The Voice Newspaper: September 2021

SEPTEMBER 2021 • ISSUE NO. 1922

MENTAL HEALTH Young people face pressures leading to anxiety and depression See inside

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Meet the students keeping their dreams alive

Black exam excellence!

Pages 2&6

BEYOND THE EARTHQUAKE True horror of Haiti revealed

The Caribbean is no stranger to various forms of natural disasters. However, the extent of destruction and loss of life in Haiti is distinctive. Very rarely does a catastrophe affect other countries in the region with the same scale, severity and longevity of damage.

Page 3

Inside

ROUNDUP

THIS MONTH

NEWSPAPER

Spotlight Keira Hurst

News, views, stories & videos

Black exam excellence: Students celebrate their amazing results p6 Why we need to change the narrative when it comes to the 'war on woke' p8, 20

THE 10 MOST POPULAR STORIES ON VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK 1. NHS nurse launches petition to stop husband of 19 years being deported

Linda Rose works for the NHS as a Head of Nursing. The petition is her last attempt to stop her husband’s deportation to Jamaica

2. Will Smith to play father of tennis aces Venus and Serena in blockbuster film King Richard set to be released later this year

Why prioritising students' mental health is so important: Education special p14 Barrister Abimbola Johnson to head board fighting racism within the police p24

3. Reggae Boy Leon Bailey on the brink of big money move to Premier League as Aston Villa close in

Highly rated player has turned down other offers

4. Exclusive: Jamaican national suicidal after being detained for deportation flight Jamaican nationals have slammed the Home Office for its 'unjust' treatment

5. Arsenal and Spurs put rivalry to one side to support mental health Teams kicked off the Mind Series at the Emirates Stadium recently

6. Anger as Rasta teen says Jamaican police cut off her dreadlocks

Princess Nzinga Candice King, 19, claims her hair was trimmed by a police officer while in custody

Elders hold the key to help take us through the right door, says Rev John Root p28

7. Care worker kicked in the face by police who mistook him for a wanted man Musa Usuf, from Sheffield, visited a Tesco store in Burngreave while on break from his work

8. Manchester schoolteacher pens new books after two decades of making a difference in young people's lives

Sandra Smith Brown has published a series of maths, science and English books

Youngster Callum on why eSports is here to stay – and how it can change our lives p36

9. Ghana and Dominica sign agreement to waive travel

Visa requirements between the two countries will be waived

Hope Powell continues to aim high in her role at Brighton p46

10. Deportation flight to Jamaica: One detainee released and some tickets cancelled

One of the Jamaican nationals who was detained ahead of a controversial deportation flight to Jamaica next week has been released and some detainees had their tickets cancelled

This issue is 48 pages

Keira has excelled in her A-levels and has secured a place at the University of Warwick

AS A DILIGENT student, I was excited to choose my A-level subjects. I have always been passionate about language and socio-political issues so choosing to study Spanish, Economics and Sociology came naturally to me. These subjects aligned to my career goals to work in diplomatic relations.

However, transitioning to a grammar from a comprehensive school, as a young black woman, meant I had to navigate an unfamiliar white middle class environment.

Being confident in my own ability was sometimes met with passive aggression and being undermined by teachers and peers. I overcame those hurdles and now know my attitude, achievements and success will always speak for themselves.

Studying and surviving through the pandemic was something that required resilience. Lockdown allowed me to gain a better understanding of my well-being, powering me through long days of studying and tutoring. Working remotely and meeting school deadlines gave me structure and organisation.

I successfully secured a place at the University of Warwick studying Politics and International Studies, after achieving two As in Spanish and Economics and an A* in Sociology. I aspire to be a diplomat and work alongside international governmental organisations, to create positive change and impactful decisions.

Diplomacy is sadly a white male dominated field, which has at times made me feel doubtful, but strong women around me have continually supported my ambitions and remind me of my power. They reaffirm my passion and are a large part of who I am today. I am eternally grateful for their guidance and the role they play in my success.

Outside of study, I love to indulge in skincare and beauty and cooking new dishes for my family.

I relish the idea of being able to travel the world in the kitchen.

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

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3

News feature

TRUE HORROR OF HAITI

SO MUCH SUFFERING: August’s earthquake has killed more than 2,000 Haitians and injured thousands more in the south-western part of the western hemisphere’s poorest nation

O

N SATURDAY, August 14, 2021 a magnitude 7.2 earthquake devastated Haiti, killing more than 2,000 people and injuring thousands more.

This disaster follows a magnitude 5.9 earthquake that struck the country in 2018 which killed at least 12 people, while a magnitude 7.1 earthquake in 2010 destroyed the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince and killed an estimated 310,000 people.

The recent earthquake has taken place against a backdrop of additional challenges that confront the nation with the assassination of the former president in July as well as the ongoing troubles of poverty, instability from the climate crisis, COVID-19, gang violence and the ongoing recovery from the 2010 earthquake.

Why Haiti?

Haiti is located in the Caribbean, a region that is no stranger to various forms of natural disasters. By Caribbean standards, the destruction and loss of life in Haiti is distinctive.

Very rarely does a natural disaster affect other Caribbean countries with the same scale, severity and longevity of dam-

age as seen in the 2010 Haitian earthquake and quite possibly the most recent earthquake on August 14.

Modern Haiti has been shaped by the arrested development imposed on it by France, Britain and the United States since its independence in 1801 as a country that forcibly freed itself from slavery and French colonialism which has led to isolation, debt, poverty, weak infrastructure, corruption and exploitation.

To understand the vulnerability of Haiti to natural disasters, you have to look at natural disasters differently from the traditional, inevitable (almost biblical) events that cannot be stopped or mitigated.

Natural disasters as products of unnatural management and faulty response The extent to which a natural disaster could devastate an area largely depends on the level of preparedness in limiting the loss of life and the effectiveness of the response.

In Haiti’s case, the infrastructure needed to reduce damage from a potential earthquake was, and still is, non-existent.

Institutions are fairly weak with

The deadly earthquakes that have struck the Caribbean island are adding to the misery suffered by its people.

By Lyndon Mukasa tax collection, while funding for the necessary infrastructure remains low.

Currently, the government of Haiti doesn’t have a national disaster risk management plan.

While the government has recommended since 2010 that builders follow earthquake-resistant standards, because parliament has not yet voted on a national building code, there is no way to enforce this expectation.

Up to 90 per cent of all buildings in Haiti are estimated to not be earthquake-resistant.

In addition, Haiti has been saddled repeatedly with corrupt leaders (often with US support) who enact policies that are favourable to US interests that have historically led to a stunted ability to respond to crises effectively.

Even though the current response is ongoing, we can see

from past events how things are likely to play out.

The 2010 earthquake revealed a shocking misuse of funds.

Journalist and author Jonathan Katz argues that much of the money sent in the aftermath of the earthquake did not reach the Haitian people.

US aid spending, in particular, prioritised preventing social unrest and deterring mass migration rather than recovery and rebuilding.

Natural disasters as a means of applying “shock doctrine” Perhaps even more insidious than the misallocation of funds is the possibility that the 2010 earthquake created an opportunity for sweeping neo-liberal economic reforms that have been frequently referred to as the “shock doctrine,” a term coined by author and political

activist Naomi Klein that characterises a pattern of economic reforms pushed on to vulnerable developing countries after a disaster that usually results in the transfer of public ownership of resources and institutions in to private hands.

In the aftermath of the disaster, there was a significant push to reduce the role of the public sector in Haiti’s recovery.

Agustin Aguerre, the Haiti manager for the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), argued in favour of developing the private sector without consideration for the role of the public sector.

At the time, there was little resistance from politicians and worker-based collectives who had successfully pushed back and limited privatisation efforts before.

However, much of these groups had been dissolved or rendered obsolete after the earthquake.

The Interim Haiti Recovery Commission (IHRC) was set up as the country’s most powerful decision-making body.

It was designed to coordinate the response and spend the donor money in place of the Haitian government. As with other organisations set up after the

earthquake, Haitians were prevented from having a majority stake in the organisation at 41 per cent only.

It was later found that for every $100 (£73) of Haiti reconstruction contracts awarded by the American government, $98.40 (£72) went back to American companies.

Conclusion It is clear that foreign intervention in Haiti has severely harmed development and any viable response to natural disasters.

Following the August 14 earthquake, it is likely this tragedy will be used further as an opportunity to entrench neoliberal economic reforms just as with the outcomes of the 2010 earthquake.

Haiti, like many other countries in the global south, are having the capacity of the state reduced for private interests with the consequences for future disaster management being eroded completely.

Lyndon Mukasa is a writer and researcher. He studied Inter-

national Development at the

London School of Economics.

4 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2021

News feature

Migrant children gaining so much out of AFRUCA Debbie Ariyo and her charity organisation has achieved so much since it was established 20 years ago. But here she explains there’s still a lot of work to do to achieve all of its aims Original interview

by Nathan Wanjau

I

N AN interview commissioned by Pan African, Nathan Wanjau spoke to Debbie Ariyo OBE, founder and chief executive of AFRUCA about the work they are doing to protect migrant children and families in the UK. The Voice had interviewed Debbie a few weeks before and spoken to her about the worrying trend of missing children and child-safeguarding issues in African diasporic communities where she stated that “one of the long-term damages of the pandemic is how it has exposed children to being groomed on the internet”, and AFRUCA believes that county-line gangs are the biggest reason for children going missing.

In Nathan’s interview, he explored some of the complexities and challenges faced by the charity and why Debbie is the right person for this role.

Debbie explained: “Twenty years ago I worked as a civil servant for the government.

There were several stories involving children who were newly arrived in the UK. “For instance, the stories of Damilola Taylor and Victoria Climbie. These children were coming into the country and being killed. This affected me.

“I wanted to understand what was going on. Why were these children searching for a better life in a country that is supposed to protect them, but ending up harmed or killed?

“Initially, I didn’t aim to set up a charity. I just wanted to use my spare time to bring people

We aim to prevent child abuse and exploitation by hosting educational activities together and talk about those issues. Yet, over time, this grew into setting up the organisation in 2001.

“The charity focuses on issues relating to the protection of migrant children and families in the UK. This includes protection from all forms of abuse and exploitation – in particular, modern slavery and child trafficking.

“But also issues specific to certain African ethnic groups within the UK, such as FGM and witchcraft branding.”

TRAFFICKING

She continued: “There are UK-specific issues as well.

For instance, the drug-related problem called ‘county-lines’ trafficking to which children of black origin are particularly vulnerable.

“All of these issues lead to another problem, which I consider the largest. Every month we see about 20 families from which children have been removed and placed into the care of the local authorities.

“There is a lot of trauma for both the children and the rest of the family.

“When they return home there are more issues to deal with, including blame and fear of the child being removed again.

“The relationship between parent and child can also be compromised, with each struggling to fulfil their familial roles.

“But if they can’t return home then things could get even worse for the child.

“They will be placed in the foster care system, in which they are often still at risk of abuse or exploitation. And government figures show that a high proportion of children in foster care go on to end up in the youth criminal justice system.

“Without the intervention of organisations such as AFRUCA, this is what these children and their families could be facing.

“Family disintegration is the common by-product of all the child protection issues which AFRUCA deals with.

“Cumulatively, it is a huge problem for the black community in the UK. Fighting this is my largest aim.”

How AFRUCA works to prevent these issues “We aim to prevent child abuse and exploitation by hosting educational activities in communities across the UK. “Our volunteers – who we call ‘children’s champions’ – give talks on different child protection topics.

“We also do direct work with families from which children have been removed. Children need to be able to return home to their families.

“Yet for that to happen, the parents must have the requisite knowledge and skills to provide a safe environment for their children.

“We work with local authorities and train families nationwide.”

@thevoicenewspaper

INSPIRATION: Debbie Ariyo, the founder and chief executive of AFRUCA, was honoured with an OBE in June 2011 for her work with children and families Hopes for the future “It’s a tough world out there for NGOs and charities. Many have disappeared due to a lack of resources. We need to make

nity. And so we should be able to generate our resources from our community. If we can do that, then we won’t have to rely so much on people from the out-

I was born in the UK but raised in Nigeria. Their decision to take me back there was the best thing that my parents did for me AFRUCA more self-reliant so that it can sustain itself for the next 20 years.

“We get most of our income from grants and donors. But this isn’t sustainable.

“Many parties who have donated for five to 10 years have come and said that they don’t want to donate any more.

“Yet we do 100 per cent of our work within the black commu-

@thevoicenews

side.”

African Pride “I was born in the UK but raised in Nigeria. Taking me back was the best thing that my parents did for me.

“We were brought up to be confident in ourselves and to never take nonsense from anybody. This gave me the confidence to overcome the barriers

voicenews

which I faced when I returned here. This is also why I was able to run my charity for all these years. I’m grounded in my Nigerian-ness, and therefore my African-ness.

“When you see my hair, you know where I’m coming from.

SUBORDINATE

“It’s a statement to that fact. For me, being African means knowing that I too can own the world and that I never need to be subordinate to anybody.

“What others think is none of their business. It’s what I think that matters“.

This article was published with kind permission of Pan-African To read Nathan’s full interview, visit pan-african.net. To get involved with AFRUCA and to learn more about their work, visit their website at www.afruca.org.

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6 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2021

News feature

Black exam excellence!

SO PROUD: James David was ‘very happy’ with the A-level results he achieved; inset below left, students across the country have celebrated record results despite a tough year

Sinai Fleary speaks to two talented students whose hard work is keeping their dreams alive

T

HIS YEAR’S exam results have seen another set of record grades for both GCSE and A-level students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

A record number of top grades have been awarded to students by their teachers, rather than exams, as they were cancelled for a second year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

After a very challenging 18 months, many students are delighted to see their hard work has paid off.

James David, 18, from Essex, told The Voice he is extremely happy after getting his A-level results last week.

He said: “I worked very hard and I am very pleased with my results.

“In Art I was expecting a B or an A, and I was so shocked when I got an A* but I am so pleased. I like English and Sociology and I am happy with those grades, especially as I consider myself more of a creative person.”

James studied for his A-levels at Jo Richardson Community School in Dagenham, and gained an A* in Art and Design, a C in English and a C in Sociology.

He also gained a C grade after studying for a Certificate in Financial Studies (CeFS) in 2020. The qualification is an A-level equivalent which earns UCAS points in the same way as an A-level course.

The student from Barking said he thrived while studying for A-levels during lockdown using Microsoft Teams.

James is a talented artist and graphic designer and is keen to begin his career.

He said: “I’m not sure what I want to do, but I know I want to pursue my art.

“I might go into doing commissions or apply for one of the

We need to highlight young people more, because when they do well it is downplayed grant schemes for aspiring artists to purchase art supplies so I can set up my own studio.”

The youngster said he doesn’t want to be restricted and hopes to go on to become an “influential artist that works within graphic design, music, theatre and other areas.”

He also told The Voice he would like to see more positive stories about young people in the media.

“We need to highlight young people more, especially the working class and people of colour, because when they do [well] it is often downplayed,” he added.

His parents believe his achievements deserve a special acknowledgement, as James was diagnosed with autism when he was just five years old and his educational journey has been testing at times.

INTELLIGENT

Speaking to The Voice, Cashain and Christine David said they always knew their son was intelligent but decided very early on to form a strong relationship with his school to ensure his additional needs were met and he wasn’t “stuck and forgotten about at the back of the classroom”.

Mrs David said: “A lot of children are written off at an early age and we didn’t want that for James. Throughout his educational career his academic ability has been doubted, but we have always encouraged and supported him.

“The best thing about him getting these A-levels was seeing him sitting in

the back of the car and opening his results and giggling.

“He was pleased with himself and that is all that matters.”

Mrs David is a retired probation officer and recalls telling her son “you have A-levels and no one can take that away from you.”

Mr David echoed his wife’s comments and told The Voice he is “incredibly proud” of his son. He said: “James has always been very bright, he’s a deep thinker and is resilient and to get to this point makes me very proud.”

The family formed a local support group with other parents whose children were diagnosed with autism and said this helped them through their son’s school years.

Mr David is a director of operations at a mental health charity.

He told The Voice he was left disappointed when a careers advisor dismissed his son’s interest and passion in Mineralogy and tried to persuade him to pursue something less academic.

The family said other parents who have children with autism and additional needs should not give up on the possibility of their children gaining qualifications.

Mrs David added: “Our children can achieve their goals, just work differently, James was able to achieve eight GCSEs and now A-levels.

“Don’t give up, it is hard and painful but do not give up, do whatever works for your child.”

The family now plan to support James as he takes a year off and considers an apprenticeship in the creative industry.

According to the latest government statistics, there were more GCSE entries for 16-yearolds in England this year compared to 2020.

The data compiled by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) shows, this year 4,810,000 16-year-olds sat exams compared to 4,730,000 in 2020.

The grades this year have been significantly better, with 30 per cent of students achieving grade 7 or A and above, compared to 27.5 per cent in 2020.

@thevoicenewspaper

There was also an increase in the number of students who achieved grade 4 or C this year.

In 2021, 79.1 per cent of students in England achieved grade 4 or C and above, compared to 78.8 per cent in 2020.

One of those students celebrating outstanding GCSE results is 16-year-old Cam from South London.

Speaking to The Voice, she said: “I am very happy with my results considering I haven’t been fully in school since year nine.”

She gained all eights and nines in her GCSEs and got a seven in Music, while studying at an independent school in south London.

She said: “Online learning made it very difficult to focus sometimes because your bed was right next to you and it was easy to lose concentration.”

Cam said her parents’ support and flexible approach helped her get through the multiple remote learning sessions.

After achieving grade eight in Physics, Biology and Chemistry, she hopes to go on to study PE, Business Studies, Biology and Chemistry at A-level.

The 16-year-old is also considering doing Mathematics,

@thevoicenews

I am ecstatic and relieved given the last two years she has had with limited face-toface teaching after attaining grade nine in the subject at GCSE level.

Cam wants to study Medicine at university and her ultimate dream is to become a doctor or a physiotherapist.

Her parents are equally pleased with her results, especially after an unprecedented year.

PROVISION

Speaking to The Voice, her mother Mel said: “I am ecstatic and relieved given the last two years she has had with very limited face-to-face teaching.

