Influential Black Elders - Black History Month 2022

About Bernice

My name is Bernice, I was born in what was then known as Port Elizabeth, now known as Gqeberha, South Africa. I am the second eldest child of the late Stephen and Frances Tobias. My mother passed away in January 1967, and in August 1967 we exiled with my late father on exit permits to the UK.

Influencing others and creating change in communities  

I have always had a caring nature. I worked for the Home Office for 35 years until I took early retirement. In 1997 the Home Office launched their race NETWORK. I was instrumental in launching the Network, in making a difference to Black and Asian staff in the organisation. I had the opportunity to make a difference to staff and youth (by attending schools encouraging children to remain in education). In 2010 I discovered that my aunt in South Africa suffered with dementia. Seeing the lack of understanding from family members in dealing with my aunt, I decided to become a carer in the UK thus enabling me to get a greater understanding of dementia. This I can then transfer to family in South Africa, which I did.

Who has influenced you? 

My late father was an activist against the apartheid regime (my late mother working in the background) and my aunt, who is the only surviving member of the 1956 South Africa Women’s March, are the people who have influenced me. The latter is continuing to influence me by sharing her stories of the how and why she’s still so active. Due to her age and condition, I now visit her at home during my visits to South Africa where we have long talks.

Taking pride in being a Black Elder

As a Black Elder of 71 years of age I'm continuing to work with the previous disadvantaged youth in South Africa, involved in making a difference to women in South Africa, by attending focus groups where our priority is on gender-based violence, attempting to link and share good practice with other women’s organisations internationally. I recently learned that adult diapers are very expensive, some care homes and abused women homes have insufficient funds to purchase these, and I'm now in the process of helping such homes.

About Tony

I’m British born but grew up in the island of Jamaica in a district called Whitehall, St. Thomas and trained as a high school teacher there before returning to the land of my birth in 1979. I’ve lived in Birmingham ever since. My wife and I have one daughter who is an opera singer performing all over the world. When I came to the UK, I took a different direction and went into Equity, equality, diversity and inclusion, and I have been doing that for 30 years before taking early retirement. I’ve had Type 2 diabetes for 18 years which is hereditary and I’ve been a diabetes ambassador for the last ten years, doing an average of 150 events per year.

Influencing others and creating change in communities

Had I not been doing my voluntary work as a diabetes awareness ambassador, I don’t think as many people would have taken on the health and wellbeing agenda. COVID-19 brought it home to us, the health disparities/inequalities and the structural racism that many of us face, especially Black African, Black Caribbean and Asian people. I think I’m making a difference in terms of pro-social modelling, i.e. leading by example. I spread the message about health wellbeing, physical activity, healthy eating and living with diabetes, among different communities and enjoy it immensely.

Who has influenced you?

My influence comes from my aunt Mrs. Ina Watson who raised me. She was a primary school teacher. She saw it in me and said, “You’re a bright little boy” and instilled in me the value of education and I haven’t looked back. She was a major influence on how I ended up today, in being able to articulate and express the message of anything to do with awareness raising or Black history/Black culture. It was instilled in me in those days from my early childhood, so she was my greatest influence in terms of where I am now, and for that I am truly grateful.

Taking pride in being a Black Elder

The well-known cliché is giving back to the community, but I’ve always been a community-oriented person. Sharing my knowledge, and as a community activist, as an elder so to speak, it’s important that I pass on the baton in the relay to the next generation. None of us are here forever and I need to impart to younger people the values of life and make sure that they understand that you have to work hard to achieve your goals. In my teaching days, I used to say “A quitter never wins, and a winner never quits”, and of equal importance is the saying often attributed to Aristotle that "The roots of education are bitter but the fruit is sweet."

About Val

I’m aged 70 years old, I’m the CEO of an organisation called Holistic Empowerment Network. It came about as I retired. I was a teacher and am a qualified life coach – I do training, mentoring and the most important thing for me is empowering people to move them from where they are, to where they wish to be. I’m also passionate about equality and justice. I came from the Caribbean aged 13, so have lived here nearly all my life. I’ve experienced the good, the bad and the in-between – I’ve used all those to empower people who are what I call the three Ls – the Least, the Lost and the Last.

Influencing others and creating change in communities

First and foremost, I believe in helping people to get involved and to get their voices heard. I’m an advocate for being positive and believing that there can be change. If we don’t play a part, then there will be no change. From the empowerment sessions that I’ve been having and the feedback that I’ve received, I feel very heartened to see that people are coming out of the box and speaking up.

