Impact recognises the importance of Black History Month, and the significant impact it has on changing people’s perceptions within the creative and media landscape. Becks Adams, a Consultant on our HR team, shares her thoughts on what’s been inspiring her over this month.
“So far during Black History Month this year I have been inspired by many but two have particulary made an impact on me.”
Akala, who I first listened to as a Bafta and MOBO award winning Grime/UK Hip Hop artist, I now know of him as a writer and social-entrepreneur. I remember watching him perform at Secret Garden Party in 2015 and 4 years later I joined, a very different type of event, an open discussion at Shoreditch House where Akala welcomed guests to discuss everything from empire and race to culture and class, retracing and contextualising the roots of Modern British society. He is one of the most dynamic and literate talents in the UK known for his lyrical storytelling, appearances in parliament and receiving an honory doctorate from Oxford Brookes last year. You can watch his graduation ceremony speech on Youtube and his most recent book NATIVES (A Sunday Times Bestseller) is definitely worth a read!
Also, Cephas Williams, the Founder of 56 Black Men, a civic and social organisation dedicated to changing the negative narrative surrounding the black male identity. This Sunday, 56 Black Men does Live at Theatre Peckham where attendees are encouraged to share their experiences through storytelling, performing arts and networking. It sounds like an incredible event which is “creating a unique platform: spotlighting real stories from the men in the campaign, and celebrating raw talent in the community.”
Working in the industry myself, to see Cephas Williams and Akala making progress in the industry through networking, educating and partnerships all year round is truly inspiring to me!”