Black women authors - Chika Unigwe - The new distinct voice of African Literature.

In our time, Chika Unigwe has become one of the distinct voices of African literature. With several of her works - fiction, Poetry, articles and educational materials published both in journals, and as stand alone.
In 2003, Chika won the BBC short story competition for her story 'Borrowed Smiles', she also won the commonwealth short story award for her story 'Weathered Smile' and a flemish literary prize for 'De Smaak Van Sneeuw'.  She also won several other prizes including a nomination of her first short story written in Dutch 'The Secret  and another being nominated for the 2004 Caine prize. In 2007, she received the UNESCO - Aschberg fellowship for a creative writing and of a 2009 Rockerfeller foundation fellowship for creative writing too.
She became the first African Flemish author with her first novel 'De Freniks published in Dutch in 2005. Recently, she published her second novel 'On Black Sisters' Street'  which was first released in Dutch under the title, 'Fata Morgana. Today, 'On Black Sisters' Street ' have won also the NLNG prize for literature.

My Black woman speaks to the first and only Black woman presenter on BBC radio Gloucestershire at the time - Evadney Campbel.

Evadney speaks to My Black woman of her journey through journalism and being the first and only black woman presenter on BBC radio Gloucestershire. This will by no means be a small shoe to fit. In our chat, she tells of it and why she had to leave after over 20 years to start her own business with her daughter. Read on to hear what she says...

shilohpr

You were once the only Black woman he BBC radio . How did that make you feel at the time?

I was not actually the only Black woman working at BBC Radio Gloucestershire, the team I worked with included other women of colour both from an African Caribbean and Asian background.  I was the first and only Black woman presenter on BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

What of now looking back and seeing where you are today?

It feels like a lifetime ago – and it is, it is over 25 years ago now and I would never have believed it would lead to where I am today.  I started presenting as a hobby with no real desire for it to become my career.  That journey has lead me into a job I have enjoyed immensely and now a future that I’m looking forward very much to, running my own Company.

How would you describe your time during those years?

I presented the magazine programme for BBC in Gloucestershire then, Bristol and Wiltshire were added for a total of 17 years from 1987.  I totally enjoyed that experience.

In 1999 after completing a PostGraduate degree in Broadcast Journalism, I joined the BBC as a full-time Broadcast Journalist.  Throughout my time with the BBC, which ended December 2012, I have been fortunate to have, had a wonderful experience.  The majority of my time with the BBC has involved me working with the community in particular those described as ‘hard to reach’ and as it was that interest in the community which lead me into the media in the first place, it felt that, my true calling was being met.  

The decision, which leads me to leave the BBC in the end, was the fact that I was no longer doing this, and did not believe the opportunity to work so closely with the community as a reporter would again become a reality.

Evidently, Black women are most likely not willing to tell their stories especially positive ones. Did this give you any compulsion to search out these stories?

I’m not aware of this fact; I spent a majority of my time as a journalist searching out stories, which had strong human interest.  I did not actively seek out stories, which were particularly about Black women.  Most of my time, particularly my years in news, were spent trying to unearth good news stories which I believed had strong news values and, which were therefore of interests to a wide cross-section of the community.  Sometimes those were stories, which may have particular impact on women but whilst I made specific efforts to dig out stories from the Black community, those were not gender specific.  I also worked hard at ensuring a balance reflection of our community on news stories I worked on.

You worked with BBC for over 17 years, why did you leave?

In total I actually worked for over 25 yrs. with the BBC.  Initially as a freelance presenter/producer and for almost 13 yrs. I worked as a Broadcast Journalist.  I left in the end because of a number of reasons, some mentioned earlier, but I also really wanted to work for myself and felt the time was right.  

During my years working in the community, I was also conscious of a need for small businesses, local charities and some voluntary groups particularly those from the BME communities to be trained on how to work with the media. I have always had an interest in giving those less able, the opportunity to be able to tell their stories through the media and I believe I will be able to do this through my Company.

Tell me about your PR venture, how is it getting on?

My daughter and I have formed a Public Relations and Media Training Company, Shiloh PR.  Shiloh PR specialises in public relations, media training and event publicity.

