brothers in arms in the Marcomannic Wars on the Danube. Both were destined to later fight him tooth and nail for the throne in epic confrontations across the empire. Didius

Julianus and Flavius Sulpicianus, scandalous bidders for the imperial throne when auctioned by the Praetorian Guard after Pertinax’s assassination, truly one of the lowest points in imperial Roman history.

Then, last but not least, there was his own family. Julia Domna, his second wife and the love of his life. She was a leading figure across the Roman world in her own right, and together they were the power couple of their age. Finally, their two sons, the psychotic Caracalla and the unfortunate Geta, destined to live in a spiral of bitter rivalry ending in the most sanguineous way within a year of Severus death. Here, the former had the latter murdered, he bleeding to death in Julia

Domna’s arms. Sadly that set the tone for the rest of the Severan dynasty. Caracalla himself was assassinated while relieving himself against a tree in AD 217.

Macrinus (not a blood relative but a short-term usurper when Praetorian prefect) was then executed, Heliogabalus assassinated with his mother (probably at the behest of their grandmother and Julia Domna’s sister, Julia Maesa), and finally Severus Alexander who was also assassinated with his mother.

Such was the grim demise of the dynasty that had reached its high point under

Septimius Severus. What followed was the ‘Crisis of the 3rd Century’ when the empire almost imploded under the weight of numerous civil wars, foreign invasions and plagues. It then took another strong man emperor to drag the Roman world kicking and screaming back from the brink, this being Diocletian who acceded to the throne (again at the point of a sword) in AD 284.

I feel sure Severus would have greatly approved. l Dr Simon Elliott FSA, archaeologist, historian and broadcaster, is an awardwinning author on the classical world. His latest book, The African Emperor, is published by Icon Books and Bolinda Audio

OCTOBER 2025 THE VOICE | 27

News Feature

Black History Month

DISPELLING THE MYTHS

CHALLENGES: Artist Cindy Soso’s painting reimagines the journey of Empire Windrush passengers, whose arrival in 1948 would reshape Britain’s social and cultural landscape (photo:

As British citizens, the Windrush arrivals had every right to come to the Mother Country, but they were never invited by the UK government.

By Arthur Torrington and Bill Hern

I

N OCTOBER 2017, Professor Laura Serrant authored a poem titled You Called and We Came and performed it for the first time at the Chief Nursing Officer for England’s annual BME conference.

She said it was written to reflect, recognise and celebrate the contributions made by Black nurses to the health system of England; also that it shone a light on the hardships, prejudice and challenges faced by the brave men and women who responded to the [call] from England to leave their homes in the West Indies and travel to “The motherland” after the Second World War: a sense of duty, of pride and responsibility which changed the shape of

Britain, themselves and their families forever.

In February 2018, the poem was transformed into a piece of spoken word, set to music by Christella Latras and danced by performers from the Phoenix Dance Theatre, managed by Sharon Watson.

It was the beginning of a ‘Windrush myth’ which, perhaps, millions of people still believe today.

To explain the myth and present the truth, it is important to hear what happened in 1948.

On May 29, the Colonial Secretary’s Office in Jamaica sent a memo to the Colonial Office in London stating “…very sorry indeed that you and your staff will be put to all

Windrush Foundation/ Cindy Soso)

the trouble that the arrival of this large number will involve… it is an appalling thing with which to be saddled.”

This “appalling thing” was the impending arrival in England of the HMT Empire Windrush.

The Gleaner of May 10, 1948 quoted the government of Jamaica informing prospective passengers that “the prospects of employment in England for unskilled labourers are very slight and advise them to secure

a definite offer of employment before leaving the island.”

Having been made aware that the Windrush was heading for Britain, the UK’s initial response was to consider diverting the ship to East Africa where, they

believed, the men from the West Indies could be better deployed on a groundnut scheme.

This ridiculous idea was soon dismissed partly because the West Indian jobseekers were all British citizens and proud holders of a British passport.

They had every right to come to the Mother Country.

Indeed, many had served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. When asked in the House of Commons on June 8 who was responsible for the impending arrival of the West Indians, George Isaacs, the Minister of Labour, responded with, continued on page 29

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28 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

Lyndon Mukasa Eye on the Diaspora

Black History Month Join the debate online voice-online.co.uk/opinion

IMMIGRATION ISN’T REPLACING BRITAIN. IT IS REDEFINING IT COMMON IDENTITY: The Union Jack as a shared symbol: over time, through cultural blending, the descendants of migrants adopt and adapt Britishness as their own, says Lyndon Mukasa

In Britain, generations of migrants aren’t erasing identity but becoming part of its story, creating new forms of belonging and transforming what it means to be British

(photo: Getty Images)

I

MMIGRATION IS once again a hot topic in the British media (although it never really went away) as we are faced with yet another “crisis”. When looking at the spectacle of flag waving, it is clear that, at its core, the immigration debates in Britain and across the West are about culture, race and identity.

As such, it is of no surprise that myths heavily tied to race and the decline of Western civilisation abound and continue to contaminate the discourse on immigration. I would like to address the arguments from the sections of society that are particularly worried about their culture, and nations being eroded and destroyed by immigration because such arguments almost never get addressed adequately.

The great replacement conspiracy For well over a decade, online myths built around a “White genocide” induced largely by immigration to the Western world have entered mainstream discourse and influenced public and political discussions on the future of Western culture and the White race.

This can be attributed to the work of conspiracy theorist Renaud Camus who, in his 2011 book The Great Replacement, argued that there is a concerted effort by “global elites” to replace and cause the White race to go into extinction through permanent demographic change by mass migration of predominantly non-Western and non-White groups of people.

Myth or reality?

Is the White race really endangered?

When it comes to the extinction of an entire race, that depends on how one perceives race in and of itself.

If you believe that race and races are fixed, distinct biological groups, each with inherent attributes and characteristics determined solely by genetics, which in turn shape the nature of a culture

and civilisation, then immigration and subsequent racial mixing might be seen as a threat to what you perceive as Whiteness.

There have been sensationalist reports projecting that the White proportion of the British population could decline to 33.7 per cent by the end of the century due to low birth rates and higher birth rates from other ethnic minority groups in addition to sustained immigration.

This looks alarming if you believe in the purity of the White race. However, in biological terms race doesn’t really exist.

As such, the White “race” is not really going to become extinct, but due to migration and contact with other population groups, it is changing as are other racial/ethnic groups globally. Britain is going through what many societies are and have already gone through where they transition to

having more blended populations within their composition. This blending cannot and does not result in the disappearance of any particular “race”.

The other side of the immigration debate For all the talk about the threat that immigrants pose to Western civilisation, we often lose sight that these arguments are many decades old.

I am still waiting for the “Rivers of Blood” that former UK politician Enoch Powell had predicted back in 1968.

What doomsayers often leave out of the migration story is that the influence of culture goes both ways.

Very rarely do mainstream analysts explore the impact of British culture on immigrants and their descendants. Many

proponents of the “Great Replacement” never consider the influence that Western culture for better or worse has had on migrants over time.

With each generation, the descendants of migrants adopt more of the host country’s culture becoming more Westernised. In the British context, this is best demonstrated by the AfricanCaribbean community which, according to the 2021 census, has declined to one per cent of the UK population. This decline doesn’t mean that African-Caribbean people are literally disappearing.

Instead, what is happening is that this group is gradually being absorbed into British culture. As such, they are choosing more to identify as Black British that reflects a reality of Britishness that will become a feature for most current immigrants, ethnic minority groups and their descendants in the 21st century.

Moreover, the birthrates for many second generation immigrants often align with the British average of 1.4 births, meaning that a complete ethnic/racial replacement remains nearly impossible.

The only time that ethnic replacement has been possible is if acts of ethnic cleansing or genocide have been implemented.

This has happened in the Americas and Australia where violent acts of land seizure, rape and mass murder combined with the introduction of new diseases and coalesced to bring about the complete demographic collapse of the indigenous populations by European colonisers.

Today’s migration is nothing like what happened in Australia or the Americas, and it is a racist projection rooted in fear to even attempt to draw similarities between migration from the Global South and European settler colonialism.

HOW DID THE CARIBBEAN ACHIEVE SUCH HIGH LITERACY RATES? THE CARIBBEAN is a region that is often left out of conversations beyond its profile as a nice holiday destination.

It is a region that sits at a strange middle point in development that leaves the countries often historically, politically and economically misunderstood, dismissed and underrated to many outsiders.

However, the region is the site of many successes, especially when you consider the fact that these countries were products of the extractive slave economies and exploitation of the colonial era.

One of the areas that the Englishspeaking Caribbean in particular

has made great strides in has been in achieving good literacy rates.

Since achieving independence, most countries in the region have had great success in transforming their education sectors, resulting in many countries having among the highest literacy rates in the world.

How was this achieved?

stands at 86 per cent of the world population being able to read and write. The literacy rates for much of the English-speaking Caribbean are well above the global average with countries like Barbados ranking third in the world per capita with a literacy rate of 99.6 per cent.

Other Caribbean countries like Antigua and Barbuda (99 per cent), Caribbean literacy rates at Grenada (98.6 per cent), Trinidad a glance and Tobago (98 per cent), The Good literacy levels reflect access to Bahamas (98 per cent), St Kitts education and are a key indicator of and Nevis (98 per cent), St Vincent wellbeing and stability. High literacy and the Grenadines (97 per cent), support a country’s growth and Dominica (91.8 per cent), Belize stability, while low literacy is linked (91 per cent), St Lucia (90 per cent), to poverty, inequality and unrest.

Jamaica (88.7 per cent), Guyana The global literacy rate currently (86 per cent) are not far behind and

are on par many high literacy richer countries like Japan, Singapore and Finland.

Investment in education after independence Following independence, most English-speaking Caribbean countries set out to invest heavily in education with a priority on boosting literacy as a means of expanding and maintaining social stability.

Education was strengthened through regional collaboration, support from institutions such as CARICOM and UWI, compulsory free primary schooling, with universal secondary access

achieved across most countries by the 1970s and 1980s.

The success of the region’s education system shows how longterm government investment in education can transform societies.

The next frontier that Caribbean governments are looking at is the digital sphere which hopefully can build on the successes of a high skilled, high literacy economy and create opportunities for economic diversification over the next 40 years.

l Lyndon Mukasa is a writer

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

OCTOBER 2025 THE VOICE | 29

Black History Month

ARRIVAL: A group of Jamaican men reading a newspaper aboard the HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury in Essex on June 22, 1948 (photo: Getty Images)

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“I wish I knew. All I know is they are in a ship and are coming here. They are British subjects and we will do our best when they get here.”

On June 22, the day the Windrush passengers disembarked at Tilbury Docks, 11 Labour MPs wrote to Prime Minister Clement Attlee calling for “legislation if necessary, [to] control immigration in the political, social, economic and fiscal interest of our people.”

The letter argued that “an influx of coloured people domiciled here is likely to impair the harmony, strength and cohesion of our public and social life and to cause discord and unhappiness among all concerned.”

Attlee’s reply dated July 5 was that “it would be a great mistake to take the emigration of this Jamaican [sic] party to the United Kingdom too seriously.”

Referring to “the present argosy of Jamaicans,” he prophesied that this would not be repeated. Favourable shipping terms, he falsely stated, were available and many passengers had the benefit of an ex-service gratuity.

Even then, he went on, not all the passages available were taken up. He ended by trying to assure the 11 MPs that “on the whole, therefore, I doubt whether there is likely to be a similar large influx.”

During March 2018, a petition to Parliament was started in connection with Home Office wrongdoing that read: “Amnesty for anyone who was a minor that arrived in Britain between 1948 to 1971.

Windrush generation were invited as settlers and as British subjects. Minors also had the right to stay. We call on the government to stop all deportations, change the burden of proof and establish an amnesty for anyone who was a minor. The government should also provide compensation for loss & hurt.”

More than 180,000 signed the petition but seemed unaware

that it contained false assertions most notably the claim that the Windrush generation were invited to Britain by the British government.

The petition was debated in Parliament on April 30, 2018 but MPs made no decision on its contents. They also seemed not to have known that the petition included statements that were inaccurate.

There was no evidence then or now that the West Indies settlers who arrived on the Empire Windrush on June 22 had been invited to the UK. Historian David Olusoga’s article in The Guardian of April 22, 2018 included evidence that the Windrush generation were not invited to Britain. Headlined The Windrush story was not a rosy one even before the ship arrived’, he said: “June marks the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks, carrying 492 West Indians who were looking to rewrite their fortunes in a Britain desperate for labour.”

In the 2019 BBC2 documentary, The Unwanted: The Secret Windrush Files, Olusoga explained that while the Windrush passengers felt they were coming home to the Mother Country, “politically they were seen as a serious embarrassment and even described as an incursion.”

In the book, Flourishing in Babylon: Black British Agency and Self Determination, by Dr. Joe Aldred (2024), page 179, Aldred discusses Professor Serrant’s poem and concludes it fosters a Windrush myth.

You Called and We Came was, apparently, the National Health Service’s call in 1949 to the West Indies for nurses.

It was 1956 before London Transport advertised there for trainee ticket collectors and bus drivers. But a British government call or its invitation to the Windrush passengers is one of many Windrush myths. l Arthur Torrington is the Director of the Windrush Foundation. Bill Hern is an independent researcher

SEPTEMBER

continued from page 27

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Midlands News

MEET VICTORIA GABRIEL: A BLACK HISTORY MAKER AT JLR From Birmingham roots to global leadership at Jaguar Land Rover, Victoria is breaking barriers and building futures for the next generation

W

HEN Victoria Gabriel reflects on her journey, it is clear her story is about more than career success. It is about family, heritage, resilience and the determination to open doors for others. Today she is Global Communications Manager at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), but the road to leadership was a story of true focus and determination.

Born in Birmingham to Jamaican and Nigerian parents, Victoria proudly embraces her culture and roots. She credits her mother for teaching her the value of hard work.

“My mother gifted me her work ethic. She is very independent, a real grafter who takes pride in getting the job done well,” she explains.

Her father, meanwhile, passed on an inquisitive and mischievous streak that fuels her creativity.

Education was always at the centre of her upbringing.

Her mother taught her to read before she even started primary school, while her Nigerian grandmother constantly reminded her to “get your papers oh” meaning her qualifications.

That focus paid off. When she opened her GCSE results to discover seven As, three Bs and a C, her mother proudly repeated the grades to anyone who would listen for weeks. Victoria went on to complete four A-levels before studying Marketing at Aston University.

After graduating it took persistence to land what would become her ideal role.

“This was my first real taste of failure,” she admits. “Up until then, exams and parttime interviews had been straightforward, but the rejection emails kept coming.”

She shared that reading about Black history gave her strength.

Learning about the discipline and resilience of those who had come before inspired her to keep going.

“Back then the automotive industry was not diverse. It was very traditional, full of grey suits and privately educated men.

Only one per cent of leadership roles in the automotive industry are held by Black women. That has to change Nobody looked like me,” she recalls.

Even so, she threw herself into the role, drawing on the encouragement of her Jamaican grandmother who told her, “that nuh matter, get on with it girl.”

What she once saw as obstacles soon became her strengths.

Determined to succeed, she pushed forward, travelling the globe for her work.

From training dealership standards in São Paulo to leading customer insight studies in Los Angeles to delivering sales briefings in Dubai, she had achieved her dream of becoming an international businesswoman. In 2013, she made another bold decision and temporarily relocated to China, TRAVELLING THE GLOBE: Victoria captures Rhino conservation efforts in a film shoot

RESILIENT: Victoria Gabriel, Global Communications Manager at Jaguar Land Rover which gave her clarity on the direction of her career. Three years later, in 2016, motherhood reshaped her priorities.

“It was the best decision I have ever made,” she says. Rather than stepping back, she channelled her energy into change.

She co-founded the JLR REACH employee network group, focused on increasing ethnic representation in leadership.

By 2022 she had become

Chair, introducing a data-driven approach. This inspired the creation of the ‘Black Futures’, ‘South Asian Futures’ and ‘East Asian Futures’ development programmes, which have supported talent pipelines and progression for employees.

