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2023 LAUNCH

Theme: Heritage

In 2023, through the lens of heritage, we embraced the cultural legacies that have shaped Black communities around the world.

The launch was opened by Valerie Laurent, Mayor of Southampton. Our Keynote speaker was Louise Goux-Wirth, TEDX speaker, mentor, and multi award-winning equality specialist. 

We also had spoken word from AFLO. the poet and poetry from St. George's School.

AWARD WINNERS

Kwame
Bakoji-Hume

Kwame Bakoji-Hume is the Founder of the Arts Education Organisation African Activities CIC. Kwame was born into the drumming and herbalist tradition in Buipe, Ghana. Sponsored to advance his education at the Ghanatta College of Arts in Accra, Kwame went on to become the artist in residence at The Centre for National Culture in Kumasi. In 2000 Kwame founded African Activities after relocating to the UK. African Activities works hard to reclaim the narrative and redress imbalances in the perception of Africans and Africa in the UK. African Activities offer the opportunity to engage with Black and African Culture by sharing superb creative artistic experiences that disrupt preconceptions, create community, drive excellence and break barriers. African Activities visits over 300 schools, provides online resources to over 7,000 organisations and supports and develops artists both in the UK and in West Africa. In 2020 Kwame established the Earthchild Foundation, so far thousands of Rosewood trees have been planted, 35 acres rewilded and in 2025 the traditional skills school will be completed in Buipe, Ghana.

Victoria Ugwoeme

Victoria Ugwoeme is a Councillor for Southampton City Council, community activist, and local school Governer. In 2020 Victoria founded Feed The Community Project, a community volunteering group dedicated to tackling hunger and food waste. Her and her team have been able to provide fruits and vegetables to people through weekly deliveries. She is chair of Kemetic United football club, runs activities for the African community, and classes to boost children's confidence. She is also a Radio Presenter for a Voice FM weekly segment called Voices of Africa.

Windrush 75 Events

As 2023 is the 75th anniversary, we collaborated with local companies to hold Windrush events throughout the city. 
 

  • Creative Skills Workshops

  • Windrush Celebration Sail

  • Southampton Black Archives Launch

  • Windrush Portraits

  • Windrush Portraits: Artists in Conversation

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