Street Cred Magazine - June 2023

WE CATCH UP WITH MORGAN HERITAGE

EDITORS NOTE

Yes Street Credders, how are you all! Have to say 2023 is looking amazing for the world of entertainment as the big old skool artists are coming over to UK and of course we are well in to get the exclusives.

We celebrate 25 years of Street Cred a true Birmingham legacy, a magazine that has been the eye of entertainment and letting you know whats hot and not whats not because that doesnt matter, if its in Street Cred you know its the top flavour. Look out for the best places to go right here from Restaurants, to Bars and Concerts. This is the lifestyle Always cutting edge and representing the street culture positively!

Mark Dwayne

Beyoncé kicks off HER RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR

Global cultural icon Beyoncé kicked off her Renaissance World Tour with a sold-out show in Stockholm, Sweden, at Friends Arena, filling the city with powerful dance music from her wildly successful seventh studio album, Renaissance.

The emotional return to the global stage, five years in the making, captivated the 46,000 fans in attendance with songs such as “Plastic Off The Sofa,” “Cozy,” and “Break My Soul,” along with legendary hits from her trailblazing discography like “Flaws And All,” “Crazy In Love,” and “Love On Top” in a nearly 3 hour performance.

The 56-date 2023 tour, produced by Parkwood Entertainment, and promoted by Live Nation will continue with a second night in Stockholm and additional shows throughout Europe including five sold out nights at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium then North America with shows in July, August and September.

JUNe Gig Listings

Fans can also access exclusive VIP experiences in Europe including Pure/Honey On Stage Risers – an exclusive opportunity to see the show on the stage with dedicated services, or receive early access to the General Admission BeyHive VIP and Club Renaissance areas, both immersive experiences surrounding the stage.

As with previous tours, Beyoncé will make her mark offstage, too, with BeyGOOD, the initiative she founded in 2013, now a public Charity, to support people and programs around the world.

BeyGOOD will continue its legacy of philanthropy, building out this focus on economic equity by supporting organizations that serve marginalized and underserved communities with access to scholarships, opportunities for internships that lead to job placement, and resources to support entrepreneurship.

In various cities throughout the tour, BeyGOOD will support entrepreneurs through Black Parade Route luncheons, celebrating small business owners, with

17-18 National Cycling

21-23 The Big Bang Fair 23-24 The Autism Show 23-25 The Creative Craft Show

TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL

June 02 Fun & Slutty with Jonathan Van Ness (SH)

04 Sun Records, The Concert: 70th Anniversary

04 Georgia Cécile (SH)

05 Lunchtime Organ Concert with Thomas Trotter & Celia Craig

07 Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony: CBSO and Kazuki Yamada (SH)

07 An Evening with Usha Uthup

08 Camel - 50 Years Strong: The Final Chapter (SH)

10 Robert Cray Band

11 Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny

12 The Beat featuring Dave Wakeling with Bow Wow Wow feat. Annabella Lwin

13 Spiers & Boden (SH)

14 CBSO Season Finale: Kazuki conducts Elgar’s First Symphony (SH)

grant opportunities being awarded and a foray of services with global partners to promote business sustainability.

One thousand small businesses will be supported with a commitment totalling one million dollars.

BeyGOOD will also support students through scholarship funds that will be given to colleges and universities in ten different cities along the tour. Each school will be given one hundred thousand dollars and will select the student recipients.

BeyGOOD’s total scholarship commitment during Renaissance World Tour will be one million dollars.

A noted partner with Beyoncé, Tiffany & Co. is the official jeweller of Renaissance World Tour. Tiffany & Co. has a longstanding commitment to conducting itself responsibly, sustaining the natural environment, prioritizing diversity and inclusion, and positively impacting the communities in which it operates.

