100 black women who have made a mark by Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage
Annie Yellowe Palma was interested in understanding racism as a form of learned behaviour. As a writer and poet, she used her creativity to raise the profile of Black people living in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Pawlet Brookes speaks with Rachel Clarke and Michelle Campbell-Davis, Betty Campbell's granddaughters. Listen as they discuss Campbell's legacy as the first Black headteacher in Wales and the life lessons they have learnt from her achievements. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Kathy Williams as they discuss her journey with two distinct disciplines: artistic gymnastics and dance. Listen as Williams talks through her personal journey of being the first Black female artistic gymnast to represent Great Britain at the Olympics and how her organisation RJC Dance is helping the young communities of today.
An archival interview with Pawlet Brookes and Pamela Campbell-Morris from the 2017 project, Lost Legends: 30 Years of Black History Month. Listen as Campbell-Morris describes her community work and her visions for the future of Black History Month in Leicester.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Lisa-Dionne Morris, as they discuss her work as a Professor within the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds. Listen as Morris describes identifying unmet needs and how this influences her decision making, what she is proud of about herself and the life lessons she has picked up along her journey.
Pawlet Brookes speaks with Beverley Bryan as they discuss the life, work and legacy of Olive Morris. Listen as Bryan describes the work of Morris as an anti-racist, feminist and housing rights activist, their work together with the British Black Panthers and The Black Women's Group and how she hopes Morris will be remembered.
Patti Flynn was not only a Cardiff legend for her international music career but also for her nearly three decade long fight for better recognition of Black History in Wales. Listen as Pawlet Brookes describes some of her life achievements and as Professor Uzo Iwobi, who worked with her during her campaigning years, remembers hearing the news of Flynn's campaign success.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Yvette Philbert, Peace Ambassador for the World Humanitarian Organisation for Peace and Equity. Listen as Philbert describes the importance of faith, patience and serenity and how this has guided her along her journey so far.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Gina Samuel-Richards, Family Law Solicitor and co owner of AGR Law. From the impact she has made on young people in the early stages of their law practice to the life lessons she has picked up along her way listen as Samuel-Richards describes her journey and her visions for the future.
An internationally recognised contralto singer and star, Evelyn Dove left an unforgettable mark in musical theatre, radio and performance. Listen as Pawlet Brookes talks through Dove's legacy and hear her 1939 recording of 'My Heart Belongs to Daddy'.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Roshini Kempadoo as they discuss Kempadoo's journey as a scholar, cultural activist, photographer and media artist. Listen as Kempadoo discusses photography in the archive and the importance of bringing about change.
Winifred Atwell was a renowned pianist, captivating audiences from around the world. Her fame led to her becoming the highest selling pianist of her time and the first Black artist to reach no.1 in the UK singles chart. Listen as Pawlet Brookes shares some of Atwell's achievements and to hear her legacy through a recording of her playing Black and White Rag.
Pawlet Brookes speaks to Cathy Tyson as they discuss Tyson's journey as an actress and director. Listen as Tyson discusses the influence history has had on her practice, some of the lessons she has learnt and the inspirations behind her work. Music by NWAKKE
Forming a unique crossover with BlackInk magazine, Pawlet Brookes interviews Baroness Lola Young where they discuss Young's journey within cultural politics. Listen as Young describes the links between creativity and cultural practices as well as the bills she has put forward and sponsored within the House of Lords. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Ruby Turner, R&B and soul singer, songwriter and performer. Listen as Turner describes particular inspirations that influenced her journey, what makes her proud and what music means to her. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Bertha Ochieng as they discuss her research in integrated health and social care particularly in Black women and families in all stages of their lives. Listen as Ochieng describes her passion for community engagement and the importance of supporting each other along our journeys. Music by NWAKKE
Pawlet Brookes talks with Elsie Owusu where they discuss her journey as an architect. Listen as Owusu talks through architecture as a people centered process and how her experiences have influenced who she is today. Music by NWAKKE
Pawlet Brookes talks with Reverend Eve Pitts as they discuss navigating life as the first Black female priest of the Church of England. Listen as Pitts describes her journey with spirituality and the different communities she has served. Music by NWAKKE
Pawlet Brookes talks with Griselda Togobo where they discuss Togobo's work in championing and elevating women's voices. Listen as Togobo describes her passion within STEM, the major influences in her life and the importance of staying open minded. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with SuAndi where they discuss her work within the arts as a performance poet. Listen as SuAndi describes her journey within her writing and how her life experiences have impacted her work. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes speaks with Sharon Watson where they discuss Leonora Stapleton's journey within the dance industry. From Watson's early memories of Stapleton to her international dance work, listen as Watson recalls some of her favourite memories of Stapleton and the legacy she has left behind. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Selasi Setufe, Co-Founder and Director of Black Females in Architecture. Listen as Setufe describes navigating her journey within the built environment industry, the importance of creating networks and some of the life lessons she has picked up along her way. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Grace Lee (SOME.GAL), the visual artist who produced the portrait for Jessie M. Soga. Listen as Lee discusses her journey of creating a portrait for a posthumous sitter with no known images and the importance of making the hidden history of Soga as a suffragette and an artist, visible. Music by NWAKKE
Pawlet Brookes speaks with Samenua Sesher, Founder and Director of the Museum of Colour. Listen as Sesher describes navigating arts management across multiple art practices and some of the life lessons she has picked up along her journey. Music by NWAKKE.
