The Voice Newspaper December 2020

Win BIG this CHRISTMAS

vHoliday vGift Baskets vFootwear vBeauty v Mini tablet vBooks and more DECEMBER 2020

WWW.VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK

See page 24-25

ISSUE NO. 1913 £2.50

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all our readers

WIN A HOLIDAY for two to JAMAICA

Kingston & Montego Bay

Change your Mask

THE TIME IS NOW!

Momentum grows for UK’s most influential black man to receive a knighthood

Powerlist 2021

Britain’s Most Influen tial People of African Caribbean and African Ameri African, can Heritage

SEE PAGE 25

WITH

GOLD SPONSOR

UK £7.95 US $11.99 Jamaica JA$1200 powerful-media.c om

2021 Powerlist: Our movers and shakers

IN PARTNERSHIP

SPONSORS

See pages 3, 6, 18

Inside

ROUNDUP

THIS MONTH

NEWSPAPER

p4

THE 10 MOST POPULAR STORIES ON VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK 1. Police urge Kadian Nelson to turn himself in due to fears of serious violence Appeal made to Kadian Nelson, 26, after an alleged rape of a young girl in Merton.

2. Nottingham City Council appoints first black leader

'Christmas isn't cancelled' – an inspirational message from Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin p10

Mel Barrett has taken over as chief executive in the East Midlands city.

3. Tributes pour in for 17-year-old who passed away after being released from Manchester City football academy Jeremy Wisten, a former Manchester City youth team player, has sadly died by suicide. He had signed for the club’s ‘Elite Squad’ at aged 13.

Church apologises to Rev Jones – 65 years on p16

'Racism won't disappear – but not everyone is a bad person'

4. Aaron Wan-Bissaka wins injunction against ex-girlfriend The High Court gagging order means that Rhianna Bentley cannot speak about the Manchester United star online.

5. First Caribbean bank launches in the UK

JN Bank is the first Caribbean bank to be awarded a full banking licence by UK regulators.

6. Jeremy Wisten's sad story is just the tip of the iceberg

Voice columnist Troy Townsend says footballers, despite their fame and fortune, are human beings first and foremost.

7. Appeal for donors after nine-year-old daughter diagnosed with stage 4 cancer

p28

Social DisDancing – Breakin' Convention vows to unite us virtually this festive season p41

A mum-of-three is praying for a Christmas miracle after doctors confirmed her daughter has only a one in 10 chance of beating stage 4 cancer.

8. The Rap Game UK: Artist D Live joins as Micahh leaves the show

A new artist has joined the latest series of BBC Three’s The Rap Game UK after Micahh pulled out.

9. Fitness model Heidi is proving to be an inspiration

Heidi Blue Ashton was preparing for the World Championships before COVID-19 wrecked her plans.

10. Ethiopian National Defence Forces Base comes under attack

Office of Prime Minister’s statement on TPLF’s attack on Ethiopian National Defense Forces Base in Tigray.

p46-47

Jameisha Prescod

News, views, stories & videos

'The pandemic is not going to stop our Christmas tradition'

Changing the game: This year's Football Black List in full

Spotlight

This issue is 48 pages

JAMEISHA PRESCOD is a journalist at BBC News Africa. The impressive 25-year-old filmmaker is also the founder of online platform You Look Okay To Me. Her educational space raises awareness about what it’s like living with chronic pain and illness.

Prescod has been diagnosed with lupus. The long-term condition causes joint pain, skin rashes and tiredness.

At times, the journalist can complete her everyday tasks with ease. However, on other days she must take time to rest and recuperate in bed.

Prescod’s online series on IGTV is called Sick Tings. In it, she discusses chronic illness in a relatable way. The community she has cultivated online helps those with chronic illnesses feel less isolated, and gives them practical advice. For example, she is frank about some of the challenges that black women face when dealing with medical professionals.

Her Instagram videos also help others understand the chronic illness community better, so they can support them.

One of the topics covered in the series is what it’s like working from home with a chronic illness. Prescod shares her guilt about taking sick days, even when she knows she needs them.

The filmmaker also creates Instagram reels, which receive thousands of views.

One of the short videos is about brain fog. She explains brain fog as a “blanket term” to describe trouble focusing, memory problems and a lack of mental clarity that affects many in the chronic pain community. That reel alone has over 40,000 views.

Longer versions of her videos are also available on YouTube, where she has close to 20,000 views.

The Voice salutes Prescod for raising awareness on such an important topic, and creating a community for people with chronic illnesses.

You can find her on Instagram at @youlookokaytome and on Twitter under the same name.

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

NEWSPAPER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Paulette Simpson E. paulette.simpson@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk CORPORATE AFFAIRS & COMMUNICATIONS Paula Dyke E. paula@thevoicemedia group.co.uk

NEWS DESK E. newsdesk@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Joel Campbell E. joel.campbell@thevoicemedia group.co.uk

ADVERTISING AND SALES E. advertising@thevoicemedia group.co.uk

NEWS EDITOR Vic Motune E. vic.motune@thevoicemedia group.co.uk

SPORTS EDITOR Rodney Hinds E. rodney.hinds@thevoicemedia group.co.uk

CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS E. subscriptions@thevoicemedia group.co.uk

The Voice Newspaper Unit 1, Bricklayers Arms, Mandela Way, London, SE1 5SR

T: 020 7510 0340 Fax: 020 7510 0341 Web: www.voice-online.co.uk GV MEDIA GROUP LTD

DECEMBER 2020 THE VOICE | 3

News feature

Powerlist 2021

My driving ambition Hamilton vows he will not stop using his name to ‘shed light on what I believe is right’

By Rodney Hinds

T

HE GREATEST Formula One driver of all time has said that being adjudged the most influential black person in the United Kingdom is ‘special’ to him.

The seven-times world champion has had another amazing season. He has a record 94 Grand Prix wins and has now equalled the legendary Michael Schumacher’s world titles.

Many, in and outside the community, scratch their heads as to why Hamilton has not been the subject of a knighthood as yet.

No doubt it will come, but the glaring omission has been seen by some as disrespectful.

Many have arguably achieved a whole lot less but have been bestowed the honour.

PLATFORM

However, this year has seen the 35-year-old Stevenage-born racer step up his anti-racism stance as he continues to use his influence and enormous platform to show support.

Hamilton says he will not stop using his name to “shed light on what I believe is right”, in the wake of a controversial response to his Breonna Taylor T-shirt at the Tuscan Grand Prix.

His shirt’s ‘arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor’ and ‘say her name’ messages, plus a photo of her on the back, were seen in the pre-race build up and post-race around the podium ceremony.

The champion’s activism has also seen drivers take the knee several times this season and he has regularly spoken up on

Being voted as a number one on the Powerlist is really special because it’s been voted by the black community behalf of the Black Lives Matter movement.

In the wake of him being named No. 1 on this year’s Powerlist, Hamilton said: “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it and how humbling it is to be named alongside such incredible people.

“I have stood on plenty of podiums in my time and have been lucky enough to win a few awards but being voted as a number one on the Powerlist is really special because it’s been voted by the black community.

“Like many of you I have experienced racism my whole life, from being called names when I was a kid to having a group of people turn up at a race with black faces saying that they were my family. It’s sadly been a part of life.”

SYSTEM

He added: “Racism is something I’ve always spoken out about but there have been times when I felt that I was just pushing up against a system that was so

big that it will never change and then in 2020 it happened.

“This year has been a really difficult one in so many ways and the constant stories of racial injustice have been traumatising for many of us, but as a community we have responded in a way that has been incredibly inspiring.

“In my life I’ve never seen so many people stand up and take a stand against injustice, and it is the power of our community holding mass protests and making their voice heard that sparked this global movement.”

He continued: “To be nominated as your number one most influential person in a year like this is not something I take lightly.

“I promise you that I’ll keep fighting alongside you until our voices are heard and until we live in the world that treats everyone equally no matter their background or the colour of their skin.

“So thank you again for this honour and I can’t wait to see what we can do together in 2021. ”

BARRIERS

Meanwhile Hamilton, always keen to assist future generations, with the Royal Academy of Engineering have announced the Board of Commissioners for The Hamilton Commission, a research project that will work to identify the key barriers to recruitment and progression of black people in UK motorsport, and provide actionable recommendations to overcome them.

The Hamilton Commission will be co-chaired by the world champion himself and Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE, chief executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering.

The Board of Commissioners is an independent group made up of 14 experts and industry leaders from within the UK who represent a range of perspectives on the challenge.

The Commissioners have been specially selected to represent a wide

STAR POWER: Lewis Hamilton has now recorded 94 Grand Prix wins; with parents Anthony Hamilton and Carmen Larbalestier range of expertise spanning critical areas of influence including motorsport, engineering, schools, colleges and uni-

Their responsibilities will be to review and inform the research methodology; to examine the research findings and

What is concerning is that there are still very few people of colour across the sport versities, community and youth groups, as well as major UK political parties.

Each of the Commissioners will bring valuable expertise, knowledge and experience from their respective fields to The Hamilton Commission.

help identify the key challenges and opportunities facing young black people entering STEM careers, particularly in UK motorsport; and to advise on the final actions and recommendations that result from the research.

Hamilton said of the move:

“Since I began my professional racing career in Formula One 14 years ago, I was the only driver of colour and to this day, sadly, that is still the case.

“However, what is more concerning is that there are still very few people of colour across the sport as a whole.

“In F1, our teams are much bigger than the athletes that front them, but representation is insufficient across every skill set — from the garage to the engineers in the factories and design departments.

“We are dedicated to this cause and, together, we will make a change.”

See also page 6 and 18

4 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2020

Christmas feature

‘The pandemic is not going to stop our Christmas tradition’

FEEDING THE COMMUNITY: Richard Simpson and wife Sharon have been serving up free Caribbean-style Christmas lunches since 2008 – and despite the COVID-19 pandemic, they plan to do that this year, too; inset below left, the Simpson daughters, Venice and Melissa, middle, with staff at their new restaurant

A decision not to go to a house party in January, 1981 meant that Richard Simpson avoided being caught up in the tragic New Cross Fire. And since then, he – and his family – have been determined to give back to the community. By Dotun Adebayo

S

ANTA CLAUS comes to south-east London every year, in the form of comedian and actor Robbie Gee. Yes, Santa Claus is black and he comes bearing tidings of comfort and joy with a little jerk seasoning, thanks to the cuisine of Cummin’ Up restaurateur Richard Simpson, who has been feeding the world for free on December 25 for the last 12 years.

When we spoke he was celebrating the successful opening night of his daughters’ new restaurant – After Hours.

It’s a twist on the ‘taste of the Caribbean’ that this foodie family – black Britain’s premier clan in their category – have been serving up for a generation. I kid you not, there was a queue of people stretching back down the road as far as the eye could see within COVID restrictions, to taste the younger Simpsons’ American-style soul food.

Somehow, this family of restaurant owners has managed to keep their business thriving in the most difficult economic conditions for the food and leisure industry in living memory.

Do they not know there is a pandemic going on? I put it to

All your life, experiences influence and inform you the patron of the dynasty that this might not be the best year to be doing the charity thing in serving up a Caribbean seasonal dish of curry chicken, rice and peas and dumpling – without charging for any of it.

“The pandemic is not going to stop me continuing our tradition of feeding the nation for free on Christmas Day,” Richard tells me.

COVERING

“Because of social distancing we have decided to have it on the wide pavement outside our Catford main branch restaurant and to do it as a takeaway rather than our normal annual sit-down service. We’ll have a covering for the weather and electric warmers, too.

“But Robbie Gee will still be there with his Santa hat to help distribute the plates of food and whoever wants a free Caribbean dinner on Christmas Day can join us.”

The Simpson family’s ‘do they know it’s Christmas’ generosity is the ultimate peanut punch of human kindness. When I first heard about it back in 2008, I couldn’t quite get my head around it.

I thought it would never last.

Why would a cooked food entrepreneur with several outlets to his name start giving his food away?

Even on Christmas Day? Was it a religious thing, I wondered, remembering the story he had told me many years ago when we used to spar on a monthly basis.

The story recalls one night in January 1981, Sunday the 18th.

Richard was 15 years old and had been to a rave at the venue The Podium on Nine Elms Lane in Vauxhall which was one of the premier black clubs at the time.

After the dance he walked the five miles or so home, as we all did in dem days due to a lack of funds and night buses.

It’s one straight line that walk home, passing through Kennington, Camberwell, Peckham and New Cross for those who know the topography. It was when he reached the fork in the road at New Cross Gate where the road to the left takes you to Deptford and the other to Lewisham, that an aquantance pulled up in a Mark III Ford Cortina (the lick in dem times) and suggested that Richard follow to a party that was taking place just down the road.

TIRED

He would have gone if he wasn’t so tired. So he went home only to learn when he woke up later that morning that there had been a fire at the party and 13 young black boys and girls had died – in the New Cross Fire.

“All your life, experiences influence and inform you in some way,” Richard acknowledges.

“Often you’re not even conscious of it. So semi-consciously or unconsciously the events of that night may well have had some influence on why I want to give something back to the community.

“I still live here and every year the borough holds a commemoration of the fire. I still have a friend who survived the fire but suffered life-changing injuries. But it would be wrong of me to say because of that possible near-death experience

@thevoicenewspaper

I am the way I am. I had always wanted to do something like this. 2008 when we started our Christmas dinners was an important year for us – the year we got baptised.

body. But more to the point, I have never wanted my children to get absorbed by the commercial aspect of Christmas.

“I don’t buy into any of that, I’m just dealing with love – so

I’m just dealing with love – so just come in, sit down and allow us to serve you “That offered a spiritual opening for the family and we were able to bring my dream of serving the community into fruition. I guess my faith is a catalyst, but the event itself is non-denominational.

“We serve food to Muslims, agnostics and non-believers. It doesn’t matter to us if you’re white or black. We serve every-

@thevoicenews

just come in, sit down and allow us to serve you.

“We’ll have enough food to feed as many people as want to be fed on Christmas Day.” For Richard and his wife Sharon, whether it’s Christmas or not it is all about family.

They are rightly proud of their six children. The four girls have followed in the family tradi-

voicenews

tion and have now opened up their own food emporiums in London and in Brighton, and the boys have got one eye on the family business in case they need to fall back on it. But for now, the youngest of the brood, aka Tweeko, is happy being one of south London’s top grime producers from the studio that his dad built for him at the back of one of their restaurants.

A sign of the times, though, is the family’s younger generation targeting their modern age group of customers who don’t have the same love for going out to eat rice and peas as their parents did. They serve American soul food and, who knows, years from now, they may take on their dad’s Christmas Day passion and invite us all down to dinner for free.

www.voice-online.co.uk

MARCH 2020

THE VOICE| 5

6 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2020

News feature

Powerlist 2021

WE’VE GOT THE POWER Lewis Hamilton tops 2021 Powerlist celebrating the best in business, media and more 8

2

5

Powerlist 2020 Top 10 1. Lewis Hamilton MBE - Seven-time Formula One World Champion 2. Professor Kevin Fenton (New) – Regional Director PHE London and Regional Director Public Health NHS London 3. Stormzy - Grime Artist, Philanthropist 4. Michaela Coel (New) Actress, Screenwriter, Director 5. Edward Enninful OBE - Editor-in-chief, British Vogue

S

EVEN-TIME FORMULA One World Champion Lewis Hamilton has been named the most influential black person in Britain by The Powerlist 2021 – the annual list of the most powerful people of African, African Caribbean and African American heritage in the UK. Hamilton, who this year surpassed Michael Schumacher’s all-time record of 91 grand prix wins, topped the list for his achievements both on and off the track including his prominent support for the Black Lives Matter movement and for setting up The Hamilton Commission to improve diversity in UK motorsport.

Hamilton is widely regarded as one of the most successful drivers in the history of motorsport and considered by some to be the greatest of all time.

He is currently the only black driver to race in the sport. His seven World Championship titles equals the most of all time, jointly held by Michael Schumacher. He said: “It’s an

10

7

6 6. Dame Donna Kinnair - CEO and General Secretary, Royal College of Nursing 7. Jacqueline McKenzie Director at Centre for Migration Advice and Research and McKenzie, Beute and Pope 8. David Olusoga - Historian, Joint Creative Director of Uplands Television Ltd 9. Afua Hirsch - Journalist, Author, Broadcaster, left 10. Richard Iferenta - Partner and Vice Chair, KPMG LLP

absolute honour to be named number one on The Powerlist, I really really appreciate it. “ This for me is a monumental moment.

“I’m so proud to be acknowledged, especially within the black community. Everyone

Windrush Scandal. As well as Rashford, other new names on the list include actress, screenwriter and director Michaela Coel, pictured inset right, and Dr Jacqui Dyer, President of the Mental Health Foundation.

J.P.Morgan said it will work

I’m so proud to be acknowledged, especially within the black community. Everyone on this list is so inspiring on this list is so inspiring and leading in their own industry, I’m honestly thrilled to be mentioned alongside them.

“I think we all have responsibility and we’re trying to do our best. I like to think that I’m just a part of a chain of many people trying to push for change.”

He is joined by new Powerlist entrant Marcus Rashford, who campaigned for free school meals for children during the coronavirus pandemic, and Jacqueline McKenzie, who fought for justice for victims of the

with black and ethnic-led organisations to co-design and implement a programme that will strengthen the resilience of grassroot organisations - creating pathways to stable jobs, entrepreneurship and financial health for local communities in collaboration with the London Community Foundation.

Viswas Raghavan, CEO of JPMorgan in EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa), said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on the health and finances

@thevoicenewspaper

CELEBRATING SUCCESS: Clockwise, from top left, David Olusoga, Edward Enninful OBE, Jacqueline McKenzie, Richard Iferenta, Kevin Fenton, Stormzy and Dame Donna Kinnair are just some of the incredible and inspiring names featured in the latest Powerlist

3 of black and ethnic minority communities, highlighting and exacerbating structural barriers to economic opportunity.

Now in its 15th year, The Powerlist, in partnership with J.P.Morgan, honours incredible men and women across a wide range of industries including business, science, technology and the arts.

