The Voice Newspaper January 2021

JANUARY 2021 • ISSUE NO. 1914

Ones to watch 2021 See page 36-37

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Prominent influencers review 2020 and the outlook for 2021

See pages 6,4, 23 - 26

PROGRESS ON WINDRUSH

AT LONG LAST

Changes to the impact on life award: n Minimum raised from £250 - £10,000 n Maximum raised from £10,000 to £100,000 n Minimum early payment of £10,000

Plus removal of 12 month loss of employment cap

“As well as supporting those affected, we recognise, appreciate and celebrate all Windrushians for their continued contribution to the United Kingdom.

Bishop Derek Webley, Chair, Windrush Working Committee.”

Happy New Year to all our readers

Inside

ROUNDUP

THIS MONTH

NEWSPAPER

Spotlight

News, views, stories & videos

Professor Kevin Fenton on why the vaccine is vital to us getting back on track with our lives p4

THE 10 MOST POPULAR STORIES ON VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK 1. Dutchavelli addresses allegations that he messaged 14-year-old on Instagram The rapper took to Instagram TV to address rumours that he sent inappropriate messages.

2. Nicole Thea’s partner says medical mistake destroyed his family

Figures from the worlds of music, TV and more let us know how they have learned from 2020 p6, 39

Jeffery Frimpong has alluded to the cause of her death in a YouTube video.

3. Patrick Hutchinson: ‘I’m not the docile black man out here to save the white man’ Everyone Versus Racism by Hutchinson is a poignant letter from the father of four to his children and grandchildren.

Dotun Adebayo: All eyes on Kamala as she becomes US vice-president p8 It might not feel like it, but change is coming – and we should be excited, says Lord Woolley p23

4. The MOBO Awards: The winners are...

The MOBO Awards made a huge comeback with a virtual ceremony, hosted by Maya Jama and Chunkz in a stream live on YouTube.

5. Two Black men from the Stockwell Six have their convictions sent for appeal

Two black men who were convicted on the evidence of a now discredited white police officer have had their cases referred for appeal.

6. Christmas spirit takes a blow as Chelsea star’s car robbed

While helping to feed hungry children, Reece James' car was robbed by heartless thieves.

7. UK’s first black hair code aims to protect employees from discrimination

Sir Lenny Henry channels triumphs and tragedy in new post-Windrush ITV series p38

The Halo Code is the first of its kind in the UK.

8. Small Axe: Director opens up about racist school experiences

Steve McQueen says having an ‘unfortunate time growing up as a Black child in the British education system’ was the premise for final film .

9. Marcus Rashford’s mum: ‘At times we didn’t have a loaf of bread in the house’ Mel Maynard has told of struggles that have driven the footballer’s campaign against food poverty.

The year sport returns for good: See our handy event calendar

10. Darrell and Darren Roberts: sister of twins at risk of deportation talks of ‘constant fear’

The sister told The Voice that the 25-year-olds could be removed to Grenada and Dominica.

p46-47

This issue is 48 pages

Safiya Rose-Hartwell, junior doctor, London

I STUDIED undergraduate medicine at the University College London (UCL) where I completed a BSc in physiology and pharmacology, after attending non-selective state schools Addey and Stanhope and Harberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls.

During my undergraduate years I worked part time in widening Participation at UCL, working on summer schools and longer term mentoring projects.

I was also a team lead for the volunteer scheme Target medicine which helps aspiring sixth form students who wish to apply for medicine, a programme in which I had also participated.

I completed my first two years as a Doctor in Birmingham and I am currently on an ‘F3’ year (unofficial year out of training), a vocation which I chose because I enjoyed science in school and wanted a job that helped people in a profound way.

Being on the frontline of a global pandemic is not how I had envisioned my primary years as a doctor.

It has been a time of great uncertainty, but also ones with lots of learning and adaptability.

It's been a time of seeing the true extremes of human life – I spent the first wave between an obstetric and gynaecology placement with babies being born, to being redeployed to a COVID ward with extremely unwell patients, some of whom unfortunately passed away.

I have an interest in women’s health and have recently completed the DRCOG diploma (Diplomate [diploma holder] of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) and would like to pursue this in a community setting in the future.

Outside of medicine I’m a keen advocate for widening participation and have been involved in various mentoring schemes.

I’m currently a mentor for Melanin Medics and review images for black and brown skin (a platform displaying signs of disease on black and brown skin).

I enjoy travelling (when allowed), reading, learning about new cultures and learning Spanish.

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

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JANUARY 2021 THE VOICE | 3

News feature

‘They have suffered so much’

A win for Windrush Minimum compensation payment increased to a maximum of £100,000

By Sophie Huskisson

JAMAICAN HIGH COMMISSIONER, HE Seth George Ramocan, has welcomed the improvements to the Windrush Compensation Scheme.

“This is a welcome development,” he said.

“It is an acknowledgement of the need to further reduce the vilification of those affected and that given the passage of time the greater burden of proof should reside with the authorities instead of with the victims, who have already suffered so much.”

“We are pleased that the Home Office has responded to the concerns of those affected by the Windrush Scandal and have taken on board the recommendations made by the Working Group and community spokespersons,” the High Commissioner said.

He added that the High Commission would continue to closely monitor developments and offer support and advice to affected persons and their families.

‘A step in the right direction’ In sharing his reaction to the announcement to The Voice, Clive Foster, founder of the Nottingham Windrush Support Forum, vice chair of Windrush National Organisation provided the following comment: “I welcome this decision as a step in the right direction to correct the wrongs of the Windrush Scandal.

“There is a clear recognition from all parties involved, the Home Office, campaigners, activists and most importantly those affected; that this step is one of many that is needed to address this matter.

“We all have a vital role to play, and we must work together to ensure that such egregious injustice never befalls any group of people in this country again.”

T

HE MINIMUM compensation payment to victims of the Windrush scandal is to be increased from £250 to £10,000, home secretary Priti Patel announced last month.

In huge reforms to the compensation scheme, the maximum payment will increase from £10,000 to £100,000.

Money will be given out to anyone who can show that the scandal impacted their life.

This is a marked improvement from the previous scheme, where some had to wait years while their application was processed.

CHANGES

Changes will also be made to the rules in the Loss of Access to Employment category.

Most notably, the 12 month cap on payments will be removed in all circumstances.

In a statement to the House of Commons, Patel, pictured below, said: “The Windrush Generation helped build the Britain we know and love today.

“The Windrush compensation scheme is a key part of our efforts to right the wrongs they endured.”

Describing the Windrush scandal as “a stain” on the department and the government, Patel further added: “It is my mission to correct the wrongs of the past.

“I will continue to work with

WORKING FOR JUSTICE: Members of the Windrush Generation, their families and campaigners (pictured in 2018) the Windrush working group to do exactly that.”

At least nine victims of the scandal died before receiving compensation, including one of the most well-known Windrush campaigners, Paulette Wilson.

In reacting to the announcement, sub-chair of the Windrush Lessons Learned review group Duwayne Brooks said: “I am sincerely sorry that we were unable to fix the scheme before they died.

“However, this is a positive way forward.

“I would like to thank all t h o s e victims that

reached out to us and those who campaigned vigorously for justice to be done” Anthony Brown was himself affected by the Windrush scandal, and now campaigns to help others. Though he welcomes

away citizenship from the Windrush Generation.

Until the law is changed many will continue to suffer wrongs and live in limbo if their citizenship is not restored no matter how high the level of

The Windrush compensation scheme is a key part of our efforts to right the wrongs the changes, he believes that moving forward, more must be done to help those who have been affected by the scandal.

Speaking to The Voice, he said: “The Home Office must have a dialogue with those who are wronged to know how the wrongs can be put right.

“It was the law that took

compensation, as they will not be able to access the compensation scheme.”

Bishop Derek Webley, Chair of the Windrush Working Group, stated “I and my fellow members will continue to engage in open and honest dialogue on the issues, and to work constructively in partnership with all those who share our

deep commitment to right the wrongs that people from these communities have suffered”.

The Working Group provides support, challenge, and advice to the Home Office on all matters related to Windrush.

Members of the group provide feedback and insights to Government from those affected in all communities – be they Caribbean, Indian, African or any of the Commonwealth countries who were part of ‘the Windrush Generation’ that came to Britain between 19481973.

He added: “We will continue to use our collective expertise and experience to develop and deliver practical solutions to help those affected by the Scandal overcome the challenges they face.”

£500k Windrush Community Fund opens for bids VOICE4CHANGE England (V4CE) are pleased to announce the Windrush Community Fund.

This fund is open to community and grassroots groups and organisations to bid for financial assistance to help ensure that community groups can give support to those of the Windrush generation who may have faced difficulties in demonstrating their status or who may have suffered losses.

The aim of the Fund is to raise awareness and support engagement among those eligible for the govern-

ment’s Windrush Compensation Scheme and Windrush Scheme.

Charitable, community and grassroot organisations across the UK that work with affected communities can bid for an award from £2,500 up to £25,000, to ensure all people affected by Windrush are aware of the support available and are not missing out on the schemes or latest information.

Affected communities are those facing difficulties in demonstrating their lawful status in the UK, depending on when they arrived, and those

who therefore suffered losses in proving their right to work, finding a place to live, accessing healthcare or some other impact.

The Home Office fund has been designed with the Windrush Cross-Government Working Group and will be administered by Voice4Change England. V4CE has no role or connection with the Windrush Scheme or Windrush Compensation Scheme but is focused on assisting community groups who apply for the fund.

Final decisions on funding will be made by the Windrush

Cross-Government Working Group and the Home Office.

This covers people who settled in the UK from a Commonwealth country before 1 January 1973, and people of any nationality who were settled before the end of 1988.

The closing date for Phase 1 applications is February12.

Phase 2 will open for applications on April 1 and will close on June 30. To request applications for Phase 1 or to make enquiries go to voice4changeengland.com/windrushcommunity-fund.

Applications are also wel-

comed from organisations that have links with communities overseas. Applications from several organisations coming together as a consortium will also be considered. More information can be found at gov.uk/homeoffice/windrushcommunity-fund Successful applicants will be notified by Voice4Change England. The Home Office will then send a grant offer letter to these, with details of arrangements. Funding should be released to all successful applicants within eight weeks of application submission.

4 | THE VOICE

JANUARY 2021

News feature

WHY VACCINE IS VITAL Kevin Fenton, Public Health England’s regional director for London, says getting the COVID-19 jab is an important step to keeping you and your loved ones safe – and to getting on with our lives

T

HE START of a new year is often a time for optimism, a time to look forward and consider the opportunities in front of us.

At the start of 2020, our hopes and aspirations for the year were altered entirely by the arrival of COVID-19. The global pandemic has impacted every one of our lives and continues today.

For the black community, the burden has been especially hard.

We have lost so many friends, relatives and loved ones and have had to live daily with the knowledge that our communities are among the most at risk.

Last summer, I personally oversaw a review into the impact of COVID-19 on black and ethnic minority communities which found emerging evidence to suggest excess deaths are higher in black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) populations, and that individuals of black African or black Caribbean ethnicity may be worst affected.

Those conclusions were further supported in analysis by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in October, which found that in England and Wales, men of black African background had the highest rate of death involving COVID-19, 2.7 times higher than white males.

For females, the death rate among people of black Caribbean background was almost twice that of white females.

The toll has been high and were it not for the major breakthrough of the COVID-19 vaccine, we might all be forgiven for moving into 2021 without much cause for hope.

Thankfully though, we know this year will be different.

The arrival of the vaccine means the end of the pandemic is in sight.

It will take time, and we must continue to be cautious, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Incredible efforts from doctors, scientists and virology experts from some of the most trusted and respected organisations in the world have given

Vaccines already stop three million deaths every year. After clean water, they are the most powerful public health intervention in the world us this tool – and it is one we must use.

With the discovery of any new medicine, there is understandably a sense of apprehension in some quarters. But there is evidence to suggest that apprehension is felt most strongly in black and ethnic minority communities.

A poll carried out by the Royal Society for Public Health, published last month, found just 57 per cent of respondents from black or ethnic minority backgrounds were likely to accept a COVID-19 vaccine, compared to 79 per cent of white respondents.

COMPLEX

There are many complex reasons why that might be the case but whatever the origin, it is important we address those concerns and ensure people understand how and why the vaccine is safe.

Fortunately, the responses to those concerns are compelling.

Vaccines are quite simply the most effective way to prevent infectious disease.

Most of us, including our children and wider families, have already had at least one, and they are responsible for stopping up to three million deaths worldwide every year.

After clean water, they are the most powerful public health intervention in the world, and we already reap the benefits of vaccine treatment against other diseases including smallpox,

CLEAR MESSAGE: Public Health England’s regional director for London, Kevin Fenton, front, arrives to hold a remote press conference to update the nation on the COVID-19 pandemic inside 10 Downing Street on December 14, 2020. Britain’s Health Secretary Matt Hancock and British Chief Medical Officer for England Chris Whitty follow behind polio and the measles. The process of finding a vaccine can be very challenging, and we are yet to find effective jabs for HIV and malaria, which puts into context the magnitude of this success.

But speed has not been a substitute for safety. The creation of the COVID-19 vaccine has essentially taken forward work that has been under way on coronaviruses for many years.

It has also been through some of the most rigorous safety tests in the world to get to the point of roll out.

Teams of scientists and clinicians have carefully and methodically reviewed the data on safety, effectiveness and quality throughout numerous tests and trials.

This includes results from laboratory studies, clinical trials, manufacturing and quality controls and testing, so we can be very confident that every

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precaution has been taken.

And for those who may have questions about ingredients, rest assured that the vaccine doesn’t contain porcine or other meat derivatives.

Despite the complexities of

it off, much like you would the common cold.

We know the COVID-19 vaccine is our best route back to normal life, but for it to be effective, we need as many people to have the jab as possible.

We know the COVID-19 vaccine is our best route back to normal life, but we need as many people to have the jab as possible establishing a safe and effective vaccine, the principles behind how they work are quite simple.

In basic terms, to create a vaccine, the germ is weakened, or completely inactivated so that it cannot cause the disease.

When this weakened or inactive germ is introduced to the immune system, it trains the body to recognise it and fight

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Doing so means protecting yourself, your parents, your grandparents, even your children from the impact of this deadly virus. It is a simple choice and one we are very fortunate to have.

The vaccine brings an element of certainty to what has been a very uncertain 12 months, so we can start 2021

voicenews

with a sense of optimism that was missing for much of last year.

But although we have an opportunity to look forward, we must remember we still have a long way to go.

That is why it remains vitally important that until enough of the population receives the jab, we must continue to socially distance, wash our hands, wear our masks, avoid crowded or enclosed spaces and ventilate where we can.

FORWARD

It has been a marathon to get to this point and we have made many sacrifices in our lives and livelihoods, but we can all help bring an end to this pandemic by stepping forward and taking up the vaccine for ourselves, our families, and our wider communities when the time comes.

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6 | THE VOICE JANUARY 2021

Feature

WHAT DID WE LEARN IN 2020?

The Voice speaks to prominent figures to see how they will use the lessons from last year as we move forward with a new sense of purpose

‘The only certainty in life is change’ Ayanna Witter-Johnson is one of the country’s foremost instrumentalists.

She graduated with a first class degree in Classical Composition and the Trinity Laban Silver Award in 2008, she then went on to complete a Masters of Music in Composition at the Manhattan School of Music.

Whilst she was there, she became the only non-American to win Amateur Night Live at the legendary Apollo Theatre in Harlem.

She has released two EPs and was nominated for her first MOBO Award in 2012.

She has had work commissioned by Bath Festival and the London Symphony Orchestra for the LSO Brass Ensemble, as well as collaborated with other artists, orchestrated and produced original scores for work in New York and the UK. “In 2020 I’ve come to recognise even more that the only certainty in life is change and that relation-

ships with family and friends are incredibly important, and must be nurtured.

“I’ve also come to more deeply appreciate my ability to create as an artist and have been really energised with the recent collaborations I have been a part of, some coming about because creatives have especially wanted to reach out during these testing times.

“For me, 2021 will be a year where I will extend those collaborations and share my artistry as I delve into new ways of connecting with fans, friends and loved ones particularly with the possibility of lockdown continuing for an extended period of time.

“On January 8, I’ll be releasing my Rise Up EP, featuring Akala and Cleveland Watkiss.

“This EP is an inspiring coupling of songs that I’m sure will lift your spirits for the start of a new year and if venues are still able to operate with a socially distant audience, look out for my show at the legendary Jazz Cafe on January 12.

‘Out of chaos I have been able to secure incredible opportunities’ Actor and director Femi Oyeniran got his big break in the cult classic Kidulthood, playing the role of Moony 15 years ago, a role he reprised in the follow-up Adulthood a couple of years later.

His first feature film as a director It’s A Lot came out in 2013.

He sold his second movie The Intent to Netflix. It was funded, shot and distributed completely independently.

“In 2020, I have learnt to seek out opportunity even in the midst of chaos. COVID-19 has been a chaotic ordeal for all us but in this year, God has shaped opportunities for me to work on things I probably wouldn’t normally work on, such as music videos.

“As a director, I am known for my scripted work. Myself and my business partner Nicky were due to release our short film Against All Odds.

“And through our partnership with Motown Records UK for the soundtrack, we were able to

shoot two music videos: Serious 2020 and Likkle Fish. From there, we were able to do another for D Double E and Skepta and Sharna Bass.

“We were due to shoot a couple of feature films this year but we ended up shooting four very strong music videos.

“The ability to pivot and be malleable in the application of my skill is one I will take with me forever.”

‘There should always be a solution’ Paul Canoville was the first black footballer to play for Chelsea and as such had to suffer the kind of racism (from his own fans) that footballers across the country have been taking the knee against throughout 2020.

His autobiography, Black and Blue, is a real testament to how this truly inspirational man overcame the adversities that have come his way in life.

“What have I learnt from 2020? Well, I found another level of being resilient against all the odds and the epitome of keeping my mental health balanced.

“I will apply this in 2021 according to my next plan of action, I am in the process of creating a group which supports men who have survived cancer.

“I want us men to come together to talk in a

private environment where the space is safe, to offload and drive away fear.

“2021 will also bring another concept of wellbeing, I will be supporting young men in how to test themselves for lumps in their testicles.

“Cancer has no age limit, it affects us all. I think teenagers are sometimes left out of the loop because we automatically feel that they are not affected, but they are.

“We have experienced a strange year which has left us unsure of the future, but I am optimistic.

“I have always looked at the negatives but feel that there should always be a solution to any challenge that comes our way.

My motivational sessions will have an added twist to them which I will reveal this year. So watch this space.”

‘Conspiracy theorists have raised their game – we must fight back’ Manchester poet, playwright and novelist Pete Kalu, was one of the founding members of Moss Side Write black writers workshop and has had nine novels, two film scripts and three theatre plays produced to date.

He gained his PhD in Creative Writing from Lancaster University in 2019.

He has a first degree in Law from Leeds University, studied software engineering at Salford University and Languages at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.

In 2018 he was writer in residence at University of the West Indies (Trinidad campus).

For many years he ran a carnival band called Moko Jumbie (Ghosts of the Gods) which took to the streets at Manchester Caribbean Carnival on three feet-high stilts.

He continues to have ambitions in tightrope walking and hat juggling.

“What have I learnt from 2020? Here are just some of the things I have taken away...

“1. Conspiracy theorists. Under pressure from new conspiracy theorists entering the market, original conspiracy theorists have raised their game and are now producing conspiracy theories about conspiracy theories – i.e. meta conspiracy theories.

“This is of course the invisible hand of Charles Darwin whose ulterior motive when producing On The Origin of Species was to thin the gene pool out until the only surviving humans were pure conspiracy theorists. He has almost got his way. We must fight back.

“2. Political advisors. While political advisors as yet cannot walk on water, they can now levitate so as to place themselves above the law.

“The Barnard Castle-visiting Dominic Cummings is the first to prove this.

“3. Schrodinger’s white people. This group is able lament the existence of white privilege while simultaneously acting to perpetuate it, and see no contradiction here.

Photo: The Colour Museum

“Using whiteness to secure advantages (at petrol and police stations, hiring tradespeople, etc) while professing not to be particularly white at all (grandfather was a Turk, etc) during key moments of diversity training Zoom meetings.

“4. Zoom blank face strategy. If you keep your face very, very still in a Zoom work meeting, people will think that you are disconnected so they will not be able to pin any work (often called ‘action points’) on you.

“5. Waistlines and coastlines. No man is an island, but my waist may soon qualify for its own GPS co-ordinates.

