Hidden Histories of Black Brilliance

Join us for an uplifting evening celebrating Black history and changemakers!

We'll explore the stories of inventors and innovators, ancient civilizations and pioneering leaders as we delve into hidden histories of Black brilliance with Calbert & Isabella, before being joined in conversation by 4 terrific trailblazers whose love of history and lived experiences have shaped their present day initiatives to empower others to fulfill their true potential. You will also be treated to a spoken word performance from an incredible rising star - Ademola Oyejobi-Mabadeje.

Calbert & Isabella both have rich cultural heritage and backgrounds. In their quest for deeper knowledge of their ancestors' journeys and roots, they became avid history lovers. They own a vast collection of history books and resources by reputable historians and respected researchers. Having lovingly combed these treasure troves of information, they have curated 6 learning modules, collating individual insights to create a big picture of Black brilliance. Topics include Kings & Queens, Ancient Civilisations, Treasures & Artefacts, Uprisings & Freedom Fighters, Inventors & Innovators, Modern Day Trailblazers. Calbert's knowledge of Black history is outstanding, having actively sought it out his whole life. For many years, he has hosted a radio show on Imperial Voice Radio, playing reggae, music of Black origin and teaching his global audience about Black history. The station is broadcast out of Fairfield House Bath CIC, the former home of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia. You can listen to The Roots & Culture Show with DJ Obediah everyday at varying times, except Sundays.

Siblings Nike & Ollie Folayan co-founded the Association for Black & Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE) 17 years ago in their mother's kitchen. Over the years, it has grown to be the UK's largest leading community for ethnically diverse engineers and technologists. AFBE deliver inspirational workshops and activities in schools, colleges and universities nationwide to excite youth into STEM careers whilst its corporate programmes assist over 80 companies to diversify their talent pipelines and create more inclusive workplaces for them. They also host two glittering annual flagship events, AFBE Live and AFBE Gala & Awards which are designed to educate, showcase and celebrate the breadth and depth of diverse talent in the industry. Ollie & Nike have both been awarded MBEs for their dedication and services to diversity & inclusion in engineering. Their list of personal achievements and academic accolades are as extensive as they are impressive!

Courtney Daniella Boateng and Renee Kapuku are dedicated to empowering women to succeed personally, professionally and economically by utilising the power of community. As co-founders and co-hosts of the award-winning "To My Sisters," they lead a rapidly growing community-driven women's organisation dedicated to changing the world for women. Launched as a popular podcast in 2020, TMS has since evolved into a global network of young, enterprising, and self-aware women committed to transforming their lives. The organisation hosts multiple live events, international personal development retreats, women-focused social impact fundraisers and creates women-centric productions. The founders have been recognised with multiple awards for their work, including the Foundervine Rising Star Award and the Diana Award in 2023, as well as most recently, amongst the top 25 Black Entrepreneurs to Watch by HSBC and the UK Black Business Show. With a community in the 100,000+, TMS aims to inspire 1 million women worldwide to grow and shine together.

This event is brought to you by The IM-Pact Kinship in partnership with Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers, To My Sisters and our wonderful host, London South Bank University.

Host or Publisher The IM-Pact Kinship