Powerlistees, as they are known, were celebrated at the virtual Black Excellence Awards 2020, hosted by playwright and Young Vic artistic director Kwame Kwei-Armah on November 17.

During the virtual awards show, J.P Morgan announced a new £2 million philanthropic investment to support London non-profit organisations that are led by black and minority ethnic leaders.

“As part of our global commitment to racial equity, JPMorgan Chase is focused on helping develop local, community-driven solutions to help

@thevoicenews

historically underserved Londoners share in the benefits of an inclusive economy.”

The Powerlist 2021 is published by Michael Eboda, the chief executive of Powerful Media. Its other sponsors include PwC, Linklaters, Refinitiv, the Executive Leadership Council, Herman Miller and Facebook.

Dr Heather Melville, OBE, PwC, Director of People Networks & Client Relationship Programmes said: “At PwC we’re proud to be sponsoring The Powerlist for the second year running, celebrating black excellence across so many diverse fields and industries across the UK. We congratulate all the remarkable people recognised in this year’s awards in these momentous times.”

David Martin, global diversity partner, Linklaters, said: “We want to ensure that we are a firm that celebrates achievement and highlights role models, as we believe they are in-

voicenews

credibly important for all of us right now.

“For these reasons, we are proud again to support The Powerlist and celebrate the success of so many people in the black community”.

SHOWCASE

Michael Eboda, The Powerlist 2021 publisher, said: “The Powerlist continues to be a great showcase, acknowledgement and reminder of the amazing individuals of African, African Caribbean and African American heritage we have in the UK. I would like to congratulate each and every one on the list.

“Lewis Hamilton is a remarkable sportsman and I applaud the great work he is doing to tackle diversity within the motorsport industry.

“All this, including his stance on Black Lives Matter this year makes his recognition as the UK’s most powerful black Briton on the Powerlist 2021 so very well deserved. He is an inspiration to us all.”

Continued on page 18

www.voice-online.co.uk

MARCH 2020

THE VOICE| 7

8

| THE VOICE DECEMBER 2020

Dotun Adebayo

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

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

LET’S JUST RECOGNISE RASHFORD’S SUCCESS

Yet again, the efforts of a young, talented black star are being pulled apart in the papers

M

YSELF AND Marcus Rashford have something in common...

No, it’s not what you think.

He and I are probably the only two black men who have managed to get a prime minister to change government policy.

If you Google ‘Dotun’s Law’ you can read how I managed to get former prime minister David Cameron to change the law to ensure that our children will never more be taught by openly racist teachers belonging to openly racist parties.

For years I wondered if I would be the only black man in the history of these here British isles to have influenced a prime minister to that extent.

And then along comes the young Manchester United striker who gets a prime minster to change government policy not once, but twice.

Two strong. Two black.

A remarkable achievement for anybody, let alone an athlete in his early 20s.

We should have known there was going to be a ‘blacklash’.

A national newspaper, in a recent ‘exposure’, revealed that young Marcus has bought a handful of homes this year for a total of £2 million.

Their insinuation is that somehow he is hypocritical for campaigning on behalf of hungry children whilst having enough money to feed those poorly fed children but instead deciding to buy himself and his family homes to live in.

This attack on Rashford under the guise of ‘investigative journalism’ purports to be ‘without prejudice’. I beg to differ. We have recently seen the same kind of vitriol aimed at Raheem Sterling, pictured right, for buying his mum a nice home.

Sterling wasn’t even campaigning and hadn’t given the same paper anything to be ac-

No one can argue that Rashford has not worked hard cused of being ‘hypocritical’ about.

They just wanted to have a pop at him for being young, gifted, black and wealthy in a world of bitter and twisted people who would rather that you were young, gifted black and poor.

Let’s face it, this old school journalism would rather that you were not ‘gifted’ at all. In their ideal world you would be just young and ‘coloured’, the preferred epithet of the now ex-chairman of the Football Association, Greg Clarke, that cost him his job.

NOTHING

£2 million worth of housing is nothing nowadays, especially if you live in the capital.

And five homes so that your family can all have their own gaff is standard for those of us who come from African heritage backgrounds – whether from the Caribbean or elsewhere. It would

be a disgrace for Rashford to be earning a couple hundred thousand every week for United and his mum, who has seen him through the tough times that he talks so passionately and eloquently about, renting a council house, wouldn’t it?

We would quite rightly pour scorn on the youngster for all his talents. So what if five of his family are living in homes that are now worth £400,000?

What is the point that you are making in your piece?

Jealous dem jealous, Marcus.

Nuh worry yourself.

SUPERSTAR: Marcus Rashford has been hailed a hero off the pitch for his efforts in securing meals for children in low-income households over the school holidays

SINISTER

If it were jealousy alone, we could just kiss our teeth. But there is something much more sinister going on.

The newspaper in question normally celebrates wealth and individual hard work.

No one can argue that Rashford has not worked hard for what he has.

You don’t get to be one of 11 players in the England starting XI without hard work from when you were a kid.

And, let’s be real, the black experience is that we have had to work twice as hard to maintain, or to be seen as being, on a level because England’s been a b*tch to us.

Ask our parents who told us that there would be days like these. Ask anyone of those England footballers who preceded Rashford – Viv Anderson, John Barnes, Paul Ince, Ian Wright, Rio Ferdinand.

The difference with those guys is that none of them had the temerity to take on a sitting government’s policy.

They knew their place, you could argue, without disparaging any

of them – all of whom I respect immensely. They let their football do the talking.

Rashford, from what Piara Power of the kick racism out of football FARE network says, isn’t the kind of person who is able to keep his own counsel on injustice in the world, particularly the injustice of child poverty that he himself has known.

But let’s not lose sight of what he did. All he did was ask the government to reconsider its decision to not feed poor children during the school holidays.

That is all he did, and that has brought down the insinuation of this newspaper that he doesn’t practice what he preaches to Boris Johnson.

Well, the paper may very well regret taking on the boy won-

der, just as the Prime Minister regrets it.

The government flip-flopped on the issue, first refusing to consider the footballer’s intervention and then, realising that the great British public and the tide of history was against them, deciding that they would feed the kids over their holidays and then, at an opportune moment, seemed to switch their initial decision, only to be forced to capitulate for a second time.

ATTACK

The support that Rashford has had since the newspaper’s attack on him has been phenomenal.

So many high profile personalities have come out in support of him and telling him to stay strong. I am reminded of the

words of Nina Simone in her amazing concert the day after Martin Luther King Jr was gunned down in 1968, reproaching black America and positive white people for not protecting MLK enough.

She believed that he would still be alive if he had that protection.

Rashford could do with a lot more support from us all.

Those many of us who stood up to power when we were 22 or 23 years old will know what I mean. Look how it drained us.

It made old men and women of us and affected our purpose on the planet.

How much more successful would we all have been if we didn’t continuously have to keep fighting for equal rights and justice?

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

@thevoicenewspaper

@thevoicenews

voicenews

www.voice-online.co.uk

MARCH 2020

THE VOICE| 9

10 | THE VOICE

DECEMBER 2020

Christmas message

‘The gift of comfort and joy can still be ours’

Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin urges us to be patient this festive season

I

N OUR lifetime it is true to say that 2020 has been a year like no other that we have known, and as we approach the Christmas season, I am sure we are all wondering what kind of Christmas we will have in the light of the ups and downs of the pandemic.

With people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds being susceptible to the COVID-19 virus, we will need to be especially careful and seriously think about how we celebrate this Christmas.

I recently shared with some school children in my diocese in Canterbury that as a child, I have no recollection of ever receiving a gift at Christmas.

I do have wonderful memories however of great Christmas celebrations ... the trip to the Charles Gordon market in Montego Bay where we went

We will need to think about how we celebrate Christmas from stall to stall to make sure we were getting the best sorrel and sitting back at home under the tree in the shade, picking the petals while the adults did more important things such as the cake being baked in the makeshift oven (a kerosene tin surrounded by coal), iced and covered with the little shiny decorations.

There was pot roast beef well seasoned, curried goat, escovitch fish, rice and gungo peas (as children it was our

role to ‘shell’ the peas, too).

The gramophone worked hard during that time with everyone wanting to select their favourite piece of music.

Aunties and uncles you had not seen for a long time would be sure to put in an appearance.

There was much joy all round and attending an early morning service of worship was very much part of the specialness of Christmas Day.

MEMORIES

I have lived on those memories since being away from Jamaica!

This year, we must prepare ourselves for the possibility of not being able to gather with extended family and friends due to COVID-19.

We must exercise the kind of self-constraint necessary to ensure that our elders, who are

more vulnerable, are not exposed to the virus which could have deadly consequence.

A vaccine rollout appears to be around the corner.

We must exercise patience and wait. Missing our loved ones at this time of the year, does not mean that Christmas is being cancelled.

Instead, it means that we are being responsible and making sure that as a community we stay safe.

Our churches are open for private prayer but at present there is no public worship, so gathering and singing carols may not happen.

We may also not have the gathered festivity of previous years with family and friends.

COVID-19 has changed our lives in many ways.

The one certainty however at this time, is that the gift of

HOPE: The Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin says that although we are missing loved ones, Christmas is not cancelled “comfort and joy” can still be ours. After all Christmas is about the gift of love.

So may the joy of the angels, the surprise of the shepherds,

the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Mary and Joseph, and the peace of the Christ child, be yours this Christmas.

MARCH 2020

THE VOICE| 11

Have you seen our exchange * rates to Nigeria?

You should.

Send from £100.01 to £600 to bank accounts for £4.90 transfer fee*.

Visit an agent location to learn more.

*Western Union also makes money from currency exchange. When choosing a money transmitter, carefully compare both transfer fees and exchange rates. Transfer fees, foreign exchange rates and taxes may vary by brand, channel, and location based on a number of factors. Transfer fees and exchange rates subject to change without notice.

This service is provided by Western Union. © 2020 Western Union Holdings Inc. All rights reserved.

12 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2020

Feature

WE THREE PRINCES

DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY: Clockwise, from main, Prince Gbenga Oguntayo is the current Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife – but it is unlikely he will ever become king; Ade Rishman was not aware of his status until he visited Nigeria for the first time as an adult; Prince Kayode Tejuoso, pictured with wife Funmi, says that people have forgotten about the culture that traditional royalty represents

There are thousands of kings and princes across Africa, where some dynasties can be traced back hundreds of years – but, while Prince Charles may be waiting for his chance to rule, becoming king in Africa is not guaranteed, says Dotun Adebayo

I

F ROYAL insiders’ reports are correct, Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II is preparing to abdicate the throne in favour of her eldest son.

After all, he was born to be king and he’s waited a long time, and Her Majesty will be 95 next year.

For most of us the closest we will get to being royalty is by way of amateur dramatics.

Come Christmas time many black boys are guaranteed at least one role in the school nativity (perhaps not this year due to COVID-19). No, not the baby Jesus, but one of the three kings who from the Orient came. Usually the most exotic one who brought a gift of gold (much more useful than frankincense or myrrh) for the baby Jesus.

ABUNDANCE

But what about a real black king? Where can we find one who doesn’t have to traverse over field and fountain, moor and mountain following yonder star to a stable in Bethlehem?

In some parts of Africa, not least in Nigeria, there is an abundance of kings and queens and princesses and princes hundreds and thousands.

Unlike their Igbo counterparts in the east who don’t believe in having kings, the Yoruba tribe of western Nigeria, trace their origins to a divine king, Oduduwa who founded their nation about 900 years

When you are of royal birth people expect you to be wealthy ago in the holy city of Ile-Ife. His royal progeny subsequently founded their own kingdoms further afield and established their culture and traditions across the vast landscape of the western region and it is those dynasties that still sit upon the various thrones, the custodians of history, custom and the soul of what it means to be Yoruba. But in this game of thrones, you never know which of the many princes will wear the crown.

Prince Gbenga Oguntayo, is the first son, or the ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, His Majesty King Oba Adesesan Afolorunso Oguntayo, the 43rd ajalorun of his kingdom, the lineage of which can be traced back to 1450 when the first ajalorun left the spiritual home of Ile-Ife to settle in Ijebu with his followers.

The kingdom, therefore, is older than most European dynasties.

But unlike his Western counterparts, Prince Gbenga is not a crown prince. In fact, he has no way of knowing whether he will ever ascend the throne.

In all likelihood he

will not, because on the death of his father it will be another ruling house’s turn to rule, and the council of kingmakers will consult with the oracle as to who should wear the crown.

“It is not an automatic ascendancy,” Prince Gbenga explained, on granting The Voice newspaper an audience recently.

“We do not have absolute monarchs. Instead we have ruling houses, in some kingdoms there are three or four or five houses and the kingship rotates. It is far more democratic than the automatic right (Prince Charles) would have to the throne.

“Before the ‘democracy’ imposed upon our system of government by British colonialists we already had checks and balances in our traditional system to ensure that no ruler could become autocratic and engage in Trump-like behaviour.”

Nigerian royalty are born on to the throne, but to aspire to it is frowned upon and even mocked.

A prince with a yearning to be king is nicknamed oba lola King Tomorrow – to his death.

Tomorrow, though, may never come, depending on how the cards are dealt.

Having said that being a prince is no minor undertaking, HRH Prince Kayode Tejuoso informs me.

His father, King Adedapo Tejuoso, is the Osile of Oke Ona Egbaland, the grandson of Oba Karunwi I of Oke Ona. “Our people have forgotten about the culture that traditional royalty represents in our regions,” Prince Kayode says regretfully.

“Cash is king.

People don’t take tribal rulers seriously anymore and to be royal has become a burden as

@thevoicenewspaper

much as anything else. When you are of royal birth people expect you to be wealthy. And that may not be the case. In fact you may be destitute.

CULTURAL

“We certainly do not have the resources of our European equivalents. But people still expect you to take the lead in cultural and traditional things.

“There was a time when a king was revered and had a respectable status. In the old

of compliancy attached. Including a requirement that the local government official be notified should the king want to travel from one place to another.

He points also to the access to the global village as having watered down the local traditions and culture of which the royal families were for centuries at the centre of.

His own children were educated overseas and see the world, rather than their ancestral home, as their oyster.

We certainly do not have the resources of our European equivalents days, for example, when it was convenient for the colonial rulers to use the monarchy as representatives of the people.

“And even after independence, the local kings were respected to the extent that the Ooni of Ife was also made the premier of Western Nigeria by the federal government. But those days are no more.”

Prince Kayode points to successive military governments as having eroded the status and power of traditional kings to the extent that they are now beholden to and subservient to local politicians for stipends to carry out their royal duties, money that comes with strings

@thevoicenews

He hopes that they will carry on the royal traditions at some point, but right now he’s just not sure. This from a royal line that can trace its origins right back nine centuries to Oduduwa.

Ade Rishman represents the younger generation of princes to whom the entire institution of traditional royalty depends for its survival.

To look at him, you wouldn’t think he was a prince. He’s a builder in his 40s who was grew up in Littlehampton on the south coast of England where he was fostered by a white family. However, his grandfather is King Jimoh Oyewumi III, Soun of Ogbomosoland. And

voicenews

although he knew that he was a prince from a young age, it didn’t really resonate with Ade in a Britain where he lived without the trappings of royalty and all the other aspects of his status.

It wasn’t until he went to Nigeria as an adult for the first time and was granted an audience with his grandad, surrounded by the tribal chiefs who maintain the authority and dignity of the crown, that he realised how big a deal it was.

HORROR

“When I went to shake my grandad’s hand, the chiefs around him looked at me with horror and let me know in no uncertain terms that I was not allowed to touch the king.

“And I was not allowed to turn my back on him, so when I departed I had to walk backwards. If I knew more about what it meant and I had been brought up with all the traditions and customs around it I would probably really get into it, but to be honest I’m English and it doesn’t mean as much to me as it does to them.

“But I was really proud when a British national paper did an article on my grandad last year because he had the world’s oldest tortoise. I showed the piece to my friends and it was only then they took seriously what I had been telling them for years – that I’m royal, so royal.”

www.voice-online.co.uk

MARCH 2020

THE VOICE| 13

Take a closer look at our exchange rates* to Ghana.

Send cash to mobile wallets** from £4.90 transfer fee*.

Visit an agent location to learn more.

*Western Union also makes money from currency exchange. When choosing a money transmitter, carefully compare both transfer fees and exchange rates. Transfer fees, foreign exchange rates and taxes may vary by brand, channel, and location based on a number of factors. Transfer fees and exchange rates subject to change without notice. **Funds will be paid to receiver’s mWallet account provider for credit to account tied to receiver’s mobile number. Additional third-party charges may apply, including SMS and account over-limit and cash-out fees. Funds availability subject to terms and conditions of service. See Mobile Form for Restrictions.

This service is provided by Western Union. © 2020 Western Union Holdings Inc. All rights reserved.

14 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2020

Nurses Behind The Mask

‘BAME nurses are Inspired by his family and black trailblazers, Casualty actor Charles Venn says we must acknowledge and appreciate the incredible work of all BAME practitioners in the NHS. Here, the Florence Nightingale Foundation speaks with the star to discuss his hopes, his influence and the recognition of those on the front line FNF: Why do you support the #NurseBehindtheMask and the #VoiceBehindtheMask campaign run by the Foundation?

And why do you support the Florence Nightingale Foundation?

CV: I support both campaigns as often is the case with NHS practitioners, nurses, and some would say the smaller figures within the grand scheme of things.

There is a feeling that they don’t have that voice, they are not influential enough where they can just explain the importance of what they’re doing. Both campaigns run by the Florence Nightingale Foundation give them this platform to be seen and more importantly to be heard. They give them a voice behind the mask.

I also want to use my voice to support nurses and reiterate their messages – if people such as myself who are in the public eye, who work on a show that generates millions of viewers, who work on a show that is talking about medical issues and tackling them and facing them head on and trying to lead by example – if I’m in a

As a black man I feel it is incumbent upon me to support this campaign as the Foundation is looking out for people who look like me position of that kind of standing, I can speak and say I endorse and support everything that nurses are saying.

We can all support them as much as possible, so it makes their job that much easier. For example, having a large swathe of people coming into the hospitals, makes nurses’ jobs so much more difficult and affects the lives of people coming in because there is a potential for less attention on patients – it has a knock-on effect.