“How to apply all this knowledge for 2021 for a better year? My psychedelic autobiographical essays will be platformed (as text and podcasts) by the Royal Literary Society in 2021. My new novel, One Drop, is also due to drop this year.”

Continued on page 39

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8 | THE VOICE JANUARY 2021

News feature

All eyes on Kamala MAKING HISTORY: Kamala Harris has already achieved greatness after becoming the first black woman to be chosen as the future vice-president of the United States.

What’s to stop her becoming the first woman to be the country’s president and the leader of the free world?

Kamala Harris is the most powerful black woman

on the planet. But what will she do with that power? The Voice newspaper is listening to what strong black women have been saying to her. But will she listen? By Dotun Adebayo

T

HIS IS Kamala Harris’s year. As much as Donald Trump doesn’t like it, he’s going to have to bite it. He’s yesterday’s man.

She’s the woman of today.

And with all due respect to the 46th president of the United States of America, Joe Biden, her elevation to the role of vice-president is more profound than his tenure as president.

When people have long forgotten in the pub quiz who the 46th president was, they will still remember that Ms Harris was the first black person and first woman to hold that office.

LOYAL

Frankly, simply being black and a woman outweighs anything that the president can bring to the table of the Oval Office over the next four years.

Even so, it appears that she ‘knows her place’ and has been unstintingly loyal to her boss.

The president is not primus inter pares in the American system as the prime minister is here.

In America, Mr Biden will be the ‘commander in chief’ and Ms Harris will be his second in command.

Make of that what you will in this man’s world in which women are patronised as being the ‘power behind the throne’.

Nevertheless, part of Kamala Harris’s role will be to support the man in charge, and she has done so by reassuring African Americans that President Biden will recognise that the system has failed black boys and black men and will correct that.

She will have to take orders from him and do his bidding.

But how much say will she have in the important decisions of state and how much of the flak for the failures in correcting the injustices faced by the groups who nevertheless will regard her as their representative in the White House will she be able to take?

Therein lies the conundrum

for the first woman, first black woman, first bi-racial woman, first woman of south Asian heritage, etc, to be within a heartbeat of the presidency.

The reality is that she is the first of many things in what is arguably still a white man’s world.

REMINDER

It is within this context that she has to face the critics, chief of whom is America’s foremost feminist intellectual Professor Angela Davis, who qualifies her enthusiasm for the vice-president with a reminder of her voting record when she was, in a previous incarnation, the attorney general of the state of California.

“We can’t forget she did not oppose the death penalty and we cannot forget some of the real problems that are associated with her career as a prosecutor.”

Professor Davis’s critique was echoed by the hip hop rapper and producer Jermaine Dupri, who challenged Kamala Harris’s record as a prosecutor when she addressed the historic black Morehouse College in Atlanta recently.

“You put a lot of brothers away in your past,” he reminded her in front of a packed audience of the great and the good and the young of the black community.

“Yes, I was a prosecutor, she answered. “I decided to go in a

system that I knew was flawed, to reform it. Yes, I decided to go up the rough side of the mountain, as we say in church.”

She concedes that ultimately she failed. She didn’t change the system. But she adds: “I created this whole initiative focused on young men who were young adult men arrested for drug sales, to give them jobs and support, and then I dismissed the charges against them.”

Her “hug a thug” policy as it was disparagingly described is an indication of what Ms Harris is up against as vice-president.

Like many black people who try to work the system from the inside, she will be damned if she does and damned if she doesn’t.

Not least amongst African Americans and women.

Writer Tagwa Shammet relates to this duality of purpose.

“A black woman’s identity is the epitome of ambiguity,” Shammet argues.

“We are ignored and forced to undergo the oppression from intersecting communities of black men on one side and white women on the other.

“The intersectionality of being a black woman constitutes our identity struggles. Kamala Harris is a person who lies inside two separate minorities: marginalised within the already marginalised.”

She continues: “The black patriarchy and white feminism fight to defeat the white patriarchal majority, but tend to forget about black feminists.

“We never know who we are supposed to sympathise with, who we are grouped in with and who we are not.

“I have to listen to white women go on about the pain of being a wom-

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an and black men preach the torture that is being black in America, but when will I hear about being a black woman in America?”

Brittany Packnett Cunningham supports the vice-president and insists that we shouldn’t forget the positive work that Kamala Harris has done.

“She has stood up for Black families and for families of colour.”

But with a wider audience as vice-president, she won’t be able to say it loud, “I’m black

Harris is already an inspiration to girls and young women all over the world by simply becoming the vice president of the United States.

Does she now sit back and enjoy the ride with one eye on 2024/28 when all she has to do is bide her time and she will most probably be elected commander in chief, with the even greater impact of that on girls and women globally and the even higher pedestal history will place her on?

Or does she stand up strong

Matter Global Network and Movement for Black Lives, believes the destination is real change.

She is demanding that the Biden/Harris administration make policy changes addressing police brutality and police accountability and to endorse the BREATHE Act, a four-part legislative proposal drafted by Black Lives Matter activists, which calls for divestment from law enforcement agencies and investment in communities of colour.

It is impossible to talk about EXPERIENCES “Women, people of colour, the disabled and members of the Harris without thinking she LGBTQIA+ community have been under-represented in pomight become the president litical aspheres,” she says. and I’m proud”. That would cheese off a lot of people in a racially divided America.

As the acclaimed Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, pictured left, astutely points out, “It is impossible to talk about Kamala Harris without thinking about what might happen in four or eight years – that she might in fact become president.

“Even if just for the symbolism of it, because the symbolic nature of leadership is important.”

Adichie hits the nail on the head. Given the symbolism. Ms

@thevoicenews

for women and black people as second in command and, in so doing, run the risk that she might turn off a lot of people who might otherwise vote for her as president? Which is the bigger prize?

Black feminist Charlene Carruthers says we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves.

“The election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris was always a door, it was never a destination,” she says.

In which case, what is the destination?

Alicia Garza, one of the founders of the Black Lives

voicenews

“It is their experiences that help us shape what the best solutions are.

“Black Lives Matter is not only changing conversations, but it’s changing laws and how we legislate, how we make the rules, how we shape the rules, how we change the rules of not just policy but of our society and our culture.

“And how we do so in a way that doesn’t just rely on symbols but relies on substance.”

The honeymoon is over. The symbolism of Kamala Harris as vice-president has done its job.

Now people of colour expect her to deliver. Watch this space.

www.voice-online.co.uk

MARCH 2020

THE VOICE| 9

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JANUARY 2021

Column

Built on the back of slaves

Dotun Adebayo reveals the grim truth behind Harewood House in Yorkshire, one of the most magnificent stately homes in the country

“D

O YOU remember the days of slavery,” Winston Rodney aka the Burning Spear asks over and over again in his most famous lyric.

Well, almost everywhere you look in Britain (particularly in the cities of Bristol, Liverpool and Glasgow) there are constant reminders of the days of slavery and the illicit enslavement profits from which the Britain we know today was built.

Now that Black Lives Matter campaigners are turning their attention from pulling down statues of slave owners to putting other lasting monuments of enslavement on notice, the question arises of what we do about historical buildings, built

on the backs of enslaved people, which stand erect as a testimony of man’s inhumanity to man, but also remain as the financial powerbase on which the fortunes of many eminent families and society itself are based.

The National Trust, the custodian of the country’s building heritage, says that a whopping 30 per cent of the houses that it manages were built on the backs of enslaved people. Chief amongst them is Harewood House, near Leeds, widely accepted as one of the most magnificent stately homes in the country. Its many acres of gardens are a sight for sore eyes landscaped by Capability Brown, the most renowned landscape gardener in British history. Every brick of every

room was built on the toil of enslaved Africans, some of whom were the ancestors of one of our best-loved actors, David Harewood, pictured inset left, whose surname is a legacy of his forefathers and foremothers status as the property of the ancestors of the current Lord Harewood.

NOTHING

Before they became ‘Harewoods’ the actor’s ancestors were taken from Africa and forced for generations to work on the Caribbean plantations owned by the Lascelles family, of whom the current 8th Earl of Harewood is a direct descendant. They worked for nothing.

So when the actor was invited to the stately home of the Lascelles from which his surname was given, he was thinking of the blood, sweat and tears of his people for which there has

never been a pay day, no day of reckoning. Without his ancestors being forced to work for free for their entire lives, there would be no Harewood House or, indeed, no grand title for the Lascelles family.

They became the richest and, thus one of the most powerful, families in the country from the wealth of their 47 plantations in the West Indies (mostly in Barbados) and the more than 1,200 enslaved people that they got compensation for by the British government, when it abolished the slave trade in 1807.

All that is history, according to the current Earl, a cousin of the Queen and, resident of the palatial building. There’s nothing much we can do about changing history, he says.

It remains to be seen whether that argument will wash with Black Lives Matter activists as they continue their purge

WEALTH: Harewood House, near Leeds, was built for the Lascelles family (photo: Visit England and Thomas Heaton) of monuments that stand as tributes to enslavement. By all accounts, the current Earl has faced up to the sordid history of his home. The Carnival Messiah performance on the grounds of Harewood House that commemorated the bi-centennial of the ending of the slave trade was devised by the brilliant ethnomusicologist Geraldine Connor and, after her death four years later, the Earl personally ensured that her legacy in claiming black British heritage continued. But the real ques-

tion surely must be whether this home should be handed over by the Lascelles family, directly or indirectly, to the descendants of those very people they brutalised and exploited to build it.

This is the first of a series by The Voice to examine the hidden

history of buildings across the

country which were built form

the profits of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. We examine the

ignoble history of another grand home in the next issue.

MARCH 2020

THE VOICE| 11

12 | THE VOICE JANUARY 2021

Dotun Adebayo

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

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

‘THEY’ CAN HARM US, WHOEVER ‘THEY’ ARE

This year could be our year of reckoning - but for more reasons than you may think

2

021 IS our year of reckoning: The 40th anniversary of the New Cross Fire (this month).

The 40th anniversary of the Black People’s Day of Action (in two months). And the 40th anniversary of the Brixton riots/uprising (in April).

It does not take a genius to work out that these momentous events are connected. But guess which one of these three will be widely covered in the mainstream media?

Yes, you’re right. One hundred per cent. But our year of reckoning doesn’t stop there.

Last year saw the grim reaper of COVID cut a discriminatory swathe through our communities, even as the authorities were concentrating the fight against it elsewhere as they publicly insisted that the virus is colour blind.

The evidence to the contrary greeted us every evening via another empty space in our workplace, and another empty seat on public transport and at the dinner table – in our communities.

We couldn’t help but notice how the great and the good of our communities – doctors and nurses, teachers and militant activists and the pop singers that we grew up to love and dance to, were dying abruptly one after the other.

Back in March when ‘celebrity’ deaths from COVID was still a relatively rare occurrence for the wider community, black Britons were seeing a pattern, and many of us were running scared, let’s face it. And we ain’t stopped running yet.

And when we run scared, we don’t know who to trust. The soothsayers in our neighbourhood reached for scriptures and prophecies and conspiracy theories and warned us to “beware the ides of March”.

And enough of us listened to gather what we have often

concluded when we have stared at death down one barrel or another ‘THEY’ are trying to kill us.

‘THEY’ are trying to kill us was one of the many theories that emerged as the news filtered through the black community 40 years ago this month as we heard it through the ‘ghetto’ grapevine that 13 black children had died in what most of us believed was a racist arson attack on a teenage house party.

EVIDENCE

The fact that the authorities reacted with what we perceived and interpreted as ambivalence was further ‘evidence’ and the chant went up right through the community: “13 DEAD AND NOTHING SAID.” About 100 of us gathered outside the fateful house on the 30th anniversary of the fire. We gathered to support the families and to remember.

I recall Professor Gus John, who was there, gave a powerful speech. Also present was Toyin Agbetu.

However, despite the local police commander assuring us that all the investigations had been carried out and the only conclusion was that the fire was a tragic accident, I can assure you there were those who hadn’t forgotten the relentless racism we were subjected to on the streets every day (not just in the New Cross area) at the time and were still not convinced, but kept their own counsel in respect of the assembled families of the dead and injured.

Once the seed of doubt has been planted by a conspiracy theory it is difficult for any government let alone science and rationale to shift it.

Hence the reason this 40th anniversary of the fire and the subsequent days of action and insurrection may underlie this year of reckoning for us.

A MOMENT WE SHALL NEVER FORGET: New Cross Massacre Action Committee demonstrators outside County Hall, London, where the inquest into the deaths of the 13 who died in the New Cross fire was due to begin in April 1981 If the statistics are anything to go by, black Britons may be the biggest killers of black people this year. We may very well be

above we are reminded of what the soothsayers said about being wary of “the ides of March” and like Julius Caesar’s sooth-

The statistics show black Britons may be the biggest killers of black people in 2021 the ‘THEY’ that are going to kill us. The latest stats show that we are much more reluctant to take the coronavirus vaccine than our white counterparts.

The irony is not lost that we have already concluded this is a racist virus that is coming for us first and foremost.

However, when an antidote arrives like a blessing from

sayer says when Caesar scoffs that “the ides of March” have come and he hasn’t been stabbed to death yet, the ides of March may have come and gone in 2020 but we’ve got another one this year... and next year – or so our soothsayers/ conspiracy theorists would have us believe. The fact of the matter is there are still enough

of us who believe that ‘THEY’ are still trying to kill us.

Whether through a tiny white pill to control our natural birth or through the violence that saw the world gasp for breath as they witnessed what they describe as the public lynching of a black man at the hands of a police officer in the United States.

For the conspiracy theorists, this all amounts to evidence that ‘THEY’ are trying to kill us and isn’t it by way of a lethal injection that they kill off so many black men on death row?

But they don’t want to show us this, say the conspiracy theorists, that’s why they are more likely to concentrate on black men throwing bricks at police officers in this 40th anniversa-

ry commemorative year than to show how ‘THEY’ are trying to kill our children.

I wish I could say this is an extreme point of view in the black community but it is more common than is safe.

To paraphrase LKJ, this is the age of science and technology and some of us are still guided by conspiracy.

BLOOD

Honestly, me nuh know how ‘WE’ and ‘THEY’ are going to work this out. Whoever ‘THEY’ are who are trying to kill us, all I know is that someone will have to pay, mark my words, for all the innocent blood that will be lost to COVID every day if ‘THEY’ don’t take the vaccine that protects us all.

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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14 | THE VOICE JANUARY 2021

News feature

THE TIME IS NOW BIG PLANS: President-elect Joe Biden has vowed to strengthen ties with allies across the globe – but will the Caribbean be a point of focus?

If the Caribbean is to benefit from the election of Joe Biden, it must engage now to make the case for beneficial policy changes, says David Jessop

I

T IS easy to share the excitement felt across the Caribbean at President elect Joe Biden’s victory in the US election.

However, a calmer voice within suggests that while the outcome will bring some shortterm big-picture policy gains for the region, the extreme political polarisation the election highlighted does not bode well for the country that matters most to the region.

That said, and despite Mr Trump’s apparent interest in a confused and vindictive transition process, Mr Biden is already advancing plans in several policy areas of general significance to the Caribbean.

These relate to climate change, addressing COVID, the roll out of a vaccine, and stimulating the US economy.

In the case of climate change, Mr Biden will reverse the Trump Administration’s withdrawal from the 2016 Paris climate change accord and seek a significant role in the delayed COP 26 global climate summit, now to be held in Glasgow in November 2021.

SCIENCE

The US president-elect has already said that he will “listen to science”, that it is his intention the US achieve net zero carbon emissions by the middle of the century through radical reform measures, and will integrate climate change targets with US foreign policy.

The incoming administration is expected to re-join the World Health Organisation, establish a new COVID-19 task force, and allocate $25 billion (£18.67bn) for vaccine development and distribution.

It will probably also support the WHO’s COVAX facility that will benefit most Caribbean nations by providing at reduced cost significant quantities of vaccines as they become available.

Assuming Congress can agree, the region also stands to benefit indirectly from the Mr

Mr Biden is already advancing plans in policy areas Biden presidency’s intention to deliver a package of domestic measures aimed at stimulating post pandemic economic growth.

This and a possible vaccine should enable the Caribbean, two years out, to see the return of significant demand for US travel to the Caribbean.

Of almost as great importance to the region will be a change in US government values in the form of a commitment to multilateralism, an end to the induced polarisation in organisations like the Organisation of American States, the reassertion of ethical values on black lives and gender equality, and respect for and support for allies.

Although easy to overstate, given the global pressures they will face, Mr Biden, his wife and Ms Harris all know and understand what motivates and matters to the region.

In addition, the often-underestimated importance of the expert advice and analysis provided by long-suffering career service officers in the Caribbean and in the US is now expected to be better heard.

On trade and investment policy the tone and approach of the Biden presidency will be different and linked less transactionally to the US’s security and political concerns.

However, there is little reason to believe that the new administration will do anything other than continue to secure the hemisphere as an integrated special trading partner in

order to lessen Chinese influence, stimulate near shoring, and continue existing policies that support a central developmental role for the US private sector.

In contrast, the coercive and regionally divisive approach taken by President Trump, pictured inset left, in seeking a coalition of willing Caribbean states prepared to trade off an improved economic relationship against meeting US trade, political and security objectives, is expected to end.

Despite this, the pressures in relation to Chinese 5G and other emerging technologies will continue, albeit based on a common Western approach to investment screening.

On security, the US’s regional and hemispheric concerns and support are unlikely to alter.

However, of particular significance to the Caribbean is an awareness in the Biden camp that the vacuum created by isolating Venezuela and Cuba has created a destabilising refugee crisis, citizen poverty, and instability, offering geopolitical opportunity to Russia, China,

@thevoicenewspaper

Iran and Turkey. Specifically, on Cuba, the Biden team made clear before the election that it wants to retore a working relationship over time but that this cannot be the same as existed under ex-president Barack Obama.

As in the case of Venezuela, this may involve a negotiated

mine future US-Cuba policy.

“By focusing on that tiny vote, in national terms, both parties are unaware of the position of broad sectors of US voters who favour the most normalised relationship possible with Cuba and who have specific interests in business, science, culture, academic relations, health

The Biden presidency is expected to continue the process of reorientation step by step approach that seeks to ease tensions, addresses the US’s border refugee crisis, establishes on a multilateral basis support for the Cuban people, and slowly restores travel, trade and limited forms of cooperation.

What this caution reflects is concern among Democrats that the Cuban American vote in Florida and voter perceptions of ‘socialism’ impacted to their detriment in what was once a swing state.

Although Cuba has yet to say more about the election outcome, one interesting commentary in the state media has suggested that misplaced political perceptions about a relatively small group of Cuban-Americans in Florida may deter-

@thevoicenews

and other sectors,” Cubadebate wrote.

More generally, the Biden presidency is expected to continue the process of strategic reorientation begun under Mr Obama that recognised that the US would over time cease to be the sole global hegemon and that it needs to address China’s rapid technological advance.

For this reason, when it comes to Brexit, Mr Biden has already made clear to Prime Minister Johnson that his presidency will place a high priority on deepening Washington’s relations with the EU27, strengthening the NATO alliance and so hopes the UK can reach an agreement with its neighbours on trade, security, and cross-border relations in

voicenews

Ireland in ways that strengthen European coherence.

All Caribbean leaders in private are now looking forward to a period in which many of the economic and political issues that matter most to the region will receive a more sympathetic, less transactional hearing in Washington.

However, it is far from clear, even with a friend in the White House as of January 20, whether a divided and poorly integrated Caribbean still struggling to overcome the pandemic has the energy and leverage to successfully prosecute its case.

GRADUATION

Beyond the good news, the region urgently needs to end its graduation out of concessional financing, needs a well-supported multilateral post pandemic recovery package, and to convince Washington that fairly achieved US, Chinese, European and other investment all have a future place in the region. It needs to engage now.

David Jessop is a consultant to the Caribbean Council and can be contacted at david.jessop@ caribbean-council.org. Previous columns can be found at https:// www.caribbean-council.org/ research-analysis/

www.voice-online.co.uk

JANUARY 2021

News feature

THE VOICE | 15

News

Jamaica’s challenger

TAKING THE REINS: Oxford-educated Mark Holding has been sworn in as the new leader of the opposition in Jamaica – but does he have what it takes to turn the PNP around? (photo: The Gleaner)

In his first interview with international press since his accession to leader of Jamaica’s People’s National Party, Mark Golding says it’s time for the PNP to decide what it really stands for to get the nation back on its side. By Dotun Adebayo

J

AMAICA HAS a new opposition leader. In this, his first substantive interview with the international press, he outlines his vision for the country, the challenges ahead and how he plans to re-brand the oldest political party in the country after another disastrous election.

