June 17th, 2023

BUSINESS Kitsch Noir About: Kitsch Noir is the award winning, family friendly, black greeting cards and stationery brand, helping you to create an aesthetically pleasing and organised life style. Our focus is to represent the love, joy and humour within the black British experience. The founder (Illustrator and podcast host) Cherelle, designs each card with the intention to uplift and celebrate the beauty of a more inclusive, and diverse society. Since it’s conception in 2018, KitsCH Noir has grown into a multi award-winning brand, stocked nationwide in some of the UK’s leading stationery destinations. Cherelle has been recognised as a 'star choice' in the industry famous Stationery Matters magazine as one of the 30 under 30 stationery professionals. In 2020 Cherelle was nominated as a finalist for the Henries Awards 'Most Promising Young Designer.' KitsCH Noir works towards progressing the mindset of card, stationery and gift buying consumers. The brand does this by normalising the illustrated imagery of regular, everyday black and brown people celebrating all the various seasons throughout the year in a fun and contemporary fashion. All products are designed with the intention to uplift and celebrate the beauty of a more inclusive, and diverse society. Industry: Greeting Cards Location: Online Website: https://kitschnoir.com/ The Everyday Print Co About: Mezay Ugbo is a Nigerian-Indian artist and illustrator based in India. Her work is inspired by her multicultural background with themes of representation and celebration of women of color. She uses a palette of earthy colors, combining hand painted elements and digital illustration to create minimal yet compelling compositions. Industry: Art Location: Online Website: https://www.iamfy.co/shop/the-everyday-print-co All in a Box About: All In A Box is a food delivery and events company that creates bespoke experiences for people in their homes or at an event or gathering. From curating bespoke menus, finding fresh produce and the best ingredients to event organisation, live entertainment and venue sourcing/ dressing. Our offering is simple - whatever the occasion, big or small or large, from a BBQ with friends to a 500+ company event, we take care of everything. So all the host has to do is enjoy the box or catering offering and vibe with their people. Hassle free hosting and way more than just a food box. Industry: Food & Drink Location: Online Website: https://allinabox.co.uk/ St Mary’s Kitchen About: A family-run Caribbean restaurant in Bristol has won a £10,000 prize in a show celebrating some of the UK’s Black-owned businesses. The mother-and-son team at St Mary’s Kitchen on Cheltenham Road impressed the judges with their food on a new series called Big Money Munch, for My5 as part of Channel 5.Lorna Coombs, 59, first opened the restaurant in December 2018 with her son, Aarron Graham, working by her side in the kitchen. It specialises in traditional, home-cooked Jamaican dishes with a tinge of Indian flavours,https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink/restaurant-might-just-serving-best-5994819 Industry: Food & Drink, Restaurants Location: Bristol Website: https://www.stmaryskitchen.com/ EVENTS Windrush Festival CATEGORY: MUSIC COUNTRY: UK City: London FROM: June 25, 2023 TO: June 25, 2023 VENUE: Burgess Park The Windrush Festival is a one-day music event taking place on June 25, 2023, in Burgess Park, London. The festival celebrates the cultural contributions of the Windrush generation, who migrated from the Caribbean to the UK after World War II. The festival will feature a lineup of musicians and performers from the UK and the Caribbean, showcasing the sounds of reggae, ska, calypso, and other genres. Attendees can expect to enjoy live music, food, and drinks, as well as cultural activities and workshops.. Afronation CATEGORY: MUSIC COUNTRY: Portugal City: Portimao FROM: June 28, 2023 TO: June 30, 2023 Afronation is a music festival that will take place in Portimao, Portugal from June 28 to June 30, 2023. The festival features a diverse lineup of artists from various genres, including Afrobeats, hip-hop, and dancehall. Attendees can expect to enjoy live performances by both local and international musicians, as well as DJs who will keep the party going throughout the weekend. In addition to the music, Afronation also offers a variety of food vendors and merchandise booths for festival-goers to explore. Portimao is a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. The festival venue itself is located on the Praia da Rocha beach, where attendees can enjoy the music with the ocean as their backdrop. Gregory Porter CATEGORY: MUSIC COUNTRY: UK City: London FROM: June 29, 2023 TO: July 1, 2023 VENUE: Royal Albert Hall Gregory Porter, a renowned American jazz singer and songwriter, will be performing live in London at the Royal Albert Hall from June 29, 2023, to July 1, 2023. The concert is part of his UK tour and promises to be a memorable experience for music lovers. As a Grammy award-winning artist, Porter's soulful and powerful voice has captivated audiences around the world. His performances are known for their energy, passion, and emotional depth. Fans can expect to hear some of his most popular songs, including "Liquid Spirit," "Hey Laura," and "Don't Lose Your Steam." The UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Conference 2023 CATEGORY: BUSINESS COUNTRY: UK City: London FROM: July 13, 2023 TO: July 13, 2023 TYPE: CONFERENCE VENUE: Natwest Conference Centre Lux Afrique Polo Day CATEGORY: SPORT COUNTRY: UK City: London FROM: July 29, 2023 TO: July 29, 2023 VENUE: Hurtwood Park Polo Club Enjoy the thrill of African Polo Players, African Food and Music from across Africa. Come and enjoy some of the culinary talent that Africa and its diaspora have to offer. whilst sipping on champagne. Black Unity Bike Ride CATEGORY: SPORT COUNTRY: UK City: London FROM: August 5, 2023 TO: August 5, 2023 VENUE: TBD The Black Unity Bike Ride is a sporting event that will take place in London, UK on August 5, 2023. The ride is open to all cyclists who want to celebrate black unity and promote healthy living through cycling Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre CATEGORY: DANCE COUNTRY: UK City: London FROM: September 5, 2023 TO: September 16, 2023 VENUE: Sadlers Well's Theatre Experience America’s most popular dance company when Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater brings its unique mix of contemporary and classic movement to the London stage. The Company dazzles with technical brilliance and palpable energy, bringing audiences to their feet at every performance. Marvel at their skill. Feel their passion. And connect to the heart of dance with Ailey. BOOKS An Olive Grove in Ends Author: Moses McKenzie Published: February 1, 2023 Rating Amazon: 4.3 Rating on Goodreads: 4.0 Sayon Hughes, a young Black man from Bristol, dreams of a world far removed from the one in which he was raised. Far removed from the torn slips outside the bookie's, the burnt spoons and the crooked solutions his community embraces; most of all, removed from the Christianity of his uncaring parents and the prejudice of law-makers. Growing up, Sayon found respite from the chaos of his environment in the love and loyalty of his brother-in-arms, Cuba; in the example of his cousin Hakim, a man once known as the most infamous drug-dealer in their neighbourhood, now a proselytising Muslim; and in the tenderness of his girl, Shona, whose own sense of purpose galvanises Sayon's. In return, Sayon wants to give the people he loves the world: a house atop a grand hill in the most affluent area of the city, a home in which they can forever find joy and safety. But after an altercation in which a boy is killed, Sayon finds his loyalties torn and his dream of a better life in peril. Maame Author: Jessica George Published: February 14, 2023 Rating Amazon: 4.4 Rating on Goodreads: 4.1 "Maame" by Jessica George tells the story of a young girl named Maame who is forced to flee her home in Ghana and start a new life in the United States. Throughout the book, we see Maame face a number of challenges as she adjusts to her new surroundings and tries to find her place in the world. The novel effectively captures the emotions and experiences of a young immigrant, and the rich cultural details included make it clear that the author was committed to creating an authentic representation of Ghanaian culture. Overall, "Maame" is a beautifully written story of resilience, self-discovery, and cross-cultural exploration.