It’s all connected, and we can all do our part by doing what’s advised – putting that face mask on, washing your hands, sanitising, keeping the social distancing wherever possible.

“I feel it’s incumbent upon myself to support something that is so, so relevant.

By supporting the campaign I also want to cele-

brate prominent black nurses from Mary Seacole (who also served in the Crimea like Florence Nightingale) to my own trailblazing auntie, Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu, who became the United Kingdom’s first sickle-cell and thalassemia nurse in 1979.

I have massive respect for black nurses like Seacole and my auntie – Seacole has influenced me greatly and my aunt has inspired me in my own portrayal of a male black nurse, as has my mother who was a nurse in an old people’s home.

I celebrate these strong black women.

As a black man I feel it is incumbent upon me to support this campaign as the Foundation is looking out for people who look like me.

We know there are a lot of NHS practitioners, a lot of nurses, doctors from ethnic minority backgrounds who are doing this incredible groundwork, working tirelessly to save lives and unfortunately there are times when they don’t necessarily get the credit that they deserve, they’re not necessarily put on the map – it isn’t always the case, but it does happen. For me, as far as I’m concerned, these are potentially people that can save the lives of loved ones and family members of my own.

My sister has stage three multiple sclerosis, if it were not for the NHS, God knows what her situation and condition could have been like right now. The Florence Nightingale Foundation is doing an incredible job, a fantastic job of creating that awareness and just constantly pushing and fighting that cause and spreading that message.

It is a privilege and I feel honoured that the Foundation asked me to come on board and support the campaign.

FNF: Why is it so important

@thevoicenewspaper

RESPECT: Actor Charles Venn says BAME nurses are under-appreciated; inset, Mary Seacole to you to highlight the work of black and minority ethnic (BAME) nurses and midwives during the COVID-19 pandemic?

in the pits of danger, putting their lives on the line to save other lives.

To me, it doesn’t get more valiant than that and they’re

Retired BAME nurses came out of retirement because they were asked to step up CV: I feel it’s very important and requisite that we celebrate and recognise BAME nurses during the COVID-19 crisis.

Some people are not aware of how hard they’re working in the trenches, rolling up their sleeves and putting themselves

@thevoicenews

doing this on a daily regular basis. And other people tell me this when they go into hospital and they see the BAME nursing community out there on the frontline doing this, making this sacrifice and you see swathes of newly infected COV-

voicenews

ID patients coming in and you are seeing the BAME nurses out there in their droves treating patients.

It’s important that they get that recognition. Credit of course to all nurses and doctors – make no mistake, credit to them of course. Some people do take them for granted – a lot of people are ignorant until something happens to them or a loved one.

What is important is that we celebrate NHS practitioners.

I celebrate them for the bravery of what they do, and a job that takes years of practice and training and not something you can do overnight.

www.voice-online.co.uk

DECEMBER 2020 THE VOICE | 15

Nurses Behind The Mask

our unsung heroes’ But a special mention must go out to the BAME nurses and doctors because several of them as we know are more prone and susceptible to catching COVID-19 and dying from it.

You just have to look at the stats, they are the minority in this country, yet they are the ones who are out on the frontline and I want to acknowledge this and celebrate this contribution because I don’t want BAME nurses and doctors dying in vain. They must be recognised for that.

FNF: How important is this contribution in light of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and how has this impacted the community at large?

CV: This impact that BAME nurses are making took on more meaning because it came about at the same time as the BLM movement – and likewise it was freakish how the BLM movement took on more emphasis when the pandemic began. It was almost like it [BLM] was meant to happen. What it did inadvertently was create a sense of awareness for not only what ethnic minorities go through on a regular basis, but that BAME nurses have been on the frontline prior to COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the biggest tragedies we’ve faced in the 21st or even the 20th century, outside of course of Auschwitz and the World Wars. But from a health standpoint it’s one of the biggest tragedies we’ve faced, definitely in my lifetime.

Now to have BAME nurses fighting, saving lives and putting their lives on the line despite them being more prone to dying from COVID-19, yet still insisting on coming in and saying it’s incumbent upon me to come into my hospital and try and save lives, is bravery of the highest order.

So much so that retired nurses were going back in.

Retired BAME nurses came out of retirement because they were asked to step up to the plate during the pandemic. And some of them didn’t have to, but said they wanted to help because that’s their commitment to the NHS and they actually put their lives on the line and they died as a result of that.

There’s no coming back from death. When you highlight these heroic acts, martyr level

My character is somebody that helps galvanise and influence people in positions of power. He is important

acts, you realise the impact that BAME nurses have left upon modern day society, the BLM movement and society in general. And may they always be celebrated for that.

FNF: Do you see the positive significance of playing a black male nurse in Casualty, and do you think your portrayal of Jacob Masters in the series has had a positive impact on young men considering a career in nursing?

CV: Absolutely – Jacob being a black nurse and a male nurse, that’s hugely influential and encouraging.

What it does is it casts aside any stereotypes, any stigmas that are attached to being a nurse. It dispels them, because Jacob himself is a very confident, alpha male. He has a bit of a swagger about him, but his whole thing is he’s focused on saving lives. He’s focused on treating patients.

He’s a crusader for good.

He fights for the nurses, he’s always had this thing about doctors receiving all of the plaudits and the nurses just do the lower end jobs, they’re not qualified to run or administer particular drugs.

T h e y h a v e to get the ‘OK’ f r o m doctors.

So as a result, the doctors feel as though they

PASSIONATE: While Charles Venn takes inspiration from his ancestors in his everyday life, he also believes it has influenced his role as Jacob Masters in Casualty; inset below left, Venn ahead of his stint on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2018

have a hierarchical, higher status than them. Jacob fights for the nurses and he believes the nurses are equally as important as doctors.

So when you have that and I’ve seen those real male nurses who Jacob is based on, who believe if you want to be

heard, you choose your words carefully and fight for the honour of your nurses, not to create trouble but to be a voice for them and create a level of parity. Jacob is somebody that helps galvanise and influence people in positions of power.

He is important.

I think he has had a huge positive and important impact on young black men.

You have young black men, teenagers who have the desire to work in the NHS – they actually want to be nurses but once again that stereotype, that stigma of being a nurse which is seemingly always associated with females comes about and they dismiss it.

They think I don’t want to get

looked down upon, but when you see somebody like Jacob who is the paradigm of a male nurse – confident with who he is, confident in his stature and who he is as a person.

Confident with his sexuality and you say to yourself, it’s not that bad and when you look at that guy, you see he walks with his head held high, shoulders up, very efficient and good at his job.

Viewers see he’s influential and they can then relate to the character of Jacob and want to aspire to be like him.

They hopefully think that if Jacob can have that effect, being a clinical nurse manager in Casualty, the number one clinical drama in the country, I

can be that person in real life as a male nurse. We need more Jacobs in hospitals as well as doctors.

We need more minorities in male nursing to encourage others to join – people that look like us – the everyday black man, the everyday Asian man, Chinese man who can reinforce the thinking that if you have a passion for science and the medical world, you too can follow Jacob’s path.

To find out more about what the Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) does or to support FNF BAME scholars and alumni go to florencenightingale-foundation.org.uk/ support-us/donate/

16 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2020

News

CHURCH APOLOGISES TO REV JONES – 65 YEARS ON

After arriving in Britain from Jamaica in 1955, a 17-year-old future Rev Carmel Jones stepped foot in St Paul’s church, Clapham – and was asked never to return. But now, 65 years on, he has finally received an apology

R

EV CARMEL Jones was just 17 years old when he was told not to return to his local Anglican church after arriving in Britain from Jamaica.

But when the current vicar of St Paul’s church in Clapham, south London heard what happened, he decided to hold a service to apologise publicly.

Rev Canon Jonathan Boardman, pictured inset right, said: “It is our painful duty to apologise to the Rev Jones for the mistakes of our predecessors, but his return is a moment of exceptional joy.”

Jones attended the Service of Absolution by Zoom, and Rev Jones’ address was read by his daughter, Elaine Bowes.

Speaking on behalf of her

A FAMILY MAN: Clockwise, from top left, the photo used for Rev Jones’ immigration papers; all miles for a formal photograph; celebrating his wedding day with wife Iveline; the happy couple today; with their three children, including Elaine, centre, after the birth of their youngest father, who was unable to attend due to ill health, she said: “I was a boy of 17, when I encountered here one of the first of many acts of racial prejudice that subsequently occurred in my life.

“It provided the inspiration that led me to founding the Pentecostal Credit Union 25 years later.

“It led me to the Pentecostal Church, where I still am today and lastly, but certainly not least, it led me to meeting the woman who has been by my side for the last 63 years.”

Reading her father’s words, Bowes shed a few tears.

As he accepted the apology,

Jones also reflected on Proverbs 17:9. “The scripture reads: ‘Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.’”

Bowes said she commended Rev Boardman for holding the special service, though her father had forgiven the Anglican church some time ago. She added: “It was incredibly poignant reading my father’s words and thoughts in the church. It’s a testimony to his Christian faith that he has been able to view that racist incident in a positive light and talk about how it has provided the most important opportunities of his life.”

@thevoicenewspaper

It was incredibly poignant reading my father’s words St Paul’s Church has a proud history of fighting against social injustice.

It is not far from its sister church, Holy Trinity.

William Wilberforce and The Clapham Sect were a group campaigning to abolish slavery, they lived around Clapham Common and attended both churches.

Meanwhile, Archbishop

@thevoicenews

of Canterbury Justin Welby offered words of comfort and goodwill following the postponement of the Pentecostal Credit Union’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

SHAMEFUL

He said in a moving letter: “Within the Church of England, we lament the shameful historical racism that is a scourge on our organisation and even impacted on the PCU founder who was turned away from an Anglican church on account of the colour of his skin.

“This despite the fact he had been baptised and raised in the Anglican faith.

“The PCU, of which 99 per cent of its members are of African and Caribbean origin, is

voicenews

incredibly dedicated in working to empower those it serves.

“There is a theological basis for financial justice as an instrument for human flourishing.

“Indeed, in Matthew 6:26 God’s provision for humanity is likened to that of the ‘birds of the air’ who ‘neither sow nor reap’.

“He has provided us with the ultimate gift of His creation, and we must reset our financial structures to steward rather than exploit.

“Organisations such as the Pentecostal Credit Union can provide us with a model for an ethical and just economy.”

See Rev Carmel Jones’ address in full on page 29

www.voice-online.co.uk

MARCH 2020

THE VOICE| 17

18 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2020

News feature

Powerlist 2021

Continued from page 6

Politics, law and religion

Arts, fashion and design

l David Lammy – Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, Member of Parliament for Tottenham, below l Dr Sandie Okoro – Senior VicePresident and Group General Counsel, World Bank l Joshua Siaw MBE – Partner, White & Case l Dr Kathryn Nwajiaku – Director, Politics and Governance, Overseas Development Institute l Martin Forde, QC – Barrister

l Chi-Chi Nwanoku OBE – Founder, Artistic and Executive Director Chineke!

Orchestra; Teacher, Broadcaster, Writer l Duro Olowu – Fashion Designer l Dr Shirley J Thompson, OBE – Composer, Artistic and Music Director, Writer, Educator, University of Westminster l Pat McGrath MBE – Founder, Pat McGrath Cosmetics

l Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin – Bishop of Dover l Segan Osuntokun – Managing Partner, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner Harry Matovu QC – Barrister l Marcia Willis Stewart QC (New) – Director, Birnberg Peirce & Partners l Stephanie Boyce (New) – Deputy Vice-President, Law Society of England and Wales l Patrick Vernon OBE (New) – Political activist and social commentator

l Lynette Yiadom-Boakye – Artist l Francesca Hayward (New) – Principal Dancer, Royal Ballet l Grace Wales-Bonner (New) – Founder and Creative Director at Wales Bonner l Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (New) – Actor/Founding Member Act For Change l John Boyega – Actor l Idris Elba OBE – Actor, Producer

MAKING WAVES: John Boyega

Business, corporate, financiers and entrepreneurs

HAILED: Dame Sharon White

Science, medicine and engineering TOP OF HIS GAME: Dr Emeka Okaro l Dr Emeka Okaro – Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist l Dr Ian Nnatu – Consultant Psychiatrist l Dr Joy Odili – Consultant Plastic Surgeon l Dr Sylvia Bartley – Senior Global Director, Medtronic Foundation l Samantha Tross – Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon l Professor Laura Serrant OBE – Head of Department and Professor of Community and Public Health Nursing at Manchester Metropolitan University l Professor Jacqueline Dunkley Bent OBE – Chief Midwifery Officer, NHS England l Martin Griffiths – Lead trauma surgeon, Royal London l Dr Paula Franklin (New) – Bupa CMO l Dr Jacqui Dyer MBE (New) – President, Mental Health Foundation

l Alan Smith – Global Head of Risk Strategy and Chief of Staff, Global Risk, HSBC l Camille Drummond – Vice-President, Global Business Services, BP l Eric Collins – Founding Member, Impact X Capital Partners l Jason Black – Co-founder of Crep Protect and co-owner of Crepe and Cones l Lindelwe Lesley Ndlovu – CEO, AXA Africa Specialty Risks, Lloyd’s of London

l Netsai Mangwende – Head of Finance for Great Britain, Willis Towers Watson l Pamela Hutchinson – Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Bloomberg l Sandra Wallace – UK Managing Partner, DLA Piper l Tevin Tobun – Founder and CEO, GV Group (Gate Ventures) l Yvonne Ike – Managing Director and Head of Sub Saharan Africa region, Bank of America Merrill Lynch

l Paulette Rowe – CEO, Integrated and E-commerce Solutions, Paysafe Group l Nadja Bellan-White (New) – Global Chief Marketing Officer at VICE Media Group l Roni Savage (New) – Managing Director, Founder of Jomas Associates l Dean Forbes (New) – President, The Access Group l Dame Sharon White (New) – Chairman, John Lewis Partnership l Tara Lajumoke (New) –

Managing Director, Financial Times l Adrian Joseph (New) – Managing Director, Group AI and Data Solutions, BT Group l Femi Bamisaiye (New) – Chief Information Officer, HomeServe UK l Yemi Edun (New) – Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Ford and Co Ltd l Emeka Emembolu (New) – Senior Vice-President - North Sea at BP l Tunde Olanrewaju (New) – Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company

Media, publishing and entertainment l Akala – Educator, Rapper, Poet, Activist l Anne Mensah – Vice-President of Content UK, Netflix l Amma Asante MBE – Writer, Director l Charlene White – ITN News Anchor l Femi Oguns MBE – Agent, Founder and CEO of Identity Theatre School

l Gary Younge – Journalist; Author; Professor of Sociology, University of Manchester l Lorna Clarke – BBC Controller of Pop Music l Marcus Ryder – Executive Producer of Multimedia, Caixin Global l Paulette Simpson CBE – Executive, Corporate Affairs and Public

Public, third sector and education l Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon – MBE CEO and Co-Founder, STEMettes l Dr Margaret CaselyHayford CBE – Chair, Shakespeare’s Globe; Chancellor, Coventry University; Non-Executive Director, Co-op Group l Marvin Rees – Mayor of Bristol l Dr Nira Chamberlain – President of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications l Professor Funmi Olonisakin – Professor of Security, Leadership and Development at King’s College London; Founding Director of African Leadership Centre l Lord Simon Woolley –

Policy, Jamaica National Bank; Executive Director, The Voice Media Group l Reggie Yates – Writer; Director; Broadcaster l Reni Eddo-Lodge – Journalist, Author l Sir Lenny Henry – Actor, Writer, Campaigner l Vanessa Kingori MBE – Publisher, British Vogue l Bernadine Evaristo (New) – Writer,

Professor of Creative Writing, Brunel l Hugh Muir (New) – Senior Assistant Editor, The Guardian l Annette Thomas (New) – CEO Guardian Media Group PLC l Dorothy Koomson (New) – Author l Kamal Ahmed (New) – Editorial Director, BBC News

Sports

Technology CATCH HER IF YOU CAN: Sprinter Dina Asher-Smith makes this year’s list

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees Co-founder/Director, Operation Black Vote l Sonita Alleyne OBE – Master, Jesus College, Cambridge l Professor Patricia Daley (New) – Vice Principal at Jesus College Oxford l Dr Patrick Roach (New) – General Secretary at NASUWT

MAKING HIS VOICE HEARD: Educator and activist Akala

l Anthony Joshua – World Heavyweight Boxing Champion l Dina Asher-Smith – World champion sprinter l Raheem Sterling – Footballer l Marcus Rashford (New) – Footballer and campaigner

l Ebele Okobi – Public Policy Director Africa, the Middle East & Turkey, Facebook l Ije Nwokorie – Senior Director, Apple l Nneka Abulokwe OBE – Founder and CEO, MicroMax Consulting l Jacky Wright – Chief Digital Officer and Corporate Vice-President, Microsoft, US l Michael Sherman – Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, BT

DOING GREAT THINGS: Ije Nwokorie

MARCH 2020

THE VOICE| 19

20 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2020

Midlands News

NEWS IN BRIEF UNLEASHING POTENTIAL: Peter Robson wants BAME communities to drive growth of the economy

by Veron Graham

NATALIE CHANNELS GRIEF INTO ACTION WITH NEW GROUP

After experiencing first-hand the disparities in care when it comes to the black community, Natalie Scarlett decided to launch the Black Heritage Support Service to help others

Using criminal cash to help the community Funding is starting to make its way to community organisations in the West Midlands who are helping those in need during the pandemic.

The cash is all money recovered from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act and is being donated through the Communities Initiatives Fund which was launched in May to help the vulnerable, homeless or elderly and others who have suffered loneliness due to isolation, as well as youth to keep them off the streets.

The Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, in anticipation for the next round of funding, is calling for submissions from local organisations that are using new and innovative ways to support the most vulnerable in their area.

A spokesperson for the PCC said: “We can all get through this global crisis and build a stronger sense of belonging and community that will last for years to come.”