15 The Makings of a Murderer

15 Bonnie Raitt (SH)

16 Mnozil Brass: Gold (SH)

17 Steve Earle: The Alone Again Tour - Solo and Acoustic

17 The Music of Zimmer vs Williams (SH)

18 Beethoven's Ninth with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (SH)

19 Lunchtime Organ Concert with Thomas Trotter: Elizabethan Serenade: A programme of British Light Music

23 The High Kings XV Tour

23 Chris Hadfield (SH)

25 Shalamar: Friends 40th Anniversary (SH)

30 Legend: The Music of Bob Marley

Summer Theatre At Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Acontemporary tragedy in small-town Ireland, a literary detective story about the Brontë sisters, elopement and scandal in a liberal thinking household, and a classic Shakespearean comedy about unrequited love – Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Theatre Company unveils its summer season of shows.

Spinning is one of the bestknown plays of award-winning Irish playwright, Deirdre Kinahan. Inspired by a real case of the kidnapping of a daughter by her father, Kinahan ponders: what happens when your life spins, how do you react, how do you survive it?

In small-town Ireland, fatherof-one Conor is desperate to hold on to a life that is disintegrating before his eyes.

l

Susan is a mother searching for reason in the darkness of her teenage daughter's killing. When

they finally meet, a contemporary tragedy comes to light. Directed by Chris Garner.

Polly Teale's Brontë and Mary Shelley by Helen Edmundson both explore the lives and experiences of famous female authors: families with three sisters who travel different paths in writing and life but with a strong family bond at the centre. These two shows were original produced by Shared Experience Theatre Company.

KISS descend on Resorts World Arena on June 05

MOTORS

MOTORS the Aston Martin DB12: The World’s First Super Tourer

Delivering a quantum shift in sporting character and dynamic capability, this new generation of the legendary DB bloodline defines its own new category.

Combining a scintillating driving experience with exceptional refinement, state-of-the-art technology and indulgent luxury, the DB12 demands a new definition. Grand is not enough; this is the world’s first Super Tourer.

The DB12 takes a new direction. One which makes it the most

complete and accomplished DB model in Aston Martin’s history.

Blessed with exceptional performance and handling to satisfy and reward the most demanding drivers, its meticulously honed chassis is perfectly matched to a class-leading 680PS/800NM V8 Twin-Turbo powertrain.

The result is an energised Aston Martin that shines with authenticity, capability and passion to deliver a driving experience that’s second to none.

Engineered to maximise performance and intensify emotion,

the DB12 is the product of a holistic approach. One that starts with meaningful increases in structural stiffness and ends with Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tyres made to Aston Martin’s precise specification.

Supported by an all-new suspension system featuring the latest adaptive dampers, control and connection are further amplified by an exceptionally precise and direct Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system and an Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff) that enhances agility

and brings the DB12 alive on the most dynamic of roads.

Supported by an industry leading Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, which employs six-axis inertia measurement to predict available grip, the DB12 also gives the driver a choice of five pre-set driving modes allowing the freedom to incrementally explore the limits of grip and traction with complete confidence and safety.

Put simply, no series production Aston Martin has dedicated itself so completely to setting

new dynamic benchmarks.

The announcement of DB12 comes as Aston Martin celebrates two significant milestones in 2023; Its monumental 110th anniversary and 75 years of the illustrious DB model line.

When founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford officially formed the partnership that became Aston Martin, they ignited

more than a century of automotive passion, cutting-edge British innovation, and high-octane racing success.

Food & Fine Dining

l Heidi Kühn is the founder and chief executive of Roots of Peace, a humanitarian nonprofit organization that transforms minefields into farmland

WORLD FOOD PRIZE LAUREATE TURNS ‘MINES TO VINES’

Heidi Kühn walked through her first minefield, in Dragalić, Croatia, in 2000. Workers there asked her blood type in case she stepped on a land mine.

“That was such a defining moment,” Kühn said. “I was with a friend and we looked at each other in the eye and we were like, ‘What have we gotten ourselves into?’ And they suited me up.”

Kühn, a California native, has earned international recognition for Roots of Peace, the non-profit she founded in 1997 that transforms heavily mined areas into

sustainable farmland. Or as Kühn puts it, she’s turning mines to vines.