We aim to work with Companies, organisations and individuals that recognise the value of the multicultural market but do not know how to reach this target group, or have a niche brand they would like to reach the mainstream market, we have, we believe, a thorough, unique and up to date understanding of how to achieve this.

We have strong enviable contacts within mainstream, ethnic and grassroots media, especially those aimed at the African and Caribbean communities so understand the best way of ensuring that target demographic discover our clients’ event, product or service.

We also provide clients with a range of complimentary services including media training, photography, feature writing and social media advice.

You have an MBE to your name. How amazing?

It was amazing and a shock.  Something I would never in my wildest dreams imagine would happen to me.  I was awarded the MBE in January 1994 for ‘Services to the African and Caribbean Community in Gloucestershire’.  You can imagine, at that time, I had never met anyone who had been given such an award and did not even know how one got such accolades.  I had been doing voluntary work since I was in my teens.  It was something I was passionate about and, as explained above was the reason I was asked to present the specialist programme on BBC Radio Gloucestershire in the first place.

Although I am immensely proud of this, until recently, I did not really appreciate how significant this is.  I know it is contentious for some people to accept these honours but, for me my Community wanted me to accept it, they were very proud of my achievement and I now embrace it for them.

Are women embracing social media effectively to boost their businesses and self?

I think this depends on the age of the woman.  Young women totally embrace the use of Social Media to boost themselves as well as their businesses.  They really understand the importance of social media and are totally confident in using it to their advantage.

Part of the training Shiloh PR does with businesses and in particular women in business is to explain how effective social media can be but we also try to point out the dangers if you do not know how to use it properly.

Many people are using lots of different social media tools without really understanding how to use it effectively or even whether the ones they are using are the most appropriate for what they want to achieve.

How would you compare your days working with BBC and working for yourself as a PR guru now?

It is still very early days for the PR Company and I really wouldn't describe myself as a PR guru; the one important difference for me however is the freedom I now have to do the type of work I want to do.

I also love the joy of not having that dreaded ‘Sunday evening sick feeling’ that feeling you get when you think of having to go to work on a Monday morning.  I try to arrange my working hours to work from home on Monday mornings so I don't have that feeling.  

I love being able to decide my own working hours.  At the moment, even though I work until really late in the evenings, it never feels like work so I am loving working for myself.

What keeps you grounded given the challenges of running one's own business?

This is a tough one; at the moment, I am focused on the end result.  I have strong faith and therefore believe that everything will work out for the best. I pray on my decisions and believe in positive thinking. I am generally one of those people who always believe the glass is half full and if I do get down, which I do, I allow myself some time to feel that way but not to allow it to take over.

I love spending time with my family and friends and enjoy nothing better than entertaining them at home.  Cooking is my hobby.

You do have periodic media training and workshops, what do you tell women ?

I tell women to make the media work for them.  Don't be afraid to use it.  It is a great medium for exposing their services to potentially millions of new customers/clients.  Learn how to access it and identify the ways of maximizing their media opportunities.

What is your greatest fear?

That I am unable to achieve my ultimate dream of being able to work from anywhere in the world, so I can spend six months of every year in the UK and six months somewhere hot, preferably Jamaica.

I don't really have anything I can say I fear at the moment. I am just excited about the future and confident we will make Shiloh PR the ‘Go to’ PR specialist Company in the UK within five years.

Pearl!!!

Corinne when faced with going jobless and caring for her ill Son, she created a thriving business for herself.- She's Royal Head Wraps.

She has to stand up to her son's illness due to Sickle cell, she had to choose between keeping her work and becoming a stay at home mum. But then Corinne in the midst of it all tapped back into her natural gift to give it her all. Started her own business and now living a life that is balanced and today she can care for her son, and yet earn enough to keep the family healthy. Corinne shares her journey with all of this with my black woman.

Corinne Roberts.  Mother to young teenager, who has Sickle Cell Disease. The nature of his illness is that you never know when he'll have a painful crisis, resulting in him being admitted to hospital. Hence the reason She decided to become self employed.