RACE code encouraging boardroom equality A new scheme to encourage race equality in the boardroom is being piloted by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The RACE (Reporting Action Composition Education) Code has been designed to help organisations ensure their boards and senior leadership roles reflect ethnic diversity. It draws together more than 200 recommendations outlined in reports, charters, and pledges, which aim to tackle diversity and inclusion challenges. As one of the first organisa-

tions to pilot the initiative, the WMCA will help to trial the RACE Code in the West Midlands, working with others to shape the framework as it is finalised and rolled out as a free-to-download tool.

Under-representation in leadership across the public and private sectors has been evidenced by The West Midlands Leadership Commission, which subsequently called for widespread action to tackle the issue.

The RACE Code activity will form part of the Commission’s new action plan.

Businessman inspiring others to build brands A Nottingham-based international businessman who claims a familial link to the legendary Jamaican hero Samuel Sharp, is pointing to the economic growth and potential in the Caribbean and Africa to inspire black communities.

Peter Robson, CEO of The Drinks Group Holdings, also works with the Nottingham Growth Board to stimulate investment in the city, also in an ambassadorial role at the BGlobal charitable organisation, which helps its black and minority ethnic (BAME) members start up in business.

“I am passionate about growth of our brothers and sisters,” he said.

“What’s interesting today is if we look at the global economy, it is predicted that the African content will outgrow other parts of the world in years to come and also in the Caribbean albeit at much slower rate. The Jamaican economy is growing and one of the fastest growing countries in the CARICOM today.”

A

BI R M I NGH A MBASED CHARITY, spearheaded by a communications professional, is gearing up to provide emergency winter parcels to prevent the deaths of and provide comfort to harder-hit black elders this winter.

Natalie Scarlett, founder of the Black Heritage Support Service (BHSS), has worked as development manager at the Red Cross and harbours wider ambitions to facilitate opportunities for black community advancement in areas including access to education and healthcare, plus political engagement.

Speaking to The Voice about BHSS’ parcel drive that is taking place in the wake of COVID-19, which has had additional impact on older and people from minority backgrounds, Scarlett, 34, pictured inset right, said: “It has been incredibly difficult to find out how many of those elders are black because of (this BAME category). The numbers (we used to estimate) the parcels needed for the elderly came from numbers dying. Given the economic disparity between the black community and wider society, we are sure that the numbers of those in need are disproportionate.”

Referencing her own experience of being homeless and destitute a decade ago, she added: “I’ve had times when I’ve had nothing but a hot water bottle and a quilt, so I know whatever can be given can make a difference. We cannot make great changes to everyone’s situation overnight but you have to start from where you’re at.”

BHSS’ origins began last spring, with a Facebook post by Scarlett looking to get help to hold back the additional damage COVID-19 was having on

@thevoicenewspaper

I feel that I failed him.

I was not in a position to help him, but I’m educated now black communities. Having received just five replies, Scarlett soldiered on, fuelled by her pan-Africanist upbringing and a mission to in some way right the wrongs allegedly done to her late father Arthur.

He died of lung cancer in 2012, unable to access support around his healthcare, having reportedly had appointments delayed.

“I feel that I failed him. He needed that extra support but was fobbed off.

“I was not in a position to help him, but I’m educated now.

DEGREE

“The elders I’m speaking of who need help are just like him.

What happened to him has given me the determination to press on.”

Fast forward eight years, Scarlett’s mission is now informed by her degree in communications, culture and media at Coventry University, which is where she returned to gain a post-graduate degree in political and corporate communication.

“We’ve been indoctrinated for too long to accept what’s handed to us, often without challenge or we make noise and demonstrate but don’t translate this into action that makes a lasting change. BHSS is primarily an advocacy service with an objective to advise and educate to encourage strategic activity.

@thevoicenews

A HELPING HAND: Natalie Scarlett, centre, with Councillor Paulette Hamilton, left, and campaigning solicitor Rachel Okello; below, Natalie speaks at the BHSS launch event We need to stop just reacting to issues as we have for far too long.”

Working in partnership, BHSS is progressing in a number of fronts: including its Phone Line Campaign, enlisting qualified medics to protect the vulnerable against negligence in healthcare and resource its growing video library to provide a rare source of culturallysensitive medical advice.

Another area of focus is to enable entry level employees to access opportunities for

voicenews

advancement and promotion.

“We have the skills and experience in our communities to improve our situations, but we need to come together, build an eco-system that will help rebuild communities ourselves,” she said. “It’s not easy but I believe it’s a calling, so will not stop.”

For more information, to pledge your support or to nominate a person of African or Caribbean heritage that is in need of support, please visit www.bhss.co.uk

www.voice-online.co.uk

DECEMBER 2020 THE VOICE | 21

Midlands News

WILDEST DREAMS REALISED WITH CARD COLLECTION

Halicia Ward, founder of Wild Cinnamon Cards, says her hard work through lockdowns is starting to pay off

T

HERE IS an entrepreneur who has had Christmas preparations in mind long before the autumnal onset of darker nights and colder weather – Halicia Ward.

The 31-year-old from Quinton, Birmingham has turned disappointment at being unable to find a job after graduating from university into an enterprising greeting cards business.

Wild Cinnamon Cards is a provider of original greeting cards which are “inspired by black culture and experiences, hand-drawn quirky, fun, slightly humorous and distinctive”.

Ward said: “Christmas is an important time for us, along with Valentine’s Day, Mother’s and Father’s Day and then graduation days in the summer.

“It’s been harder this year with the lockdown, but business is building up.”

T h e s e e d s of what became

All I knew is that I wanted people to smile when they got one, but also for them to be distinctive and incorporate my culture Wild Cinnamon Cards were planted after Ward received compliments on a piece of art she created and hung on a wall in her parents’ restaurant.

“I recreated a quite traditional painting of a bus in Jamaica, with people hanging off it and such. A lady saw it, liked it and said she would buy it if it was on a card.”

That was the first seed

to be sown. That seed was watered by her parents’ outlook on life, which was fuelled by their own Jamaican-born parents’ traditions. Despite emerging from Nottingham Trent University with a degree in set design in film and TV the year before, in 2012, Ward’s job search had been unsuccessful.

“The ideas began to come about actually starting a card business. I could not see what I wanted on the market.

“All I knew is that I wanted people to smile when they got one, but also for them to be distinctive and incorporate my culture into the designs.”

WINNER

The 2,500 engagements Ward gained on Facebook for a prototype Christmas card convinced her she was on to a winner.

She set about accessing funding but without success, picking up a regrettable experience from a well-known national youth charity.

“I didn’t find this organisation helpful at all.

“I was appointed a mentor, who replied, when I said my business idea was influenced by not seeing people I could relate to on cards that there

are animals like bears on cards that people could relate to – so much for inspiring and supporting young people. In the end, I borrowed some money from my brother to get me started – I paid him back, though!”

Every Wild Cinnamon card is hand-drawn, sketched

by Ward, then brought into Photoshop where she digitally enhances them, before printing the cards for packing and posting out.

Wild Cinnamon’s clientele has been boosted by Black Pound Day, also around the Black Lives Matter protests, during which she’s received expressions of interests from customers outside the Black communities.

With seven years’ business experience now behind her, what advice would she give to someone else thinking about launching into self-employment? “Just get out there and do it, even if you don’t see the results straightaway.

“It’s easy to get disheartened, especially with the fast pace of life, society being all about social media and lockdown, but if you keep on, you will see the results.”

Mo moves to help vulnerable this Christmas

DEDICATED: Mo Fayose

A NOTTINGHAM-BASED campaigner is again set to bring seasonal cheer to the lonely and vulnerable in the East Midlands city.

Undeterred by unwelcome attention by police out of suspicion she is flouting lockdown rules, Mo Fayose is finalising the preparation to deliver nearly 7,000 Christmas cards, plus 2,000 cards, gifts and goodie bags for local children plus more than 200 Christmas dinners.

She said: “During the lockdowns, I’ve had local councillors and MPs calling the police to report me for going

into people’s homes. It just felt like harassment because nothing official was ever recorded about me and I had only handed gifts to people.

NOTHING

“We support over 100 people; some have just come out of hospital and have nothing.

“There are a lot of vulnerable people that have not been picked up by the system – and this is long before the pandemic made things worse for many people.”

The recipients of Fayose’s kindness are otherwise like-

ly to have no one to spend Christmas with, receive a gift from or in some cases even to enjoy a meal.

The meals and gifts are provided out of Fayose’s own pocket, aside from kind gifts from a select few.

Her festive support is in addition to regular offerings of up to 130 Sunday dinners, 30 full English breakfasts and 50 fish and chip dinners – all cooked and delivered each week.

Donations can be sent to Mo via her website, mofayose.com

POSITIVE VIBES: Halicia Ward’s card collection, branded as Wild Cinnamon, is designed to give you a smile in tough times

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 DECEMBER 2020

News feature

IS LORD KILCLOONEY RACIST?

O

IN HOT WATER: Lord Kilclooney’s comments have again drawn negative attention after previously being branded racist

As Lord Kilclooney refers to vice president-elect Kamala Harris as ‘the Indian’, how many more of his outlandish remarks will it take for decisive action to be taken? By Lawrence Davies

N NOVEMBER 9, 2020, Lord Kilclooney sent out a tweet regarding vice president-elect Kamala Harris. In the tweet, Kilclooney referred to Harris as “the Indian”, stating: “What happens if Biden moves on and the Indian becomes president.

Who then becomes vice president?”

His apparently racist act resulted in global condemnation.

However, he was unmoved by that, congratulated himself on his improved social media figures, and tweeted the next day: “With reference to the controversy about my recent tweet about the USA Presidency a biased report in the New York

Times has been brought to my attention. I defended the tweet but it claims that I ‘tried’ to defend. Also states British lawmakers condemned the tweet. It was a few!!”

In response to the complaints, Lord Speaker Lord Fowler said: “Lord Kilclooney should retract and apologise. This is an offensive way to refer to anyone, let alone a woman who has just made history. The comment is entirely unacceptable and has no place in British politics.

I could not be clearer.”

However, Kilclooney responded: “I understand from the media that Speaker Fowler has criticised my tweet about the USA Presidency without having the courtesy of speaking

Lord Kilclooney should retract and apologise to me beforehand. He is misinformed but I am not surprised!”

Kilclooney’s recent conduct was not new.

In 2018 he referred to thenIrish prime minister Leo Varadkar as a “typical Indian”. When asked to explain the term “typical Indian”, Lord Kilclooney wrote it was “typical of this particular half Indian”. Prior to that Kilclooney was forced to

deny he was racist after referring to Mr Varadkar in a tweet as “the Indian”.

The Commissioner for Standards did not find his comments to be racist in 2018.

Earlier in 2017 Kilclooney had said on Twitter: “Times have changed! The England team now needs non-English people in order to win Test Games.”

When it was pointed out that cricketer Ali was born in Britain, Kilclooney responded, “Moeen Ali is proud to be British but racially he is not English. There is a difference between being English and being British!!”, adding that, “A Chinese born in England is Chinese and not English!”.

It is clear that Kilclooney is

unrepentant and has deployed the racial term “the Indian” on several occasions.

On both occasions, he has sought to undermine the very substantial achievement of Ms Harris and Mr Varadkar achieving high office in societies still riddled with systemic racism.

He wants them to know that

they will never be respected, whatever they achieve.

Labour’s leader in the House of Lords, Baroness Smith, commented “I am so angry about this comment (by Kilclooney). It is despicable and beneath contempt, and totally unacceptable Continued on page 31

ADVERTORIAL MARCH 2020

THE VOICE| 23

Highest ever number of Black deceased organ donors last year But Black people still wait a year longer for a transplant More Black people donated organs after death last year than ever before and the number of people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds who received a transplant last year is also at an all-time high.

However, there is still a long way to go to close the gap between the number of people donating organs and those waiting for a transplant. People from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds make up almost a third of the transplant waiting list, and Black patients still wait a year longer than white patients for a transplant.

Although people can receive a transplant from someone of any ethnicity, providing they are a match for blood and tissue type, the best transplants come from donors of the same ethnicity.

To help reduce transplant waiting times, last year there was a change in the way kidneys from deceased organ donors are allocated to patients for transplant. This change to the Kidney Offering Scheme makes it fairer for those who find it hard to get a match, such as patients from a Black background, or those have been waiting for several years. These patients are given a certain level of priority to help close the gap on the length of time people wait for a transplant.

There is also hope that the introduction of Max and Keira’s Law – the new law relating to organ and tissue donation in England – will lead to an increase in the number of donors of all ethnicities. In May this year organ donation changed to an opt out system. This means that unless you have recorded a decision to opt out, or are in an excluded group, it will be considered that you are willing to donate your organs when you die.

You still have a choice about whether to become an organ donor and families will still be consulted before donation goes ahead. It’s important that as a family you talk about organ donation and whether you’d want to be a donor. That way, if your family are ever involved in discussions about organ donation, they will have the certainty they need to support your decision at a difficult time.

Donating organs and tissue in line with personal faith and values is important to many people, so to ensure they are respected and discussed with your family during any conversation about organ donation, you have the opportunity to give details on your faith and beliefs when registering a decision to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

“It is very important for families to have a conversation with their loved ones surrounding organ donation. Speak with your parents, your children, your wife or husband. It makes it clear in the event of a loss, that you know your loved one‘s wishes and it does not leave you to make that decision by yourself or as a family. Just imagine what one donor can do for someone’s life. I can be a testament to that because it certainly has saved mine.”

Faith leaders and representatives of the various beliefs systems across England have been collaborating with the NHS on this important topic. To find out more about your faith or belief and organ donation visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk/helpingyou-to-decide/your-faith-and-beliefs/ There is no deadline for registering your decision, and you can amend your current decision at any time on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Darren, heart transplant recipient

Visit organdonation.nhs.uk to find out more.

Organ donation in England has moved to an opt-out system, to allow more people to save more lives

Organ donation remains your choice To find out more visit organdonation.nhs.uk 30544 342mv - 04 The Voice - 340mm x 268mm 26NOV English Darren.indd 1

10/11/2020 09:17

24 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2020

Competitions

CHRISTMAS COMPETITIONS LET’S SHARE LOVE AT CHRISTMAS

1. Grace food basket

CODE: GRACE Grace Foods are the UK’s largest supplier of traditional Caribbean food and drink, including juices and drinks made from Caribbean fruits, vegetable blends, and concentrates.

• Canned meats and fish.• Chips.• Coconut products. • Dairy products.• Jams and jellies.

• Protein drinks. For a chance to win the Grace Hamper please answer the following question.

Grace Foods started in 1922. How old will they be in 2022?

A.100 years B.200 years C.150 years

2. Pair of New Balance trainers!

CODE: BALANCE New Balance are offering a new 860v10 running shoe (worth over £120). Experience reliable support and exceptionally responsive cushioning when you hit the road for your run.

One pair (men or women) in most sizes (except women’s 6.5).

For a chance to win a pair of these trainers, please answer the following question

5. The Black Farmer-Gift Box CODE: FARMER Emmanuel-Jones is The Black Farmer. Born in Jamaica his family came to the UK in the Windrush years in the 1950s. He has recently realised a long-held ambition to launch an online Farmshop, and he’s offering you the chance to win a special box of goodies. All his meat is sourced locally in the West Country, is free range and grass fed.

Nationwide delivery!

For a chance to win, please answer the following question.

Q: Eaton’s Sauces are used in dishes across the world.

Where in Jamaica is Eaton’s produced?

A. Falmouth B. Kingston C. Portmore

9. Vegetarian cookery classes

+

3. Book Hamper from The Voice!

Q: Which author won the 2019 Booker Prize alongside Margaret Atwood?

A. Bernardine Evaristo B. Zadie Smith C. Candice Carty-Williams

4. Sleek gift set CODE: SLEEK

Expand your make-up collection with Sleek MakeUP Experi-menter Kit! It contains everything you need to create endless looks from am to pm. Be fierce, mix and layer loose pigment shades for a total transformation.

For a smokey eye look that smoulders, combine their i-Divine Palette in All Night Long with the Black Utopia Mascara, and Fierce Felt Liner in Zodiac Black. For extra slaying power, add the exclusive Highlighting Palette in Lightspeed and Lifeproof Metallic Liner in Uncontrollable.

For a chance to win, answer the following question.

CODE: EATON

We’re giving away a special gift basket of Eaton’s. The gift basket will include Eaton’s Jamaican Jerk Barbecue Sauce, Boston Baystyle Jerk Seasoning, Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce and much more! For a chance to win, answer the following question.

Q. The Black Farmer has a motto. What is it?

A. Flavours Without Frontiers B.. Flavours Without Borders C.. Greatest Meat Flavours

Q: In what year was the Voice launched?

A. 1982 B. 2019 C. 1782

CODE: BOOKS We’re giving away a carefully curated hamper with 25 books for one lucky reader!

The hamper will include the critically acclaimed ‘black girl bible’ Slay In Your Lane, plus many more.

For a chance to win, answer the following question.

8. Eaton’s pepper sauces and basket

6. Voice gift + Amazon Fire!

CODE: VOICE Voice hoodie, notebook and Amazon Fire tablet.

For a chance to win answer the following question.

Q: Who founded The Voice newspaper?

A. Roger Alton B. Harold Evans C. Val McCalla

7. Zanzi Beauty gift box!

CODE: ZANZI Zanzi Beauty is a black-owned cosmetic brand, which specialises in make-up for dark skin – and we’re giving away a gift box of products for one lucky reader!: The fresh British beauty brand celebrates the diversity of black beauty, which is reflected in their bold, showstopping product range that cares about the skin we’re in and is paraben free, talc free, hypoallergenic and animal cruelty free.

For a chance to win, answer the following question.

Q: What is the name of Rihanna’s cosmetic brand?

A. Beauty Bakerie B. L’Oreal C. Fenty Beauty

CODE: VEGSOC The Vegetarian Society is the place to go for everything you want to know about the world of vegetarian food. Treat yourself or the foodie in your life to a gift voucher for our online cookery classes https://vegsoc.org/onlineclassesgift For a chance to win please answer the following question.

Q: The Vegetarian Society now offers cookery school classes A. Online B. On the road C. In person

HOW TO ENTER

FOR PRIZES & HOLIDAY ONLINE: voice-online.co.uk/competitions Please fill out the entry form for each competition on our website.