On May 11, Kühn received the World Food Prize, an international honour that recognizes individuals who help advance food quality and quantity around the world.

“I’m just humbled and honoured, and I still think I’m in a dream,” Kühn said.

“As a mother, to be able to serve as an American to heal the wounds of war, it is my great honour to accept it.” Roots of Peace partners with mine removal groups around the world, including the Croatian Mine Action

Centre, HALO Trust and Mines Advisory Group, to remove munitions.

Once that’s done, the group goes in with shovels and trains rural farmers to grow and sell high-value crops. USAID and the U.N. Development Programme have given financial aid to Roots of Peace projects.

The non-profit has facilitated the removal of more than 100,000 land mines and pieces of unexploded ordnance around the world. The farmland made possible by the cleared explosives has given food security to locals in Afghanistan, Angola,

Clearspring Founder Wins

Prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award

Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cambodia, Croatia, Guatemala, Iraq and Vietnam.

The non-profit has helped export to international markets nearly 160,000 metric tons of fruits, nuts and spices valued at more than $350 million, supporting more than 1 million farmers and families. Kühn remembers feeling elated after detonating her first land mine in Croatia, but those feelings gave way to sorrow because there were still so many left.

She wants now to turn her attention to Ukraine, where it was estimated that there are land mines over 174,000 square kilometres. It’s a section of land bigger than England, Wales and Northern Ireland combined.

“The earth forgives us, the earth is bountiful, we’re feeding children,” Kühn said. “I can go to sleep at night and know there’s families I may never meet but through our efforts and our footsteps, we’ve had an impact on their day.”

CHRISTOPHER DAWSON, founder of authentic Japanese and organic fine foods brands Clearspring, was awarded the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award at the Natural & Organic Innovation Awards.

The awards ceremony took place on April 16th, after day one of the Natural & Organic Products Europe show at Excel, London.

Dawson was presented the award by Marigold Health Foods MD Patrick Tobin, who cited Dawson's impact on the international organic foods sector and as a genuine pioneer, having advocated for and supported organic agriculture, sustainability and a plant-based diet for over 50 years.

From running his own health food shop on London's Old Street in the 1970s, to moving to Japan and working with traditional, artisanal Japanese producers to help them convert to Organic, Christopher Dawson has made a huge impact worldwide on the growth of organic food.

He founded Clearspring in 1993 to help support organic farmers reach a much wider international audience. He was even recognised by the Japanese Government in

3D-bioprinted ‘Fresh’

Fish Ready To Hit Supermarket Shelves

An Israeli company announced that it has developed a 3D printed grouper fish fillet from stem cells, which are then processed via bioprinting technology into a fish-like shape.

Stakeholder Foods, in conjunction with Umami Meats, has created a method of 3D bioprinting your very own ‘fresh’

fish, which, it says, mimics the taste and texture of natural fish and will be ready for cooking immediately. According to the company, new product could hit the supermarket shelves later this year.

“In the coming months, we intend to announce our plans for bringing this world-class cultivated fish to the market,”

2007, one of the only non-Japanese people to receive the Award for Overseas Promotion of Japanese Food from the former Japanese Prime Minister, for his distinguished contribution to the promotion of Japanese organic food worldwide.

Christopher Dawson said about the accolade: “I'm incredibly thankful and honoured to have received this recognition, which took me totally by surprise. I feel privileged to be working with such fantastic people and in an industry that is striving to make the world better, healthier and more sustainable.

"Even as I turn 70, and we mark Clearspring's 30th anniversary this year, I am as enthusiastic as ever to continue to work and play to convert an acre back to organic each day”.

The Natural and Organic Innovation Awards celebrate the finest in organic innovation, as well champion the movers and shakers who are making a big impact on the growth of organic and natural food in the UK and Europe.