A former secondary school Art and Design Teacher and had always relished the thought of working for herself.  She became more and more convinced, when my son has his first crisis and had to be hospitalised.  There she was doing her job, which she loved, working with children and having to be there for them, and felt she couldn't be with her son who needed her then, as teaching is not a profession where, you can be absent for too long as children need the consistency of a regular teacher.

"I continued teaching, but the more times he was admitted to hospital, the more I realised I need to have a job that would allow for me to look after my son when he was in a crisis." 

She then began working as a freelance  Jeweler tutor and Black History Month Presenter. Allowing her to fit in her working days around her son's sudden hospital admissions.  She also started doing Youth Work at another company, as well as co-ordinating all the Art and Design Summer programmes. 

"It was a fantastic company to work for as I was able to be truly creative as I am an artist first, educator second. The company Elevating Success procured a contract for me to facilitate my Head wrapping Workshop at a college as part of their Black History Activities, it was a hit!"

Finally  Corinne could set up She’s Royal Wraps in February 2012.  As the name suggests, it promotes the regality of head wrapping.  Through informative workshops, it dispels all the negativity that is sometimes associated with head wrapping. 

It serves in part as a retail outlet, where you can purchase African Print headwrapers.

What is different about She’s Royal Wrap head wraps, is that Corinne has created written literature that teaches one how to wrap in five easy steps, this is exclusive to my company. 

"I created it because, we all learn differently, and for some being there and seeing how I wrap will be enough for them to wrap themselves, but there are others for whom having the step by step, to hand, will find it particularly useful.  It also lends itself to be given as a complete present".

She's Royal Wraps also provides a range of Jewellery Making  Programs, Creative workshops and Head wrapping, at a variety of skill levels :

 team building workshops for employees :  which provides a chance for colleagues to unwind as they explore their creativity in a harmonious working group.

Intergenerational training: where parents, grandparents and carers can work alongside family members to create a display of jewellery items.

Themed workshops such as African Jewellery making as part of Black History Month.

Classes for 6-11 year olds during the school day or holiday time.

 Also available is a one - off taster days at school fairs.

For interest in any of these, contact My Black Woman - myblackwoman@fauntee.com 

Samona Naomi Williams is bound for the skies not the Wheelchair.

When Samona was struck by a rare illness that kept her bound to wheelchair and bed, it seemed like the world had came crashing on her. However, she was determined to be who she is created to be. Discovering the strength in her, her power, her rare gift of strength, she found her way around to cheat this life destroying illness. It is said this rare condition is incurable, can only be managed with combination of cocktail of medications. With such condition so threatening, humiliating and above all disarming, with unpredictable situations that comes like a wave of storm. Samona struggles to live and cope with daily normal life challenges like bathing etc. She was bound to be a burden and no longer the beautiful young rising film director who was a real asset.
Holding on to that special thing within, Samona collaborates with her photographer friend to create stunning images that are never been seen before. These images have not only been a source of strength and security for Samona but has become a source of inspiration, motivation and hope for many. It has become a campaign creating awareness on this illness.

How does Samona feel about her condition and where does she find strength to keep going ?
"Realising I wasn't going to recover easily, or quickly or worst still ever, I didn't know what to do. I had nightmares and I thought I could end it - MY LIFE!
There wasn't anyway I would live a life of being a burden to anyone. I felt worthless.
But then somehow, my strength soared thinking of diamonds, golds and all the beautiful and valuable things of life all went through immense pressure to become what they are. Then I began to see my illness from a different perspective, I began to see my value, my worth. I slowly began to see my illness as less torment more of growing into something greater than I have been. Today I could still contribute to my family and society by merely allowing myself to be me."

In trying to cope with this rare condition, Samona and her friend created an art project with their stunning images to tell the story of a woman BOUND to for the wheelchair but finds a way to cheat an illness that is not just debilitating my has no place in the life of anyone.

"This project BOUND meant I didn't have to be afraid any more. It gave me purpose, it soothed my pain and calmed my dark thoughts. It gave me my life back".

Samona's images will be exhibited at the Images of Black Women films festival kicking off May 4th and runs everyday till 11th of May.