Her family later grew with the arrival of her daughter. With the support of her partner, Victoria has balanced career and family life.

“Childcare logistics can feel like an Olympic sport some days, but

it takes a village and we make it work,” she says.

Her achievements have been celebrated and in 2019 she became the first Black woman at JLR to be recognised in AutoCar’s Rising Stars in Marketing.

In 2023, she received the JLR REACH Network’s Change Makers award for establishing her pioneering ethnicity data-driven strategy. Working closely with the JLR CEO and Board, this led to the investment and creation of ‘Black

Futures’, ‘South Asian Futures’ and ‘East Asian Futures’ development initiatives which have positively increased the volume and progression of ethnic minority employees at JLR. With more than 17 years of experience in automotive marketing, she now leads global advertising productions and campaigns.

In the last eight months alone, she has overseen the launch of three vehicles. She is also working on initiatives to help senior leaders in recruitment, development and coaching for ethnically diverse teams. Alongside her professional success, she continues to support the next generation, from undergraduates shadowing her, to coaching.

Representation matters deeply to Victoria. “Only one per cent of leadership roles in the automotive industry are held by Black women.

That has to change,” she says.

She knows the journey is far from over, but remains committed to creating space for others to rise.

Her story is one of resilience, vision and breaking barriers. From Birmingham schoolgirl to global leader, Victoria Gabriel has not only built her own future, but is also paving the way for generations to come.

OCTOBER 2025 THE VOICE | 31

By Maxine Huie

ELAINE TURNS NEGATIVE YOUTH LABELS INTO SUCCESS STORIES

Birmingham educator and playwright proves that creativity and character transforms lives

E

LAINE BATTEN wears many hats and wears them well. She calls herself a Creative Education Consultant, but that title only scratches the surface.

She is also a teacher, playwright, mentor and community leader. Her mission is clear: to build learning spaces where laughter, creativity and character come first.

Growing up in Birmingham as one of nine children, Elaine learned early what it meant to be resourceful. “Creativity wasn’t just a gift, it was a necessity,” she says. Despite her big dreams, school was not always easy.

Too often she was labelled an underachiever, a judgement that never told the whole story.

Elaine recalls her Biology teacher writing, “Elaine could do well if she tried.” What no report card showed was the bullying she endured, sometimes forced to hand over her books so others could copy her work. Eventually, she stopped completing homework altogether. “It made sense at the time,” she reflects.

Those difficult years planted the seeds of resilience and faith that would guide her future. They also fuelled her determination to help others discover their worth and unlock their potential.

Her first job was as a medical records clerk at Good Hope Hospital, but she soon realised her calling lay elsewhere. She returned to education, studying youth and community work before qualifying as a mentor. Teaching became the natural next step. Elaine worked in both secondary schools and further education, where she

CHANCE TO SHINE: Elaine is inspiring the next generation

VISION: Elaine Batten’s passion lies in writing launched a drama club to help students grow in confidence.

“I knew that with confidence, understanding and faith, anything was possible,” she says.

That passion later inspired her to create Maximum Tutoring, offering one-to-one and group support for young learners. What began with just one student soon grew into a thriving network.

For Elaine, tutoring has always been about more than passing exams. “I was once considered an underachiever, so I know how that feels,” she explains. “Many of my students are battling the same doubts I once had. I remind them that your past does not define your future.”

Her students’ results prove her right. Young people who had lost faith in education have gone on to achieve qualifications and discover new confidence in themselves.

Alongside teaching, Elaine pursued her passion for playwriting. Influenced by the storytelling style of Pilgrim’s Progress, her first plays, From the

Beginning to the End and The Old Lady, became local hits. Later productions such as Behind Closed Doors, The Wondrous Cross, The Atonement, I Witness and All Rise were brought to life by dedicated community casts.

She also directed youth theatre projects including Fame and The Trial of Wilf Wolf, adapted from Julia Donaldson’s story.

For Elaine, drama is never just entertainment. “On stage and

behind the scenes, young people learn confidence, teamwork and resilience. It changes them,” she says.

While she occasionally steps into the spotlight, her passion lies in writing and directing, giving others the chance to shine.

Her long-term vision is to bring her productions into schools, churches and community spaces nationwide. Her work extends well beyond classrooms and

theatres. She has raised funding and built youth programmes to keep young people engaged, creative and away from negative influences such as crime.

Today, as a consultant for Creative Character Education, she continues to design learning programmes that encourage growth without labels or limits.

Her guiding principle is simple but powerful: to help individuals stand tall in themselves while

thriving as part of a community.

“My story proves that beginnings don’t dictate endings,” Elaine reflects.

“With creativity, character and confidence, every young person can rise, achieve and make a difference.”

For more information or collaborations: l www.mis-cellaneous.co.uk l email: ebattenmisart@ outlook.com

Honouring Wesley: A life of faith, a call for change THE community of Smethwick is mourning the tragic loss of Wesley Williams, a 25-year-old man remembered for his faith, kindness and compassion.

Wesley lost his life following a collision on the B5013 near Blithfield Reservoir in Staffordshire.

This beauty spot is known for racing and collisions.

Wesley’s family described him as “a man of faith, kindness and integrity” who cared deeply for the homeless and less fortunate. They called him “the sunset seeker”, a young man who chased beauty,

lived by faith and poured his heart into serving others. His loss has left a devastating gap, not only for his loved ones but for the wider community.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released on bail while investigations continue.

This tragic incident raises hard questions. How can we prevent the lives of our young people being cut short on our streets? As we mark Black History Month and honour lives lost too soon, com-

LEGACY: Wesley, a precious life taken too soon

munities are demanding urgent action from the government with a petition on Change.org calling

for the speed limit over Blithfield Reservoir to be reduced.

In honour of Wesley, a

GoFundMe campaign has been launched with plans to establish the Wesley Williams Foundation, which will support disadvantaged people and promote communityfocused initiatives.

Wesley’s life may have been cut short, but his legacy must fuel change. Condolences from all at The Voice to Wesley’s mum Melinda Williams who featured in our September issue. Our hearts and prayers are with you and family l https://www.gofundme.com/f/ fdzay7-wesley-williams

32 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

Cynthia V Davis

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

WHY JOB PROGRESSION STILL ISN’T COLOUR-BLIND

FIGHT FOR RECOGNITION: Black professionals continue to challenge stereotypes of what leadership looks and sounds like (photo: Getty

Many Black and minority ethnic professionals over-deliver, but doors still remain closed

Images)

O

N PAPER, progression should be simple: work hard, be good at your job and move up. But for many of us, especially people of colour, it’s not always that straightforward. I’ve lost count of the number of brilliant, capable professionals I’ve met who are doing everything right and still hitting the same glass ceiling.

Often, when they ask why they’ve been overlooked, they’re told things like: “You’re not quite ready”, “we just didn’t think the timing was right”, or “you’re doing such a great job where you are.”

Let’s be honest, these are often excuses and not real reasons. But when they’re given over and over again, they start to reveal something deeper – that progression is still filtered through bias, assumptions, and familiarity. It’s not just about what you’ve done, it’s about who feels comfortable seeing you in the next role.

One of the most common barriers I’ve seen, and experienced myself, is the idea of what a “leader” looks and sounds like. Too often, that image is based on Whiteness. Not necessarily because people are consciously racist, but because years of being surrounded by a certain kind of leader shapes our expectations.

You’re ‘too much’ If you’re confident, you’re seen as bold and assertive – unless you’re a Black woman, in which case you might be seen as aggressive or “too much”.

If you’re quiet and strategic, you’re seen as thoughtful – unless you’re a Black man, and then you might be seen as disengaged. It can become exhausting trying to find the “right” tone to be taken seriously. I remember a previous role where I made it clear that I was eager for promotion. I asked

what I needed to do to achieve this and was given a set of KPIs and milestones.

I embraced the challenge, confident that I was ready, and worked hard to exceed expectations. In fact, not only did I meet every target, but I also often went above and beyond what was asked of me.

That’s why it was so frustrating to learn that, despite my performance, the company had decided to hire someone externally for the role I had worked towards. To add insult to injury, I was asked to help him settle in and bring him up to speed for a role I was more than capable of doing myself.

It felt like a slap in the face.

The experience left me dejected, and I quickly realised that the only way I would progress was by moving on.

Sadly, this is how organisations lose talented people who would have otherwise stayed if their ambitions had been recognised and supported. But more importantly, it highlights a deeper issue: progression is still not colour blind.

Too often, Black and ethnic minority professionals are told

exactly what they must do to ‘earn’ progression. They deliver.

They over-deliver. Yet when the opportunity arises, doors remain closed, while others, often external, often white – are brought in instead.

The message this sends is that merit is not the deciding factor – rather, it is bias – whether conscious or unconscious, that prevails. Progression is still heavily shaped by perception.

Managers often promote people they “see potential in”, but what does that really mean? Most of the time, it means: l People who remind them of themselves l People they feel comfortable mentoring l People they’ve had informal chats with after meetings But when you’re the only person of colour in the room, you’re less likely to benefit from that casual sponsorship. You’re also more likely to feel the pressure of proving yourself again and again, because one mistake might be seen as confirmation of a stereotype. Let’s not forget the mental gymnastics of managing how we speak, how we dress, even how we show up emotionally.

It’s not about individual performance; it’s about systems that reward the familiar and overlook the rest Too relaxed? You’re not serious enough. Too focused? You’re not approachable.

Throughout my career, I was often told to “fit in.” That meant wearing a certain style of clothing, doing my hair in a particular way, even adjusting my voice to sound more “acceptable” rather than using my natural northern accent.

The unspoken message was clear: success meant conforming to someone else’s idea of what “professional” looked and sounded like.

But when “fitting in” becomes the unspoken requirement for progression, whose standard are we really measuring against? Too often, it is a standard rooted in

Whiteness, whether that’s how we dress, how we wear our hair, or how we speak.

The pressure to assimilate sends a damaging signal that talent and hard work alone are not enough unless they are packaged in a way that makes others feel comfortable.

There are also so many unspoken rules when it comes to getting promoted: who gets invited to that strategy meeting, who gets looped in on the “important” emails, and who gets taken to lunch by the senior leadership team. It’s not always about a formal process, and that’s the problem. When decisions happen behind closed doors, bias walks right in with them. I’ve spoken to so many professionals of colour who say, “I’m not sure what else I can do.”

And they’re right. It’s not about individual performance; it’s about systems that reward the familiar and overlook the rest.

So what needs to change?

We need transparency about how decisions are made, what criteria are used, and who’s in the room when those decisions happen.

We need sponsors, not just

mentors – people with influence who advocate for talent, not just give advice. We need to normalise different leadership styles, recognising that not everyone leads in the same way, and that this diversity is a strength, not a weakness. And we need senior leaders to challenge themselves. If the only people progressing look and sound like them, that’s not a coincidence, it’s a culture problem.

Are you watching lessexperienced colleagues move ahead, hearing feedback that focuses more on how you come across than what you deliver and constantly feeling the need to prove yourself? You’re not alone!

Progression still isn’t colour-blind, but the more we name it, the harder it becomes to ignore.

To those in leadership: if you say you’re committed to inclusion, ask yourself this — who’s moving up, and who’s being left behind? l Cynthia V Davis CBE is a Black

British entrepreneur, employment expert and diversity advocate.

She is CEO and Founder of Diversifying Group, a DEI services organisation, and co-founder of Diversifying.io, a diversity-focused careers platform

AUGUST 2025

THE VOICE |33

34 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

Black History Month

Feature

THE FACES OF COURAGE

W

HEN I researched my book Under Fire – Black Britain in Wartime 1939-1945, I made notes about Black Britons who were subjects of artists during the Second World War. For example, the Royal Air Force Museum’s archive has many beautiful portraits of African and Caribbean servicemen and women by the portrait painter Hon. Mrs Honor Earl.

From airmen and firefighters to singers and community leaders, Stephen Bourne examines how the little known stories of Black Britons were revealed through the eyes of celebrated wartime artists

Ulric Cross These include Ulric Cross, the Trinidadian Royal Air Force navigator. Ulric had volunteered for the RAF after witnessing the defeat of the British at Dunkirk in 1940 and saw that the Nazis were continuing to gain power across Europe.

He has been described as the highest ranking, and one of the most distinguished and highly decorated Caribbean airmen in the Second World War. George A. Roberts Norman Hepple was a portrait painter who, at the start of the war, joined the Auxiliary Fire Service which, in 1941, became the National Fire Service.

He served as a firefighter during the London Blitz but continued his painting. Hepple was also appointed Official War Artist and one of his finest achievements was a portrait of George A. Roberts, a Trinidadian who had served in the British Army during the First World War. He then settled in Camberwell in south London where he lived until he died in 1970. It is likely that George’s First World War experiences on the battlefields of Europe, including the Somme, prepared him for the onslaught of the London Blitz.

When the Second World War began, George was too old for combat so he trained with the Auxiliary Fire Service.

His base was New Cross Fire Station in south-east London and in 1943 he was made a section leader. As a brave firefighter, he faced constant danger throughout the Blitz.

He put out fires and saved lives while the bombs fell and exploded. In addition to his fire service duties, George was responsible for organising the Discussion and Education Groups of the wartime NFS. He realised that fire officers had time on their hands between

CHARISMATIC: Evelyn Dove, the singer who became the first woman of colour to broadcast on BBC Radio in 1925, painted in 1942 by artist Louis Ginnett

air-raids and the discussion groups helped them to relieve the boredom and tension.

As such, George met and befriended a number of prominent artists and writers including Norman Hepple, who painted his portrait. In 2018, the London Fire Brigade invited George’s great granddaughter Dr Samantha Harding to unveil a red plaque in his honour at New Cross Fire Station. Dr Harding has also acquired Hepple’s portrait of George and is planning to make the portrait available for the public to see at events around the country.

Evelyn Dove Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, London-born cabaret singer Evelyn Dove toured Europe and one of her most notable achievements was becoming, in 1925, the first woman of colour to broadcast on BBC Radio, three years after its launch.

With war clouds (and a Nazi invasion) looming over Europe, Evelyn came home to England and, in 1939, she began a long and very successful association with the BBC. During the war, she was one of the most popular singers on the Radio. She even had three Radio series of her own: Rhapsody in Black, Sweet and Lovely, and Serenade in Sepia. In 1946 she had her own BBC television series.

Though born into a West AfricanBritish middle-class family, she defied convention and upset her strict Sierra Leonean father to follow her dreams.

She became one of the most

glamorous and charismatic entertainers this country has produced. In 1942, her portrait was painted by Louis Ginnett.

In 2023, Evelyn was honoured with a Nubian Jak Community Trust/Battersea Society blue plaque outside her former home in Barnard Road, Wandsworth.

Dr Harold Moody Peckham Library has on display the splendid bronze portrait of the community leader Dr Harold Moody which was sculpted by his younger brother, the celebrated artist Ronald Moody.

Dr Moody’s home and surgery was in Queens Road, just a short walk from Peckham Library, so it is fitting it is on display there.

While Dr Moody was tending to the needs of the people of Peckham during the London Blitz, he was joined by Ronald who managed to escape from his home in Paris, France just before the Nazi invasion and occupation of the country.

The bronze portrait mysteriously vanished but it was eventually rediscovered and in 2007, with the help of Harold and Ronald’s niece, Cynthia Moody (the curator of the Ronald Moody Archive), and myself, it was purchased by Southwark Council and given a permanent home in Peckham Library. A copy of the portrait, also by Ronald, can be seen on display at the National Portrait Gallery.’ l Stephen Bourne is the author of Evelyn Dove – Britain’s Black Cabaret Queen, published by Jacaranda Books

ABOVE: Ulric Cross, Trinidadian RAF navigator and one of the most decorated Caribbean airmen of the Second World War, painted by Honor Earl

LEFT: Bronze bust of Dr Harold Moody, created by his brother Ronald Moody. The sculpture is now on display at Peckham Library, close to Harold’s former home and surgery

Darell J. Philip

BREAKING THE HOLD: PROTECTING BLACK YOUTH FROM GANGS

Helping exploited young people in the Black community has become a lifelong mission for Paul Frempong

I

N 2023, 7,432 child referrals were made to the National Referral Mechanism, which identifies victims of modern slavery and exploitation, marking a 45 per cent rise since 2021.