“The remote provision from the school has been excellent but it is still not the same as being taught face-to-face, and for Cam the face-to-face teaching is very important.”

Mel is a lawyer and worked

voicenews

from home for the first time during the pandemic and said during lockdown the family were “simply focused on making it through the year”.

The mother-of-two admits if she had known the interruptions to education would have been continuous, she would have done a few things differently.

Steve, Cam’s dad, who works as an IT consultant, credits his daughter for working hard even before the pandemic.

He said: “I am very happy, especially knowing the amount of effort she has put in over the last couple of years.

“She has understood the importance of doing the hard work early on and reaping the benefits later. Whatever she wants to do next, I am pretty OK with that and want her to be open-minded.”

The teenager says she now plans to celebrate her results with a family barbecue and is looking forward to going back to school in September to begin working towards her dream of becoming a doctor or a physiotherapist.

The Voice would like to congratulate both James and Cam on their outstanding results!

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SEPTEMBER 2021

News feature

THE WAR ON WOKE

WILL ANYONE LISTEN?: Terence Channer says that the solution to institutional racism is discussing racial discrimination; inset, the Stephen Lawrence inquiry was led by the late Sir William Macpherson

M

Y RACIAL discrimination lexicon was much more limited back in the day. I remember a time when I simply referred to racial discrimination as “racial discrimination” (or racism for short); I hardly adopted any other synonyms.

The concept, including the legal definition, was straightforward i.e. directly or indirectly treating a person or persons less favourably on the grounds of their race. This term of reference was easily understood and widely accepted. We were then free to debate whether a specific act or omission amounted to racial discrimination. However, the language of political discourse evolves and rightly so.

The repealed Race Relations Act 1976, a landmark piece of legislation, gave the definition of racial discrimination thus:“A person discriminates against another…if…on racial grounds he treats that other less favourably than he treats or would treat other persons…”

This definition of racial discrimination, now subsumed by the Equality Act 2010 as one of nine protected characteristics, is fairly simple. What gives the term racial discrimination

We might think this is a war on principles, but actually, it’s a war on terminology. By Terence Channer such weight, is the fact that it is the subject of statutory provision i.e. an Act of Parliament and therefore an unambiguous statutory definition. The term is therefore harder to challenge, undermine or nullify.

The expansiveness of antiracism terminology inevitably leads to polemics against such expansion by way of fierce attempts by opponents and critics to undermine rubbish or nullify the vocabulary.

WEAPON

This is because it is through vocabulary that we identify, define, describe and fight racial discrimination. For each weapon of this verbal warfare there is bound to be counter weaponry.

In any war, the vocabulary of the clarion call is super important, as the pen is surely mightier than the sword. We all remember, “stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives” in the fight against COVID-19 (perhaps not in the right order, but we all remember this rallying

cry). Yes, there were those who subscribed to conspiracy theories, but I don’t recall a counter slogan that managed to gain any traction in the public imagination or discourse, such as “leave your house, who cares about the NHS and who cares if anyone dies” as this is a global pandemic affecting everyone.

The 1999 Macpherson report into the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence, popularised the term “institutional racism” and ever since a debate has raged on about the use of this term.

Black lives matter is rebutted with “all lives matter” and in some cases “white lives matter”; all are factually correct, but the latter two are contextually racially malicious given BLM’s raison d’etre.

There are those that seek to undermine the ideal of being “woke” with the cynical accusation of being “woke” or of

@thevoicenewspaper

being in a state of “wokeness” hence the term “war on woke“.

However, by a strict dictionary definition of the term “wokeness” it is clear that it is a “condition” for which one should have the utmost pride: A state of being aware, especially of social problems such as racism and inequality.

So how has the term “woke” been to some degree tainted by right-wing politics to conjure up negative “snowflake” connotations?

Concerning the issue of racism, I believe the answer lies in the move away from its firm association with racial discrimination. Woke was once rooted and grounded in the fight against racial discrimination.

Now, it can be used as a disguised racist attack on black people with disingenuity i.e. that it is simply meant to relate to “any” person’s hypersensi-

@thevoicenews

tivity in respect of social issues regardless of their race ethnicity or gender. The term “institutional racism” is attacked by seeking to dismantle the prefix “institutional”.

We see attempts to nullify the concept of “white privilege” as the term gives opponents some latitude, as there are many white people who do not live a privileged life, whereas the term “racial discrimination” provides little wriggle room.

CONTENTION

My contention is that in any debate about the use of terms such as “white privilege”, “institutional racism”, “black lives matter” and “woke”, we should not lose focus on what we are actually fighting to address, i.e. racial discrimination.

We have the backing of statute, which also includes the legal concept of indirect discrimination.

We therefore do not need to have a circular endless argument on institutional racism in respect of the policing of black communities when statistically it is clear that black communities are either directly or indirectly discriminated against on the grounds of race.

We do not need to engage

voicenews

in long-winded debates about whether institutional racism exists or not; the fact of the matter is an institution such as the police force can either be directly or indirectly statistically racist.

We do not need to have an exhausting debate on institutional racism – all we need do is identify and discuss racial discrimination, direct or indirect, according to the clear statutory definition.

If you counter black lives matter with “all lives matter” or “white lives matter”, I will simply revert to “racial discrimination” vis-a-vis black people.

I am not going to engage in endless exhausting disagreements on the use of the term black lives matter.

At times, it is more effective to keep the discussion linguistically simple. In a recent report of the Education Select Committee, the use of the term “white privilege” was bizarrely cited as a contributing factor for the educational failings of white working class pupils.

The report authors did not use the unequivocal term “racial discrimination” but chose “white privilege”.

Continued on page 20

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SEPTEMBER 2021

Finance

When can you afford to retire?

PLANNING AHEAD: It’s never too early to think about your future options – and although it can all seem confusing when you first speak to someone, it can pay off in later life (photos: Nataliya Vaitkevich, Getty)

Putting in some time now could pay off when it comes to the quality of your retirement. Here, Kaya Marchant, pensions expert at the Money and Pensions Service, says help may be at hand, whatever your circumstances

B

EING ABLE to retire should be something all of us can look forward to. However, working out how much to save can be a daunting prospect.

While it might be tempting to put off thinking about saving for later life in the face of more pressing concerns, the biggest tip from retirees is that you’re never too young to start putting money aside.

Yet our research shows that only 45 per cent of adults in the UK say they understand enough to plan for later in life (Money and Pensions Service, 2020). So, with Pensions Awareness Day coming up on September 15, it’s a good time to ask yourself: when should you start saving for your retirement, how much should you save, and when will you be able to afford to retire?

Why should I save for retirement and what is a pension?

People will often ask me, ‘What exactly is a pension?’. In simple

If you want a lifestyle that needs more income, saving into a pension scheme is a good way terms, a pension is a tax-efficient savings plan to help you save money for later life.

There are different types of pensions. For example, a pension scheme is designed to provide you with income in addition to the new State Pension.

The new State Pension currently provides up to £179.60 a week for those who are of retirement age, although you may have an additional protected payment as well.

If you want a lifestyle that needs more income than this,

then saving into a pension scheme makes sense.

To help people save more for their retirement, employers are now required to enrol their workers into a workplace pension scheme. This is called ‘automatic enrolment’. Joining a workplace pension is a great way to start saving, as your employer pays in and you get tax relief, meaning your money goes further than it would in a savings account.

QUALIFY

Depending on how much you earn, it’s likely you’ll be autoenrolled into a pension scheme from the age of 21 when starting a new job. If you don’t qualify automatically, you can still request to join your company pension, just ask your employer.

If you’re self-employed or a small business owner you can still save into a pension, but the way you do so will look a bit different.

MoneyHelper’s free Midlife

Pension Review phone appointment can help you understand your options.

If you’re unemployed – perhaps you have carer responsibilities, for example – then it’s important you check your State

To prepare yourself for how much extra you might need, it’s good to make a budget Pension forecast. National Insurance credits can help you to build up ‘qualifying years’, which could help boost your new State Pension, so make sure you’re receiving these. Visit the MoneyHelper website for further details or to speak to someone for help.

What is a comfortable retirement income?

Everyone’s target for their retirement income will be different, based on their own lifestyle and aspirations for later in life.

However, when you stop working, you’re likely to have less money coming in and might need to get used to a different level of spending and lifestyle. The New UK Retirement Living Standards of-

@thevoicenewspaper

fers examples of how much you would need for a ‘minimum’, ‘moderate’ and ‘comfortable’ retirement, based on a range of options from food and drink to holidays. This is a good place to start if you’re thinking about

@thevoicenews

what type of retirement you would like for yourself.

How much money would I need to provide this comfortable retirement?

Retirement can last for 20 years or more, depending on when you retire and how long you live.

Your retirement income is likely to come from several sources, including your State Pension, other pension schemes you might have built up while working and any additional savings and investments.

To prepare yourself and work out how much extra you might need to save, it’s a good idea to make a budget.

Break down your potential future spending into ‘essentials’ such as housing, food and utilities costs, and ‘non-essentials’ such as holidays and leisure activities.

There’s a handy Budget Planner on the MoneyHelper website that can help you do this.

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Is my current pension enough?

Once you’ve made a budget, you should check how much you already have in pensions savings, other savings and any investments. Once you know this, you should get estimates from your pension provider(s) to understand how much money you might get in total, when you retire.

SHORTFALL

Once you know how much you’ve got, it’s a good idea to review your pensions savings regularly. This will help you to stay on track for your retirement savings goals and, if there’s a shortfall, the sooner you realise, the sooner you can fix it. MoneyHelper’s simple Pensions Calculator can help you to forecast the likely pension income you’ll get when you retire, based on your current savings and contributions.

A little time and money now could really pay off later.

For free and impartial pensions guidance visit moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-andretirement or call 0800 011 3797.

Join Kaya Marchant on Wednesday, September 15 at 6pm, Pensions Awareness Day, for a free online event hosted by The Voice. Learn about how to save for your retirement and ask any questions you might have about pensions. Sign up for your place at pensionseminar@ thevoicemediagroup.co.uk

www.voice-online.co.uk

2021 THE VOICE||111 AUGUST 2021 | THE VOICE AUGUSTSEPTEMBER 2021 THE VOICE 1

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If ployment year, with16-24 younglooking website is a good place for jobseekers were unemployed the highest rate you’re applying for work, the JobHelp Black Brits particularly vulnerable to los- to start their job search, particularly as since the last financial crisis. Heading website can help you find these vacaning jobs. the economy starts to pick up.

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12 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2021

Dotun Adebayo

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

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

THE MESS THAT JUST KEEPS ON MESSING

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan begs the question: what was the last 20 years all about?

I

T HAS been a month of messies. First, Lionel Messi was brought to tears by the messiest of football messies. Then we’ve had the now standard COVID messies with regard to self-isolation rules and travel restrictions.

But as messies go, surely there has not been a global mess like Afghanistan, and the US and British withdrawal from there and its repercussions stand out as the mother of all strategic messies.

Not sure if there has ever been such a mess of diplomacy since the charge of the light brigade – and in this month, when the world marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11, it casts a shadow over memories that will never go away.

Because the war in Afghanistan was sold to us as a battle for the very survival of the way we live.

It mattered to all of us that the country was secured from the grip of leaders who were allowing the nation to be the breeding ground for world terrorism.

That’s where Osama bin Laden had hatched the 9/11 plot, and it was from there he had given the go ahead for hijackers to carry out the most audacious and devastating attacks after taking control of commercial aircraft in mid-air.

Which one of us has forgotten that day when the world

The war in Afghanistan was sold to us as a battle for the very survival of the way we live changed. The moment somebody called you on that sunny Tuesday afternoon (our time) and said ‘Turn on your telly... nevermind why, turn on your telly RIGHT NOW!” And if you, like me, turned on your telly to look in bewilderment at the blazing upper floors of one of the Twin Towers with the banner PLANE CRASHES INTO THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE IN NEW YORK across your screen, just moments before a flying shadow, which you just about caught out of the corner of your eye, appears out of nowhere from the bottom right hand corner of your TV screen and, even more unbelievably, goes into the second of the Twin Towers.

As moments that rock your world go, that is right up there with the unforgettables. And we haven’t even started talking about the human tragedy yet.

You couldn’t see it. The television camera was a long shot from a safe distance.

But my mate David Corio, the photographer, was on the roof of his studio on 14th Street in Manhattan that Tuesday morning (EST - Eastern Standard Time). By instinct and for the record he pulled out his camera and started photographing the burning skyscrapers a few streets down, but stopped after inadvertently capturing falling man after falling man leaping from the high rises to escape the burning inferno.

Some 2,606 people would die in the World Trade Center attacks. Meanwhile, during the course of the next few hours of being glued to our television sets, unaware of the impending collapse of the New York skyscrapers, we were drip-fed news, beyond coincidence, of two more plane crashes that would eventually add nearly a thousand more fatalities of the day that, within 48 hours, would be dubbed 9/11.

SICKENING

Beyond New York, the world watched on gobsmacked. Me included. It was like a sickening and unrelenting disaster movie without ending.

I don’t remember when the name Afghanistan first came into play in relation to the 9/11 attacks and, in particular, the country’s rulers, a mysterious group called the Taliban.

I would have thought it was within the first three days. As yet the ‘whodunnit’ was the subplot. There were still weeks of ‘on the ground’ (Ground Zero, as the street level where the Twin Towers previously stood was known) news coverage to dominate but the political and patriotic spotlight had shifted and with the delicacy of respectful distance from the unfolding human tragedy, the ‘someone will have to pay’ re-

DEVASTATING: Some 2,606 people would die in the World Trade Center attacks frain became louder and louder and louder.

I doubt if there was a single US soldier who didn’t know after a few days of the 9/11 attacks that they would be marching east.

was only too eager to lend a hand.

Twenty years on, Afghanistan is still synonymous with 9/11 in many people’s minds.

Especially in the United States, which is why President Biden,

plished” in Afghanistan, having to scramble to get US embassy personnel out of the country by any large cargo plane means as possible.

As if that wasn’t a fine mess Mr Biden got himself into, to come at a time when America prepares to mark its most solemn anniversary makes this the mess that just keeps on messing.

Two decades after being run out of town by the Americans, they conquered the country back LIVES in a blitzkrieg of blitzkriegs That guilty or not, Saddam Hussein would have to pay.

And that guilty by association or not, Afghanistan’s Taliban and its leader Mullah Omar (who escaped on the back of a moped) would get a kick in the backside, too.

But these were long-term commitments. America couldn’t do it all on its own. President Bush threw down a back us or you’re against us gauntlet to the leaders of the world. Britain’s prime minister, Tony Blair,

acutely aware of the symbolism, wanted US troops out of Afghanistan by the 11th of this month to mark the 20th anniversary. He succeeded. But America failed.

The moment US troops went home the Taliban came back.

Two decades after being run out of town and country by the American invasion, they conquered the country back in a blitzkrieg of blitzkriegs. Leaving an American president hoping to claim “mission accom-

Americans must be wondering, what was the last 20 years all about? What was the 2,300 military personnel lives lost sacrificed for? Not to talk of the trillions its cost to build a nation and virtually hand it over to the enemy you went into the country to defeat. Surely, not even the charge of the light brigade was that messy.

And it’s a question that resonates here too because Britain’s got skin in the game, let’s not forget. What was the last 20 years all about? You tell me.

DOTUN ADEBAYO, BRITAIN’S MOST CELEBRATED BLACK BROADCASTER, IS KNOWN AS THE KING OF THE NIGHTTIME AIRWAVES. ALL VIEWS HERE ARE HIS OWN. LISTEN TO HIM OVERNIGHT ON BBC 5 LIVE FROM 1-5AM SATURDAY MORNINGS - MONDAY MORNINGS & 1AM - 4AM ON BBC RADIO LONDON (WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY MORNINGS). FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER: @dotunadebayo

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SEPTEMBER 2021

THE VOICE| 13

14 | THE VOICE

SEPTEMBER 2021

Education

We all need educating about mental health PUSHED TO THE LIMIT: Josephine only learned that she had serious mental health issues after she left school; inset below left, young people can feel abandoned and suffer in silence (photo: Monstera)

The moving story of Josephine should provide a valuable lesson for all of us and make us think about the issues involved and what steps need to be taken to right the wrongs. By Charles Ebikeme

D

ESPITE BEING “quite academic” and taking part in countless extracurricular activities, by the age of 13 it became apparent that Josephine was not okay.

She only learned much later in life, after leaving school, that she had serious mental health problems. Depression and anxiety was a constant part of her school life, something you cannot ignore.

Writing on the blog of Mind UK, the mental health charity, Josephine tells the story of how her school didn’t know how to support her when she had serious mental health problems.

This month, more than eight million pupils will head back to school.

IMPACT

At the best of times, the school environment has a significant impact on a young person’s emotional wellbeing.

In the midst of a global pandemic, safeguarding that wellbeing has become even more important.

Every young person would

So many young people face pressures in life, leading to anxiety, depression and eating disorders have had a starkly different experience of the past school year.

A study released in January of this year by the Education Policy Institute and the Prince’s Trust, highlighted the already worsening mental health among young people, with researchers also warning the consequences of the pandemic was likely to exacerbate existing mental health and wellbeing problems.

The school environment privileges academic performance over other aspects of youth development. As such,

mental health often comes low down the list of priorities.

Literacy and numeracy, as represented in the exam end results, are seen as the sole key markers of success.

At the same time, young people are facing unprecedented pressures in life, leading to anxiety, depression and eating disorders.

Despite the fact that ethnic minorities, on the whole, leave school better qualified than their peers, ethnic minorities, particularly black people and Muslims, encounter dual disadvantages, firstly in employment and then, when in work, in gaining career advancement, according to the 2015 School Report by Runnymede Trust.

This dual disadvantage is compounded by mental health issues that are prevalent within the black and minority ethnic (BAME) communities.

STATISTICS

The statistics for mental health issues within BAME communities are stark. BAME young people are twice as likely to be

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referred to mental health services through social care and youth justice than through primary care.

for their pupils over the past three years. In 2016, 36 per cent of schools that were surveyed provided some form of support,

The school environment privileges academic performance over other aspects of development It seems that across the UK, young people are left waiting unacceptable lengths of time for access to NHS children and young people’s mental health services, which are often unable to meet the needs of older children and young adults accessing support independently, and rarely offer any support to young people after the age of 18.

