PAUSE BHM Feature: Come as You Are

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? Abi Gyimah.

Where are you from? South West London.

What do you do? I work for an organisation whose mission it is to show everyone the world and give them a voice. I am a Creator Programme Manager for YouTube.

Instagram: @babsville

What does Black History Month mean to you?

To me, Black History Month is a highlight of everything that’s happened over the last 12 months but we don’t stop being black come November 1st. It’s a time for reflecting and also preparing for what’s new, it’s also about Joy and amplifying that joy, anmplifying our culture and being unapologetic about that. It’s also a moment for allies to take stock and think about what they’ve done and what they’re going to do and for them to be educated.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

There are two sides to how black creatives should be celebrated in the industry.

There is a need for stronger diverse representation and leadership to combat the systemic barrier black creatives face. This can lead to the increase of opportunities, funding for programmes and spaces where they can come together to be celebrated, educated and supported.

The other side is that the industry is different to what it was 10 years ago, there are more of us in the industry now and it’s about figuring how we can help each other collectively. As a community how can we burst through those concrete ceilings and help others come up the ladder as well, making sure we’re supporting those who are coming after us.

What are your top 3 tips for success?

Have a clear vision of where you want to go, if you have to write it down. Be open to the journey it will take you on, trusting the process as you go along. My second tip would be that education never stops, the experiences along the way will educate you and the learning never stops. The final one is celebrate the small wins, stop and marinate in the beauty of the moment.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? Mikai McDermott.

Where are you from? I’m from East London but originally Jamaican.

What do you do? I make beauty and fashion content online and I’m a beauty historian.

Instagram: @mikaimcdermott

What does Black History Month mean to you?

It’s a celebration of the diaspora. Making new communities and forging connections with each other.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

Black creatives should be paid what they’re worth and the value in what we provide to companies should always be recognised.

If you could say anything to your 15 year old self, what would It be?

Trust your intuition, keep going and don’t look back.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? My name is Darkwah.

Where are you from? I’m from Ghana originally. I’ve lived in London now for 21 years. So, I guess I’m a Londoner.

What do you do? I am a Content Creator, a multidisciplinary artist, but what a lot of people don’t know is that I also consult for different brands and businesses on how to better engage with historically marginalised communities.

Instagram: @hausofdarkwah

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month means being able to live in the fullness of myself and celebrate the fullness of myself while also celebrating the incredible contributions of black people in the past and also present day. It means being able to proudly and unapologetically claim my flowers and give flowers to those who have done whatever they have done to contribute to the culture, and not being questioned about it.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

Black creatives should be celebrated in the industry by being paid and being paid more and being paid on time.

Black creatives should be celebrated within the industry by having their voices valued, not only when they have to speak to other black creatives on behalf of the company or business that they work for, but actually as a huge contributor to the structure and development of anything because blackness and the love and passion and joy that comes with everything that black people do is in everything. We built this city.

What are your top three tips for success?

My top three tips for success are get to know yourself very well. If you know what your voice sounds like and why you’re doing things and the reason for which you’re doing them, it’s much easier to stay on track even if a curveball comes.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? My name is Chanté Joseph.

Where are you from? I am from West London, but my heritage is Jamaica and Dominica.

What do you do? I do many things. I am a freelancer, predominantly freelance journalism. I run an event series for lonely Londoners. I also do content creation and podcasting. I hosted a podcast for The Guardian.

Instagram: @chantayyjayy

What does Black History Month mean to you?

To me, Black History Month is all about understanding that I do not exist here randomly. I didn’t fall out from a coconut tree.

I exist because so many people came up before me. I exist because of their struggles and their triumphs, everything that allowed me to be who I am.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

Black creatives should be celebrated by having their work on show and display and also like the multitude of stories that they can tell. There is no one way to be black. There’s no one way to be black British. We have so much to say, we have so much to offer, there’s yet so much black history to discover. So the best way to honour black creators is by telling their stories the way they want them to be told.

What are your top three tips for success?

If you’re not 100% about something, don’t do it. Never do anything that you’re going to halfass. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I have ADHD, I understand my limitations and I always ask for help and allowances where I need it. And number three, don’t be afraid to be cringe, don’t be afraid to be seen. If you want to be successful you have to get over the fear of being perceived by other people and remember that as sad as it sounds nobody is thinking about you as much as you think they are, so do the things you want to do.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? My name is Darrel Hunter.

Where are you from? I was born and raised in East London but from Guyana.

What do you do? I’m a Photographer.

