20 minute read
OUR COVER STARS Talk to Style of the City on the boundaries they’ve broken within their industries
INTERVIEWS
The Change Makers
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In such an unprecedented year, focusing on those who have made a positive change in our community, changing perceptions, eradicating stigmas and pushing the narrative is something we were keen on highlighting in our current edition. We highlight Cardiff’s first black Lord Mayor and those breaking boundaries within their chosen fields.
DANIEL DE’ATH - The first black Lord Mayor of Cardiff SCOTT MCGLYNN - LGBTQ+ Lifestyle Creator B WRITTEN - Cardiff’s Upcoming Music Artist GABIN KONGOLO - Cardiff’s Rising Star VICTORIA SALMMAN - Founder of the feminist digital platform, The Cerve CHARLOTTE MORGAN & AMY HOLLAND - Changing the face of female networking
Daniel De’Ath was the 115th Lord Mayor and the first Lord Mayor of black heritage of the Capital City of Wales. It was a privilege to discuss the changes the former Lord Mayor made during his time in office. What inspired you to get involved in politics?
I come from quite a political family, my grandfather was a County Councillor and he was a big inspiration. I also grew up in a deindustrializing mining town, but we were quite close to some of the wealthiest areas in the county, where people lived very different lives, and had very different expectations of what life could offer and their place in the world. That was certainly a strong factor, too.
How do you feel being the first Lord Mayor of black heritage of the Capital City of Wales?
It’s a huge honour to have been the Lord Mayor of Cardiff. The office goes all the way back to 1126 – which is quite incredible to think about. I really wanted to make sure I
did the role justice, especially as you’re in the public eye so much. The role of Mayor is strictly non-political, so you have to be mindful what you say, but I felt it was important to talk about being black and my life and my experiences. There are very few black people in Welsh politics so people seem to have taken quite an interest.
What changes do you hope to have been able to enforce in Welsh politics from this?
I hope seeing a black person in this kind of role has had a positive effect. I don’t think it’s something people are used to and that’s something we certainly need to change. The events of 2020 have politicised a lot of new people, particularly young people, and hopefully, it’s encouraging for them seeing someone slightly different in a high profile role.
What achievement are you most proud of during your time as the Lord Mayor of Cardiff?
I’m proud of the events around me calling for the statue of the tyrannical slave owner Sir Thomas Picton to be removed from Cardiff’s City Hall where the Council meets. Not only did Cardiff Council vote to remove it but it
seems to have toppled dominos which saw the Welsh Government go on to promise to review all statues and street names in the country for links with slavery. The Queen has ordered a picture of Picton in the Royal Collection to have details of his horrendous deeds added to it and St Paul’s Cathedral is removing a monument to him. It also prompted Cardiff Council to set up a Race Equality Taskforce, which I’ve been invited to sit on, which will hopefully materially improve the lives of minorities in the city. I never imagined it would blow up so much. I was invited to Sky News several times, The BBC, and to The Daily Mail repeatedly. It’s all been quite phenomenal.
Why did you decide to choose Welsh Woman’s Aid and BAWSO as the Lord Mayor’s charities for 2019/20?
I’ve previously studied social work which involved me volunteering with BAWSO, which is a charity providing support to victims of domestic abuse and human trafficking, and a placement with a charity that was part of the Welsh Woman’s Aid network – so they seemed obvious choices really. They’re very different kinds of charities to the ones Mayors normally pick, but I think in the way the Black Lives Matter movement has highlighted the need for potentially uncomfortable conversations around race, I think there’s also a need for something like that to take place around things like gender and class too, and this is a small step in that direction. The Coronavirus lockdowns have highlighted the seriousness and prevalence of domestic violence and gender inequalities.
What impression of yourself, as Lord Mayor, do hope to have left with the people of Cardiff?
I hope people have found me open, accessible and a bit more laid-back – whilst still having sufficient gravitas. We’ve also tried to get out and about as much as possible in the community, to lots of primary schools and events like the Butetown Carnival and things in the inner city. I love Cardiff and it’s been a privilege to represent the capital city.
How do you feel about being defined as a change maker?
It’s nice if people think of me that way, but I certainly think a lot of the change I’ve achieved has come about through being part of the mass mobilisation of people coming together around Black Lives Matter. These are things we’ve achieved together. By the strength of our common endeavour, we achieve more than we achieve alone.
What’s next for your career?