*This will be another chance to get an exclusive sneak preview of what to expect from the main event as we will be planning a full "Bound" exhibition with all the images later in the year.

Main Bound Art Exhibition September 2013  - Will keep you updated on the launch party,

"Bound" is a collection of photographs depicting my journey through illness, and is a raw, unrestricted look at the moods and feelings I have experienced since being diagnosed. The photographer is Anthony David King*.

Samona's full story features on C.Hub magazine issue 3 out now. 

C.Hub issue 3

Meet My Black Woman's Woman of the month: Fikayo the bespoke luxury event planner.

Fikayo being a natural problem solver and designated organiser amongst friends and family with a creative flair , Fikayo has always been destined  to launch Simply Kayo. Her own Nigerian birth and partial upbringing sprinkled with British schooling, life and culture are the backbone of the Simply Kayo concept.

After a short but varied city career in Corporate Restructuring, Risk Management, Strategy, Business Development and CSR, Fikayo followed her natural passions and launched Simply Kayo; which she fondly calls ‘SK’.

In a few short years, she has established Simply Kayo as the go to luxury event company for the discerning client who seeks Fikayo’s bespoke, exclusive, creative yet seamless touch in their event. - (Source Website).

It is the success and creative touch of Simply Kayo that brings My Black Woman's attention to the woman behind all these. In our chat, I try to know why and how she has been able to make event planning so lucrative. Read this!

Did you have to leave your well paid job to start SimplyKayo?

Actually, I haven't left my job. I work in my family business which gives me quite a bit of flexibility to pursue SK. Planning coordination and design are my passion. They give me so much pleasure that eventually I will leave my job to do this full time.

Did you train to be an event planner at some point?

I studied business studies with a specialism in marketing at University. Prior to that, I had always known that I wanted to run my own business. But I just didn't know what at the time. During Uni, I discovered that I loved planning events and that I was good at it.

Where did you study ?

I studied at City University's Cass Business School.

How much satisfaction have you had starting SK?

I love creating and coming up with concepts. I love researching and planning to make the concept a reality and I particularly love event days. SK gives me the opportunity to work in the line of my passion and despite the hard work, this keeps me going.

What makes SK different from the whole lot?

I started SK with the idea to plan events for people 
like me. People who may have grown up with more than one culture influencing them. Particularly some kind of ethnic heritage and the western culture. I think it of it as, if I were throwing a party, the various aspects of my personality would play a role. My Nigerian upbringing would have an influence, my British environment would also play a role. My tastes and preferences would also play a role. We help to combine all the things that make you you and add the bespoke element, the creative element and style to create a luxury event.

When you say event planning, where do you start and where do you end?

Event planning starts with designing the event, the concept, any themes and this starts with the client. Once we have come up with a concept, we can then get to work  planning how to bring that concept to life; working out budgets, timeline,skill sets needed and other details. it all culminates into the execution of the event on the day. It's always wonderful seeing it all come together on the day. Personally I get a rush from the hustle and bustle of event day and seeing my clients so happy.

What type of events do you undertake?

We plan and design weddings,bridal and baby showers, birthdays, dinner parties, anniversaries, galas, product launches and award ceremonies

How do you keep up with developing new design concepts? Where do you find inspiration?

I don't think there's ever a shortage of ideas as there's inspiration everywhere . Online particularly, shop displays home interiors and other random things.

How much does it cost to have SK plan your event?

We tailor our offerings to suit our clients specific needs so depending on this,we send them a proposal accordingly

Is there any event too big for SK to handle?

The very first SK event was a 500 guest Nigeria wedding so that experience has given us a good grounding for large events.

How many events are you capable of handling at a time?

Although I have a team that work with me, I am the principal planner and designer and work directly with clients. In the past, I have worked on 4 events at one time all at different stages of planning or design.

Are you married, do you have kids? how do you keep up all these?

No I am not yet married and I don't have any children. I do love kids though and hope to have at least 3 in the future.

Nubian Beauty photography: Beauty, Nudity and the Black Woman. A Woman's quest to get it right.

Louise Sam is a 'Western Medical Herbalist turned photographer. In her quest to explore the relationship between concepts of beauty and the human body leads her to launch the Nubian Photography. The human body which is specifically the Black woman's body is what she is to discover.