Clearspring's new Organic Japanese Kuwa Matcha was also a finalist for Best New Organic Drink Product.

which are subsequently processed into bio-inks and then into a printer. The process of printing takes just a few minutes, and the product can then be immediately cooked and eaten.

said Mihir Pershad, CEO of Umami Meats at a tasting event in Israel last week. “In the first tasting, we showcased a cultivated product that flakes, tastes and melts in your mouth exactly like excellent fish should,” he explained.

The grouper fish fillets are created by combining fish stem cells with various nutrients,

Stakeholders are also working to create entire cuts of 3D-printed meat, including steaks and other seafood like eel. In 2020, the fast-food giant KFC partnered with a Russian bioprinting company to produce artificial chicken nuggets.

New technology could have numerous benefits, particularly as it pertains to food scarcity. Additionally, biologically engineered fish is free from pollutants such as microplastics, which might affect traditionally harvested seafood stocks.

Icaught up with the 3 time Grammy award winning band Morgan Heritage who are currently promoting their new album titled The Homeland.

As you know the Royal Family of Reggae have always been on top of their game when it comes to being current and delivering the best quality Reggae music.

The Homeland project is fused with the Afro beat sound and while many will be confused as to why they have collaborated the genres, to Morgan Heritage its just a way to say they are not segregated and their style of Reggae music should be combined as their roots are from the motherland.

Mojo explains that "Why not enjoy the music we love? Jamaica has many genres and we just want to show love for home that's all it is"

When asking why they fused the Afro sound, Peetah Morgan said "Its like when you have a man born in China, they call him Chinese when you have an Indian man from India they say he's Indian why can we not embrace where we are from also... we are African people and showing love for what comes from home.

"Collaborating the Reggae and Afro is not a problem as we really are one sound and it's love!"

It all makes sense when they explain the Homeland album as it is really a statement to say where we are are all from and to stop the argument about which genre is greater.

Its not about competition, its all about peace and showing that Jamaican artists are not at war with African artists.

"We are using the music tool to

bring people together - that's what it's all about. You will get the Morgan Heritage vibes, stories of love heartbreak and not nessarily our own experiences but we like to tell people's stories," explains Mojo

"It was exciting collaborating with some of the best artists in Africa - this project is a true feeling and a story of home."

You'll hear collaborations with

Soulful pop diva Tina Turner announced dead

Tina Turner, whose death was announced yesterday, suffered a number of health issues in recent years including cancer, a stroke and kidney failure.

The soulful pop icon who rose to fame alongside husband Ike in the 1960s with songs including Proud Mary and River Deep, Mountain High, was a solo sensation with classic pop hits like The Best and What's Love Got to Do With It made her a superstar. Dubbed the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, Tina Turner was famed for her raunchy and energetic stage performances and husky, powerful vocals, with younger stars who have felt her influence include Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Janelle Monae and Rihanna.

was "inspiring, warm, funny and generous" and helped him when he was young.

Born Anna Mae Bullock, in Tennessee, into a sharecropping family, Tina first found prominence as one of the backing singers for her husband Ike's band The Kings of Rhythm, before going to front the band.

The couple then tasted commercial success with Fool in Love and It's Gonna Work Out Fine, which made the US charts in the early 60s.

Their other hits included 1973's Nutbush City Limits, about the small town where Tina was born. But Ike's physical and emotional abuse was taking its toll.

The Who's 1975 rock opera Tommy as the Acid Queen.

Shatta Wale, Capleton, Beenie Man, Shaggy, Ice Queen Cleo, Alpha Blondy, Bounty Killa, Youssou N'Dour, Eddie Kenzo, I Octane and many more. This is Jamaican and African artists United and not at war...

A good feeling the Homeland WORDS: Mark Dwayne

Tributes were pouring in, with soul queen, Gloria Gaynor, who also rose to fame in the 1960s, saying that she (Tina Turner) paved the way for so many women in rock music, Black and white". There were also tributes from Supermodel Naomi Campbell, Basketball legend Magic Johnson and singers Kelly Rowland and Ciara.

