2026 LAUNCH
Theme: Honouring Our Communities
This year we ......
The launch was opened by Pat Evemy, 804th Mayor of Southampton.
We were delighted to welcome acclaimed historian and author Professor Hakim Adi, and Chief Fire Officer Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, as our Keynote speakers.
We received a live storytelling performance from Kolade (More Than Stories), and had poems read to us by students from St. George Catholic College.
GUEST SPEAKERS
Sabrina Cohen-Hatton: Chief Fire Officer - Hants IOW Fire & Rescue Service
Jayanti Shah: Founder of Black History Month South
COUNCILLOR
Pat Evemy: 804th Mayor of Southampton
ABOUT PROFESSOR HAKIM ADI
In 2015 Hakim Adi became the first historian of African heritage to be appointed a professor of history in the UK, later launching the world's first online Master of Research (MRes) in the History of Africa and the African Diaspora. His extensive bibliography includes seminal works such as Pan-Africanism: A History, and Africa and Caribbean People in Britain: A History, which was shortlisted for the prestigious Wolfson History Prize and translated into multiple languages. Beyond traditional academia, Professor Adi is deeply committed to grassroots education, public engagement and mentorship. He was instrumental in founding the History Matters initiative and serves as the founder and consultant historian for the Young Historians Project, an organisation dedicated to empowering the next generation of researchers. His expertise is frequently sought across television, radio, and documentary film, successfully bridging the gap between academic research and public consciousness to ensure that marginalised narratives are amplified and widely accessible. In recognition of his lifelong dedication, his work has garnered significant international acclaim, including the 2024 Outstanding African Studies Award from the Cabral Centenary Medallion. As a keynote speaker for Black History Month South 2026, Professor Adi brings an inspiring wealth of knowledge, challenging audiences to reflect on historical truths while actively shaping the future of education and representation.
ABOUT DR SABRINA COHEN-HATTON KFSM
Sabrina began her fire service career with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service in 2001. Sabrina served as a Deputy Assistant Commissioner for London Fire Brigade and has held senior fire service roles in Surrey and West Sussex, where she was Chief Fire Officer and led the service through a significant programme of improvement. Throughout her career, Sabrina has taken on secondments with the National Operational Guidance Programme, National Fire Chiefs Council and His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire & Rescue Services. In September 2025, Sabrina joined Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service as Cheif Fire Officer. In the 2024 Birthday Honours List, Sabrina was awarded the Kings Fire Service Medal (KFSM) for distinguished service and gallantry. Sabrina has studied at the Open University and then at Cardiff University, completing a PhD with research focussed on Behavioural Neuroscience whilst serving as an operational fire officer. She is recognised as a leading international expert on risk-critical decisioon-making in crises. Her research into incident command in the emergency services has not only won awards but has also influenced policy at a global level. Her operational experience includes the terror attacks at Westminster and Finsbury Park, as well as the aftermath of the Grenfell tragedy. She is the National Fire Chiefs Council Improvement Committee chair, as well as the National Lead for working dogs. Sabrina is an Honorary Fellow and Professor in the School of Psychology at Cardiff University, and she holds numerous further Honorary titles in recognition of her research. Sabrina was recognised as being within a select group of the best leaders in the UK and beyond when she was awarded prestigious chartered companion status by the Chartered Management Institute. In 2018, Sabrina also achieved chartered psychologist status, the highest standard of psychological expertise with the British Psychological Society. Sabrina is a strong advocate for social mobility and is an advisor on ending homelessness to Prince William for Homewards, as well as an ambassador for The Big Issue and Street Vet.
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