POST:

Send your entries, with the code relevant to the questions to: Christmas Competition, The Voice, Unit 1, Bricklayers Arms, Mandela Way, London, SE1 5SR. Terms and Conditions apply - available online/email - see page 25

DEADLINE:

Q: What year was SleekMakeUP founded?

A. 1962 B. 1995 C. 2008

Competition closes January 3, 2021. @thevoicenewspaper

@thevoicenews

voicenews

www.voice-online.co.uk

DECEMBER 2020 THE VOICE | 25

Competitions

WIN A HOLIDAY FOR TWO TO JAMAICA KINGSTON/MONTEGO BAY Courtesy of The Jamaica Tourist Board, The Jamaica Pegasus, Kingston and The Holiday Inn, Montego Bay.

THE HOLIDAY INCLUDES FLIGHTS FROM LONDON. ACCOMMODATION INCLUDES 5 NIGHTS AT TWO OF JAMAICA’S EXCLUSIVE HOTELS.

The Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston is the most prestigious leisure and business addresses and is situated at the heart of the capitals’ entertainment and business district.

Visit Kingston’s top attractions, Bob Marley Museum, Devon House and the National Gallery, while enjoying many of the cities well known music venues. Depart the capital and travel on the new highway to the north coast and enjoy the resort of Holiday Inn Montego Bay. This All-Inclusive resort offers the perfect combination of spacious accommodation and authentic Jamaican hospitality.

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA ALL-INCLUSIVE

More than sun & sea, we’re safe & secure:

Jamaica really is perfect get away to change your mask, and have a “tier free holiday”.

Jamaica’s enhanced travel protocols and unique island spirit make it the perfect destination to get away right now.

Rediscover Jamaica: Visit responsibly with friends and family in Jamaica while rediscovering the destination’s numerous attractions, accommodations and experiences.

This festive season why not travel without the crowds: Now is an ideal time to escape the cold and enjoy a holiday in the warmth of Jamaica without the usual winter crowds, or plan ahead into 2021, book your holiday for next year. #NoMoreTiers #Visitjamaica

QUESTION 1: What is the Jamaica Tourist Board marketing Tag Line?

QUESTION 2: In which Jamaican resort town is the Holiday Inn situated?

TERMS AND CONDITIONS visit: voice-online.co.uk/competitions or email us to request a copy competitions@thevoicemediagroup.co.uk

*Competition Terms and Conditions available online

26 | THE VOICE

DECEMBER 2020

News feature

SPOTLIGHT ON THE JUDICIARY Black lawyers, barristers and solicitors remain severely underrepresented in the British legal system – and any sign of meaningful progress is yet to be seen, says Cordella Bart-Stewart

F

OR THE last 10 years there have been annual reports from the Judicial Appointments Commission and the Ministry of Justice on the composition of the judiciary and magistrates looking at factors including gender, ethnicity and professional background.

Before these statistics we were told that the reason for few black judges was because we did not apply or too early in their career.

A lot of work was put into highlighting and promoting the opportunities, including roadshows.

The result is that, year on year, statistics now show that the number of black applicants is very high while the recommendations for appointment are disproportionately low.

PROFILE

Today, black solicitors and barristers are least likely to be recommended for judicial appointment regardless of seniority, yet the age profile of other appointees has reduced.

There continues to be unexplained barriers to appointment, little assurance that judicial appointment is only based on merit and the ethnicity of the judiciary has not shown any marked improvement over the last 10 years. This is despite an Appointments Commission which is supposed to promote diversity.

The most recent published statistics by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for 2018 show that the proportion of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) lawyers working in law firms is 21 per cent.

Black lawyers make up three per cent, lawyers from multiple/

When the reports come out there is focus on the increased number of women appointed, but little said about the lack of ethnic diversity mixed ethnicity two per cent and other ethnic groups one per cent. It is reasonable to expect to see these figures reflected in current judicial statistics. They are not.

There are few black and Asian district judges (magistrates) and lay magistrates, yet it is now proposed to increase the retirement age.

The consultation posed questions that assume the current retirement age has an impact on the attraction of a judicial career, retention of those recruited and confidence in the judiciary.

But who is being put off?

Not black applicants.

As important should be that

our judges reflect and include the diversity of the population, including race and class.

When the annual reports come out there is usually focus on the increased number of women appointed, but little said about the marked lack of ethnic diversity.

Little attention is paid to lay magistrate appointments, the local advisory panels and the distinct lack of ethnic and social diversity in these very important roles that can change the life course and chances of those they judge.

There seems little understanding of so-called non-traditional backgrounds and skills which are in fact necessary in a modern judiciary and the appointment system seems unable to recognise potential and talent.

PROPOSAL

Judges can already continue until the age of 72. The proposal is to increase to 75 though the government’s own figures show a large number of potential judges are being turned away.

The exercise is really about the High Court and above, but an unintended consequence that the majority of judges below that level continue not to reflective of modern society.

People will say the colour or gender of a judge does not matter. In a perfect world, it would not – however, it is not perfect.

Humans have preferences and biases, conscious or otherwise. Diversity of thinking matters. There is a wide body of evidence that diverse boards and organisations make better decisions and improve business performance.

There is no reason why this would be different for judges.

It is why Marcus Rashford, pictured left, is so passionate about providing free school meals for children in need during the school holidays.

He has a lived experience that he brings to the conversation. It also explains why, during Black History Month and despite so many

@thevoicenewspaper

FEW AND FAR BETWEEN: Black solicitors and barristers are least likely to be recommended organisations starting to understand and speak out about the effects of colonialism, structural racism and social inequality, constant microaggression on mental health, we saw two

even while carrying on a different day job. There are roles for non-legal members in many tribunals, such as employment, mental health, property, tax and social entitlement. Some require

are paid. Magistrates receive expenses.

All these jobs are part time, and you can choose to work as is convenient to you, usually a minimum of 15 days a year. In some cases your employer has to give you time off.

People will say the colour or gender of a judge does not matter. SHORTAGE Forthcoming vacancies for tribunals are advertised by the In a perfect world, it would not – Judicial Appointments Comhowever, it is not perfect mission. You can register on black women standing up in the House of Parliament one defending and the other opposing teaching black history as an integral part of the National Curriculum.

Changes to the national curriculum would show that black history did not start with World War One and Windrush and that it is offensive to some “Chinese” people to suggest that they do not experience or feel oppression.

There are many and little advertised opportunities to be involved in public life and make a difference where it matters

@thevoicenews

a professional background, some just the University of life and community experience.

Ministry of Justice figures show there are around three magistrates (14,348) in England and Wales for every judge and tribunal legal member.

They are drawn from the local area and play a vital role in the administration of justice as all criminal cases begin in a Magistrates Court. They have the power to detain and imprison and also deal with family and childcare. Issues that daily affect millions of people.

The roles in the tribunal

voicenews

its website to be notified of upcoming competitions.

There is a shortage of magistrates. Appointments are dealt with by the advisory committee of your local court made up of existing magistrates and lay magistrates. The minimum age for magistrates is 18.

Before applying you should try to visit your local court if possible. See me. Be me.

Cordella Bart-Stewart is a solicitor, director and

co-founder of Black Solicitors

Network and Council Member of the Law Society of England and Wales.

www.voice-online.co.uk

MARCH 2020

THE VOICE| 27

28 | THE VOICE

DECEMBER 2020

Faith

RACISM WON’T DISAPPEAR – BUT NOT EVERYONE IS A BAD PERSON

W

In part two of a piece on racism, Bishop Joe Aldred says in times of hardship such as these, simple acts of kindness and humanity are all we have

ITH ADEQUATE antiracist laws in the UK, what we need is black

agency.

This means the power of autonomy and self-determination. This means a person who understands their self-worth, their people’s worth, and is not dependent upon anyone else to confer humanity, what the late Martin Luther King Jr called ‘somebodyness’ upon you.

Racists need to be faced not with a petition to desist, but with black self-worth and black self-determination and black power. A racist system is unlikely to respond favourably to pleadings to be reasonable, calls for pity, mercy, or even justice; it is more likely to prey on neediness and vulnerability.

Black advocacy begins with knowledge of the past, understanding of the present, and a vision for the future.

In Christian theology we learn that everything begins with words spoken from creative authority. This is not sufficiently understood and practised in our community today, I feel, as evident in a recent Guardian article by Lord Woolley, pictured right, with reference to the Race Disparity Unit which has been replaced by a new Race Disparity Commission.

Lord Woolley says this: “During that handover session with the new commission, its chair told me, ‘we really have a problem

Black advocacy begins with knowledge of the past with the prevailing narrative’.

“In a testing session I informed the group that you change the narrative by transforming the systems of inequality, not the other way around.”

Now I am not picking a quarrel with the noble Lord, but I am of the view that it is the narrative that comes first.

As the good book says, where there is no vision the people perish’. Black advocacy begins with framing an informed metanarrative that becomes the arrowhead for black progress.

Without a vision and accompanying narrative, we become a sub-narrative in someone else’s metanarrative.

One of the finest examples of resisting racism in the UK by deploying agency is the Black Church. When they started in the 1960s, the mainstream British churches called them sects, untrained, and happy-clappy.

And yet, leaders emerged to drive that movement beginning with services in living rooms, school

rooms, community halls, church halls, before buying and building properties of their own. They grew by self-propelling measures in an intolerant, sometimes hostile environment.

Today these churches and their leaders, along with creations like British gospel music are integral to the UK church and society. The black church did not view racism in society LOUD AND CLEAR: Martin Luther King Jr urged individuals to understand their self-worth and church as insurmountable to their progress, instead it transcended it, resisted it and suc- our drive was eventually sorted. needs to be highlighted and en- est of a better future. Black Lives And a couple of months ago, our couraged.

Matter, COVID-19, reparations, ceeded in spite of it. other next door neighbour rang I believe we have reached a microaggressions, racial and soour bell and stood there with a point of critical mass of people cial justice, statues pulled down, bag of cooking apples from their of goodwill, black, brown and buildings renamed, taking-theIn politics, the first cadre of six garden, and not for the first white. Wherever I have lived knee, legislative change – all of black MPs followed the creation time. neighbours, of multiple eth- these will have their place at the of Black Sections in the Labour These examples can be added nicities and colours have lived table of our common humanity.

Party. Since then scores of Black to several reciprocal comings together in peace and harmony It’s time to shift gear and MPs, peers and other political and goings, like taking in each for 99.9 per cent of the time. to move on from our grievappointments have emerged. other’s emptied bins, conver- However, if I only received my Black agency changes the race sations across fence, and much information from the press, I ance-based narratives. dynamics without depending on Part one was published in our the absence of racists, it rebuts November issue them.

SCORES

Another piece of work that is testament to black agency is the work of Operation Black Vote that has relentlessly brought together and trained black people to enter the political arena.

Black agency maintains black self-respect, autonomy, dignity, and purpose-driven self-fulfilment.

My third point for how to flourish in the UK is good-neighbourliness. A few years ago on the eve of my wife and I moving house, our white next door neighbour cried. We had been such good neighbours that they were heartbroken to see us go.

Recently, we were scammed by pavers who left our front drive a wreck and we had to park on the street.

Our current white next door neighbour was mortified that we did that, rang our door and said, please use our drive, which we did for nearly two months until

@thevoicenewspaper

It’s time to shift gear and to move on from our grievance-based narratives

more. These things have occurred repeatedly in my years of living in various parts of the UK so are no fluke.

Of course, I could write about the times I have been called racist terms, among other things.

The unfortunate thing is that that which is occasional has become the national public narrative. We have a way of making the exceptions the rule.

My experience in the UK is that, in spite of the presence of racism, the majority of white people are not intentionally racist, though they are the inheritors of the exploitation of my African ancestors. White and black humanity need to come together to bring healing to our fractured society, and I believe this is already happening and

@thevoicenews

would think multi-ethnic, multifaith and multicultural relations in the UK is 99.9 per cent fractious. We cannot afford to continue to put the power of veto in the hands of a minority of racists, agitants, and activists for some of whom this is a way and means of life.

Some having read this may say I don’t believe racism exists.

Quite the opposite! Racism exists in the UK and western society like colours in a Blackpool rock. It is historical, embedded, endemic, systemic, and chameleon. The issue is not the discovery that racism is a problem, the question is how do we move from here? We do so I believe by extending our God-given humanity to each other in spite of our sordid past, in the inter-

voicenews

Bishop Joe Aldred PhD is responsible for Pentecostal and Multicultural Relations at Churches Together in England and is a bishop in the Church of God of Prophecy. He is Honorary Research Fellow at Roehampton University, Trustee of Movement for Justice and Reconciliation, and of NCLF – A Black Christian Voice; Patron of Housing Justice and Patron of the Nurses Association of Jamaica, in addition to several other voluntary roles.

He is a broadcaster on various platforms including the BBC’s Daily Service. Joe has a Master’s Degree and a PhD in Theology from Sheffield University; is author and editor of several books including Respect: Understanding Caribbean British Christianity and Thinking Outside The Box – On Race, Faith And Life.

www.voice-online.co.uk

DECEMBER 2020 THE VOICE | 29

News

Rev Jones’ address to St Paul’s church in full Continued from page 16

IT IS WITH great humility, but also great joy that I address you this morning.

Because of ill health I am so sorry that I can’t be here present with you, but I am deeply moved by this desire for absolution with respect to the sorrow and humiliation that I experienced here 65 years ago.

However, I have to tell you that I forgave any hurt that I suffered here many many years ago.

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians ch 4 v 31 says it all: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you along with all malice.

“Be kind to one another tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you.’’

So I have not lived my life in anger or malice – in fact, quite the opposite.

I was a boy of 17 when I

encountered here one of the first of many acts of racial prejudice that subsequently occurred in my life.

However, this encounter was the catalyst for three of the most profound experiences of my entire life.

nected to people in the same church group that I was a member of.

So, you see, I have to view this experience as life altering and nothing less than the Holy Spirit, working in my life.

I have to say reflecting back that I am happy and deeply grateful for that encounter in this place in 1955.

INSPIRATION

Firstly, it provided the inspiration that led me to founding the Pentecostal Credit Union 25 years later, an organisation that I am proud to say has positively impacted the lives of thousands of people and continues to do so today, as one of the largest credit unions in the UK. Secondly it led me to the Pentecostal Church, where I still am today.

On the day I left here, I shared the experience with the group of friends that I was sharing a house with at number 32, Rectory Grove.

One of them invited me to join a small worship group

COMMITTED

NO MALICE: Rev Jones says he is thankful for the encounter that was meeting in a members home. This was a Pentecostal church group and I have never looked back.

And lastly, but certainly not

least, it led me to meeting the woman who has been by my side for the last 63 years.

When she arrived in this country in 1956 she was con-

For those that don’t know, as a committed Anglican I visited this church three times when I arrived here from Jamaica in 1955.

The first two times no one spoke to me, on the third occasion the vicar thanked me for coming, but asked me not to return. This apology has come at such an opportune time.

This year, 2020, marks 40 years since I founded the Pentecostal Credit Union, and in celebration of this event Archbishop Justin Welby wrote a letter of endorsement to PCU.

In that letter he not only acknowledged the great work of PCU, but also recognised my work and life experiences which is so evidently appreciated by the Church of England, but he also apologised for the historic acts of discrimination experienced by me and many others like me at the hand of the Anglican church.

This letter represents a heartfelt expression of support for the Pentecostal credit Union and a sincere apology for the historic racism perpetrated by the Church of England.

So I will finish where I started, I am deeply moved by this desire for absolution.

I wholly accept this apology reflecting the grace and sincere spirit with which it is offered.

And I conclude with Proverbs 17 v. 9: ‘’Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.’’

30 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2020

DECEMBER 2020 THE VOICE | 31

News feature Continued from page 22 from anyone – but especially from someone in Parliament.”

Ms Harris is an American citizen who was born in Oakland, California, to two immigrant parents – an Indian-born mother and Jamaican-born father.

Lord Kilclooney has denied he is a racist despite being called out on his racist comments since 2017.

In his defence, he stated: “I’m very fond of India myself, I’m a member of the British India all-party group, I have two Indians (tenants) in my flats here in London and there’s nothing racist in it whatsoever”.

However, his Twitter feed evidences a white backlash attitude, including the following: l “Black lives certainly matter but equally so do white lives matter. Why do the same people, who support black lives, remain silent as hundreds of white lives are killed in South Africa. They should be equally concerned about all lives – black and white”. l “Baden Powell is remembered for his founding of the Boy Scout Movement and not for racism. As a former boy scout in Armagh I deplore the call by some ‘English’ to have his statue removed!” l “Sophy Ridge on Sky News

promotes lack of black persons in Cabinet but fails to complain about over representation of Asians or under representation of white persons in Cabinet!

Cabinet should be on basis of ability and not colour or race!!”

There have been calls for Kilclooney to be stripped of his life peerage.

TITLE

However, there is no legal power to remove his title, except by the passing of a specific Act of Parliament.

It is therefore virtually impossible.

It is also not known if Twitter will take action under its “hateful conduct” policy. Twitter itself appears to have been silent on the incident.

My law firm immediately reported Lord Kilclooney to the Commissioner for Standards for being in breach of the Code of Conduct for Members of the House of Lords and/or the Parliamentary Behaviour Code.

We complained that he has demonstrated a clear pattern of racist conduct. Unfortunately, on November 12, 2020, the Commissioner determined that Kilclooney’s comments on Twitter do not constitute a “Parliamentary activity” and therefore fell “outside the scope

MAKING HISTORY: Kamala Harris speaks after the media projected Joe Biden’s successful presidential campaign of the Code” and the Commissioner’s remit.

We challenged that preliminary decision on the basis that – as Donald Trump has amply demonstrated – the use of Twitter is very much a political activity these days, replacing soap boxes and door-to-door canvassing.

With the House of Lords apparently unable to tackle systemic racism by Parliamentarians, the incident itself, and the

reaction to it, again highlights the different approaches to acknowledging the presence of racism in the US and the UK. In the US, tackling “systemic racism” is the second most important political objective for the incoming Democrats after addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here in the UK, the Government has “zero plans” to tackle racism, according to ex-adviser to Government, Lord Simon

Woolley. It seems that in the US there is a better understanding of “white privilege” and why it must be tackled to secure racial equality.