The People’s National Party (PNP) went into September’s polls with 29 seats out of 63 and ended up with just 14. Jamaicans rejected this ‘grand ol’ party’ of the islands in their droves. Even in seats that the PNP held, their votes were drastically decreased. Lisa Hanna, pictured inset right, for example, one of the best known opposition MPs, had her majority reduced from 5,000 to just 31.

Almost immediately, the PNP leader Peter Phillips tended his resignation, followed in quick succession by the party chairman and general secretary.

With its three main officials due to depart within weeks, the PNP was thrown into turmoil and a power struggle for the leadership ensued with the lesser known candidate, the Oxford-educated Mark Golding, emerging victorious on the November 7 leadership contest over his opponent Ms Hanna.

LAWYER

Like the British Labour Party’s current leader Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Golding is a lawyer. And, like Sir Keir, he’s inherited a party with an image problem.

In truth, just like Sir Keir, Mr Golding has got a massive job on his hands in even redefining what the party stands for, let alone stewarding his party members through a healing process after an acrimonious struggle for the heart, soul and leadership of the PNP. But will he get the time and the support to make a

If we can settle down, the Jamaican people will turn to us mark (no pun intended) on the political party with the longest history in Jamaica, the political home of Norman Washington Manley, Michael Manley, P.J. Patterson and the first female PM of the country, Portia Simpson-Miller?

When we spoke, Mr Golding accepted that the election was not a good look for his party.

“We have seen the voting turnout for our party declining over the last two decades,” he said. “We won an election in 2011 by a landslide but that bucked the trend. Jamaica was facing a set of circumstances at the time (economically) and the Jamaican Labour Party was embroiled in the Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke affair. But in the last five elections we’ve lost four. It’s a challenge I relish. If we (the party) can settle down and come together to sort out our issues we will be successful and the Jamaican people will turn to us again.”

Mr Golding is well aware that in order for the Jamaican people to “turn” to the PNP again, the party leader will have to address the key issue: why have the Jamaican people supported the Jamaican Labour Party (JLP)

and rejected the PNP Party in successive elections? And where has all the support that the PNP could once upon a time rely on disappeared to?

After all, the PNP is the first political party of Jamaica, established in 1938 out of the labour struggles at the time.

The party led the fight for universal adult suffrage and independence from Britain and was regarded as a beacon for social reforms in favour of the majority of the population who under colonial rule were a repressed underclass.

The PNP was thought to be the party of that underclass.

However, somewhere in the last 30 or 40 years, it has lost its way. Either that or the people of Jamaica have moved on.

ALIGNED

The PNP of the past was a socialist party that aligned itself with Cuba. But all that is history and Jamaica today is, in many ways, a very different place to that of Michael Manley. Merely reciting the achievements of the past has not endeared the PNP to the voters of today.

“We need to focus on establishing what we (the party) stand for in the 21st century,” Mr Golding said, “and rebuilding our brand with clarity. We need to be clear as to what we stand for in the post cold war era. In the 1970s we stood for a state centred economy. But what do we stand for today?”

For Mr Golding, social reforms are still part of the PNP’s DNA. His economic structure is predicated on ‘levelling up’ the education system for the underprivileged and turning the internet into a commodity in the way that electricity is and accessible to all.

He wants to see huge investment in agriculture – an under exploited resource of Jamaica, particularly in the har-

vesting of products in which Jamaica is the clear world leader – coffee, cocoa, ginger and, somewhat controversially, cannabis.

And should he come to power any time soon, he wants to implement a programme to re-

kind of government of national unity. He’s just won a huge majority in parliament. There are already signs of hubris and arrogance emerging...

“A (limestone) quarry licence was granted against the wishes of locals in an environmental-

Jamaica continues to benefit from remittances in a substantial way store the countless dilapidated housing stock on the island.

But in the immediate future it is the impact of the pandemic, particularly on the tourism industry, that occupies his economic thoughts.

But the idea of a government of national unity with both the JLP and the PNP coming together to provide the strength, the tallawah, that Jamaica needs to get through this difficult time is a pipe dream that the leader of the opposition sees no prospect of.

“There is no indication that Prime Minister Holness is anywhere near thinking of bringing the PNP into government for a

ly sensitive area on the north coast (Puerto Bueno) and there is talk of further mining in the Cockpit country.

“The problem of violent crime continues to plague our society and the government doesn’t really have a response to that (beyond) imposing a state of emergency in different parts of the country.

“The Supreme Court has ruled that it’s not lawful to use a state of emergency for those purposes under our constitution. We’re not seeing from the government any clear strategy in dealing with the situation and we need to press them hard on that.”

With half of Jamaicans or people of Jamaican heritage living overseas and extremely patriotic in most cases, the fortunes of the island are umbilically tied to that of the diaspora.

And Mr Holding sees a Jamaican vice-president at the White House as an opportunity to re-engage with Jamaicans at home and abroad.

CONNECTIONS

“As well as the vice-president elect (Kamala Harris), we have many people of Jamaican descent who are in political positions of power in the US and the UK. We should be working with them to find ways of strengthening the connections.

Jamaica continues to benefit from remittances in a substantial way.

There will come a time when we won’t be able to rely on it as much as we do now.

Successive generations may not have the same emotional ties as the ones who have immediate families still here.

Part of the strategic plan for Jamaica must be to try and achieve economic independence.”

16 | THE VOICE

JANUARY 2021

News feature

‘POWERLIST INCLUSION IS QUITE HUMBLING’

London property expert and charity founder Yemi Edun has been recognised in this year’s Powerlist. Here, he talks to The Voice about his achievements, his goals, and how he’s determined to succeed in helping others The Voice: Congratulations, Yemi, on being voted as one of the most influential people in Britain by The Powerlist. How does that accolade make you feel?

Yemi Edun: There was definitely a sense of euphoria on hearing the news as The Powerlist is put together and decided by a distinguished judging panel, and I had both followed the list and taken a keen interest in those who had made the list over the years.

So, to be found worthy of inclusion is quite humbling. It also gave a real sense of perspective on the journey so far and the impact made.

TV: Outside of your work in real estate and as an acquisition agent with Daniel Ford & Co and Daniel Ford International, you also have made time to give back. You have a charity called Action for Change and Empowerment (A.C.E.) – can you tell us more about what the organisation does, and who it benefits?

YE: A.C.E. is simply a group of like-minded people coming together to help the more vulnerable members of society.

Our primary beneficiaries fall into about four criteria at the moment: cash grants to both

CHANGING PEOPLE’S LIVES: Just one of the many men and women whose lives have been changed with the gift of a new wheelchair

The hardships witnessed as a result of the pandemic was the starting pistol that put it all together individuals and SMEs, wheelchair donations for the mobility-impaired, medical mission and white canes for visually challenged pupils.

A.C.E is principally focused on aid in Nigeria and Africa at large, but we’re also active in other ways in the UK with sponsorship of the University of Arts London, Central St Martins, for four to five years and co-sponsoring of a charity match for heart condition patients in 2018 at Barnet Stadium with the support of several former Premiership footballers.

We have also hosted free financial and property seminars yearly in conjunction with community groups and religious centres.

TV: What inspired you to set up A.C.E.?

YE: The inspiration for what has become A.C.E has always been in the background in one way or the other, but the hardships witnessed as a result of the pandemic was the starting pistol that put it all together.

It has always been part of discussions with like-minded friends, so we all came together to make this work.

The timing proved to be right and it was easy to get people on board as a result which is excellent as it has always been my strong belief that a lot more can be done together than if we all work separately in isolation.

TV: You have professionals and entrepreneurs from across the UK, Canada, and USA on board.

Tell me about some of them and what they do to help those you work with.

YE: As mentioned, we have a wide variety of professionals.

One is a doctor who has been able to put together other colleagues of his at their own cost to embark on a medical mission under the A.C.E banner. If we were to put a value to the mission it would be easily above $50,000 (£37,250).

We also have accountants, HR professionals, website designers and others who contribute their time and skill to A.C.E. This means that the charity is effectively run at zero cost and we’re able to use all contributions for the purposes intended.

TV: What positive impact do you feel the charity is having on the lives of those it serves?

YE: The impact speaks for itself, but we’ve seen traders get back on their feet from the economic disruption of the coronavirus.

We’ve seen emotional scenes of mobility impaired people who have benefitted from wheelchairs disbursed. But we’re aware that the benefits

@thevoicenewspaper

FORCE OF GOOD: Yemi Edun says he felt humbled after learning of his Powerlist recognition of these things spread beyond the individual and into their immediate networks, so it’s all together moving them in the right direction.

TV: What are some of the longterm plans that you have for

given a clearer understanding of what the vision is and the categories of people in vulnerable positions that we would like to help so we intend to build on that going forward.

Chiefly, we are looking to broaden participation and wel-

We’ll see where the uncertainty leads and adapt to make our goals for the new year happen your organisation and the people you are helping?

YE: A.C.E was put together spontaneously this year and has made rapid strides in the past few months. But now, we intend to broaden the group and reach and build something that would outlive us.

The past few months have

@thevoicenews

come people of all skills to join and help us see what else we can deliver. We are also looking to raise more money for a broad range of things including our goal to donate 2,000 wheelchairs to people who need them.

TV: As we look ahead to 2021

voicenews

what wider plans do you have for the 12 months ahead?

YE: 2020 has been a challenging year for obvious reasons, so the aim is to try and regroup.

We opened the first paperless estate agency in London days before the first lockdown. So, we now intend to put the office to the test because everyone is going that way now.

But there are so many areas that have been impacted that we need to move on from or deal with.

It’ll be a tough year, but we are braced and will do our best to cover new ground, such as returning to action on growing our managed property portfolio to 1,000 properties.

We’ll see where the uncertainty leads and adapt to make our goals for the new year happen.

For more information or to help A.C.E. see acegiving.org

www.voice-online.co.uk

MARCH 2020

THE VOICE| 17

18 | THE VOICE JANUARY 2021

Feature

‘IT’S NOT ALL BEEN BAD’ COMMITTED TO OUR CAUSE: Clockwise, from main, Darren Henry MP during his time in the RAF; Henry as a proud father with his twin children; Henry makes his voice heard in the House of Commons; as a youngster

Darren Henry MP says that while this year has been devastating in so many ways, we can also draw some positives from it, including the Government’s efforts to strengthen the UK’s ties with the Caribbean and right the wrongs of the Windrush Scandal

L

OOKING BACK at the immense and unprecedented challenges of 2020, it would be easy to write it off as a terrible, and devastating year.

I began 2020 as the newly elected MP for Broxtowe, primed and ready for the ups and downs I knew such a role would throw at me.

As a former member of the Royal Air Force, preparedness is an essential attribute and something that never leaves you, but even the RAF officer in me was not prepared to face the unknowns of a global pandemic, the likes of which we have never experienced in our lifetimes.

In my own constituency we have seen almost 12,000 coronavirus cases to date, and while getting to grips with how things are run in Westminster was important, I knew it was of paramount importance to focus on the people of Broxtowe, and to try my best to understand how the virus was affecting my own community.

That being said, there were a number of manifesto pledges which we could not ignore, and parts of society which needed our urgent attention regardless of COVID-19.

Of course, responding to coronavirus has been the Government’s main focus, and

It is important we do not lose touch with our allies rightly so – but coronavirus has also shone a light on the alarming levels of inequality in our country.

Sadly, it became apparent quite quickly that black and minority ethnic (BAME) people were being disproportionately affected by the virus, with a higher rate of infection and deaths tearing through BAME communities.

The reasons for this are extremely broad; ranging from abject poverty to the large numbers of BAME people working in medical and care environments, the likes of which we have heavily relied on during this past year.

That is why I was pleased that in the face of these devastating statistics, our Government was able to act with speed and agility, asking Public Health England to investigate the causes in order to understand why BAME communities have been so badly affected, and to shape our response accordingly.

This has been part of a broader ambition of the Government

to try to understand the wider societal imbalances facing our country, and to identify all aspects of racial inequality facing British people today.

Our Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, launched earlier this year and headed up by our Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch, seeks to examine these racial and ethnic inequalities in Britain, including in education, health and in the criminal justice system, and shows that we are committed to delivering on our promise to level up across the UK.

QUICK FIXES

This commission is truly welcome, and will be a signal to the BAME people across the country that the Government is serious about dealing with the deeper-rooted issues of racial inequality, rather than looking for quick fixes for political gain.

This approach will make a real difference, especially given the incredible hardships that people have faced this past year.

Another moment of great pride for me this year was being appointed the Prime Minister’s Special Trade Envoy to the Caribbean – a role which is incredibly close to my heart given my West Indian heritage.

And though the pandemic has presented other priorities, I believe that during these difficult times, it is essential we do not lose touch with our closest

@thevoicenewspaper

allies and friends. We have an incredible connection to the Caribbean, and I am looking forward to supporting and driving British trade objectives and promoting the Caribbean as a

of the Windrush generation who have been let down over many decades.

Nothing will ever wipe away the hurt, trauma and loss that has been suffered but along

It has been incredibly important for me to address these issues head on great place for UK companies to do business.

But for me it means more than just trade – it was no happy coincidence that my maiden speech to Parliament fell on the 72nd Anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush.

My parents were among those in the Windrush Generation, who came to Britain to help rebuild our great country – and it seemed more than fitting for me to speak on the day.

My West Indian heritage is a big part of my identity – and that is why I wholeheartedly support the Government’s efforts to put right the wrongs caused to individual members

@thevoicenews

with the implementation of the recommendations made in the Wendy Williams review and the recently updated Windrush Compensation Scheme, I sincerely hope that we go some way towards righting those wrongs.

Even throughout the pandemic reaching those affected

by Windrush has been a priority, as we have continued our vital outreach work virtually, ensuring that those who need compensation advice and guidance continue to receive the support they need.

It has been incredibly important for me to spend my first year addressing some of these

voicenews

issues head on, as I believe it is how we create a better future for our children and grandchildren, but I do appreciate that in a year which has seen so much disruption and pain, this may not resonate with everybody.

But now we have a light at the end of the tunnel in the form of a COVID-19 vaccine, which is being distributed across the UK at record speed as we speak.

FUTURE

Unfortunately, this does not spell an imminent end to the pandemic and the necessary restrictions which go along with it, but we do have a more normal future in our sights – we should not be afraid to start looking forward to life beyond COVID. This year has been incredibly difficult for everyone, but I would argue that we do not disregard it as a complete write off – in fact I believe we have seen some of the best in humanity over the course of the recent months, and I hope we can continue in that vein into 2021 and beyond.

www.voice-online.co.uk

20 | THE VOICE JANUARY 2021

Midlands News

by Veron Graham

IS WMP REALLY DOING EVERYTHING IT CAN?

West Midlands Police accepts a lot more still needs to be done if it can reach its ambitious target of recruiting at least 1,000 officers from minority communities over the next three years

M

ONTHS AFTER being widely criticised on its relationship with black communities across the region, West Midlands Police and Crime Commission (PCC) is looking forward to 2021, claiming it has made “good progress” on increasing its number of new entrants from diverse communities.

Last summer, PCC’s David Jamieson’s stated commitment to recruit 1,000 new officers from minority communities over the next three years was met with a withering assault by civil rights campaigner Bishop Dr Desmond Jaddoo, soon after sobering news about the force’s performance.

In response to statistics revealing that black people were nine times more likely to be stopped by the police than white people and that over 500 complaints had been lobbied against the regional force the year before, Jaddoo said: “When you have issues, don’t place a plaster over a gaping hole. (West Midlands Police) needs to deal with the issues of trust and confidence, community relations and the brutality that happens to black people.

“The time is right to deal with this and if you do really care,

Our area’s police force needs to deal with the issues of trust and confidence do that first. What he’ll find is more people may want to join the police.

“The facts are trust and confidence are not high, and you have been elected to address this and it’s time that you do something about it.”

The PCC may argue that they are making an attempt, while admitting there is still “lots more work to be done,” as recent figures show that nearly 20 per cent of its new recruits are from minority groups.

Jamieson said: “This is an encouraging start to this largescale recruitment drive, but clearly there’s lots more work to be done. Currently, only 11.5 per cent of our officers are from BAME communities and the force doesn’t really look much like the people it serves.

“West Midlands Police is due to grow over the next three

years by at least 1,200 officers but, once taking into account those leaving and retiring, that will mean we will need to recruit 2,750 officers, and I am committed that at least 1,000 of those new recruits will be from BAME communities.”

Jamieson added: “As part of our recruitment campaign, we’re taking a number of measures to engage with communities to explain the excellent opportunity of having a career in the police.

MESSSAGE

“We’ve sent recruitment information to areas in the West Midlands where we typically haven’t had many applications in the past. We have sent postcards to those living in these areas, and the message is clear – a career in the police should not be off the cards just based on your postcode.”

Close to 150,000 regional households received postcards from the force encouraging them to consider a career in policing.

The recruitment website has seen around 17,500 visits each week, with over 4,500 applications having been received since the campaign began in March.

STATED AIMS: Dr Desmond Jaddoo, above, has made his feelings clear about what he believes are the major issues facing the West Midlands Police, left, in Birmingham, and is looking to the West Midlands Police and Crime Commission’s David Jamieson, far left, to lead the response to it

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@thevoicenews

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www.voice-online.co.uk

JANUARY 2021 THE VOICE | 21

Midlands News

‘HOPE AGAIN’ IS NOW ON OFFER

Church helping provide services on employment

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ONLINE HELP: Andrew Kisumba has set up a website to improve people’s job opportunities

B IRMINGH A M CHURCH is giving local people reasons to look forward to seizing new employment and training opportunities in 2021 despite the current wave of COVID-19 cases in and around the Second City.

The Cedar Church, based in the Kingstanding area of Birmingham, has been involved in a series of online meetings chaired by Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, to share public health messages to help local communities across the region stay safe.

Faith leaders were called upon during a briefing on jobs and skills to share training and support with their local communities. In response to this appeal, the church, led by Pastor Andrew Kisumba and his wife, Sarah, has set up a new website to match local people with jobs, training and volunteering opportunities in the area.

Pastor Kisumba said: “We

There are great people here in this city have already been working with local employers, a recruitment agency and a training company and, on hearing the appeal, decided to gather all the information we have about jobs and skills through our networks in one place.

OPPORTUNITIES

“The website is only just up and running, and we’re adding to it all the time.

“We’re also linking to the WMCA’s Youth Employment Platform and featuring a virtual marketplace for residents to sell products and services, a section offering volunteering opportunities, and training to help peo-

The Smart way to be a successful entrepreneur A GROUP of young entrepreneurs from Birmingham has launched new business ventures after being inspired by some of the city’s leading business figures.

Seven 16- to 25-year-olds have graduated from Street Smart 2 Business Start (SS2BS), a virtual programme for aspiring business owners from black communities. Now in its third year, SS2BS initially supported 25 young people to become their own boss, including some who had previous involvement in criminal behaviour.

Delivered by city-based charity First Class Foundation, the seven-week voluntary programme offered practical hands-on support in how to run a successful new business, including business strategy and planning, financial management and customer engagement.

SS2BS has received backing from Barclays Bank and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Com-

merce, and featured free evening master classes by established local entrepreneurs, including bestselling author Errol Lawson, Hoodrich Clothing founder Jay Williams and Chris Cummins, the joint managing director of global training business OTD. Kay McDermott, 20, works in IT and is planning to apply learning from the programme to develop his own business. He said: “It’s so refreshing to be part of a group of young black people sharing the same goal and learning about business together.

“I have often felt as though I’ve had to do things on my own and it can be alienating, but Street Smart 2 Business Start has given me a peer-to-peer support network to call upon and the confidence to continue to work hard.

“It’s good to see amazing local professionals taking time out of their day to do something like this and it’s important to know we have

REAPING THE REWARDS: Some of the SS2BS graduates the opportunity to go to them for help throughout our journey.”

SS2BS was founded by entrepreneur/business consultant Nathan Dennis, pictured inset left, who added: “Street Smart 2 Business Start is all about inspiring young people who are running the streets to run their own business instead.

SURVIVAL

“The survival skills many pick up on the streets are, in essence, the fundamentals of running a business.

“We capture those transferable skills and help train young people to use them to grow a business idea of their own from conception to launch and beyond. If we can

call upon successful role models to show them how to use their skills in a productive way, it could lead to less young people heading down the wrong path and instead make positive contributions to society.”