Who has influenced you?

My influences – coming from a Christian background – and as an ordained minister of religion, I’m influenced by a lady called Joyce Asbury, who I met on a course before going to university. At that time, I lacked confidence and self-esteem, but she was such an encourager and she really inspired me. There are other influences that I see in the media, like Martin Luther King, but Joyce is my main influence.

Taking pride in being a Black Elder

Being a Black Elder means being able to listen to others. My own family is a credit to me, I’ve got three children and they’re my heartbeat. I was divorced and brought them up alone, with the help of God. My children have done me proud. People look at the seeds that I’ve sowed and the fruits that it’s bringing.

About Eli

I’m the Director of StoryAID. I apply storytelling, poetry, and narrative coaching to enhance the dignity, equality, and diversity of people who are currently working or studying and are supported by the Healthcare and Education sectors. The purpose of this work is to ensure people feel empowered, gain confidence to tell their story, are less socially isolated, and can rediscover a balanced life.

Influencing others and creating change in communities

I achieve this through teaching storytelling and supporting amazing people as a Narrative coach. I have the chance to work with incredible and talented people. Together, we’ve created powerful and dynamic programmes.

Who has influenced you?

I have many influences. My Ancestors, parents, and family have helped me to stay grounded and maintain my ancestral gift and purpose. Incredible elders, storytellers, thinkers, and spiritual adventurers, from Stevie Wonder to Sun Ra, have also shaped my life path.

Taking pride in being a Black Elder

I take great pride and comfort from being an Elder of the African diaspora. Being a Black Elder is a recognition that I have not lost my spiritual and ancestral path. My discipline and purpose, storytelling, is a tool of great significance which reconnects me to the ancient craft and is a constant reminder of my responsibility to rediscover and share knowledge of Africa. In addition, I express my pride by delivering the Destorialisation programme and Understanding Eldership programmes with my colleagues Clifton McDonald and Marleen Joseph. I am grateful to be working with people who wish to fundamentally make the world a place of wonder, encourage peaceful co-existence, and learn to live freely, respectfully, with dignity and love.

About Christene

I value lifelong learning, education and thriving inspired by challenging circumstances (overcome) plus spirituality, curiosity and an appreciation of humanity’s higher potential. I consider myself a prized connector, innovator and co-creator. And dear sister-friend!

Influencing others and creating change in communities

Ultimately, in being the only one of your kind present. Recognising pain and privilege, and choices (of my own and others!) encouraged my involvement in holistic and ethnic healthcare matters (investing in development of human potential). Co-founding therapy centres; piloted/delivered counselling service at a teaching hospital; study/ qualified to teach English in a Saturday school; mentoring youth at risk of exclusion from school. I’m grateful that through study, getting qualifications and contacts, collectively people turn wounds into wisdom, have prospered and transformed lives.

Who has influenced you?

A multitude of people inspire me. Too many to name here, but in my daily thanksgiving I presence the Source/universe. And recount my benefactors: Spirit guides, ancestors, family, friends, teachers, authors, artists, poets, travels, the kindness of strangers! My employers who initiated me into mediation; Yogi friends and gifts of Vipassana teacher Goenkaji who brought mindfulness practice into my life. Not least via schooldays/activism, meeting Jocelyn Barrow. Gratitude to Mandela, Miriam Makeba, Maya Angelou, Oprah, Steve Jobs, plus!

Taking pride in being a Black Elder

Through acknowledging being alive and who has lived before me (we are all connected through the ages!), and what challenges numerous Black people have faced and overcome. Valuing learning from people and contexts, past and present, and recognising each being as a contributor, in the web of life. I care to grow and relate with love, be generous, true, and make a valuable difference as I can. And ideally to have a good sense of humour, courage, empathy, cheer and style!

About Carver

I am a practical theologian and social scientist with over 42 years’ experience, working with individuals, families and communities plagued by multiple and complex challenges. As a pastor, one of the Executive Directors and cofounder of the Bringing Hope Charity in Birmingham, we work to support individuals and families impacted by crime and serious violence. Over the years, in my various roles, I have taught, lectured, and presented across Africa, Jamaica, Europe, USA, as well as in many UK cities, relating to practical theology, youth crime, young Black men, social ethics and faith-based interventions. Importantly, my faith-based approaches are governed by a Christian ethos, enabling us to understand spiritual concerns as well as other needs.