Here, our Government, Race Disparity Unit, and Metropolitan Police Commissioner all deny the presence of “systemic racism” in our society.

The Minister for Equalities, Kemi Badenoch, argued recently that it is racist to teach white privilege as a fact.

However, we have the same race disparities here as in the US. “We have a 37 per cent BAME pay gap, disproportionate stop and searches, arrests, COVID deaths, unemployment and low wage workers, and, like the US, a 32 per cent racial harassment rate at work.

Every working minute, eight

BAME workers are racially harassed at work here.

Only one per cent of race victims complain in the UK (as there is no real access to justice), whereas 10 per cent BAME victims complain in the US.

SIGN

Yet the political Big Brother “doublethink” here is that we have no systemic racism, and no white privilege, and Lord Kilclooney is not a racist.

We should probably put up a sign a Heathrow airport for visiting Americans, once lockdown is over, which states, “Please note what you call elevators, we call lifts; what you call the first floor, we call the ground floor; and what you call systemic racism, we now call, “institutional flaws”.

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),

DECEMBER 2020 32 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER

WINDRUSH SPECIAL FEATURE

Carroll Thompson: ‘There is no shame in stepping forward and receiving help’

The reggae artist and musical director is working to raise awareness of the Windrush Scheme and the Windrush Compensation Scheme

C

R I T I C A L LY AC C L A I M E D reggae artist and musical director Carroll Thompson, known to her legion of fans as the “Queen of Lovers Rock”, has joined a network of 40 Community Ambassadors tasked with the responsibility of raising awareness of the Windrush Scheme and the Windrush Compensation Scheme to communities that have been affected by the Windrush issue.

“I’ve known about the Windrush scandal for years through personal accounts from my friends, whose family members were unwittingly caught up in this tragic state of affairs.

“As a British woman with Jamaican heritage, whose parents are part of the Windrush generation, I was heartbroken and incensed to learn how my community was being treated. I desperately wanted to do something to help, but just didn’t know how. So, when I heard about the Home Office’s Windrush Community Ambassador programme I immediately jumped at the chance to get involved.”

COMPENSATE

The Windrush Scheme and the Windrush Compensation Scheme have been put in place by the Home Office to provide support to individuals that have been affected by the Windrush issue. The Windrush

“

Scheme allows people to obtain the documentation they need to demonstrate their right to be in the UK. And the compensation scheme was created to compensate people if they suffered losses because they were not able to demonstrate their lawful right to live or work in the UK. “Many people in the Black community aren’t even aware these schemes exist, which is why the role of Community Ambassador is so important.

As not only does it authenticate the Home Office’s desires to right their wrongs, but it also allows myself and my fellow Community Ambassadors, to go out into the community and connect with, and encourage, those affected by the scandal to seek the necessary support.”

Married to a Nigerian, Carroll worries that the name “Windrush” might act as a barrier to people from her husband’s community, and other West African countries such as Ghana, from seeking help.

“When you think of the term Windrush you immediately associate it with those from the Caribbean who travelled to the UK on Empire Windrush in 1948, by invitation by the government. This along with negative interactions with, and perceptions of, the Home Office may also act as a deterrent. We are fully aware that financial compensation cannot erase the psychological and emotional damage caused by the scandal,

My Pentecostal upbringing installed in me the true value of helping others

Carroll Thompson

but I believe these schemes are genuine, and at the very least will assist the long road to repair and recovery, and begin to make a positive impact within the community.”

VULNERABLE

Carroll is no stranger to helping vulnerable members of the community. Using her song writing and vocal coaching skills she founded an adult choir for those living with mental health issues in South London.

“Growing up in the church, my Pentecostal upbringing installed in me the true value of helping others. My friends often joke that my door is always open to those that are broken, hurt or wronged – and I guess that’s true. Helping people is the very fabric of my nature.

!

That’s why I’m so passionate about the Community Ambassador programme. If I’m able to help even one person get the support they need, then it will be a good day for me.”

When asked what advice she wants to give the Black community about the schemes she says: “Be brave, just be brave.

I know many people are traumatised, fatigued, hurt and possibly embarrassed by what they have been through – but I want them to know there is no shame in stepping forward and receiving the help they deserve.”

To learn To learn ifif you you can can receive receive help from the Windrush help from the WindrushScheme and the and Windrush CompensaScheme the Windrush tion Scheme, even if you Compensation Scheme, evenare if unsure the documents you you are of unsure of the documents need,need, visit you visithttps://windrush. https://windrush. campaign.gov.uk/ or orcall callthethe campaign.gov.uk/ FREE helpline 6781925 1925 FREE helpline 0800 0800 678 for assistance. for assistance.

Anything you tell the Windrush Help Team will be treated with sensitivity and won’t be passed on to Immigration Enforcement.

33 DECEMBER 2020 THE THE VOICE| VOICE| 33 MARCH 2020

WINDRUSH SPECIAL FEATURE

Erinma Bell:

‘I wrongly assumed the Windrush schemes were only available to assist those from the Caribbean’

Prof.

Erinma Bell

Windrush Community Ambassador Erinma Bell is calling on those affected from non-Caribbean countries to seek support direct result of the Windrush scandal.

Before joining the network, I wrongly assumed the Windrush schemes were only available to assist those from the Caribbean that came to the UK on the Empire Windrush.

I suspect this belief pattern is held by many members of my community, which is possibly why so few of them aren’t stepping forward to seek assistance.

P

ROFESSOR ERINMA Bell, MBE DL, peace activist and the first Black woman to have a statue of herself in Manchester, is part of the Home Office’s dynamic Windrush Community Ambassador network.

The British-Nigerian says: “I was inspired to become a Windrush Community Ambassador because I wanted to help raise awareness of the Windrush Scheme and Windrush Compensation Scheme to the nonCaribbean communities of Manchester who have been adversely affected by the Windrush scandal – yet aren’t aware there are provisions in place to support them.

ASSIST

I also wanted to be able to build trust between (affected) communities in Manchester and the Home Office, as I’m aware this government department still evokes fear and mistrust amongst many individuals, especially those whose right to work and remain in the UK were curtailed as a

CULTURAL

I now know that it’s open to many more communities such as those from Nigeria, Ghana, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, and plan to use my experience of working with people from a variety of different cultural backgrounds to spread information about the two schemes.

Through the front-line community charity that I co-founded, called Carisma (Community Alliance for Renewal Inner South Manchester Area) I have a proven track record of connecting grassroots organisations and individuals with key members of the community such as the police, local and central government and other public bodies.

have genuinely been put in place to help you. Even if you’ve misplaced or lost your documentation to prove your immigration status, just contact the Windrush Help Team. You have nothing to lose, but everything to gain.”

“

To learn learn ifif you you can can receive receive help helpfrom from the Windrush Scheme andWinthe Windrush Scheme and the the Windrush Compensation drush Compensation Scheme, even if Scheme, even ifofyou unsure you you are unsure theare documents of the documents you need, visit need, visit https://windrush.camhttps://windrush.campaign.gov.uk/ paign.gov.uk/ or call the FREE helor call0800 the FREE helpline pline 678 1925 for assistance.

0800 678 1925 for assistance.

If you are from Nigeria, Ghana or any other community...

I urge you to step forward

”

GAIN

If you are from Nigeria, Ghana or any other community that has been affected by the Windrush issue, I urge you to step forward and gain as much information as possible to understand how you can be supported.

The scheme is not set up to catch people out and your details won’t be cascaded down to other teams such as Immigration Enforcement. They

!

Anything you tell the Windrush Help Team will be treated with sensitivity and won’t be passed on to Immigration Enforcement.

AUGUST 2020

Start here to see if we could help you confirm your legal status and claim compensation.

Did you come to the UK before the end of 1988?

Yes

Yes Have you struggled to prove your legal status in the UK?

Have you suffered losses because you couldn’t confirm your legal status?

Yes

Here to support you and your family We’re here to help you apply for the Windrush schemes.

Call the free helpline: 0800 678 1925 Visit: gov.uk/WindrushHelpTeam

Your information won’t be passed on to Immigration Enforcement.

THE VOICE | 5

Lifestyle Season’ s greetings

Omari’s on telly! p37

from

Lifestyle Make yours a black Christmas

GIFTS, GADGETS AND MORE

Grab your tickets: It’s Breakin’ Convention p41

Why CBD is the new ABC

p44

36 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2020

Lifestyle

Gifts

Dreaming of a black Christmas

Black businesses in your community have got it all covered, whether it’s fashion, food or fun

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

T

AKE A look at some of the options Lifestyle editor Joel Campbell has selected for you to choose from this Christmas.

There’s a choice for everyone in this seasonal list of top 10 gift ideas...

1. Urbvngent With their core ethos being to give individuals an opportunity to excel in everyday life; Urbvangent have teamed up with suppliers to create the Urbvangent Essentials hamper collection.

This is made up of items that the modern gentleman needs to endure the concrete jungle. Being a gentleman never goes out of fashion. urbvngent.com 2. Sheer Chemistry If you’re a woman of colour, you’ve probably become accustomed to, perhaps even proud

of your growing collection of black opaque tights.

Tried to go ‘nude’? Chances are that these attempts have left your legs looking closer to beige than anything reminiscent of your beautiful brown complexion.

Founded by Tahlia Gray, Sheer Chemistry is an empowering hosiery brand, driven by a mission to create a more diverse perception of beauty. sheerchemistry.com

limited amount. Order by midnight on Thursdays to receive your delivery by the weekend. pattyboxco.co.uk

3. PattyBoxCo At Patty Box Co, their aim is to bring customers homemade patties with rich flaky yellow pastry dough filled with seasoned ingredients.

Their company mission is to bring a taste of the Caribbean to your door through their range of patties, each bite will tell a story of sunshine, sea and warmth.

The team of artisans prepare freshly made patties every Saturday morning using high quality ingredients.

Due to the patties been made fresh every Saturday there is a

5. Vitae London Vitae London was born out of our desire to produce stunning watches like those of old, but at prices that don’t break the bank.

Based in London, the company combine beautiful, minimalist watch design with maximal social justice.

Subtle, slim and at once sophisticated, each Vitae London timepiece is imbued with the premise behind their mission: “Time, and its opportunities, belongs to all of us, wherever we are in the world, we can live without limits.” vitaelondon.com

4. BenjArt Known for its premium outerwear, BenjArt has been producing high-quality clothing for more than a decade, sticking mainly to its core collection of sweatshirts, jackets T-shirts and denim, embossed with the Benjart crest. benjart.com

2

6. Omolola Jewellery Omolola is the brain child of three siblings. It is born of the desire to pay homage to West African artistry and cultures, creating connections with home and sharing our heritage with the diaspora. omololajewellery.com 7. My Baking Adventure My Baking Adventure is a bespoke cake company based in south London, specialising in beautiful custom made bespoke cupcakes, sweet treats, and gorgeous celebration cakes. With over five years in

business, they have the experience to help you create the bespoke cake of your dreams. mybakingadventure.co.uk 8. Natural Barnet Afua and Yemi started making Ayurvedic Shea Smoothie for their own family. As their hair began to flourish, they found that extended family and friends were asking to make some for them.

The products are ‘made with love’ and ‘are the perfect nourishment for your hair and skin’.

Each ingredient has been specifically selected for their amazing benefits to bring them

back to life. A number one seller on Etsy. naturalbarnet.co.uk 9. Vegan Sweets UK Black-owned and Londonbased, Vegan Sweets is here to satisfy those sweet cravings.

The same great taste, but without any of the other stuff, one order caters to all: the vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians, meat eaters... everyone!

If you need a bespoke order for an event or special occasion, get in touch. vsweets.co.uk 10. The Nude Room The Nude Room is brand that believes in highlighting the beauty within every individual.

Everybody loves a nude lipgloss – however, at times it is difficult to find the perfect shade to compliment your skin tone.

This was the founder of the Nude Room’s experience.

The founder wanted a versatile range that caters to all skin tones, eliminating the stresses of mixing various glosses to achieve the perfect look. nuderoom.co.uk

3

1

4

5

6

8

9

7

10

DECEMBER 2020

THE VOICE | 37

Lifestyle

Kids

All fun and games Need some ‘me’ time on the big day? Here’s how to keep your kids busy at Christmas

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

A

S WE charge about looking for something the kids will be interested in for more than the time it takes to finish your Christmas dessert, here are a few options that might float the boat of a child in your family.

1. Exploring London book Exploring London with Ama and Neri is a bright and colourful children’s picture book that follows two sisters on their adventures around London with mummy while daddy works.

Their first adventure sees them at London Zoo where big sister Ama has to make sure little Neri has everything she needs so the lovely day is not ruined! Will Ama save the day? exploringlondonbook.com 2. Clarke’s Closet / Rag Dolls Clarke’s Closet is a UK-based company producing handmade rag dolls and children’s accessories, and making dolls of colour a normal

1

inclusion into the world of play. clarkescloset.co.uk 3. Naturalbabaa toys for toddlders Naturalbabaa is a one-stop shop for everything for babies and toddlers. The company wants to make it easy for parents to shop for natural or bespoke items in one place and support independent businesses by introducing them to you. naturalbabaa.com 4. Nubian Reines backpack and pencil case Zhenga, Morowa and Thema were created when the founder of the Nubian Reines ‘was unable to relate to images on my screen and on the shelf’.

The characters, whose African names mean queen in different African languages, were created so that young generations of black girls ‘will be able to have characters they can connect with’.nubianreines.co.uk

2 FUN: Clockwise from left, explore London with Ama and Neri; Clarke’s Closet makes handmade rag dolls; colouring books focus on diversity; Nubian Reines’ backpacks; Naturalbabaa is a one-stop shop for everything for babies and toddlers

3

5. Eighty-Two Colours Publishing Colouring books with a focus on diversity.

Search for Adeola Ogundele on Amazon

5

4

Award-winning vegan chef Omari lands TV show on CBBC

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

PASSION: Omari McQueen; inset, getting a verdict from his family

IF YOU haven’t caught Omari McQueen on his own cookery show yet, go and catch up online now.

First featured in The Voice two years ago, the youngster has gone from strength to strength becoming an author as well as hosting multiple popup events demonstrating his love for all things vegan food.

What’s Cooking Omari? stars the amazing 12-year-old, who discovered he had a passion for cooking having experimented in the kitchen from a very young age.

The fun-fuelled foody series, which airs on CBBC, shows how much fun kids of all ages can have cooking delicious, family-friendly food.

He also reveals how tasty and easy it is to make healthy, vegan food

Omari? there is always a family reason for the dish Omari is making, such as a surprise for his dad on his return from work, family movie night, playing in the park, a mega game of hide and seek or the family’s own take on Sunday lunch.

CULTURES that people of all ages can enjoy!

Omari’s passion for cooking came to light when he was seven years old. His mum was unwell and he helped his dad in the kitchen as they had to feed their family of eight, every day.

Creating his own bespoke meals and snacks for the family to enjoy brought him so much pleasure, which is reflected throughout this series.

In each episode of What’s Cooking

Omari embraces each culinary challenge with enthusiastic vigour and his creations are always delicious, interesting, inspired by different cultures... and demolished straight away!

The series gives a sneaky peak into this funny, characterful and supportive family’s life, providing a window into his home with his mum, dad, older brother, Laquarn (14) and his younger siblings, Mahkai (10), Kiara (8), Jaylen and Kainon (seven).

Whilst Omari cooks one of his fabulous unique meals, he teaches one of his five siblings the tricks of his chef-y trade and he reveals fun and informative facts about the ingredients he is using.

At the end of each episode, the family sits down to eat together, as they deliver their verdict on his creations.

Catch the next episodes:

Episode 3: Omari’s Mega Loaded Fries – November 29 Episode 4: Omari’s Yum Plum Blackberry Crumble – December 6 Episode 5: Omari’s Choccy Oat Bars – December 13 All episodes begin at 9.30am on CBBC

38 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2020

Lifestyle

Business

Abtin’s got that hotline bling Luxury jewellery designer Abtin Abbasi has scores of famous clients – and isn’t done yet

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

I

F 2020 has been good to you or you’re one of the few artists that have benefitted from the unprecedented streaming numbers this year due to everyone being stuck indoors during lockdown, you might be able to afford some custom jewellery for Christmas – but not just any old custom jewellery.

If you’re not familiar with his name yet, Abtin Abbasi, 32, has adorned some of the world most famous with his shiny creations and this festive season will be no different.

The self-made Londoner has recently opened his first showroom in the diamond district of Hatton Garden, A Jewellers, and has encouraged Voice readers to swing by for all of their gems, precious stones and metals.

In a year when many have felt the pinch Abbasi’s rise and rise has continued despite the many hurdles placed in his way, it’s a true testament to his dogged determination to make his mark in a saturated and competitive industry.

And made his mark he has.

The likes of AJ Tracey, Wiz Kid, Fredo, Burna Boy, Young Adz and Mist have all entrusted Abbasi with delivering their vision for the ultimate piece of Tom (jewellery) and his expert team at A Jewellers craft custom luxury watches which are quickly being snapped up by some of the world’s most famous faces.

The firm prides itself on their custom-made luxury watches, which can be seen adorning the wrists of countless famous stars such as sportsmen Floyd Mayweather, Paul Pogba, Eden Hazard, Alexander Iwobi and Joe Willock.

In addition to their bespoke watches, A Jewellers also cre-

“Customer satisfaction is our greatest reward” ate diamond jewellery and pieces crafted from other precious stones and metals.

They use innovative designers and ensure to use the highest quality setters, assemblers and stones for every single piece.

REFINED

Abbasi told Lifestyle: “The distinguished and refined tastes of our customers demand nothing but the highest quality craftsmanship, and a level of customer service which is unrivalled in our industry.

“My team and I take great pride in our custom work, applying the greatest levels of skill and attention to detail to each piece we make. We work closely with each customer

to design something which is beautiful and unique to them.

“Their satisfaction is our greatest reward as master craftsmen.”

Abbasi’s journey started when he was 18 years old.