 In this time, launching the Nubian photography, she finds that the 'Nude Black Woman's body holds a strong historic significance. That negative stereotype of the 'Black Woman's Body' are still present in this modern day is something that eludes her.

Having been a nature photographer (her original passion) and moving into sports photography, Louise have had the opportunity to travel around and across England and Asia taking epic images for Muay Thai boxers and camps in London and Thailand.
Louise chats with MY Black Woman on the relevance of her launching the Nubian photography, the meaning of beauty and all that you need to understand about the 'Black woman's Body and beauty.

How does your medical experience influence your understanding of beauty and how do you translate this knowledge into creating beautiful images?

My experience as a herbalist has given me the opportunity to better understand how the systems of the body interact, but also how the body interacts with our environment, with other people, with the things that we ingest and absorb into our bodies etc. Beauty therefore surpasses our physical form and like creating images, it requires constant work and discovery.

How long have you been a photographer?

I have always had a great appreciation for photography, as my father is an amazing photographer. However, I took up photography on a more professional level about eight years ago.

What truly inspires you?

Although we tend to moan about it, the weather in Britain is quite inspirational. In places like the Caribbean we do not get to see such extreme changes in the seasons. In Britain the way in which the same landscape can look so different throughout the year is incredible. The movement of spring and the colours of autumn are some of the most beautiful sights that I have ever seen.

Is this your first exhibition?

It is the first time that I am exhibiting a collection of my images. It’s quite exciting.

How does sports, nature and photography define who you are?

I think it goes back to the way in which all of these things interact that enables me to keep exploring myself, the world and the people around me.

Why did you choose to launch nude photography?

A big part of the inspiration for the Nubian Nude shoot is to begin to identify our definitions of beauty as women of African descent. When I began to look into the topic I was finding that there have been and there continues to be many taboos about the nude Black woman. In some cases she was associated with sexual exploitation, promiscuity and often ridiculed.

How far has the stereotype against the black woman affected her personality, self esteem and development?

The aim of my work now is to explore how these past experiences influence us in the age of the video vixen. From speaking with some women in the community it is evident that we have issues with accepting and understanding our bodies which has detrimental effects on our self-esteem and the relationships that we form with others.




What significance is it for you to express the Black woman’s beauty through nude photography

Being photographed nude is a very powerful experience because there are no shields or disguises. It captures our insecurities but it enables us to chart our development and growth as we work towards understanding and challenging those insecurities.

How do you define beauty and who is an ideal woman?

I would say beauty is a constant discovery and exploration. It is forever changing but at the same time grounded. An ideal woman would therefore be someone who is willing to learn and evolve.

What’s the best thing that has happened to you as a photographer?

The best things are probably being able to take images for family or friends when they have organised events and being able to give them a memento of their efforts.

What advice would you give to the Black woman regarding herself, beauty and the stereotype?

It is important to constantly challenge our ideals and definitions of beauty. We always need to question whether these definitions are our own or taken from other cultures or ethnicities. We need to speak with other Black women around and be open to new ideas.

The Nubian beauty photography exhibition will be held on the 25th of January 2013. Louise is on twitter: @LouiseSSam.

　

　

Meet Nkechi Okakpu: The Top Model Of Colour Season 7 Finalist

My pearl girl Nkechi Okakpu is  one of The Top Model Of Colour Season 7 Finalist due to take place later on this year. Currently works in the Finance industry but have always had an interest in Fashion.

 Nkechi Okakpu has had a fascination about Fashion, its' designers and the level of creativity and individuality involved in translating your ideas into fabric.

As a model, when she is on the runway or on a photoshoot, she believes in being a blank canvas to the designers/photographers and in the same breath allowing her personality to shine through and make the deserved statement.

" My personal style is a combination of trends befitting my mood at that present time or to suit the environment I'm in. I have always had an avid interest in Fashion and modelling and what best way to marry both of my passions by being a fashion model", she says.