Instagram: @modehunter

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a time to celebrate those that paved the way before, while also highlighting the future and realising that it’s every month, not just, during Black History Month.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

Black creatives should be celebrated in the industry by giving a space to tell their own stories. Included in different narratives and in every position, not just in certain spaces.

What are your top three tips for success?

My top three tips for success are trust God, believe in yourself, don’t let anyone put you down, and keep pursuing your dreams.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? My name is Deborah Ababio.

Where are you from? Born in Ghana, raised in North London, and currently residing in Essex.

What do you do? I curate energy, and I do that through partnerships with brands, talents, individuals to infuse spaces with good energy and cultivate authentic conversations and connections.

Instagram: @debsababio

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month personally for me is a testament and an illustration of my personal journey and the things and experiences that has shaped my career and who I am today. It’s also a reminder of the importance of representation, of storytelling, and contributing to the legacy of the people that came before us.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

For me, black creatives should be celebrated within the industry firstly by being acknowledged, by being given the autonomy to also contribute and to be heard. And also, by being credited when they have contributed ideas or the concepts. The acknowledgement is a very key factor in celebrating us.

Most importantly we should collaborate and celebrate ourselves. That word plays a big part in our community. We need to collaborate more, hold each other in our stead and really appreciate what we bring to the table.

If you could say anything to your 15-year-old self, what would it be?

If I could say anything to my 15-year-old self, I would say being different is your superpower, so don’t change.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? My name is Geoff K. Cooper.

Where are you from? I am from the Caribbean, originally Trinidad and Tobago.

What do you do? I am creative director, and, in many ways, I wear 15 million hats. Let’s just say there are a lot of hats that cover that head in the creative space. So, I’m a cultural and creative curator, creator, and a bringer together of people.

Instagram: @geoffkcooper

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month means to me a tapping of the shoulders we stand on. It is a telling of their stories. It is us seeing ourselves, for who we were, but also who we are. We stand taller because of those whose shoulders we stand on.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

Black creatives should be celebrated first and foremost by being acknowledged, by taking up space but beyond that also by being given the chance to do things. To see ourselves and be able to celebrate ourselves, thereby creating a narrative that tells our stories in spaces where we wouldn’t normally do so.

If you could say anything to your 15-year-old self, what would it be?

You are worthy, you are enough, you are worth it. Whatever that it may be. And you should never be afraid to take up space because you were sent here to be all that you’re meant to be, and to do so you must do those things.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? My name is Elshaddai Nyagodzi, also known as Elshyy.

Where are you from? I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, grew up in Manchester and South Hampton and I now live in Kent.

What do you do? I am a Fashion Stylist.

Instagram: @elshyy

What does Black History Month mean to you?

I think Black History Month to me means celebrating the people that were brave enough to be the pioneers. Sometimes I think we don’t realise that somebody had to be brave enough to do it first so that we could have the opportunities that we have now.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

Black creatives should be celebrated by actually being given opportunities not just because we’re black but because we are talented and can get the job done to a really high standard. We should also be paid what we’re worth.

What are your top three tips for success?

Always ask yourself why you’re doing something. Your why is going to be the reason that keeps you going in difficult times. Connect with people around you, don’t be shy, put yourself out there and reach out to people.

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Don’t put too many deadlines or timelines on when you should accomplish things. Go with the flow and things will start to happen.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? My name is James Corbin.

Where are you from? I’m from Brixton. I’m from Kenya, Jamaica, and Barbados.

What do you do?  I would define myself as a model. I do creative direction and I’m a public speaker.

Instagram: @corbincaptures

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month to me as a black British young man, I would say is a month where my culture would be openly celebrated in front of everyone else. Everyone else takes that time to learn. I don’t think Black History Month or what we do in the month should be condensed to that month because I think we’re celebrating Black History throughout the year and throughout our lives. But, yeah, I’m happy that we have the month in the UK, in the US, and hopefully across the world.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

I think black creatives should have just as many opportunities as anybody else from any other race or any other skin tone. And our talent should be celebrated just as loudly as anyone else’s talent. It should be equal.

If you could say anything to your 15-year-old self, what would you say?

I would say, you know what, James. It’s not going to be an easy journey, but it’s going to be worth it. You’re a trailblazer. You are going to have to work hard but it’s for others to not have to work as hard. It’s for them to enjoy their talent and just be them, not worrying about their skin tone. Keep going.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? Felicia Brown.

Where are you from? I was born in Ghana, but I live in London.

What to do you do? I am a Fashion Consultant and Founder of a platform called Our Maison.