Ethnicity has a significant role in determining how young people receive mental health care. And this leaves many young people without access to services at an age where they are often most in need of support.

Increasingly, schools are taking on the mental health burden. Schools in England are more and more buying in professional mental health support

@thevoicenews

while in 2019 that number had risen to 66 per cent.

Unfortunately, in 2020, government training for mental health leaders in schools stalled and delayed due to the pandemic.

For children’s wellbeing to thrive during their time at school, teachers need the knowledge to nurture young people’s development.

Josephine’s story is one replicated across the country – a system that isn’t well adapted to the needs of young people.

Josephine now helps mental health charities such as Mind UK. There are more and more resources available to teachers, pupils, parents and the whole community that covers everything from bullying to sleep problems; where to get ur-

voicenews

gent advice and support; and safeguarding vulnerable children.

However, mental health should not be extracurricular.

There are more young people struggling to cope with their mental health.

Children have also reported to have suffered mental health issues, with some reporting to have left the teaching profession altogether as a result.

Ideally, mental health needs to be talked about the same way physical education or healthy eating is.

APPROACH

The government promotes a “whole school or college approach” to mental health and wellbeing, looking to implement evidence-informed approaches, with research showing that when schools adopt a comprehensive approach to discussing mental health it supports all pupils – including those who are experiencing mental health difficulties already.

Charles Ebikeme is a freelance writer and academic based in

London. Read Josephine’s story in full at mind.org.uk

www.voice-online.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2021

THE VOICE | 15

Education

‘UNIVERSITY LEFT ME FEELING OSTRACISED’

Montel Gordon couldn’t wait to begin studying for a degree and experiencing three years of freedom – but he found himself suffering from Imposter Syndrome. Here, he shares the pain of his university experience

A

S I drove down for freshers, I recollected how I anticipated this day for years.

University is deemed to be considered the greatest years of your life. Three years of freedom, leaving the nest to fend for yourself.

To my surprise, I soon found myself a social outcast amongst my peers in my accommodation, my course and around campus. My confident and loud persona was shunned as I became timid and introverted, a shadow of my old self.

Imposter Syndrome is a psychological pattern that includes a collection of feelings of inadequacy and failure as an individual continues to doubt their abilities, skills and accomplishments.

Arguably, attending university and in the workplace is when this becomes more apparent. Despite academically being on par with their white counterparts, black students often feel marginalised and overwhelmed when coming to the higher educational setting being surrounded by white students from different socio-economic backgrounds.

However, this isn’t an issue isolated towards just black and other ethnic minority students.

White students also experience Imposter Syndrome, particularly those coming from poor and working-class backgrounds.

Similarly to black students, they’re equally ridiculed for their linguistic ability, how they dress and their socio-economic status. In contrast, their experience differentiates from black students when examining the situation through the nuanced intersectional lens of race, gender and class.

Moreover, black people only make up 3.3 per cent of the general population in contrast to the 86 per cent of the white population, according to the ethnicity facts and figures by

I found my loud persona was shunned and I became a shadow of my old self the UK Government from the last census in 2011; thence, our university population is significantly lower.

The Russell Group universities, the 24 most-renowned institutions which attract the nation’s brightest students, have large racial disparities among their students and many of the black students considerably suffer from Imposter Syndrome.

INEQUALITIES

As a study from The University of Birmingham earlier this year indicates, non-Russell Group universities have a cohort of approximately eight per cent of black students versus less than four per cent at Russell Group institutions.

With most black students disproportionately concentrated at post-1992 universities, Russell Group universities have consequently become institutions that have been notoriously regarded as predominantly white institutions.

Nonetheless, the Russell Group association have understood these inequalities in the higher education sector as they endeavour to provide academic, pastoral and financial support for disadvantaged students.

As Russell Group chief executive Dr Tim Bradshaw stated on tackling the racial disparities at these institutions: “The Government’s decision to place a stronger emphasis on tackling racial disparities in higher

TOUGH TIMES: Montel Gordon found it difficult to adapt to a life in higher education (photo: Kampus Production)

education and for graduates is welcome.

“Racial inequality is unacceptable in any part of our society. Its causes are complex and deep-rooted, demanding intelligent and sustained interventions from the early years through to later life in which Government, universities, the regulator, schools, employers, public services and local communities work together.”

From a personal standpoint, Imposter Syndrome hindered my whole undergraduate experience. I entered the higher education system in September 2017 as a naive, baby-faced 18-year-old.

CONFIDENT

In college, I was confident in lectures, contributing at every convenient opportunity, which was quite the contrary at university.

I often felt at constant odds with myself questioning my academic ability and often embarrassed at times for attending a state school in contrast to the private and grammar schools my white classmates attended.

Despite my relatively middleclass background, I grew up in the inner city of Birmingham and attended a state school.

Most of my friends also attended state schools, were raised in single-parent or low-income housing, were all conversed in the same vernacular and dressed in a way that did not suit the quintessentially white university aesthetic.

To me, the evidence was clear. Despite all my academic vigour, I still felt ostracised and at constant odds to prove I belong and could fit in. I couldn’t be the only one who felt this way, could I? The diversity among staff was particularly questionable, especially at Russell Group institutions. When exploring the statistics on black academics

in the UK, the results are staggering. A Study by University UK in 2019, the representative organisation for the UK’s universities, revealed BAME staff are poorly under-represented

likely to drop out than white and Asian students. Imposter Syndrome can also have pernicious effects on the academic attainment of black students, with a 13 per cent gap between

I felt at odds with myself, questioning my academic ability and often embarrassed for attending a state school in senior academic and university leadership roles. Of 19,000 people employed as professors in the UK, only 400 are BAME women and, out of those, only 25 are black females.

Additionally, the study also revealed black students are one-and-a-half times more

the likelihood of white students receiving a first-class or uppersecond class degree.

In the wake of the BLM protests in the summer of 2020, many universities made promises to tackle racial inequalities, disparities and lack of black representation in academic and

leadership roles. Of course, this will not solve this feeling of Imposter Syndrome across the board, but more black faces in these predominantly white institutions will help.

PROUD

My advice to overcoming Imposter Syndrome is to own your experience. Be proud of your heritage, your socio-economic background, how you speak and always remember: everyone’s journey is unique.

Montel Gordon is a PhD sociology student at The University of

Warwick focusing on racial ine-

qualities in the education system.

Equally, he is a journalist focusing on music and social issues and

is the founder of the music blog page Nostalgia’99.

16 | THE VOICE

SEPTEMBER 2021

Education

Introducing... The Blackett Lab Family

A community of influential UK-based black physicists is supporting the next generation of STEM thinkers, as Dr Mark Richards explains

MAKING A BIG DIFFERENCE: Clockwise, from top left, Members of The Blackett Lab Family during a visit to Imperial College; Dr Mark Richards with Dr Julius Garvey; Dr Richards in the Lab at Imperial College; Dr Richards hosts a visit to the Blackett Laboratory by Westside young Leaders Academy

“… you must teach the higher development of science to your children … for in science and religion lies our only hope to withstand the evil designs of modern materialism”

— Marcus Garvey, UNIA address c.1925

T

HE EXCERPT above was taken from a speech by Pan-Africanist leader Marcus Garvey nearly a century ago, and typifies his belief that the only way a people can truly liberate themselves from the shackles of (mental) slavery, is through education.

It is widely known that Garvey underlined the importance of knowledge, particularly knowledge of self, and was keen for people to be aware of their history and to find strength from their great accomplishments of the past.

What might not be so widely known is that he also placed a strong emphasis on science as the discipline to master.

It’s not surprising that Marcus Garvey’s two sons both had careers in science-based fields.

Marcus III became an electrical engineer and physicist, whilst second son Julius became a vascular surgeon.

Among the typical science subjects that are taught at school, physics is often referred to as the fundamental science as it underpins most other disciplines.

What this means is while other branches of science or engineering have their own

specialist areas, at a fundamental level they must all obey the laws of physics.

Hence, there is no doubt physics is a very important subject that fuels scientific research and technical innovation which are key drivers in today’s society.

It’s remarkable to think that nearly 100 years ago Marcus Garvey had the foresight to see the technical revolution that was coming and how it might affect us.

FUTURE

He knew that if we as a people did not equip ourselves to be at the heart of science and innovation in the future (as we were in the past), we would eventually become consumed by it.

The global pandemic is a reminder to us all that reliance on higher technologies to earn a living or simply function productively in society is ever increasing and shows no sign of lessening.

With all of this in mind, we find that physics is one of the most underrepresented subjects to study within the British black community.

For example, recent figures show that just 1.65 per cent of students enrolled on a physics

degree, and 0.75 per cent of students enrolled on a physics postgraduate research programme (PhD) identified as black, with little data to suggest that the numbers had been higher before.

Furthermore, only one black

up with current students and openly share their experiences or offer advice.

Even at that stage, however, there was a desire to ‘give back’ to the community.

As Head of Outreach for the physics department, Dr Rich-

a handful of students could share a sense of belonging and feel supported and came to recognise the potential of the group to have real impact both within the community and society at large.

In 2020, just after the first lockdown, The Blackett Lab Family came together in a more official capacity with a view to scaling up from what had worked successfully at Imperial to form a national community.

We find that physics is one of the most underrepresented subjects to study within the LOCKDOWN British black community physics professor has been identified in the UK. This presents a real issue for the black community as a whole. How do we become more economically empowered if we do not foster enough innovators at the heart of this fundamental science?

The origins of The Blackett Lab Family date back some 15 years ago when Dr Mark Richards and two physics undergraduates at Imperial College London formed a friendship that became a foundation for supporting and mentoring future black students.

Initially it was very informal, where past students would meet

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ards would often seek support from these handful of black students or alumni for programmes where high numbers of black students were likely to engage.

The opportunity to expose them to successful role models that they could relate to could not be lost.

Year after year, The Blackett Lab Family grew in number until we reached a critical mass, and a unique identity was emerging; ambitious young black people with a passion for physics and for positive change within the black community.

Indeed, we grew beyond the need for a ‘safe space’ in which

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Ironically, lockdown gifted the opportunity to hang out together more regularly, albeit virtually and, more crucially, provided the mechanism to achieve national reach through engagement on social media.

In many ways, the group has become a voice for black physicists in the UK and now provides an accessible means of support to anyone interested in pursuing physics or the physical sciences from GCSE through to professor level.

Furthermore, many of our members are now working in fields outside of physics, such as law, finance, health or property, as well as industry, research and teaching.

voicenews

This collective of black talent is uniquely placed to support the pipeline of black physicists and scientists in general, whilst also serving the community and helping to demystify many of the technical challenges we face.

The Blackett Lab Family’s journey so far emulates what Marcus Garvey showed, that although initially small in number, through unity and working towards a common cause we can become a mighty force for positive change - giving testament to a proverb from his native Jamaica, ‘One one cocoa full basket’.

To find out more, follow them on Instagram/Twitter at @blackettlabfam, check out their website at www.theblackettlabfamily. com, or for enquiries contact connect@theblackettlabfamily. com Dr Mark Richards is an atmospheric physicist and Senior

Teaching Fellow at Imperial

College London. He is Head of Outreach for the department

and founder and director of The Blackett Lab Family. He is also a DJ and producer known as DJ Kemist.

www.voice-online.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2021

THE VOICE| 17

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18 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2021

Midlands News

GEA LEADING THE WAY IN OPENING UP BRAVE NEW WORLD OF AI

by Veron Graham

Mature University of Wolverhampton student at the heart of encouraging more people of colour and women to pursue a career in Data Science

A

STUDENT FROM the University of Wolverhampton (UoW) has joined the national effort to further boost the growing numbers of women and people of colour pursuing careers in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science.

The Office for Students (OfS), the independent regulator for higher education in England, report growing proportions of higher education course enrolments from women, black and disabled students.

The new data shows that nearly half (46 per cent) of the total UK students are women, with 23 per cent of those black students (up from 12 per cent) and 20 per cent disabled (previously 16 per cent).

WORKFORCE

This is much higher than the tech workforce as a whole.

Women represent 49 per cent of the workforce but hold less than 19 per cent of all available technology jobs.

Gea Perkins, 41, has completed the first year of her part-time Masters degree in Data Science, and is supporting UoW’s efforts as part of the national campaign.

UoW is one of 28 institutions offering higher education courses to address a skills shortage and a lack of diversity of those working in the tech sector.

This course marks her return to studying after a 20-year

I was inspired by the women who progressed their careers, despite it being a sector dominated by men gap – Gea obtained a degree in 2001 in Business Administration and Marketing and has since worked with data in a variety of roles throughout her career.

She said: “Throughout much of my employment I have worked with data and could not get away from the fact that I enjoyed this element more than other areas.

“I have always been intrigued by the way in which data can be derived and analysed.

COMPLEX

“I noticed over the last couple of years that there was an increase and need for more indepth timely data, and data requirements were becoming more complex.

“When I saw the Data Science conversion course advertised with the University of Wolverhampton I knew it was

an excellent opportunity for me to develop the skills needed to meet the growing demand and gaps in the market.

“After reading articles about the low uptake of females in this area, I was inspired by those women who have progressed careers in data science, despite the sector mainly being male dominated.”

The UoW’s programme of study allows students to choose modules to top up their skills as well as offering them the opportunity to complete paid internships.

TRAINING

Local partners Transport for West Midlands, City of Wolverhampton Council and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust are supporting the programme by providing students with case studies based on real events, and businesses will provide a cloud training environment to be modelled from real-world scenarios as well as offering placement opportunities.

OfS Director for Fair Access and Participation Chris Millward said: “The OfS’s aim is to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers.

“This enrolment data shows early and promising indications of a change within the tech industry, which will help to meet skills shortages, whilst enabling

@thevoicenewspaper

LOOKING AHEAD: Gea Perkins is gaining advanced skills to help her in the world of work the industry to look more like society as a whole. The courses provide exciting opportunities for students to fit their stud-

to gain the advanced skills they and their employers will need for the future.”

Gea added: “I’m studying

I never thought I’d go back to University, but there’s lots of support available and the course is fully funded ies around other commitments through flexible learning and scholarship support.

“This is enabling graduates at different points of their careers

@thevoicenews

part-time, I work full-time, and I have a family and this is the best option for me.

“There are lots of support from other students

voicenews

from different backgrounds and it helps with learning.

I’m learning about a range of things, the background of data science and how companies can make decisions on the wealth of data they have.

RESEARCH

“This course gives you the tools, data visualisation, machine learning and research methods.

“At my age I never thought I’d go back to University, but there’s lots of support available and the course is fully funded which is a real advantage.”

www.voice-online.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2021 THE VOICE | 19

Midlands News

GET ON BOARD WITH HS2

This is your chance to find out more about Britain’s new high-speed railway project and what it means to the Midlands

H

S2, THE forthcoming high-speed railway, is to visit the Midlands in a national roadshow of communityfocused activity to highlight the thousands of jobs, skills, training and new business opportunities it is set to create.

The events will allow residents and visitors to find out more about the plans already underway to bring Britain’s new low carbon railway to the second city.

It’s estimated that construction of HS2 will support over 30,000 jobs and 400,000 contract opportunities – with small and medium-sized enterprises expected to dominate the supply chain.

The roadshow will include a September 4 visit to Aston, Birmingham’s Legacy Centre of Excellence, from noon through to 6pm, working alongside community representatives to discuss how HS2’s arrival is spearheading regeneration and development projects right across the city.

Visitors will be encouraged to get on board with HS2 and find out more about the latest jobs, education, business and training opportunities the project is creating.

Tony Weston, Head of Projects and Events at HS2, said: “We want Britain’s new railway to be designed and built by

We’re looking forward to sharing information about our plans and making sure people keep in touch communities as diverse as those it will serve.

“We have an important role to play in the country’s economic recovery, so it’s more important than ever that people know how to get on board and benefit from the careers, training and new business opportunities that HS2 is creating.

ROADSHOWS

“Our roadshows will allow us to get to the heart of communities and we’re looking forward to sharing information about our plans and letting people know how to keep in touch.”

HS2 has partnered with the city’s Legacy Consultants to boost its engagement with young people and those from minority communities.

Nathan Dennis, Senior Con-

sultant for Legacy Consultants, said: “HS2 is bringing a whole host of exciting jobs, skills and training opportunities to people across our region. We want to make sure that our communities are not only aware of how to access them but are actively encouraged to apply.

“We know that many people in inner-city Birmingham may not have considered a career with HS2 before. Our engagement teams cannot wait to showcase what’s available to them.”

The roadshow will proceed on to Leamington in Warwickshire (September 7 and 14), Coventry (September 14), as well as dates in Milton Keynes, Manchester, London and Cumbria.

PROSPERITY

HS2 seeks to play an integral role in the Government’s drive to ‘build back better’ from the pandemic. Over 16,000 people are currently employed in jobs supporting construction of the railway.

And as HS2’s journey North begins following the green light from the Government to extend the railway to Crewe, it will aim to help level up Britain by spreading prosperity and growth across the regions.

It has been a busy period for Nathan. In addition to joining forces with HS2, he was in attendance with wife Sabrina for

READY FOR LAUNCH: Nathan and Sabrina Dennis, centre, with, left to right, Daniella Ogunbanjo, Claudia Carby, Lois William, Lianne Cargil, Tamina Dennis, Clarice Morgan, Antonio Henry and Yeshua Carter the official launch of another entity that is working in partnership with statutory organisations: First Class Foundation (FCF), which he founded and where Sabrina serves as Chief Executive.

FCF delivers services on behalf of West Midlands Combined Authority, the Youth Justice Board and youth offending services across the West Midlands, including a new project focused on reducing serious youth violence.

It was also consulted by Dr

Justin Varney, head of public health at Birmingham City Council, regarding the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on black communities.

Speaking at the launch, which took place in Staffordshire with employees, patrons and partner organisations in attendance, Sabrina said: “We are so pleased to have finally been able to host a face-to-face event to mark the official launch of First Class Foundation.

“We’ve been incredibly busy

since we formed the charity, despite much of our work having to be undertaken remotely in that time.

“Our roots are very much in youth and community engagement and our team have successfully established our programmes as a vehicle for tackling issues including youth violence, knife crime and mental health resilience.