Nkechi, fondly called Nikki by pals has featured in the following: Fashions Finest Renaissance fashion show, Mahogany Bridal fashion show 2012, Afro Hair & Beauty Live Show with AfroChic Catwalk, DAC Beachcroft,The John Utaka Foundation charity, Adebayo Jones, Kosibah collection label, Hats designer Lyze etc. When asked, she answers

Vendula London

,"I try to be attentive to what is happening around me and then form my own interpretation of it. Let my personality shine through my originality and modern day combination of fabric and colours. I love being open minded when it comes to fashion experimentation".

 Her Measurements areHeight: 5ft 10 (with out heels)
Waist: 26ins
Bust 34b
Hips: 36ins
UK dress size 8
UK shoe size 7
You can connect with Nkechi on twitter @NikkieNkis
Pearl!

Pepper Okwesa talks fashion, style and the confidence from within.

                                                   



Pepper Okwesa.

"Accept your flaws , be yourself, be proud of who you are . Feel free to talk about your heritage " 
- Pepper  Okwesa (fashion journalist and celebrity stylist).

  She  also tells Faunteewrites about her Tshirt range (Purple Pepper), confidence and style, and the colours to watch out for this summer. 
















Tell me about your Purple Pepper Tshirt range
Couple of years ago,  I began on this pet project (Purple Pepper)  which is a taste of idea, a combination of message on how to play your cards right, and representing the history of African Queens and Kings. Telling a story of my upbringing  and experiences.

From my first collection, I have not developed the label much because of all my other projects, and I wouldn't call myself a designer, rather I have ideas and concepts that I like to express through clothing sometimes and it’s available for anyone who wishes to wear it. I have the collection available in our Retrospective vintage boutique in Lagos at the moment.

There has been a surge in the African fashion industry, what do you think is keeping the drive?

I guess it comes from an inefficiency and ignorance to truly represent African culture, fashion and style for what it really is for such a long time. Our fashion and experiences have been dominated by the West for too long and we are now in an era where people are simply fed up with being told who they are, about their culture or even what to wear. People are now taking steps to represent their work and having their voice and contributions heard. I think social media has been a great tool in making things happen for the industry. It's much easier now to have people network, share ideas and have their say. Media now is no longer in the hands of a few. There are new publications appreciating and expressing African fashion and style. So with all this going on it just seems like an explosion waiting for too long to happen.

   

What is the market reaction to these all, are they buying?

Yes! People are buying, embracing the creativity, quality and uniqueness of African print s, textiles and style also to support the industry. African fashion has gone beyond mere cutting and sewing Ankara. I am a little concerned about the strong focus of African fashion being solely luxury and high end in terms of price points when at times it is not justified. It would be very good when the industry has a platform and structure for more designers and brands to make African fashion more accessible and relevant to the everyday person. People are also buying African brands because the design quality and aesthetic have improved, though I still feel closer attention can be paid to craftsmanship as opposed to jumping onto the numerous fashion show and event bandwagons. I think this would help ensure the industry is not about trend rather my vision for African fashion is to be sustainable, empowering and timeless.

What do you recommend as a wardrobe must have for a busy Black woman and why?

a). Head wrap – especially in an African or a tasteful print. I love wraps for bad hair days and when I am in the cold.
b). Shoes with platform or wedged heel - they will keep you glamorous yet comfortable.
c). Classic blazer: Gives you the look of not trying too hard. A good stylish and well fitted blazer will always keep you looking on point and sophisticated.
d). Accessories: whatever your taste in accessories, the right combination will help you bring your look together, help you dress up or dress down for the occasion

What colours do it for you?

Honestly my choice of colour depends on my mood at a particular period. However, I like wearing colours that compliment my complexion. For me for example I would go for coral/oranges, red and turquoises; which work for dark skin tones and are uplifting. When I want to keep it fresh and clean I opt for whites and nudes. Of course you can’t go wrong with black!

Who is your Favourite African designer?