Influencing others and creating change in communities  

Through my pastoral work and Bringing Hope’s prison and community support programmes and activities, we have engaged individuals and families characterised as complex, high risk, prolific and ‘hard to engage’. Over the period, our awareness raising activities, presentations, and partnerships relating to criminality and serious violence have interacted with up to 7,000 people via groups, conferences, conventions, seminars, presentations, and meetings within the business, statutory, faith, community, and voluntary sectors. An aspect of our work is to challenge systems that perpetuate injustice. We act as critical friends to public service agencies whose policies have an impact on those with whom we work.

Who has influenced you?

I am a son of two parents (mum is 97 and dad is 92) who have been positive influences in my life. Now as a husband, father, and grandfather, I am still drawing on the moral, ethical, and spiritual teachings of my parents. I am also influenced by the teachings and words of the Late Professor James Cone who said: "When Faith is understood as a commitment to an ultimate concern, then it is obvious that there can be no separation between faith and obedience, because obedience determines faith. I know your faith not by what you confess but only by what you do."

Taking pride in being a Black Elder

Taking pride in being the son of my parents is an honour. Their reminder that I should ensure that I consistently care for my body, soul, and spirit is always a driving force! Of course, this means active and conscious efforts to be healthy in all these areas of life. I am conscious that ageing and mortality are aspects of life that have to be spoken about. Consequently, I do not shy away from talking with other Elders about the idiosyncrasies of being a Black Elder with all that is associated – the highs, lows, joys, aspirations, challenges, loves and hates. My faith and trust in God continue to motivate me to be the best me I can be as I journey through life.

About Coral

I’m a fit and healthy self-disciplined 72-year-old with a wealth of knowledge in caring, supporting, mentoring, implementing with, and listening to people. My experience comes from having been a Registered Nurse, Qualified Midwife, Qualified Social worker and, last but not least, a certified Adult Teacher.

Influencing others and creating change in communities

Being a child of a Windrush family, I take great pride in lessons given to me by my community of elder Black friends and family. I have grasped any opportunities that have come my way, such as the experience of travelling and working in many countries, from working with the impoverished in Jamaica and Egypt to working in the Saudi Arabian desert with the Bedouins, and here in England as a qualified social worker, assessing, planning, implementing and reviewing support that I have put in place.

Who has influenced you?

The knowledge from my experiences has enabled me to have an astute sense for listening to people, helping them to work through their problems, and supporting them to reflect. I enjoy working with people who are vulnerable.

Taking pride in being a Black Elder

Having reached retirement age, I am keen to impart to others, whether one-to-one or on a media platform, my experiences of gaining wisdom, expressing warmth, and helping to inspire others to enrich their lives. It is my hope to help women in being open and true to themselves, as well as being curious and enthusiastic in whatever they do to help them grow.

About Paulette

I work as a community ambassador. I manage an Elderly Day Centre alongside my committed volunteer team which hosts service days each week caring for 25-30 service users each week aged 72 to 98 years of age. Alongside Befriending, home visiting service, food bank, charity shop, meals on wheels to the isolated in support of our Elders within our community. This service ensures they are not isolated, they feel connected and participate within our community having positive experiences. I don't feel this is work, it is tiring but the satisfaction I get from it is priceless. Seeing my 'mums and dads' smile, laugh, skip – it is a joy to see. I also run a youth club for children aged 5-16 years alongside parent and toddler group. I love what I do, I am so proud of how we can impact our Black community in a positive way!

Influencing others and creating change in communities

I look after older people. Our daycentre has successfully helped elders – the youngest is 72, the oldest is 98. We take them on social outings – they’re enjoying their golden years! We offer mental and physical stimulation and also do a food bank. Our youth club also keeps young boys off the streets and addresses gang culture. Our meals and wheels help those who can’t come out their homes.

Who has influenced you?

My father really influences me. Growing up, I saw him work tirelessly, such a positive kind person alongside my Mum who has supported my father with his passion. They are community people who are always doing things for others. Dad (Stan Fairin) started his community work over 30 years ago in a time where barriers were evident but that did not deter him.

Taking pride in being a Black Elder

I take pride when I see all my ‘mums and dads’. When they smile at me or cry it is worth it – I take pride in making their golden years memorable, that’s where I get joy from and it’s what pushes me to keep going. I love being a community ambassador, I received a Queen’s award this year in July and have been mentioned in the UK’s top 500 Jamaican British women leaders. Last month I received a Women’s Award for being a BAME ambassador and positive community outreach outcomes.