Fanny Eaton is the only known Black muse of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood of the mid-Nineteenth century. Her life is a celebration of the beauty of the Black body, but one that has been depicted under the white gaze.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Sharon Watson, CEO and Principal of Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Listen as Watson describes her journey as a dance artist, from her major influences to her proudest moments in both life and work. Music by NWAKKE
Pawlet Brookes talks with Liz Pemberton, founder of The Black Nursery Manager. Listen as Pemberton talks about the importance of anti-racism training in early years settings and her reasons for taking action and starting The Black Nursery Manager training and consulting. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Victoria Showunmi as they discuss her research around Black feminism and intersectionality. Listen as Showunmi describes her experiences with professional jelousy and her visions for empowering Black women and girls in her current work and in the future. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Leila Hassan Howe as they discuss her pioneering activism for the Black and immigration communities in Britain. Listen as Hassan Howe describes her change-making contributions to Britain and how her work with her late husband Darcus Howe has impacted communities today. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, clean air advocate. Listen as Adoo-Kissi-Debrah describes her journey in seeking justice for her daughter who lost her life to a fatal asthma attack linked with air pollution and the change she strives for. Music by NWAKKE
Pawlet Brookes talks with Ralph Moore, Josie Woods' son. Listen as Moore describes the fond memories of her touring as a dancer, her teaching and how her activism impacted the arts and his life. Music by NWAKKE.
Lilian Bader was one of the first Black Women to join the British armed forces. Navigating racism to serve with the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. Her story is brought to life through readings from her memoirs. Narrated by Pawlet Brookes. Lilian Bader is voiced by Tasmin Evans. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Jacqui Dankworth, Cleo Laine's daughter. Listen as Dankworth describes some of her favourite memories of her mother, the life lessons she has learnt from her and her reputation in the music industry. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Bolaji Laurance, Kath Locke's son as they discuss her legacy in Manchester. Listen as Laurance describes some of his favourite memories of his mother, the life lessons he has learnt from her and the impact she had on the local community. Music by NWAKKE.
Una Marson was the first Black female producer for the BBC, her creativity, passion and deep-rooted love for her Jamaican heritage shines through her work. Listen as Pawlet Brookes describes Marson's trailblazing journey, plus an extract from her programme Hello! West Indies and a reading of her poem Little Brown Girl. Hello! West Indies extract © Crown / Courtesy of the BFI National Archive. Speakers: Pawlet Brookes, Georgina Payne. Music by NWAKKE
Pawlet Brookes talks with Right Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin Bishop of Dover. Listen as Bishop Rose discusses her journey with faith, her visions for the future and some of the life lessons she has used along her way. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Stella Kanu, the CEO at Shakespeare's Globe. Listen as Kanu shares the major influences in her life and her ambition to always choose joy.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Olivette Otele as they discuss her work in History and memory studies. She is the first Black woman to be appointed to a professorial chair in History in the UK. Listen as Otele shares the influence of her grandmother on her life and some of the life lessons she has learnt. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Lisa Williams as they discuss Williams' journey through literature. Listen as Williams describes her love for history and how this has influenced her teaching and writing alongside her visions and plans for the future. Music by NWAKKE
Claudia Jones dedicated her life to the advancement of Black women's rights and the development of public and political consciousness in Black British communities. Listen as Pawlet Brookes describes the work of Jones and the impact it has had today as well as a reading of one of her poems, 'There Are Some Things One Always Remembers' (1958).