Many of the children referred had been exploited through gangs and county lines.

For youth worker Paul Frempong, protecting children from this grip of crime has become a lifelong mission.

Born in Hackney to Ghanaian parents and raised in the Seventh-day Adventist church, the 44-year-old has worked with young people for more than 20 years in schools, churches, communities, and as a team manager within the Youth Justice Service.

In July 2016, he founded Boys2Men Ministry (B2M), a programme aimed at empowering young Black men in the church and wider community.

“I identified a gap in the church where the holistic and spiritual needs of our young men were not being addressed,” he said.

The first event attracted over 50 teenagers and covered education, sex and relationships, gang culture and manhood.

Since then, B2M has pioneered projects including the first-ever knife crime church tour.

The initiative, featuring powerful testimonies from Dr Mark Prince OBE and Yvonne Lawson MBE – both parents who lost children to knife crime – opened doors for workshops in schools across England.

Frempong said the impact has been significant, with young people “turning their lives around, understanding their self-worth and being inspired to achieve their goals.”

This year, Frempong launched a Safeguarding Tour across London focusing on gangs and county lines.

“The tour was due to the increase of young people joining gangs and being impacted by county lines,” he explained.

“Through my day-to-day job I observed young people from the church community also being affected, whether as victims or perpetrators. The tour has been

a great success, with churches now looking at how to support their young people holistically.

“Parents said it helped them to understand the challenges their children face outside of the family home as well as how the UK education system works.”

At the recent Brent Gangs and County Lines Conference, husband and wife youth work team Curtis and Wanitta Powell shared parenting and safeguarding strategies, while safeguarding consultant Kristina Carridice described her teenage grooming experience, highlighting how young people are targeted and urging parents to better support and protect vulnerable children from gang activity.

Another conference this month in Newham will feature motivational speaker Clarence Jackson, who supports at-risk children through one-to-one programmes.

REVIEW Frempong warns that the signs of gang involvement and county lines are often clear: “Depression, mental ill health, poor educational outcomes, physical and sexual abuse – all of which create a pathway to criminality and imprisonment.”

A 2024 review by Action for Children revealed exploited children are frequently treated as criminals, schools lack resources to respond effectively, vulnerable groups are disproportionately impacted, and many young people do not recognise they are being exploited.

For Frempong, the solutions are rooted in community and early intervention.

“We need to create safe spaces in the community and church to help young people with their personal development,” he said. “Mentoring, working with schools on safeguarding programmes, supporting parents with one-to-one and group sessions — all of these are vital.” l For further information contact boys2menworkshops@gmail.com l Darell J. Philip is a teaching

assistant, academic mentor and award-winning journalist

OCTOBER 2025 THE VOICE | 35

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

DEDICATED: Paul Frempong, founder of Boys2Men Ministry

36 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

News

NEW BILL STRENGTHENS TIES Under a new law, a person can acquire citizenship of Trinidad and Tobago even if their parent or grandparent was a citizen by descent. By Sinai Fleary

T

RINIDAD AND Tobago is set to allow people to acquire citizenship through their grandparents, after a historic vote.

Last week, after hours of debate the Constitution (Amendment) (Citizenship) Bill, 2025, was passed in the Senate after a final vote of 16 in favour, 13 against and one abstention.

Under the new changes, the bill will allow citizenship by descent through a grandparent who was a citizen at the time of the applicant’s birth.

The bill also removes the restriction that citizenship by descent could only be acquired through a parent who was not a citizen by descent themselves.

There was no support given for changes by the opposition and

most of the Independent senators voted against it.

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian previously, under Section 17(3) of the Constitution and Section 5 of the Citizenship Act, only second-generation descendants – children of citizens born abroad –were eligible for citizenship by descent.

Trinidad and Tobago’s diaspora Under the new law, a person can become a citizen even if their parent or grandparent was a citizen by descent.

The newspaper gave the following example. “If John was born in Trinidad, his son, Michael, was born abroad and became a citizen by descent. Michael then had a child, Sarah, born outside of

and Youth Affairs Minister Phillip Watts who said the TT Football Association identified 40 athletes who were willing to play for TT if they were granted citizenship. He said the move also aligns with the national sport policy of TT. “The first phase is a precise rapid response to an immediate challenge. It grants citizenship to high-performance, foreign-born athletes with TT grandparents. It directly addresses the TTFA’s call to strengthen the football team and all disciplines, increasing our talent pool” he said.

“The second phase is guided by responsible government action.

We know the benefits will reach well beyond sports, boosting our economy, diversifying our workforce and enriching our culture.

That’s why, after careful review, HISTORIC VOTE: Under the new law, a person can become a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago we will extend third-generation even if their parent or grandparent was a citizen by descent (photo: Getty Images) citizenship to other eligible foreign-born individuals to bring Trinidad. Under the old law, Sarah Tobagonian heritage. Additionally, requirements of FIFA for thirdinvaluable skills, investment or could not be a citizen because her the move is being seen as a way to generation players,” but stopped expertise to our nation.” father’s citizenship was by descent. also increase the amount of athshort of confirming that specific Watts added that the CaribUnder the new law, Sarah will now letes that are available to represent clauses achieve that result, accordbean island had suffered some of qualify for citizenship.” national sporting teams – includ- ing to the local newspaper. the highest brain-drain rates in The government hopes the ing the twin-nations football team.

According to Trinidadian the region and lost out on billions new legislative change will help Attorney General John Jeremie newspaper Newsday, the bill was to strengthen ties and bonds with offered partial support, saying piloted in the House of Represent- in remittances. The new bill now the diaspora with Trinidadian and the bill “on the whole meets the atives on September 12 by Sport awaits proclamation into law.

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OCTOBER 2025 THE VOICE | 37

Advertorial Black History Month

Advertorial

Writing Windrush forward Spotlight on three books by Black authors ahead of Europe’s largest Black literature festival

Yvonne Bailey-Smith

YVONNE BAILEY-SMITH was born in Jamaica and immigrated to the UK in 1969 when she was a teenager.

The Day I Fell Off My Island tells the story of Erna Mullings, a teenage Jamaican girl uprooted from her island following the sudden death of her beloved grandmother.

When Erna is sent to England to be reunited with her siblings, she dreads leaving behind her elderly grandfather, and the only life she has ever known.

In a strange country and with a mother she barely recognises, the next decade will be a complex journey of estrangement and arrival, new beginnings and the uncovering of long-buried secrets.

In 2022, it was shortlisted for the Authors’ Club Best First Novel Award, the Diverse Book Awards, the Paul Torday Memorial Prize, and the RSL Christopher Bland Prize.

A psychologist and former social worker, Bailey-Smith explains: “As an immigrant child, I often wished that someone had been able to take me aside and explain to me that leaving everything I knew to go on a so called adventure to somewhere way beyond my imagination was going cause me an unimaginable sense of loss and sadness.

“I also wish that the same person had been there to reassure me that I would survive and even flourish, given half a chance.”

Kuba Shand-Baptiste

KUBA SHAND-BAPTISTE is an award-winning journalist whose work is interested in identity, human connection and social justice.

Her writing examines motives with nuance and offers neglected perspectives. She draws on experiences growing up in north-west London as a British-Caribbean person. Kuba’s work – including essays, features and poetry – has been featured in numerous publications, earning widespread acclaim.

Kuba currently lives between Dublin, where she shares a home with her partner, and London.

Her debut novel Soon Come is inspired by the true stories of three older British Jamaican citizens and shines a light on the everyday lives of London’s Caribbean diaspora, revealing the hopes, dreams and uncrushable spirit of the generation.

Disruptor Mikey uses art and politics to respond to the injustices he sees.

Judith conforms, seeking financial security in an ordinary life as a nurse in order to take care of her family back home. Frankie takes life less seriously – he’s been judged all his life, but what he lacks in luck, he makes up for in community.

Despite their differences, the group’s shared tenacity fosters a unique sense of identity, courage and belonging as they are each drawn back to the restaurant over a number of years.

Mel Pennant

A MURDER for Miss Hortense is playwright and screenwriter Mel Pennant’s debut novel. The central character is retired nurse, avid gardener, and renowned cake maker who emigrated from Jamaica in 1960.

Thirty-five years of nursing have also left Miss Hortense afraid of nobody, be they a local drug dealer or a priest, and she is an expert in deciphering other people’s secrets with just a glance.

These skills come in handy when an unidentified man is found dead in one of the Pardners’ homes, a Bible quote noted down beside his body.

Miss Hortense’s long buried past comes rushing back to greet her, bringing memories of the worst moment of her life, one which her community has never let her forget. It is time for Miss Hortense to solve a mystery that will see her, and the community she loves, tested to their limits.

Mel Pennant has an MA in Screenwriting from the London College of Communication. She lives in London with her family and their dog, Bleu.

38 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

Black History Month

News Feature

FORGOTTEN FASHIONISTAS I

ALTHEA MCNISH – A UK DESIGNER OF DISTINCTION

Coral Turner uncovers the stories of the pioneering Black designers often overlooked in the history of fashion

T STARTED with an internet search many years ago.

I typed in ‘Black female fashion designers’ and was greeted with ‘0 results’.

Instead, I was offered search options for ‘The Little Black Dress’ – what one has to do with the other is beyond my imagination.

Curious, I then searched for European female designers, and the results overflowed with names – women who did not look like me or my peers.

I do not discount the achievements of these women, but the disparity in recognition between them and Black female fashion designers is stark.

My investigation led me to ask

‘whom, where, and why’ these incredible women have been hidden from view. Historically, Black women were often labelled as ‘seamstresses’ or ‘dressmakers’.

While these roles carry merit, the creative designer within was overlooked. Their ideas were undervalued, copied, or stolen, as they lacked access to mainstream fashion media and resources.

As a designer myself I stand on the shoulders of these pioneers.

They were not only designers but textile artists whose work reflected African and West Indian culture. Their stories are a testament to resilience and ingenuity, and they deserve recognition.

Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Althea McNish came to the UK aged 27 to study architecture, later shifting to textiles at the Royal College of Art. Her vibrant designs, inspired by Caribbean landscapes, spanned wallpaper, fabrics, and furnishings.

Liberty London commissioned her work, and she designed for Dior, Pierre Cardin, Biba, and Conran.

Remarkably, Queen Elizabeth II wore garments made from McNish fabrics during Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence tour in 1966, and her designs adorned Buckingham Palace. Despite her influence, mainstream recognition came late; a blue plaque now marks her former home in North London.

Photo: Getty Images

Through talks and research, I was introduced to Ethel Kerr via her great-grandson, Cagney Roberts.

At 105 years old, Kerr remains a testament to determination. Her label, Etty Fashions, toured the UK and Europe.

Asked what she enjoyed most about her work, Kerr said: “I loved how clothing makes people feel. They become a new character for the day or evening. I especially enjoyed women’s wear with different textures and layers that complement women’s bodies.”

However, barriers existed.

“Venue owners often didn’t allow events with Black audiences. We had to be creative to host fashion shows,” she recalled.

PRESENT-DAY STARS

A wedding dress is the centrepiece of any marriage celebration, and couture designer Ann Lowe (above, on the right) from Alabama excelled at this.

In 1953, she designed Jacqueline Bouvier’s wedding gown for her marriage to John F Kennedy, who would later become US President. Yet, despite this career achievement, a boutique owner received the credit for her work.

Lowe also created Olivia de Havilland’s Oscars gown, which was listed as ‘designer unknown’. Despite this, she produced over 2,000 dresses sold at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, leaving a remarkable legacy of work often uncredited.

Born into slavery in Virginia, USA, Elizabeth Keckley purchased her freedom and that of her son.

She established a business dressing St Louis’ elite, eventually designing the ball gown Mary Todd Lincoln wore to President Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration. Keckley spent four years in the White House creating garments for the First Lady.

Her autobiography, 30 Years a Slave and 4 Years in The White House, tells a story of resilience and serendipity.

ETHEL KERR – FASHION DESIGN PIONEER

Photo: Getty Images

ANN LOWE – DRESSING FIRST LADIES

ELIZABETH KECKLEY – A STORY OF RESILIENCE AND SERENDIPITY

Two London-based designers carry the torch today.

Karen Huggins (inset), founder of Little Huggins, is redefining children’s wear with style, functionality, and cultural expression, often using African prints. She also educates adults and teenagers in sewing.

Sheila Louis of Gselle Designs honours her St Lucian heritage through basketry. Using ribbon, telephone cables, and other media, she weaves stories into her work. Her pieces are sought after for exhibitions and home décor, and she teaches new generations.

Speaking about creating collections, she said: “I would make 30 to 40 garments per show – all myself, with my husband helping on buttonholes and zips. Working in a garment factory when I first arrived in London taught me to make garments quickly for my collections.”

Kerr retired in her late 70s but continues to inspire. Her advice to Black designers is: “Build your confidence by practising at home. Start with friends, and always aim to do things your own way. Remain true to yourself.”

A BBC Reel documentary produced by Cagney Roberts, called The 102-Year-Old Woman Who Changed British Fashion, also tells Kerr’s story.

WHO AM I?

I am Coral Turner. My company, Coral Turner Couture, specialises in one-of-a-kind couture women’s wear, both bespoke and ready-towear, based in Greenwich, London.

The daughter of Jamaican parents who settled in Manchester in the 1950s, I grew up watching my parents dress with style and care. My father wore bespoke suits made by a West Indian tailor, and my mother often designed her own dresses to ensure uniqueness. My grandmother was also a designer and business owner in Jamaica, employing seamstresses to create garments for the community.

I have been sewing and designing for over 40 years, predominantly self-taught. My work focuses on transformation; clothing is armour to face the world. Like Sheila Louis and Karen Huggins, I am also an educator, sharing couture sewing techniques with adult learners, keeping the craft alive.

Thank you for joining me on this journey as we celebrate the achievements of Black female designers.

Their stories continue, and so does their work.

OCTOBER 2025 THE VOICE | 39

News

TEAMING UP FOR THE FIGHT INTERVIEW: Michail Antonio reflected on the moments and teamwork that helped him achieve success

Alzheimer’s Society joins forces with the world of sport to shine a light on dementia and its latest campaign. By Rodney Hinds

T

HE Alzheimer’s Society has united with the world of sport. For the second consecutive year, the UK’s leading dementia charity, has teamed up with sport to raise awareness of dementia throughout World Alzheimer’s Month.

September saw Alzheimer’s Society partner with internationally renowned sports organisations including TNT Sports, Sky Sports, TalkSPORT, the Football Association, League Managers Association, Premier League and English Football League, to name a few.

The partnerships will see compelling and original content shine a light on dementia and Alzheimer’s Society’s latest campaign: It Will Take a Society.

The campaign, and the content, highlight the role that teamwork plays in sporting success and

why this must be emulated in the fight against dementia. Its aim is to encourage as many people as possible to join the fight against dementia by donating, volunteering, campaigning or becoming a Dementia Friend.

Elsewhere, and for the second year running, Alzheimer’s Society partnered with TNT Sports to broadcast three short but powerful films exploring how success in sport, and in life, is never a solo act.

Commissioned and produced

by TNT Sports, the three films feature brand new, exclusive interviews with former Chelsea and England men’s football international, Joe Cole, former Rangers and Scotland Men’s international, Ally McCoist, and former West Ham and Jamaica men’s football international, Michail Antonio.

All three football legends reveal

who they believe is the greatest football team ever assembled and reflect on the moments and teamwork that helped them achieve success.

The first of the three films was broadcast across TNT Sports Channels.

Corinne Mills, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We are immensely grateful for the support of our fantastic partners in

raising much needed awareness of dementia throughout September.