From a young age he was drawn towards fashion, art and jewellery, especially eccentric fashion, graffiti and street art.

This became his starting point and influence for working in the jewellery business.

Later on, he would begin to notice his favourite hip-hop artists with custom made jewellery pieces, paying attention to the specific people who made them.

His peers were also fashion conscious, but Abbasi paid more attention than the others, eventually turning it into a fully-fledged career.

Check out the full interview with Abtin Abbasi at voice-online. co.uk

PULLING NO PUNCHES: With ex-boxer client Floyd Mayweather; Abtin shows off one of his necklaces; Mist commissioned Abtin to create a bespoke luxury watch

MARCH 2020

THE VOICE| 39

40 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2020

Lifestyle

Health

Embrace some Natural Healing

WORKING TOGETHER FOR BETTER HEALTH: Natalie Nash and James Luke have worked to create recipes to help boost our immune systems

Practitioners offer tips on how to stay healthy

BY DARELL J PHILIP

W

ITH THE winter season now upon us and coronavirus cases still prevalent, Natural Healing Through the Laws of Health practitioners – James Luke and Natalie Nash – share with Lifestyle some immune-boosting tips readers can adopt in order to maintain good health...

Lifestyle: Share some brief

background information on Natural Healing Through the Laws of Health?

JL: Well, Natural Healing Through the Laws of Health was founded by my wife Claudia and I in 2000.

The original name that we started off with was Health By Choice Not By Chance, knowing that if you have the faith of a mustard seed your faith can move mountains.

Then we transitioned over to Home Health Education Services Online Inc because not only are we gospel medical missionaries but we are also literature evangelists.

Lifestyle: You have put together some herbal-based remedies such as the Super Flu Bomb.

Please share with our readers how those came about.

JL: About 12 years ago we were given inspiration from God of a

“About 12 years ago we were given inspiration from God” remedy we call the Super Flu Bomb to use in treatment of the regular flu which proved successful. So now when this whole COVID thing came around we were impressed to go back and study the Spanish Flu of 1918.

It was while studying about this flu, which devastated so many lives around the globe, that we were impressed to multiply the ingredients contained within the original Super Flu Bomb treatment with the knowledge that in COVID-19 we were dealing with a super virus.

By far the most potent antiviral, antibiotic and anti-bacterial herbal agent available is oregano oil and along with the use of Camu Camu – an Amazonian fruit which has the highest source of vitamin C on the face of the earth – we have had tremendous success.

as given on our website everyone can enjoy vibrant health.

Vitamin D is commonly deficient in African-Caribbean people so adequate time in the sun or a top up with a Vitamin D3 Supplement at 10,000iu twice daily for eight months will make a difference.

Lifestyle: What else can readers do to strengthen their immune system?

NN: Through the application of the Eight Laws of Health alongside the use of natural remedies

Note: The health information given is for general education and should not substitute any medical advice. Find out more recipes and information here: https://nhtlh.com/

Ingredients 3tbsp turmeric 3tbsp ginger 10 cloves garlic 2 medium onions 12tbsp lemon juice 1tsp cayenne pepper 5tbsp honey 2 cups hot water Method: Blend all ingredients together in 2 cups of hot boiling water. Let it draw for 40 minutes. If you have a powerful blender, use the fine pulp, if not, you may need to strain it.

DECEMBER 2020

THE VOICE | 41

Lifestyle

Stage

STALWARTS: Main, Boy Blue have a new production (credit: Paul Hampartsoumian); above, Jonzi D

Social DisDancing Breakin’ Convention’s Jonzi D says the show must go on... ‘even if we’re all dancing outside’

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

I

T’S USUALLY dancing, with a bit more dancing topped with off with, well, you’ve probably guessed it, some more dancing. But this year there’s a twist.

Breakin’ Convention Social DisDancing is back for the festive season – but due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions around social distancing, there will only be seats for those

who grab their tickets quickly.

Taking place at Sadler’s Wells on December 11 and 12, Lifestyle caught up with Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist and Breakin’ Convention founder, Jonzi D ahead of the show to find out what hip-hop theatre fans can expect.

“I’m just hoping that we’re going to be ‘blam’, everyone can come out of their house now they don’t need to worry about what kind of laws we have to submit to at that time,” Jonzi D enthused when asked if he was worried about the event

not taking place. He added: “I just hope they don’t extend the lockdown because Breakin’ Convention is happening mate.

Even if we have to dance out-

“To have something so high profile happen when everyone was in their house – it was a very pertinent time” side the theatre ourselves that day.”

Over two days, this influential international festival of hip hop dance theatre presents an

Bringing a bit of sunshine into our lives

BY JOEL CAMPBELL BRITISH FASHION and stationery designer Tihara Smith has launched a new range of products to bring a little bit of sunshine to Christmas for all those who will be missing out with her Tropical Gifts Sets and Caribbean spin on Christmas greeting cards.

Smith is a Graduate Fashion Week alumni – who, inspired by the Windrush Generation in her final collection, has used this and her Caribbean heritage to create unique and colourful products to bring joy and sunshine to Christmas in what has been a very tough

action-packed show, featuring three dynamic hip hop dance crews from across the UK. The line-up features AIM, the explosive all-female popping

year for everyone. This collection of gifts and cards go far beyond just celebrating the colour of the Caribbean but positively reflects some of the beauty of the black Caribbean Culture too, sharing insights on the foods typically eaten at Christmas, the language used – ‘Irie’ for all things good, the beautiful iconic symbols of the Caribbean like palm trees and the Saint Lucian Pitons.

To further spread Christmas joy, look out for Tihara’s Caribbean inspired advent calendar, which each day on the lead up to Christmas, Tihara will seek to spread colour and Christmas joy, which is much needed this year.

The Tropical Advent Calendar starts from December 1, 2020 at tiharasmith.com

crew, presenting Suspended, a new work exploring the experience of losing the ground beneath your feet, then finding the resilience to anchor once again.

Birmingham-based O’Driscoll Collective premieres a powerful duet titled One%, looking at duality, the mind and the importance of mental health awareness.

Using the style of breakin’, the work responds to society today and misunderstood emotions.

Perennial Breakin’ Convention stalwarts and East London friends, the mighty Boy Blue, complete the bill with an exciting new production.

“AIM have been representing powerful female popping for a while now,” Jonzi D said.

He added: “The first time they did Breakin’ Convention, which is a couple of years ago now, their performance was beautiful. Their work is very tight and it’s just a beautiful collaboration that they come with. We also

have a duet from Birmingham, O’Driscoll Collective. I know them personally and we were meant to organise an event this year in Birmingham but the tour got cancelled.

“So it’s a real pleasure to bring this duet here, that’s about as international as we are getting though.

“Usually we have acts from across the world but we had to limit that a little bit.

TWIST

“We’ve also got Boy Blue, regular Breakin’ Convention favourites and I am happy to say that Kenrick Sandy, who just recently won a few high profile awards, is going from strength to strength and it’s a pleasure to have him still committed to Breakin’ Convention since the very beginning.”

The twist at this year’s event however revolves around a very personal project which wasn’t inspired by the greatest of circumstances but something Jonzi D says he felt compelled to bring to the big screen.”

“I’m also happy to say that a film I directed, called Our Bodies Back, will also be a part of the programme. Even though you can see it online there’s nothing like this big screen at Sadler’s Wells.

“It’s a piece that was really influenced by the experiences of what happened over the sum-

mer. I guess for a lot of black people a lot came up for us during that time period, just seeing some of what we did and the fact is, we’ve been seeing that, it’s not new.

“Any black person will tell you that the relationships between us and the police has always been that of violence and terror and there has been many a public protestation of these things and nobody has ever come to justice in these murders pretty much.

“To have something so high profile happen when everyone was in their house on lockdown, I think it was a very pertinent time. I felt really empowered to make this piece of work.”

Watch the full interview with Jonzi D online now: Find out more about Breakin’ Convention, how the artist has dealt with lockdown and his inspiration for Our Bodies Back.

Breakin’ Convention: Social DisDancing Sadler’s Wells, EC1R Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12, 2020 Performances: Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm, Saturday at 2.30pm Tickets: £15-£40

42 | DECEMBER 2020

THE VOICE

This is Brukout!

by Seani B

When the going gets tough ...

No Bass Like Home Online Festival was no substitute for the real thing, but this special project was still an amazing event for those taking part

I

T HAS been one of the toughest 12 months in human history, with very little to cheer about and many points of contemplation to absorb for everyone.

The world of reggae lost some real ones including the legendary Toots Hibbert, Delroy Washington, Johnny Nash, Bob Andy, Junior Delgado and producer Bunny “Striker” Lee. RIP to them all and we thank each and every one of them for their unending contribution to the development of the music and culture we love.

Normally in this column at this time of year we reflect on the goings on over the last 12 months, but this year we are going to focus on a special project that I have the honour of being part of recently.

The borough of Brent in north west London was granted the prestigious award of the London Borough of Culture for 2020. Anyone who knows the area will be aware of the literal melting pot that the area is. Taking in some iconic areas in the capital including Wembley, Kilburn and Harlesden.

NW10 has a global reputation for being the heartbeat of reggae and dancehall in the UK and has been for many decades.

The No Bass Like Home Online Festival celebrated exactly that.

Shining a much deserved spotlight on the heritage, legacy and future of Harlesden, this event was originally due to be a two-day live show which would

CELEBRATION: The Cimarons, Marla Brown, Big Zeeks and Janet Kay took part remotely

LEGEND:

General Levy was among the stellar line-up

“I feel blessed to have been able to create something special” have taken place on Harlesden High St in October, but COVID inevitably put paid to that plan.

That made organisers reimagine the event as an online festival which came to fruition on Sunday, November 15. It was due to be a seven-hour online stream featuring a one-off line up never witnessed before in celebration of the area.

I was asked to curate the lineup – a role that I did not take lightly. As someone who is from nearby White City, I am fully aware that people from Brent hold their community very dear to them and I couldn’t just throw down any riff-raff line-up.

My ambition from day one was clear. This was to be a celebration. A chance to not only see the calibre of artists that Harlesden brought to the world, not only the major labels that originate from here, but also the characters that make the place so unique. My team and I set about attempting to blend the

right mix of music, stories, education and celebration. It was a hell of a task, but one that I absolutely relished.

PIONEERING

The senior producer for the series of events (which also included workshops, discussions and forums) was Zerritha Brown, whose own story is intertwined with that of the music and the area (her dad is an acclaimed musician and plays with the legendary band The Cimarons).

“The pioneering Trojan and Pama record labels were founded here in the 1960s, bringing Caribbean classics to British listeners for the first time,” she explains.

“Sound systems and nightclubs blasted vital new Jamaican jams into ears that had never heard their like before. And Brent produced key musicians of its own: from The Cimarons,

Britain’s first homegrown reggae band, to Willesden’s Janet Kay, the first British-born black female singer to top the UK reggae charts.

“It was important to tell this story and to platform voices from the community and artists to the world.”

So the scene was set – from a live situation it morphed into a stellar line-up with the majority of artists being recorded at the BBMC rehearsal rooms in nearby Willesden over a couple of days, and it was a life experience to be remembered.

We witnessed Janet Kay, General Levy, Big Zeeks, Chukki Starr, The Cimarons, Christopher Ellis, Girls I Rate, Marla Brown, Sweetie Irie, and the Reggae Choir taking part remotely along with DJs Ranking Merv and SilverStar.

We were honoured to also have Julian Marley joining us from Florida, and straight from

Kingston the legends Horace Andy and Ken Boothe, as well as Tony Matterhorn (from quarantine in Jamaica!).

The response was phenomenal. A wide-ranging display of enjoyment and fun, with what looked like many burnt Sunday dinners (if the comments are anything to go by!).

PROUD

“I am so proud to have lead the creative vision for the No Bass Like Home programme. Watching the stream and seeing the outpouring of love and appreciation has been emotional but amazing,” Brown says.

“I feel blessed to have been able this create something special which shines a light on the culture and Brent’s rich reggae history.”

As the curator of something which marked a moment in time for one of the key centres of the music we love, it truly felt

unique. Difficult moments in our lives can usually be overcome by a coming together of likeminded individuals who show strength and solidarity when times get tough.

This project embodied that spirit and I have to big up the crew that made it happen – Zerritha, Selina and Linda from Brent 2020, The PMG for production, Tim and Barry for filming, James and Diane from BBMC and all the DJs, artists, hosts, interviewees and industry who pulled this together with a collective and community spirit that comes through the screen in the delivery of the show.

You can watch the show on YouTube – search No Bass Like Home 2020.

Myself and the BrukOut team would like to wish you and your loved ones a peaceful, safe and prosperous Christmas and New Year period, and we will connect in 2021.

MARCH 2020

THE VOICE| 43

44 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2020

Lifestyle

Christmas CBD

The season for chilling

Love Hemp’s first ever CBD Christmas Collection is perfect for boosting wellbeing and self-care

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

A

RE YOU ready for a CBD Christmas? If not take the time out to understand why the use of cannabidiol, to call it by its full moniker, is growing at a rapid rate.

I’ve done more reading and subsequently used more CBD this year than in any before – and I am not alone.

An estimated 1.3 million people use CBD in the UK, with widespread reports on that number rising this year as a result of people seeking and finding alternative ways to handle increasing anxiety levels due to the pandemic.

This follows on from a policy report from the Centre for Medicinal Cannabis in June 2019, which indicated a UK CBD market size in excess of £300 million with forecasted growth of just short of £1 billion by 2025 and a market larger than the Vitamin C (£119 million) and Vitamin D (£145 million) industries combined.

Christmas has come early for health, wellness and CBD enthusiasts around the UK, with the launch of Love Hemp’s first ever

“1.3m people use CBD in the UK, with the number rising due to the pandemic” CBD Christmas Collection.

The company has expertly crafted a festive assortment of THC-free Christmas-flavoured CBD oils and perfectly packaged CBD bundles, to support wellbeing and boost self-care.

Whether it’s exchanging gifts in-person, arranging socially distanced drop-offs or making the most of postal services, Christmas gifting can still be as special and as thoughtful as ever, with a helping hand from Love Hemp.

Flavoured CBD Oil Liquid Drops 1200mg in Candy Cane or Gingerbread For a Christmas twist, Love Hemp’s organic CBD liquid drops have been expertly infused with festive flavours to create two Christmas CBD Oils in Candy Cane and Gingerbread.

The Gingerbread flavour offers a rich sweetness combined with a warm festive spice and the

Candy Cane is a naturally pure peppermint flavour. Each bottle contains 1,200mg of CBD in strong strength and is laboratory tested to ensure the highest quality of CBD. The Christmas CBD Oils are vegan-friendly, gluten free and 100 per cent THC-free.

RRP £49.99 per item Cosy Night In Essentials Bundle

If you’re looking to gift a loved one some much-needed metime, then look no further – Love Hemp has you covered.

Say hello to the CBD-infused Cosy Night In Essentials bundle!

Complete with a bag of smooth dark CBD Chocolate Balls, a pot of deep-conditioning CBD Body Salve, a moisture-rich CBD-infused Cellulose Sheet Face Mask and a festive bottle of Gingerbread flavoured CBD Oil Drops (1200mg).

RRP £81.96 Happy Holidays Hamper Bundle Give the gift of self-care this Christmas with the Happy Holi-

TREAT: Stocking Filler Bundle features fruity CBD Jelly Domes and organic Immune Capsules days Hamper. This glorious bundle of natural CBD goodness includes vegan-friendly CBD Jelly Domes, organic Immune CBD Capsules, a pot of hand-blended CBD Body Salve and the delicious Candy Cane flavoured CBD Oil Drops (1,200mg). This CBD twist on the traditional Christmas hamper is bound to leave a smile on any recipient’s face.

RRP £149.96

The Stocking Filler Bundle Pass on the festive cheer this Christmas, with the ultimate CBD stocking filler.

Featuring the festively spicy Gingerbread flavoured CBD Oil Drops (1,200mg), alongside deliciously fruity CBD Jelly Domes and organic Immune Capsules.

Ideal as a starter pack for CBD beginners or a special pick-meup treat for CBD experts, it’s here to help loved ones feel well

ryone has seen how much the industry has boomed. There’s no sign of it slowing down and I think recent figures, we’re looking at a £1 billion annual valuation on the industry looking to go £5 billion over the next five years.

“So what does that mean? It means there are going to be some big players with some deep pockets wanting to get involved in that.

“So be ready to heavily invest and beyond anything be ready to be disruptive.

“If you are not going to be different and you’re not going to be disruptive, you are just going to be another face in the crowd. For people looking to get involved in the industry that might struggle with novel foods, cosmetics, sports recovery from a topical perspective could be an angle and vaping is okay as well.”

@thevoicenewspaper

All Love Hemp products are made with the highest quality CBD and are 100 per cent THCfree. Products are available to purchase directly from https:// love-hemp.com and are delivered directly to your door. CBD products are legal in the UK providing they contain no THC.

BUNDLE OF FUN: Happy Holidays Hamper is a glorious collection of CBD goodness

‘Future is bright... but challenging’ TONY CALAMITA is the co-founder and managing director at Love Hemp.

Having created and sold the company between 2015 and 2019, Tony, pictured inset, is well placed in the CBD business space to offer some pearls of wisdom for anyone who might want to get involved.

The full conversation is available on The Voice website but asked what the foremost thing was that start-up businesses in the CBD arena would need to consider, he said: “The future is bright but it’s also challenging – there is no doubt about that.

“I believe that next year will be the most disruptive year for our company within the CBD space despite what we have done over the past few years.”

He added: “Over the last year or two eve-

this winter and ‘sleigh’ through the Christmas celebrations.

RRP £129.97

@thevoicenews

voicenews

www.voice-online.co.uk

DECEMBER 2020

THE VOICE | 45

Lifestyle

Fitness

Step right into 2021

It’s time to eat, drink and be merry – but come January, you might want to get back into shape. Here’s some great kit that can help make it easier

ET’S BE honest, this 2020 has been very difficult for all of us, in one way or another.

We’ve been hit with confusion, uncertainty and chaos for most of this year.