Instagram: @_feliciabrown_

What does Black History Month mean to you?

It’s a time to reflect on what we’ve done as a community and a to celebrate the wins that we’ve achieved. It shouldn’t be restricted to just one month because black history takes place every day. The month is to hone on what we’ve done.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

They should be celebrated by giving them their credit when it’s due and by amplifying the work that they do and genuine collaborations and spotlights outside of black history month. A lot of us set tones and trends but are rarely spoken about and it sometimes gets squashed into Black History Month, however, it should be celebrated as and when.

If you could say anything to your 15-year-old self, what would it be?

Girl, we made it! But save. Save money.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? My name is Joel Adebayo.

Where are you from? I’m Nigerian but also British.

What do you do? I am the VP of Talent and Strategy for a Talent Management Agency.

Instagram: @utter_joel

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month to me means celebrating those that came before me and looking forward to what the future will bring for people that look like me.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

By giving each other opportunities to thrive, opening doors for one another, and collaborating with the wider creative community.

If you could say anything to your 15-year-old self, what would it be?

Celebrate every milestone. Look forward and always try. Try new things, move the needle forward, and dare to dream.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? My name is Toni Blaze Ibekwe.

Where are you from? I’m Nigerian, but I was born in South London.

What do you do? I’m a Creative Director, Stylist and an Editor-in-Chief in the fashion industry.

Instagram: @toniblaze

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month for me is a time to reflect on how far we’ve come as a people, but also to think about the future and what we need to take it.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

I think black creative need to be celebrated by given opportunities for our stories to be told. For more brands to take accountability and hire us in higher positions.

What are your top three tips for success?

My top three tips would be to always advocate for yourself because no one else will advocate for you. Don’t overthink things and always stay prepared.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? Ramario Chevoy.

Where are you from? I’m from Nottingham, but now I reside in London.

What do you do? I’m a stylist, dancer, choreographer, and a model sometimes. What does black history work mean to you?

Instagram: @ramariochevoy

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month means a lot to me. It’s a celebration of our people, our culture, our struggle and I would like to think the future, what the future holds for us. A lot of people might say Black History Month is every month, it’s every day, it’s 365 as it should be, but I feel like in October it’s like personified a lot more.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

We should be given all of the opportunities that we deserve. Different people from different creative spectrums, whether that’s dance, film, photography, styling, makeup, hair, nail techs, should be given their flowers whilst they’re here to receive their flowers.

If you could say anything to your 15-year-old self, what could it be?

I would say so much. I would say keep going, don’t ever give up. It’s okay to pause and reset but it’s never okay to completely throw in the towel.

Don’t take things too personally, however, know when things are personal, create your own tribe and your own family that you want to build with. I feel like building from the ground up is so important.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? My name is Iniye Tokyo James.

Where are you from? I am British Nigerian, specifically in Nigeria, Yoruba.

What do you do? I am a creative director of my namesake brand, Tokyo James.

Instagram: @tokyojamess

What does Black History Month mean to you?

I’m a bit conflicted when you say black history month.  I understand the necessity for it, but at the same time I don’t necessarily agree with having a month a month out of a whole year dedicated to one group of people.

I feel that being black is not just relegated to one month. It’s something that is constant throughout the whole entire year. I understand why it’s necessary to have it especially depending on the part of the world that you may come from and, that it celebrates the contributions that individuals have made to that culture, but it also isolates it. Our contribution is just not relegated to a month. It’s part of our history, so it shouldn’t just be one month It should be celebrated constantly.

How should black creatives be celebrated?

They should be celebrated in this industry by being given equitable resources. It shouldn’t be tokenism, the same resources that are given to our counterparts, should be allotted to us. Without resources, then what are we doing? It’s all about it’s all about empowering them in order to achieve the dreams that they need to achieve and contribute to the industry and to the to the society that they dwell within. Resources are the most important thing in order for them to be truly celebrated.

What are your top three tips for success?

My top three tips for success are, create your own. Create the reality that you want to live. I am a strong believer in collaboration. Collaborate, collaborate, collaborate, and don’t stop collaborating. It’s the best way to achieve your goals and it brings solidarity in so many ways. Don’t just collaborate with your people but collaborate with as many people and as many talents across different disciplines. So for someone in fashion, I would say collaborate with homeware, collaborate with music, collaborate with tech, collaborate with food, collaborate with everything because I’m a strong believer of intersectionality and how those, how different worlds merge.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? My name is Kwesi Amoasi.