I’ve been selected as a candidate to stand on the regional list for the South Wales Central area in the 2021 Welsh parliamentary elections, which I’m very much looking forward to. I’m @DeAthCardiff on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram if you’d like to keep up with how I’m getting on!
Scott McGlynn is an author, LGBTQ+ activist, podcast host and online lifestyle creator. He is best known for creating the hit LGBTQ+ celebrity and gossip hit podcast ‘The Scott McGlynn Show’. He shares all with Style of the City. What inspired you to create the hit podcast ‘The Scott McGlynn Show’?
I was so open with my previous book ‘Out’ and had a great response from it on my press tour. There, I met elderly men in their 70’s who were now openly gay and were so inspired by my journey and how I overcame bullying during school; they couldn’t believe society was still like this. I’ve also always been into my celebrity gossip and magazines so I wanted to combine the two. I created a podcast to share my journey and to interview celebrities for my audience. My guests have shared their coming out stories, career journies and so much more. It was really big in America and at the time no one really had anything similar with an LGBTQ+ voice and a showbiz/career base podcast all mixed into one.
As a change maker, what message do you want to convey to you’re audience?
I want to spread the message that you can be open about your sexuality, be loud and be who you are. I think this year so many people have come out, so the times are changing.
What inspired you to become a voice for people in the LGBTQ+ community?
I’ve always wanted to do something to spread awareness. I hated school, but I gained five good friends from that experience. I’ve also been lucky enough to have met my partner, who I’ve been with for over 10 years now. So, I wanted to share my story to show that the low times do get better. The response I’ve had has been amazing. Again, whilst I was doing my book tour I met the parents of these teenage boys and they could relate to my experience as it’s still an issue in schools today. I left school a while ago, so I only know what’s happening through people sharing their experiences online, but these students are still sadly living through it.
Did you have any support system whilst in school to help you through it? And, what would you like to see implemented in Schools to help students come to term with their sexuality?
No I didn’t have a support system at school unfortunately. My teachers never really knew how to handle things with my bullies. Apart from sometimes telling them off, it was just a constant cycle that kept repeating itself. There was nothing to help with the mental health side of things either. But they weren’t trained on how to manage those situations back then. In school, I always tried to be inviable, because if you’re invisible they can’t get to you. My motto in school was head down, don’t speak and then people can’t say anything. I suffered quite badly with my speech because I would mumble and couldn’t look anyone in the eye. But, now they have LGBTQ+ groups in schools, where students can share their feelings and feel support from their peers, which is amazing. I think the school system has now changed so much more, which is incredible. I’m not sure what training they provide teachers with now, but I feel that they should be aware of how to deal with every situation.
Any advice to those who are struggling with their sexuality?
There’s so much support now and people’s attitudes have changed. I remember when Will Young came out and it was on the front page of every newspaper, now it wouldn’t be such a big deal. There are also so many people in the public eye for teenagers to relate to now, like Sam Smith and Harry Styles, so they should take that inspiration and be confident enough to be themselves. Follow Scott on Instagram @ scottmcglynnoffical.
B WRITTEN Cardiff’s Upcoming Music Artist
B Written is an independent British singer and songwriter rising out of the inner city of Cardiff. He sits down with Style of the City and shares his journey of breaking into the music industry. What inspired you to pursue music?
Like most young people I felt the pressure of “fitting in”, knowing what to do with my life and generally figuring stuff out. It can get tough at times, especially if you come from the type of deprived area I do - it’s very easy to get lost in the situation or even lose yourself. I luckily found an avenue which allowed me to express myself through performing. Early on I joined a dance collective that allowed me to perform all over the UK and internationally in the World Hip Hop Dance Championships. This fuelled my desire to express myself more, but I wasn’t scratching the itch I had to make a difference to peoples lives, so I decided to pursue teaching which drove me to study and eventually lecture students in college.
Coming from Riverside, Cardiff, did you find any challenges trying to break into the music industry?
Coming from Riverside there were challenges breaking through, as the music scene in Cardiff is not as big as cities like London, Manchester and Birmingham. There are also other challenges like finding professional recording studios to record, videographers for videos etc. However, I have been blessed with finding the right people and now have a great team that I can build with and supports me to bring my ideas to life.
Through your music what message do you hope to convey to your listeners?