“Many young people have never considered they could become an entrepreneur, and it’s our role to help and inspire them to fulfil their potential,” added Cummins.

“We believe real and sustainable change is only possible through action, which is why we’re proud to be involved in ‘Street Smart.’ We are hugely impressed by the work Nathan and the First Class Foundation is doing to build lasting relationships with those traditionally deemed ‘hard to reach’.

ple become more confident online. We have personal contacts at every organisation featured on the website, and every day they are coming to us with new offers, helping to change people’s lives. We’ve also created an app, which we’re populating at the moment.

“We’ve called the project ‘Hope Again’ as there are great people here in this wonderful city and we need to bring hope in this difficult situation.”

The WMCA holds regular virtual round tables to provide faith leaders with updates on COVID-19 from local authorities and public health experts, and on funding such as the Government’s support for the charity sector.

The forum also gives faith leaders the opportunity to grill each week’s panel about issues that directly affect their communities.

For more, visit cedarhope.com

Sweet as Kandy

WITH SO many businesses across the country, particularly in the beauty industry, immobilised by coronavirus, a salon in Birmingham has refocused its services in a bid to revitalise trade.

Since opening its doors three years ago, the Kandy Girl children’s spa has tasked itself with ‘making every young girl feel like the fabulous princesses they were born to be’.

Through a partnership with Sleeping Bubble, supplier of bubble tents, it is giving its prospects a fighting chance of survival through Home Girl, an outdoor pamper party in a bubble within a COVID bubble!

Pamper parties for little girls have been huge for the award-winning enterprise, but since the pandemic it has been practically impossible to carry them out.

And with the introduction of the new tiering systems in mid-December, which prohibits two households mixing indoors but permits up to six people mixing outdoors, parties at the salon are out.

Speaking on the innovation, Kandy Girl director Tru Powell stated: “Since COVID hit, we had no other option but to think outside the box and come up with an idea that can in some way host outdoor pamper parties.

I had a meeting with Paulo from Sleeping Bubble Tent and it was a no brainer.”

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

22 | THE VOICE

JANUARY 2021

News

We must help black beauty brands VOICING CONCERN: Candour Beauty’s Jacqueline Kusamotu and Abi LawrenceAdesida fear costs will increase if the Brexit talks don’t go the right way for the UK

Sophie Huskisson explains why a potential no-deal Brexit is ‘scary’

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F TER LAST summer’s of Black Lives Matter protests, black-owned businesses have benefited from increased awareness.

But as businesses grapple with Brexit, there are concerns about the impact it could have on their industry.

From tariffs on products going out, to increased shipping fees and decreased cosmetic standards, black beauty brand owners voice their concerns.

Anita Lusuardi, the founder of natural haircare brand Afroani, whose products are made in Italian labs, says the prospect of a no-deal Brexit is “stressful” and “scary” because “everything is up in the air.”

The entrepreneur often visits Italy to see family. In the past, she would use the time to see new labs, try out samples and see what took her fancy. She told The Voice: “It seems like it’ll be harder for British citizens to travel, which is scary.”

After researching online, she was struck by the number of “forms and long procedures” for declaring if she was importing things from the EU. “It’s a bit worrying because right now we’re able to get the goods in pretty easily,” she explains.

Anita says there is a big European audience for buying black hair products from Britain, because they are not widely sold on the rest of the continent. This is something she knows well from her own experiences in Italy.

This puts businesses like hers at a greater risk, because a nodeal Brexit could see them lose European clientele.

Kadian Pow, creator of Bourn Beautiful Naturals, a skincare brand with mainly vegan and vegetarian ingredients, is also anxious for black-owned brands.

“I think it’s going to make us less competitive, especially smaller black businesses that are less likely to be linked to larger infrastructures that can

support them.” Kadian is also anxious about what Brexit could mean for product quality, as there’s “no guarantee” that industry standards will remain as high as they were in Europe.

She says the aim of black beauty brands is to ensure skin and hair protection with targeted products. In her opinion, making it harder to give black Europeans that quality would be a real shame.

UNCERTAINTY

“I worry about the future safety of food and cosmetics in this country,” she adds.

Uncertainty is a common feeling among brand owners when it comes to the subject of a no-deal Brexit.

Ozohu Adoh, founder and CEO of Epara, a natural skincare company targeting women of colour, said “the biggest challenge a no-deal creates is the uncertainty.”

Her and business owners like

her don’t know what to expect moving forward.

While tariffs now seem inevitable, she says she can only wait to understand how big a difference they will make.

Abi Lawrence-Adesia, cofounder of beauty and personal care brand Candour Beauty, says “the lack of clarity around border control and customs may affect timelines in getting products to us” and “there is potential that costs will increase.”

New customs rules could also impact delivery times.

While there is information on the government website, Abi says that it can be “quite difficult to understand,”so she uses other more specific sites.

Millie Kendall is in charge of the British Beauty Council. The organisation was set up in 2018 to represent the beauty industry at government level. She says that brands might have increased customer charges, even with a deal.

Agreeing that a no-deal Brexit is “really scary,” she says the biggest concern for the beauty industry is the requirement of an EU cosmetics responsible person (RP). This is someone established in the EU who can ensure products are safe for use and compliant with EU regulations.

In the past, British beauty brands only needed one person

for both the UK and the EU. Now, Millie says they will need two. A lot of people won’t just have a “mate in Europe,” she adds. It means they’ll have to employ a distributor or some sort of official colleague, which is an added cost.

Kadian says she is “grappling with” what this new requirement will mean for her own business.

JANUARY 2021 THE VOICE | 23

Special feature

‘Change is coming!’

This coming year, we need to start building a future we can be proud of, says Lord Simon Woolley

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ITHOUT THE VOICE newspaper, Operation Black Vote (OBV) could not have been the force it has been for more than 32 years.

This year is OBV’s 25th anniversary and back then, we had no money.

Our hope for success depended on two factors: Our fearless audacity that we could make our mark and give black people around the country a strong political voice; and the unflinching support of the black media.

In the ’90s there were a small number of publications of significance; Caribbean Times and Asian Times run by the Guyanese proprietor and editor Arif Ali, and The Voice, owned by Val McCalla.

Both newspapers came from the same Caribbean school of thought: You use your platform to campaign hard for the rights of your readers, black people.

The Caribbean Times was good, but The Voice was well, everywhere.

In every corner of every city, you could see the red top of The Voice in most newsagents.

As a young activist, I distinctly remember going with fellow OBV founder Lee Jasper to see the editor Winsome Cornish at The Voice headquarters in Brixton.

The Voice gave a commitment to support the OBV campaign to register black people to vote and demand racial justice.

Much in the world has changed since those heady days of the late ’90s — for example, the Caribbean Times no longer exists, and today there are 65 black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) MPs, when back then there were only four.

What hasn’t changed is the support OBV has been afforded by the newspaper which has both spearheaded and chronicled race equality for decades in the UK. So, for me, 25 years later to be editing a special feature in our anniversary year is an unbelievable pleasure but also a deep honour. I feel duty-bound to roll back the years to a time when Government, political parties, and Met police chiefs all feared the uncompromising headlines of The Voice.

The effects of COVID-19 were more than just a virus – they have bared society’s deep inequitable fault lines in the most brutal fashion As we all know very well, 2020 was an extraordinary year.

The effects of COVID-19 were more than the hundreds of thousands of people who succumbed to this virus, they have bared society’s deep inequitable fault lines in the most brutal fashion.

In the early days of COVID, the daily kaleidoscope of black and brown faces on our screens who had perished screamed in deafening silence for explanation.

Many of us already suspected that poverty, the pernicious elements of structural racism, low pay, poor housing, inequality in health were key determinants as to whether you were more likely or not to contract, suffer or die from COVID-19.

HORRENDOUS

And if that reality was not enough for black people, the horrendous incidents across the US were further reminders of the sheer brutality of institutional racism.

First, Amy Cooper the white financier in Central Park, New York, who was so outraged to be told by Christian Cooper, a black man, that she must keep her dog on a lead, used her supreme ‘white privilege’ card to phone the police in a mock terrified voice that she and her dog were being attacked by a black man.

This forms part of a long history of white lies to put black people in ‘their place’ and in grave peril, is nothing new; but that it was captured live on camera and reverberated around the world gave us a technicolour illustration on

how white privilege plays out in real life. Christian Cooper could have easily been shot dead by law enforcement officers, ‘protecting’ a white woman from imminent danger, shot first and asked questions later.

And George Floyd in Minnesota was less fortunate.

His very public execution from those who were paid to protect him laid bare for all to see that a powerful white America has, in no small measure, general impunity to impose lethal action on a powerless black America.

Floyd’s death was clearly one of the most violent acts of racism in America and the world now recognises that every facet of black Americans’ lives are impacted by systemic racism.

However, this is not exclusive to America.

PROFOUND

Here in the UK, a generation of young black Britons supported by their young counterparts took to the streets, tore down statues, took the knee and demanded change. The Black Lives Matter protests were widespread and was arguably the largest this country has ever seen.

As a direct result, in many areas of our society — including business, sports, and academia — profound conversations have begun.

Many people began to better understand that key cultural and revered figures such as Edward Colston and Cecil Rhodes were enslavers, global merchants of death and plunderers.

In 2020, many people were forced to confront the fact that we were no longer just dealing with the racism by police, such as Stop and Search, but that it has permeated every facet of our society.

This was an uncomfortable truth for many.

So far, the Government has not responded well to this historic challenge.

In his first major statement on Black Lives Matter and impact of COVID-19 on BAME communities, Prime Minister Boris Johnson responded that it’s “time to change the narrative ...and move away from the ‘victim’ culture”.

In 2021, we are at a cross-

CAMPAIGNER: Simon Woolley has fought for black representation with Operation Black Vote roads. One way is a road that is honest, brave and dynamic and uses the moment to structurally

pit one against the other and support a society with an elite who indulged in excess of just

In 2020, people were forced to confront the fact that racism permeated society rebuild in a way that unleashes all talent, and ensures society can be more comfortable with itself, its history and above all its future, a place that everyone can be a part of.

The other road is anything but honest — its starting point is denial, and an inclination to

about everything including brutality.

We must have our say on which road we take — that is why this series of articles is so important.

We have assembled several talented individuals, to share their thoughts on the past tur-

bulent year and the opportunities and challenges in 2021.

I am deeply grateful to all of them: Prof Kevin Fenton, Lord Michael Hastings, Minna Saalem, Dr Shola Mos–Shogbamimu, Nelson Abbey and Dayo Okewale.

Throughout the course of 2021, The Voice has agreed to publish these articles. The next series of contributions will be by dynamic black female voices.

I hope you find these conversations stimulating, thought provoking and, above all, empowering.

24 | THE VOICE

JANUARY 2021

Special feature

‘Biden and Harris must learn from Obama-buyer’s remorse’ REALITY: Nels Abbey says the symbolism of a person of colour in a powerful position will only take them so far and is not a recipe for long-term electoral success

As the 81 million Americans who voted for Joe Biden celebrate his inauguration, it is important to remember that Barack Obama’s eight years in the White House failed to live up to progressive Democrats’ expectations. By Nels Abbey

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ID-OCTOBER 2016: President Barack Obama was about to leave office. More than a few of us felt that the historical uniqueness of the situation had not been properly acknowledged in British political programming.

I was working at the BBC at the time so I decided to do something about it.

What made Obama unique was clear as day: he was the first black president of the United States. There is no question about the historic importance of this uniqueness.

But how did he perform when it came to substance and policy, especially when it came to black people? How did black people feel after eight years with a black person as the most powerful person on earth?

SUBSTANTIVE

We decided to do what the media should have done: we asked them. We wanted to hear black people speak for themselves and decide whether or not Obama’s eight years in office amounted to a substantive victory or just a symbolic one. Or perhaps both.

With no budget or institutional support, Clive Myrie, myself and the BBC’s Black and Asian Forum (now known as BBC Embrace) came together to put on the black political show of a lifetime.

We gathered the very best of black political thinkers from across the globe, a true representation of the African diaspora – Afua Hirsch, Kehinde Andrews, Eddie S Glaude, Esther Stanford-Xosei, Joseph Harker, Yvette Carnell (who would go on to found the American Descendants of Slavery movement), Ben Okri and many more.

They each picked a side and we asked a simple question: ‘Did President Obama deliver or

When asked in a recent interview what he did specifically for black people, Obama was unable to name a single thing fail to deliver for black people?’.

The audience, roughly 400 people – most of them black professionals – were given a voting card and when the debate ended they voted on our premise – had Obama delivered or not?

The debate was phenomenal.

Intellectually razor sharp, penetratingly informative, funny and passionate.

When it was time for Clive to announce the winning argument, the audience were on the edge of their seats: “By a margin of… this audience believes that President Barack Obama... FAILED.” At that moment when Clive announced the result, I had a small feeling that there might be a chance that president Donald Trump – at that point still a laughable idea – could well become a reality.

In the midst of some of the most pro-Obama people on earth, there was a perception that he had failed to ‘deliver’ for them.

Obama-buyer’s remorse was real. Even among black people – Obama’s (and the Democrats’) most vehement and loyal base – it was there if anyone cared to ask.

And sadly, beyond being real, it was justified.

It is now widely accepted that Obama should have done much more for his own base.

When asked in a recent interview on the Breakfast Club what he did specifically for black people, Obama was unable to name a single thing.

Instead, he highlighted that his policies impacted the most disadvantaged in society, among whom black people are disproportionately represented.

INCOMES

He went on to list how his policies had helped black people.

He pointed out that black unemployment fell massively and black incomes rose.

What was not mentioned was that black wealth fell under Obama – as black people were disproportionately targeted by criminal elements in financial services which meant their key depository of wealth – their homes – were disproportionately repossessed.

The racial wealth gap expanded under Obama.

Obama-buyer’s remorse played at least a small role in birthing many things: foremost and most alarming among them being Trump’s presidency. White voters of course carried Trump to the White house, but the dramatic fall in black

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voters was largely due to Hillary Clinton’s historical statements, less than stellar campaign and feelings of disillusionment about the Obama years.

Perhaps the best thing to

Biden and Harris team learn from the mistakes that led to Obama-buyer’s remorse: symbolism only takes you so far, it is not a recipe for long-term electoral success or keeping the

life expectancies, lowest wealth levels, lowest income levels, highest incarceration levels, highest unemployment levels and disproportionately high COVID-19-related death and poverty rates.

URGENCY There is no reason why and Harris must recogObama’s buyer’s remorse cannot Biden nise this as a matter of urgency and develop policies that spebecome Biden and Harris cifically address the woes of their own loyal base. customer satisfaction emerge from Obama-buyer’s remorse was a more sceptical, demanding and savvy black electorate.

Black voters made it clear to Joe Biden that their votes were promiscuous: commit to something concrete or their votes stayed in bed.

This has played a part in ensuring a black female vicepresident and the diversity we have seen in cabinet picks.

Diversity is here again; the skies above are clear again… right? Well, in making these appointments it is critical the

@thevoicenews

next Trump (i.e., the next racist demagogue) out of the White House.

After a while, the esteemboosting value of a black or brown face in high places wears off. There must be substantive and explicitly targeted policies that will aid the continued plight of African Americans – and by extension, Africans globally.

Black people have specific problems as a result of specific policies (historical and current) that have harmed us for centuries and left us with the lowest

voicenews

There is no reason – other than a lack of will and determination or complacency – why Obama’s buyer’s remorse cannot become Biden and Harris customer satisfaction.

If it doesn’t, Trump, or someone even worse, stands a fantastic chance of winning the presidency back in 2024. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

Nels Abbey is a media executive, writer and satirist. He is also the author of Think Like A White Man, a satire on being a black person in the professional world. Follow him on Twitter at @nelsabbey

www.voice-online.co.uk

JANUARY 2021 THE VOICE | 25

Special feature

‘A moment’s outpouring is not enough – it takes work’

TOGETHER: Lord Hastings says it is important to build alliances and common bonds in order to work for a fairer future

While many spoke out and protested on the streets in 2020 to demand justice, equality and an end to institutional racism, real action and effort is needed if we want to effect change and make a difference, says Lord Hastings

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VERY YEAR as chancellor of a university, I remind our students at graduation that their academic gains tells them and us what they now know: attested, affirmed, accredited.

But the most important journey ahead is to find out what we don’t know and to seek continuous, lifelong, excitable learning and, in that mix of honest pursuit, to face our ignorance, fears and prejudices and learn to eradicate our predisposition to despise those we see as “less than” – the least.

As I look back across 2020, where for so many who are in their founding adult years – their 20s and 30s – their rage at the violent assault that racism represents, in protests, in marches, in screeching speeches, in promises and in statements and demands, I am thankful for the power of that rage, but I am also sanguine that we’ve been there before.

I’ve seen it before. I’ve witnessed these moments that are laden with demands but dissipate as the months turn to years and the years to decades.

Being old enough to remember Mangrove and Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, to have met Mandela and Obama, to have been frequently in Harlem and Manenberg, the crushing violent drug-disordered African township in Cape Town’s hidden heartlands, and Notting Hill and Moss Side and St Paul’s and Handsworth and Deptford, to have stood on the waste tip home of Kibera and to have lived in non-gentrified Peck-

I’ve witnessed these moments that are laden with demands but dissipate as months turn to years ham. I’ve been there – I’ve seen it. I’ve felt it and smelt it.

I was embroiled in the aftermath of the 1981 and 1985 22 city riots working with the then-government — Margaret Thatcher’s team — to bring healing and building alliances between angry black communities and funders eager to build back better and prevent more destructive turbulence through employment and innovation and cohesion schemes. It worked — for then. It was right — for then.

PERSEVERANCE

It didn’t heal the wound — although it helped. But it didn’t set a course of perpetual equity and racial justice.

The unaccountable litany of ongoing cases of police harassment, judicial discrimination, disproportionate imprisonment, and — this past year more than ever — health inequalities and distinctly unequal access to housing and recovery resources has laid bare the need to resist

the exhaustion that a moment for Black Lives Matter delivers in an other-wise turbulent and frothing sea of fearful COVID and frustrating Brexit, and set our sights on something much more essential – the pain of perseverance and the power of persistence.

If the darkest moment for many of us in 2020 was the violent slaughter of George Floyd in plain public sight, and the easy slippage of his killers to bail, paid freed whilst a family are manacled in trauma, and so are all of us in differing degrees, then one of the bright luminous moments was to study the long life of a man we just lost – civil rights leader and Congressman John Lewis, pictured inset right.

His death in July allowed the release of a letter he had written to all of us just for the day of his burial.

He wrote, having been in the struggle with the greats as one of the greats: “You must also study and learn the lessons of history, because humanity has been involved in this soulwrenching, existential struggle for a very long time.

“People in every continent have stood in your shoes, through decades and centuries before you.

“The truth does not change, and that is why the answers worked out long ago can help you find solutions to the challenges of our time. Continue

to build union between movements stretching across the globe because we must put away our willingness to profit from the exploitation of others.

“In my life, I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and non-violence is the most excellent way.

“Now it is your turn to let freedom ring. When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st Century, let them say it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war.

“So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.”

So for me, the answers lies in that determination.

To create a covenant with yourself that you will conjoin with others in meaningful, purposeful, unrelenting acts of justice, irrespective of your job or position or all you don’t have.

To find moments that build a movement.

To give time to lift the “less than” and to exemplify the real heroes in our communities. Great people like Patrick

Hutchinson, who stunned the world by picking up a white man manifesting racist aggression, yet fallen and wounded.

Patrick lifting him across his shoulder to take him to safety stunned the world.

STUNNING

Our communities need to be full of stunning people. We need to shock the world by being the most engaged, the most relentless, the most professional, the most loving, the most persistent, the most generous.

For me, I joined the then Commission for Racial Equality serving nine years as a commissioner in the era after the death of Stephen Lawrence, when we fought for Macpherson whose report laid bare what we know from Mangrove — institutional racism is as regular as the air we breathe, but unlike oxygen, this was carbon monoxide and we had to expunge the ugly truth and change the law.

And that took work. Not protests. Work. For nothing lastingly significant changes by a moment’s outpouring. But that’s not enough.

We must build alliances that will empower freedom to have genuine equity of opportunity and solid governance and investable resources.

That’s why I lead the London Chamber of Commerce and Industries Black Business Asso-

ciation and the newly formed Black Business Institute — so that we can contend together for opportunity within the frameworks that have power and want to share it.

