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Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage
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.
This podcast series complements the 100 Black Women Who Have Made A Mark exhibition which will run from 1 October 2024 - 4 January 2025 at Leicester Gallery, commissioned by Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage, curated by Pawlet Brookes MBE with artwork by visual artists: Valerie Asiimwe Amani, Yvadney Davis, Gayle Ebose, Grace Lee, Lauryn Pinard and cover image by Patricia Vester.
This podcast series provides an opportunity for each woman to have her story told, through hearing from the women themselves, those who knew her or readings of archival material representing their work and life stories.
With music by Nwakke, this podcast series was produced with support from Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Freelands Foundation Space to Dream fund and Leicester City Council. Edits and research from Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage.
Fanny Eaton
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. Credit: ‘Fanny Eaton, the Jamaican Pre-Raphaelite Muse!’ by Jackie Kay © 2024, Jackie Kay. Used by permission of The Wylie Agency Ltd. Speakers: Pawlet Brookes and Tasmin Evans. Music by NWAKKE
07:3425/11/2024
Sharon Watson MBE DL
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
17:1424/11/2024
Liz Pemberton
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.
25:3223/11/2024
Dr Victoria Showunmi
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.
24:1722/11/2024
Leila Hassan Howe
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.
19:0021/11/2024
Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah CBE
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
16:1320/11/2024
Josie Woods
Pawlet Brookes talks with Ralph Moore, Josie Woods' son. Listen as Moore describes the fond memories of her touring as a dancer, teaching and how her activism impacted the arts and his life. Music by NWAKKE.
33:3119/11/2024
Lilian Bader
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.
10:1918/11/2024
Dame Cleo Laine DBE
Pawlet Brookes talks with Jacqui Dankworth, Cleo Laine's daughter. Listen as Dankworth describes some of her favourite memories of his mother, the life lessons she has learnt from her and her reputation in the music industry. Music by NWAKKE.
26:3817/11/2024
Kath Locke
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 leart from her and the impact she had on the local community. Music by NWAKKE.
25:0116/11/2024
Una Marson
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
08:1115/11/2024
Rt Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin CD MBE KHC Bishop of Dover
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.
19:5514/11/2024
Stella Kanu
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. Music by NWAKKE.
28:4313/11/2024
Professor Olivette Otele FRHistS FLSW
Pawlet Brookes talks with Professor Olivette Otele FRHistS FLSW 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.
13:1312/11/2024
Lisa Williams
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
17:2411/11/2024
Claudia Jones
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). Speakers: Pawlet Brookes, Hafsa Hirsi. Music by NWAKKE. Poem: “There Are Some Things One Always Remembers” reproduced from Claudia Jones – Beyond Containment ed Carole Boyce Davies (ISBN 978-0-9562401-6-3) with permission from the Publisher Ayebia Clarke Publishing Limited, Banbury Oxfordshire www.ayebia.co.uk
04:1910/11/2024
Clary Salandy
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
31:0409/11/2024
Dr Geraldine Connor MMus LRSM DipEd
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 favoutite memories of working with Connor, the lessons she has learnt and as how she hopes Connor will be remembered. Music by NWAKKE.
16:5408/11/2024
Hermon and Heroda Berhane
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.
25:3407/11/2024
Gertrude Paul
Pawlet Brookes talks with Heather Paul, Gertrude Paul's daughter as they discuss her mother's journey though 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
35:3406/11/2024
Sandra Pollock OBE DL
Pawlet Brookes talks with Sandra Pollock as they discuss the 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
15:1105/11/2024
Josette Simon OBE
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 obsticles she has had to overcome, what she is proud about herself and her visions for the future. Music by NWAKKE
21:3904/11/2024
Gaynor Legall
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
20:3303/11/2024
Elvy Morton
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
19:0702/11/2024
Carol Leeming MBE FRSA
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.
10:0801/11/2024
Ify Iwobi
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
23:2730/10/2024
Dame Jocelyn Barrow OBE DBE
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
05:3229/10/2024
Zamzam Ibrahim
Pawlet Brookes talks with Zamzam Ibrahim as they discuss climate activism. Listen as Zamzam 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.
10:3028/10/2024
Selena Carty
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
25:1626/10/2024
Amy Ashwood Garvey
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.
05:2725/10/2024
Dorothy Kuya
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
12:1124/10/2024
Professor Jackie Kay CBE FRSE FRSL
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
14:5623/10/2024
Sislin Fay Allen
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. Speakers: Pawlet Brookes, Hafsa Hirsi and Paul Brookes. Music by NWAKKE Credit: The National Archives, MEPO 2/1128
06:3522/10/2024
Sue Hunter
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.
10:0121/10/2024
Charlene Hunter MBE
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.
11:3520/10/2024
Nezrine Hudson MBE
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.
18:0419/10/2024
Zita Holbourne FRSA
Pawlet Brookes talks with Zita Holbourne where they discuss Holbournes 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.
20:3218/10/2024
Bernardine Evaristo OBE FRSL FRSA
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.
21:1817/10/2024
Brenda Emmanus OBE
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.
27:3216/10/2024
Hilary S Carty OBE
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.
14:2615/10/2024
Christine Buckley
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.
11:4714/10/2024
Alison Buchanan
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.
29:0313/10/2024
Dr Beverley Bryan
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.
38:0712/10/2024
Dr Peggy Brunache
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.
25:0011/10/2024
Dr I. Stephanie Boyce HON CAUSA, LLB (HONS) LLM DIPICARB FCG FRSA FKC
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.
09:3210/10/2024
Rosina Osei Bonsu
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.
55:5309/10/2024
Pauline Black OBE DL
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.
15:5608/10/2024
Mavis Best MBE
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.
17:5807/10/2024
Carmen Beckford MBE
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.
30:2606/10/2024
Ekua Bayunu
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.
23:3905/10/2024