“World Alzheimer’s Month serves as a poignant and stark reminder that dementia is the UK’s biggest killer and the biggest health and social care issue of our time.

“Sport has the unrivalled ability to bring about meaningful change and that is why we’re incredibly proud to once again be uniting the

TV chef Ainsley launches Wandsworth African Caribbean Food Month

W

ANDSWORTH African Caribbean Food Month is taking place during October as part of the borough’s London Borough of Culture 2025 and Black History 365 programme.

It will feature a series of food-focused events that are council-led and community driven.

The month will kick off on October 2 with a launch event with an ‘In-Conversation’ style interview with Ainsley Harriott, where the TV chef will share how his Caribbean heritage has shaped his passion for cooking.

Ainsley said: “Food has always been more than just sustenance for me – it’s a way to connect with family and friends, community and my roots.

“For me, Caribbean cooking is very much about the joy of sharing and bringing people together around the table – as is African cuisine. When I was growing up our house was always a vibrant hub of guests, coming to sample my mother’s cooking.

“Now, when I cook dishes like her red bean stew & dumplings it evokes stories

of my family’s culture, history, and tradition. That’s why I’m proud, as a local resident, to launch Wandsworth African Caribbean Food Month, and I invite everyone to discover, enjoy and celebrate these vibrant traditions.”

The launch event will also feature a panel discussion, moderated by award-winning restaurant writer Jimi Famurewa, on the ‘Changing face of African Caribbean Cuisine in the UK’, featuring pioneering chefs such as chef Opy (Future Plate), Jason Howard (Flava Pepper), chef Nathan Collymore (Jam Delish) and Troy Johnson (Sweet Dee’s), who are redefining, modernising and elevating the cuisine.

Highlights across the month Some of the events taking place across Wandsworth during the month include: l An interactive Jamaican supper club – food, fun and a talk on the island l African & Caribbean food tasting tour (October 25) l Half-term cooking workshops for children

world of sport behind dementia to raise awareness and get sports fans the dedicated support they need, because no one individual can beat dementia. It will take a society.”

Scott Young, EVP WBD Sports Europe added: “TNT Sports is privileged to be a part of this hugely important campaign to raise awareness of dementia and the battle we face as a society. It’s

fantastic to be able to involve our team in supporting an important cause that is close to the hearts of so many.”

Last month also saw Alzheimer’s Society partner with the Football Association, League Managers Association, Premier League and English Football League to launch its badge campaign across the weekend of 19–22.

Managers across the football pyramid wore Alzheimer’s Society pin badges to raise awareness at every level and called on fans to join the team and help end the devastation of dementia.

Alongside this, Alzheimer’s Society also partnered with Huddersfield Town who organised a walk in memory of former player and Ballon d’Or winner, Denis Law, who sadly died from dementia in January this year.

Beginning at the Etihad, the 25-mile walk finished at the Accu Stadium ahead of kick off against Burton FC on September 20. Organised by former Huddersfield striker, Andy Booth, the walk saw over 120 fans take to the streets to raise vital funds and awareness of dementia.

PASSION: Ainsley Harriott will launch the event

l West Africa fufu-pounding and supper

club (October 18) l Caribbean-ish – a fine dining supper club hosted by MasterChef quarter finalist Louise Simms (October 31) l Plantain Social – West African & Afro Brazilian pop-up takeaway restaurant (October 3-31) l Home Community Café menu takeover (October 20-24) The month will also feature cooking workshops, a Jollof rice cook-off, a Black-owned cocktails masterclass, community cookouts, food storytelling sessions, and demos. Local businesses such as the Alma Pub are hosting a menu takeover across the month.

Kemi Akinola, Deputy Leader of Wandsworth Council, said: “We know food brings people together, elicits sharing and storytelling and so we’re keen to celebrate food of the African diaspora as part of our year as London Borough of Culture.”

Local people are being asked to submit their handed down family recipes which will form part of the Council’s African Caribbean Heritage recipe book.

For more information and to view the programme visit: https://welcometowandsworth.com/events/#topfilter=17067&page=1&view=list Social media handles: Handles are IG wandsworthbusinessteam and X businesswandbc and @wandbc

40 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

News Feature

Black History Month

RECOGNITION AT LONG LAST FOR MALCOLM X’S MOTHER

Historic monument unveiled on ancestral family land in Louise Little’s birth country of Grenada. By Sinai Fleary

VISION: The monument honouring Louise Little stands as a lasting tribute to her legacy in Grenada; below, Malcolm X and his mother, whose teachings on Black pride profoundly influenced him

T

HE MOTHER of civil rights icon Malcolm X has been honoured with a historic monument in her birth country of Grenada.

Louise Helen Norton Little (née Langdon) has been officially recognised with a memorial on ancestral family land in the village of La Digue, St Andrew, where she was born in the 1890s.

The tribute was unveiled in May to coincide with what would have been her son’s 100th birthday.

The event was organised by the Institute of the Black World 21st Century (IBW21) and the Malcolm X Family Foundation (MXFF), and attended by a distinguished international delegation.

Among the guests were Dr Julius Garvey, son of Jamaican Pan-Africanist hero Marcus Garvey, as well as Grenadian relatives of Malcolm X. One of those present was Terance Vaughn Wilson, a thirdgeneration cousin of Malcolm X who has spent more than 35 years researching and documenting his family’s history.

Speaking to The Voice from Grenada, he described the unveiling as a “family dream come true.”

“It’s not outsiders that had this in view,” Wilson said. “It was a family thing, and the family had this plan in mind for a long time. It has finally materialised.”

Honouring Louise Little Louise Little, mother of Malcolm X, has been hailed as a brilliant intellectual and grassroots activist who served as secretary of Marcus Garvey’s UNIA. Garvey’s teachings of self-determination and Pan-Africanism shaped how she raised her children and influenced Malcolm’s political outlook. A temporary marker now stands on her family’s former land in Langdon, Grenada, marking the site of a future monument Wilson said the memorial is a way to ensure Grenada’s contribution to Malcolm X’s story is fully acknowledged: “We are ensuring that Grenada gets its historical part, which it played in the realisation of Malcolm X, because Malcolm X’s mother is Grenadian, his grandmother is Grenadian and his great-grandmother is African. We have to be very proud of that.”

PROUD: Terance Wilson Growing awareness in Grenada Malcolm X’s Grenadian relatives have lived in La Digue for more than 150 years, with many still residing there today. For them, the recognition of their ancestor has been a deeply emotional milestone.

Wilson said other family members in the village “feel good” that their beloved relative is finally being acknowledged in such a distinguished way.

The monument has also sparked new interest among Grenadians who had not previously known about Malcolm’s Caribbean heritage. “A great percentage of the population never knew that Malcolm X’s mother, grandmother and family came from this area,” Wilson said. “Getting to know that was a shock to many of them, but they have now begun to accept the reality that Malcolm is Grenadian.”

Alongside the memorial, a billboard honouring Louise’s birthplace was also erected last year. Together, these tributes have made Malcolm X’s family story more visible in Grenada and have created a sense of cultural pride in St Andrew.

International solidarity The project was made possible through support from IBW21, a US-based resource centre focused on capacity-building and empowerment for Black communities worldwide. According to Wilson, IBW21 played a “vital part” in bringing the monument to life.

Its president, Dr Ron Daniels, who led the international delegation to Grenada, described Louise

as a “warrior woman.” He said the site has the potential to become an international destination.

“This is just the beginning of marking this site in a way that will one day become a cultural and historical centre,” Daniels said.

“People from all over the world will come here. We know the spirit of Louise Langdon Little lives, and we know the spirit of El-Hajj Malik Omowale – Malcolm X, our Black shining prince – also lives.”

Dr Daniels later reflected that participating in the initiative was one of the most powerful milestones of his career.

Wilson said he was deeply grateful for the international solidarity shown.

“They came to me and demonstrated a true desire to help the family, by providing the support and encouragement we needed to get this done,” he added.

Protecting the legacy At the event, Wilson received IBW21’s prestigious Pan-Africanist Award for decades of work preserving his family’s history and Malcolm X’s Grenadian roots.

The citation hailed his vision and dedication to honouring Malcolm’s mother.

He said that receiving the award was an emotional moment.

“I have always been a PanAfricanist person who supports the freedom of Africa all the time.

Knowing I am part of a PanAfricanist family makes me proud, and it is my desire to support the struggle of Pan-Africanist people worldwide.”

Education and the future Wilson, together with British-Grenadian Derek Marshall, recently launched the Malcolm X Family Foundation in Grenada. They plan to create a series of educational programmes based on family archives, historic documents and photographs. Wilson has been named as curator for the permanent memorial and sees education as a central part of the project.

He is also campaigning for Louise and Malcolm’s story to be included in the Grenadian national curriculum. “We should be introducing all of our historical figures in the country who did great things,” he said. “But somehow our education is still in the hands of our colonial masters.”

For Wilson, teaching the stories of Grenadian freedom fighters is vital so that young people can learn about their heritage from a Caribbean perspective, rather than through a lens shaped by colonial powers.

Grenada was colonised by the French in the 17th century and later by the British, before gaining independence in 1974. Linking Malcolm’s story to the wider history of Grenadian resistance and independence, Wilson said, is essential for shaping a confident national identity.

He has also begun working on architectural plans for a permanent cultural site in La Digue. “We

welcome the support of anyone and said the occasion brought a sense of pride to the people of his willing to help us ensure this is a success – not just for Black people, constituency.

“This is a moment of achievebut for all people.” ment and rejuvenation,” he said.

“We commemorate the memory Wider recognition of Malcolm X’s mother, and we celThe unveiling drew support from ebrate the centenary of his birth.”

Grenadian, regional and internaAndrews pledged government tional guests, including represupport to Wilson and the foundasentatives from the Malcolm X tion. “The Government of Grenada Memorial Foundation in Omaha, will give you all the support you Nebraska, and the Malcolm X need, so that the memory and Commemoration Committee in work of Mrs Little and her son Brooklyn, New York.

Dr Julius Garvey told attendees Malcolm will live forever.” he was proud to play a role in the Looking ahead initiative, connecting it to the wider struggle for Black liberation. Although the current marker is “This is about continuing a revolu- temporary, the recognition of Louise Little’s birthplace has already tion – one that my father, Louise become a powerful focal point in Little, Malcolm X, and Maurice Bishop were all a part of. And one Grenada. Plans for a permanent memorial, educational initiatives that we are all a part of,” he said. and curriculum reform all point to Grenada’s Minister for Ecoa legacy that will connect generanomic Development, Lennox tions to come.

Andrews, who also represents St As Wilson put it: “There would Andrew South West in parliabe no Malcolm X without the brilment, described the tribute as liance of his mother Louise – and a “moment of glory.” He recalled reading about Malcolm X as a boy without Grenada.”

OCTOBER 2025 THE VOICE | 41

Black History Month

The Powerlist

20 YEARS OF THE POWERLIST: BLACK HISTORY IN THE MAKING Michael Eboda tells of two decades of championing Black achievement and why the Powerlist provides us with a living history of success. By Sinai Fleary

B

LACK BRITISH success has not always been recognised by mainstream UK society.

For entrepreneur Michael Eboda, celebrating Black excellence has been the core of his work for nearly two decades.

He founded Powerful Media – the agency that publishes The Powerlist, an annual roll-call of the 100 most influential people of African, African Caribbean and African American heritage living in the UK. Now marking its 20th anniversary, Eboda tells The Voice the list remains unapologetically Black and loud in celebrating Black excellence.

“We want to celebrate those successes and if we don’t do it, who’s going to do it? This isn’t about Black power, it’s about people of a similar heritage working together to make for a better society.”

Some still question the need for a race-specific list, but Eboda is blunt.

“That’s their problem, not mine.”

And he hopes that one day the Powerlist will be unnecessary. “We are actually working to put ourselves out of business,” he says.

The idea for a Powerlist grew from Eboda’s journalism career at the Sunday Times and The Observer and his later role running the Ethnic Media Group (EMG).

He saw a striking difference in coverage. “The Asian papers were quite positive about their community. They showcased people

POWER: Michael Eboda shakes hands with former PM David Cameron

who tended to be doing quite well. The African and Caribbean focused papers tended to focus on victimhood.”

He believed that focus helped create a narrow narrative.

“The Black-focused papers at the time were not selling many copies which I believe was down to the stories being depressing. I knew a lot of people in my personal life who were actually doing really well, and I wanted to showcase those types of people. It allows others to understand this wasn’t all doom and gloom.”

Rather than chase celebrity culture, he sought what he calls “realistic role models.”

“We focused on people in the arts, lawyers, doctors and we showcased them. If we were doing a story, we would always quote a Black doctor or a Black lawyer and we would show their picture. What we were looking to do was to try and make it appear normal for us to be in those positions.”

MESSAGE When the idea for a Powerlist came up he rejected a “rich list” mentality.

“There is more to success than just having money and I wanted to send the right message to young people,” he says.

The first Powerlist, compiled from names of overlooked achievers, struck a chord.

“We came up with the names of a lot of people who were doing all kinds of wonderful things, that we

MISSION: Powerlist founder Michael Eboda (right) pictured with former Labour MP Chuka Umunna and Baroness Doreen Lawrence

had not even heard of. We put a list together, put a magazine out and people just loved it.”

However, despite it being so well received raising capital proved difficult.

“I sought investment but many of those I approached simply did not get it,” Eboda says.

Undeterred, he launched Powerful Media independently. “That’s how the Powerlist started, and we have had our ups and downs. But we’ve always managed to keep a very high standard.”

Every year Eboda stages the Celebration of Black Excellence Awards, where the Powerlist is launched.

“It is the most powerful room of Black people in Europe in any given year. We want those people to know that they are not alone, and we want others to see that it is normal for Black people to be in positions of power and authority.”

That visibility has produced results. “The most significant thing that the Powerlist has achieved is in getting people to see people who are like them. Before we started to put the list together, there were people in really senior leadership positions, but they didn’t know one another. I wish I had a pound for every piece of business that was done between people on the list.

We’ve had people becoming friends and romances grow out of it.”

Eboda’s background shaped his mission. He grew up in south London and, after his mother died

aged 14, moved with his sisters to But he admits that running a no sportsman or sportswoman lean media business can prove to today comes anywhere close to. live with an aunt in Nigeria.

“Up until that stage my ambition be an ongoing struggle.

He was the greatest sportsperson “You’ve got to get out there and of all time, and he is one of my was like most 14-year-old kids in the mid-1970s – leave school and raise money and you have to pay heroes.” start some sort of menial job, even yourself and you have to pay your Despite naysayers, Eboda’s colleagues,” he says. though my mum would always focus remains celebrating “Then you have got to stay at a stress about the importance of achievement and encouraging certain level of quality. We were university.” young people.

Nigeria reframed his ambitions. focused very early on just on His Future Leaders magazine, surviving and we have managed “I was surrounded by profeswhich profiles 100 of the UK’s sional people – doctors, engineers, to do that. There is no such thing most talented undergraduates of architects. I had a cousin who was as overnight success, this has been African and African Caribbean a lawyer. He was a young guy, had hard work, it’s been a grind.” descent, has run for 17 years.

If there is a secret, it’s the abiljust graduated and he got a job, As the Powerlist marks two drove a nice car and lived in a nice ity to keep going in the face of decades, Eboda is maintaining apartment and I thought ‘I’d like a obstacles. his mission to celebrate a living “If anyone asked me what’s the history of achievement and to piece of that.’” secret to success, I would just say empower future generations.

He studied law, returned to it’s perseverance and keeping going the UK for a Master’s but later “You can see how these young when times get tough. switched to journalism. people are now coming through.

For over 20 years, the Powerlist Some of them have found their has created corporate partnerway onto the Powerlist now.