Where are you from? West London.

What do you do? I’m a PR and E-Commerce Executive at Net-a-Porter and Mr Porter.

Instagram: @kwesi.amoasi

What does black history month mean to you?

It is a month of celebration, a month of care for the black community and acknowledgement.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

By being acknowledged, recognised for their work, credited where they need to be credited and given a boost where needed. Giving back to places that we’ve come from and taking care of the people that are coming next.

What are your top three tips for success?

Intern, learn, and listen.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? Kyle Stewart but the name I decided to give myself is Poet.

Where are you from? I’m from North London.

What do you do? Create communities that are similar to youth club but for adults. Creating spaces for people to do whatever they want and express themselves in the best possible way.

Instagram: @poetscorneruk

What does Black History Month mean to you?

What does Black History Month mean to me? It’s a bit of a tricky one. Black History Month per se doesn’t mean that much to me.

I feel the struggle that most people go through as black people, exceeds the month of October. It’s part of what allows you to understand where you are today, why you are here today, and how you have the ability to move forward. Black History Month is all about information. Information is the most important thing you can have in life in order for you to proceed forward.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

Black creatives shouldn’t be celebrated in the industry as a quota. Black creators should be celebrated in the industry according to their art and according to the journey that they’ve taken in order for them to get to the point where they can deliver this art. I think once you’re able to take in that information you have a lot more respect for whatever anybody does, then you can appreciate it.

If you could say anything to your 15-year-old self, what would it be?

What would I say to my 15-year-old self? I wouldn’t say nothing, man. I would absolutely say nothing.

I’m so happy with where I am in life. I am so happy with what I achieved. I am so happy with all the mistakes. I’m happy with the information. Without information, you don’t know anything, and I don’t play by society standards.

I don’t need to have a wife, kids, and a goldfish by the age of 25. That’s just not my story. I know my history, I know why I’m here, and I’m more concerned with what I need to do in order to be a better person to move forward. As a Rasta man that’s just more important for me, so I won’t tell my 15-year-old self anything because I’m happy with where I am. So, whatever the hell I was doing at 15, well done man, he’s a good guy.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? My name is Lynette Sraha.

Where are you from? I am from Ghana, born in London but grew up in Watford.

What do you do? I am currently a Social Media Manager in the entertainment industry.

Instagram: @lynsraha_

What does black history month mean to you?

To me Black history Month means recognising and celebrating the impact of black communities, black individuals and black culture as a whole. Pretty much everything is impacted by black culture and that always been recognised as it should be.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

They should be amplified and brought into rooms we aren’t usually in. Being celebrated goes further than visibility, it should mean supporting and amplifying everything that we’re doing. This could mean better representation for black creatives in decision making roles.

If you could say anything to your 15-year-old self, what would it be?

You haven’t even imagined the extent of what you and the people around you can do. Even as a 25 year old you still have so many possibilities, so don’t stress about anything and enjoy where you are now because it doesn’t get better than 15.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? My name is Julian Knox.

Where are you from? I was born in Sierra Leone, but I live in South London.

What do you do? I am a Poet and a Visual Artist.

Instagram: @Julianknxx

What does Black History Month mean to you?

I see the month as an anniversary, like how you would celebrate your birthday but everyday you celebrate your life. So the month is our anniversary but everyday we celebrate our culture.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

Looking at the individual within their blackness and celebrating that. It shouldn’t be a sweeping thing it should be specific to the individual and their culture.

What are your top three tips for success?

If it scares you do it. If you feel like you haven’t got a reference for what you’re doing, do it. If a lot of people are doing what you’re doing, find a way to push it, but let it terrify you.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? My name is Razor.

Where are you from?  I’m from East London, but my parents are from Warri Nigeria.

What do you do? I work as a Creative Director in the Advertising industry and outside of that I make music, DJ and run a fashion brand with my bredrin.

Instagram: @reallyrazor

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Growing up I was educated on those that came before me snd the sacrifices that they made so that I can live life the way I do now. So for me it’s black history month all day every day and it’s about taking every opportunity to educate people about black history.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

I think they should be celebrated in a meaningful way, without tokenism. Not just dragging us out when it’s time to speak to our demographic and audience but changing the people that are in the rooms where decisions are being made to give us representation in those spaces. Until we see people that look like us in those positions every celebration will fall a little short of where we can be.

If you could say anything to your 15-year-old self, what could it be?