Rootless Author: Krystle Zara Appiah Published: March 16, 2023 Rating Amazon: 4.4 Rating on Goodreads: 3.8 Teenagers **Efe** and **Sam** first meet in London in the 1990s. Years later the best friends are married. Their love story couldn’t seem more perfect. But **Sam** wants to start a family. **Efe** wants to be free from children to focus on her dreams. When an unplanned pregnancy forces them to confront their differences,**Efe and Sam** must discover if what they really want is still each other… **A poignant, heart-breaking debut about a British-Ghanaian marriage in crisis, *Rootless* is a story of friendship, family, societal obligation and motherhood. But above all, it’s a story of love.**

PODCASTS/RADIO 1000 Voices: Championing Black British Entrepreneurs Transforming Communities Country: UK Description: 1000 Voices is a podcast on a mission to interview 1000 black British Social Entrepreneurs. Our goal is to inspire others to make a positive impact in their own communities and beyond. We believe that stories of black excellence and resilience should be heard, and we strive to amplify the voices of those who are working to create a more just and equitable society. Join us as we explore the diverse experiences and perspectives of black British changemakers and gain inspiration from their journeys. Source: Podcast

My Dad Mr Brixton Country: UK Description: Claudette is investigating the life and death of her father Courtney Laws, who was a leading member of Britain's black community and a pioneer of the Windrush Generation and yet, his story remains untold. This is a curious case of a missing legacy, offering a different perspective on modern Black British history and raising questions no daughter should have to ask. Source: Podcast Pressed Country: UK Description: Your fave influencers Nella, Mariam and Adeola unapologetically keeping it real on everything that has them pressed, no filter in sight. And that's on what? Period! Source: BBC Sounds