THEME ships that have opened pipelines to Every single one of them you “This is the 20th year of the senior talent. would describe them as a leader Powerlist and the theme of this “There’s a number of people now in whatever field they are in.” year’s Celebration of Black Excelon our list who have achieved “For me, one thing about hislence Awards, which is where the board positions or senior positions Powerlist is launched every year, tory is we forget that we are living because of the visibility that was is thank you. We really want to say through it. There are people who afforded to them through being thank you to the people that have are on the Powerlist right now profiled on the Powerlist. who are creating history. They got us this far because we didn’t “We’ve still got a long way to go, do it by ourselves and we did it will be the first at something or let’s be real. But I think we are in a because we had a lot of help from a the best at something. It is a living better place than we have been.” history of Black British success.” lot of people.”

He credits early champions such There are plans to expand the Asked about the Black as Baroness Amos and Baroness Powerlist across Europe. history icons he admires, Eboda Scotland.

“We will launch a European list names Marcus Garvey and “Both those two ladies were of the most influential Black peoMuhammad Ali. instrumental in helping us to get to ple in Europe. We want to join the “Garvey was 50 years ahead where we got to initially. Now you of his time and sadly never got people up and get to know one see a much larger Black presence enough recognition for his work. another and we think that would in corporate board rooms.”

Muhammad Ali... he did stuff that be a really powerful thing to do.”

42 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

Black History Month

Opinion

Jacqui McKenzie

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

THE SHAME OF WITNESSING HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF ‘The UK is no longer the panacea our relatives thought it was when they boarded ships and planes to the promised land of opportunity’

AN anaesthetic consultant was on call at St Thomas’ Hospital Westminster last month when tens of thousands of people marched past shouting racist and other hateful slogans.

He was one of just two White British members of staff at a handover briefing.

Some of the protesters broke through the barriers set up by the hospital, causing fear.

The consultant was distressed by the lack of a strong response from NHS leaders and the government who, he says, should “stop equivocating for fear of offending a group of the electorate that they foolishly think might vote for them…”

His sentiments will have reverberated across the UK. I was in the Caribbean watching the scenes live on TV, with friends and relatives asking why I’d bother to return to the UK. The UK is no longer the panacea that our parents and grandparents thought it was when they boarded ships and planes to travel to the promised land of opportunity, and many of my generation and younger are making that journey in reverse, armed with resources and purpose.

But that said, Britain is home to millions of non-White people born here and born elsewhere, WHAT’S CHANGED?: White youth clash with British police during the Notting Hill race riots in September 1958 (photo: Getty Images)

TROUBLING: Police contained Tommy Robinson supporters during the far-right ‘Unite The Kingdom’ rally in London, while Stand Up To Racism mounted a counterprotest; inset, the late Enoch Powell, remembered for his anti-immigration rhetoric that emboldened the far-right in Britain (photos: Getty Images)

DIVISIVE: Former British PM Margaret Thatcher and no one is going to make any of us leave unless we want to.

These events are not new.

Britain’s first recorded protests and race riots took place in June 1919 in Bute Town, Cardiff, when White soldiers, back from the war, attacked sailors and sea merchants from Yemen and Somalia who they accused of taking their jobs, housing and do with those shortages then, as even women. is the case now. Notting Hill was then home to large numbers of KILLED the Windrush generation. But The riots lasted several days. it was also a stronghold for the Homes and people were attacked White Defence League who used and three people were killed.

Teddy Boys and other racists to And in 1958, there were attack their homes under the protests and race riots on the banner of “Keep Britain White”. streets of Notting Hill, again A year after the Notting Hill posited as a response to post- riots, a young Caribbean man, war economic woes and housing Kelso Cochrane, was murdered shortages, used by right-wing in a racially motivated attack politicians to scapegoat migrants that remains unsolved, giving whose presence had nothing to rise to the Notting Hill Carnival

as we know it today. These riots were heavily influenced by the earlier antics of Oswald Mosley who founded the British Union of Fascists in 1932, and who had used protests and demagoguery to target the East End’s Jewish population, giving birth to the Cable Street uprising in October 1936 which saw defeat for Mosley.

A decade after Notting Hill, Enoch Powell gave his infamous Rivers of Blood Speech at an April 1968 meeting of the Conservatives in Birmingham.

The then shadow defence secretary in Edward Heath’s shadow cabinet, criticised immigration from the Commonwealth and opposed the Bill that became the Race Relations Act 1968. The Act criminalised the refusal of housing, employment, or public services to persons on the grounds of colour, race, or ethnic or national origin.

Powell’s speech on immigration is said to have been a decisive factor in the Conservative party’s surprise win in the 1970 General Election, as was Thatcher’s 1979 electoral victory.

In the previous year, she told the ITV’s World in Action programme that “people are really rather afraid that this country might be

It is appalling our nation’s leaders have not been forthright in their condemnation of the racism and fear large numbers of citizens feel rather swamped by people with a different culture...” in response to large numbers of people arriving from the Commonwealth or Pakistan.

So, just last month, as we witnessed the demonstration of racism on Britain’s streets with use of the N and the P words, the presence of foreign provocateurs and threats to kill, and as we learn of an alleged rape of a Sikh woman in Oldham by men using racial slurs, and reports of racist attacks increasing, it is appalling that our nation’s leaders have not been forthright in their

condemnation of the racism and fear that large numbers of this country’s citizens feel.

Politicians of most vintages will remain silent. Some because this is what they stand for whilst others hope to gain from their silence.

I had come to expect much from Labour even after it produced a mug as merchandise for its 2015 election campaign which said “controls on immigration”, and despite Keir Starmer’s quite disgraceful speech during his introduction of a White paper on immigration in which he said the UK risked becoming “an island of strangers”, a nearecho of words used by Enoch Powell.

So, history is repeating itself. Like the anaesthetist demanding that NHS leaders speak out, so too must we demand that our leaders speak out. But I won’t hold my breath.

Flirting with this sort of ideology had paid off for others, in the short term at least, and so it’s an attractive but shameful escapade.

JACQUI McKENZIE IS A BRITISH HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYER SPECIALISING IN MIGRATION, ASYLUM AND REFUGEE LAW

Lifestyle

46

Dreaming Whilst Black creator Adjani Salmon feels series three has to be greenlit

50

44-45

NIGERIAN MODERNISM

Jamaican-born British icon Rustie Lee has an important message for the elderly

52 Author Syreeta Brown talks navigating being a parent of an autistic child

44 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

Lifestyle

Black History Month

A REAL CELEBRATION OF NIGERIAN ART AND CULTURE

Nigerian Modernism will explore the artists who revolutionised modern art in the country in the mid-20th century. By Joel Campbell

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SEI BONSU, International Art curator at the Tate Modern, says the Nigerian Modernism exhibition which kicks off this month is probably the most significant piece of work he’s been a part of in his time at the famous London museum.

This autumn, Tate Modern will present the UK’s first exhibition dedicated to exploring the rise of modern art in Nigeria.

Covering the years from indirect colonial rule through

independence and into the contemporary era, Nigerian Modernism highlights an international circle of artists who fused African and European traditions, shaping a dynamic and enduring artistic legacy.

The exhibition will begin in the 1940s amid calls for decolonisation across Africa and its diaspora.

With the Nigerian education system under British governance, many artists trained in Britain, adopting European artistic techniques and witnessing Western modernism’s fixation on

African art. The balance between Nigeria’s Indigenous traditions, colonial realities and calls for independence was evident in the practices of artists, many of whom became involved in arts education and reform.

Bonsu enthused: “I would say this is probably the exhibition that I’m most proud of, partly because of the extraordinary effort that’s been put into realising the exhibition.

“Every exhibition has specific challenges, but I think with this particular exhibition, there were moments where we didn’t even know that we’d be able to bring works over from Nigeria because of various challenges around export, insurance, trying to ensure that the works were display-ready.

“So if you have a painting, for instance, that’s been held in an artist’s studio for 50, 60 years, the likelihood is that it’s not being treated by a conservator, and as such, there may be flaking, or there may be instability, all of these things that conservators have to check in order for a work to go on view.

“Furthermore, for a work to leave the country, there have to be certain conditions, and I think that’s been one of the biggest challenges for this exhibition.

“Add to that the fact that the majority of the artists in the exhibition are no longer living, so we don’t have a full record of what they might have said about their

PROUD: Osei Bonsu, International Art curator at the Tate Modern (photo: Jai Monaghan);

below left, Uzo Egonu, Stateless People: An artist with Beret, 1981

work, or how they wanted their work to be interpreted.

“So often, it’s a question of trying to join these dots, but I feel like this exhibition is kind of a constellation, and there’s more being added to it all the time, and I want audiences to bring their own cultural perspectives, their own life stories, in a way, to the exhibition, particularly people with Nigerian heritage.”

CRISIS The outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967 caused a cultural and political crisis for many artists.

The post-independence feeling of optimism and unity were replaced with division, and later a desire to reconnect across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.

The exhibition will look at the revival of ‘uli” – linear Igbo designs which can be decorative or represent natural elements and everyday objects.

It’s a very broad kind of exhibition, looking at 59 artists, spanning painting, sculpture, textile, film and theatre “What this exhibition tries to do is sort of map the development of modern art in Nigeria from the period of British indirect rule, so from the early 20th century, through to the end of the century, by which time artists have become part of this kind of global Nigerian diaspora, which of course thrives

to this very day,” Bonsu said. “It’s a very broad kind of exhibition, looking at 59 artists. There are about 300 works in the exhibition, spanning painting, sculpture, ceramics, textile, film, video, poetry and theatre.

“So it’s very all-encompassing and very much a celebration of Nigerian art and culture.”

Encouraging young and old to attend in their droves, Bonsu said the exhibit was for everyone.

“I would say that it’s a very intergenerational exhibition.

“The earliest painting in the exhibition is from around 1922.

The reason we didn’t include dates is because in the period of British indirect rule, so many of the key historical dates in Nigeria were defined by that colonial relationship, and I didn’t necessarily want that to be the anchor for the exhibition.

“The exhibition is looking at the ways in which artists found

OCTOBER 2025 THE VOICE | 45

Arts LEFT: Uche Okeke, Fantasy and Masks c1960.

Research and Cultural Collections, University of Birmingham RIGHT: Ben Enwonwu, The Dancer (Agbogho Mmuo Maiden Spirit Mask) 1962.

Ben Enwonwu Foundation, courtesy Ben Uri Gallery & Museum

ABOVE: JD Okhai Ojeikere, Untitled (Mkpuk Eba) 1974, printed 2012 RIGHT: Uzo Egonu, Northern Nigerian Landscape 1964. The estate of Uzo Egonu complex ways of carving out independence or Pan-African ideologies before the arrival of independence, but it’s fundamentally about creating this conversation across generations.

So one could step into the exhibition, and see a painting like, Sisi Nurse by Aina Onabolu, which is one of the earliest figurative paintings by a Nigerian artist.

ELITE “It depicts an important kind of Lagosian philanthropist and businesswoman who was, at the time, what would have been regarded as part of the Lagos elite, and these were elite Nigerians who were advocating for the sort of decolonisation of the education system, but they were also calling for more connections

between traditional rulers and the government in order to overturn much of the legislation associated with colonial rule. And many of these elites led the charge in also being philanthropists and supporters for artists, many of them commissioned some of the earliest portraits that you see in Nigeria.

“So that’s kind of one of the examples of a very important work I would want people to pay attention to. The portrait itself is actually not remarkable.

It’s the fact that this woman, a Black Nigerian woman, chose to have her portrait painted because she knew it would be significant, and she knew it was a gesture that would allow her to signify her wealth and her status in 1922. And often, we think of

Black portraiture as a kind of contemporaneous practice.

“It’s been going on, obviously, for hundreds of years, but in Nigeria, that’s when it really began to take on a role of its own.”

The exhibition will end with a spotlight on Uzo Egonu, exploring how artists towards the end of the 20th century began to respond to global Nigerian identities.

Living in Britain since the 1940s, Egonu’s work was informed by his perspective as an expatriate, creating works imbued by his childhood memories and feelings of nostalgia, as well as his response to current events, observed from overseas.

The exhibition will bring together Egonu’s Stateless People paintings, the first time these works have been reunited in

40 years. Speaking on what he hoped visitors would take from the exhibition as a whole, Bonsu said: “In terms of things that I want people to take away from the exhibition, I would say having more dialogues about the intersections of art and culture, the idea that art isn’t created in a vacuum.

“So when you’re looking at the works of the Osun-Osogbo, the artists associated with the worship of Osun-Osogbo, the shrine in Osogbo, Nigeria, which is basically a shrine dedicated to Osun, who is the goddess of fertility, you’re looking at an artistic practice, but you’re also looking at a spiritual practice.

He added: “I think that there’s something deeply spiritual about the way in which these artists

made work that was about more than art, was about ancestral worship, which was about making connections to gods, and making connections that kind of challenge the overwhelming presence of Christianity in Nigeria.

So there are lots of important cultural conversations that I think have a bearing on today’s world in terms of how we think about our identity as being multifaceted Africans living in a global world.”

DISCUSSION Bonsu says the exhibit will be supported by other events taking place during its six months at Tate Modern.

“Please bring your friends and family to see the exhibition. It’s an exhibition that was really made to be enjoyed, through discussion

and through exchange. We’ll have some public programmes, we’ve got a talk with Yinka Shonibare and Ben Okri, on October 9. We’ve got a Tate Late on October 31, which is going to be a celebration of Nigerian youth culture, so you’ll hear some music, we’ve got some amazing performances, DJs, and live events, and then there will be a series of events drawing connections between art and music in our Corner Cafe, which is actually open after 6pm when the museum opens.

“I think we’ve got four live events coming up, so have a look at the Tate website to follow that. But when we open on the week of the 7th, we’ll be open for people to enjoy and explore the exhibition, so please come and enjoy it.”

46 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

Lifestyle

Television

WHY SERIES THREE IS NO PIPE DREAM FOR ADJANI Creator Adjani Salmon explains why he feels a third season for Dreaming Whilst Black has to be greenlit. By Joel Campbell

F

OLLOWING THE successful rollout of season one of Dreaming Whilst Black, Adjani Salmon spoke to Lifestyle about his deep desire to do it all again with a second season.

Manifestation personified, so said, so done. It kicks off on the BBC this month.

But could he do it again? Could he speak a third season into existence?

The Bafta award-winning cocreator and co-writer answers that question at the end of this interview, but he doesn’t want to count his chickens.

While he’s proud of what he’s managed to conjure with this impending season, he’s very conscious that it has to pass the acid test, approval from viewers.

Loosely inspired by real-life events, Dreaming Whilst Black tells the story of Kwabena (Salmon), an aspiring filmmaker stuck in a dead-end recruitment job who takes the first step toward achieving his dream.

Along the way, he is quickly confronted with the tribulations of balancing finances, love, and his own sense of reality.

The series was adapted from the web series and acclaimed Big Deal Films-produced BBC pilot of the same name, which earned Salmon the 2022 BAFTA for Emerging Talent: Fiction and Screen International Star of Tomorrow.

The show and Salmon have secured additional award recognition within the UK, including The Royal Television ROLE: Adjani Salmon plays an aspiring filmmaker in Dreaming Whilst Black

Society’s 2022 Breakthrough Award win for Salmon and series nominations in the International Emmys and the Broadcast Awards.

Salmon said: “The response to Dreaming Whilst Black has been overwhelmingly loving, raucous and humbling. I’m blessed that we have a chance to entertain the people dem again. Like season one, our goal is to end up being shared in the Aunties WhatsApp Groups.”

One of the standout features of Dreaming Whilst Black is the way it juxtaposes the poignant with the playful.

Asked if a reference made by one of the characters to the importance of enjoying the small wins, ‘because they are few and far between’, was a lesson he’d had to learn on his own journey as a creative, Salmon said: “That’s what I’ve had to learn.”

He added: “And we’ve been blessed, right, we’ve had some great wins. Actually, it’s almost unfair for us (his team) to say that.

But actually, we’re saying that on behalf of everybody else, in that, we’re aware that we’re an anomaly.

“I’m not going to sit here and say, I can do it, so you can do it.

No, we slipped through the net.

“That’s why it was important for us to say that, because actually, that’s the reality of the majority.