It’s ok, it’s ok to be scared and to not know what you’re going to do. So many people that you’re around now don’t make it to where you are now, sitting here. You don’t have to have it all figured out, sometimes it’s hard and sometimes it not fair, but that’s life. You’ve got this and you can do it.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name: My name is Julian Nii Ayitey Adjin Nicco-Annan, but everybody calls me Juls or Juls Baby.

Where are you from?: I am Ghanian and from East London.

What do you do? I’m a Music Producer and a DJ.

Instagram: @julsbaby_

What does Black History Month mean to you?

It’s a time of celebration and black people coming together to share ideas and ideologies. It’s a time to connect with different industries through networking and learning about our history. it’s also an opportunity to amplify what we are doing in different communities.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

We should open the gates to a lot more young black individuals who are incredibly talented in film, music and art. When we are massive in our numbers then we can also celebrate ourselves more.

What are your top three tips for success?

Work like there’s 25 hours in a day. Be prepared to fail and be patient. It’s not going to come easily, so take your time and fail as much as you can on your way. So that when when you achieve success and you’ve made the mistakes and learnt lessons from them  you won’t go back to where you were.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? My name is Nathan Smith.

Where are you from?: I’m from Derby, Living in London and my heritage is Jamaican.

What do you do? I’m a Chef, Content Creator and an Author.

Instagram: @thegrubworkskitchen

What does Black History Month mean to you?

It’s a celebration of those that came before me, those that are here now but also that I’m black every single month for the rest of my life. It’s a reminder to disrupt the spaces that society may not want us in.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

They should be celebrated by being nurtured. Creating opportunities for them and educating them.

If you could say anything to your 15-year-old self, what would it be?

I would say keep going. You’re going to be great, bigger than you ever imagined and the world is your oyster.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What is your name? my name is Mark Dear.

Where are you from? I’m from Catford, South East London.

What do you do? I’m a Contemporary Fine Artist and Art Educator.

Instagram: @mark__dear

What does Black History Month mean to you?

It means educating our young people on black history outside of the school curriculum. teaching our youth about our history.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

making space for all of us to eat, so that we can all support each other and uplift each other rather than relying on bigger institutions to do it for us.

If you could say anything to your 15-year-old self, what would it be?

I would tell my 15 year old self that self discipline will solve most of your problems.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? My name is André Spence.

Where are you from? I was born in Hackney in London, but my heritage background is Jamaica.

What do you do? I’m a social entrepreneur. I run an organisation called Global Purpose Enterprise where we exist to level up black, brown, and low-income young people through events and mentorship. We’ve worked with the likes of the BBC, Sower House, and the Royal Albert Hall helping them get into amazing careers. We’ve got an app that’s coming out that connects young people to mentors through short video calls. I’m also the author of a book called Why the hell am I here? It’s all about discovering purpose and thriving in life. And lastly, I am a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant.

Instagram: @andrespence

What does Black History Month mean to you?

This year’s theme of black history month is reclaiming the narrative. So, for me, black history month means to me literally those words because growing up, I never had an issue with believing that black people could do. I had no limited beliefs. I always knew that I could do anything I wanted to do because of the household I came from and because of the professionals I got to see. However, as I grew, I started to notice a trend about black people in society and it was always about us being linked to crime, coming from poverty and broken families and that’s just not the narrative for everyone, black people are not monolithic.

I believe that Black History Month is about championing and showcasing that black people are intelligent. The fact that I’m on this platform today reminds me our narrative is linked to great people that created the traffic light or, gas masks. Black people are more than what the newspapers say. It’s an opportunity to recognise that there’s so much potential in us and not only potential but that we are innovative, we are creative, and it should be recognised across the year.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

Black creatives should be celebrated by being paid. That’s just standard. Looking at how much black people contributed to the economy in 2021 -they contributed £25 billion to the economy with 4.5 billion in disposable income. We are we should have way more investment. We have the ideas, we have the creativity, we just need the backing, we need the sponsorship, we need the mentorship, and we need, the capital to help us to advance.

They should be celebrated through, yes, spotlighting, but just not within black history month consistently throughout the year. We contribute so much to society that these voices should be amplified, and we should be given an opportunity to, fulfil our potential through those means.

What are your top three tips for success?

Everybody should be connected to their source. For me it’s Christianity, Jesus. I believe he keeps me humble, gives me direction and sets purpose. Understanding who you are, your identity and living in your authenticity that will really help you to overcome every struggle every hurdle because you’ll be operating from that that real grounded place. Thirdly, living a life where it’s purpose before profit, understanding your audience, understanding the people that you need to serve.

