£2.50 | MARCH, 2023 • ISSUE NO. 1940
MISOGYNOIR LAW FOR BLACK WOMEN NOW!
Pages 4 & 10
WORLD CLASS SPECIAL ISSUE: CELEBRATING WOMEN
STRONG: Weightlifter Nadine Guy p46
AMBITIOUS: Young Masterchef winner Keziah Whittaker p11
OUTSPOKEN: Campaigner Chantelle Lunt p6
BALANCE: Choreographer Dada Masilo p38
FROM THE AWARD-WINNING CREATORS OF JERSEY BOYS THE BROADWAY SENSATION COMES TO LONDON
FROM MARCH 2023 ||| PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE LONDON
*Image is of original Broadway cast. London cast to be announced.
NATURAL: Climate activist Elizabeth Wathuri p6
34 | THE VOICE MARCH 2023
Muyiwa Olarewaju
Nothing But Truth and Light
Join the debate online voice-online.co.uk/opinion
Beyoncé doing God’s work ROLE MODEL: Beyoncé is always sending out a positive message that her fans should follow. (Picture: Getty Images)
The American superstar can teach us about doing good
U
NITY AND diversity are two concepts that, at first glance, may seem contradictory, and the recent debates around Beyoncé’s Renaissance project have brought that into sharp focus. However, when properly understood and cultivated, they can coexist in a harmonious balance. This balance is essential for a healthy and thriving community, as it allows individuals to bring their unique gifts and perspectives while also working towards a common goal. Beyoncé, a prominent singer and songwriter, for some is a powerful example of the balance of unity and diversity in action. Throughout her career, she has used her platform to advocate for various social justice issues and to showcase the beauty of diversity. For example, her 2016 album Lemonade touched on themes of black womanhood, empowerment, and cultural pride. It featured powerful images of black women from different backgrounds, all coming together in unity to celebrate their shared experiences. Many, however, found the content of the album did not sit well with their Christian faith. The Bible speaks to the importance of unity and diversity. In 1 Peter 2:1-25, the author encourages Christians to live as “living stones,” building themselves up as a spiritual house. This metaphor highlights the idea that each person has a unique role to play in the building of the community; much like each stone has its own unique shape and purpose in the construction of a house. The “living stones” are called to be “built up as a spiritual house” (v. 5), meaning that they are to work together towards
a common goal. However, they are also told to “declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (v. 9), emphasising the individuality and uniqueness of each person’s experience. For many, this is the same way Beyoncé’s music and activism showcase the beauty of diversity while also promoting unity. She brings together people of different backgrounds and experiences to celebrate and acknowledge the strength and resilience of Black women. Through her work, she shows that it is possible to embrace and celebrate our differences while still coming together for a common cause. The brouhaha that the Lemonade and Renaissance projects have caused for many in the faith community has been sig-
nificant. Yet you’ve had prominent Christian voices like super star Michelle Williams, who is close friends with Beyoncé, coming out to say we should all allow room for each other to grow and let God be the judge.
She shows it is possible to embrace and celebrate our differences The passage in 1 Peter also touches on the importance of humility and submission. The “living stones” are told to “rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, insincerity, envy, and all slander” (v. 1), and these verses
remind us that unity cannot be achieved without humility and a willingness to submit to one another. This means putting aside our own desires and ego in order to work towards the good of the community. Is there a way in this case that those who find ought with Beyoncé on her projects can share their heart without a lot of the negativity that we’ve become used to. Similarly, is there a way that Beyhives (Beyonce’s fanbase) can respect the views of those whose faith and holy books lead them to conclude that the message of the renaissance isn’t totally free of supernatural influences? Whatever side you are on in the argument, one thing is for sure, we do not always agree in our own families so we should not be shocked when this happens in our public lives.
Getting along with people who have different opinions and beliefs can be a challenge. However, it is important to remember that having a diverse range of perspectives can lead to growth and a better understanding of the world.
DISAGREE
Here are some tips to help you navigate disagreements and maintain positive relationships with those you disagree with: Listen actively: Always try to understand where the other person is coming from and why they hold the beliefs that they do. Ask questions and always try to get a full picture of their perspective. Avoid personal attacks: Disagreements can easily turn into arguments, but it is important to avoid attacking the
person and instead focus on the issue at hand. Be respectful: Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Even if you disagree, it is important to show respect for their opinions and beliefs. Seek common ground: Look for areas where you both agree, and try to build on those. This can help you find a way to work together even if you do not agree on everything. Focus on solutions: Instead of being bogged down in disagreement, try to focus on finding a solution that works for everyone. Remember, everyone is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs, and it is important to respect that. By following these tips, you can get along with people you disagree with and maintain positive relationships even in the face of disagreement.
