The launch, The Issue, The Vision.
The BLK BRIT digital platform launched in 2020 which explores, inspires and documents modern Black Britain. We are committed to sharing our stories; providing authentic and truthful snapshots of Black British experiences, platforming creative and editorial content across culture, history, education, fashion, news, lifestyle and more.
Sounds of the Diaspora issue was conceptualised as a campaign to celebrate the impact of our music, locally and globally.
Holding the official launch party on 21st June in conjunction with acknowledging World Music Day supports honouring this all important recognition. Originally founded in France known as Fête de la Musique, it is now celebrated in over 120 countries every year around the summer solstice which traditionally marked the onset of festival season, embracing the beauty and diversity of music. In knowing the historical significance of music within the Black community and June being the month to commemorate Windrush, a pivotal moment for the collective diaspora, the vision all came together - forming our first digital cover issue.
Each carefully chosen artist featured in the issue; Äyanna, Namali, David and Edott all come from different cultural backgrounds and are making powerful moves in the music industry and beyond. The interviews go into their journeys, inspirations and gives insight into how their talent opens up a whole new world for exploration and connection.
Photography by Jodi Clarke
To stay in the frame of significance, the location of The Africa Centre was selected. They are a London-based charity dedicated to championing contemporary Africa through community engagement initiatives in areas of education, entrepreneurship, arts and culture, promoting positive conversations advocating connection across the diaspora. Expanding further on the charity and their work -
‘Education is one of the key pillars of The Africa Centre and is embedded in the DNA of our organisation, as expressed in our Articles of Association and our mission to ‘educate, connect, and advocate for Africa and its global diaspora.’ This year, we are particularly focusing on children and young people, aligning our activity programme with their varying Key Stage-specific learning needs. The Africa Centre is aiming to raise £10,000 for the development of ELIMU, an educational programme aimed at boosting confidence and enhancing opportunities and life prospects for young people. The programme will enable the continuation of some of the work that the Centre has previously done, such as collaborations with supplementary schools, Black History education and advocacy, and engagement with youth clubs, schools, and colleges. ELIMU means ‘education’ in Swahili. Some of the programme activities will include leadership and development workshops, young people’s debate and lecture series, African language classes, and creative entrepreneurship workshops. We are grateful to MDKay for running this year’s London Marathon to help us fundraise for this cause. We look forward to our diverse communities rallying behind him and helping us to achieve our goal.’
Support the fundraiser and The Africa Centre: https://www.africacentre.org.uk/donate/dj-mdkay-running-the-london-marathon-to-raise-funds-for-the-africa-centre