“We look forward to supporting many more young people, their careers and families in the years ahead.”

Unlocking of potential recognised

Countdown to the Games is on!

FOLLOWING on from the success of last year’s event, education entrepreneur David C Hall is to return with the second annual Potential Unlocked Awards, which will take place virtually, streamed live to an expected global audience on October 2.

The event’s ethos mirrors the journey taken by Hall himself.

Diagnosed as dyslexic and making his start in mainstream education aged 10, he went on to become a qualified teacher, launched a tuition service and provided breakfast/after school clubs across Birmingham.

Hall, pictured inset, said: “We are seeking to celebrate children and young people who have broken free of their glass ceiling and have achieved phenomenal success.

“It is important to provide opportunity for

PREPARATIONS are intensifying for the Commonwealth Games, taking place in and around Birmingham between July 28 and August 8 2022.

The tournament has been cast, somewhat controversially in the eyes of some local people, as a transformative event which will kickoff a series of benefits to housing, employment and creative sectors in the Second City.

In the wake of the Tokyo Olympics, which has been deemed a success and despite negative initial reactions to the Japanese authority’s decision to ban spectators, the organisers of the Commonwealth Games have been given a blueprint on how to finalise the planning for a post-pandemic tournament.

Although the Commonwealth Games is being promoted as a Birmingham-based event, in truth it’s more of a West Midlands-wide one, with key contributions being made by

others, not only to be inspired and motivated to achieve, but to help them to do so.”

The event will see eight awards presented, with two to internal students with six open to all. They are children and young peoples’ categories: Young Achiever, Children’s Author and Young Innovator. And three for adults: Outstanding Contribution to Children, Outstanding Contribution to Education and Inspirational Person.

The awards will be hosted by actor/journalist/presenter Greg McKenzie and showbiz editor/presenter Sam Mann, with a guest appearance by international motivational speaker Les Brown.

Nominations can be submitted to www.potentialunlockedawards.com

locations outside of the Second City, with events being held in the neighbouring areas of Coventry, Solihull and Sandwell, alongside venues in the wider county such as Cannock Chase, Leamington Spa and Wolverhampton.

SECURITY

In security news, while West Midlands Police’s security operations during the Games will be led by a black officer, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Ward, local concerns have been eased by the recent naming of OCS Group UK as the provider of screening, vehicle search, patrols and response teams at the Alexander Stadium and Sandwell Aquatics Centre, as well as the accommodation at the NEC campus and Games family hotels.

For more on the Commonwealth Games, visit the official website, www.birmingham2022.com.

If you have a story for the East or West Midlands, call/text Veron Graham on 07954 572 988, email veronpgraham@gmail.com, or find him on Facebook or LinkedIn

20 | THE VOICE

SEPTEMBER 2021

News feature

Hidden secrets of the House

Dotun Adebayo explores the connection between a grand house on the banks of the Thames, enslavement and the British royal family

M

ARBLE HILL House is one of the grandest residential buildings you will see on the banks of the River Thames.

Situated in Twickenham in the borough of Richmond, south west London, it is set in 66 acres of luscious grounds and imposes itself on everyone who sets eyes on it from the vantage point of Richmond Hill on the other side of the river.

They come from far and wide to marvel at its majestic Palladian architecture, rather than its links to the euphemistically described ‘Caribbean trade’.

Marble Hill doesn’t just have links to the enslavement of Africans in the West Indies, but was arguably only able to be built because of the profits its celebrated owner accrued from her investments in slavery.

Henrietta Howard, who later

Continued from page 8

The term “white privilege” has shamelessly been used to propagate this theory by some MPs in the Conservative party, a party that has somehow repositioned itself as the new home of the white working class; all part of the culture wars.

I do not need to engage in a discussion about white privilege if others are not happy with the term or seek to obfuscate, to sap my energy and or gaslight me, I will simply revert to racial discrimination.

There is no need to overcomplicate matters. It is not reductive nor is it an oversimplification to revert to the term racial discrimination in any discussions on racial disparities as it has a clear statutory definition and if others are not happy with the legal definition then tough, that’s the law.

In fact, I cannot recall a debate where the term racial discrimination has been challenged, only debate on whether the act or omission complained of constituted racial discrimination.

If you seek to deride or ridi-

became the Countess of Suffolk, is best remembered as being the mistress to King George II whilst he was still Prince of Wales.

She was employed as the Prince of Wales’s ‘woman of the bedchamber’.

GENTEEL

This was back in the 18th century at the height of the slave trade.

But genteel Britain could stand at an arm’s length from the brutality of enslavement thousands of miles away on the other side of the ocean.

Even after she became one of the exes of the heir to the throne, Henrietta Howard was able to maintain her social standing and dignity despite her discreet investments in a slave trading company.

It was the profits from this investment which she used to buy the land and commission

It was built through the profits its owner had accrued from slavery the building of Marble Hill House.

It served as her rural retreat by the Thames when she was no longer a resident at the royal palaces.

It took five years to build (1724-1729) and during its construction attracted at least one celebrity observer.

Jonathan Swift, the satirist behind Gulliver’s Travels, hints at the tenuous nature of Henrietta Howard’s sordid wealth: My house was built but for a show

I refuse to exhaust myself in trying to convince you that your organisation is institutionally racist

ably on the grounds of race, according to the statutory definition.

Such discriminatory practices do not have to be deliberate or direct.

The starting point should be that if an institution’s statistical outcomes are poor or unfavourable in respect of a certain racial or gender group, the institution is discriminatory whether that discrimination is conscious or unconscious.

cule me by calling me woke, my riposte will be that if speaking out and calling out racial discrimination makes me woke then I am happy to be called woke.

Therefore, let us save our energy when debating the use of this terminology by reverting to the simple trusted statutory term of “racial discrimination”.

It’s quick easy and no nonsense. It’s back to basics.

I refuse to exhaust myself in trying to convince you that your organisation is institutionally racist.

All I need to show is that statistically you are treating black people less favour-

BURDEN

The burden of proof should then be on the institution to prove that the relatively poor outcomes of a racial group are not due to racial discrimination.

The most obvious example that springs to mind is the policing of the black community, where statistically…, I do not need to repeat the tired troubling statistics.

Just to be clear, I am not advocating refraining from the use of such terms as “white privilege”, “institutional racism” and “white supremacy”, as I commonly use these phrases and other

@thevoicenewspaper

My lady’s empty pockets know And now she will not have a shilling To raise the stairs or build the ceiling Some South-Sea broker from the City Will purchase me, the more’s the pity Lay all my fine plantations waste To fit them to his vulgar taste The ‘South Sea’ reference in the verse is a disclosure that at least part of the funding for the villa came from the lady’s investment in the South Sea Company’s engagement in the slave trade, which included providing 144,000 enslaved adults for Spain’s American territories over a period of 30 years.

Another of Lady Suffolk’s celebrity friends, the poet Alexander Pope, described her as “a reasonable woman, hand-

NATIONAL TRUST TREASURE: Marble Hill House is one of the jewel in the Trust’s crown some and witty, yet a friend”.

The description suggests that either she kept the ignoble source of her wealth a close secret, or that trading in human chattel was seen as no big a deal to be ashamed about by the “great and the good” of London society.

When the lady of the house died in 1767, her brother’s son the 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire inherited Marble Hill House lock, stock and barrel.

Today, Marble Hill House is one of the National Trust’s prized possessions and open to the public.

STANDING TALL: Black Lives Matter protests have become more mainstream since last year – but are they worth our efforts?

terms such as “black diversity” and “black heterogeneity”, among others.

I am simply suggesting that there is a way to keep discussions on racism simple and circumvent the unnecessary often deliberate strategic

@thevoicenews

distractions on the terminology of racism.

So people, if required, save your breath, conserve your energy, keep it simple, we have a trusted statutory term of reference, the bedrock ie. “racial discrimination”.

voicenews

The son of Jamaican migrants, Terence Channer is a consultant solicitor at Scott-Moncrieff & Associates LLP who specialises in police misconduct, injury and healthcare law. He is a passionate anti-racism advocate.

www.voice-online.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2021

The Joy of Running

THE VOICE| 21

| Advertorial

Stella, Juliet and Chantel’s steps to better health

W

e all know that moving more is good for you, but taking that first step can be hard especially if you feel unfit.

Getting active doesn’t need to be scary though, and it doesn’t need to cost a thing. It’s about finding an activity you enjoy and getting started.

When mum of one, Stella Eke, felt she no longer had the energy to accompany her young daughter to the park, she knew something needed to change. “I [wanted] to be more active, to boost my stamina,” she explains.

She was initially hesitant, but after downloading the NHS Couch to 5K app and completing her first run she knew she made the right decision. “The first week was easier than I expected, and I found myself looking forward to the next session,” she says.

Like millions of others, Stella started her running journey with the NHS Couch to 5K programme, a free app

NHS Couch to 5K is a free guided running programme for beginners.

Top Chantel, Below Juliet, Right Stella

designed to help absolute beginners get running. Guided by the voices of celebrity coaches including Olympic champion Denise Lewis OBE, the app helps users build up their stamina, distance and confidence in running over nine weeks.

“By the third week, I was completely hooked!” says Stella, who is now on week six of the programme. “Having a voice to guide me whilst running [meant] it didn’t feel like I was doing it alone.”

Most importantly, she is now able to keep up with her 10-year-old daughter.

“Since taking part in Couch to 5K, I’ve had so much energy!”

“Our bodies are so much more capable than we think. Now that I’ve seen what I can achieve, I’m motivated to push myself further.”

The NHS Couch to 5K programme isn’t just for beginners; both Juliet Bertie and Chantel Brooks returned to the app when looking for ways to get more active and unwind during lockdown.

Juliet first used the app a few years ago, and picked it up again after becoming less active during lockdown. “I started off with short intervals, and increased my pace week by week,” she explains. Since following the programme Julie can now run for 40 minutes without stopping and feels healthier and more energised.

“I’ve been really happy with my progress. Running has become a big part of my life!”

Chantel also returned to Couch to 5K recently, after looking for a way to unwind when spending a lot of time indoors over the last year. “It’s been good to be back out in the open, and to start running again,” she says. “I knew what to expect this time round, I had already built my resilience and stamina from the first time, and was encouraged by my previous results.”

“Running has become a way for me to relieve myself from the

Search ‘NHS Couch to 5K’ on the App Store or Google Play to download the free app.

You can also visit nhs.uk/betterhealth for free advice and support available to help you get active and eat healthier this summer.

pressures of work and home schooling. There are benefits for everyone, and I urge everyone to give it a go!”

Three tips for getting active: 1. Get into a good habit: Set a reminder to get up and move every 30 minutes during the day.

Try stretching during TV ad breaks or pacing around the kitchen while the kettle’s boiling.

2. Go from strength to strength: Carrying heavy grocery bags or following an online pilates or strength workout video helps to keep muscles, joints and bones strong. Aim to do this at least twice a week.

3. Get the right support: Having no accountability or help makes it easy to put off getting started. Instead, ask friends and family to help you stay on track, and make use of apps like NHS Couch to 5K for guidance and motivation.

22 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2021

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Caribbean shipping experts JP Ram Shipping advise “Book Early to Avoid Disappointment” With the traditional busy season rush just around the corner, JP Ram Shipping are issuing a request and advice to customers. “Ship early to avoid disappointment”.

As we are all aware, COVID 19 has impacted the world in many ways, but for customers looking to ship product from the UK to the Caribbean, there is a on-going risk to the service levels due to shipping and container shortages.

These shortages are already effecting the service levels

W

ith the traditional busy season rush just around the corner, JP Ram Shipping are issuing a request and advice to customers. “Ship early to avoid disappointment”.

As we are all aware, COVID 19 has impacted the world in many ways, but for customers looking to ship product from the UK to the Caribbean, there is a on-going risk to the service levels due to shipping and container shortages. These shortages are already effecting the service levels during what is a comparatively quiet period.

JP Ram Shipping want to make their customers aware of these issues and try to encourage them to ship earlier this year. In that way if any delays occur, hopefully the extra time will mean goods and gifts will arrive in plenty of time for the festive season.

This will be especially important shipping to Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Montego Bay, Trinidad, Guyana and Montserrat.

• • • • • • • • •

Antigua Bahamas Barbados Grand Cayman Dominica Grenada Guyana Jamaica Montserrat

• • • • • •

during what is a comparatively quiet period.

JP Ram Shipping want to make their customers aware of these issues and try to encourage them to ship earlier this year. In that way if any delays occur, hopefully the extra time will mean goods and gifts will arrive in plenty of time for the festive season.

This will be especially important shipping to Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Montego Bay, Trinidad, Guyana and Montserrat.

St Kitts St Lucia St Vincent Tortola Trinidad Turks & Caicos

SHIPPING AND CONTAINER CAPACITY SHORTAGES Trade wars, the pandemic or the accident at the Suez Canal have interrupted the rhythm of container ship movement, causing disruptions for international trade.

Shipping slowdowns are happening across the globe.

We are all connected. So if one major port experiences major delays, it impacts all of all the other ports.

There are further delays around the world, the result of a large-scale restocking by businesses as consumer demand improves, are tying up vessel capacity, adding to a shortage of sea containers needed to move goods and sending shipping costs soaring as container freight rates rise to historic levels.

The number of containers being delayed or missing their booking, known as the rollover rate, continues to be on the rise. During April, they report that on average four out of every ten containers (39 percent) missed their scheduled sailing. Some major carriers and ports, however, reported rollover rates over 50 percent. Despite all of the above, JP Ram Ship-

ping are best placed to manage this difficult period and work with their customers to ensure their goods are despatched and arrive on time.

JP Ram Shipping have the volumes, capacity and access to see their customers through this rocky period.

As part owners of Geestline Shipping and Kingston Wharves, the operation is long standing, has enormous back up resources and infrastructure and has experienced many similar challenges in the past, and have always worked with their customers to overcome them. This year’s challenges will be no different, but shipping earlier will certainly ease some of the initial concerns.

NEW SAILING SCHEDULES ANNOUNCED The new sailing schedules covering the busy period between August 2021 and March 2022 have been released and are now available on the JP RAM Shipping website www.jpshipping. co.uk The release of these schedules will allow customers to pre-plan their despatches with ease, and allow them to hopefully ship slightly earlier this year to avoid any delays and reduce the potential of missing any key arrival dates.

OWN FLEET In a similar vein, due to the issues relating to driver shortages and vehicle haulage availability, JP Ram Shipping are doubling their current fleet, and taking more container work back in house.

This not only improves collection and delivery times, but provides greater control and an improved service level to their customers.

The new fleet vehicles will be branded in a new, improved JP Ram Shipping livery, and are set to become a regular and visible fixture on the streets and motorways around London and the South East, as well as the main ports.

SERVICE EXPANSION With nearly 100 years shipping experience, JP Ram Shipping are the longest serving specialist shipper to the Caribbean, and their breadth of service continues to expand with improved service offerings to the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Tortola and Turks & Caicos, as well as providing freight forwarding services on imports (especially from South America and China) and road freight into and out of the European mainland.

Another growth area is in the competitive airfreight

market. Recent months have seen significant growth in airfreight consignments, and this is anticipated to continue to grow.

As JP Ram Shipping are the longest serving experts in shipping to and from the Caribbean, they can be relied upon to manage your shipments reliably and cost effectively. More importantly, if there are any issues along the way, they can be trusted to keep you informed and work hard to resolve any issues to ensure a successful delivery.

24 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2021

News feature

Barrister to head board fighting racism in police

Abimbola Johnson will chair new scrutiny and oversight board and play crucial role in addressing historic disparities between black people and forces across the country. By Leah Mahon

A

N INDEPENDENT chair has been appointed to lead a police oversight board in an effort to improve relations with the police and the black community in the UK. Abimbola Johnson is expected to play a crucial role in addressing historic disparities and a confidence gap in the relationships between black people and police forces by leading independent scrutiny of police action on inclusion and race across England and Wales.

Following an exclusive interview with The Voice in March, board member Martin Hewitt shared what the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and the College of Policing were looking for during their open recruitment process.

“For our chair, we want somebody who has real credibility in the black community, and who can be there to check and challenge the work that we are doing,” he said.

Now sitting on the Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board, Ms Johnson will chair police leaders’ commitment to shape, check and challenge a new Plan of Action on Inclusion and Race. This plan

COMMITTED: NPCC vice-chair Sir David Thompson says work with the board will start immediately

EXPERIENCE: Abimbola Johnson says her time as a barrister will inform her work as chair (photo: College of Policing)

We want somebody who has real credibility in the black community aims to build a more inclusive police service, and address negative disparities for black people interacting with, or working in, policing.

Ms Johnson is a barrister specialising in criminal and professional regulatory defence work, whose practice predominantly centres on serious criminal cases involving gang violence, drug trafficking, and dishonesty offences.

FAMILIAR

She comes to the role with both a passion to tackle racism and a professional understanding of crime and its causes.

As a black Londoner who represents a disproportionate amount of black people in court, she is also personally and professionally familiar with the specific concerns and anxiety that many black people feel towards the police.

“Black people have been disproportionately affected b y

policing for decades, as reflected in the reams of statistics and reports over the years.

“Many of us have had, and know of others, who have had personal experiences with the police that have been unsatisfactory, unfair or even harmful,” she said.

ACTION

“I hope the creation of an action plan and a parallel independent board to inform, oversee and scrutinise that plan marks a recognition by the police that the onus is on them to look inwards.

“At the same time, the service must listen to those who have experience and expertise to cre-

@thevoicenewspaper

ate effective and longstanding systemic change.

She added: “Having been entrusted with a high level of

After undergoing detailed consultation with dozens of experts inside and outside of policing, Ms Johnson will now

The service must listen to those who have experience and expertise to create effective and longstanding systemic change responsibility that I shall take extremely seriously, I will endeavour to recruit a board that will fearlessly advocate for the interests of black people, while working collaboratively to develop policing that wins our trust and delivers on public protection.”

@thevoicenews

lead the appointment of the other six to eight members of the board, ensuring the necessary expertise, lived experience and challenge is represented.

NPCC vice-chair and Senior Responsible Owner for the Inclusion and Race Plan of Action, Chief Constable

voicenews

Sir David Thompson, said: “Abi is a superb candidate from a very strong field, and ideally qualified for the important work ahead. We look forward to her Board’s frank insights and challenge making our very necessary plans all the more effective.