That’s why I go eagerly with my fellow seekers to visit those in prison and fight for their case reviews and to stand up for those targeted by rotten non-aspiration and to get their truth heard, and that’s why I will continue to hear the sounds of my childhood from the great speeches to today’s great screeches to make sure every black woman and man can breathe and has the breath of life.

We make moments into movements when we build alliances and common bonds and when we see the significance of investing in long-term assets, and not glamour and showcase trivia.

Then we build a legacy, and if all of who hold the identity of being black in one degree or another paid heed to MLK’s dream that character must be the benchmark, then we will listen to John Lewis and we keep history’s fires burning, until all of what we hate the most is truly history, because we have persisted to dedicate and demonstrate that the best of us is in our conviction that justice for us is also about justice for all.

26 | THE VOICE

JANUARY 2021

Special feature

Decentering whiteness POSITIVE THINKING: Minna Salami says that the pandemic may have been the catalyst in black liberation coming to the fore (photo: Alan Howard); below left, Salami’s book, Sensuous Knowledge: A Black Feminist Approach for Everyone

The injustices against us were catapulted into the media last year – and that’s just the start.

Here, journalist Minna Salami says that little changes will ultimately make the difference

M

OST ERAS end imperceptibly – and most eras also end abruptly.

It may seem a contradiction that social change is both barely noticeable and drastic, but history teaches us that this frequently is the case.

Suddenly there is a shift, and long-held cultural symbols, social patterns, or value systems are no longer what they once were.

This is how the West became secular and for that matter, the Global South Christianised. It is how globalisation happened, and how social media transformed public discourse.

However, it is also true, when you probe deeper into the matter, that behind every catalyst for social change, are years of dreaming, building and fighting.

For example, pan-Africanist thinking dates at least to radicals like W.E.B DuBois and Amy Ashwood Garvey, but it was the independence movements of 1960s Africa that ushered the institutionalised pan-Africanism we are familiar with today.

When the birth control pill revolutionised women’s sexual lives and emboldened the second wave of feminism, it was not simply the case that the pill gave

Social change is like a river flowing for decades then suddenly erupting into a flood women independence, but rather decades of feminist organising that led to its invention.

Social change is like a river flowing seemingly peacefully for decades then suddenly erupting into a flood.

The COVID pandemic has both exposed and exacerbated oppressive elements that are embedded within sociopolitical structures.

CATALYST

It has therefore been a catalyst for not only a health emergency but also for social change, ushering unprecedented conversations and protests connecting race, class, gender, decolonisation, and ecocide.

But the injustices and inequalities the pandemic has brought to the fore of the sociopolitical agenda, have long been urgent to the groups whom they affect.

One of the social patterns that COVID may play a role in transforming in the simultaneously intangible yet abrupt way described, is the centering of whiteness in the black struggle for liberation.

So much of black liberation has, necessarily, focused on dismantling white supremacy and thus, understandably, to centering the actions (or inactions) of white people.

Black liberation has a long history of telling white people where they went wrong, and how they

should make things right, of feeding into white guilt, and so on.

As mentioned, this focus has been both understandable and

meaning of existence. Blackness has come to be defined by resistance to whiteness, rather than as a repository of a people’s philosophy that conveys

hood before learning about race.

In my book, Sensuous Knowledge: A Black Feminist Approach for Everyone, I describe liberation, not as the end of suffering, but as the end of suffering from being you.

Centering white people in black liberation ironically means ANGER last have black people as consequently decentering black When a group been able to look inward and say, “We are not gopeople’s liberation ing to suffer from being black necessary, especially in political life, leading for example to significant policy changes such as affirmative action.

Yet, centering white people in black liberation ironically means consequently decentering black people’s liberation.

It means deprioritising black people’s individual and collective interiority; the deep recesses of being where we make

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collective attitudes to fundamental matters of life such as birth, death, love, work, and pleasure.

This means, for example, that we teach black children about racism (and thus, whiteness) from a young age while white children (who at best will benefit from the privilege of racist systems and at worst will perpetuate them) can reach adult-

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anymore, we are not going to be reduced to perpetual anger and dissent, we are not going to exist in constant defiance of pity and shame. We are going to grapple with matters of the human mind and coexistence like everyone else. We are going to live lives of compassion, courage and joy”?

And so speaking of joy, it is wonderful that this was the year that talk about “black joy” was

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everywhere. It was as though the despair of systemic inequality and injustice laid bare once again through the disproportionate amount of black people dying from COVID, the murder of George Floyd, the continued inhumane deportations of black and brown people, etc., led to protests, frustration, and highlevel strategising.

But it also led to an emphasis on individual and collective desires for joy, discovery, harmonious co-existence with the natural world, softness and languor.

The pandemic may be the factor that we one day look back to as the catalyst to look at black liberation not only through dissent but through joy.

It may be the cathartic reinvigoration of black interiority and the layers of power and love embedded within.

www.voice-online.co.uk

ITL Scholars Programme for female students ages 14 -16 ITL is the catalyst for change in the lives of disadvantaged young girls of African and African Caribbean heritage.

We educate, inspire and empower children and young people to unlock their full potential as we believe, regardless of their circumstances, those from disadvantaged African and Caribbean heritage backgrounds have tremendous potential. Our vision is to help create a world where every young person from a disadvantaged background has the support they need to achieve their dreams.

Through our current Accelerator Programme, we provide, free of charge, an array of services including events and workshops as well as a multitude of virtual resources aimed at providing guidance in

education and career pursuits, leadership and life skills as well as the capabilities and beliefs they need today to thrive tomorrow.

ITL Scholars Programme This is a five-year programme from Year 9 through to Year 13, focusing on Black female students of African and or African-Caribbean heritage.

We will identify talented students and provide them with out-of-classroom experiences that augment their skillsets, develop their self-confidence, prepare them to pursue a university education (including degree apprenticeship).

The programme will expand the boundaries of their dreams while increasing their knowledge of and pride in themselves and their heritage.

Students will benefit from mentorship, expert and individualised attention offering personal development opportunities to ensure academic and higher education achievement including: v Academic support v Education and career guidance v Provision of relevant work experience v Personalised coaching v Mentorship- opportunity and access to engage with amazing black professional women as mentors from our Role Model network

v Access to our existing Accelerator Programme v Nurturing a sense of identity and pride in their own history v Fostering a sense of Sisterhood Criteria: v Current Year 9 female student v Between the ages of 14 to 16 v Student of African and or African-Caribbean heritage v Live in London v On free school meals v Interested in pursuing a university education (including degree apprenticeship) v Student interested in devoting time outside of school to their own educational and personal development Please email info@tomorrows-leaders.org with the full name, mobile number, and email address of recommended or interested student(s) for this programme.

We contact them with more information.

Application Deadline:

31st January 2021

For more information on ITL please visit:

www.tomorrows-leaders.org

28 | THE VOICE

JANUARY 2021

Faith

MCQUEEN HAS A TALENT FOR SHOWCASING OUR EXPERIENCE

Following the screening of miniseries Small Axe, Rev John Root says that Steve McQueen’s skill for accurately and intimately depicting the lives of black Britons could be perfect in a series about the church...

S

TEVE MCQUEEN’S five-part TV miniseries, Small Axe, was an important breakthrough in British television.

For the first time we had programmes made and written by black people, featuring black actors, and which covered the ‘black British’ experience of the ‘70s and ‘80s that emerged from the earlier ‘West Indian immigrant’ experience.

Whilst the fictional Lovers Rock hardly featured a white face, the other four films featured conflict with establishment authorities, especially the police and the education system.

As befits a series whose artwork used the Trojan Records logo, the series title drew from a Bob Marley song.

PSALM

One which began with a quote from Psalm 52: “Why boasteth thyself, O evil man”, before going on to the chorus: “If you are a big tree, we are the small axe, sharp to cut you down, well sharp to cut you down.” So the films were about people regarded by the authorities as ‘small’, and yet who more than survive but bring about important change.

It is unlikely that the BBC intentionally scheduled the programmes for the runup to Christmas, yet, in fact, the series provided a more appropriate prelude to the true meaning of the season than the schmaltz which dominates our TV channels for one month of the year. “ Yo u w i l l find a baby

Jesus often shows the power of small things – he speaks of the value of the ‘simple ones’ wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger,” the shepherds were told (Luke 2, verse 12). Readers of Luke’s gospel have already read the prophecy of the child’s mother, Mary: “He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has lifted up the humble.”

The child was to be a world-changer, a small axe.

He was not the king that Herod feared or that the wise men expected to find, rather a little baby who grew to be a “man of sorrows”. But a man who changed the world by challenging and changing people’s hearts.

In the Bible it is the case that “size matters” – but it turns the world’s understanding of size upside down.

It is the small, the child, the humble who G o d values; n o t t h e boasting,

the brash, the bullying and the powerful. We read the story of how God uses David, the least impressive of seven brothers, to defeat the mighty Goliath. (“Five stones from a sling” – see 1 Samuel 17:40 - could have been an alternative title for the series).

Jesus often shows the power of small things – the mustard seed, the five loaves and two fishes, the widow’s coin. He speaks of the value of the least, the “simple ones”.

Too often down the centuries, churches have forgotten Paul’s message that God “chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are” (1 Corinthians 1, verse 28).

VICTIMS

It is when Christians follow the way of Jesus, that victims can turn into visionaries, and God’s will starts to be done on earth as in heaven.

Some of the most powerful moments in McQueen’s films were when he showed people’s weakness. The painfully long focus on Alex Wheatle lying trussed and helpless on the gymnasium floor. Kingsley, humiliated at school, lying almost submerged in the bath.

The tender, tentative reconciliation with his father at the uncertain conclusion of Leroy Logan’s story.

Most intriguing of all was the surreal, very long sequence in Lovers Rock when the barrage from the sound system was replaced by the mellow acapella singalong of Janet Kay’s plaintive Silly Games – a song at a party about people failing to connect!

And was that gentle sequence intended as a deliberate, even critical coun-

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A TRUE SPECTACLE: Steve McQueen’s series is an honest account of black Britons’ lives terpoint to the film’s other long sequence of mad, masculine dancing? McQueen’s series may have been channelling nostalgia, and was certainly anger; but I think his films were also making us think and ask questions

beit what may seem very small seeds. In the series we see only occasional glimpses of Christian faith, like the faded pictures of back home on people’s mantelpieces. On the bus going to the blues party Martha sees a man

Faith challenges us to not just cut down but also how we can plant very small seeds about weakness and strength, and how big trees fall.

The prophet Jeremiah was commissioned to “uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant” (1:10).

With Christmas replaced by the coming of 2021, faith challenges us to not just cut down but also how we can plant, al-

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carrying a cross and a cloud of guilt brushes across her face: you can take the girl out of the church, but you can’t take the church out of the girl.

Whereas Logan’s strong faith (you can read about it in his autobiography Closing Ranks: My Life as a Cop) was airbrushed out of his story.

This was billed as the first se-

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ries of Small Axe, so presumably there are more films on the horizon to look forward to. Perhaps, having given us an inside picture of the profane world of blues parties, McQueen might now also give us an unsensational, sympathetic but questioning portrayal of its pious counterpart, a church. It is a background that a good number of his actors know well.

Rev John Root is associate vicar of St Ann’s, Tottenham. He has been a minister in Wembley for 30 years, and in Harlesden and Homerton. He has been vice-principal of a theological college, and part-time lecturer in colonial history. He has written booklets on multi-cultural church life; and is a lifelong Liverpool supporter. He is married, with a son.

www.voice-online.co.uk

JANUARY 2021 THE VOICE | 29

by Marcia Dixon

Soul Stirrings Faith

‘SHENSEEA’S TRACK IS AN INSULT TO VICTIMS OF CRIME’

GLORIFYING VIOLENCE: Shenseea poses with a gun in the music video for Bad Alone (credit: YouTube/ Romeich Entertainment)

She may be talented, but Shenseea’s song Bad Alone makes light of violence which continues to destroy our society, writes Rev Devon Dick

R

ECENTLY, A friend sent me a link to the song of her favourite artist, the talented Shenseea entitled Bad Alone.

This gangster song boasts, ‘mi nuh fraid fi buss gun’, she is ‘ever in murderer mood’ and will rain gunshots.

She also brags about making one phone call that would lead to the ending of someone’s life.

This is gory and certainly not entertainment. It boasts content that is abusive, threatening and glorifies murder – it should be banned.

There are those who defend such gangster or garrison lyrics as artistic such as Foota Hype, a

Killing someone is to destroy the very image of God Jamaican DJ living in the USA, who made that claim recently on TVJ’s Entertainment Report with Anthony Miller.

Foota Hype claimed that people are not influenced by these songs to commit killings but the singers are reflecting what the killers are doing.

To support his position he cited the legendary ambassador

Usain Bolt, the greatest sprinter of all time, whose favourite artiste is Vybz Kartel, a convicted murderer, who has songs espousing killings.

He claims that Bolt’s admiration of Kartel has not led Bolt to kill anyone. However, Bolt could be an exception which does not prove the rule.

There are others who follow blindly and foolishly and might perceive these gun lyrics as licence to kill someone they disagree with or they dislike.

At least it gives the impression that killing someone is a normal and a natural part of life.

Killings have serious consequences for the victims, their

families and the perpetrators of the murder. Grieving families often want revenge and so the cycle of violence continues. There are family members whose coping mechanism is to become numb to the killings, which can have a detrimental effect on mental health.

BRIGHT

Some years ago, I visited the maximum security facility HMP Belmarsh in Woolwich, London, where I hosted a worship service.

Whilst there, I met young Jamaican men who albeit bright, attractive and telnted, were engaged in serious crimes in-

cluding killings. They have destroyed the victims’ lives and blighted their own futures. One confessed to me that he committed a killing. I cried. It was sad.

Killing someone is to fly in the face of God and to destroy the very image of God. To kill a fellow human being is one of the greatest acts of human presumptuousness that could be demonstrated. It is an affront to God. Shenseea’s song is disgraceful.

It recommends killing someone in cold blood as a way of life.

Songs influence behaviour.

There are romantic songs that get us in the mood for lovemaking. There are songs that rally

us to support a football team.

Christmas carols are sung at this time of the year to remind us of the birth of Jesus, the Christ into the world and that Jesus offers peace and goodwill to all.

And the world needs peace and love desperately. Bad Lyrics do matter. Songs do influence our thinking and actions.

Songs should therefore heed Phil. 4:8 which encourages things that are noble, right, lovely, admirable and praise worthy so that all can learn and be inspired to be the best version of themselves. Let us shun Shenseea’s song Bad Alone and all songs that support killing human beings as fun.

30 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2020

JANUARY 2021

THE VOICE | 31

News feature

2020: The year that was T

As we move into the new year, we must not lose sight of the tragedy and triumphs that dominated so many people’s lives in 2020. Here, Lawrence Davies of Equal Justice Solicitors looks back at some of the cases both won, lost and still ongoing in an unforgettable year

HEY SAY to know the future, you must study the past. In this way, by considering the significant race cases at work in 2020, we may be able to predict developments for 2021.

In the fight for racial equality at work, 2020 started well.

Anne Giwa Amu, pictured below, won a record award of over £233,000 (net) against the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) for the racism she suffered.

Given that the highest award for racism at work in 2019 was £33,000, it was a major step forward.

On December 17, 2020, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) announced that the DWP had agreed to overhaul its equality processes in the light of the Giwa Amu judgment and to agree to a legally binding action plan under s23 of the Equality Act 2010 to introduce Fair Treatment Ambassadors, work with ACAS to review its diversity and inclusion training, to review its dignity at work procedures and its handling of Employment Tribunal processes.

FALSE

Unfortunately, it proved to be a false dawn. It emerged that racial harassment at work had almost doubled from 2017, with 31 per cent of BAME workers informing the TUC that they had suffered harassment at work (Dying in the Job report).

Many frontline BAME workers, such as Belly Mujinga, died in their jobs in 2020, and did so disproportionately according to ONS figures.

The cause of that disparity is either systemic and enduring racism (Baroness Lawrence report) or multifactorial causes other than racism (Race Disparity Unit report).

We may discover more this year if the coroner agrees to an inquest for Belly or there is

‘UNFAIRLY TREATED’: Belly Mujinga, with her husband Lusamba Gode Katalay, died on April 5, 2020 after alleged failures to be provided with sufficient PPE for her work on the station concourse at Victoria Station, London

a public inquiry held into her frontline worker death.

On December 17, 2020, the Metropolitan Police admitted that the racial harassment of one of its Asian Muslim officers had amounted to gross misconduct, further to an IOPC investigation and disciplinary panel judgment. Our client (“X”), who cannot be named, was harassed by former sergeant Stephen Redgewell, a figure who preyed on her in her very vulnerable state, rather than supporting her in her ill-health retirement application.

Mr Redgewell sent countless inappropriate texts and pictures to X which included his description of her as an “Asian babalicious queen”, “a dinky recluse” he

would visit when she was “sectioned”, a “dirty cat woman”, a “bossy Muslim woman”, and his advice to her to “divorce her husband”, not to “lick windows”, go to the Museum of London to look at a “load of romance and medieval carpentry”, and to wear “nappies”.

Although Mr Redgewell, is to be placed on the barring list,

our client, former Superintendent Nusrit Mehtab, will be heard. At the time Supt Mehtab was constructively dismissed, she was the most senior Asian female police officer in the Met Police. She alleges that the Met Police blocked her career, knowingly used a racist management aptitude test to disadvantage black and minority

It emerged that racial harassment at work had almost doubled from 2017 one regrettable fact was that Mr Redgewell was allowed to retire before his disciplinary hearing and to retain his pension.

In 2021, we will campaign for the pensions of racist police officers to be removed. X’s won Employment Tribunal claim against the Met Police will be heard in 2021.

This year, the race claim of

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ethnic (BAME) staff applying to be promoted, ignored the racist graffiti at Edmonton police station (including a swastika) and instructed her and two other senior BAME officers to walk behind three senior white officers, including the Commissioner, at the Woman’s March on May 17, 2019.

Her case follows John Boye-

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ga’s portrayal of another Met Police former superintendent, Leroy Logan, pictured inset below, who suffered racism at the hands of the police, in Red, White and Blue in Steve McQueen’s resonating Small Axe anthology series.

Prior to that, in February 2021, a black woman, Celeste, will go to trial to try to prove that her former employer dismissed her after she whistleblew about health and safety risks to, and harm being done to, one of her black colleagues (“Y”) further to a horrendous car accident in Gabon in which Y was seriously injured and their pregnant black colleague was killed.

That same month another police officer goes to court to complain, as Supt Logan and Mehtab did, that her career in

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the police was obstructed and blocked.

We should also have a decision on the meme case, a City race case in which an allegedly racist meme depicting an elderly white woman saying “That Nigerian Prince never emailed me back. I hope he’s OK” was circulated to staff to help them understand fraud and money laundering risks.

The trial of Motolani Sunmola, the colleague of Belly Mujinga, will be heard in 2021.

This will throw some light on the alleged racism faced by frontline workers during the COVID pandemic, and in particular on the tragic death of Belly who died of COVID after a white male is alleged to have coughed/shouted/spat Continued on page 34

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| THE VOICE JANUARY 2021

News feature

‘RACISM IS AT WORK’ While the odds are stacked against black workers, the efforts we put in now to tackle the many injustices we face will see us reap the rewards – and they may come sooner than we might think, says Patrick Roach “There is a hostile environment for black workers today which means they are more likely to face discrimination in the workplace, to be in insecure jobs, and more likely to be dismissed from work.

“During the pandemic we have also seen how racial discrimination has resulted in black workers being much more likely to die at work as a result of COVID-19.

“As the Task Force begins its work, we will be hearing evidence from black workers about their experiences of everyday racism in the workplace.

“The Anti-Racism Task Force will not hesitate to call out racial injustice wherever we find it. It will bring together a strong coalition to deliver a programme of measures to root out racism and tackle racial discrimination and injustice at work.”

R

ACISM IS at work and it exists. But, as trade unions, we are committed to eradicating the prejudice and discrimination and disadvantage that continue to deny many black workers the opportunity to secure decent jobs and careers regardless of educational outcomes.

The trade union movement has been a leading voice on the need to tackle institutional racism over the years.

However, a new generation of activists has re-energised and heightened the profile of anti-racist campaigning. We

Wherever and whenever racism exists, wherever the conditions exist which enable racism to flourish, we must be ready to act and to call it out know that an increased focus on anti-racism within the trade union movement will have to be both broad and far reaching in order to make a real and lasting difference to tackling racial disparities and racial injustice at work, as we build a coalition that is capable of reaching out to organisations across wider civil society.