The message that I hope to convey to my listeners is don’t be afraid to be yourself and do what you want to do! It is really tough breaking away from the crowd sometimes. I just want to contribute to that learning process. If you have a dream or passion then you need to fight those fears and doubts, chase it and enjoy the journey not just the destination. Love for others what you love for yourself and actions speak louder than words!
You have performed alongside some well-known artists what has been your favourite performance to date?
My favourite performance to date was supporting Ashanti in my home town, Cardiff. That was an overwhelming experience, supporting one of the biggest artists of a generation. Because it was in my home city, I got to enjoy this with some of my loved ones, which made the whole experience an even better memory. I am so grateful for having that opportunity!
How do you feel about being a change maker?
This is something that really drives me! I’m conscious about making music that talks to people and has real meaning, without having to restrict myself by what’s “hot” or “current”. I feel like I am a voice for the voiceless, speaking on things that some might be afraid to talk about. It’s all about the energy, authenticity, creativity and expression – that’s B Written.
GABIN KONGOLO CARDIFF’S RISING STAR
Gabin Kongolo is a 22-year-old actor from Cardiff. His credits include ‘Bulletproof’ (Sky One), ‘Doctors’ (BBC) and ‘Against All Odds’ (Universal/Motown). Gabin grew up in Cardiff and is trying to make a change through his craft and inspire young and older people to chase their dreams. He shares his journey with Style of the City.
What inspired you to peruse a career in acting?
I came across acting by accident. I wanted to go on a school trip that made us miss a day of school but, to do that, we had to join the after school drama club. Since then, I’ve loved it and knew I could take it further.
What are some of the challenges you have faced and overcome in your industry?
I think dealing with rejection is one of the biggest challenges. You hear so many no’s and at first, you take it personally but then you realise, it has nothing to do with you and you learn that whatever job you didn’t get, isn’t meant for you. Every no should remind you why you want the yes.
How do you feel about being labelled a change-maker and inspiring others to pursue a career in acting?
Man, it’s an honour to be labelled as a change-maker. I’m still so young and still got a long way to go because there are so many things I still want to accomplish as a young black actor from Wales. There’s a lot of change in my industry that I hope I’m at the forefront of and gives people younger and older than me the belief that they can act and chase their dreams.
Tell us about your new featured role in ‘Against All Odds’?
I play the character of Yemz in ‘Against All Odds’ which is directed by Nicky Slimting and Femi Oyeniran. The film is about the beginning of Grime music and what a young MC would have to juggle to chase that career. My character Yemz is Active’s (main character) manager and he keeps everything
together when things go wrong no matter what obstacle comes his way.
What is next for you?
I have got a couple of things lined up. I have got a personal project called My Skin Is My Logo coming, and I have also got a film that I am making with National Museum Wales. Who knows, there also may be ‘Against All Odds’ Part 2.
VICTORIA SALMMAN Founder of The Cerve
Victoria Salmman created the digital platform, The Cerve, which gives everyone access to material on female empowerment. She shares all with Style of the City. Why did you feel it was important to create this platform?
Before The Cerve, there wasn’t a platform collating what to read, watch and listen to in the female empowerment arena, so that all of this amazing material could be found in one place. Many publications and platforms for women focus on beauty and fashion. I was also having conversations with my friends about the empowering things I was discovering and they would say, “how do you find all this?” So, I recognised that there was a gap in the market.
When did you realise you were a feminist?
I was a feminist before I knew what a feminist was. I’ve always been very passionate about equality and fairness. I believe this is the reason that I was drawn to a career in Law, that sense of seeking justice. When I joined the workforce, I became more aware of the impact of gender in business and began discovering books like Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, which made me realise that feminism isn’t this historic term linked to the SUFFRAGETTE MOVEMENT, it’s still very relevant today.
The most googled feminism questions are: • Why are feminist so angry? • Do feminists hate men? • Does a feminist have to be female?
Would you like to set the record straight on these assumptions?
I think female anger is misconstrued. I’m angry about gender inequality a lot of the time and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Anger for me is a huge motivator. I think when we talk about women being angry, we see it negatively, as women are “supposed to be meek and mild” and this is one of the problems that feminism is trying to tackle. Women can be angry and can be competitive without being aggressive.