On Instagram, The Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger said Turner

She managed to escape her abuser, before going on to rebuild her career and become one of the biggest pop and rock stars of the 80s and 90s, with hits including Let's Stay Together, Steamy Windows, Private Dancer, James Bond theme GoldenEye, I Don't Wanna Fight and It Takes Two, a duet with Rod Stewart.

She also starred in 1985 film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome - which featured another of her smashes, We Don't Need Another Hero - and

She found happiness with her second husband, German music executive Erwin Bac. They began dating in the mid-80s, and got married in 2013 and lived in Switzerland, with Turner taking Swiss citizenship. He donated one of his kidneys to her in 2017 after it was discovered she was suffering from kidney failure. She also suffered tragedy with the loss of her eldest son Craig to suicide in 2018. His father was Turner's former bandmate, Raymond Hill. Another son, Ronnie, whose father was Ike Turner, died in 2022. She also had two adopted sons, Ike Jr and Michael, Ike's children from a previous relationship.

Tina's life story spawned a 1993 biopic titled What's Love Got To Do With It, which earned Angela Bassett an Oscar nomination for playing the star; and a hit stage musical - aptly titled Tina: The Musical. She was also the subject of HBO documentary Tina in 2021. Her death was announced on her official Instagram page. She was 83.

SAFE SPACES TOP PRIORITY AT BIRMINGHAM PRIDE 2023

Marking its 27th year of celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, it was the biggest and best yet as thousands of people from across the Midlands, the country and further afield, gathered for Birmingham Pride 2023.

The festival, which was attended by tens of thousands of people in the middle of the city centre and in the heart of the LGBTQ+ village,

saw in excess of 100,000 making sure that they were part of the celebrations.

Focusing on providing sanctuary to individuals from marginalised communities, the theme for this year’s festival was ‘Power in Pride’ in response to the rise in hate crimes in the UK, especially against trans people, while also highlighting anti-LGBTQ+ policies across the globe.

This year, hundreds of people

struggling with or fleeing persecution from other countries came out to stand proud to be themselves.

Festival director of Birmingham Pride, Lawrence Barton described it as the city's largest carnival parade yet. "This year’s carnival parade was ground-breaking, generating tens of millions of pounds for the local economy.

“But we need a permanent home, and we need to discuss that very soon. Having a safe space is vitally important – especially as I feel that we really need Pride now more than ever."

“We are committed to ensuring that Birmingham Pride has a longterm future here,” a Birmingham City Council spokesperson said. "And together we can make sure that Pride has a future as the largest community festival held in the city.

“We are determined to find a permanent solution to the challenges that Pride faces."

The Birmingham Pride parade saw thousands of people march through the city, with flags on brightly coloured rainbow floats, wearing shimmering costumes and powerful banners celebrating equal love.

“It is now more important than ever, that we unite with the wider community and seek proper justice and equality for our community”, Barton added.

The Sugarbabes, Cat Burns, Samantha Mumba, Gabrielle, B*witched and Atomic Kitten were amongst the highlight acts who – as many have said since – made this Pride one of the biggest in the UK to date.

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENT AT ESTHERS ACADEMY

In conversation with Dee Burrowes

THE JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES – GET TO KNOW HER!

An author, educator, journalist, life and mental health coach, Dee Burrowes is the founder of Achieve Pure Brilliance. What started as giving free advice and support to peers in the hospitality industry has evolved into a thriving coaching practice.

I take as gospel that it’s crucial to walk the talk as business leaders to help other in achieving their goals. In 2010, I started the personal development journey and there was no turning back.

As an adventurer by nature, I had a discerning admiration for personal development and growth.

In all that I do, it is a passion to encourage and empower in-

dividuals to break new grounds and think differently in a means of living life wholeheartedly on their terms, to love and embrace who they are unconditionally.