There is no more important priority for our trade union movement today than to do whatever it takes to stand up against racism and to secure racial justice at work.

We know the facts of the hostile environment. Black workers aged 16-24 are almost three times more likely to be unemployed than their White counterparts.

The ethnicity pay gap stands at 23.8 per cent in Lon-

don, the region with the highest proportion of black and minority ethnic (BAME) workers. And black workers are also more likely to be in poverty.

Black workers are also more likely to be denied fair access to employment, more likely to be fired and less likely to be hired, and more likely to be in insecure work, with black women twice as likely to be in precarious employment, working zero hours contracts and with fewer rights at work.

The evidence also points to black workers who are less likely to be promoted to senior positions and more likely to be subject to competence and disciplinary procedures, irrespective of qualifications or experience.

And, with the pandemic, black workers are three to four times more likely to die at work.

MERCY

Due to the Government’s immigration agenda, many black workers are at the mercy of exploitative employers, less able to challenge exploitative practices for fear of losing their jobs, their homes and their right to remain in the UK. When the economic outlook is poor and public spending is cut, it is black workers who will also be among those hit the hardest.

Wherever and whenever racism exists, wherever the conditions exist which enable racism to flourish, we must be ready to act and to call it out.

But, we need to do more than speak out, we must also make a difference.

The TUC Anti-Racism Task Force is about establishing the facts and shining a light on racial injustice in the world of work.

But, it will do much more than that. It will also be about action – organising, bargaining and campaigning to secure real change.

The fight against injustice at work is a cornerstone of our trade union movement. It’s

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‘CHANGE IS COMING’: Patrick Roach is sure that conditions for BAME workers will improve what our movement has done over decades; and it’s what our movement has continued to do since the start of this pandemic – protecting jobs and liveli-

racism and racial injustice at work and that it will be a powerful force for change.

Twenty years ago, the TUC Stephen Lawrence Task Group

We are determined that the Anti-Racism Task Group will mark another important chapter in the history of our movement’s fight hoods and campaigning for safe working conditions for our members.

We are determined that the Anti-Racism Task Group will mark another important chapter in the history of our trade union movement’s fight against

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was set up to root out racism at work.

There has been some progress since then, but the reality is that there remains much more to do.

We must give voice to the everyday racism black workers

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face and confront institutional racism and discrimination at work.

Unions must demonstrate willingness to take the lead and to secure progress.

Change is coming.

Dr Patrick Roach is the General

Secretary of NASUWT and Chair

of the TUC Anti-racism Task Force The task force will lead the trade union movement’s renewed

campaign against racism at

work. It will engage with Black

workers across the UK to hear

about their experiences. And it

will produce recommendations on tackling structural racism

in the UK, in workplaces and in unions themselves.

www.voice-online.co.uk

JANUARY 2021 THE VOICE | 33

News feature

TWO ‘STOCKWELL SIX’ MEN’S CASES REFERRED FOR APPEAL

SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE: Winston Trew, who was part of the so-called Oval Four, was wrongly convicted and says he was badly beaten while in police custody – and is urging members of the Stockwell Six who believe they were wrongly convicted to get in touch with the CRCC

The Voice can exclusively reveal that almost 40 years after the group was largely convicted of assault and intent to rob, two members of the so-called group hope their cases will be appealed following CRCC referrals

T

WO BLACK men who were convicted on the evidence of a now discredited white police officer have had their cases referred for appeal, The Voice and The Guardian can exclusively reveal.

Courtney Harriott and Paul Green were part of a group of six young men, who later became known as the Stockwell Six. In 1972, they were charged with assault with intent to rob on a London Underground train.

All six men pleaded not guilty. But most of them were convicted.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has referred the cases for appeal as the damning evidence used to put the men in prison came from an officer, who has now been discredited for misconduct. In 1980, Detective Sergeant Derek Ridgewell pled guilty to conspiracy to steal and spent time in prison.

PLAIN

Disgraced Ridgewell, who led an “anti-mugging squad” on the Underground arrested the Stockwell Six and was their alleged victim.

It is now known that Ridgewell dressed in plain clothes, confronted young black men and accused them of theft.

Other men arrested by Ridgewell (both black and white) have had their cases overturned because of his misconduct.

The CCRC first became aware of the bent cop’s behaviour through the case of Stephen Simmons., whose theft conviction was quashed in 2018.

In 2019, Winston Trew, who was part of the group that became known as the Oval Four, also had his convictions of assaulting a police officer and

It’s really good that we have been able to send another case for appeal involving DS Ridgewell theft overturned.

Speaking to The Voice, he described his experiences with Ridgewell.

“We were coming home from meeting in London, and these men jumped on us,” he explains.

“We thought they were just white men pushing people around.”

There were seven members of Ridgewell’s “anti-mugging squad” against Trew and his three friends. He added: “One of them tried to strangle me.”

Members of the Oval Four were also badly beaten in police custody. Trew has written a book called Black for a Cause...

Not Just Because... about his experiences.

Now, he campaigns to encourage others like him, who were wrongly convicted to come forward and clear their names.

“The CCRC are trustworthy, ready and waiting to assist,” he adds.

The CCRC is now looking for the other four men who were convicted, as part of the Stockwell Six. They believe the cases of Cleveland Davison, Texo Joseph Johnson and Ronald De’Souza could also be sent to appeal, fairly soon if the men

get in contact. The cases of the other men from the Stockwell Six they have already referred for appeal spent time in prison.

Harriott was convicted of assault with intent to rob and unlawful possession of an offensive weapon.

He was then sentenced to three years. Green was sent to a youth detention centre.

BEHAVIOUR

Though Everet Mullins was not convicted, they would also like him to reach out.

The British Transport Police are now reviewing Ridgewell’s behaviour during his time in the force.

Anyone else who was convicted on the evidence of DS Ridgewell should contact the CCRC. David Brown, a Justice of the Peace in the Adult Criminal Court, said: “It’s really good that we have been able to send another case for appeal involving DS Ridgewell.

“It is a challenge to investigate cases as old as this because most of the information from the time has been destroyed and that doesn’t leave much to go on, but in this case our earlier CCRC referrals involving Ridgewell have helped pave the way.

“What we really want now is for the other Stockwell Six co-defendants to contact us so we can look at their cases and hopefully send their convictions for appeal as well.”

34 | THE VOICE

JANUARY 2021

News feature

Continued from page 31 at her on March 21, 2020 while working as a ticket officer on the concourse of Victoria Station, London.

Belly, who had a respiratory/ throat medical condition, was instructed by her supervisor to leave the ticket office and go on to the concourse that day, without any adequate PPE. Motolani, pictured below, her friend and colleague, was also sent outside to work with Belly that day, and also later contracted COVID. Like Belly, Motolani had made similar complaints of racism against the same supervisor.

Belly died on April 5, 2020.

We await to see if there will be a coroner’s inquest or public inquiry, and if the British Transport Police will provide us with the name of the white male perpetrator so her family can sue him for his racial harassment of Belly.

The alleged racist supervisor is later said to have claimed that, “only stupid people die of COVID”.

It seems the two black Victoria Station frontline workers, who worked without adequate PPE and who died of COVID, are still being harassed post-death.

When an employee dies intes-

‘The Government was fed up of Black Lives Matter-type issues’ – Liz Truss tate, consent is needed to carry out legal proceedings against the employer. Belly’s family have now requested permission from the Employment Tribunal to sue Govia Thameslink Railway.

A decision on that is expected in the first part of this year.

One thing I can predict for 2021 is an assault on equality law in the new post-Brexit world. We already know that article 47 of the Fundamental Charter of Rights will no longer apply in the UK. This means among other things that black staff working in London’s embass i e s w i l l n o longe r

have any legal protection against racism at work. The foreign governments will again be able to avoid jurisdiction, and, therefore, legal claims, by asserting sovereign and diplomatic immunity.

Meanwhile, on the fateful December 17, 2020, Liz Truss, Minister for Equalities warned us that the Government was fed up of the “fashion” of Black Lives Matter-type issues, and would bring forward a broader, “new approach to equality” “founded firmly on Conservative values”.

We expected no snow at Christmas but a ‘white backlash’ against black workers, ‘activist’ lawyers, and certain black journalists.

‘NEW APPROACH TO EQUALITY’: Minister for Equalities Liz Truss

APPROACH

This new approach will no doubt be endorsed by the new board at the Equality and Human Rights Commission which includes for the first time characters such as David Goodhart who argued that white self-interest was not the same as racism and that the illegal immigration measures introduced by May’s Government should not be watered down in the wake of the Windrush scandal.

Interestingly, the senior civil servant said to be connected to those measures left the Cabinet Office and resurfaced at the British Transport Police Authority. Belly was hopeful of a world in which racial equality had been achieved and black

Equal Justice solicitors which was formed in 2005, is an award-winning specialist employment law firm. Its CEO, Lawrence Davies, is a leading anti-discrimination lawyer, who received a Lifetime achievement award from the National Black Police Association. Equal Justice solicitors recently won the Anne Giwa-Amu v DWP race case in March 2020, which is reported to be the third highest UK race award. (www. equaljustice.co.uk),

Removal of signs with slave owner’s name ‘powerful’

By Rodney Hinds THE NAME of a slave owner has been removed from entrance signs to a Hackney park in the first action of Hackney Council’s review into the naming of landmarks and public spaces.

The removal of the Cassland Road Gardens signs, which took place on December 5, was the first recommendation by a community steering group made up of local cultural historians, community leaders, young people and other residents, following the launch of the review earlier this year.

The Council is due to start a process with local residents this month to consider a new name for the park.

Cassland Road Gardens was named after Sir John Cass – a politician and director of the Royal African Company making substantial profits from the enslavement of African people in the 16th and 17th Centuries.

Documents show that he was

on the ‘committee of correspondence’ who dealt directly with slaving agents and made decisions on the life and death of slaves.

The removal of the signs was in the presence of Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville, Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Human Resources, and members of the Community Steering Group set up by the Council to oversee the review.

MOMENT

Mayor Glanville and Cllr Williams said: “This is a historic and powerful moment for Hackney and demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity in our borough. We are not erasing our history, but now truly reckoning with our past.

“Taking this action in the present means that we can now look to the future, and thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Steering Group, residents and Council staff, we can look forward to naming our public spaces after people that better

‘HISTORIC’: The Cassland Road Gardens signs are removed (photos: Wayne Crichlow/@chasingthelight_67) reflect our pride in our diversity.”

Jermain Jackman, co-chair of Hackney Young Futures Commission, said: “I think I can speak for most Hackney residents when I say we no longer want signs named after slave traders or people who have created crimes against humanity.

“We want to create place names

where people can feel comfortable and proud.

“As a descendant of a slave, I did not feel comfortable in Cassland Road Gardens and I want to thank the community for helping us make this significant step.”

Residents are now invited to suggest names via the new Hackney

Naming Hub – an online platform to collect names of hidden histories within Hackney.

The Hub seeks to address underrepresentation in the public realm and positively acknowledge all our diverse and migrant communities, women, LGBTQI+ communities, disabled people and the working classes.

Lifestyle

21 TO WATCH IN 2021

Lifestyle gives you the lowdown on who will be achieving greatness this year

36 | THE VOICE JANUARY 2021

Lifestyle

21 TO WATCH IN 2021 Joel Campbell handpicks the individuals we should be celebrating and supporting this year

Zeze Millz

Some of the content this young lady was involved in last year was brilliant. Her interviews have improved as she has become more experienced and the growth is great to see.

What Zeze brings to the table is a raw and honest conversation focused on exploring views held by the younger generation of black adults.

Too often their views and pattern of discourse isn’t given the room it needs to breath and work itself out, the Zeze Millz Show gives it that space. May 2021 bring more of the same.

Jade Morgan

Jade is one of the very few black women working at leadership level in the game.

As general manager of Leicester City Women, she has played an integral part in the club’s development, growth and smooth transition this summer, moving from a part-time team into a fully professional outfit.

Jade is also a board member of Women In Football.

Jobi McAnuff

Current player at Leyton Orient, tthe midfielder has a wealth of experience playing for Wimbledon, West Ham, Cardiff City, Watford, Reading and Stevenage.

Jobi has 32 caps for Jamaica and featured for the Reggae Boyz in the 2016 Copa America.

He is a pundit for Sky Sports, BBC Sport, BT Sport, talkSPORT, Quest and the Premier League channel.

Rianna Patterson

Rianna, a videographer, photographer and the founder of Dominica Dementia Foundation, is set to produce a documentary film on dementia. The documentary will be filmed in the UK

and Commonwealth of Dominica and will also include other Caribbean countries.

The 23-yearold was awarded the Queen’s Young Leaders Award by the Queen in 2017 for her work in the field.

Jordan Nash

Last year the 13-year-old featured in Come Away, which starred Angelina Jolie and David Oyelowo, and you can expect to see him popping up in a few more high-profile projects in 2021.

Being nominated for best supporting actor for his role as Omar in the live action animated musical fantasy film Aladdin at the Young Entertainer Awards last year has only whet his appetite to become even more successful. Check out his interview at voice-online.co.uk.

Elicia McKenzie

Elicia is an artist based in London, who mainly specialises in oil paints to create either a representational or abstract art.

Elicia’s recent work Movement was inspired by her love of cars and Portraits of Black Icons was triggered by the death of actor Chadwick Boseman. Elicia’s accomplishments to date have included commissioned artwork for individuals, businesses and entertainment industry. She is represented by UK black arts agency Disrupt Space (disrupt space.org) and you can see more of her work on elicia mckenzie.com

Skeamer

On the brink of breakthrough, south London Drill artist Skeamer released Stay Real at the back end of 2020 featuring Scorcher

EXPLORING VIEWS: Zeze Millz brings to the table a raw and honest conversation

and Snap Capone. His groundwork and consistency as an artist over the past two years have been impressive and in the last 11 months he has delivered four hard-hitting solo and collaborative tracks in the form of Talk To Me, Money ft Skore Beezy, War Ready ft Bigga and most recent release Action, featuring Skore Beezy and Clue.

To date, his single Toast Up has more than 2.1 million streams on Spotify and over 7.3 million views on YouTube.

Keep your eye on this man, he’s in the zone.

Kamille

Do you know about pop powerhouse, singer, producer and Britain’s most successful female songwriter Kamille? She used to be a musicobsessed stockbroker in London’s financial district but now her songwriting credits have contributed to over four billion Spotify streams and more than three billion YouTube streams.

She’s recently written for Dua Lipa and AJ Tracey x Mabel, had two consecutive number one singles for Jess Glynne and Clean Bandit, and more.

She’s hailed as “our favourite writer” and “the fifth member of Little Mix” by the girls themselves, after joining them on stage and writing over 22 of their tracks including hits Black Magic and Shout Out To My Ex. Kamille had another stellar year in 2020 where she shared her gorgeous single Somebody featuring Ebenezer and 2021 holds more and more of the artists own music.

@thevoicenewspaper

Christian Malcolm

If you check out The Voice online platform on YouTube and have a deep dive you will see an interview with Christian Malcolm celebrating his win at the National Championships in Birmingham.

So it’s nice to see 10 years

@thevoicenews

later the sport has recognised his achievements as an athlete and given the Welshman an opportunity to impart his extensive knowledge in the role as head coach of British Athletics’ Olympic programme.

He is the first black person to have the role, which comes with a lot of pressure, especially in an Olympic year.

The next 12 months represent a crucial time for British track and field and the community will be wishing Christian the best of luck.

voicenews

Dr Miranda K. Brawn Esq

Multi-award winning Dr Miranda K. Brawn Esq is recognised as a trailblazer and honoured numerous times as a financial executive, senior lawyer, philanthropist, success coach, diversity, inclusion and sustain-

www.voice-online.co.uk

JANUARY 2021

THE VOICE | 37

Lifestyle ability leader, board and political advisor with a successful background in financial services, law and consulting. This includes advising the UK Government and the House of Lords.

Named as one of the UK’s leading diversity champions and founder of the UK’s first diversity leadership charity (tmbdlf.com), which made UK history in October 2016, Miranda is also a media contributor and a highly sought-after international speaker with her first published book out this year.

lady will be a very big part of the fuss and focus.

Lynch, a new ‘00’ agent who entered active service some time after Bond’s retirement and was assigned the 007 number, will be the first black and female agent.

The plot sees Bond (Daniel Craig), who has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica, visited by an old friend from the CIA who needs his help. Featuring Naomie Harris, No Time to Die is the 25th instalment in the James Bond film series.

Sherry Davis

Jaydee Dyer

Sherry Davis has been honing her vocal skills and piano playing from a young age, thanks in part to a gospel music upbringing and childhood love for Minnie Riperton, Jill Scott and Lauryn Hill.

After a four-year stint writing and performing with top flight electronic music acts such as Netsky, Logistics and Shadow Child, Sherry has returned to her roots through a new, afrosoul project called Ashirah Sounds.

Stripping everything back to piano, vocals and organic instrumentation, Sherry is producing a debut album that she describes as cinematic afrosoul, fusing British soul music with traditional African rhythms.

She will be launching the album with a documentary about reconnecting with her Kenyan heritage this year.

Bashiyra

There’s a new album coming from singer, songwriter, p r o d u c e r, vocal coach and singing lecturer Bashiyra this year. Her last album, Independent, gained a top five place in the UK soul charts in 2018 – six years after her rousing performance at the opening ceremony of The London 2012 Paralympic Games, which garnered a subsequent personal thank

ON CLOUD NINE: Multiple MOBO award winner Nines will be one to watch in 2021

you letter from the then UK prime minister David Cameron.

Bashiyra began her career delivering backing vocals for big-hitters such as Michael Bolton, Patti Labelle, and Diana Ross, but this could her year to steal the spotlight.

Enny

It’s hard not to be impressed with south east London rapper and singer Enny, the young lady really hasn’t put a foot wrong and as far as organic talents are concerned her skill level is undeniable.

In a crowded space Enny has stood out leaps and bounds and nothing seems too forced.

Those who are already fans and on board the hype train have every reason to be excited about Enny. Provided she stays on a similar trajectory for 2021

music lovers are in for a treat. If this is a new face for you, check out single Peng Black Girls today.

Nines

He’s no new face to the scene but something tells us that Nines will be one to watch this year. The multiple 2020 MOBO award winner dropped a number one album Crabs in a Bucket last year, which propelled his cult status. The controversial rapper isn’t shy of speaking his mind and 2021 will be a revealing year for the London artist.

AP - MadeYou Think101_

There wasn’t much to know about the founder of Instagram platform MadeYouThink101_ prior to the Zeze Mills interview he did last year (check that out of you haven’t), but the world’s a better place for him doing it.

The context and vision AP provided as his motivation behind

NBA host Jaydee Dyer has been building, chipping away at a media career that saw him co-host the Football Black List last year.

Fast becoming a familiar face on Sky Sports, the young presenter is undoubtedly one of the best television sports broadcasters of his generation.

On a upward curve, supporters of this young talent will be looking forward to seeing him covering even more premium sports events.

Lauren James

what he has created was a breath of fresh air.

More importantly, it spoke to a generation that may have those aspirations and discussions behind closed doors, amongst their peers, but rarely hear it replicated by someone that is actually doing it.

Even more importantly by someone they can relate to.

Among a growing plethora of platforms producing similar content from a similar perspective, MadeYouThink101_ offers a space for like-minded discourse which ultimately helps bring balance to the bigger picture.

It’s going to be a big year for this young lady, a really big year.

Already frightening opposing defenders with her blistering pace Lauren, still just 19 years old, is a million miles from the finished article.

Genuinely seen as the standard bearer for the next wave of England footballer, the Lambeth-born player received her first call-up for the senior squad in November 2020.

Older brother Reece is a regular with the England men’s senior squad and the pair will become the first brother and sister duo to represent England if the Manchester United player goes on to make her full senior debut this year.

Lashana Lynch

Munya Chawawa

The James Bond movie No Time to Die is slated for a April 2021 release and this young

No pressure, but 2021 is looking like being a monster year for this comedian and social

commentator. Last year, where any of his skits were concerned he simply did not miss, it was bullseye after bullseye as the proud British-Zimbabwean performer captured the mood of the nation with every piece of content he put out.

The speed with which he responds to incidents is a standout feature as is his work rate.

The dots have lined up for Munya, long may he reap the benefits.

Stevo The Mad/Dad man

If you are a hardcore follower of this online breath of fresh air then you’ll know that his brand of comedy

isn’t for all.