In terms of men-hating, it annoys me when women preface their feminism with “oh, we don’t hate men”. Ultimately, it’s the patriarchy that feminism is battling, a lot of men uphold the patriarchy, a lot of men benefit from the status quo and so they don’t necessarily want to change it. I feel frustrated at men who do that and am not afraid to say that. I don’t think people should be intimidated by feminism, women aren’t trying to strive for global domination, we’re trying to achieve the same opportunities, the same access and the same treatment that men have. In terms of ‘does a feminist have to be female?’, absolutely not. You can have misogynistic women and feminist men.
How do you feel about being defined as a change maker?
I’m so passionate about women’s rights and what can be accomplished by women, and the injustices we currently face. So, being able to create change and inspire women to create change is an incredibly privileged position to be in and I’m humbled by that opportunity. Read more about The Cerve on
www.thecerve.co.uk
CHARLOTTE MORGAN & AMY HOLLAND Co-founders of Warrior Women Collective
Co-founders of Warrior Women Collective, Charlotte Morgan and Amy Holland, launched their brand in 2017 with the aim of creating a space for women to share their experiences and be empowered and inspired by other like-minded women. Since then Warrior Women Collective has grown in popularity. They share all with Style of the City. How did you come up with the idea for Warrior Women Collective, and how did you make it become a reality?
It all began back in 2017 when we decided to create a networking event with a difference in our home town Cardiff. We wanted to create a space where women could share their experiences and like-minded women could be inspired, learn and make meaningful connections. Traditional networking events generally didn’t benefit our careers, but also us as women, and typically didn’t really shine the spotlight on the issues that women face daily - in careers or day to day life. We also were coming across incredible women, who all had their own journeys, experiences and knowledge and we thought wouldn’t it be incredible if we got these women in a room, with a whole load of other women. Fast forward three years, and we have held over 30 sell-out events and over 2,000 women have attended, our online community of supportive and like-minded women is growing and we produce thought-provoking, inspiring content through our newsletter and podcast.
Who/ what inspired you to create this brand?
Amy and I both studied marketing together at university (which is how we met) but went on to have very different career routes - I went down the marketing communications route and Amy the third sector - however, we still came up against the same issues regardless of our different careers so why couldn’t there be an event that would be suitable for both of us?
Traditional networking events are great but they are often suitable for one type of person and role. They didn’t benefit either of us and certainly didn’t delve into issues that impact women such as gender equality, gender pay gap, climbing the career ladder, juggling child care, maternity leave, imposter syndrome, post-natal depression and other issues that can impact women. We also questioned the connections that were being made at traditional networking, were they meaningful? Could they really benefit you? Why did these type of events need to be suitable for just one type of person? We always get our panel to share their journeys to where they are today because it’s through these journeys that women have their own unique experiences and advice to share.
Why do you feel this platform was needed in Cardiff?
Cardiff is where we both grew up, but both moved to London together after university. We returned to Cardiff because it’s a great city that we are lucky to call home. Cardiff and Wales are full of incredibly talented women, we were blown away by the talent on our doorstep here in Wales and wanted to shine the spotlight on them and pick their brains. Moving our events online as meant that we are able to reach an even wider network and bring more people together to connect, with attendance from all over the UK and even across Europe.
Where do you see this platform heading in the future?
We have such exciting plans for WWC in the future, we have recently just completed a Crowdfunding campaign where we successfully reached our funding target. We have a vision of growing our tribe, expanding our online offering and hosting more events in more locations. We want to support, empower and inspire even more women.
What subject matters do you discuss?
Through a diverse programme of inspiring events, we cover a range of relevant and important subjects. Past events and content have covered everything from career to self-love, interior design to money and sustainable fashion to personal branding. Our September online event featured an expert panel of women discussing Imposter Syndrome - a subject and issue that impacts six out of 10 women - and over 170 women
joined. Our podcast allows us to explore these topics even further.
How can people get involved with Warrior Women Collective?
Attending one of our events, being on the panel or our podcast, signing up to our newsletter, following us on social media and joining our Facebook group. Get in touch!
From creating this brand, what changes do you hope to see in the business industry?
Networks and events like these are so important because they address an imbalance and inequality in female speakers and amplifying their voices. They also create a network and platform of female role models to inspire and empower other women to do more. Our network aims to educate and provide a platform for knowledge sharing between women. By creating a safe space for women to discuss the daily challenges that women face, it is giving people the confidence to follow their goals which ultimately addresses issues within the business industry.
What’s next for you both?
It’s an exciting time for Warrior Women Collective, we will be back in 2020 with some amazing online events and planning how we can grow our online and offline offering.
Watch this space!
