African and Caribbean Society (ACS) was founded by Miss Bréchon-Smith (KES), and is led by Miss Bréchon-Smith, Miss McKee and Miss McKee (KEHS). It is an inclusive society open to all to encourage and embrace the African and Caribbean culture in all its beauty and aspects. With the inaugural conference in 2024, with the theme of “Identity”, the event was an overwhelming success, resulting in the pupils of the KEVI foundation enthusiastic to attend again this February.
Friday 7 February marked the second ACS conference at King Edward’s School with the theme of “Reclaiming the Narrative”. All 14 of the KEVI Foundation Schools were invited for a day of inspiration and collaboration, where pupils, staff, governors and guests were taken on a journey of reclaiming their own narrative.
The theme of reclaiming your narrative, enabled us to explore our past, present and how we can shape our future to be one we wish to succeed in. We were reminded of failure not being a scary concept but one to embrace us on our paths to that narrative and “Don’t just Dream” but keep dreaming from guest speaker Luke James; BAFTA-nominated tv producer to “I am GREAT” being chorused by all the attendees to feel empowered by Kofi James: sold-out headline song writer and music artist.
The day was opened by the chair of the KEVI EDI Steering Group: Fazle Kinkhabwala. Followed by talks by Obinna Iwuji from Black Young Professionals on shaping your narrative, Luke James on how failure can be embraced, Patricia Noxolo and Rita Gayle on the Stuart Hall Archive project at the University of Birmingham and Karen Bailey, KEHS alumni, successful lawyer and founder of Black Family Practitioners Network. In the afternoon, pupils engaged in a networking task and a panel Q&A which included Pariss Sailsman, founder of Journal to Dreams specialising in mental and emotional health in communities to improve their outcomes.
Obinna from BYP, with his infectious charm and inspirational journey, encouraged pupils to reflect on how well they understand the narrative of their city, Birmingham. He explored the idea of understanding who you are at your core, emphasising that you carry that story into every aspect of your life and career – and should embrace it. The pupils were blown away by his passion and enthusiasm.
The stage was then taken by Luke James who spoke about his career and failures as a TV producer, and how that did not deter him but became the elements which have continued to make him dream bigger and further. He spoke of times where his own narrative was taken away from him by others and the notion that you make sure to speak for yourself. Pupils reflected on how your narrative will be told with or without you so make sure it’s the one you want to be told. The ACS community loved his vulnerability to show how his failures were something to embrace. We will never forget watching his YouTube faux pas and the idea that courage outweighs confidence in order to write your own narrative.
Patricia Noxolo and Rita Gayle presented the group with a project to work within the Stuart Hall archives at the University of Birmingham and delve deeper into the history of the first black professor of cultural studies and his impact on not only the city we live in but also nationally. The pupils have been invited to create a short project which will be delivered to the Royal Geographical Society in the summer – an opportunity of a lifetime.
Our last guest speaker, Karen Bailey, an KEHS alumni, and truly fantastic woman who inspired the pupils with her experiences of school life and how she used her own narrative to succeed. She persevered and used her platforms to ensure she challenged those who questioned her ability in ways to ensure she was heard and seen for the intelligent and charismatic woman she is. Karen gave pupils advice on how to deal with difficult situations in a way that made others question their own actions without compromising who you are.
After lunch, the pupils were given a networking task of discovering their own identifiers and descriptors. They were asked to pick four things that they felt resonate with them as identifiers as to who they are and share a story of a moment they were incredibly proud of that aspect. In addition, they reflected on a time where they struggled with one another. Pupils engaged in discussions on their own narrative with the thought of how they will reclaim the narrative that may have been taken away from them at times in their lives.
We were honoured with music videos played by Kofi Stone who reminded the pupils to tell themselves “I am Great!” and to never give up on their dreams and aspirations. He spoke of times where he was rejected and continued to persevere in his music career to now being a sold-out headline actor. Hopefully one day he will headline an ACS conference in the future. One pupil came down to the stage to showcase his musical ability, embracing the courage to perform in front of his peers, impressing us all. There is a famous music artist in the making!
The day ended with a guest panel Q&A, giving pupils the opportunity to ask the speakers questions about what they had learned and how they can share their own authentic stories. It was overwhelmingly positive and empowering for staff, pupils and guests alike. One pupil asked Pariss about starting her company and the challenges she faced. She responded with meaningful advice of even if those around you don’t believe in your aspirations you can still succeed by creating your own narrative.
This is how some pupils responded to how they will reclaim their narratives after the day:
“Building my story and screaming it from the rooftops!”
“Continuing to raise my voice!”
“I will seize the day!”
“Speak for yourself not let others speak for you”
“Become more confident and determined to achieve what I want”
“I will control how I appear to others, so even when I’m not there, my narrative is treated with respect”
“Be courageous and accept that sometimes I will fail and embrace that”
“Be my true self and tell others to be true to themselves: not just what people say I should do”
Together we will embrace the past, present and future and reclaim our narratives to be the unique and authentic individuals we wish to be!
We look forward to the next ACS conference for more inspiration, empowerment and making individuals be seen for who they are!
Miss Bréchon-Smith