As one of the authors of Boss’d up on Purpose, I was born and raised in Jamaica. I began my awakening and transformation journey - I am a huge believer in stepping out of your comfort zone even if it feels a bit uncomfortable as you can accomplish anything that you set your mindset to do. I came to realise that, I have ONE life to live, and constantly living a burned out state of mind needed to stop.

My personality and social skills developed into exceptional communication skills in

University whilst interest in the hospitality industry became an authentic passion.

After graduation with my bachelor’s degree, I secured a position within a four star hotel in the city of London. Before long, having shown some great achievements, I became a senior executive manager within Front Office and few years in to the esteemed role of Assistant General Manager. The title was never a missed of operational challenges, varied team personalities and having the ability to work and lead a team became natural despite being in a competitive environment. In my new role, I learned and developed further as a professional while achieving

To Know You Is To Be You

What attracted you to the hotel industry?

Hailing from Jamaica where tourism is the top foreign exchange earner and contributes a huge percentage to the Gross Domestic Product therefore it was very fitting to pursue such a career.

Additionally, I had instrumental mentors who were prominent individuals in the industry – I was raised surrounded by the industry allowing travel and cultural experiences, two of my many passions.

Giveaway:

What has working in the hotel business given you that you don’t think you could have achieved in any other profession?

It predominantly develops oneself – personally and professionally. As well as developing time and commitment learning from others due to the variety of colleagues, clients and situations that you interacts with on a regular. A worldwide family that celebrates culture, diversity and experiences like none other.

How did you decide to become a life coach?

In 2010, whilst completing a master’s degree programme I began to toy with the idea of becoming an entrepreneur. It wasn’t until much farther down my career journey that I figured out how to turn my life experience and knowledge into life coaching.

I was very passionate all things self-development and helping others to be more impactful on their journey. I was always the employee putting my all into what I was doing, go above and

some excellent operational results - not to my surprise though. I gave my all in whatever circumstances I am entrusted in.

I was ready for my own transformation.

I pivoted into the Financial industry after successfully completing another BA Honours undergraduate degree in Accounts. The signs of burned out was becoming evident with the long hours and unfortunately hadn’t achieved my career goals in the Hotel Industry – woman and black ethnicity – go figure it out. You could say I had an epiphany, a light bulb moment – as the financial industry introduced a different and life changing out of my norm, on my toes kind every-

beyond at work and exceeded expectations.

As such, my curiosity of emotional wellbeing grew deeper as I found a holistic approach in achieving goals and living life on purpose and on a wider scale.

What are some of your favourite affirmations and mantras?

• Faith without works is dead.

• If it is to be, it starts with me.

• To help heal others, I must first heal myself.

• If you don’t ask, you won’t get. My worth as a life coach was always impacted by my ability to practice what I preach.

If you could put a message on a billboard out to millions—what would be communicated?

“You can have whatever you want in this life - the choice is yours – just go for it”

If you Like, follow, and share on instagram – @ThePhoenixNewspaper and @dee_burrowes you could win a 30 minute complimentary coaching session with Dee!

day and in a spirit of exploration, I not only accessed the networking more profoundly in connecting with industry professionals but also joined both national and international professional bodies.

I attended a women’s conference in Virginia, United States and I can safely add what I would call a “miracle-moment-game-changer”. It was right there and then that I decided I wanted to change profession to become a life coach specialising in mindset transformation. I returned to the United Kingdom, immersed myself in all the personal development books, attended more seminars and started networking more so. I secured the support of a mentor, along with a life coach coupled with more professional experiences, succeeded at academia and had more global connections. It was a thorough 360 degree turn in the direction of my life.

I do believe that the dots always line up and needing to reshape

What books have significantly influenced your life? What are your key takeaways from these books?

It’s so hard to choose just one, but for starters the Bible, Find

Your Why and Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.

Do you have any examples of how a failure set you up for later success?

Failure is a path that is constantly journeyed by all. My biggest, was not achieving the role of a hotel General Manager and setting healthy boundaries that would have been essential for growth.