DISPARITIES

“The recent Parliamentary report on 22 years since the Macpherson inquiry was a stark reminder of how long many black people communities have waited for policing to go further and faster in addressing race disparities.

“Our urgent work with her will begin right away.”

www.voice-online.co.uk

MARCH 2020

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26 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2021

Education

THE BATTLE FOR THE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND R

ROLE MODEL: Raheem Sterling is regarded as a national hero after his performances in the Euros – but all the evidence suggests his off-field efforts are proving to be in vain

Teaching children in primary school that racism is wrong needs to be a priority, argues Lawrence Davies

AHEEM STERLING grew up near Wembley stadium. He emerged from that humble background and harsh school playground, to embark on a difficult journey, overcoming racial abuse, on his way to becoming a national hero.

He formed an important part of the England football team which the nation became united behind at Euro 2020, as victory followed victory.

And every victory began with all of the players “taking the knee” and moving forward, coalesced, as a team. After the semi-final win, and with institutional racism pronounced dead by Government acolytes, many were beginning to question whether “taking the knee” was still necessary.

And then the penalties were missed in the final, and while most spoke of a job done well, a significant minority broke ranks and vented their racist spleen against Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, and the honoured, free school meal-delivering Marcus Rashford. The absence of hope of victory, bringing back to the surface the underlying, undefeated, and undying racial prejudice against black British workers.

Those white (and black) commentators who said that racial equality had been achieved, and that institutional racism was no more, appeared shocked, and stupefied. But the knee-jerk racist reaction was predictable in the “new normal”, just as it was in the old. Nothing had really been changed by football.

Black workers more in the public eye, like sports stars (such as Lewis Hamilton) and MPs (such as Dawn Butler) continued to be racially harassed at work and on social media.

Further, black workers out of the public eye also continue to suffer. The TUC have reported

Racism at school is a battle on which we must all now engage, and fight that racial harassment at work has almost doubled since 2017, from 16 per cent to 31 per cent by 2020.

It was that context that recently led some to begin to look to the next generation for solace, and solutions. The next generation have lived diversity and integrated, or so it was believed. They hopefully knew better.

However, racial harassment on campus is on the rise, and UK universities are now branded as being “institutionally racist”.

The diversity intervention, or Greta Thunberg-type inspiration, perhaps needs to be administered earlier in the education process. But when?

This year, it was reported there were some 60,000 racist incidents at UK schools in the past five years, a significant increase. It seems, increasingly, schoolchildren are physically and psychologically drawn into the violent cultural wars.

In that regard, a nine-yearold black boy was stopped and questioned by police when returning from school in a wealthy, leafy London suburb.

When challenged later, the police said that they were concerned for his “welfare”.

They did not, however, take him home after his street questioning. They left him there alone, psychologically bruised, and in shock. His white school peers walked on ahead untroubled by the police.

And, of course, the situa-

tion is far worse in less affluent areas. Dea-John Reid was stabbed to death on May 31 2021 in Birmingham, after he and his friends had been racially abused by a baying mob.

That sharp-edged tragedy resonates with that of other young black lives cut short, such as that of Stephen Lawrence in 1993 and the likely blunt-edged ending of Ricky Reel in 1997. But Dea-John was much younger, being only 14 years old. Hunted down by a pack of apparently racist white guys, almost for sport.

HORROR

We knew from the unspeakable horror of Damilola Taylor, pictured inset, being stabbed to death aged 10 in 2000, by two white kids aged 12 and 13, that school playgrounds were destined to become the next battleground for the cultural wars.

It may also be the final place to look for hope.

As a result, we must look to visionary headteachers to set the tone, and to make the arguments against racism (and bullying in general) in the fight to prevent the next highly predictable racist murder.

However, it is the comprehensive school system and exclusion process where change is most needed.

The new standard bearer of the state school system, the academies, need to step up.

What we do know is there are racial issues surfacing in the academy system. For example, the headteacher at Pimlico academy, Daniel Smith, recently had to resign to students and staff demonstrating against allegedly racist changes to the (history) curriculum, uniform (hairstyle and hijab rules) and the siting of a union flag outside the academy building.

Which brings me to my client, Josh Adusei.

He grew up on the wrong side of town, but somehow managed his way through life-threatening situations to university.

He qualified as a teacher

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and became one of the very few black teachers at the Harris Academy Tottenham. Most black staff working at the academy held support staff or lesser positions. He enjoyed his work including mentoring black kids and knew from his own life experience the battles they faced outside of school, and within the school walls.

All was well until the academy appointed Dr Lawrence Foley as the new headteacher.

The impression of some staff was that Dr Foley was disproportionately excluding black pupils, and was distrustful of black teachers. Matters were said to be made worse after Dr Foley was himself regrettably assaulted outside of school by black youths.

Josh alleges that Dr Foley created a racist-hostile working environment for him. He perceived that alleged attack on him, as part of a wider hidden agenda against black pupils and staff. He challenged the issue, but was not heard.

Having no voice, and supportive staff and parents unable to take a stand, or too afraid to do so, Josh took up their struggle and ran a petition externally, calling for change at the academy. It spoke against the school restructure, the zero tolerance behaviour policy and over-zealous school exclusions.

The petition resonated with the local community. Over 6,000

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people signed up and local media became engaged. Unfortunately, a few mindless respondees called for violence and allegedly threatened the life of the headteacher in the comment section of the petition.

The petition comment section was closed.

DISMISSAL

The press then focused on the threat made to the white headteacher rather than the institutional racism alleged at the academy. One article referenced a white headteacher who was threatened after trying to tackle what he perceived to be the issue of the hijab at school.

Ultimately, Josh was dismissed for gross misconduct, and he has appealed. After his dismissal there are now very few remaining black teachers at Tottenham Academy, a school which serves a predominantly black community.

He believes that the alleged racism he experienced at the academy means that the teaching profession is probably closed to him now, so he and some friends are setting up a charity to help young black kids in Brixton find some focus and purpose in their lives.

The growing and deepening problem of racism at school is a battle on which we must all now engage, and fight.

Every child should know by the conclusion of primary school, and as a fact, racism is wrong and that diversity continues to enrich our culture, and not just our sporting success (and failure).

They must know in their blood that racist bullying is abhorrent, and puts the perpetrator on the path to violence and, importantly, that unless we prevent it, the cycle of hate is renewed and perpetuated.

The battle for the school playground has begun.

Equal Justice solicitors which was formed in 2005, is an award-winning specialist employment law firm. Its CEO, Lawrence Davies, is a leading antidiscrimination lawyer, who received a Lifetime achievement award from the National Black Police Association. Lawrence is the solicitor for Josh Adusei whose tribunal claim will be heard next year (www.equaljustice.co.uk), voicenews

www.voice-online.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2021

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SEPTEMBER 2021

Faith

Elders hold the key to take us through the right door

CASE IN POINT: People march in a bid to achieve justice for George Floyd

It’s up to the older generation to ensure the younger members of our society make the right choices and are able to fulfil their full potential and not take the wrong path that could lead to disappointment and despair, says Rev John Root

T

HE 1998 Gwyneth Paltrow film Sliding Doors told two parallel stories about what happened when the main character either did or alternatively did not make it through the sliding doors on to a Tube train.

It explores a question we may often ask but never get answered – what would my life have been like if a particular event had gone differently from what actually happened?

The film told the story of two different outcomes following whether or not Paltrow got on that particular train.

In real life we can ever only know the consequences of what really did happen; and merely guess how things might have been otherwise.

What if we had detoured from the traffic jam? What if I had failed that exam? What if I had not said that angry word?

What if the doctor had made the right diagnosis?

In the introduction to a fascinating new book, Reading while Black - African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope, the theologian Esau McCaulley, pictured below, recalls one such ‘could have gone either way’ incident.

He was looking forward to

For many

young black people it didn’t work out.

There were too many holes for them to fall into. There was trouble with the law going to college and, when he stopped at a petrol station while driving his friends to a party in Atlanta, his car was surrounded by police cars, suspecting they were drug dealers.

McCaulley was terrified that events might take the wrong turn: an angry or abusive response by one of his friends, an aggressive police reaction, arrests, drugs planted, a conviction and an end to his hopes of college.

In fact, the situation ended without escalation. McCaulley went to college and ended up with a doctorate in New Testament studies, published books, and is a university lecturer. His life went through the right door.

His story contrasts with that of George Floyd.

The Washington Post has done a detailed examination of his life, and discovered several of those ‘sliding door’

moments, when the outcome might have turned out well, as it did for Esau McCaulley, but in reality for Floyd turned out badly.

The college football scholarship that didn’t work out; an unwise guilty plea; the move to Minneapolis for rehabilitation that ended so tragically.

Floyd came from a background where there were wrong doors at every turn, and the end result was tragedy. If life keeps bowling you bouncers, it is likely that eventually one will strike you.

Many years ago, in the skinhead days, I ran a youth club used by both white and black young people. In so far as I have had glimpses of what has happened since as those young people moved into adulthood, and now far into middle age, I see a disturbing pattern.

FEARED

The white young people, for whom you feared life could have gone quite badly wrong, eventually landed on their feet. One got helped into the butcher’s trade. Another joined his father as a labourer for the council.

Many of the black young people also became stable, settled adults; finding the sort of life that their parents emigrated to this country in order to find.

But for too many it didn’t work out like that. There were too many holes for them to fall into. Trouble with the law and imprisonment.

A bleak, struggling life as a single mother. Broken relationships and painful separation from your children. There were random tragedies: one man was found dead on the concrete in the back yard. He had fallen from the window of his single room, possibly in a drowsy reverie while smoking cannabis.

We don’t land in life on level

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ground. Some arrive with far greater advantages than others. Racial prejudice, poverty and over-stressed parents, poor schooling, the pressure of being in a minority – these were all factors bearing on the lives of the black young people I knew.

young people, find the better rather than the worse outcome?

We all have an in-built tendency to make foolish choices rather than good ones – the Bible calls that sin. And we have a duty to help others avoid them.

That’s why young people

We all have an in-built tendency to make foolish choices rather than good ones Partly it is up to the authorities to repair that situation – outlawing discrimination, particularly in the labour market, ensuring good levels of basic education; strengthening the Welfare State’s ‘safety net’ for the vulnerable, especially in the post-COVID era.

But also how can we help each other, and especially our

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need to have adults around them that they can trust – primarily parents, but also other relatives, teachers, youth workers and so on; and why we each need to consider ways we can offer that support.

Too often their peers form the overwhelmingly powerful influence on young people, leading to a serious lack of wisdom

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for handling life that comes with age and experience.

The Bible’s book of Proverbs, written two-and-a-half millennia ago, gives a seemingly very up-to-date warning to a young man against going with those whose ‘feet rush into sin’ (chapter 1, verses 8-19).

INSTRUCTIONS

The antidote is to ‘listen to your father’s instructions and do not forsake your mother’s teaching’.

That comes through the old deliberately spending time with the young.

It may have been good fortune for Esau McCaulley that his encounter with the police at age 18 didn’t end in disaster.

But McCaulley also pays warm tribute to the faith his mother passed on to him which became the bedrock of his own life, and that meant he found the right door.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

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30| THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2021

Prostate cancer

WALK AND TALK: For prostate cancer Brockwell Park, South London

By Deon P Green

D

ON’T BE afraid, get tested, being diagnosed early could save your life. That is the message from the throng of supporters, political representatives, prostate cancer survivors and celebrities who turned up at Brockwell Park in South London on August 22, the second Walk and Talk for prostate cancer.

Hosted in collaboration with the Errol McKellar Foundation, the event brought an awareness of the devastating impact that prostate cancer can have, primarily among men from the Afro Caribbean community.

Funds raised will be used to purchase a mobile unit to take the test to communities across England.

Addressing those in attendance, McKellar a prostate cancer survivor himself, noted: “This is a very important cause, the reason why it is called Walk and Talk, is exactly what it says, we are on this side, we are the people who have suffered from prostate cancer, we know

of somebody that has suffered from prostate cancer and we are going to make a difference; the message we want to get across is that we cannot continue losing men to prostate cancer.”

He added that each year over 47,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and 11,000 die from the disease.

“That’s one in twelve Asian men, one in eight European men, and one in four Afro Car-

EastEnders actor Rudolph Walker in supporting the event told The Voice: ”Prostate cancer affects all of us. Unfortunately, I have lost an uncle through prostate cancer, also a very close friend, so it is important.”

For men who are reluctant to take a prostate cancer test, he added: “The test is something that is very simple, there is no intrusion, the most important thing is for men to realise that

I am out here today in support of this event because we know that prostate cancer is a silent killer ibbean men, so we are losing one man every forty five minutes through this illness.”

In emphasising that prostate cancer is a silent killer, McKellar advised. “We are going to make a difference; MOT yourself, everyone who drives a car takes a MOT each year, you should have the same attitude to your body, this is a silent killer and we have to stop that.”

prostate cancer does not only affect them, it also affects families, your wives, your children and men should be reminded that they are needed in the family.

“I have a regular test every six months, it is just a simple blood test, so there is absolutely no reason to be scared; a corpse is no good to your family, so if you could save your life by

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AUGUST 2021

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Prostate cancer

just having a test why not?” he questioned.

Barbadian Sir Gordon Greenidge, regarded as one of the greatest and most destructive opening batsmen in cricket history, when he represented the West Indies said: “We need a greater awareness especially as Afro-Caribbean people and all other people of colour.”

He said of the planned prostate cancer mobile unit: “You may be afraid to go to hospital but we are aiming to take the test to you. This event is to raise funds to purchase a vehicle where we can take this problem to the people and to get them tested.

“A lot of us are reluctant to get to the doctor or clinic to get tested, but we hope that by doing so (getting a mobile unit) we take the problems away and provide some peace of mind.

“Let’s talk about this thing (prostate cancer), don’t be shy, don’t feel as if your manhood is going to be taken away; if you catch it (prostate cancer) early you could be ok, but if you leave it too long that is where the problem festers, so do yourself a favour go and get tested.”

The target is to raise £1.1m that will be used to purchase the mobile unit, continue the awareness programme and service communities initially for the next two years.

Sonia Winifred, Councillor for Knight’s Hill ward, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Culture told The Voice: “I am out here today in support of this event because we know that prostate cancer is a silent killer in our black men and bringing awareness to it is very important.

“I am particularly pleased to be here in Lambeth, one of

three London boroughs with the highest population of AfroCaribbean community, so it is important that we highlight this issue, to bring awareness to and to get men in particular to go out there and get tested.

“We need to talk about this problem because it is something that we have in the black community that black men do not like to talk about.

“I think possibly it is from our culture where we are always being told that you don’t talk about your business in public.”

She highlighted that prostate cancer is not the only issue that Afro-Caribbean people do not want to talk about but it is all health issues.

“We tend to hold on to it (health issues) because historically we are told get on with it, we have to get on with life, but now we have to talk about these things, share it, bring it out as it will come out in the light,”she said.

Her final message to men was: “Get tested, we love you, we want you with us, put aside that pride, and privacy and chose life.”

For further information email walk&talk@errolmckellar. com or call 07850 317 995.

These events are hosted in collaboration with Errol McKellar Foundation, JN Bank UK and The Voice.

Photos credit courtesy of Andrew Boateng and Kyle Clair Photography If you are a black man and you’re over 45, speak to your GP about your risk of prostate cancer even if you don’t have any symptoms. Remember to tell them if any men in your family have had prostate cancer too.

To find out more about your risk and having tests for prostate cancer visit: www.prostatecanceruk.org

ADVERTORIAL

32 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2021 32 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2021

CLOVER: Payments from the Premier League to the High Street

A

S OUR communities and economies begin to reopen, business owners throughout the U.K. find themselves adapting to new ways of interacting with their customers. Happily, the same technologies being used by the most sophisticated enterprises to enable the experiences today’s customers expect are now also available to small businesses.

One of these technologies is Clover® from Fiserv, a pointof-sale platform recently installed by Chelsea Football Club to enable a convenient, cashless and contact-free payment experience at Stamford Bridge Stadium.

The point-of-sale (POS) software deployed at Stamford Bridge is the same technology retailers, restaurants, and other businesses throughout the U.K. use to accept payments. Clover enables customers to pay using a debit or credit card or via Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay, with the option of receiving a digital receipt.

Customers can also pay with cash if the business chooses to accept it.

Clover is easy to use and card processing time is significantly shorter than many POS systems

Clover is easy to use and card processing time is significantly shorter than many POS systems, which facilitates faster transaction times and shorter queues.

While many businesses select a POS system with payments in mind, modern-day POS systems, like Clover, are capable of much more. Clover can help drive a range of capabilities for businesses of all sizes, including:

1. Online Ordering Businesses can support online ordering and capabilities such as buy online and pick up in store without making dramatic changes to existing operations.

2. Order fulfillment When using included inventory tracking tools, Clover can alert the business owner to put in order refills with suppliers when stock runs low.

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3. Employee scheduling Instead of balancing multiple calendars to schedule shifts, businesses can put this task on autopilot by using builtin-tools to allocate shifts throughout the day, week, or month – using the parameters the business owner sets.

4. Loyalty programmes Business owners can launch a loyalty programmes directly through Clover, sending dis-

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counts and promotions using whatever forms of communication customers prefer. Better still, business owners can create sales funnels, reminders, and delivery schedules – all executed automatically within the POS system software.

5. Reporting and analytics With built-in reporting and analytics, Clover helps business owners eliminate guesswork about best-selling items, what inventory to phase out, and what times of day require the most staffing. Business owners can generate instant snapshots of how they are doing, as well as daily, weekly, monthly, and annual reports.

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6. Third-party integration Integrations with popular business tools – from sales software to CRM suites to accounting platforms – remove the need to manually update the books every time a new sale is generated.

And, thanks to popular apps available in the Clover app store, businesses can expand their platform’s functionality with extra features that allow them to do everything from plan happy hours to handle payroll.

As communities and economies reopen across the U.K., businesses of all sizes can leverage Clover technology to accept payments and create the experiences that will keep customers coming back.

The Voice readers that meet stated qualifications can apply for a £10,000 grant as part of the Fiserv Back2Business programme. Programme participants can also receive Clover technology at their request.