FILM/TV Big Money Munch Cast: Sian Anderson Medium: TV Story: Big Money Munch is an exciting TV show where contestants compete in various food-related challenges for the chance to win a big cash prize. Each episode features a different theme, such as baking, grilling, or international cuisine, and contestants must showcase their culinary skills to impress the judges. The challenges range from creating unique dishes with mystery ingredients to serving up a gourmet meal under a tight time limit. The contestants are judged on their creativity, presentation, and of course, taste. The judges are renowned chefs from around the world, each bringing their own expertise and flair to the show. Throughout the season, viewers are introduced to a diverse group of contestants, each with their own unique cooking style and background. From amateur chefs to seasoned professionals, everyone has a chance to win big on Big Money Munch. So tune in for an exciting season of delicious food, high-stakes challenges, and plenty of drama on Big Money Munch! Type: Documentary, Reality When: May 18, 2023 Where: My5 Africa Rising Cast: Afua Hirsch Medium: TV Story: Africa on its own terms and in full voice - across Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa. Uncovering the energy and ambition of creatives reinventing African music, fashion and film. Type: Documentary WH Edition: June 17, 2023 When: June 1, 2023 Where: BBC Iplayer Lift Cast: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Kevin Hart Medium: Film Story: A master thief who is wooed by his ex-girlfriend and the FBI to pull off an impossible heist with his international crew on a 777 flying from London to Zurich. WH Edition: June 17, 2023 When: August 25, 2023 Where: General release The Equalizer 3 Cast: Denzel Washington Medium: Film Story: Robert McCall finds himself at home in Southern Italy but he discovers his friends are under the control of local crime bosses. As events turn deadly, McCall knows what he has to do: become his friends' protector by taking on the mafia. Type: Drama WH Edition: June 17, 2023 When: September 1, 2023 Where: General release WHO is WHO? Kike Oniwinde Background: Kike Oniwinde is the Founder and CEO of BYP Network. Kike grew up in East London and has always been a hard worker, achieving 3 A grades at A Level and going on to study Economics at the University of Nottingham. She is also a ex-Great Britain javelin thrower, and has a BSc (Hons) Economics degree from the University of Nottingham and a MSc Management degree from the University of Florida, where she received a full track and field scholarship. Work has always played an important role in Kike’s life; during all the years of her academic studies she had a part time job alongside training for athletics. She also worked as an intern at Goldman Sachs and Citibank. Two years ago, Kike founded BYP Network – a digital platform described as LinkedIn for black young professionals. It connects professionals and entrepreneurs with one another and with corporations, and hosts networking events that attract major names such as Spotify. “If you’re the only black person in the workplace, which tends to be the case for a majority of black professionals, and work long hours and go home, you’re not seeing anyone like you. But actually there’s a whole community of people like you who are going through the same thing. And if you find them you can help each other and that’s how you grow.” Industry: Networking, Recruitment, Web Resides: UK Roni Savage Background: Roni Savage is surrounded by men. “I have four older brothers, three sons and work in a male-dominated industry,” said the chartered engineer, who founded Uxbridge-based Jomas Associates, a construction services, engineering and environmental firm, in 2009. If that wasn’t enough of a challenge, she is also a British-born black entrepreneur of Nigerian descent. In the early years of building her multimillion-turnover firm she did not include photos of herself on her website or social media. She studied engineering geology at Portsmouth University and, while working, completed a distance learning master’s degree in environmental management. She has numerous other professional qualifications and is mulling doing a PhD, while also plotting the expansion of her business — an acquisition is on the cards — and helping organisations such as the YMCA and the Federation of Small Businesses achieve their goals. Industry: Engineering Resides: UK Festus Akinbusoye Background: BRITAIN’S FIRST and only elected Black police boss has been picked to run in a safe seat at the next general election. Festus Akinbusoye, 45, who made history in 2021 when he became Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire, now looks odds on to enter parliament after local Conservatives selected him to replace Nadine Dorries. The former special constable will run in the Mid Bedfordshire byelection, which has a rock solid 24,000 majority, whenever Dorries gets around to carrying out her promise to resign. Dorries, the former cabinet minister for culture, media and sport, announced she was quitting “with immediate effect” in protest at not getting the peerage to the House of Lords she says she was promised by former PM Boris Johnson. Industry: Politics Resides: UK TOP 10 FOR JUNE/JULY 1. Check out Black-owned Hackney market on June 23rd. 2. See School Girls or the African Mean Girls play at the Lyric Theatre. 3. Book a table at Tatale Restaurant in the Africa Centre. 4. Watch Africa Uncovered with Afua Hirsch as she tours Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa, to meet some of the continent's most creative young people. 5. Book dinner at Stork African Restaurant in Mayfair. A 5-star experience. 6. Celebrate your ancestors at the Windrush Festival. 7. Watch the film Chevalier about the polymath Joseph Bologne, former slave, violinist, master fencer, composer 8. Book your tickets for Gregory Porter at the Royal Albert Hall at the end of June. 9. Buy Sweet, Soulful Baking by master baker Barbara Brennan owner of Bad Ass Cakes. 10. Enjoy Sunday lunch at the Prince of Peckham.