However, the success the Londoner has experienced over the last couple of years is nothing short of a feel-good movie in the making.

He’s the personification of the boy done good. He’s done it the hard way. He’s believed in himself and his brand of humour from the jump.

He’s learned his lessons along the way, brought up his kids in front of the world and cultivated a staunch following on Snapchat and Instagram that is a testament to his industrious commitment to consistent creativity and endeavour.

If you don’t follow him already, check out his Stevo The Dad Man series on Snapchat, especially if you needed a reason to download the app.

Pa Salieu

After the 2020 he had it’s easy to put Pa Salieu on a ones to watch in 2021 list and we’re betting he’ll be on pretty much everyone else’s, too.

The British-African artist based in Coventry is rapidly becoming the nation’s favourite rapper with his high-octane delivery and vivacious style.

His debut mixtape Send Them To Coventry, which he dropped last year, was well received by fans and his debut UK headline tour kicks off this May. Watch this space.

38 | THE VOICE JANUARY 2021

Lifestyle

Screen

Sir Lenny’s series to hit ITV Inspired by his mother’s story, the comedian’s six-part drama Three Little Birds focuses on the reality of moving to ‘50s Britain from Jamaica

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

S

IR LENNY Henry is to write a new six-part ITV drama inspired by his mother’s experiences of leaving Jamaica in the 1950s to come and live in Great Britain.

Three Little Birds narrates the adventures of gregarious sisters Leah and Chantrelle, who hail from St Anne’s district in Jamaica, and their virtuous, bible-loving acquaintance, Hosanna as they board a cruise ship heading for a new life.

On arriving in London’s Notting Hill they quickly realise the capital is not the home for them and flee to the Midlands.

The road ahead is not a smooth one for our trio, and although we learn some shocking truths about the lives they left behind in Jamaica, we will also cheer them on to succeed, as they overcome the obstacles of

“The stories of other post-Windrush arrivals will trigger memories, smiles and tears, too”

racism and integration and build a life in Britain.

The series will be produced

by Sir Lenny’s production company, Douglas Road Productions, in association with Tiger Aspect Productions. Both companies are part of the Banijay UK group.

Henry has been working in consultation with scriptwriter Russell T. Davies and both will serve as executive producers on the drama alongside Angela Ferreira from Douglas Road Productions and Tiger Aspect’s Head of Drama, Lucy Bedford.

Sir Lenny commented: “My mother spoke often about how difficult life was back in the day when she first arrived in Britain to begin her new life. The stories

she told and indeed the narratives my brothers and sisters beguiled me with over the dinner table made me think about writing a fictional account of three Caribbean women; all with differing yet complementary attributes – a serious tenacious one, a quick witted flibbertigibbet and a Christian prude.

“They all get to the UK with one thing on their minds – a new life.

“Although these are fictional accounts, my mother’s narrative will run throughout these stories and hopefully, the stories of other post-Windrush arrivals will trigger memories, smiles and tears, too.”

PRIVILEGE

He added: “It is my privilege to work with Russell T. Davies and Tiger Aspect on these stories.

“For me, a life-long dream has come true. This series will be a tribute to the giants who came before us and walked cold streets to create new lives for themselves.”

ITV Drama boss Polly Hill added: “I fell in love with Leah, Chantrelle and Hosanna the moment I read Lenny’s script and I think the audience will want to go on their journey with them.

“Lenny has written a funny and moving, but most of all lifeaffirming drama, that is a tribute to his mother and all those who came to Britain and made it their home.”

‘A DREAM HAS COME TRUE’: Sir Lenny Henry, pictured left in his younger years with his mother Winifred, says his series will be a tribute to ‘the giants that came before us’

Netflix fund offers opportunity to budding filmmakers

STARTED WITH AN IDEA: Netflix hits American Factory and Becoming

NETFLIX has started a brand new Documentary Talent Fund to support emerging filmmakers from across the UK and to nurture the most innovative and creative minds of the future.

The opportunity will be open to everyone and will give 10 filmmakers, and their teams, the chance to make a short documentary film with a budget of between £20,000 and £40,000 each.

All teams will be under the guidance of Netflix and other filmmaking professionals, to ensure that filmmakers and everyone involved in the production are fairly paid, and in a bid to open doors to those most under-represented in the industry.

Netflix gives creative freedom to

writers and directors to tell the stories they want to tell, unrestricted by time and form.

Now, you have the chance to tell us a story and receive a leg up into the world of film, TV and documentary making.

Whether you’ve picked up a camera before or have limited experience, don’t be shy. The Documentary Talent Fund is designed to guide you through every step of the way: to nurture and encourage.

In their finished forms, each documentary must be between eight and 12 minutes long and will live on Netflix UK’s social channels, with the potential for further development in the future.

The brief for these fully funded

@thevoicenewspaper

short documentaries is “Britain’s Not Boring And Here’s A Story”.

Kate Townsend, director, original documentaries said: “We’re really excited to open up this opportunity to ambitious documentary filmmakers in the UK.

SURPRISING

“It doesn’t matter if you’ve never picked up a camera before, we want to encourage anyone with a great story to tell, to go for it.

“We are on the hunt for the bravest, wittiest, most surprising stories out there and we can’t wait to see what you’ve got.”

For the first round, applicants will be required to submit a logline (one sentence); a short synopsis

@thevoicenews

voicenews

and creative statement about their documentary idea.

Further details on how to apply can be found at netflixdocfund. co.uk This initiative is part of Netflix’s Hardship Fund, which aims to support creatives hardest hit by COVID-19 in the TV and film industry around the world. So far, The fund has donated £2.25 million in the UK to the Film and TV Charity’s Emergency Relief Fund and the Theatre Artists Fund led by Sir Sam Mendes. You must be a UK resident to apply.

Only one application will be accepted per person. Entries are open until January 31.

www.voice-online.co.uk

JANUARY 2021 THE VOICE | 39

Feature

Continued from page 6

‘2020 has been a reminder of how short and precious life is’ Swarzy Macaly, or simply Swarzy as she is known, is an up-and-coming broadcaster on radio and television.

She is currently the voice of BBC Sounds as well as hosting her own show on Kiss FM. “2020 has schooled me in a number of ways!

I have been confronted by my own mortality, and so this year has been a reminder and warning of how short and precious life is and that has been a great push to complete the many ideas I’m tempted to sit on.

“So this year, I hit a goal that seemed impossible to achieve in lockdown: I hosted the third year anniversary of my event Too Much Source, an annual exhibition with live events to celebrate black British creatives, in partnership with Roundhouse, KISS, and BBC Creative.

“By moving online, I curated the gallery with interviews to celebrate black British creatives who are making history today including the family at No Signal radio to the

team behind Jamii who has done an incredible work to champion black British businesses.

“As well as Too Much Source, this year also brought me face to face with honest conversations around race and ‘allyship’ at work following the murder of George Floyd.

“I’m really proud of myself for speaking.

2020 also marked a milestone in my career as I secured another breakfast show on KISS so I am now across Saturdays and Sundays from 8-11am.

“I have also learnt to slow down!

2020 has taught me what Jesus means when he says, ‘Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.’

“I have stopped living at 100mph and stopped trying to squeeze my tomorrow into today.

“I have started to rest without feeling guilty and learnt the joy of being present.

“After a heavy year, I’m so grateful to begin 2021 with great lessons that I believe will continue to hold me no matter what the future brings.”

‘You can never predict tomorrow’ Dr Alistair Soyode started Ben Television 18 years ago, the first Afro-Anglo television station on the SKY platform.

He also ran in the 2019 Nigerian presidential elections.

“One thing that we can all take away from 2020 is that you just never can predict tomorrow, the next thing the government will do and or what the scientists will develop.

“The stock market hit an all-time high last February, but in March it hit rock bottom and nearly ending almost two decades of broadcasting for the ethnic and diverse communities of the UK trying to ensure that Black Lives Matter in an age of COVID. “What last year taught me was to always open my eyes to the solutions and the opportunities that come your way.

“This positive affirmation has helped reduce the pressure and stress. I found strength in doing less. Also when you have confidence you can accomplish things.

“During the lockdown, I learned not going out is not such a big deal.

“And adapting to a new way of life is not that difficult.

“2020 taught me not to take things for granted – even advanced nations can be caught pants down, and smaller nations can compete globally.

“In 2021, I want to reduce my workload and spend more time with my family and position our BAME initiatives.

“It is all about bridging the gaps in our societies and communities across our people.

“That is what I have been doing for more than two decades and there is pleasure in it.”

40 | THE VOICE JANUARY 2021

Lifestyle

Get set for CAMA

Music

The first Caribbean Afro Music Awards could prove to be one of the major highlights in 2021– and it’s down to you, the general public, to decide who claims the glory after being proclaimed the best in the business

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

M

USIC FANS are being given the opportunity to get involved with The Caribbean Afro Music Awards (CAMA), a brand-new annual event launching in London next year.

With music evolving immensely over recent years and now being one of the largest exports, the platform is set to “showcase, embrace and demonstrate the power and influence black culture

“The voting process is down to the audience, so we encourage all fans to start voting for their choices now” has in today’s society and bring people together”.

The awards are slated for September 2021 and will take the form of a ‘fans only’ vote.

At the start of December, supporters of Caribbean music and culture were invited by CAMA to register their votes for their favourite artists and band.

Organisers of the event enthused: “We are creating a

new outlet to market, share, appreciate and reward the talented individuals who are creating, producing, playing and performing around the world by acknowledging and gratifying those for their contribution to Caribbean and Afro Music.

OPPORTUNITY

“Uplifting people and embracing the culture to unite people from all backgrounds to provide the opportunity to work together, collaborate and support groups that are normally undervalued and underrepresented.

“It is our goal to be recognised as a leading awarding body for Caribbean and Afro music becoming one of the most important and influential events for the music makers and fans.”

The categories fans can vote across include: Best

Reggae Act – Best Dancehall Act – Best Soca Act – Best Afrobeat’s Act – Best Reggaetón Act – Best Gospel Act – Best UK Act – Best Up N Coming – Best Album – Best Music Video – Best International Act – Best Producer and Best DJ. “The voting process is down to the audience, so we encourage all fans to start voting for them now via our website,” a spokesperson said.

“We have nominated such a large number of global acts including the likes of artists Busy Signal, Gyptian, Jidenna, Fally Ipupa, D Major, Motto, Lt. Stitchie, Kuami Eugene, Julian Marley and many more.”

For additional information about the event and to place your votes, visit camawards. co.uk

TALENT: Popcaan, pictured above at the 2017 Roskilde Festival, could win at CAMA 2021 – as could Julian Marley, left

JANUARY 2021

This is Brukout!

THE VOICE | 41

by Seani B

Brixx and mortar

She’s a rising star with heaps of talent – but when it comes to playing by the rules, Illinois-born Brixx shows that defying them is exactly what makes people take notice

T

HE THRILL of discovering a new artist still remains the same for me.

There’s nothing like having to rewind or pull up a song because of a bar or a melody and that’s what exactly happened to me here.

It was an isolation freestyle cypher for BBC 1Xtra’s Tiffany Calver, and It was just OK until an artist called Brixx grabbed my attention and made me stop listening to the rest of the freestyle.

I heard this thick baritone Brummie accent, with an extra layer of hardcore Jamaican patois laced in for extra sauce. I was like, “Who the hell is this?”, then my head was blown away with one line – “Whe’ dem know ‘bout chicken foot soup and spinners…”

I immediately grabbed my phone and hit up Brixx on the DM. I told her that anyone that spits a line like that in the UK is someone I need to be friends with.

GAMES

Brixx is what you would call a spitter with hard hitting lyrics who doesn’t play games.

She displays this in one of the first songs I came across, Man. Showing she could hold her own and hold down her man, she flows over this drill riddim.

But just like others, I’ve loved in the past with artists like Foxy Brown it was drizzled with a touch of dancehall gravy.

Having already recorded with producer Toddla T of Ay Caremba and Boasty fame, Brixx is hot on the request line and getting DMs aplenty.

She tells me of getting calls from some of the top rappers sending songs with open gaps for her to drop a verse asap.

I had all the precon-

“I have a go, I don’t try to alter who I am I am or my sense of being to dictionary make anyone feel comfortable.” early talent was spotted and thesaurus byHer her late aunty who’d always hear her humming melodies to by my bed. songs.

Even a book of “Any song I’d hear I would remember the melody and It grammatical would take too long to learn the lyrics to the songs I be humerrors, ‘cos ming,” she tells me.

“She would help me to figeven when I’m ure out what kind of songs. As writing I write I became more familiar with my voice I realised that it was a the proper bit deep and husky, so I would to sing the songs like Etta word, and then like James and Aretha Franklin ‘cos I had that big singing voice.” write the way GRIME that I have “As I got older I was more insaid it” terested in the grime and rap “I embrace that wherever I

ceived ideas and thoughts of Brixx’s life already in my head.

I had worked it all out and knew how this conversation would go.

Oh, how could I have been so wrong?

The one thing I got right was the fact she was born with Jamaican parentage, but that was about it.

Brixx, real name Brittany and not Britney, grew up for the first eight years of her life in Chicago, Illinois. The mother of two explained to me that her growing up contained a strong Caribbean influence hence the reference points in many of her songs that I get, even though she cites herself as a rapper.

culture”.

Brixx’s husky tone is a perfect blend for today’s menacing riddims that are topping charts and putting the spotlight on UK music though the likes of Headie One, Fredo and Ivorian Doll.

I was certain that Brixx was more leaning towards my world of dancehall until she reeled off her list of people that have inspired her: “Monica, Brandy, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliot, Tupac and Biggie, then moving forward it was more Ghetts, D Double E, Skepta, Shystie and those kinda people.”

I was shocked – no Lady Saw, no Spice! How could this be? I’m certain the confident, powerful in your face brash nature of these dancehall queens would be part of her DNA. She told me: “Even though people probably get that from my sound, I honestly can’t say that they played a big way of how I was shaped as an artist even though I do listen to their music.”

DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY: Brixx started singing melodies as a youngster after influence from

her late aunty; left, Brixx cites Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes and Brandy as just some of her inspirations “That wasn’t really my sound I was more listening to people who was bullying up the riddim, people that claimed words a bit more, the more lyrical people dem like Vybz Kartel” “I love to write, it’s something that I have a deep passion for.

I have a dictionary by my bed and a thesaurus. Even a book of grammatical errors, ‘cos even when I’m writing I actually write

the proper word and then write the way that I have said it,” she continued.

FOUNDATION

On face value Brixx is a hard rapper that comes from a very strong Jamaican background, but after digging a little deeper Brixx is built on a solid foundation to lay more bricks on.

Whilw writing this piece she

sent me a demo that further proves my point.

She speaks of looking after her man and rubbing him down in Bay Rum and Vicks if he’s sick.

The last woman to do that for me was my mum – and that’s my point exactly.

Brixx is just a Caribbean girl doing her thing whether she raps, DJs or sings.

42 | THE VOICE JANUARY 2021

Lifestyle

Film

What did they have to hide?

A MAN WITH A DREAM: Dr Martin Luther King’s Jr infamous speech was said to have perturbed thenhead of the FBI, J. Edgar Hoover, who claimed that Dr King Jr was one of the most dangerous black men on the planet

Newly discovered and declassified files form part of the incredible MLK/FBI, which looks into the surveillance that plagued the hero’s life

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

I

N UK cinemas on January 15, MLK/FBI depicts the explosive expose of the FBI’s covert surveillance and persecution of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A film by Academy award nominee Sam Pollard, the director uses newly discovered and declassified files, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act and unsealed by the National Archives, to illustrate the depth and breath of the FBI’s targeted and sustained harassment of Dr King at the behest of their director J. Edgar Hoover.

Talking to Lifestyle, Polard explained: “The film basically looks at Dr Martin Luther King who, in 1963, gave probably one of the greatest speeches ever and out of that speech J. Edgar Hoover, basically through the voice of one of his lieutenants William Sullivan said, “This is one of the most dangerous black men that has ever come on the face of the earth”.

“And his job from that point on

“He felt that he needed to destroy Dr Martin Luther King’s reputation” was to surveil Dr King, wiretap and monitor Dr King’s whereabouts and what he as doing for the next five years because he felt that he needed to destroy Dr King’s reputation. Because if Dr King was going to succeed it was going to upend what J. Edgar Hoover’s notion of democracy in America was.”

He added: “So the film tells the parallel story of Dr King’s civil rights movement from the Montgomery bus boycott all the way to his assassination at the same time as the FBI constantly monitoring him.”

Crafted solely from restored footage of the time, overlaid with narration of declassified materials, MLK/FBI is an incendiary document of institutional racism and harassment of Civil Rights

activists; an urgent document that holds relevance and importance today.

Throughout most of the ‘50s and ‘60s, “no holds were barred”, FBI agents bugged hotel rooms, tapped phones, paid informants, enlisted journalists to write hostile stories about Dr. King, never alerted him to threats on his life, and when King received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, the FBI threatened to blackmail him unless he committed suicide.

FREEDOM

MLK/FBI poses essential questions about freedom, civil disobedience, and patriotism; and who is the gatekeeper of the “American dream”, who gets to decide? Questions that are still being asked today.

Talking about the process of sifting through all of the information that enabled Pollard to get this film done, a process he said took only two years, he enthused: “I’ll say this to you, I do love the process.

“I’ve been doing it a long time and the idea of always digging into material be it the text from the FBI or the archival footage or

the audio, it’s not to say that’s it not hard, that it’s not time consuming but it’ something that you have to do if you want to make documentary films like these.

“Hopefully you can gather round a group of people who can help you dig into the material and dig into the footage and make it not as overwhelming as it sometimes feels, because it can feel overwhelming, to be quite honest.

“I feel like I love the process more than the finished product sometimes.”

Check out the full interview with Sam Pollard at voice-online. co.uk

Big Touch is making a big impact in film world

BY JOEL CAMPBELL BIG TOUCH, an Afro-Surrealist story about a giant woman and a tiny man who through the power of touch, experience an unexpected transformation, has been selected for its International Premiere by the BAFTA Qualifying London Short Film Festival.

The festival saw over 5,000 submissions for its 18th year and will take place virtually between January 15-24 on the streaming platform Eventive and at selected cinemas.

Big Touch is the featured short on the LSFF website for the block NEW SHORTS: A Winter’s Matinee of Romantic Films and is the only film selected from the United States.

Story writer and director Christopher Tenzis said: “Big Touch is inspired by the

hyperrealism of sculptor Ron Mueck and the current Afro-Surrealism movement in the United States.

“My intent was to use the transformative power of touch as a commentary about prejudices towards the human body and the despairing lack of compassion towards the American black experience.

RARE

“LSFF is my dream festival to premiere BT because it’s one of the rare few that dares to mash up the transgressive with the sublime and Big Touch is both.”

The film’s optimism and positivity, brief run time and absence of dialogue yield universal appeal that has been resonating with festival programmers, audiences and critics.

In the first four months of festival submissions, Big Touch has been selected by five Academy Award Qualifying festivals, two BAFTA Qualifying festivals and one

BIFA (British Independent Film Awards) Qualifying festival.

The film features music performed by British cellist Sheku Kanneh- Mason, the first black artist to win the BBC Young Musician Award and a member of the Chineke! Orchestra, founded for black and minority ethnic classical musicians.

Big Touch was presciently produced before COVID-19 crippled the world’s ability to safely touch and the BLM movement gained momentum in America.

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MARCH 2020

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set many records in her sport – but could there be some others still to come?

Darts star Deta setting

By Liam Kenny

V

ETERAN DARTS player Deta Hedman has defied the odds yet again when she toppled superstar Fallon Sherrock and qualified for the PDC World Darts Championshi p 2021 – at the tender age of 60.

Jamaica-born Hedman described her latest win as ‘‘unbelievable ’’ as she becomes the second oldest debutant and the sixth woman to compete on the sport’s grandest stage.

Hedman upset the odds and narrowly pipped Sherrock to second

her sights on finishing

position on this year’s order of merit, joining number one Lisa Ashton in the December showpiece.

She told the Voice of Sport: ‘‘I surprised myself, I really did! The

the PDC Championsh ip on top of the world

normal at the Royal Mail.

This meant I hadn’t been able to practice, but when I played the challenge tour the week before and got some good wins, it gave me my belief back.”

qualified in 2003. Hedman added: “It’s crazy isnt it? Even at my tender age I’m still getting records.