I don’t have one favourite designer rather I admire different elements of designers or their collection. What springs to mind first; I love Deola Sagoe because she is just a goddess when it comes to the art of storytelling through culture and fashion. Grey- I love their use of colour they are fresh and appealing. I am always happy when I wear a Grey piece. I think Maki Oh is a creative genius, her use of indigenous textiles is amazing and timeless. I am crazy about prints so Duro Oluwo is a favourite for me here too, his designs are so elegant yet eclectic. I really like Bestow Alan, Chichia London, because of their beautiful designs and consistency. There is a brand called To-orist that I really like too, I love their aesthetic and combination of art in their collections. I also love designers like Samantha Cole, Anita Quansha, Beatrice K Newman, who are not afraid to push boundaries.

How can African women use their style to express confidence and yet sexy?

First thing is coming to terms with yourself and accepting your flaws. Knowing your shape and going with who you are rather than imitating or trying to be someone else is also vital to confidence building. You are who God made you and no one can change that. Stay simple, stay you and people will come to know you for your own style and appreciate that. It is also very important for the ones that look up to you. Like your daughter, niece, sister etc, they will see that you are confident in your own skin and try to emulate that which is very important for young women in today’s society.

What trend do you predict this summer?

This summer there will be a lot of 1920s references in fashion, with flapper dressers, tassels etc; that whole Gatsby era. Colours will be bright again, especially in the way of techno or the ‘CYMK’ colour scheme – neon, citrus and strong blue hues. I think we will see a lot of lace this summer and of course African print and patterns will be very predominant this season.

All of Yoanna Okwesa (aka; Pepper): A journey through fashion and the runway.

Pepper makes magic with Kesh. (Pineapple).

"London girl with Lagos pumping in her veins and Cuba in her heart" is how this fashion guru Pepper would describe herself.



Pepper's deep passion for creating visual phenomena that can only be concieved in the mind gives her the power to achieve extra-odinary results in her styling.(She ain't a dreamer, proud of her).

Through the art of story telling, using photography and garments, she contributes her "two penny and naira" to the global world of outstanding, adorable fashion, art and style.

At the tender age of  15, Pepper started styling and organising school and church fashion shows without having idea of what fashion meant.( I can imagine sweet innocent girl).  All  her mind then was to use her imagination at every given opportunity to create something that leaves every one on the wow. Pepper like any other little girl with her own mind, definitely broke some rules, spent her pocket money on chocolates, clothes, and of course glossy magazines. Any thing that intrigues her.( You know what? and she still does).

Pepper went on to become a freelance stylist with BA Hons degree in Culture, Society and Communications from the University of Birmingham. She is currently undertaking an MA in strategic Fashion Marketing and Management at the London College of Fashion.

Pepper has since been exposed to the world and work of Fashion. Working as Creative Director for various runway shows, fashion editorials and commercial projects. She has also begun working as a Fashion brand and Marketing consultant.

In the last two years, Pepper worked as the Fashion Editor of Fab Magazine. She holds various roles at Pride magazine,The mayor of London's Kulture 2 Couture Fashion exhibitions, Maria Grachvogal and at  London Fashion weeks.

 

Pepper's Creations

 

Pepper has worked along side award winning Fashion photographers Suby & Sinem and other sought after photographers like Kelechi Amadi- Obi, Moussa Moussa, Asiko and Jide Alakija. She also has Styled for Arise, Fab, BHF, Canoe, Pride, New African Woman, and True Love Magazines.

My pearl sister has also been styling celebrities on and off the shores; Shingai from the Noisettes, M3nsa and Wanlov The Kubolor,Wiz Kid, Bez Idakula, Eldee, Eku Edewor, Flavour, Yvonne Vixen Ekwere, Keffe, Shiikane and Duncan Daniels to name a few.

She has also been the creative director for a variety of Designers such as Nkwo, Re-Bahia and Zebra Living.

Pepper in her spare time attends to her pet clothing label project - Purple pepper clothing label( though she does not take herself to be a designer) borne from her love of art ,her heritage and photography. Otherwise she helps her sisters collect vintage and retro accessories and clothing for their Boutique - retrospective in Lagos.

We follow Pepper @purplepepperlov.



Pearl!

Black women of Academics.

Toni Morris

Toni Morrison:

A literary icon. A woman filled with knowledge and zeal that we are proud to copy. A pearl woman setting the pace for the next generation of writers.