I learned many lessons from these failures that have helped me on my journey.

my life suddenly became more non-negotiable. After months of giving thought to where to study the life coaching course, I found the perfect course for my Coaching Diploma in Transformational Life Coaching. It has been the commencement of the most rewarding journey.

I refocused my energy into and adapting the right frame of mind. My passion was invigorated, renewed and was now aligned to achieving my greatness.

My pure brilliance was right in front of me that saw the birth of my life coaching and mental health practice.

Coaching Sphere: As an international Master Life Coach, I support individuals to discover (and become) their most authentic, unapologetic, magnificient version of themselves to living life on their own terms.

Location: London, England

Connect: You can connect online on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter as Dee Burrowes.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

Coaching women across the globe and for being recognised with various awards for the impact I am making internationally.

How do you give back to the community?

In the end, I aim to uplift those that are in need of my support by giving of my time through coaching others that are in need to be uplifted and empowered. The power of a generous heart does go a long way as achieving real transformation in communities have helped make it better as possible.

I lend my time as well to a charity, school board and other social entities. I wholeheartedly am an advocate for doing good in my community and the World at large.

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” —Princess Diana.

ESTHER’S ACADEMY HIGHLIGHTING WOMEN

STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF A ‘GIANT’

by Steve Williams

It was at this year’s UK edition of the Women of Purpose Ministry presentation that saw this year’s intake of some of the esteemed women in ministry who were acknowledged for their outstanding contribution to the people and communities that shape their individual, and collective, lives.

Inspired by the Book of Esther in the Bible, Esther’s Academy Birmingham Graduation Banquet, at the Eastside Rooms, saw women – across the generations – rewarded and highlighted for their work and respective contributions to the lives of the women, in particular, and people in general, whose standings may not be known as it should.

Pastor Yvonne Brooks was overwhelmed with immense pride.

As a pastor, counsellor, mentor, teacher, preacher, leader of leaders, an esteemed TV presenter, and a woman of outstanding humility, stature and great purpose herself, Yvonne, who is co-pastor of the New Jerusalem Apostolic church, in Aston, in Birmingham, and head of the Esther’s Academy UK chapter, and has established it in other countries, including Zimbabwe, South Africa, and further afield in Britain, was a fulcrum of what the whole movement represents – in empowering women, especially those who are too often not recognised for their often unseen contributions to family, friends and the everyday people in their lives.

Pastor Yvonne spoke of her work particularly in South Africa and the way in which they have embraced this specific programme. She talked of the passion and need for women to feel good about themselves and to understand that when God is in control, they don't need anything else.

A personal development programme, which helps women live purposeful lives covering health and wellbeing, personal grooming, relationships, and establishing a greater relationship with God, this year’s intake epitomised the full strengths of its engagement with the women who have enlisted, and for the women themselves, this was, in many cases, the first opportunity for them to fully appreciate their contribution to today’s world.

The Esther’s Academy Birmingham 2023 advocates include:

Aliyah Daley, Audrey Jackson, Bernice Jeffers, Cynthia Mcleod, Cynthia Revan, Faith Hlala, Herolin Guy, Janice Carter, Layla Khayyam, Lisa McIntosh, Paulette Hamilton, Rachel Moore, Rena Smith, Sharon Gordon, Sharon Williams, Sophia Wongsam, Stacey Beckford, Venessa Callum, Yanique Taylor and Yvonne Richards.

These transformed ‘Women of Purpose’ are now standing proud on the world stage, with thanks to Esther’s Academy, as they - in turn - stand on the shoulders of their ‘giant’ of a leader that is Pastor Yvonne Brooks!

MEET GLADYS WEST - THE WOMAN BEHIND YOUR GPS

If you rely on a Global Positioning System (GPS) device to guide you on unfamiliar roads, you have Gladys West to thank for it.

West, now 87, is a retired mathematician living in north-eastern Virginia. Her former employer, the U.S. Navy, credits her with playing a pivotal role in developing GPS technology. From 1956 until her retirement in 1998, West worked with a team of engineers at a Navy base in Dahlgren, Virginia.