JOKED “When I played the Challen “I’ve joked to the PDC ge Tfour the persuade that I could week before and got to dust off his darts and some good wins, we could Alrepresent Jamaica at the it really gave me my belief upcoming World Cup, as they are a back”

week, before I played the Challenge Tour and that’s what set me up really, it gave me the belief.

“I hadn’t been throwing well and I’d been working more days than

Despite her achievements , that include over 200 ranking titles, qualifying means that Hedman and her and brother Al become the first lings to play at the tournament, sibas he

team short.”

Coronavirus restrictions mean it is unclear exactly where and when the World Darts Championshi p will take place, or if fans will be allowed in.

But Hedman says she is just happy to have made it there.

“It doesn’t feel real yet, but when I see my name up there in the draw and against an opponent, it will sink in.

“If the fans can be there it will be great, but it really doesn’t matter. I’ve got there and that’s it – what will be will be.”

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44 | THE VOICE JANUARY 2021

Lifestyle

Business

How to build it In an exclusive Q&A Lifestyle feature, creative strategists Niran Vinod and Damola Timeyin share some tips on how to build and grow your brand...

BY DARELL J. PHILIP

L

AUNCHED IN October last year, the How To series from #Merky Books are short and practical pocket-sized guides designed to inspire and encourage readers to unlock their potential and provoke change.

Creatively presented and packed with clear step-by-step practical advice from leading professionals, the series is essential reading for anyone seeking guidance to thrive in the modern world.

The How To series offers a new model in publishing, helping to break down knowledge barriers while also uplifting the next generation.

The latest to come from the series is How To Build It: Grow Your Brand co-authored by Niran Vinod and Damola Timeyin with a foreword by Nando’s.

Niran and Damola – both creative strategists who between them have worked for a number of top brands including Nike, Bartle Bogle Hegarty, Facebook and Instagram – share with Lifestyle readers some tips on how to build and grow your brand.

Lifestyle: Please introduce yourselves to our readers...

Niran Vinod: I’m Niran Vinod.

I’m 32 and a British born Indian.

But I’m an East End boy – I grew up in East Ham now living in Havering but E6 for life!

I work in advertising. I worked in tech (as a creative strategist at Instagram) when I wrote the book and I just left a month and

TALENT AND EXPERIENCE: Damola Timeyin and Niran Vinod have two decades of experience in branding and marketing between them (photos: Giles Smith)

“I think both of us are in a very blessed situation where our jobs can be done from home – it was like business as usual ” a half ago to set up my own consultancy.

Damola Timeyin: My name is Damola. I’m 36 – Niran calls me uncle and I take it, though it does age me a bit!

I work for Facebook and Instagram where Niran and I worked together very briefly.

Prior to that, I worked in an advertising agency. So I’ve been working in marketing for about 11 or 12 years and doing a range of things within that.

But I’m from London originally. I spent some time growing up in Dartford in Kent and now I’m back in London and living in Highbury.

LS: Briefly share with our readers what a typical work day looks like for you both.

DT: My job is a global creative strategist at Facebook and Instagram. My 9-to-5 – or more like my 9-to-7 – is packed full with video conferences.

Lots of meetings, but those meetings are about helping brands use Facebook’s platforms to connect with their audience and using our platforms to bring the world closer together. Outside of brands I’m also head of strategy for the creative network People of Culture Collective (https:// wearepocc.com/) NV: I did exactly what Damola does for four or five years. I recently set up my own consultancy called Deft (deft.be) where I am the creative director and co-founder.

So at this stage I guess it’s about getting our name out there through marketing.

The way we position ourselves is by taking consumer businesses, which are turning a few million, on to the

next level through e-commerce and digital strategy.

Day to day includes talking to clients directly, seeing where we can come up with ideas and also just advising them on what they do right or wrong, but my day to day really varies at this moment in time.

Some days it’s running a marketing event and talking about TikTok versus Instagram now that I’ve left Instagram (laughs), and other days it’s meeting new prospective clients or talking to investors.

LS: Give some brief background on your first interest and involvement with brands.

NV: I started a blog when I was at University called Yin&Yang and it was just very much for me and my best friend at uni to talk about what we liked.

We didn’t know what content was or what brands really were – we just saw them as companies. The blog started to get an audience and attraction and brands started reaching out to us making requests to feature their products and attend their events.

So that was probably the earliest interaction with brands, I guess, in a more personal way, and then from there I ended up working in advertising for

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several agencies – AKQA, Nike and a few others.

DT: I first really got involved in this whole world as a teenager trying to set up my own things kind of to make money, and also to do something a bit more interesting.

So I tried to be a bit entrepreneurial with it and that was my

guess the challenging part as a creative is not being in person with your colleagues brainstorming.

It is tiring to do this through the screen 24/7 and also you don’t get the same energy. I do question productivity and even just thought process. I went out today and just that commute in

is enough inspiration for me – thinking this is cool to just to see all different walks of life again.

DT: I think the hardest thing is the change – the transition because I don’t think anyone has had to transition in such a dramatic way ever, well in our life time anyway.

So that transition actually has been the most challenging thing. Having to adapt to a new way of working very quickly is difficult for everyone.

back. We’ve had the benefit of working in the industry collectively for 20 years and had the opportunity to work with some great people.

So I think that this was our opportunity to impart that bit of knowledge we have to help others thanks to #Merky Books.

Niran actually extended the invitation to me to co-author the book with him and so I was happy to do so and give back to others in the process.

NV: This book is for people who don’t have access to roles or industry we’re involved in.

I would still say that while advertising is changing on the lower level, if you look at the higher levels in this industry it still looks pretty much the same as it did 10 years ago.

Also it’s about what #Merky Books stands for – a platform giving voice to underrepresented writers from underrepresented backgrounds.

Our message is to budding entrepreneurs and brand builders is that they can do it through determination, networking – and of course reading our book!

LS: What message do you hope to bring across to readers of your book How To Build It: Grow Your Brand?

DT: It’s an opportunity to give

How To Build It: Grow Your Brand by Niran Vinod and Damola Timeyin published by #Merky Books is available in all book stores now.

“Our message to budding entrepreneurs and brand builders is that they can do it through determination and networking” first introduction to marketing and branding. But more formally, I left a job in banking to work in marketing and joined a small agency and analyst where I was first introduced to marketing, branding and advising brands on how to use communication to grow and sell.

LS: What impact has COVID-19 had on your work?

NV: I think both of us are in a very blessed situation where our jobs can be done from home, and I worked at digital-first company, so it was sort of like business as usual.

As soon as COVID and lockdown hit work just continued. I

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JANUARY 2021

Lifestyle

Books

Al reveals all B in new book

He may be known as the best in the business when it comes to sports writing, but now Al Hamilton has put pen to paper to focus on another star – himself

LACK LIVES MATTER are today’s buzzwords – but one man has been projecting that fact for some time now.

Sports writer Al Hamilton may not be a name on the tips of most people’s tongues right now, but during his colourful life and times in the United Kingdom he has been instrumental in laying down foundations for his community especially in the world of sport.

Jamaica-born Hamilton has somehow managed to chronicle his many experiences in a book entitled Frostbites on Fingertips.

The book is best summed up by the man that penned the foreword, former Luton Town and England footballer Ricky Hill, another pioneer of note.

EXCELLENCE

Hill writes: “I have known Al for over 30 years and have admired his excellence in a number categories. This excellence has been witnessed in sports journalism, through to promoter, event’s organiser, and author, Al has always been a visionary.

“It is his in-depth articulation and clarity of his journey that takes you with him into the times when Britain was far from friendly for those from overseas.”

The author, who spent most of his time in while in the UK in south London, has mixed and mingled with some of the biggest names in sport including Roger Milla, Usain Bolt, John Barnes, Tessa Sanderson and Courtney Walsh et al.

Hamilton recounts vividly his arrival in the United Kingdom: “Arrival in London: with the clanging of the propellers revving, to get the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) the precursor, to British Airways (BA) airborne.

“A collection of compatriots, with differing completion, from different parts of the country, contemplated our fate. Some

THE VOICE | 45

were weeping loudly, while others, like myself, sat with tears streaming down our faces. This mature woman, to my right, clutched her King James Bible, uttering the Lord’s Prayer.”

Hamilton, known for his candid and passionate character, certainly made the very best of what he had when he did settle in unfamiliar territory.

Seen as the doyen of the black sports journalists, he was instrumental in Frank Bruno’s early career, and went on to notch achievement after

“It was rare to see a person of colour reporting – but I broke through” achievement with his own heavyweight style.

Founder of the visionary Commonwealth Sports Awards, which showcased the growing band of sports men and women that were making their mark, Hamilton has left genuine legacy. He writes: “This book is a synopsis, of living in London, for over 50 years, as a sports writer.

At that time, persons of colour could be seen inside a boxing ring, as opponents.

“It was a rarity to see a person of colour ringside or reporting.

I managed to make a breakthrough!

“If England was a challenging environment during the ‘60s for migrants, imagine what it must have been like, for the 492 souls, who arrived on the HMT Empire Windrush having been invited by the Government, to come and help rebuild the country, after the bombings, during the second World War. “On arrival, they soon realised, there were no plans in

place to facilitate them. They tolerated inclement weather, raw racism and apathy.”

Frostbites on Fingertips is a compelling read as it negotiates a fight for survival while still finding the energy to make the very best with limited tools.

Hamilton was key to Bruno’s career, but he managed to go the distance himself, an achievement in itself when Black Lives Matter was bottom of agendas.

While he is now penning books, Hamilton still keeps a keen eye on the ever changing world of sport.

Of today’s crop of sports stars, Hamilton has an admiration for compatriot Raheem Sterling. But not all of today’s modern sporting generation get a tick in the box.

“What I feel is lacking with a lot of the current sports fraternity is that they seem to be very strong on pounds and weak on legacy,” he writes.

“I don’t see too many of them taking the opportunity to remind the bigots of their actions.”

Hamilton, throughout his life and times, constantly reminded bigots of their actions.

For a copy of Frostbites on Fingertips, email: hmam publishers@gmail.com

Focus on importance of diversity

IN A LEAGUE OF HIS OWN: Sports writer Al Hamilton has detailed his experiences in his book, Frostbites on Fingertips; above, with Jamaican sprinter superstar Usain Bolt

SIR LENNY Henry has been a comedian since the age of 16.

He has risen from being a cult star on children’s television to one of Britain’s bestknown and most celebrated comedians, while Marcus Ryder has over 25 years’ experience working in television and journalism, and is a leader on the issue of diversity in the media.

The two have come together to produce Access All Areas: The Diversity Manifesto for TV and Beyond.

Set for general release this month, the book sets out an urgent, actionable manifesto that will dramatically shift the debate around diversity and the media.

If you’ve ever been in a business meeting and thought, ‘These people do not look like

me’, or you’ve seen politicians in parliament and wondered why they do not seem to represent the communities you know and you’ve watched TV and wondered why far too often it fails to reflect your reality, Henry goes on a journey to find out why so many of us feel excluded in society and, more important, what we can do about it.

Joining forces with Ryder, pictured inset left, the former Chair of the Royal Television Society’s diversity committee, Sir Lenny and Henry draw on decades of media experience to reveal why current diversity initiatives are failing.

He highlights the structural and financial imbalances working against the cause and provides clear solutions to change society for good.

46 | THE VOICE JANUARY 2021

Sport

THE VOICE OF SPORT JANUARY 3: World Darts Championship Series, England v Jamaica, Final, London UK, TBA 8-21: Tennis, Australian Open, 22: Cricket, Sri Lanka v England, Melbourne, Australia 2nd Test, Sri Lanka 14: Cricket, Sri Lanka v 28-30: Extreme Sports, England Start, 1st Test, Winter X Games 25, Aspen, Galle, Sri Lanka Colorado, ON A MISSION: Naomi Osaka TBC: Netball, 4 Game USA

FEBRUARY 5-14: Bobsleigh, Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Championships, Lake Placid, USA 6-12: Multi-sports, Special Olympics World Winter Games, Jämtland County, Sweden 6-Mar 20: Rugby, Six Nations, UK, Ireland, France and Italy 7: NFL, Super Bowl, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida 9-21: Skiing, World Alpine Ski Championships, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy 20-21: Athletics, British Indoor Championships, Glasgow 23-Mar 7: Skiing (Nordic), Nordic World Ski Championships, Oberstdorf, Germany

BIG IMPACT: Maro Itoje

BACK TO BUSINESS: The Euros take place between June and July after being delayed last year

APRIL 3: Rowing, University Boat Races, Cambridge 10: Horse Racing, Grand National Aintree, Liverpool 17-May 3: Snooker, World Snooker Championship, Crucible, Sheffield 8-11: Golf, Masters, Augusta, Georgia, USA 13-18: Tennis, Federation Cup Finals, Budapest, Hungary 25: Football, Carabao Cup Final, Wembley

MARCH

LEGEND: Tiger Woods

MAY

SIMPLY THE BEST: Will F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton make it title number eight in 2021?

6-21: Sailing, America’s Cup, Auckland, New Zealand 11: Rugby League, Super League starts, UK 16-19: Horse Racing, Cheltenham Festival, Cheltenham 19-21: Athletics, World Athletics Indoor Championship, Nanjing, China 21-Dec 5: Motor Racing, F1 Championship, starting at Melbourne (Australian GP)

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HERO: Marcus Rashford

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21-June 6: Ice Hockey, IIHF World Championship, co-hosted by Minsk, Belarus and Riga, Latvia 15: Football, FA Cup final, Wembley, London 16: Football, U Women’s Champions League Final, Gothenburg, Sweden 23-Jun 6 (TBC): Tennis, French Open, Paris, France 17-23: Golf, US PGA Championship,Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Ocean Course, Kiawah Island, South Carolina 23: Football, Final day of Premier League Season 26: Football, Europa League Final, Gdansk, Poland 29: Football, UEFA Champions League Final, Istanbul, Turkey 29-Jun 5 (postponed from 2020): Multi-sports, Invictus Games, The Hague, The Netherlands 30: Motor Racing, Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis, USA

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JANUARY 2021

THE VOICE | 47

Sport

CALENDAR 2021 JUNE 3: Golf, US Women’s Open The Olympic Club, San Francisco, USA 5: Horse Racing, The Derby, Epsom 5-6: Triathlon, World Triathlon Series Leeds 11-Jul 11: Football, Euro 2020, Tournament played across Europe, the final in London 11-Jul 11: Football, 47th Copa América, Argentina, Colombia 12-13: Auto Racing, 89th 24 Hours of Le Mans, Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France 15-19: Horse Racing, Royal Ascot Ascot All month: Ice Hockey, Stanley Cup finals, USA/Canada All month: Basketball, NBA Finals USA/Canada 17-20: Golf, US Open, Torrey Pines Golf Course, La Jolla, California 24: Golf, KPMG women’s PGA Championship, Atlanta, USA 26-Jul 18: Cycling, Tour de France, France 28-July 11: Tennis, Wimbledon London 29: Cricket, England v Sri Lanka Start of ODI Series, Chester-le Street, County Durham

Your essential guide to the year’s sporting action

SEPTEMBER 2: Cricket, England v India 4th Test, London 10: Cricket, England v India 5th Test, Manchester 18-26: Cycling, UCI Road World Championships, Bruges and Leuven, Belgium 18-Oct 16: Rugby Union, Women’s World Cup, New Zealand 24: AFL, Grand Final, Melbourne, Australia 24-26: Golf, Ryder Cup, Whistling Straits, Haven, Wisconsin, USA

ROSES RISING: England’s Shaunagh Brown in rampaging action last year

OCTOBER

TENNIS: Can Coco Gauff make an impact at Wimbledon this year?

3: Athletics, London Marathon, London 26-Nov 3: Baseball, World Series, USA 13-17: Cycling, World Track Championships, Achgabat, Turkmenistan 14: Cricket, Pakistan v England Start of T20 Series, Karachi, Pakistan

17-24: Rowing, World Rowing Championships, Shanghai, China 18-Nov 15: Cricket, ICC World T20 (men), India 23-Nov 27: Rugby League, World Cup, England

NOVEMBER JULY

2: Horse Racing, Melbourne Cup, Victoria, Australia 29-Dec 5: Badminton, World Badminton Championships, Huelva, Spain 14-21: Tennis, ATP Finals, Pala Alpitour Arena, Turin, Italy 23-Dec 5: Snooker, UK Championship, York Barbican, York

8: Cricket, England v Pakistan Start of ODI Series, Cardiff 15-18: Golf, British Open, Royal St George’s Golf Club, Sandwich, Kent 16: Cricket, England v Pakistan, start of T20 Series, Nottingham 22: Golf, The Evian Championship, Women’s Golf, Evian, France 23-Aug 8: Multi-sports, Summer Olympics, Tokyo, Japan 24-Aug 7: Rugby Union, Lions Tests v South Africa, South Africa

STAR QUALITY: Jofra Archer

AUGUST 4: Cricket, England v India 1st Test, Nottingham 12: Cricket, England v India 2nd Test, London 24-Sep 5: Multi-sports, Paralympic Games, Tokyo, Japan 25: Cricket, England v India 3rd Test, Leeds TBA: Golf, Women’s British Open, Porthcawl, Wales 30-Sep 12: Tennis, US Open, New York, USA 31-Sep 6: Golf, Solheim Cup, Toledo, Ohio, USA

SETTING THE STANDARD: Ding Junhui won at the Barbican in 2019

DECEMBER

INSPIRATIONAL: Paralympic hopeful Kare Adenegan

5: Motor Racing, Final F1 Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi, UAE 13-18: Swimming, FINA World Swimming

Compiled by Toby Louch

Championships (25m), Abu Dhabi, UAE 15- Jan 3, 2022: Darts, PDC World Darts Championships, London

TOP SPORTS COVERAGE 24/7 VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK/SPORT

OF SPORT NEWSPAPER

JANUARY 2021 | THE VOICE

AISHA CHASING OLYMPIC DREAM

Even at the age of six, this little girl shows bags of horse-riding potential

TALENTED: Aisha Bowes has taken to riding like a duck to water and is already setting her sights on representing Great Britain – with her mum, Shona, determined to be there every step of the way

By Rodney Hinds

T

HE NEW year and beyond should be special for young Aisha Bowes.

The ambitious six-yearold horse rider has her eyes on competing in the Olympics one day and representing Great Britain in the show jumping arena.

Aisha comes from good stock as her mum, Shona, has a keen love of horses, too.

Based in West Wickham in south east London, Shona told the Voice of Sport: “I have ridden since the age of 12 at my local stable at the time in Dulwich, and Aisha has inherited my love of horses.

“She rides at our local yard on a lovely Welsh pony every week and is a gifted rider.

“Aisha started showing an interest in horses from a very young age so

I booked her first lesson when she was just five and she has been riding ever since.

“Aisha rides a Welsh pony at our local yard where she grooms, mucks out and tacks up her pony before each lesson so she is involved in everything that is required in caring for a pony as well.

her proud mum. “Aisha wants nothing more than to be a horse rider when she is older. I would love for her to compete in the Olympics representing Great Britain in either dressage or show jumping, this would also give encouragement to others wanting to get involved in the sport.”

“No matter what colour you are, if you enjoy a sport, you shouldn’t feel it is not for you because of the colour of your skin” “She absolutely loves riding and has shown a lot of promise and taken to riding like a duck to water.”

Young Aisha’s early ability means that she has a positive future ahead.

“Aisha will soon be starting pony club so this will get her into competing and doing shows and has even received her first sponsor,” added

Shona is of the opinion that to conquer perceptions of horse riding by the black community, there has to be a shift of thought.

“I think we need to firstly change our mind set as a minority as often a lot of black people suffer from imposter syndrome where they feel the sport is not for them as it is

mostly dominated by white people.

We need to change this and have the confidence and determination to get involved in the sport regardless of skin colour but based on the love of the sport.

“No matter what colour you are, if you are gifted or just enjoy doing a sport you shouldn’t feel that it is not for you because of the colour of your skin.

GIFTED

“I am however aware that there is discrimination within the sport and more opportunities need to be given to minority groups who are gifted and talented riders.

“This is being brought to the surface more now then ever and there are many BAME groups that have been formed to challenge this.

“As Aisha’s mother I feel it is my responsibility to nurture and support

my daughter in the sport that she loves.”

Shona has good advice for those ready to take up the sport.

“Those interested should look to join their local riding club.

“In my experience back when I was a child and now a mother, riding schools have been a very welcoming friendly place for a child to get involved with horses.”

You can follow Aisha’s journey on Instagram at @aishabowes.

Ones to watch 2021: See pages 36-37