Apply at aeoworks.org/fiservuk.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

Jump-starting ethnically diverse small businesses with £10,000 grants from AEO and Fiserv Apply for a Back2Business grant today.

Spend your financial grant on whatever your business needs to grow, including: • • • •

Staff retention New technology investments Operational costs Customer loyalty initiatives

Go to fiserv.aeoworks.co.uk/ to apply

to Small Business

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SEPTEMBER 2021

News feature

Black to Front? Let’s not forget our television past

‘PIONEERS’: From left, Eamonn Walker starred in Til Death Us Do Part to care for the racist Alf Garnett; Coronation Street’s Shirley Armitage, played

by Lisa Lewis, had a fling with the Cobbles’ Curly Watts (photo: Digital Spy Forums)

Channel 4’s big September 10 gesture gives us the ideal opportunity to reflect on the way we were portrayed on TV in the past. By Dotun Adebayo

C

HANNEL 4’S Black To Front day is coming to a TV set round your way shortly, if it hasn’t been there already.

It’s the day when the television channel decides to let black presenters take over the jewels in its crown. In fact, its entire programming schedule on the day will be fronted by black presenters.

They say it’s to remind themselves and all the other broadcasters that there is still a long way to go in the Black Lives Matter narrative about equality in the workplace. They say it’s “part of the channel’s ongoing commitment to improve black representation both on and off screen.” We say, let’s not forget the ‘spot the black’ days of British television.

Once upon a time when a black face appeared on your television set you would scream up the stairs: “MUM, THERE’S A BLACK PERSON ON THE TELLY!” The whole house would descend to simply sit there and stare at the box in the corner of the room until the black face disappeared off the screen at which point everybody returned to their business.

The ultimate ‘spot the black’ on UK television has to be Ulric Browne aka Winston, the market stallholder in EastEnders who appeared in the soap as an extra for a staggering 34 years from 1985.

He was always there in the background for all the big stories in the soap. And yet he hardly ever said a word in all that time. It didn’t matter to the black viewer.

We knew his moment would come and when it finally did in a storyline where he reluctantly agreed to shave off his longtime plaits for charity, we really felt for him – a hard-working black man parting with his locks.

Even though EastEnders had always prided itself on having

We have to say, let’s not forget the ‘spot the black’ days of British television rich black characters, none of them have been so enduring as Winston. To us he represented stability – you knew where you were and that the world would be all right as long as he was always there in the background.

See what’s happened to the world in the last two years since he departed?

Shirley Armitage was the first regular black character in Coronation Street. Wonderfully played by Lisa Lewis, she even gets to have a fictional affair with Curly.

EVIDENCE

That was in 1983. Until then you would have been hard pressed to think of any black or brown people living in Greater Manchester, given the evidence from the long-running series.

It seemed to exist in a world of its own, untouched by the Brixton riots or the New Cross Fire or British reggae/lovers rock. Having said that, this is still two years ahead of the first episode of EastEnders.

Plus the groundbreaking newly established Channel 4 was not doing much better with its newly launched Brookside series.

Until the brilliant Louis Emerick, right, stepped in to play the everyman of the series Mick Johnson, ably accompanied by first

Nicola Gardner and then Suzette Llewellyn as his other half, Channel 4 was not doing much better than ITV on their soaps, which after all are supposed to be a reflection on real life.

I know what I’m talking about. I myself was a ‘spot the black’ boy in the Hammer House of Horrrors flick The Oblong Box. You know how I don’t like to name drop, well it was alongside Vincent Price and Christopher Lee, the two greatest actors from the horror genre.

And then, of course, I was one of the ‘spot the black boys’ in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever alongside Brinsley Forde from The Double Deckers/Aswad.

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Sitcoms are, on the other hand, the butt of everyone’s jokes and, in the 60s and 70s (arguably until today) became a convenient foil for TV scriptwriters to use in poking fun at the by-now emerging black British population.

very brief appearance on Only Fools & Horses in which she played Mrs Murphy in an episode form 1983. She also went on to have a modest movie career. But she is largely forgotten when we remember the original black pioneers of British TV.

To use a black woman to malign an Asian was like a line to kill two ethnic minorities In the 1970s’ reboot of the comedy series The Rag Trade, the ‘spot the black’ character Jojo in the ensemble cast rambunctiously performed by Lucita Lijertwood, is actually heard saying of an Asian woman “It’s no good... she comes from overseas, she doesn’t understand the way we talk.”

It’s shocking but to use a black woman with a West Indian accent to malign an Asian woman is tantamount to using one line to kill two ethnic minorities. Even the studio audience’s ‘canned’ laughter was somewhat reticent.

Lijertwood is an interesting early black British TV actress who was in many ‘spot the black’ moments. Not least in a

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There was usually a black boy in the back of the class in Please Sir! especially when there were rowdy scenes in the classroom like on episode one of the third series where the ‘kids’ are having an impromptu knees-up when teacher’s not about. Not sure if it was always the same actor but he was later joined by a female of the species.

“MUM, THERE ARE TWOBLACK PEOPLE ON THE TELLY.” For this sitcom about a hapless newly qualified secondary school teacher put in charge of what appears to be the remedial class full of delinquents, ‘spot the black’ moments are also shorthand to denote ‘inner city’ where all the black peo-

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ple live and attend the worst schools. A reassuring qualification for the rest of the country up and down the shires.

The ultimate ‘spot the black’ moment must be when Eamonn Walker walked on to the set of In Sickness and In Health (the sequel series to the controversial Til Death Us Do Part) to care for the notorious fictional racist Alf Garnett.

REGULAR

But when it comes to probably the first regular ‘spot the black’ moments on British television we have to give props to the Sunday evening ITV 1960s spy drama Danger Man. In nearly every episode there were central and random black characters as the action was often set in Africa but always shot on a very basic set in a British studio.

It is in the somewhat random moments, as the camera pans across a restaurant and zooms in on a black extra sitting at a dining table with a blonde actress that this series makes its mark on this history, being one of the first peak time television shows where black people were a regular part of the landscape even in the scenes set in Britain.

www.voice-online.co.uk

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36 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2021

Lifestyle

Technology

It’s tech time!

SOMETHING FOR ALL: There are plenty of speakers booked for some great virtual and in-person events in September and October

The new school term is the perfect opportunity to get involved with some brilliant events...

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

B

ACK TO school means back to the computer – and that means getting back to tech, so don’t miss your chance to do just that not only this month, but in October, too!

London Tech Week – the largest and most influential tech event in Europe – returns this month to reunite the tech ecosystem. The week-long celebration features a variety of virtual and in-person events with several such as FutureEdTech and The Future of Work Summit focusing on technology in education.

FutureEdTech is set to take place virtually on Wednesday, September 22 and is free to attend.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated education technology, digitising education at an unprecedented rate as the world experienced the largest online learning experiment in history.

FutureEdTech 2021 explores key insights and learnings from the past year, providing space

“The session spotlights the most exciting women founders and tech leaders” to discuss and debate future challenges and opportunities for technology in education.

Speakers presenting at FutureEdTech include: Claudine Adeyemi, founder and CEO, Career Ear; Gori Yahaya, founder and CEO, UpSkill Digital, and Peter Bakare, founder of Nutri Troops and former Olympian.

The Future of Work Summit is a free virtual event set to take place from 9am-4pm also on September 22. You can register for the event online by visiting londontechweek.com.

The event considers how innovation and technology continue to lead instrumental change in the nature of work. Key insights into new ways of working will be delivered, providing a platform to discuss and debate the challenges and solutions.

Speakers presenting at The

Future of Work Summit include Honey Ajuwon, Head of Capital Markets Technology, Natwest; Gori Yahaya, founder and CEO, UpSkill Digital, and KarimaCatherine Goundiam, founder, Bee2Bee. accelerateHER, also part of London Tech Week, is a free virtual event that champions women founders, leaders and change-makers in tech.

Taking place from midday to 8pm on Thursday, September 23, the session spotlights the most exciting women founders and tech leaders whilst promoting diversity and inclusion in tech and business.

IMPACT

Former headline speakers include Hillary Rodham Clinton, Cherie Blair QC CBE, June Sarpong (BBC), Poppy Gustaffson (founder, Darktrace), Sharon White (chair, John Lewis), Michelle Zatyln (founder, Cloudflare), Anne-Marie Imafidon (Stemettes), Dame Karen Blackett (CEO, WPP) and many more.

Speakers presenting at accelerateHER include: I. Stephanie Boyce, president, The Law Society; Elizabeth Nye-

ko, CEO, Modularity Grid, and Rose Adkins Hulse, founder and CEO, ScreenHits TV. Now in its eighth year, London Tech Week, owned by Informa Tech Founders and London & Partners, co-founded with Tech London Advocates and supported by Mayor of London, connects international tech communities and leaders to address how tech can have a positive impact on people and the planet. Registration is open now with free passes available online.

A sister event to London Tech Week, taking place from October 19 to 21 during Black History Month, is Black Tech Fest ‘21, a three-day live festival celebrating black culture, showcasing innovation, and creating pathways for underrepresented talent.

This year, global tech giants such as TikTok, Microsoft, Google, Experian and Deepmind will be among the brands joining a host of UK start-ups to reaffirm their commitment to the black British community.

TOPICS

Leading technologists, entrepreneurs, and business leaders speaking at Black Tech Fest, include: Wendy Mars, President EMEAR, Cisco; Kehinde Andrews, the UK’s first Professor of Black Studies; Femi Nylander, BBC documentary marker and Rhodes Must Fall advocate; Dr. Frank Mugisha, Nobel Peace Prize nominee and Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, political activist and co-founder of UK Black Pride.

Discussions at the festival are set to cover a range of topics in-

cluding “Racist robots”; “Is woke wrong?”; “The role of social media in LGBTQ+ Activism for People of Colour” and “How to close black educational attainment gaps?”

The speakers will unite in allyship to the back community to present a range of sessions and interactive workshops designed to enhance skills, raise awareness, and drive change in championing the progress of black people working within the global tech industry.

To register for your free virtual pass to attend London Tech Week (September 20-24) visit londontechweek.com. To learn more about the event and to register for your free pass to attend the virtual Black Tech Fest (October 19-21) visit blacktechfest.com

‘I’m part of something groundbreaking which has created an impact’

BY JOEL CAMPBELL STEADFAST ON his mission to encourage engagement in the fun side of education, Callum Daniel has added another feather to his cap by being named as an official ambassador for Guild Academy.

A comprehensive and innovative eSports development ecosystem, The Guild Academy brings eSports players from around the world, aged 11 and up, on a unique learning journey that primarily focuses on personal discovery and development through gameplay.

The company boasts former Manchester United ad England footballer David Beckham as a chief investor and, talking to Lifestyle, Daniel, who is a ‘Diana Award 2020’ recipient, could barely contain his excitement.

He enthused: “As an eSports ambassador, Guild Academy is giving me unique experiences and a skill sets to represent different parts of the eSports ecosystem and become a world

leader in eSports. It’s also positioned me to inspire other young people and provide awareness of the vast array of opportunities in the industry.”

He added: “A massive part of the academy is about giving us young people a safe space in which to operate and looking at our health and performance.

“It’s been a whirlwind to be involved in such game changing educational development in eSports.

“From testing the Guild academy platform before launch to co-hosting Guild academy panels, where children and parents can get much needed guidance.”

Speaking on the growth of eSports a spokesperson at Guild said connecting with

positive young people like Daniel, below left, was an important part of nurturing the future growth of the sport.

“Esports has consistently been one of the fastest-growing industries over the past few years, with over 430 million viewers of live events in 2020.

“It is so important that this interest is nurtured and developed at an early stage of one’s development.”

He continues: “If a child is interested in football it’s easy for a parent to find out how to develop that interest, within eSports and gaming it’s less clear.

“At Guild we’ve launched our worldclass academy to assist with that development; however, there’s so much more we can do at every stage of a child’s development.

“Outside of gaming we’re looking to develop children into better people and have partnered with Mumsnet to ensure we’re doing that.

“Our ambassador programme strives to shine a light on all aspects of the eSports and Gaming community and provide positive role

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models for people from all walks of life.

Guild strives to provide an inclusive environment.

“Esports is only going to continue to grow astronomically and an interest that should be nurtured and developed to create well-rounded, successful people.”

Guild Academy added: “Callum represents everything that we value in our athletes at Guild. He’s a great leader and very entrepreneurial, which are key not only to being successful within eSports but also in life.

POSITIVE

“But more than that it’s how Callum uses his platform to influence positive change – the world could do with more Callums.

“We’re so proud to have Callum on board and not only can we not wait to achieve great things with him, we know he’ll be an excellent role model for our academy users all around the world.”

Daniel, already busy in his role and loving every element of the journey, said: “Proud isn’t a large enough word to describe how it feels to be a part of the Guild academy family.

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“I’m a part of something groundbreaking which has created an impact with members already and is coowned by David Beckham, it doesn’t get much better than that.

“Recently I co-hosted a health and performance session where children from the academy were able to ask Guild coaches questions.

“On the panel were Safeguarding and wellbeing experts, nutritionists, physios, strength and conditioning coaches and psychologists.

“When would we ever get direct access to a team like that? It was powerful. So many children wanted advice on what to eat, how to stay alert, how to navigate online friendships and stay safe, being a better team player, motivation, how to strengthen their bodies and mind.

“It shows me that young children and parents really need the advice but didn’t know where to go.

“I truly believe the motivation we get from Guild Academy also impacts the other areas of our life.

“I’ve always been a gamer and this is another dream achieved.”

www.voice-online.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2021

THE VOICE | 37

Lifestyle

Careers

More than just a game University lecturer Roberto Reid is showing that the study of eSports really can set you up for life

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

R

OBERTO REID says, whether parents like it or not, eSports are coming to a home near you, if indeed it isn’t your house that spawns the next global star.

He may have a point. Reid, who has just been appointed as a programme developer and lecturer at East London University, where he will be ‘shaping the minds of future stars and industry figureheads’ has an unsurprisingly similar view to the British Esports Association (BEA).

The BEA report on their website that, according to studies, more than half of children ‘want gaming on the school curriculum.’

As defined by the organisation, eSports (or electronic sports) is a term used to describe organised video gaming.

It’s different from standard video gaming in that eSports is human-vs-human and usually has an engaging spectator element to it, like traditional sports.

“It’s basically competitive video gaming,” Reid mused.

He added: “I think most people have had some interaction with eSports, they just don’t know it.

“It could be anything from flying drones, believe it or not, to Formula E motor racing, that’s considered to have an eSport element to it. Then there is the more traditional definition of

“It’s a chance to create something that’s truly amazing, and that’s what really excites me about the work I’ll be doing” eSports, playing competitive games, whether it be Street Fighter or League of Legends or Defense of The Dark Arts, and so on. It’s competitive gaming.

“It’s gaming as we know it being packaged in a way that’s more like conventional sports, football, athletics and so on.”

Reid’s role at the East London University will be ‘all-encompassing’.

ENTERPRISE

He explained: “The role is a twotier one, there’s the academic side which I am really excited about, lecturing in eSports in an undergraduate programme that the University of East London are doing.

“And then you also have eSports from an enterprise perspective, and I’ve been given the remit to develop a programme that will be all-encompassing of both.

“What the University of East London like to do is make their students job-ready.

“What I really liked about the university and what made me

gravitate towards them is they try to make their courses and all the supplementary activities around those courses enable their students to be ready to work.

“It’s with that mindset that I am approaching the eSports programme that I’ve helped to develop from the beginning. It’s a chance to create something truly amazing, and that’s what excites me about the work I’m going to be doing.”

The journey to where Reid finds himself today wasn’t a straightforward one. When he announced publicly that he has landed the new position, he wrote on social media that “if he can do it, anyone can”.

Expanding on why it meant so much to him, Reid shared candidly: “I don’t say this to motivate people nor to try and feel sorry for myself, but at 12, 13 years of age I could barely read or write.

“I come from a highly functioning family in terms of academia, all of my sisters are super smart. I’m the only boy of six, which is another story, but due to certain circumstances and things that were going on, I struggled initially.

“The one thing I had on my side was I never believed I was stupid. It took me a while to find out and adjust to the ways I learn, but I got there in the end.”

HORRIBLE

He added: “My primary school was a massive ting for me, without crapping on the education system that I am now a part of, I had a teacher that was horrible, horrible, horrible.

“My confidence was destroyed at that point and I became a very disruptive child.

“It took other teachers sitting me down in the third year of school, year nine, to tell me that they knew I wasn’t stupid, but the way I was going I would be excluded.

“They said I had an opportunity and that they were there to support me. People actually caring helped change my life.”

As kids head back to school, Reid would love to see more institutions getting involved with eSports.

The opportunities are vast and, beyond just being a player, there are an increasing number

SPREADING THE WORD: As well as lecturing in eSports, Roberto Reid will also be working as a programme developer at East London University

of education pathways available for young people to follow, such as the BEA BTEC in eSports.

Hitmarker, the largest gaming and esports jobs platform in the world, boasts a healthy selection of jobs within the eSports and gaming industries,

established now which is really good.

“If you’re a parent and you’re thinking, ‘Oh my child is just playing computer games all day and that’s it’, there are other avenues from an education perspective that are available for

“You can rattle off a list of occupations in the eSports realm that you could participate in or be employed in” as well as paid and volunteer opportunities, with over 12,000 active listings from more than 50 countries.

“I’ve got to shout-out the British Esports Association because they are making moves in the right direction and they have had a programme for a number of years,” Reid enthused.

“They are doing a great job in trying to educate children and adolescents.

“I think things like their BTEC programme compliments what we are going to be doing at the University of East London and even what other universities are doing.

“The pathway from an educational perspective is being

young children and even adults now.”

For the parents who aren’t convinced by the seemingly sedatory lifestyle of eSports and/ or the potential for their child to succumb to gaming addiction or any of the negatives associated with the digital space, Reid had some words of advice.

“I would suggest taking a balanced approach.

“It would be remiss of me if I didn’t say that there is a certain stigma attached to gaming at times in terms of the amount ofhours it takes to play a lot of eSports games.

“I feel a balanced approach is always helpful, but in the years to come I don’t foresee this as

being something that can be stopped.

