For Black History Month, Facebook and AFFORD will celebrate the occasion by recognising the history and impact of the African diaspora, with some of the UK's brightest diaspora thought leaders, visionaries and organizers.
We have seen how an idea can spark a movement that creates a shift in mindset and a recognition of the collective power groups have.
There is a saying I am, because we are.
This BHM we will have a day exploring how our heritage shapes our identity and impacts on the actions and decisions we make. The role of technology in this cannot be ignored or understated, to look at ways of how diaspora and Africa can work more cohesively we should look to technology as a means to strengthening links and exhilarating actions for change, growth and progression.
CEO and founder of AJA.LA Studios, a London-based startup working on speech applications for under-resourced languages. She holds a PhD in Engineering from Cambridge University and before founding AJA.LA Studios was vice president quant derivatives strategist at Morgan Stanley, where she developed bespoke systematic and tactical strategies for institutional investors.
The self-professed ‘Transformative Storyteller’. An experienced educator and creative producer, he has presented shows for MTV and Sky and is now a lead facilitator for YouTube - empowering thousands of young people to better navigate the digital landscape. Through his expertise and guidance he helps to cultivate the common ground that brings about real and sustainable change.
A fashion stylist, writer, cultural commentator and artist. While maintaining a sense of individuality, she has cultural awareness and keeps up with current trends. Ayishat’s interest in socio-political issues, music and culture has attracted the attention of institutions and brands. She regularly addresses budding creators, young entrepreneurs and academics. Ayishat’s technique is rooted in her ability to establish a political, psychological and artistic understanding of style.
Architect, artist and urban designer. She is a director of JustGhana, which promotes inward investment and good governance in Ghana with a special focus on education for children and young people through the creative industries. She has been honoured by the Queen for services to architecture as Founding Chair of the Society of Black Architects.
Nigerian doctor and writer who has worked in the UK and Nigeria. Deputy director of public health for Kensington and Chelsea until 2016, he has focused since on two organisations he cofounded: advocacy and communication platform Nigeria Health Watch and training and research consultancy EpiAfric. He is also a cofounder of TEDxEuston, the biggest TEDx in the world focused exclusively on Africa.
A storyteller and curator of stories. She is the founder of The Nana Project and was named as one of Ghana's Top 30 under 30 in 2016 for her work in preserving Ghana's history. Kirstie is also a doctoral candidate at SOAS, University of London in the Department of Development Studies.
Executive director at the African Foundation for Development (AFFORD), an influential charity working with the African diaspora to drive economic growth and social development. He has worked extensively as a journalist and documentary maker and has written widely on Africa and the global diaspora. He has made presentations at the United Nations and African Union.
Head of Diaspora Public Policy for the Facebook Africa, Middle East and Turkey Public Policy team. Semhar has worked with over 85 diaspora communities the past two decades, with a focus on amplifying the role of diasporas in development, industry and community. She is the founder of the Diaspora African Women's Network (DAWN) and was recognised by President Barack Obama as a White House Champion of Change. (website)