“That’s why, it’s this weird thing of, even though Kwabena is going on this lightning career of, making one short film, then all of a sudden ending up on a TV show, it’s another Black woman, giving him the context

FAMILIAR FACE: Adjani Salmon is joined by Babirye Bukilwa as Vanessa, who reprises her role from season one to be like, bro, you’re new, you’re just starting, you don’t know how rough the road is going to be. So, it was just us, you know, again, paying respect and homage to everybody else on their journey.”

EXPECTATIONS Given each episode is only half an hour long, Salmon has, again, worked wonders with this series.

It’s not easy to deliver against high expectations. It’s not easy to stay the course and remain true to your original vision. It’s not easy to compete with the vast amount of other talent out there that wants a spot on the BBC, wants their stories to be told.

It can weigh heavy.

“One thousand per cent we feel the weight of everyone. We feel the weight of trying to rep.

“I remember when Ryan Coogler first got Black Panther.

I remember there was just that feeling of, ‘yo, if he does well, it will open the doors for the rest’. But if it doesn’t do well, they might be like, ‘oh well, see, we tried’.

“And I’ve seen that, even in my short career, I’ve seen that happen, where someone has tried and failed, as many people do and

should be allowed to do. But then we just don’t see them again.

“So with Dreaming Whilst Black, again, it is us trying to just highlight that, even though Kwabena’s on this trajectory, it’s just letting our audience know that, yo, don’t worry, he’s doing this, but we know what it is.”

The music choices throughout are amazing. Salmon gave special props to Canadian music supervisor Kaya Pino who he said ‘really spearheaded’ the direction, setting rules, such as only working with Black artists and only licensing Black musicians.

As well as the music, Dreaming Whilst Black showcases Black female beauty in all of its guises.

Seeing Black women profiled in roles where they are loved, adored, fawned over, desired, still isn’t normal enough to not notice when it’s being presented as an standard occurrence.

Speaking on the concerted effort to ensure representation encapsulated the difference of beauty Black women can embody, Salmon said: “It was important for us because, to your earlier question of feeling the pressure of representing all in one show, realistically, it shouldn’t be my

Do you have to be a baddie for a man to chase you? Or, can you be in your natural state? responsibility to represent all Black people, but I don’t know when they’re gonna commission another Black show.

“I have to do as much as I can, but at the same time, one thing I’ve learned is, it’s not who are you making the work for, but who are you dedicating the work to?

“It’s the same thing with a novel, when a novel says at the front dedicated to their children or a loved one, those are the people they love and they write with that level of care for those few people.

“So for us, we’re really trying to be like, we love our people… we love our Black men, we love our

Black women, and if we’re saying we love our Black women, well, what does that mean?

“Do you have to be a baddie for a man to chase you? Or, can you be in your natural state? Or is a natural hair girl a baddie too? Is a Rasta girl a baddie too? Is a ballet girl a baddie too?

“So, we intentionally tried to course-correct the narrative that has been out there.

“I think Thandiwe Newton, Zoe Saldaña and Halle Berry are great actresses, but I think it’s quite telling that Viola Davis has never really been given the same thing to be a love interest in a rom-com.

“So we are trying to just do our part to rebalance the scales just a smidge, by making dark-skinned Black women romantic leads and romantic interests as well.”

So, season three, what can we expect, provided it’s greenlit of course. “If we have a chance to make another six episodes, God willing, I think the people wanna see (Kwabena’s) Jamaica Road get made,” Salmon said. “Like, it’s literally what he set out to do. So I think that is what we… if we get the series three, God willing, that’s probably what we’ll set out to do.”

BLACK CULTURAL ARCHIVES AUGUST 2025

THE VOICE |47

STANDING FIRM IN POWER AND PRIDE

BLACK FUTURES MONTH IS ABOUT BUILDING FORWARD, NOT JUST LOOKING BACK. Archiving is a living practice. At Black Cultural Archives, we are dedicated to collecting, preserving, and celebrating our stories to ensure they exist for generations to come.

For over four decades, we have been a cornerstone of heritage and memory. We have stood firm through changing times, our very building a monument to resilience. We exist to ensure the voices, struggles, and triumphs of African and Caribbean people in Britain are NEVER forgotten. But our work is far from over.

Especially in the CURRENT CLIMATE, where our histories are being erased, rewritten, or sidelined, our existence is more vital than ever. Every contribution empowers us to run further, stand taller, and secure a future where our shared history is honoured with the pride and power it deserves.

Your donation TODAY is a direct investment in ensuring Black history, past and present, remains visible, celebrated, and unshakable for generations to come.

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48 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

Lifestyle

Black History Month

‘I’ve written it, but it belongs to all of you’ D

ARK SKIN Bruises Differently homes in on some of the frustrations Susan Wokoma has carried with her from childhood.

The short film features as part of the BFI London Film Festival this month and as the writer and director sits in The Voice’s south London office, she explains how her latest project represents a chance to exhale.

Regular reads of The Voice would have seen Wokoma listed as one of our 25 to watch in 2025. A multifaceted creative, she is the definition of talent personified.

Her talent though, may never even have come to the fore had it not been for a chance encounter with actress Kim Walker, who played the character Gloria in popular sitcom Desmond’s which was broadcast between 1989 and 1995 by Channel 4.

With it being Black History Month, Wokoma paid homage to Walker, in what proved to be one of her most fleeting, yet impactful interactions as a young girl.

She explained: “Not too far from here my friend Aurora lived in this big studio with her

Susan Wokoma’s short film Dark Skin Bruises Differently focuses on why we need to be mindful of how we talk about children. By Joel Campbell dad. It was a big old house and in the basement there was a music studio, and bands used to come in there all the time.

“It was the only White girl’s house I was allowed to go to. I would go there and these bands would come in and they were probably really famous bands, but I didn’t know anything about guitar music.

“There was one day when there was a woman singing, and we went downstairs, and I remember, and please forgive me not remembering the actress’s name, it was the actress who played Gloria in Desmond’s.

“I just remember saying to myself, ‘she sings as well’. It sowed the idea that you could do more.

“I think she caught me gawping at her. I don’t know whether she remembers this, but it was the first time that I articulated that I wanted to perform.

“I felt very ashamed of having something in me that wanted to

perform, I felt like it belonged to someone who didn’t look like me, and to see this really beautiful woman, who I recognised from TV, she was singing, and she was just like, ‘you’ve got something’.

“I remember that sticking in my mind.

“I find it really interesting when you meet these people. It’s ships in the night. You say hello and then

that’s it. I’ve never seen her again.”

Inviting audiences to return to its fantastic flagship venues in the heart of London, BFI Southbank and the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall this month, The 69th BFI London Film Festival (LFF) presented in cinemas and online across the UK, is set to be a captivating and diverse programme of 247 features, shorts, series and immersive works from 79 countries playing across the 12 days of the festival.

Dark Skin Bruises Differently is part of the BFI London Film Festival’s Show Me Who I Am programme, screening on October 14 and 16.

The brief synopsis reads; Children

OPINIONS: Dark Skin Bruises Differently deals with microaggressions that Black staff have to deal with at work

lie. But when one lie threatens Ms Lawson’s integrity as a teacher, can she keep on defending a student as peculiar as Maria Obasi?

Explaining more, Wokoma said: “Dark Skin Bruises Differently is a short film about a teacher called Ms Lawson, who is really trying to advocate for a child, a Black child, called Maria.

“We open at a staff meeting where we have several teachers with different opinions on this girl. And it’s just about how the system makes it really difficult to advocate for children.

“It also deals with microaggressions that Black staff have to deal with at work, but also it’s about being mindful of how we talk about children.

“What the whole film is about is making sure that we allow children to have their path to what is real and what isn’t, what is the truth and what isn’t. Rather than sort of expecting a standard of them that is a very adult standard, which, I think, is something that happens a lot with Black children, particularly dark-skinned Black children.”

Wokoma says having felt ‘peculiar’ herself when she was younger, she wanted to make space for a narrative that included

this dynamic. She also wanted to draw attention to the language we use when addressing and speaking about children as well as the importance of language when imparted by members of a teaching institution.

“The reason why I use peculiar, it’s been quite interesting, and not a lot of people have picked up on that, maybe because they’ve not read the synopsis, and they’ve just experienced the film.

“I felt like, and this is my personal experience, as a young girl, there was a certain way that I had to present in order for people to believe me, or feel sorry for me.

Particularly at school.

“This is how the name for the short came up, I remember once I bashed my knee, around the corner from here at St John’s Primary, and a White teacher looked at me and said, ‘oh, well, you’re not bruised’.

“I was like, ‘it did connect with the concrete ground’. But because there was no bruise, to her there was no trauma.”

She added: “But I think that one of the things that I also really, really want to link into that, is, children are allowed to be peculiar and weird, and a bit strange. They don’t have to be like Disney, goo-goo

OCTOBER 2025 THE VOICE | 49

Films

CHANCE ENCOUNTER: Kim Walker, right, and Carmen Munroe in Desmond’s. Wokoma briefly met Kim at a friend’s house gaga. Why can’t you be a little bit quiet and odd and retrospective?

“As a child, I was watching adults, and I could see what they were doing. And I understood, and I know that made some adults very uncomfortable. But I had an intelligence that actually, a lot of adults didn’t really understand in someone like me.

“So I don’t think it was harvested, not until I sort of found drama, I guess. It wasn’t really harvested or encouraged or explored in any way.”

At age 14, Wokoma was a participant in the CBBC show Serious Jungle. The daughter of Nigerian parents, she was a member of the National Youth Theatre and later trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).

As this newspaper told you at

As a young girl, there was a certain way that I had to present in order for people to believe me the start of the year, she is one to watch and she will continue to be one to watch beyond 2025.

She is known for her roles in the Enola Holmes films, Chewing Gum, Crazyhead, and Cheaters to name a few. With a career spanning

TALENTED: Susan Wokoma attends the 69th BFI London Film Festival press launch at BFI Southbank (photo: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

television, film, and theatre, her versatility is her strength.

Watch our full interview with Wokoma to find out how she has developed another string to her bow with stand up comedy.

Speaking on plans to turn Dark Skin Bruises Differently into a feature film, Wokoma enthused: “That’s definitely the plan.

“I’ve had this idea in my head probably since I was a child, to be honest, but in terms of trying

to fictionalise it, for a really, really, really long time.”

She added: “If I’m being really specific, I’d love to direct my debut feature film within the next year.

And then have another one set up soon after.

“I’m ready to direct, I’m ready to stop banging on about the environments and set environments that I want, and to actually realise that.

“I want to have a lot more collaborations with people. I think

that’s also my response to the world as well. I feel like you can never do it on your own. And this short was amazing for that.

“It was a real collaboration, and made me feel very held and respected, and challenged in the right way.

“And so for me the experience of making Dark Skin Bruises Differently has encouraged me to go, ‘Oh, that utopia that you think you can create when filming is possible, it is absolutely possible’.

“But it all starts with everybody being invested in the story and the script. If people are just turning up because it’s another day, then that’s when you start losing people.

“But for me, it was, I’ve written it, but it belongs to all of you, so any question from any department about the story, don’t feel like, ‘oh, I can’t ask that’. Ask me. Like, I will gladly tell you, and I think that’s what made the environment.”

The History of Port Royal Patties

T

wenty-five years ago, Port Royal Patties was born from a simple but powerful idea. Our founding director, Edward, was on a night out in London when he tasted a Jamaican patty in a chip shop.

He instantly knew he could make a better patty. Inspired, he began sketching out a business plan—that would eventually become his MBA thesis. The plan was solid and soon attracted investors from back home in Jamaica who shared his vision.

Among them was master baker Owen Munroe of Butterkist, who created the very first Port Royal patty in his Jamaican test kitchen. He was joined by Thaylia Lyn and Captain David McRae of the hugely successful Island Grill, bringing invaluable retail expertise, while Adrian and Richard Foreman and Carlysle Hudson of the equally successful Mothers chain contributed their deep knowledge of large-scale patty production. The team was rounded out by Charles Johnston and his family, who provided crucial business advice and UK retail know-how.

From those humble beginnings, the journey of Port Royal Patties truly began. The early years were not easy.

Edward endured sleepless nights and countless challenges to keep the

dream alive. But the product itself— the authentic, flaky, and flavourful Jamaican patty—was a winner. Soon, contracts began to come in, starting with our first loyal customers in Harlesden: One Stop and High Crown Bakery. Word spread quickly through

restaurants and takeaways that there was a new patty on the market, and demand grew steadily.

It wasn’t long before Edward was meeting with the buyers of major UK supermarkets. Port Royal Patties gained listings in Tesco, Asda, and

Morrisons, a huge milestone for the business. At first, we launched with four varieties—Beef, Chicken, Vegetable, and Lamb—but our menu soon expanded to include favourites such as Jerk Chicken, Beef & Cheese, and of course, Saltfish, the “great British Jamaican patty.”

As the business grew, so did our facilities. We moved our bakery and factory from Willesden to Wembley/ Park Royal, where we continue to operate today. More recently, we opened our own takeaway at the factory site, serving up Jamaican classics like Jerk Chicken, Oxtail, and Curry Mutton—further cementing our mission to deliver authentic Caribbean cuisine in the UK. To mark our 25th year, we launched two new pies in collaboration with Walkerswood, the world’s leading jerk seasoning brand: Curry Mutton Pie and Chicken Pie with Jerk. These products have already been warmly received in Tesco and Morrisons.

Looking ahead, we’re preparing to introduce two exciting new crusts, coming this January.

From a test kitchen in Jamaica to supermarket shelves across Britain, our story is one of vision, resilience, and flavour. And as we like to say: the proof of the patty is in the tasting.

50 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

Lifestyle

Interview

WHY RUSTIE SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN TV chef, pantomime actress, author, singer, soap star – Rustie Lee has done it all and is still doing it. By Joel Campbell

R

USTIE LEE wanted to convey a message to the elderly about staying safe at home. I wanted her to dig into the story around her life and to give the first Black presenter of a primetime UK TV show her flowers. So we did both.

Catching up with Lee ahead of Black History Month, it was hard to know where to start with an interview, she’s literally done it all and is still doing it.

A television chef, hosting shows like Game For a Laugh and appearing on TV-am, she is also an author, with several published cookbooks.

Her work extends to the stage as an actress in pantomimes and musicals, and she has acted in the TV series EastEnders. A singer, releasing music albums and performing on stage, Lee has also appeared on various reality and documentary television shows.

So where did it all begin? How did she find her lane which ultimately led to her becoming a household name and big time inspiration.

“I came to England when I was a little baby. It wasn’t on the Windrush ship, It was an Italian ship. My auntie, my dad’s sister brought my sister and I over from Jamaica. I had no idea that there was somewhere where there was a different temperature.

“When I arrived in England, there were these two people that I couldn’t recognise with these two little coats for us, with a velvet collar and the ground was stone.

I’d been used to flowers and brightness and this was so dark. I GET SMART: Rustie has teamed up with Smart Energy GB

looked at these two big people and I said; ‘Me no know none ah unu you know’. Then they started crying, wailing ‘me pickney, me pickney’.

“I didn’t understand, because I didn’t remember them.”

Explaining a little more about the circumstances of how she came to be in the UK, Lee added: “Many Caribbean people were asked to come and help with the war effort. My father was among those called to serve.

“A lot of people nowadays say that Caribbean people, Jamaican people were immigrants. We are not immigrants. We’ve never been immigrants, because England was the mother country, the Queen of Britain was the Queen of Jamaica as well. We were asked to come over.”

PATTIES She added: “We lived in a brick house. We’d never seen all that.

“Obviously you get used to it and I went from infant school, junior school to an all girls senior school. Then from there I went to a technical college.

“At the technical college, everybody wanted to be secretaries. I didn’t want to be a secretary.

“My parents had a clothing factory, manufacturers in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham.

They were the first to do that.

Then mama started to cook patties in the back, in the shed in the back garden and people got to hear that Miss G is making patties, and they would come and then it ended up turning

HOUSEHOLD NAME: Rustie Lee has been on our screens for over 40 years out into a takeaway. People were coming from all over the country to have takeaway food. They were coming from Nottingham and London to come and eat food.