Pawlet Brookes talks with Clary Salandy as they discuss Carnival. From Salandy's own organisation, Mahogany, and the impact it has had on communities to her hopes for Carnival in the future, listen as Salandy discusses her own journey and her relationship with Carnival. Music by NWAKKE
Pawlet Brookes talks with Clary Salandy, friend and colleague of Geraldine Connor, as they discuss Connor's legacy in the theatre, music and arts industries. Listen as Salandy recalls favourite memories of working with Connor, the lessons she has learnt and as how she hopes Connor will be remembered. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Hermon and Heroda Berhane as they discuss their activism as Black Deaf women. Listen as they describe their aspirations within the fashion industry and their visions for the future.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Heather Paul, Gertrude Paul's daughter as they discuss her mother's journey through teaching and activism. Listen as Heather describes some of the stories from her mother and the impact she has had on Black communities in the North of England, from being the first Black head teacher in Leeds to being one of the founders of the Leeds West Indian Carnival. Music by NWAKKE
Pawlet Brookes talks with Sandra Pollock as they discuss Pollock's journey through leadership. Listen as Pollock talks through the importance of creating networks of support and celebration for Black women and her visions for the future. Music by NWAKKE
Pawlet Brookes talks with Josette Simon where they discuss the winding path Simon has taken along her career as an actress. Listen as Simon describes the obstacles she has had to overcome, what she is proud of about herself and her visions for the future. Music by NWAKKE
Pawlet Brookes talks with Gaynor Legall as they discuss working within history and heritage. Listen as Legall discusses some of the influential organisations she has helped build in Wales and the impact her work has had on the local community. Music by NWAKKE
Pawlet Brookes talks with Elvy Morton as they discuss Morton's journey in moving to the UK. Listen as Morton describes her initial perceptions around her experience in life and work within the UK as well as some of the life lessons she has picked up along her way. Music by NWAKKE
Pawlet Brookes talks with Carol Leeming where they discuss Leeming's journey as a multi-disciplinary artist and the importance of being creative. Listen as Leeming described the major influences in her life, her proudest moments and visions for the future. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Ify Iwobi where they discuss Iwobi's journey in becoming the first Welsh Nigerian Musician to have nine consecutive A-List tracks on BBC Radio Wales. Listen as Iwobi discusses her processes in producing music and some of the life lessons she has picked up along her journey so far. Music by NWAKKE
Not only was Dame Jocelyn Barrow the first Black woman to be made governor of the BBC and earn the title of damehood, she was an educator, director, broadcaster, politician and ultimately a driver for change. Listen as Pawlet Brookes talks through the legacy that Dame Barrow has left and how her spirit, values and teachings guide new generations of Black women in the public sector. Music by NWAKKE
Pawlet Brookes talks with Zamzam Ibrahim as they discuss climate activism. Listen as Ibrahim talks through her journey which lead to her becoming the first Black Muslim woman to be elected as president of the National Union of Students and the importance of joy whilst campaigning and advocating for change. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks to Selena Carty where they discuss Carty's journey through her career as a Cultural and Ancestral Historian Genealogist. Listen as Carty describes her hopes for the future and discusses the importance of resilience. Music by NWAKKE
Focusing on the life of Amy Ashwood Garvey, listen as Pawlet Brookes describes the trailblazing work she did for Black communities and Black women. Garvey was a Pan-Africanist, Feminist and Director of Black Star Line Steamship Corporation and was more that the first wife of Marcus. Social justice and unification empowered Garvey's work in Britain, listen as Pawlet talks through the legacy Garvey has left behind. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes speaks with Janaya Pickett - project manager for the Dorothy Kuya Archive in Liverpool. Listen as they discuss how Kuya's work as an activist, nurse, teacher and educator has left a legacy for Black communities living in Liverpool today. Music by NWAKKE
Pawlet Brookes talks with Jackie Kay as they discuss Kay's journey as a writer. Listen as Kay describes her influences, proudest moments and visions for the future. Music by NWAKKE
Sislin Fay Allen was the first Black policewoman in the UK, listen as Pawlet Brookes focuses on Allen's journey within public services and how her career has lead to her legacy as a pioneer for Black police officers.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Sue Hunter, former Leicester Assistant City Mayor. Listen as Hunter talks through her journey in community work, the influences in her life and some of the life lessons she has picked up along her way. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Charlene Hunter where they discuss the influence Hunter has had through her organisation - Coding Black Females. Listen as Hunter describes some of the life lessons she has learnt as well as her visions for the future. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Nezrine Hudson where they discuss Hudson's work with Derby Carnival and her influence in the Derby West Indian Community Association. Listen as Hudson describes some of her life lessons as well as her visions for the future. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Zita Holbourne where they discuss Holbourne's journey as a multidisciplinary artist and activist. Listen as Holbourne describes the impact of austerity and how her work has helped fight the impact it has had on Black communities as well as her visions for the future. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Bernardine Evaristo as they discuss Evaristo's influence on the literature landscape and how her influences have helped her become an award winning writer. Listen as Evaristo describes the life lessons she has learnt along her journey so far as well as some of her visions for the future. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Brenda Emmanus where they discuss Emmanus' journey within the media and on television. Listen as Emmanus describes the life lessons she has learnt and her plans in helping young people feel empowered along their journey too. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Hilary Carty as they discuss Carty's journey through leadership. Listen as Carty describes the inspirations behind her career and how the life lessons she has learnt can encourage people to feel empowered and secure in their decisions. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Conor Buckley, Christine Buckley's son. Listen as they discuss Christine's influence on speaking out against abuse within the Catholic Church, from her own experience and in helping others. As well as the life lessons that Conor has learnt from his mother's experiences. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Alison Buchanan as they discuss her journey through the operatic industry. Listen as Buchanan, describes her accomplishments throughout her journey as well as some of the life lessons she has learnt along the way. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Beverley Bryan as they discuss Bryan's journey through activism. Listen as Bryan describes the groups and people she worked with and the life lessons she has learnt throughout her journey. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Peggy Brunache where they discuss Brunache's journey in archaeology. Listen as Brunache shares the importance of making archaeology and history more accessible, especially to Black women, as well as the life lessons she has learnt throughout her journey so far. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with I. Stephanie Boyce where they discuss Boyce's journey in becoming the first Black President of the Law Society. Listen as Boyce shares the life lessons she has learnt throughout her journey and the importance of diversity in every profession. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Kofi, Sheila, Jude, Salma and Laura, as they remember Rosina Osei Bonsu. Listen as guests tell stories of Bonsu's life and career through dance and yoga and the influence she had on them. As well as discussions around her legacy and how she will be remembered. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Pauline Black as they discuss how music has influenced her life and career. Listen as Black talks through the influences in her life, her visions for the future as well as sharing life lessons. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks to Isha Dibua, Mavis Best's granddaughter. Listen as Dibua describes Best's story with her pivotal role in bringing the Sus Law to an end and how her passion within her community and life lessons have influenced her own career and life story. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Asher Craig, friend and colleague of Carmen Beckford. Listen as Craig discusses her personal relationship with Beckford and the legacy that Beckford has left in Bristol. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Ekua Bayunu as they discuss navigating life as a creative in politics. Listen as Bayunu shares some of the life lessons she has learnt throughout her journeys as well as her proudest moments. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks with Dame Elizabeth Nneka Anionwu as she shares her journey as a nurse and educator. Listen as Anionwu talks through her personal experiences and how she began her career in healthcare particularly, with her work with sickle cell. As well as the life lessons she has picked up along her journey. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks to Ifrah Ahmed as she talks through her journey as an activist and educator against female genital mutilation specifically in Ireland and Somalia. Listen as Ahmed describes the people she has worked with, how they are helping bring an end to female genital mutilation and the importance of creating platforms to speak out and advocate for change. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks to Baroness Valerie Ann Amos as they discuss empowerment and inspiration for emerging voices. Listen as Baroness Amos talks through her experiences in becoming Master of University College Oxford and the work she is doing to create opportunities for young people. Music by NWAKKE.
Pawlet Brookes talks to Hoda Ali as they discuss her journey as an activist and educator against female genital mutilation. Listen as Ali talks through her personal journey as an FGM survivor and how her story has helped and can help many women and young girls. Music by NWAKKE.
Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage presents 100 Black Women Who Have Made A Mark. Celebrating Black women who have made a significant positive change across a diverse range of sectors including activism, arts, education, politics, science and technology.