It’s time to start clearing your mind, free it from the Mitote and exercise your way into the new year. So for Christmas, buy your mince pies, eat and drink plenty of whatever with all the trimmings, but grab some of these bits listed below in order to ensure you get yourself in prime shape for 2021.

a few tweaks to its predecessor (Galaxy Watch). On board, you have the usual impressive notifications from your smartphone, the ability to receive calls, a host of fitness activities with tracking with built in GPS. The big upgrade from the Galaxy watch is the introduction of advanced health management monitoring.

These measurements track your blood pressure, ECG, blood oxygen levels and the option of an emergency call-out if a detected fall has occurred.

Very handy for a loved one who may be isolated and may need urgent assistance. A good product offering peace of mind.

RRP £399 (Starting) samsung.com

Samsung Galaxy3 Watch We have a new watch, left, in the Samsung family that adds

Skechers GO RUN Ride 8 Hyper The next shoe to pass the test is the Skechers GO RUN Ride 8 Hyper, above, another great lightweight shoe with a well-cushioned midsole that is

BY CHEMAINE MYERS

L

highly responsive with each foot strike. The sole deserves special mention as it is made from Goodyear rubber for traction and durability. With the weather becoming wintery, it helps not having to worry about slipping on the pavement.

RRP £110 skechers.com Fitbit Sense Never one to be left behind in the wearable tech market, Fitbit launched its own collection of n e w smartwatches during this pandemic. The Fitbit Sense, above, in particular covers new territory for the tech giant, focusing on stress levels. With one in three people experiencing stress, the Fitbit Sense includes a world’s first electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor. This manages your

stress by detecting electrical changes in the sweat level of your skin. The EDA scan app achieves this after your palm is placed on the face of the watch.

The data is calculated with your sleep, activity and heart rate stats to give you an overall stress level score. Finally, your Fitbit Sense will guide you through ways to reduce your stress levels. Another needed companion in this pandemic and beyond.

RRP £299.99 fitbit.com/uk/sense PaMu Quiet Earphones These earphones may look like a popular branded earphone, but that is where the similarities end. The PaMu quiet, right, have been a welcome companion on runs.

The key is the word “quiet” as it offers more than 40 decibels of noise cancellation. This is brought together by two leading tech

BOUNCE BACK: The new year is a time to regain your fitness giants (Qualcomm and AMS) combining advanced noise control and noise reduction technologies. They sit comfortably in your ear and are so light that they were almost unnoticeable. Time to stream your favourite relaxing playlist while cancelling out external noise with these highly recommended earphones.

RRP £77 padmate-tech.com 361° Strata 4 With restrictions to social interactions as well as sporting activities, it’s reassuring that we still have the option to run. As a big running advocate, there has never been a more crucial time to pick it

up or continue pounding the pavement, park or woods near you. The 361° Strata 4 Shoe, above left, offers comfort and stability for you to enjoy a smooth run. They are much lighter than they look and have an added Quickspring+ midsole material. This material provides the extra cushioning while lowering the overall weight of the shoe. Designed for long runs including full and half marathons, I would recommend these, even just for a quick jog around your local park. They will come in handy once you feel more comfortable in running for longer periods.

RRP £134.99 361europe.com

46 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2020

Compiled by Andrew Bontiff

At the top of their game Here we hail the incredible black individuals striving for change within the world of football A word from Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds

Coaching and Management

TEAM: Leon and Rodney NEVER before has black excellence been so critical to the survival of football at all levels in 2020.

Our community’s response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, and its impact on our national sport, has been phenomenal and underlined the vital contribution of black people to the game.

This year the Football Black List 2020, published exclusively in The Voice Newspaper, charts out many of the incredible individuals who have helped to keep the sport and communities afloat, push for greater equality following the Black Lives Matter protests and help the industry to move forward at a difficult time. Please share this list with the next generation and tell them they can work in any area of football. The role models are on this page and within our communities.

The judges are...

Alastair Bennett, Premier League Carina White, BCOMS Dominique Delvaille, Nike Francesca Brown, Goals4Girls Jehmeil Lemonius, The Football Association Joel Beya, CheekySport Jon Holmes, Sky Sports and Sports Media LGBT+ Lungi Macebo, Birmingham City Football Club Martin Sinclair, England CP International Mike Riley, Professional Game Match Officials Limited Nick Roberts, English Football League Piara Powar, FARE Richard Bevan, League Managers Association Sanjay Bhandari, Kick It Out Sarah Ebanja, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation Simone Pound, Professional Football Association Rodney Hinds and Leon Mann, co-founders of the Football Black List

TOP TEAM: Ashley Bosah and Cornelius Nwadialor make an impact as joint managers Alex Dyer, First Team Manager – Kilmarnock FC Alex’s coaching career has gone from strength to strength, rising from taking charge of Whitehawk FC in the National League South just three years ago to managing Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

He is currently the only black manager

in Scotland and had previously spent time as an assistant to the Scotland National team working alongside long-time colleague, Steve Clarke.

Ashley Bosah and Cornelius Nwadialor, Joint Managers – Tooting & Mitcham Football Club The pair have been working as joint managers for over two seasons, enjoying relative success. The club

sits in the heartbeat of the local community, nurturing the skills of talented semi-professional players. Ashley and Cornelius also contribute to youth development work, providing life skills, training and opportunities particularly to young people at risk of dropping out of education or joining gangs.

Jason Euell, Head Coach - Charlton Athletic Under 23s Jason plays a vital role in the development of Charlton Athletic’s young stars, translating their form from exciting academy prospects to first-team players and full internationals.

Making a telling impact on the touch-

LGBTQIA+ line, Jason is also an assistant coach for the England Under 20 team, overseeing a promising pathway for talented young Lions to graduate to the senior side.

Karleigh Osborne, Women’s Head Coach – Brentford FC Karleigh Osborne is the Head Coach of Brentford Womens FC, as The Bees start life in the new Greater London Women’s Football League.

The former professional has displayed strong ambitions of ensuring the Womens team is as successful as the Mens, witnessing a promising start to the league season,

sitting within striking distance at the top of the table.

Tony Whelan, Academy Programme Advisor – Manchester United Tony’s role at Manchester United takes on huge importance – advising on all football matters relating to the development of young players, integral in shaping their lives on and off the pitch.

By continuing to demonstrate the philosophy, values and traditions set out at United, Tony’s mentorship ensures that young players are given the psychological and emotional support needed to develop.

Annette Nelson Football v Homophobia Education Lead Annette is a leading educator, advising on the development and delivery of all Football v Homophobia learning programmes.

With a vast experience of senior leadership in the public sector and governance in the third sector, Annette is a true inspiration. The legacy of her work is a safer society for LGBTQIA+ and black and minority ethnic young people.

Administration Edleen John, Director of International Relations, Corporate Affairs and Diversity – The FA Responsible for the FA’s international and corporate affairs strategy, Edleen, who sits on the FA leadership team, brings an impressive track record with her, executing the launch of the ‘Football Leadership Diversity Code’, which aims to drive diversity and inclusion across English football.

Over 40 clubs across the men’s and women’s game have committed to tackling

inequality across their senior leadership positions, team operations and coaching roles.

for players at Villa, setting up courses with local higher education establishments.

Eniola Aluko, Sporting Director – Aston Villa Women A former topclass player for club and country, the multitalented figure juggled a playing career with working as a lawyer and author.

Aston Villa Women appointed Eni as their first sporting director, following promotion to the Women’s Super League. Eni is an avid supporter of continuing professional education

Jade Morgan - Leicester City Women General Manager Jade Morgan 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.

Les Ferdinand MBE, Director of Football - QPR ‘Sir Les’, is currently the only black Director of Football in English professional football.

Helping to change the structure of the Championship club’s firstteam, academy and recruitment strategies, Les has done a sterling job in his five years in this role at QPR. A massive inspiration to see a black man in a position of power and being very successful.

Marie Gabriel CBE, Trustee – West Ham United Foundation A Trustee at the West Ham United Foundation, Marie has worked for over 20 years in senior roles, recently confirmed as the first chair of the newly created NHS Race and Health Observatory.

Marie’s CV reflects her commitment and passion to supporting local individuals and organisations, removing barriers to success for particularly black and minority ethnic communities in east London.

Created with special thanks to...

@thevoicenewspaper

@thevoicenews

voicenews

www.voice-online.co.uk

DECEMBER 2020

Commercial Ashanti GeorgeFaure, Senior Talent Manager - Refresh Sport Consultancy and Productions Ashanti works with some of the biggest names in the sports industry, working incredibly hard and diligently to secure opportunities and commercial deals for his clients. He also leads the BCOMS Diversification of the Sports Media programme.

Faïna Msellem, Head of the Women’s Sport Division - Pitch International Faïna is a strong advocate for diverse and inclusive working environments. Her senior position at Pitch International saw her hold a crucial role in acquiring and distributing the worldwide rights to the Barclays FA WSL. Faïna is also an Industry Advisory Board Member at Birkbeck Sport Business Centre, critical in ensuring forward thinking and solid governance.

Media Marvin Morgan, CEO – Fresh Ego Kid The footballer turned fashion designer, is clearly on the ball Marvin’s clothing line, Fresh Ego Kid, has successfully exerted its influence on sports culture across the UK. Nathan Thompson, Commercial Director – West Ham United Nathan is currently in a senior leadership position at Premier League club, West Ham United.

He has full responsibility for the club’s overall commercial operation across all aspects. .

Warren Haughton Director of Haughton Consultancy Warren’s own consultancy is testament to his professionalism, quickly building up an impressive repertoire of clients.

Carl Anka, Journalist – The Athletic Carl is a brilliantly thorough and conscientious journalist. His blend of storytelling, statistical analysis and podcast appearances often offer a unique perspective on the game. Recently landing the coveted role as The Athletic’s correspondent at Manchester United, Carl also uses his platform to highlight social issues through his work.

Charlene Gravesande, Special Projects Journalist – Sky Sports News Charlene’s work at Sky Sports News is vital towards ensuring diverse stories have a prominent place on screen. Her VT Eight Minutes and 46 Seconds reflecting on the murder of George Floyd was groundbreaking .

Hugh Woozencroft, Sports Broadcaster – talkSPORT A highly respected sports

Community and Grassroots Diane Sawyers, Operations Manager – Holford Drive Community Sports Hub Diane is a vanguard; creating pathways into sport, employment and education for young women who find themselves marginalised by life’s circumstance. Diane’s passion for football saw her become the first FA qualified coach at Continental Star FC, one of the longest running, black led football teams in the country.

She also supports the less fortunate and at risk teenagers find accommodation.

Duke Harrison-Hunter, Equality Diversity and Inclusion Officer and Mental Health – Pompey in the Community Duke has risen above the battles in his life, supporting numerous young people through

their own challenges and avoiding the same mistakes Duke himself has experienced.

Duke’s ability to understand the struggles of young people, creating awareness of racial equality in sport and empowering them to build a better future is testament to his work at Pompey in the Community.

Emma Trent, Head of Programmes – Notts County Football in the Community As the longest serving staff member, Emma has been nothing short of an inspiration to Notts County Football in the Community.

Recently, this has included migrating several challenges that the pandemic has thrown up. Emma continues to support community members throughout the most challenging of circumstances, instrumental in supporting staff and beneficiaries through the switch to virtual projects.

Harold Bennett, Charity Founder – North London United Harold is an ambassador for equalities and opportunities, improving the lives of many young people in north London with Down’s Syndrome. Arsenal in the Community began working with Harold in 2015.

Dr Michael Seeraj, Head of Equality Diversity and Inclusion – Charlton Athletic FC and Charlton Athletic Community Trust Dr Michael is committed to making real change within Charlton Athletic and their Community Trust.

He played an instrumental role in the establishment of Invicta FC – the first LGBTQIA+ team formally affiliated to a professional club.

THE VOICE | 47

Practitioners b r o a d c a s t e r, Hugh has enjoyed a fantastic year hosting his own show on talkSPORT, also becoming the host of The Times’ The Game podcast. Hugh is a proud board member at BCOMS. Jessica Creighton, Sports Broadcaster – Sky Sports News Jess’s work ensures ethnic minorities and LGBTQIA+ stories are given the platform they deserve in the sports media.

Micah Richards, Freelance Contributor and Broadcaster – Sky Sports and BBC Sport Micah is able to connect with players and fans alike, giving useful insights into the mindset of a professional footballer and the travails that can befall them.

He has also been a powerful advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Hayley Bennett, co-founder – WeAre Nutmegs Through her organisation, Nutmegs, Hayley has created an inclusive and safe environment where women and non-binary people can share their passion for football. Her contribution has made a telling impact.

Jason Lee, PFA Executive Jason is a powerful voice working to address issues facing players from coach representation to social media abuse.

Instrumental in the Unconscious Bias in Broadcasting Report and subsequent programmes with broadcasters, Jason’s Equalities remit at the PFA is to ensure players from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds have pathways to future opportunities.

Dr Matthew Ogunsanya – Club Doctor - Watford Watford’s Club Doctor en-

dured a pivotal year, one that become of high importance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Matthew has left no stone unturned to ensure the club adhered to government guidelines in providing the safest environment possible for players and staff.

Marvin Robinson, CEO – Peterborough United FC Foundation One of only a few black CEOs in English football, Marvin’s contribution to the game is compounded by his role on the FA Judicial Panel, adjudicating in some of football’s high-profile cases.

Sam Allison, National Group Referee PGMOL This year, Sam was promoted on to the National Group of Referees, becoming the first black referee in English football’s top four divisions since 2009.

Cyrille Regis Players Off The Pitch Chloe Morgan – Crystal Palace Women Chloe is a proud vocal campaigner, relentlessly breaking down barriers in the women’s game with both black representation and LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

It is difficult to imagine how The Palace stopper finds enough hours in a day. Chloe is also a lawyer, a coach for Goal Diggers FC, and has taken up a role as a board apprentice at Women in Football.

Marcus Rashford MBE, Manchester United and England The star footballer turned political activist has been awarded an MBE in The Queen’s Birthday honours list in recognition of his campaign to feed vulnerable children during the coronavirus crisis.

More than a million people

have signed his Parliamentary petition that says “no child should be going hungry”.

Through his generosity, Marcus has pioneered change for children across the nation.

Troy Deeney, Watford FC Captain Troy was among the driving force of the Premier League Charitable Fund #PlayersTogether which showed teams donate over £4 million to support the wellbeing of NHS staff, volunteers and patients negatively affected by the coronavirus.

Troy has used his platform with The Sun and TalkSPORT to campaign for racial justice.

The Watford talisman also helped to create the Black Lives Matter logo.

Tyrone Mings, Aston Villa and England Tyrone is a professional footballer, academy founder and serial investor in businesses, including a series of apps,

properties and an interior design company.

He also spoke eloquently and informatively about the racial abuse that he received during England’s fixture in Bulgaria, receiving widespread praise for statements in regards to this. The Villa defender uses his platform for goodwill, displaying leadership.

Wilfried Zaha, Crystal Palace and Ivory Coast Wilfried helped to alleviate some of the pressure off the NHS by providing 50 flats to be used by NHS staff whilst they were giving critical care to the most vulnerable in society during the coronavirus pandemic.

This is a particularly altruistic endeavour with the Palace ace ensuring key workers had a place to stay close to their workplace for free.

TOP SPORTS COVERAGE 24/7 VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK/SPORT

OF SPORT NEWSPAPER

DECEMBER 2020 | THE VOICE

IN A LEAGUE OF ITS OWN

Rugby League World Cup teams up with in what promises to be a tournament to remember

LEGEND: Jason Robinson is the international ambassador for RLWC2021

R

UGBY LEAGUE World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) has announced that The Voice, the only national black newspaper operating in the United Kingdom, has become the first official media partner of the tournament.

RLWC2021 will be the biggest, best and most inclusive tournament ever held, and is the pinnacle event in rugby league, contested globally every four years. The men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions will be staged concurrently with 61 matches across 21 venues throughout England.

The tournament sees Jamaica competing for the first time ever after they qualified for the men’s competition, and will line up alongside Ireland, Lebanon and former winners New Zealand in Group C. The partnership will include The Voice’s first-ever Rugby League re-

TRAILBLAZER: Ben Odeje, pictured main and above, was dropped from the England set up after being hailed as man of the match

porter, James Aldred. Currently a Master’s student in broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and the sports editor of University Radio Nottingham, James was able to launch the partnership by speaking to dual-code rugby legend, Jason Robinson, the international ambassador for RLWC2021.

a commitment to editorial and commercial opportunities.

Jonathan Neill, commercial director at RLWC2021, added: “This is a hugely significant, relevant and exciting partnership for RLWC2021.

“The tournament’s strategy is centered on inclusion and creating positive social impacts within com-

“The tournament’s strategy is centred on inclusion and creating positive social impacts within communities” The Voice’s sports and features editor, Rodney Hinds, has been a member of the RLWC2021 Business Advisory Group since 2019, and recently supported the creation of the tournament’s diversity and inclusion action plan.

Both parties will also collaborate to promote the tournament including

munities. The Voice has championed diversity across the UK and celebrated black excellence in all industries, including sport, for nearly 40 years and will help RLWC2021 connect, learn and grow.

“Rodney’s support to RLWC2021 to date has been defining and hugely appreciated, and we’re ex-

cited with this natural extension to continue to positively engage the black African-Caribbean community across the UK and further afield.

James becoming The Voice’s first ever Rugby League reporter, developing his career and influencing others is a superb example of how we can start to do that.”

CHANGE

Hinds said: “Diversity, equality and inclusion are so important. Without it, those with talent and ability might never get their opportunity.

RLWC2021 is groundbreaking in its approach to these areas, and we know sport has the power to create positive change.

“By working together we can create profile, visibility but also importantly tangible actions and impacts for our readers and communities.

“Jamaica being in RLWC2021 is a

time for celebration and also inspiration. The tournament is about ‘The Power of Together’ and is committed to be a powerful force for good, including the fight against racism and discrimination.

“The sport of Rugby League has a history of breaking down barriers, including Clive Sullivan being Great Britain’s first black sports team captain in 1972.

“Our partnership is about working together to continue to create change on pitches, clubhouses, terraces, boardrooms, media and communities.”