“In the meantime, my sister and I decided we wanted to be singers.

We started singing, we were doing the clubs and all these sorts of things. So the entertainment part and the food part (of me) comes from the fact that I’ve learned so much.”

Lee says her career, the multiple things she has got into over the years, ultimately comes from the fact that she loves to be around people.

“I happen to love people, so joining in with people, entertaining people, that’s all my forte.”

She added: “When I was doing the singing, my dad and mum said, ‘you need to get a proper job’.

“So I went to the College of Food, trained and I’m a Master Baker. Passed with distinction.

Then I opened my Caribbean restaurant and had people from all over the world coming to that.

“The biggest star that ever came to my restaurant was Muhammad Ali, who was fantastic. It was unbelievable. Over 2,000 people outside the restaurant, it was

phenomenal. And at the time, he had my son James in his arm, and on James’ shirt, there was the words ‘champ’.

“I’ve worked all over the country with all the comedians that were up and coming, that have gone past, all the top comedians around the clubs that did it.

“It almost turned me into a bit of a comedian as well. I’m an allround entertainer.

“I’ve done a lot of firsts. First ever Silver Service Caribbean restaurant in the UK, first ever Caribbean food takeaway, ever. A lot of firsts.”

SHOW What’s not funny to Lee is scrimping on safety and she’s teamed up with Smart Energy GB to highlight the importance and the benefits of getting a smart meter installed.

As well as her pantomime show coming up at the end of the year in Portsmouth, she’s very keen for people, especially the elderly, to get one put into their homes.

She enthused: “What I want to push out to everybody in the community, everywhere, is smart meters are perfect for you not to have to worry about anything.”

She added: “You don’t have to be

I happen to love people, so joining in with people, entertaining people, that’s all my forte thinking, ‘Oh gosh, am I alright?

Am I not alright? What’s it (the bill) going to be? It just puts your mind at ease so you can get on with other things.

“It’s just perfect, I can’t wait till mine gets fitted in. It’s gonna be fitted in shortly.

“Listen, I’m considered an old person, although I don’t feel like it, I really don’t. I feel like I’m about 35, but a lot of our older folks they don’t listen to all this smart meter business and I think they don’t understand what help and how good it can be, “In my home, I’ve got the big old time meters with the thing spinning around at 100 miles an hour.

“And you don’t know what you’re doing, you don’t know how to work out the numbers.

“You write the numbers, you send it off, it might not get there, you get a bill and you’re like ‘oh my gosh’.

“But the smart meters, you get it put in, connected into your house, gas or electric, that’s what I was concerned about.

“I’m having the old one taken out and having the smart meter put in. You have something that’s the size of a phone, and you can walk around with it in your hand and see exactly what you’re spending.

“They can’t cheat you because it’s on your smart meter device”.

One of the things Lee will always be remembered for is her infectious laugh. It’s a facet to her character she would never dim the light on.

“I’ve paved the way. But probably, people don’t realise it, or they think, ‘she laughed too much’. Yes, laughter is my forte, because why would you want to go around being miserable?

“I think you can learn a lot from people who are joyous. You don’t learn a lot from miserable people.

They just bring you back into a mire.”

OCTOBER 2025 THE VOICE | 51

Lifestyle

Books

You can be in control of your money A

WA R D -W I N N I N G entrepreneur, financial educator, and CEO of MoneyMatX, Tynah Matembe, has written a new book, Conquer Your Financial Giants: Proven Steps to Master Your Money and Build Wealth.

As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, household debt rises, and financial confidence plummets, Matembe’s voice is cutting through the noise with a message of hope, grit, and action: you can take control of your money – and your future.

Timed for Black History Month, the book offers a rare blend of practical strategy, lived experience, and cultural insight – especially for communities often left out of the money conversation.

Tynah Matembe breaks down key money challenges with simple, effective strategies. By Joel Campbell “This isn’t just another finance book. It’s a wake-up call. It’s your strategy guide. It’s your comeback story,” says Matembe.

It’s not your average money book: No jargon. No lectures. Just real talk. Conquer Your Financial Giants is an emotionally honest, culturally grounded guide for people who are tired of financial struggle, shame, or confusion – and ready to make a change.

Whether you’re drowning in debt, stuck in a low-income job, scared to invest, or simply overwhelmed, this book will help

you identify the “financial giants” in your way – and give you the tools to take them down.

“People aren’t failing to act because advice isn’t out there’, says Matembe.

“They’re failing because they don’t understand the advice – or how it applies to them. We don’t need more noise. We need financial education, delivered with empathy and clarity,” As the Financial Conduct Authority moves to ease rules around money suggestions, Matembe pushes back

on what she calls “simplistic fixes to complex lives.”

Instead, she offers real, grounded, experience-backed guidance - something she knows all too well.

From living a life of abundance in Uganda to a declined debit card in a Scottish supermarket queue, Matembe has walked the path from financial chaos to control. She now teaches others to do the same – through coaching, her company MoneyMatX, and now, this book.

“This is for the single mum, the side hustler, the new grad, the firstgen migrant, the striver who knows they’re meant for more but just needs a blueprint.”

This book breaks down key money challenges with simple, effective strategies for: Making your income

stretch without sacrificing joy, escaping dead-end jobs and low pay, cutting through debt and credit confusion, overcoming fear of investing, stopping toxic spending habits and launching businesses on a shoestring.

With relatable stories, proven tools, and Matembe’s signature no-BS approach, this is a book for action – not just inspiration.

A STORY OF WARMTH, HUMOUR, HEARTBREAK AND GRIT

WHETHER YOU’RE into memoirs, social justice, or just great storytelling that grabs you from the first page, UK Black: Windrush Waves, Ungodly Sins, and Early Graves, by Vernal Scott deserves a spot on your reading list.

Laying everything on the table with striking honesty and speaking to anyone who’s ever felt unseen, unheard, or pushed to the margins, the current trans-Atlantic culture of anti-EDI/Black hate makes this memoir more relevant than ever.

The author isn’t a celebrity or household name — but he is someone who’s made a real impact where it counts. Over four decades, Scott led Equity, Diversity and

Inclusion (EDI) work across local government, policing, and even Oxbridge — often in the face of fierce resistance.

Throughout his journey, Scott has had quiet but powerful support — from the likes of George Michael, Whitney Houston, Lord Paul Boateng, Peter Tatchell, and many in the British police service who have walked with him through decades of progress and pain.

But he’s also been a target — from major newspapers to far-right critics online, all eager to silence his voice.

UK Black doesn’t sugar-coat anything. Rather, it opens a door into the lived experience of being Black, gay, neurodivergent, and a Family

Court-battling single dad in a Britain that hasn’t always been kind or fair.

Describing the impact of Scott’s works in the foreword, Lord Paul Boateng wrote: “As British Member of Parliament for the London Borough of Brent at that time, I represented the most racially diverse constituency in Europe.

“It was during this time that Vernal first came to my attention.

“I was a Patron of the London Lighthouse, Britain’s first HIV/ AIDS hospice. My wife and I lost a neighbour to the virus, and, subsequently, my youngest son’s godfather, the well-known and much-loved Caribbean cook, Mr Butters. This was in the early days

of the AIDS crisis, when nobody was quite sure what we were dealing with. Fear of the disease gripped whole communities, and people were very reluctant to talk about it.

“Vernal tells the story of those times, as he does his own life, with searing honesty. His story does not always make for comfortable reading; homophobia and racism are ugly things. I wish we could say they had been overcome but unfortunately, we can’t. They continue to exist, not only in society at large, but also within the Black community itself. The fact that we have made some progress is in no small part due to the courage and persistence of people like Vernal Scott.”

HONESTY: Vernal Scott

52 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

Lifestyle

Books

‘I WANTED TO REACH OUT AND HELP PEOPLE JUST LIKE ME’ Syreeta Brown recounts a transformative and deeply personal journey as the parent of a child with autism. By Joel Campbell

W

HEN WE talk about contributing to modern day Black history, Syreeta Brown has definitely done that.

How? By putting pen to paper and sharing her experiences through her debut book, Bigger Than The Moon, A Parent’s Journey with Autism.

Hearing about autism won’t be a new thing for most who pick up this newspaper, but reading a book about it from the perspective of a Black British woman who has a child with the lifelong developmental disability and form of neurodivergence, well, that’s not so common.

In fact, find another one, if you can.

It took Brown seven years to finish the book, hitting online and physical stores earlier this year.

She told Lifestyle why she had to share her journey.

“I have always written. I used to journal. My degree was in English literature and when I was going through the process of Chloe being diagnosed with autism and just before that, there were a lot of things happening in my life and at the time, whilst I was surrounded by a lot of people, a lot of family and I did have support, I felt quite alone particularly because I was working full-time.

“And, as I reflected back, during the process, I realised a lot of other parents go through the similar challenges that I have.”

She added: “I don’t think we tell our stories enough. When I say we, I am specifically referring to stories in the Black community that don’t necessarily align to the normal stories.

“And I felt my story was quite unique, but I knew I wasn’t alone in it. So I wanted to reach out to those people, give them the benefit of my experience and help people like me.”

Celebrating her 50th birthday this year, Brown is taking a break from work over the next couple of months to consider her next move having recently parted ways with Virgin Money.

In recent years Brown was named among the UK Powerlist’s top 10 most influential Black Britons and recognised by the

SHARING HER EXPERIENCES: Syreeta Brown feels that the Black community don’t always ‘tell our stories enough’; below, Brown’s debut book took her seven years to finish

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development for her 20 years of service to the field of Human Resources.

She was also listed in Cranfield’s Annual Women to Watch 2024.

Her professional journey, which spans over two decades at major organisations including Citi and BT, places her among a small number of Black women in the UK’s C-Suite. But it is Brown’s powerful congruence – interweaving her role as a mother with her HR leadership, that sets her apart.

Despite clearly possessing an inherent drive to succeed, Brown, who is also the mother of a 21-year-old son, credits her daughter (now 16-years-old) as having the biggest influence on her personal development, which has also positively impacted her professional capabilities.

Brown has unlocked a transformative approach to leadership, inviting everyone to evolve the way we work and relate through the lessons she’s learned as a parent to an autistic child.

JOURNEY Speaking of the moment she now recognises was the beginning of her own personal transformation, Brown said: “At the point she (Chloe) got diagnosed, everything was about her.

“I (also) realised I was going through the journey myself. I was transforming. I was needing support and it shifted a little bit for me. Not that I detracted from the focus on her, but I needed to pay attention to me more than her, in order to be able to help her.

“A lot of other things were happening in my life at the time.

And I just felt she came along to help me through that.”

While Bigger than the Moon is focused on Brown’s journey as a mother, it also shares leadership lessons vital to HR and business, offering simple yet profound tools for human connection – tools that, if embraced, can help us become more patient, present, and open.

Ultimately, they make us better equipped to collaborate in every relationship we have.

The challenges don’t end, but the hope is that you will find a way through.

You have to keep going “I’ve learnt so much about leadership through Chloe,” said Brown. “Before becoming her mother, I didn’t fully understand or value difference – and by difference, I mean the variety of interaction styles and perspectives.

“We naturally operate from our own viewpoint. Bias in decision-

making means we often align with those who think like us.

Mothering Chloe has forced me to set aside preconceived ideas and learn to see the world through her eyes.

“That shift has made me a better leader, and a better person.”

Speaking on the most emotionally challenging aspect of writing the book, she said: “The most difficult part was the acknowledgment that I had to deal with her diagnosis at the same time as a lot of other things shifting in my life.

“I moved jobs. I separated from Chloe’s father and I started again.

“I shattered a lot of the myths I had told myself about what my life was going to be like. That was very painful and I actually stopped writing the book at that point.

“So there’s a hiatus of a couple of years which I actually acknowledge in one of the chapters. I refer to it

slightly by saying it’s really difficult to write about this part of the journey. But I was able after a couple of years to go back and look at it more objectively and from a better place. And then I finished the book.”

As parents of neurodivergent children and aspiring HR professionals turn the final page of Bigger Than The Moon, Brown said she hoped they would feel a sense of hope.

“I hope there is an acknowledgement that it doesn’t necessarily end. The challenges don’t end, but the hope is that you will find a way through,” she enthused.

“You have to keep going. It’s important to keep going.”

She added: “I had to educate myself for Chloe. Just being her mum didn’t mean I was going to be good at it, I had to put the time in and really learn. HR professionals and leaders need

to do the same. There are already many neurodivergent people in the workforce, and that number is only going to grow.

“As organisations, we have a responsibility to support every team member – and the gift is that, in doing so, not only do they feel seen and enabled to thrive, but we grow.

“We’re forced to let go of rigid ideas about leadership and adopt approaches that truly meet people where they are.” l Watch the full interview with Syreeta Brown on our website now

OCTOBER 2025 THE VOICE | 53

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OF SPORT

OCTOBER 2025 | THE VOICE

PULLING THEIR WEIGHT

Martine Barons and Rashidah Virgo are proving unstoppable in the world of powerlifting. By Matthew Chadder

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HEY ARE a dynamic duo! Martine Barons and Rashidah Virgo have demonstrated how togetherness and unity can inspire women in sport — with world-record results to prove it.

At the age of 63, Martine, Director of the Applied Statistics and Risk Unit at the University of Warwick, didn’t even know powerlifting competitions existed.

However, that would all change when she was introduced to the sport by her colleague and friend, Rashidah, a Research Assistant in the Statistics Department.

After Rashidah, who has more than a decade of experience as a personal trainer, had begun coaching Martine, the two decided to enter a powerlifting competition together.

“I just wanted to see how far I could push myself,” Rashidah told the Voice of Sport. “Although it’s changing now, there’s this stigma that powerlifting is a maledominated sport, and I wanted to see how far I could go as a female, which is what pushed me to compete.”

As for Martine, she had much smaller goals when she first started.

“In my case, I was much more naive,” Martine admitted.

“I just thought doing the competition might be a bit of fun, and when I managed to convince Rashidah to do it with me, I thought it’d be even more fun.”

However, Martine quickly turned her natural strength and curiosity into record-breaking results. She now holds

the British, European and world titles in her age and weight division and is the current holder of all the records in these categories.

Earlier this year, Martine successfully defended her European title for a second consecutive year, while adding 25kg to the world records she holds and 7.5kg to her competition personal best in the deadlift.

“I’m proud and astonished of my achievements,” Martine stated.

“I’m still struggling to let go of the idea that I’m Martine and I’m rubbish at sport.

To find a sport that loves you back, I can’t quite believe it. This was not in the plans; this was not expected. I want to show people that it’s not beyond the realms of possibility to take up a sport in your 60s and do really well at it.”

“I wouldn’t have gotten into this without Rashidah. Rashidah taught me everything, because I was completely uniformed about this, and I don’t think I would have had the courage to continue without her.”

While Rashidah was Martine’s source of inspiration, that encouragement and belief goes both ways, and without Martine, she wouldn’t have taken the leap into competitive lifting and represented Great Britain at the World Championships in Limerick, Ireland, where she placed second in the deadlift.

“Although I’m a personal trainer, I would have never competed in powerlifting if it wasn’t for Martine,” Rashidah said. “She brought me out of my shell. I feel like I can

FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH: Martine Barons, left, and Rashidah Virgo

achieve anything now. I’ve become more disciplined and more fearless.”

Martine echoed this sentiment, adding, “It’s the same for me. You’d think by your 60s you’d get rid of all your lack of confidence, but that isn’t always the case.

“I’ve gone from thinking, dare I walk into a gym, to being able to walk into any

gym as a defending world champion. I belong here. Me and Rashidah are living examples that you can be young, old, Black, white, any demographic, and you can enjoy this as well as benefit from it.

“The powerlifting community is very welcoming. There’s a lot of big guys who look incredibly intimidating, but they are

teddy bears. They might be lifting two or three times what you’re lifting, but they will rejoice with you at a new personal best, without irony. We all started somewhere.