Muyiwa Olarewaju OBE is Station Director at Premier Gospel Radio, a TV & Radio Broadcaster, and Principal of gospel group Muyiwa & Riversongz
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Lifestyle Director Anastasia OseiKuffour is excited about new play, All Roads p36
30 years and still going, Karen Gibson’s Kingdom Choir ‘Not Giving Up’ p40
THE SACRIFICE Dada Masilo p38
Ben Ryan is the man keeping City Splash Festival close to its roots p41
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| THE VOICE MARCH 2023
Lifestyle
Raising dementia awareness
Athlete Adelle Tracey is on a mission to help others after losing her grandmother. By Matthew Chadder
C
O M M O N W E A LT H GAMES star Adelle Tracey is running her own race off the track to help people learn more about dementia and living with the condition. Dementia is a growing healthcrisis; there are an estimated 944,000 people living in the UK with the condition and that is set to rise to more than one million by 2025 – the condition is one of the leading cause of death in the UK. Adelle has been affected by the condition personally and has partnered with specialist nursing charity Dementia UK to spread awareness about the realities of living with the condition and the support available! The charity has launched the campaign I Live with Dementia to help people in the UK during one of its busiest times of the year. Lifestyle spoke with Adelle about her experience with the condition and how people can get involved with the charity. MC: Why is this so important for you? AT: 2019 had been a bit of an interesting year for me, and I really wanted to get involved in more things that I was passionate about. My grandmother was diagnosed with dementia, and she lived with dementia, before she passed away in 2016. It’s just devastating to have
RACING TO HELP OTHERS: Adelle Tracey says she wanted to be more involved in things that she was passionate about (photo: Getty Images)
“We weren’t aware of the support we could have accessed” somebody who you really care about really demise. We weren’t aware of the support that we could have accessed, so I hope that other families can just know what they are able to access. MC: Do you hope to use your position and your platform within sport, to make others aware of the charity and dementia and opening up about it? AT: Particularly with sport and exercise there is a massive link between being active and how that can reduce the stress and mental health side of things when you’re dealing with dementia. When it comes to preventative measures as well, you can reduce the risk in certain ways by keeping active and I think that’s something that I really hope to instil through my role as a challenger brand ambassador. It affects younger people too, and I think that needs to be a conversation. I did some research as well which showed people of colour are less likely
to access resources when it comes to dementia support. As a mixed Black woman, I hope that people from different groups will see that it’s something that can be accessed. MC: What are some ways that people can support the charity and get involved? AT: One of the things is getting active and taking on event Chal-
lenge to raise vital funds and you can do that by just taking part in any activity, so that’s a really easy way to get involved. Also coming along to the events that they offer, this is a free virtual event, so it is easy for a lot of people to access, because you can do it in the comfort of your own home. It’s a real emotional rollercoaster, that’s something that
I know personally, and I know that there’s immense comfort that comes from that sense of community. MC: What piece of advice would you offer people struggling at the moment? AT: You can start by reaching out to Dementia UK and just seeing the services that they offer, and what you can access.
Educating yourself on what dementia means, and the ways that you can negate that are important to put your mind at rest, understanding is powerful. If you need advice or support on living with dementia contact Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email helpline@ dementiauk.org.
Stuck for some read-spiration? Here’s Lifestyle’s pick for March... Growing Out
Barbara Blake Hannah IF YOU don’t already have this book in collecyour collec tion, then Lifestyle implores you to grab a Barcopy of Bar bara Blake Hannah‘s Growing Out. Tr a v e l l i n g
over from Jamaica as a teenager, Barbara’s journey is remarkable. She finds her footing in T , and blossoms Covering incredible celebrity stories, travelling around the world and rubbing shoulders with the likes of Germaine Greer and Michael Caine – her life sparkles. But with the responsibility of being the first lack woman reporting on T comes an enormous amount of pressure, and a flood of hateful letters and complaints from viewers that eventually costs her the job. In the aftermath of this fallout, she
goes through a period of self-discovery that allows her to carve out a new space for herself first in the and then back home in Jamaica – one that allows her to embrace and celebrate her Black identity, rather than feeling suffocated in her attempts to emulate whiteness and conform to the culture around her. Part of the Black Britain: Writing Back series – selected by Booker Prize-winning author Bernardine Evaristo, this series rediscovers and celebrates pioneering books depicting Black Britain that remap the nation
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and reframe our history. There are 10 other books in the series. Growing Out provides a dazzling, revelatory depiction of race and womanhood in the 1960s from an entirely unique perspective.