She recorded satellite locations and performed complex mathematical calculations that led to a remarkably precise system of pinpointing geographical positions. Her contributions were recently touted by her college sorority sister Gwendolyn James.

A fellow member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, James learned about West’s ground-breaking work through a short autobio-

graphical statement that West submitted ahead of a sorority function. James alerted the Associated Press, and now West is enjoying some long-deserved recognition as a pioneer.

“Her story is amazing,” James said. “GPS has changed the lives of everyone forever. There is not a segment of this global society — military, auto industry, cell phone industry, social media, parents, NASA, etc. — that does not utilize the Global Positioning System.”

West attended Virginia State University on a full scholarship and worked as a math teacher for two years before earning a master’s degree. When she was hired by the naval base in 1956, she was one of only four African-American employees there.

In a recent interview, West recalled her early satellite-data projects and said she enjoyed working with engineers and scientists in the

1950s and ’60s because “they were addressing real problems facing our country.” Her colleagues, she said, “were experts in their areas and could see what was needed in the future.”

West’s achievements were recog nized by U.S. Navy Captain God frey Weekes, a former officer at the Naval Surface Warfare Centre Dahlgren Division, in a 2017 mes sage he wrote about Black History Month.

“She rose through the ranks, worked on the satellite geodesy (science that measures the size and shape of the Earth) and contribut ed to the accuracy of GPS and the measurement of satellite data,” he wrote. “As Gladys West started her career as a mathematician at Dahl gren in 1956, she likely had no idea that her work would impact the world for decades to come.”

West remains active in retire ment. In 2000, she earned a doctor

Newham Unveils Its Extensive Windrush 75th Anniversary Celebrations Programme

Thanks to funding from Near Neighbours, the London borough of Newham will mark the 75th anniversary of Windrush with a series of events which include art exhibitions, talks, workshops and music with DJs and local artists.

The celebrations will kick off with a launch event at Stratford Old Town Hall on Windrush Day, Thursday 22 June, 6.30-8pm, with speeches, networking and refreshments. WINDRUSH JOURNEYS: A black and white photographic exhibition of the Windrush community and the journey they made, with augmented reality will also be on display.

Councillor Rohit K. Dasgupta, Deputy Cabinet Member for Equalities, Social Justice and Culture said: “I’m looking forward to this year’s milestone celebrations as we remember and recognise the huge contributions made by the Windrush generation and their descendants in Britain.

"In Newham, we continue to keep the legacy alive through the extensive programme of events planned for residents of all ages,

which reflects the positive impact made by these remarkable group of people in all aspects of our society. It provides an opportunity to share their transformational history with the younger generation in creative and engaging ways through art, music, workshops and exhibitions.

gun, BSL performance of Cordelia the Stowaway, storytelling by Jane Grell, a talk on the Windrush generation’s contribution to music and so much more.

“This year’s celebrations are not to be missed.” The big celebration will take place on Saturday 24 June at Stratford Old Town Hall, 12-10pm, with a day of activities and events. The afternoon activities will feature a Caribbean marketplace, Nail Art by Colour Riot Nails, face painting by NyGlorious face arts and Elizabeth Balo-

From 7pm, the stage programme will be hosted by TV Presenter and Content Creator, Annaliese Dayes. The entertainment will include the Reggae Choir, Pan Vibration Steel Band, and band One Love who will cover popular reggae tunes. The evening will end with a set from DJ Handson Family which will run till 10pm. This summer, we will also launch an exhibition called HOME: Remembering the Windrush Generation, which is curated by author and speaker, Tony Fairweather. The exhibition gives an insight into the nostalgic recreation of an iconic Caribbean front room and will be used to host talks, workshops and other events. The exhibition is for all ages to enjoy and learn about the history of the Windrush generation who came to England from the Caribbean after the war. Details about the location and viewing times will be published shortly.