“We tend not to gloat over other people. We tend to really be encouraging.” l Interview in conjunction with Sporting Equals

New president doing Eboni-thing she can to drive netball forward

By Rodney Hinds EBONI USORO-BROWN has been appointed England Netball president. Her voluntary role comes as predecessor Joan Mills MBE reaches the end of her fiveyear term.

An ex-England Vitality Rose, Eboni represented England 117 times across a 15-year career which included three Netball World Cups and four Commonwealth Games, including a gold medal as part of the winning Commonwealth Games squad in 2018. Eboni played in both the Netball Super League and the Suncorp Super Netball League, securing four titles with Team Bath in the former, while off

COMMITTED: Eboni Usoro-Brown court developing a legal career and starting a family.

Eboni’s journey offers a unique combination of lived experience and ability to represent netball with authenticity, credibility, and a commitment to the values that

underpin the sport. During the AGM, Baroness Sue Campbell, Chair of England Netball took the opportunity to thank Joan for all her time and efforts as President and welcomed Eboni to the role.

“We are very pleased to be welcoming Eboni as the new England Netball president and all look forward to working with her to drive our game forward.

As a sport, we are proud that we have over three million women and girls from diverse backgrounds playing netball but we are far from complacent and know there is still much more to do.

“Eboni has a lifetime of experience of the impact netball can have on girls and women’s

lives. She shares our belief that netball provides a safe and inclusive space for women to be physically active, to build friendships and to develop confidence in their body and is passionate about using her platform to elevate our sport as we continue to deliver the Adventure Strategy.”

Speaking on her appointment, Eboni said: “It’s an incredible honour to be appointed president of England Netball.

“This sport has shaped so much of who I am, from a young girl finding her voice on the court, to an elite athlete representing my country, and now as a mother returning to the game with renewed purpose and a strong

commitment to championing equity, visibility, and opportunity at every level.

“Netball is more than just a sport — it’s a community, a movement, and a platform for change. It has the power to unite, uplift, and open doors — not only for women and girls but also for the growing men’s teams who continue to enrich our sport.

“I’m passionate about building on this foundation to drive the game forward with purpose, courage, and ambition.

“Whether grassroots or elite, schools or community leagues, I want everyone in our netball family to feel seen, heard and inspired. I’m excited to serve, to listen, and especially to lead.”

54 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

Sport

THE POWER OF INCLUSION Inaugural Track and Field Inclusion Awards ceremony to take place in London’s West End. By Joel Campbell

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CLOSE UP: Joel and Mike do their thing in the media mixed zone

HE IVY COLLECTION has been revealed as the official Host Partner for the inaugural Track and Field Inclusion (TAFi) Awards, set to take place at The Club at The Ivy in London’s West End on November 6.

The news came hot on the heels of England Athletics announcing their official support for TAFi, joining the sports national governing body and chief sponsors of the Awards, UK Athletics.

The announcement was welcomed by TAFi co-founders Joel Campbell and Michael Facey who said that the TAFi Awards will unite athletes, coaches, volunteers and community champions in the first event ‘solely devoted to celebrating how the sport thrives through inclusion’.

Created to spotlight the individuals and initiatives driving change, the TAFi Awards recognise athletics as a model for what inclusivity in sport can be.

More than an awards night, TAFi represents a wider movement, one that inspires participation, breaks down barriers and ensures that everyone, whatever their background, ability or circumstance, has a place in the sport.

The brainchild of Campbell and Facey, the two conceived the idea for the awards based on their own experiences of covering athletics all over the world.

Campbell enthused: “From covering my first ever World Indoor Championships in 2003 until now, there are few sports I feel are as all embracing as athletics.

“From the diversity of the competitors, both abled and differently-abled, male and female to the composition of attending crowds at track meets, kids, adults, families, to the ethnic and cultural mix of journalists covering the sport, coaches, physios and admin, for me, track and field is inclusion personified.”

Facey added: “I’ve covered this sport in the Western world, the Arab world and truly understand what it means to both Caribbeans and Africans, there is no sport like this revered in the same way.

“Everyone is at home with track and field, everyone instantly finds an event and ultimately a space, for themselves.

“I’ve marvelled at how some are more interested in one aspect over another, but that love is integral for the success and continua-

tion of the sport. It’s the same for me and hopefully over the years the work Joel and I have done via interviews, creating and supporting governing body campaigns promoting the sport, reflects this love.”

Campbell said in true TAFi spirit he wants everyone who reads this article that loves track and field, to go and nominate on the TAFi website today. Nominations close on October 9.

Categories open for public voting include: Para-Athletes of the Year, Breakthrough Young Stars of the Year, Coach of the Year, Athlete of the Year. In addition, three special awards will be decided by dedicated panels: TAFi Recognition Award, Unsung Hero Award and the Lloyd Cowan Bursary Award (Legacy of Inclusion Award).

track and field inclusion award.

Our sport is founded on the skill, dedication, and achievements of those athletes, coaches, technical officials, and volunteers of different backgrounds who have committed their time and energy selflessly to deliver memorable moments in our sport that have impacted the nation, but also communities across England.

“These talented individuals serve as inspiring role models for others who may follow in their footsteps, and we are proud to celebrate and champion such diversity in our great sport as we work to grow opportunities for everyone to experience athletics and running, and to enable all to reach their full potential in what is an inclusive sport where everyone can flourish.”

Last month UK Athletics announced a new partnership with The Ivy Collection, which joined the Official Hospitality Partner “Everyone is at as of UK Athletics and British Athhome with track letics. The exclusive hospitality category partnership marks an and field, everyone exciting step in UKA’s commerstrategy, aligning the sport instantly finds cial with a brand renowned for prean event” mium experiences and outstanding service.

The TAFi founders enthused: “We’re incredibly grateful for Laura Mills, Managing Direc- The Ivy Collection and England tor of The Ivy Collection, told the Athletics’ support and we look Voice of Sport: “We are proud to forward to working with both to host this year’s Track and Field deliver a top tier inaugural event.

Inclusion Awards in partnership “We’d also like to extend our with UK Athletics. appreciation to UK Athletics who “These awards shine a light on had a big hand in enabling us to the diversity and inclusion that secure the venue. Their continmake the sport so inspiring, cel- ued support has been invaluable.

“Following on from the World ebrating the people whose passion and commitment drive it Athletics Championships in Tokyo we’d like to take this opporforward. “ Announcing their support for tunity to congratulate all of the TAFi, Chris Jones, CEO England athletes that took part and also Athletics, enthused: “England to encourage everyone to head Athletics are honoured to be a over to theTAFi website to nomipartner in the inaugural athletics nate across all the available categories.”

Speaking on TAFi at the start of the year, Jack Buckner, UK Athletics CEO, enthused: “As part of our long-running commitment to our Diversity Action Plan and our staff engagement we are looking forward to the first event and celebrating the award winners later this year.

TRIBUTE: There “It will be a night will be a special to remember and one Lloyd Cowan that helps elevate the Bursary Award awareness of the inclusivity of athletics.”

OCTOBER 2025 THE VOICE | 55

Sport

IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN

Melissa Forde shares her journey with Voice sports editor Rodney Hinds and explains just what goes in to leading the catering team at a Premier League outfit

M

ELISSA FORDE is the performance chef at Premier League Club, Wolves.

Forde, who is of Jamaican heritage, leads the catering team working with Vitor Pereira’s squad, both at Compton Park on a daily basis and on the road all over the country.

The West Midlands native with Jamaican heritage in recent times was a Football Black List awardee and was also nominated as Wolves’ ‘No Room For Racism icon’, showcasing the importance of diversity on and off the pitch, and in the past has embraced the club’s Black History Month celebrations by providing unique dishes honouring Black backgrounds to players and staff.

RH: Tell me how the post at Wolves came about MF: I came across the job during 2021, around the lockdown period. I had been made redundant from a previous executive chef role, and I was also on maternity leave. So, I took my leave, but needed to get back into work, as I have two children and I needed something that was going to fulfil my career ambitions but also enable me to provide for my family as well.

What does the job entail on a day-to day and weekly basis?

I am tasked with heading up the nutritional fuelling of a Premier League football team/squad and supporting the academy lead chef within the same role for the academy teams.

Typically what are you cooking for the players?

Typically I plan the meals alongside a nutritionist on a weekly menu, focusing on periodisation; when are they training? When are they recovering?

What is a high load day? What is a

HONOUR: Melissa was recognised at the Football Black List awards

EMBRACING DIFFERENT CULTURES: Melissa Forde was nominated as Wolves’ ‘No Room For Racism’ icon, showcasing the importance of diversity on and off the pitch

lighter day? And when do they need to prepare for their games?

From there, I devise menus with a variety of aspects, what is in season, flavour pairings, suitable accompaniments, players’ favourite meals, and where can we incorporate their culture as well as macronutrients they need – how much carbohydrate intake they need on that day, how much protein intake they need, and any additional support to aid recovery, say, from injury, what does that look like for that player and how do we support that.

All of those things are added into what I create as a menu.

Explain how you work with the nutritionist We work cohesively. He will give the information of the training plan then I will then do the chef bit, where I will devise a menu, thinking about what foods are high with that macronutrient, and how do I prepare that into something the players want to eat, sometimes multiple components to ensure they are fuelled well enough from it.

Are you a football fan or are you too busy for that?

I think I follow football, probably because I’m so immersed in it but I always want us to win. I’ve always liked football. I used to like a little kick about at school, I always wanted to join in with the boys but that wasn’t always invited and not many girls played at my school.

Bearing in mind your Caribbean roots, do you add a bit of spice to the players’ menu from time to time?

It just depends on what they like. For example, we did a barbecue while we were in Portugal during pre-season and I did some jerk chicken on that trip, it just had to happen!

I took my spices and jerk seasoning. I was ready.

Normally, if I do jerk chicken at the training ground, I’ll go quite mild with it, but I took advantage of the barbecue, and I put the whole jar in! And to be fair, a lot of the players were like, ‘Why don’t you do it like that at home?’

I replied ‘Because not everyone likes the heat.’ The food we produce is inclusive.

I do stew beef frequently, I use all the flavours of Caribbean food, but I use cuts that aid their recovery.

If I wanted it to be on a dish for matchday minus one, for example, I would use a leaner cut of beef for it, using a brisket, or something like

that. Or if I needed it for recovery, I think about collagen, which is for muscle.

There’s an oxtail dish that we do as well, which they love, I do traditional Jamaican oxtail. Or I do a Mexican style, so we put in the Mexican spices and then serve that with some salsa and some tacos.

I take typical cuts, flavours, marinades, spices, and I incorporate all of that into the food. I pay attention to what the players ask for and like, and as long as it fits in with the periodisation, we will cook it or source it.

I’ll do brown stew chicken. One of my players loves a brown stew chicken burger.

I feel really proud that I can promote so much of my heritage, while at the same time satisfy many cultural desires.

It’s not all Jamaican food. I just use typical styles and influences when we prepare food and put that into producing Colombian, Mexican, Brazilian, Portuguese, Spanish, Scandinavian and African. Everything’s always done with their culture and respect in mind but always tailored to be suitable for a high performance athlete.

Where were you cooking before joining Wolves?

I was executive chef at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre. I was running the catering operation there, which was the hospitality, the restaurant, circle restaurant and coffee bar. Prior to that I’ve worked at hotels across the

Midlands. I think I’ve utilised all of those skills I’ve learned over the years to then create a package that has made me so unique to this operation within football.

because mom needs to eat.’ I took mum the plate of food, and she was like, ‘Who cooked?’ because dad was at work, and I told her it was me and she was so proud and thankful because she didn’t have the energy.

I fed my younger sister, my dad came home, there was food. I think that was my first experience of cooking dinner. I think just that culture of in the home and knowing it. My career aspirations were to join the military. I really wanted to do medicine but that didn’t work out for me, and it was a big disappointment.

I loved cooking and developing recipes and tormenting my mum with what ingredients I took from the cupboard.

I think I was always just trying to find a way to be creative.

Was your mum your cooking inspiration?

Yes. I always watched my mum. I’d always watch her cook, how she did things, how she’d clean the meat, how she’d season, how she’d prepare for the week. As kids, you don’t want to go to the market, but you’d see the plan, she was always planning for the week.

She’d go to the market, she’d buy fish and chicken.

You’d get soup on Saturday; everything was just traditional. Jamaican through and through when it came to food, so I’d always pay attention to everything that she did. I remember when I was 12, my mum had the flu. We got home from school, and I thought ‘I’ll make dinner

How did it feel to be recognised at the Football Black List awards ceremony in April?

I was so proud after being nominated by a colleague. I feel so proud for my family. My husband has always been in awe of me, my drive, my passion. He’s my biggest cheerleader, and I love that he supports me in this, because it’s not always easy. We have two children as well. My husband supports me in absolutely everything. So, to be able to celebrate that evening with him was just amazing.

To see the pride on his face was fantastic, the whole family are really proud of what I’m doing and what I have achieved.

“I feel really proud that I can promote so much of my heritage.

Everything’s always done with the players’ culture and respect in mind

56 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2025

Sport EVERYONE WELCOME: Soft Life Ski represents a new frontier in winter sports

VIBES ON THE SLOPES

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OLLOWING last year’s hugely successful instalment of Soft Life Ski (SLS), which sold out in just seven minutes, the trailblazing Afro-Caribbean ski festival is set to return to LAAX Resort, considered the freestyle mecca of Europe, for its biggest event yet, welcoming 1,500 attendees to the Swiss alpine resort between March 22-27, 2026.

Tickets for the highly anticipated SLS trip 2026 went on sale on September 28, inviting both returners and those new to the mountains for a week of snow sports, music, and exploration.

This year, the festival will be a full takeover of LAAX, with rooms available at all its main hotels; rocksresort, Riders and signinahotel.

Andrew Westbrook from LAAX, Switzerland, said: “Hosting Soft Life Ski last year was a game-changing experience for us, bringing 900 guests from across

INCLUSIVE: Around 1,500 people are expected at the Swiss Alpine resort next March for Soft Life Ski’s biggest event yet

Trailblazing Afro-Caribbean ski festival is set to return to the LAAX Resort in 2026. By Rodney Hinds

the world to LAAX, 82 per cent of whom were first-time skiers or snowboarders who left the destination with a new passion for winter sports.

“Last year’s event has led to Soft Life Ski growing its community worldwide, and with more guests than ever this year, we hope our partnership and shared ambitions continue to show the industry what we can achieve by striving to be more inclusive.”

FRONTIER Driven by a passion to introduce Black and ethnic minority communities to the slopes and challenge skiing’s exclusive reputation as a primarily white pastime, friends and co-founders Emmanuel Ojo, Kendrick Ford-

jour, Edmund Antwi and Mikun Olupona created Soft Life Ski to represent a new frontier in winter sports that blends Afro-Caribbean culture with the mountains.

Last year’s hugely successful event welcomed over 900 ski and snowboard enthusiasts from across the globe and was sponsored by notable partners such as Topicals skin care and Casmigos tequila.

The 2026 festival is set to surpass all previous records and continue its legacy as a groundbreaking event in LAAX, a resort at the forefront of shaking up traditional winter sports.

Now Europe’s leading AfroCaribbean Snowsports and music festival, Soft Life Ski’s continued aim is to bring as many individu-

als as possible from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds to the slopes and create a space on the mountains where everyone feels welcome.

Ojo said: “The overwhelming response from our 2025 trip with LAAX and the community we built has meant that Soft Life Ski has transcended being just a festival. What started as a cultural takeover on the slopes has

become a community that blends music, fashion, travel and snow sports in a way the world hasn’t seen before.

“The next edition raises the bar; bigger production, new venues, fresh experiences and exciting partnerships that will create an unforgettable experience.” l Packages for Soft Life Ski at LAAX cost £1,040 - £1,100 per person and include a five-night stay at

LAAX with breakfast, equipment hire, four-day ski pass, three-four dinners and the complete SLS experience. For more information, visit: softlifeski.com/laax