In what seemed like an informal gathering with friends of writers and poets, Toni’s first novel – The bluest eyes was born. She had told the group a short story of a black girl who longed to have blue eyes. Given the positive reactions that she received, she decided to develop the story into a novel, which became a success. Having had a huge success with the bluest of eyes, Toni went on to release her second novel Sula which was to rocket her into the limelight. Sula was nominated for The National Book Award. Although the novel did not make it, she was not going to give in or give up. Morrison went on to release yet another novel Song of Solomon. As soon as Song of Solomon hit the racks, it was literally the BOMB! Song of Solomon won The National Book Critics Circle Award. Making it the second novel by a black writer to be so awarded.

Toni’s 4^th novel Beloved won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction and The American Book Award. However failed to win the National Book Award sparking a huge protest from other writers. But later in 1998, Beloved was streamed into a film starring Oprah. 2006 saw Beloved named by The New York Times as the best American Novel published in the last twenty-five years.

Aside her many accolade, Morrison lectured English at the State University of New York. She was later appointed to the Albert Schweitzer chair at the University of Albany, and until retirement, she held the Robert Goheen chair in the humanities at Princeton University(where the first Lady Michelle Obama graduated from) .
She founded the Princeton Atelier to help emerging literary and arts students to collaborate with world class artists. Which has been spectacularly phenomenon.

                        The Facts:

Toni’s Novels and years released:

The bluest of eyes……….1970.

Sula……………………   1973.

Song of Solomon ……….1977.

Beloved …………………1987.

Tan Baby………………  1981.

A Mercy………………….2008

Awards and Honours:

Honourable Doctor of Letters Degree – Rutgers University. ………………………………...                                                                    May, 2011.

Doctor of Letters Degree                    Oxford University……………………………………..                                            .June,2005.

National Book Foundation’s Medal of Distinguished

Contributions to America’s Letters…………………………………………………………………                                       1996.

Nobel Prize in literature……………………………………                                                                       1993.

Pulitzer Prize for fiction………………………………………………                                                              1987.

American Book Award………………………………………………                                                              1987.

Visiting professorship --  Bard college ………………………………………………                                                                          1987.

Barnard Medal of distinction  --  Barnard College………………………………………………..                                                          1979.

National Book Critics Circle Award  ……………………………………………….                                                                          1977.

Pearlwoman!

Prof. Anionwu

Prof. Elizabeth Nneka, Anionwu.

         (RN, PhD, CBE, FRCN).

Prof. Elizabeth is a pearl woman. A nursing educator. An academic promoting a multi-ethnic perspective in nursing and midwifery recruitment, education, research and practice. In 1998, when the centre for the promotion of the above mentioned was established, Elizabeth named it after MarySeacole for her unsung contributions to nursing soldiers in the Crimean war.

Elizabeth was born and raised in Birmingham by her Nigerian parents. Her father; Mr L.O.V Anionwu was a barrister and ambassador to the UK.

She went on to study Nursing and is a Professor and Head of the Mary Seacole centre for nursing practises at Thames Valley University. She is also an Honorary Professor at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

In 1979, Anionwu was appointed the first ever Sickle cell and Thalasseamia counsellor in Britain. She became the head of the Brent Sickle Cell and Thalasseamia centre in 1990. From then on, she lectured at the institute of Child Health, University College London, as the senior lecturer in community and genetic counselling.

Elizabeth’s time in nursing have seen her publish several books in this area, including but not only The politics of Sickle Cell and Thalaseamia, CO written with Dr Karl Atkin and published in 2001 by Open University Press. Also in 2005, she was commissioned to write a short history of Mary Seacole by the Royal College of Nursing.

As we speak, Elizabeth is a member of The King’s Fund Management Committee, The NHS Sickle Cell and Thalaseamia Screening Programme Implementation Group. She is also, the vice chair person  to the Department of Health’s Refugee Health Professional’s Task Force. She is again the patron of the Sickle Cell and Thalaseamia Association of Counsellors. She remains also the treasurer to the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal. The Queen also has awarded Elizabeth CBE for her services to Nursing.

©Fauntee writes.2012-03-27