The greatest people in history like Mother Teresa, Desmond Tutu or Martin Luther King, were serving people and serving their purpose. Serving people doesn’t mean you’re below them, it simply means that you understand the people that you’re catering to.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name: My name is K Bailey Obazi.

Where are you from?: I am from Longon, but originally from Nigeria.

What do you do? I am a DJ and also the founder of a platform called Prim.

Instagram: @drybabe

What does Black History Month mean to you?

I think it’s an additional moment to celebrate black people, our history and the things that we’ve done, our variety and our gusto. To celebrate black history is daily, it’s every month and it’s every year.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

the key thing for me is that people should give us what we want and what we ask for.

If you could say anything to your 15-year-old self, what would it be?

I would say that whatever you think or feel right now, things are going to be in a constant state of change and flex. Nothing at the age of 15 is constant, most of the things I knew and believed at 15 are not the same, there are still pockets of it that exist but you’re going to continue to evolve and keep learning.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What are your names? My name is Natalie Narh. My name is Nigel Atta-Mensah.

Where are you from?

Natalie: I live in London, but I’m from Ghana.

Nigel: In was born in Ghana but live in London.

What do you do? We are the founders of new Comma Community. We connect people to talent, we connect people to opportunities, resources and anything they need to be better at their jobs.

Instagram: @nataliiee_n @nigel_am

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Nigel: Black History Month is a time to celebrate what we’ve been doing throughout the year. It’s not just one month that we have to get our ideas out, but it’s a time to take a step back celebrate them.

Natalie: Like Nigel said it’s the acknowledgment of everything that we are. It’s also a time — for creatives especially to express themselves within the history that existed before and the narratives we’re creating for the future as well.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

Natalie: They should have opportunities extended to them all the time. They should be celebrated by people listening to what they have to say and also by applying their ideas.

Nigel: They should also have equal access to opportunities and resources that they deserve, making sure that it’s not just a ticking off of a box.

What are your top three tips for success?

Natalie: Have clarity within yourself and of those you work with. Have a sense of where you want to go but also know when to pivot and how to pivot, making sure you know what your final destination is.

Nigel: Prioritise, plan and execute. You have to prioritise what’s important to you to make sure you’re hitting the goals and targets you’ve set for yourself. You have to plan to ensure you know the exact steps to take to get to where you want to go. And finally you won’t succeed unless you execute those ideas you’ve put than on paper.

Natalie: Starting with what you have is also very important. Don’t wait to till you have everything to start, as long as you have a version of what you want to do, you’re already ahead.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? My name is Jason Adetola Mackson. I go by the Electric Tribe on social media.

Where are you from? I was born and raised in Germany. My dad is from Nigeria, Ibadan, and my mum’s from Germany. I’m based in South London, Brixton.

What do you do? I’m a chef, I grow plants and I forage. I like to say back to basics, so I focus on essential life skills and try to inspire people to focus on those things that brought us to where we are today. natural foods and natural recipes.

Instagram: @theelectrictribe

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month, to me means celebrating the foundations that we’re standing on today. celebrating the change makers, the artists, the founders of most of the things we believe in today, especially in the industry that I’m in.

How should black creatives be celebrated in the industry?

 I think they should be celebrated by focusing on creating spaces for them. Creating an environment for us where we can be ourselves unapologetically. A lot of the time, we go to spaces where we have to put on an identity, a persona that doesn’t necessarily align with who we truly are so voices can be heard. But if there are environments like this one, where you can show up as your true self without having to mould or shape yourself into something that you’re not, then we can move forward with purpose.

If you could say anything to your 15 year old self, what would it be?

I think I would say, spend time with Elders, spiritual Elders, in your community. We’ve all got, an aunty, uncle, or a grandma in our community, that have a lot of wisdom. There’s knowledge that comes with what they have to tell us because they’ve spent a lot more time in this world than us. They might have experienced what we’re going to experience in the future. So, I would say find someone that is older than you that you can, create a good connection with and listen to them. You don’t have to take on everything they say but have an open mind.

PHOTO CREDIT: Karis Beaumont

What’s your name? Johnson Gold.

Where are you from? I live in London but I’m from Ghana.

What do you do? I’m the founder of PAUSE Online.

Instagram: @johnson_gold

What advice would you give to young creatives? 

My advice would be don’t look at the noise. We live in a world where there’s so much noise and comparison, videos and visuals telling you how you should be. Switch off and find what’s important to you. Take your time and try every little thing and it will take you to where you need to be.

VIDEO CREDIT: Tyra Chuck