“Begin the process of integrating some sort of programme now, maybe not at secondary school level straightaway, even though I am aware that it’s happening now, but find the institutions that are able to enable your students to participate in what is becoming more and more of a viable career.

COACHING

“You can rattle off a whole list of occupations in the eSports realm that you could participate in or be employed in.

“There’s things like performance coaching and there’s the data analytics associated with eSports as well.

“There are so many things that people only associate with conventional sport which you can associate with eSports as well. And for those that are unsure whether or not it is a legitimate pastime, I can assure you the vast majority of elements you would see in conventional sport you will find in eSports, you just don’t know it.”

Visit voice-online.co.uk for the full interview

38 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2021

Lifestyle

Beauty

Do you know if your black hair products are safe? You should!

New research from Oxford University suggests some ingredients could be linked to breast cancer

BY MAXINE HARRISON

A

RECENT STUDY published in Oxford University’s Carcinogenesis Journal found that ingredients in several hair products commonly used by black/African-American women, including lye relaxers, could be hazardous and have links to health issues as serious as breast cancer.

Although black women consume 80 per cent of the beauty and hair industry, many are unaware of the ingredients their hair products contain and whether they are actually safe.

Over the past few years, with the resurgence of the natural hair movement, the relaxer sales have declined significantly as black women turn to suitable alternatives.

There has long been suspicion around hair relaxers being harmful for health. Chris Rock’s documentary Good Hair investigated this back in 2009.

So this recent Oxford University study further validates these concerns.

The study noted that black hair products could include oestrogen or oestrogen-disrupting compounds that could affect health.

Oestrogen is a group of

“Initially, the risks may not be visible, but as years go by increasingly they rise to the surface” hormones responsible for promoting the development and maintenance of female characteristics of the body.

The study suggested that some of the ingredients included in black hair products could contain chemicals that affect these hormones, leading to health issues long-term.

A survey by natural hair brand, Laid Locs, found that over 71 per cent of black women consumers did not know if the ingredients they use in their hair products were safe.

It also found that 60 per cent of people do not check their hair product ingredients before buying.

There could be mixed reasoning behind this. Understandably, some people may put in a lot of trust in the brands and retailers to sell safe ingredients.

But, evidently, this is not always the case.

It all boils down to a lack of education.

What are lye-based relaxers?

Lye relaxers are chemicalbased relaxers that are formulated with sodium hydroxide as the main ingredient.

They also have a high pH and can therefore cause the scalp to burn, leaving scabs or the hair to stick to the scalp when left on for too long.

Relaxers or perms are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is the UK equivalent of FDA. Legally, products are not required to be approved by the FDA to be sold in stores. This, therefore, highlights that there is more responsibility on the consumer to investigate more into the ingredients used in hair products.

Beyond the application of the relaxer to the scalp, the strong fumes of relaxers can be inhaled and therefore enter your system this way, too.

Initially, these health risks may not be so visible, but as years go by they can increasingly rise to the surface. Sodium hydroxide is the main culprit, but also no-lye relaxers can also be damaging.

The other type of relaxers are no-lye relaxers. These tend to use calcium hydroxide as active ingredients instead of sodium hydroxide. No-lye relaxers also tend to have a lower pH than lye relaxers.

However, no-lye relaxers are also still unapproved by the FDA. Furthermore, due to the calcium properties they have, they can sometimes dry the hair out.

And although it may not be as harsh as a lye relaxer, it still has the potential to burn the scalp.

TAKE CARE: Surveys show that many aren’t aware if their hair treatments damage their health looking into alternatives to relaxers. The motive behind people getting relaxers is usually to straighten out the natural kinks and curls in their hair.

Thankfully, as the years have progressed, there have become more suitable alternatives to relaxers, that will allow you to receive the same results of straight hair.

Silk presses have increasingly become a popular treatment and great alternative to relaxers.

It is the closest safest chemicalfree alternative to relaxers, as it involves using your own natural hair to achieve the desired results.

It involves using heat from hair straighteners, so it’s recommended to use a heat protectant before using this method.

Another way to get chemicalfree straight hair is through wigs.

From lace wigs to the more newly released headband wigs which is a combination of your natural hair with wigs, there are several alternatives to achieving a straight, sleek, relaxed look.

Natural hair products The Oxford study also investigated leave-in conditioners and oils that may have oestrogen-disrupting compounds. This again raises the point that we should be more conscious of what ingredients we are using on our hair. And not just from relaxers.

Thankfully, there are a range of black-owned, natural hair products that have developed over the years that focus on natural and safe ingredients.

Afrocenchix, for example, is one of these brands. They have a range of natural shampoos, conditioners and moisturisers for black hair textures.

When it comes to hair gels, there has also been suspicion around harsh chemicals used in gels. For example, IPA alcohol is often used as an ingredient in hair gel, causing hair to dry quickly.

Laid Locs is an up-andcoming natural hair gel aiming to combat this issue in this sector of the industry. Their

flaxseed hair gel is made of 100 per cent naturally derived ingredients, including the preservatives.

Overall, what we can learn from this recently released study is that we should all do our due diligence when buying hair products.

Just because it’s on the shelf in your local hair shop doesn’t mean it is completely safe.

Chemical-free alternative to lye relaxers So, with all these potentials to damage your scalp, hair and your health, it may be worth

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SEPTEMBER 2021

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THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2021

Lifestyle

Events

Tropical BUBR vibes despite rain

Biblical downpours meant it was nearly cancelled – but this yearʼs Black Unity Bike Ride was a success

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

T

HE SECOND ever Black Unity Bike Ride (BUBR) has been hailed a huge success despite torrential rain almost forcing organisers to cancel the event on the day.

August 7 was officially one of the wettest days of the month and founder of the BUBR Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa said despite pushing the start time back to allow for the weather to improve, as the 1,000-strong peloton pushed off for the 14-mile round trip from Walthamstow to south London and back, there were serious doubts about the prospect of finishing the ride.

Mowing through, at times, ankle high puddles, junior and senior riders braved the sinister elements to complete what

“COVID-19 has reinforced how important it is for us to prioritise our mental health” Ajasa-Oluwa believes is now an annual instalment on the summer social calendar.

Prior to the event he told Lifestyle: “BUBR symbolises unity, positivity and holistic wellbeing within the black community.

“COVID-19 has reinforced how important it is for us to prioritise our mental, emotional and physical health “BUBR aims to support more of the black community to do just that.”

Having completed another successful trip, demonstrating

that nothing can stop the power of a positive force, he enthused: “The Black Unity Bike Ride 2021 was a huge success! The weather was biblical, but the vibes were tropical. The fact that over 1,000 riders aged between seven and 70 overcame torrential rain and flooding to ride the 15-mile route really epitomised what our community is capable of when we unite.

PASSIONATE

“None of our success would have been possible without the support of our 150 positive and passionate volunteers and our strategic partners.

“In just 12 months BUBR has become a significant annual calendar date for the Black community.

“Riding past iconic London landmarks, celebrating unity and empowerment within our community is a priceless experience.”

DEDICATED TO THE CAUSE: Downpours didn’t dampen the spirits when some 1,000 BUBR-goers rode from Walthamstow to south London and back – all in the name of our health and togetherness (photos: Simon Roberts)

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Lifestyle

Music

From Africa... to the world We meet the Major League DJz twins whose South African Amapiano beat is taking the music industry by storm

BY SHANAE DENNIS

R

ECENTLY, LIFESTYLE sat down with Major League DJz, twins Banele and Bandile Mbere, who are currently on tour in the UK. Major League DJz are known for pioneering the South African house genre Amapiano and have been at the forefront of the sound since its inception. So what is Amapiano?

“Amapiano is a bit slower than house music...it has a lot of groove, tempo and log drums, that’s why I think Africans love it,” Banele tells Lifestyle.

The sound of Amapiano, which was birthed in the townships of the Gauteng province, has taken the London music scene by storm.

The music of emancipation enjoyed by the youths of South Africa is now the theme of nights across the UK. Since arriving in the UK, the twins have sold out shows in London and Manchester and the demand for a Major League DJ set is high.

“The style and what’s happening with Ampiano now, you can see that it’s growing.

“You can picture Rihanna on an Amapiano song,” Bandile explains.

Major League DJz are also

“Hopefully it will become one of the biggest genres on the global stage” known for their balcony mixes and have 342,000 subscribers on YouTube.

Their mixes which they film in beautiful locations across South African and other countries on the continent receive in excess of one million views per video.

“The mixes worked well and transcended into other parts of the world...Amapiano is bigger than South Africa, it’s on the global stage now and hopefully it will become one of the biggest genres on the global stage,” Bandile explains.

TRIBUTE

The first London balcony mix was released in mid-August and it is a tribute to their late friend Mpura who tragically passed away in a car accident on August 9, 2021.

Major League DJz were born in the USA, their parents had left South Africa due to the apartheid regime and returned with the twins once the regime had ended.

They are very well travelled and attribute this to their outlook and perspective on life.

HARD TO BEAT: Banele and Bandile have been producing positive vibes wherever they have been They have a large platform and great influence, and aren’t afraid to speak up.

“We’ve always been those people to say something, it’s not to choose sides, but to say what’s right from wrong,” Bandile tells Lifestyle.

South Africa is no stranger to civil unrest and is a nation

known to speak out and protest, with the DJs hoping to see more intra-African trade in the future.

“We need Africa to work towards one goal. We’ve all been oppressed in some way, so I think it’s time Africans came together,” Banele shares.

The Major League DJz are in town for the summer and have

been selling out shows across the country.

Amapiano is taking the world by storm and the twins are in the eye of the storm, so look out for them as it is a journey you wouldn’t want to miss!

“Amapiano came from the hoods, it was built through sending instrumentals on

WhatsApp, so to see it on this level is everything,” Bandile tells Lifestyle.

Lifestyle is excited to see what the future holds for both Bandile and Banele.

You can keep up with the duo on Instagram and Twitter at @majorleaguedjz

Regina and Safiyah keeping model agency in the family

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER: Regina and Safiyah; right, GMM model Kamsidi

REPRESENTING BLACK male models, Grime Model Management is a diverse new era model agency focusing on individuality, great looks, character and talent.

Based in London, the agency was founded by Safiyah Kamara and Regina Abena, a daughter/mum duo with backgrounds in fashion, PR & Events Management, art and journalism. Born out of lockdown, GMM has a simple mission, one that has been overlooked in the eyes of the founders. Their vision is clear.

Black male models as a group are underrepresented in the world of modelling in both the UK and abroad. Safiyah and Regina aim to change that. ‘’We aim at creating a community of likeminded individuals who pride themselves on their character,” Safiyah explains.

“We want to provide the models with the right representation, guidance and support.

We offer a home for a new generation of models who break traditional industry standards by adding a modern update on what it means to be a model.

“Our objective is to create an agency, where

our models are artsy, have intriguing personalities and world views matching today’s cosmopolitan world.

“At the same time, we also want to remain grounded in order to attract potential models from all kinds of backgrounds.

“This is why we chose the name ‘Grime Model Management’ – to mix artsy vibes and

attractive looks with a neo-cosmopolitan cool,” Regina added.

Although recently launched, interest has proven strong from the get-go.

GMM has already been approached by French artistic casting director Jordan Mergirie, who expressed his excitement at the potential of the agency.

He has subsequently requested to collaborate on model projects in Paris and London, using a selection of the Grime models.

“First and foremost, we want to create jobs and opportunities for our models, but we also want to focus on giving back to the community and will be donating 10 per cent of all income to charities we have partnered with,’’ Safiyah tells Lifestyle.

To widen the scope for opportunity, there are no height or measurement restrictions.

Any aspiring models should contact talent@ grimemodelmanagement.com. More info here: www.grimemodelmanagement.com.

Catch the full interview on the Voice YouTube channel

42 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2021

This is Brukout!

by Seani B

The Outlook is bright

The ongoing collaboration between reggae and classical music is music to our ears

T

HE COLLABORATION between reggae music and classical instrumentation is nothing new.

In the ‘80s, Third World had the ”Dub Symphony” orchestra, which saw Cat Coore utilising his Cello playing skills.

In the ‘90s, we saw the Reggae Philharmonic with former Steel Pulse front man Mykel Riley.

Now we have the Outlook Orchestra, who have teamed up with my colleague, David Rodigan, over the last few years to bring us some special shows which shine the spotlight on the incredible legacy of our genre to date.

As I write this, rehearsals are taking place in deepest south London for the latest in a line of performances which include a recent appearance at Wilderness in Oxford.

The conductor and band leader is Tom Evans.

“The Orchestra was originally set up as a collaboration between the Outlook festival and the South Bank,” he tells me.

“It celebrated the festival’s 10th anniversary. The first show we did six years ago was a celebration of some of the biggest tracks that had been played at the festival. The next show we did was with Rodigan and it has grown from there.

“All of the musicians have a connection with the music – from myself to the second vio-

“This is very important to us. We love the music and this helps it to stay credible” linist – we all are either in other groups or working with artists.

“This is very important to us – it isn’t about just a series of classical musicians who play the dots – we love the music and this helps it to stay credible.

“We don’t try to do flowery versions of the music, there is power behind the sound with an orchestral element to give it an added touch. As MD, it’s my job the music is played how it is supposed to be played and heard.”

As well as being the front man for this operation, he is also the drummer for acclaimed band Gentleman’s Dub Club. For this forthcoming performance the orchestra has assembled a starstudded line-up of guest vocals from home and abroad.

The likes of Bitty Mclean and Horseman both regularly appear as front men for Outlook, and this show will be graced by two of Jamaica’s most revered vocal talents when Freddie McGregor and Horace Andy both sing a few of their classics with an orchestral twist.

Horace was fresh in the UK after being involved in a horrific accident in Jamaica just prior to leaving for London. He suffered a badly broken arm and was fortunate that his injuries were not worse.

The opportunity to perform in the UK alongside Outlook was too great for Horace to miss.

“These guys are very special – I wish they were my band fulltime! They really understand the music and bring it to life in a different style.

“I love working with them and this is now my third performance with them here in the UK. I particularly love the strings section; they make these songs sound even more magical.”

Working with this calibre of artist is not something that Tommy takes for granted.

SCENES TO SAVOUR:

Clockwise, from main, Horace Andy, main and below left, and Freddie McGregor, below, performed with David Rodigan and The Outlook Orchestra at this year’s Wilderness Festival at Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire

PRIVILEGE

“I sometimes can’t believe that we are working together. I used to play these guys’ tracks over and over aged 11, and now I am rehearsing with them! It’s an absolute privilege.”

The show journeys through the different periods of Jamaican music, starting with ska and concluding in dancehall.

It is a carefully constructed trip which allows the music to be consumed by a much wider demographic.

Outlook Orchestra don’t just specialise in reggae. Last month they reshaped and refixed Dizzee Rascal’s awardwinning catalogue for an epic show in Crystal Palace, and to see an artist like Dizzee work so coherently with the complexed arrangements and instrumentation was a credit to both him and the players.

Having watched them rehearse is truly inspirational.

The music has a new dimension to it – it was amazing, a pure delight to hear.

The versatility and timeless nature of the music we love so much is on full display here and, after nearly two years of no gigs in the UK, it is reassuring to have the legacy and continued care and attention of our music and culture in safe hands.

Big up to the entire Orchestra, and if you see this show rolling into town be sure to catch it for something special.

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44 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2021

Lifestyle

Books

Hey You! It’s all about the kids

Award-winning illustrator Adeola is hoping his new book will help to empower black children

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

Y

OU WILL have to check out the full interview on The Voice website for a 360-degree understanding of how influential award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola is aiming to be in the literary space, but his recent book, Hey You!, starts by addressing the children.

Adeola is adamant that young black kids of this generation don’t grow with the same debilitating lack of self-awareness and inner strength that plagued him as a young boy.

Hey You! is directly written as a response to the events of 2020, including the brutal murder of George Floyd and

“We really have resilience as black people, the strengths that we have as black people, the connectedness of us all around the world” the narrative for the book was solidified in its final form when Adeola looked to address the question about what might have been different had he felt more confident and assured in his skin at a younger age – if he’d seen his story told.

“There’s an excerpt in this book which this answer relates to, which is my own journey, what point in my life did I start to feel empowered and seen?” Adeola said.

“And for me, that wasn’t until my mid to late-20s, and what I was trying to achieve with this book is have that happen sooner for future generations and current generations of young children.

“I was asked a question halfway through editing the first draft of the book by my editor. He was like ‘when did you feel em-

LEARNING THROUGH EXPERIENCE: Dapo Adeola used his own childhood to pen Hey You! (photo: Tim Lane/Penguin Books)

powered as a young black person?’ It hit me like a brick.

“When I really looked at it, it wasn’t until I started doing my own research into us as people in the modern world that I started to come across things that lifted and empowered me, that helped me understand that we really have resilience as black people, the strengths that we have as black people, the connectedness of us all around the world.

“And I thought to myself, wow, that wasn’t until my 20s, what would it have been like if I’d felt that at a younger age?”

CHALLENGE

London born and bred but of Nigerian heritage, Adeola is well-known for creating characters that challenge expectations around race and gender in a fun, upbeat way.

He is the co-creator and illustrator of bestselling picture book Look Up! (published by Puffin) which won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and was the number one debut picture book of 2019.

Passionate about supporting black illustrators and creatives, in 2019 Adeola created the Twitter hashtag #BlackBritish Illustrators, where black British creatives share their artwork and stories.

In November 2020, Adeola wrote an open letter asking the media to credit illustrators,

which was signed by Malorie Blackman, Patrice Lawrence, Chris Mould, Rob Biddulph, Sarah McIntyre and more.

Adeola said: “A goal of mine with this book was to shine a light on black talent.

“That’s why we have 18 illustrators helping me bring the work to life. And the reason I wanted to do that is because there is a huge dearth of talent when it comes to black illustrators.

“Up until a couple of years

ago I was one of two black illustrators in the children’s book illustration world in the UK. “Of the two of use, I only had one book out and the other had a 34-year career prior to me coming into the game. I am 38 years old, so they have been working since I was four.

“There hasn’t been anyone else of prominence since then which is insane to me considering the amount of talent that there is in our community.”

Hey You! is a book that explores the words that Adeola wished he heard as a child, a letter to his past self and a letter to his future child, which is brought to life through the lens of illustrators from across the black diaspora with their unique and varying styles throughout, jumping off the page in colourful celebration.