Cheated
Adina Rose Benedict Benedict tells the story of a young woman, Chastity, who felt unloved growing up, lacked the attention and support she craved from her family, and consequently suffered with low self esteem.
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As an adult, she eventually makes the transition from the pain of her past to discovering the power of purpose and making a success of her life. The author tells Lifestyle that the tale is ‘somewhat autobiographical’ with events based on a true story.
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MARCH 2023 THE VOICE
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TOP SPORTS COVERAGE 24/7 VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK/SPORT
Briana backing Jamaica’s track stars of tomorrow By Rodney Hinds JAMAICA’S YOUNGEST Olympic gold medallist Briana Williams has awarded scholarships to three Excelsior High School student-athletes valued at $210,000. Williams, who moved to Jamaica last year, is already dedicated to giving back to the community. Following a Christmas treat the 20-year-old staged for children in the Montego Bay environs in December, Williams will provide $70,000 each in scholarships to Shakira Rhoden, Shelly-Ann Taylor and Janelia Williams. Rhoden and Taylor are members of Excelsior’s reigning Anthrick Corporate Area Development Meet 4x100m relay team. Kayla Harris, who was also a member of that team, awarded her scholarship to teammate Janelia Williams, who is an ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships (Champs) silver medallist in the 200m. The athletes caught Williams’ eye when they indicated she was a role model in an interview after their victory at the Anthrick Development Meet in 2022. When Williams read the article, as well as saw an Instagram post with the athletes, she was thrilled, “I was so honoured last year when I read the article in the newspaper stating that I inspire these girls. I wanted to meet them, but leave
SUPPORT: Briana Williams with scholarship awardees Shakira Rhoden, ShellyAnnTaylor and Janelia Williams of Excelsior High School track and field team; right, Gold medal winners Briana, left, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson of Team Jamaica during the medal ceremony for the 4 x 100m relay at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
Making a big impression
Sofia is the only tax adviser to appear on the Football Black List. By Rodney Hinds
S
OFIA THOMAS, director and co-founder of Juno Sports Tax, is delighted to have been named on the recent Football Black List (FBL). The FBL is the most respected celebration of black excellence in football, and ambitious Sofia has been recognised alongside the likes of Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, as well as pundit and ex-England player Lianne Sanderson. Sofia is the only tax adviser to be named on the list. Her business provides advice and financial education to professional footballers and tax courses for academies. She is also
in the process of writing a book about taxation for athletes. Juno Sports Tax was founded in 2021. Sofia said: “We set up Juno Sports Tax because we felt there was a clear gap in the market for high quality, independent, professional specialist tax advice in this area. This was especially true of high-net-worth sports people who have often been the subject of poor advice and targeting around tax evasion. “It’s fantastic that in such a short space of time our work has been so widely recognised and to have been included in the prestigious Football Black List is a very welcome acknowledgement of our efforts.”
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more than inspirational words. I wanted to support their academic journey.” The scholarship was made possible through Briana’s sponsor GraceKennedy Limited and will be disbursed to the school to cover the cost of books, tuition and other necessities for the 2023 academic year. The Briana Williams scholarship will now be an annual offer to aid student-athletes in their academic and sporting pursuits. “I am committed to giving back to athletes in Jamaica because I know what it’s like. It’s not easy being a student-athlete,” she shared. “My sponsor GraceKennedy and I will make this an annual scholarship to deserving student athletes who showcase their athletic talents and are also having good grades.” She encouraged over 100 members of the Excelsior High track team who were present at the ceremony to remain committed to the sport. “I want to encourage you to work hard and don’t let anybody quell your dreams,” she said. “Put in the work, listen to your teachers, your coaches and rewrite your goals and recite them every day and don’t give up. In 2020, Williams provided 25 tablets to student-athletes forced to attend classes from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also donated furniture and school supplies to educator Stacey-Ann Donaldson who has a reading and homework centre in Kingston.
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