See the full interview voice-online.co.uk

Sandra puts students on the right track through Focus Lane Books

BY JEROME CONWAY MANCHESTER-BASED Sandra Smith Brown is a maths teacher with over 20 years of experience who has recently published a series of well-received maths, science and English exercise books.

Here, she talks to Lifestyle about her career, her company Focus Lane Books, becoming a new author and hopes for the future.

Lifestyle: What was the motivation for the new books?

Sandra Smith Brown: I was motivated to create my books through a real situation with real children for a

real purpose in the classroom. I remember being stood in a classroom with a group of 30 students. I’d asked my class to refer back to their work on trigonometry.

They were struggling to find that particular piece of work.

I seized the opportunity to engage in a whole class discussion to gather thoughts on what would work best for them.

They concluded that it would be helpful if their work were more organised so they could find their written maths topics at a glance.

That was May 2015. I went home that day fully motivated, to follow through with some ideas.

This is the story behind the creation of Focus Lane Books.

ise their daily written work, with a content page at the start of each subject book. They can record key topics as they study; for help with homework, class work or revision.

They can refer to the page number, just like a personal exercise book.

Many have lost their way in school or at home and just need space for support to rebuild their confidence.

TOP MARKS: Sandra Smith Brown L: What will readers learn/gain from the books?

SSB: Focus Lane Books are different – they are not your traditional, plain exercise books.

My books help students to organ-

@thevoicenewspaper

L: You’ve spent your life teaching, describe that journey and career?

SSB: I have worn many hats over my 29 years of experience in teaching.

This includes head of maths, working closely with the numeracy consultant.

This led to promotion as director of curriculum.

I am also a member of the leadership team, and director of co-curricu-

@thevoicenews

voicenews

lum where I provide whole school enrichment with outside providers within the community and beyond.

L: Can we expect more books from you? If, so when and what subjects?

SSB: I’m always seeking opportunities to build on what I have achieved so far in writing my books. Yes, there will more subject books on offer in the future for sure.

I am working on a second edition in response to customer feedback combined with my ideas. They should be available at the end of September.

For more information visit focuslanebookcompany.com, email focuslanebookcompany@gmail. com or search focuslanebooks on Facebook and Instagram.

www.voice-online.co.uk

at

SEPTEMBER 2021

THE VOICE | 45

Lifestyle

Television

Whyte’s role of honour

Actress Sharlene couldn’t have felt more proud to be offered the chance to portray Doreen Lawrence in Stephen

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

S

HARLENE WHYTE, Steve Coogan and Hugh Quarshie play leading roles in Stephen, the three-part sequel to the ground-breaking ITV drama The Murder of Stephen Lawrence.

Whyte (Small Axe, We Hunt Together) takes the role of Doreen Lawrence, with Quarshie (Breeders, Absentia, White Heat, Holby City) reprising his performance of Neville Lawrence from the original award-winning drama.

BAFTA award-winning actor Coogan (Stan & Ollie, Philomena) takes the role of DCI Clive Driscoll who led the investigation into the murder of the Lawrences’ beloved son, Stephen.

Stephen portrays events from 2006, 13 years after Stephen’s death on the evening of April 22, 1993 in a racially motivated attack while waiting for a bus in Well Hall Road, Eltham.

Even though Doreen and Neville Lawrence knew the identity of their son’s killers, the original investigation had failed to convict those responsible, and their extraordinary campaign for justice led to a public inquiry which branded Metropolitan Police institutionally racist and brought about sweeping changes in the law and police practices and transformed thinking and understanding of racial inequality in the UK. Yet six years on from the Inquiry no progress had been made into the case. The drama tells the story of the on-going struggle by Doreen and Neville Lawrence to achieve justice and how a detective, DCI Clive Driscoll – working closely with the Lawrences – puts together an

DOING THE FAMILY JUSTICE: Sharlene Whyte as Doreen Lawrence; inset below left, Hugh Quarshie as Neville Lawrence, along with Steve Coogan as DCI Clive Driscoll, and Whyte as Doreen (photos courtesy of ITV)

“It’s no longer about you, the actor. It’s about telling what happened to her with detail and accuracy” investigation that finally, more than 18 years after his death, secures the convictions of two of the gang who committed the murder of Stephen.

Whyte spoke on her role, remembering the incident and what it was like for her to film at the real-life locations.

Lifestyle: What do you remember hearing about the murder of Stephen Lawrence?

Sharlene Whyte: “I had just left school in 1993 to go to college when Stephen was murdered. It was a huge story at the time. We were all teenagers at a similar age to Stephen and his friend Duwayne.

“I remember hearing about it vividly, that a young man had been murdered at a bus stop. It was just so awful.”

L: What were your thoughts when you heard a drama was being produced?

SW: “I was approached about the role around Christmas 2020 and I was able to read the scripts and watch documentaries about Doreen to prepare for my audition.

“I had just played a powerful and determined mum fighting for the rights of her child in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe film Education. This felt like I was getting to play another brilliantly strong mum, but it did also feel like a massive responsibility.

“I did a lot of research. I watched a number of Doreen’s interviews and listened to her, just to get her voice and her intonation. I read her biography, And Still I Rise, which had a lot of background information about how she grew up in Jamaica and then her move to the UK. L: How would you describe the journey Doreen Lawrence has been on?

SW: “Doreen is a woman of great strength and determination. Someone who fights for justice for her son. It reflects who she was as a child, I guess.

You don’t really see the strong inner determination on her face.

It doesn’t play out outwardly, it’s all going on inside.

“That this happened to her is shocking and horrendous for any parent. Doreen Lawrence really is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

“Having lost her son, there were many people and institutions trying to prevent her from seeking justice. Doreen displayed a single-minded determination. She was greatly disrespected as a woman and as a parent who had her child taken away. I feel she has this inner determination which says, ‘I want justice for my son, no matter the cost.’ Playing Doreen is a gift of a role for an actor

because you are able to be lost within her story. It’s no longer about you, the actor. It’s about telling what happened to her with detail and accuracy.

“For that reason it was very easy to forget the cameras were there because you were there to fulfil this story.”

L: What was it like filming at some of the real-life locations?

SW: “We filmed the Old Bailey court scenes at another location. Those scenes were

heart-breaking, imagining what it would have been like for Doreen to see two of the killers of her child in the dock. She also makes a speech outside the court at the end of the trial. That was very powerful.”

L: What does it mean to you to have played the role of Doreen Lawrence?

SW: “I am very proud to be a part of this production and to be a small part of the legacy of Stephen Lawrence, part of Do-

reen’s story. A bright, beautiful message that can be projected into the future for future generations of young black men and women. And, hopefully, there will be an end to discrimination and racism against people based on the colour of their skin. So it is a proud moment for me to be a part of this drama.

Stephen is on ITV, Monday, August 30 at 9pm.

September 10 is the day we should all check out Channel 4

BY JOEL CAMPBELL ON SEPTEMBER 10, Channel 4 will broadcast programmes fronted by black talent and featuring black contributors as part of its on-going commitment to improve black representation on and off the screen.

From The Big Breakfast, Gogglebox and Channel 4 News to new programmes including docu-realty show Highlife and scripted comedy Big Age, the shows will cross every genre of programming on Channel 4 and All 4.

Planned over a year, and working with nu-

merous programme makers, production partners and the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, the goal of the project has been to identify and address the barriers for inclusion and progression for black talent on screen and, crucially, behind the camera, too.

Over the past year, Channel 4 has built new industry relationships, commissioned new shows beyond this project and been introduced to new on and off-screen black talent. It has committed to sharing their learnings from this work to shape how they work in the future.

Check it out on September 10!

46 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2021

Sport TOP SPORTS COVERAGE 24/7 VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK/SPORT

OF SPORT NEWSPAPER

POWELL AIMING HIGH Brighton boss says WSL side need to push on after progressive 2020/21 campaign

By Rodney Hinds

H

OPE POWELL has been synonymous with the women’s game in England for over a decade. She was appointed as the first ever full-time national coach of the England Women’s team in June 1998.

She was the youngest ever England coach and the first female England coach. Hope is now the first-team manager of Women’s Super League (WSL) outfit Brighton & Hove Albion.

Here she talks to the Voice of Sport about a progressive last season and the advances that the women’s game is making…

RH: When you reflect on the 2020/21 season what comes to mind?

HP: If I’m honest we probably exceeded expectations. We wanted to do more than just stay in the league.

The first season we just wanted to stay in the WSL, but the priorities have gone beyond that now. We want to start looking up the table. We had some real standout displays last term and that contributed to us finishing sixth in the league. We put in the work to justify where we finished.

RH: Tell me about some of the standout displays from the last campaign.

“They are a nice bunch.

Everybody relies on everybody to play their part” HP: A shock loss to Bristol City was a negative standout, but proved to be a turning point in our season.

It made us start again, take time and pay attention to what we were doing. We were the only team to beat champions Chelsea. An away draw against Manchester City was good, too, as we were genuinely competing.

Beating Manchester United at home was unexpected. It was an interesting season and we learned a lot about ourselves as a set of staff and players.

We have to build on the good parts to ensure that we don’t become a cropper (as against Bristol) in games that we should be performing better in.

RH: What tribute can you pay to your staff and players after incremental progress?

HP: The players have shown a lot of resilience and togetherness and that has been at the core of our progress. They

are a nice bunch that like each other. The values that we have as a team and club, they live them. They work hard and do it for each other, there are no celebrities, so to speak.

Everybody relies on everybody to play their part and they did that really well last season.

That cohesiveness has really helped us. The culture shift that we have been working towards is taking effect.

RH: Tell me a little about the ‘pandemic season’ which was unique to everyone HP: It was a different way of working and everybody played their part. The staff were magnificent, especially our medical team. It was a relentless period and everyone had to adapt to it.

It was a challenge but we realised that we were in a very privileged position in being able to play elite sport and continue to do our jobs.

RH: On a personal level, how was season 2020/21 for you?

HP: Well, the first lockdown, I quite appreciated to be honest.

It was probably the first time since I was a teenager that I didn’t have to travel abroad for work. It was the first time I’d been still for a long time in my life – and that was quite nice as it was a little bit of respite.

IN A GOOD PLACE: Hope Powell says the team has shown a lot of resilience throughout the pandemic

But obviously there was a lot of working from home and that got quite intense but I didn’t have to go anywhere! Elite sport then came back and I think we adapted pretty well.

RH: Working at Brighton comes over as a real positive. Share a little about the club.

HP: We have a fantastic owner/ chairman in Tony Bloom who values the women’s game, men’s game and the community which is really refreshing.

The progress we have made as a team has been recognised and we are being backed in the things we are trying to do which is a nice feeling and good place

to be. Women’s football at this club is valued.

RH: Sky Sports will show at least 35 Women’s Super League games exclusively live during the 2021/22 season. That’s a tremendous boost for the game’s development, isn’t it?

HP: If you had said 10 years ago that the women’s game would have been offered a deal like this, we would have snapped your hand off!

The positive shift in interest is fantastic and the injection of money from commercial partners can only help the game.

Hopefully that money filters down to the grassroots which is

the future of the sport. The fact that Sky feel it is a product good enough to show is great and will help everybody raise standards and awareness and as a result get more and more young girls wanting to play. I think the deal makes us the envy of the football world.

RH: Are you still enjoying coaching players and everything else that goes with managing a football team?

HP: It’s great working with players that have an appetite to learn. We generally have a good time until we lose a match! Essentially, it’s still fun for me.

Will to play tennis icons’ father

HOLLYWOOD STAR Will Smith is to play Richard Williams, father of legendary tennis aces Venus and Serena Williams, in a blockbuster movie later this year.

Based on the true story that will inspire the world, Warner Bros. Pictures’ King Richard follows the journey of Richard Williams, an undeterred father instrumental in raising two of the most extraordinarily gifted athletes of all time, who will end up changing the sport of tennis forever.

Two-time Oscar nominee Smith stars as Richard, under the direction of Reinaldo Marcus Green.

Aunjanue Ellis plays the girls’ mum, Oracene “Brandi” Williams, Saniyaa Sidney stars as Venus, Demi Singleton stars as Serena, with

ROLE: Will Smith, left, and Richard Williams Tony Goldwyn as coach Paul Cohen and Jon Bernthal as coach Rick Macci.

The ensemble also includes Andy Bean, Kevin Dunn and Craig Tate.

King Richard is due for release in November.

TOGETHERNESS: Hope Powell’s Brighton side finished sixth in the league last season

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SEPTEMBER 2021

THE VOICE | 47

Sport

A 2020 vision

‘How can we afford to let our children play football?’

RISING STAR: Japhet Tanganga is proving to be a massive success in the Premier League at Tottenham – but will the current cost of signing up to your local junior club mean future players will be denied the same opportunity? Below left, one of Footstepz Football Academy’s training sessions

Will the rising costs involved in joining a junior football club mean England will never win a major trophy? asks Joel Campbell

P

ROBABLY, LIKE most football fans up and down the country, I got swept up in all of the Euro 2020 hype and really wanted to be able to say I’ve seen England win a major tournament.

I wanted to say I saw the Gareth Southgate era of young guns consisting of Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling et al shoot down Italy.

I wanted to laud the generation of talent coming through and the attention to detail showed by the The FA over the last decade which has led to some recognisable and tangible progression as a footballing nation.

A couple of weeks later, however, I was in a quandary.

As I sat in the press box for my first games of the Premier League season, firstly at European Champions Chelsea, who put Crystal Palace to the sword with a competent 3-0 victory with the last goal coming from debutant Trevoh Chalobah, and then the next day at Spurs where Tottenham beat Premier League champions Manchester City 1-0 in Nuno Espirito Santo’s first game in charge – a victory epitomised by the spirit of full back Japhet Tanganga who was an absolute monster on the day – I couldn’t help but wonder how we sustain the conveyor belt of talent like the aforementioned two coming through?

As a parent of an eightyear-old boy and five-yearold daughter, the fervour of Euro 2020 engulfed my house.

My son, having shown no interest in the game prior to the tournament, now wants to be a goalkeeper.

The dutiful dad that I am, I contacted my local football team, and off to the training session we went.

Much like any foot-

“The price for us to train went up to £135 an hour from £80” ball-loving parent, watching my son enjoy himself and start out on his path to who knows what type of footballing glory, filled me with glee.

Could he be the next Jordan Pickford? Lord knows, that’s all I hear about these days!

I must say, the wander that my mind went on was stopped dead in its tracks when, following that training session, I was told by the Academy founder how much it would cost for my son to play for that season.

ALLOWED

I nearly spat my Lucozade out.

My first thought was, can everyone afford this? What if I had more kids that wanted to play?

Who helps with this cost? Does the FA know about this? How has this been allowed to go on?

I legitimately couldn’t believe that the likes of Sterling, Tangaga, Rashford and whoever else you want to name have been faced with this.

No wonder it’s taken us so long to look consistent at the national level. Financially, the grassroots would seem to be all over the

place.A deep dive into costs for grassroots football up and down the country has since shown me there is a consistent financial theme running through the game and it doesn’t bode for a positive continuation of the recent successes we’ve seen in the last World Cup and this years Euro Championship.

Talking to the founder of Footstepz Football Academy, Yomi Adu, pictured below, he explained that he charges as little as possible, but the costs are far from enticing for parents who want their children to explore a love of the game.

He said: “I have been coaching and mentoring up to 70 young people from Waltham Forest per week, as an unpaid volunteer for the last five years, with various local youth teams.

“After my own son showed a keen interest to play for a team.

I, too, was truly shocked at the cost involved for my son to join a local team, at £380 at that time. I didn’t remember that to be the case when I was a young player myself.

“This was until I realised the costs involved to run youth teams, such as: training facilities, training equipment, team kits, matchday pitch (hire per team), referee fees, League and FA affiliation costs, public liability/ personal accident insurance, and this before any coaches/ staffing costs.”

Adu’s teams are based in east London’s Waltham Forest where a match on an artificial pitch at Salisbury Hall Playing

Fields in Chingford costs £306 at peak times, such as the weekend. Commenting on the challenges local clubs face, in a recent article in Waltham Forest’s local paper, Steven Hodges, chairman of AFC Leyton said: “Last year, for training, the price for us went up to £135 an hour, when it was previously around £80, during the middle of a pandemic.

VOLUNTEER

“We are a charity football club that focuses on female development. We get fees from parents and whatever grants we can get, but we are non-profit.

“The only people that get paid are the coaches, because we get the best coaches we can, everyone else is a volunteer.”

Tapping into the value of engaging positively with the next

generation, Adu’s vision for Footstepz Academy goes further than just coaching talented footballers.

He enthused: “I decided to set the organisation up firstly because of my own life experiences. Having come through a tough childhood, football and sport has provided me with so much, in the way of confidence, discipling, social skills and friends, and has always been an outlet and way to express myself in a positive environment.

“I’m passionate about the importance and part that sport plays in the lives of young people. Also, as a father of four children, I have been heartbroken with the number of murders and violent incidents that have, sadly, become a part of daily life in my local area and throughout the capital.

“Only a few months ago, a boy of 17 was tragically gunned down, literally outside of my home. It was at this point I decided I needed to do something for the young people in my community.

“Footstepz CIC was created in May 2021, to tackle mental illness, youth crime and promote good health and well-being in our young people.

“We are a not-for-profit youth organisation that aims to build stronger communities by bringing sport (primarily football) to

children from all backgrounds.

Fundamentally Footstepz aims to help create pathways and opportunities for young people in disadvantaged areas of London either via our youth teams (Footstepz Football Academy), afterschool clubs, holiday clubs and open development sessions.

“One of the most important things in setting up the football academy was that it was affordable and open to all children, no matter their background.

COMPETITIVE

“And we currently offer one of the most competitive packages in Waltham Forest for our registered players.

“Our biggest need at this moment is to secure funding and sponsorship to make it possible to subsidise season costs in the coming seasons for our kids, many of which are from low-income families.”

If we’re going to see more Chalobahs and Tangangas coming through, the grassroots of the game will need greater financial support.

Over the course of this season the Voice of Sport will be looking into how this can happen.

Have you found it difficult to find a team for your child because of the costs? Let us know.

48 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2021