Binta 

I’m a 22-year-old poet, lawyer and audio content creator with a focus on the African diaspora through a decolonial lens. I want the Youth Forum to be an instance of the diaspora coming together to empower the community and to recognise all of the beauty, power and talent that exists within it. 

Julia 

I’m 25 years old and I am currently a volunteer at Black Cultural Archives, as well as a member of the Youth Forum. At the moment, I’m working towards opening my own gallery in Zambia and Zimbabwe to help bring light to young artists and African subcultures across Africa.   

Olamide B 

I am a driven, multifaceted individual whose passion for artistic expression and innovative thinking knows no bounds. Each medium allows me to weave stories that resonate with authenticity and creativity, breathing life into the ideas and perspectives that deserve to be heard. My vision is clear. To shape a world that thrives on love, inclusivity, and understanding... one story at a time. 

Terriesia 

I'm a university student currently studying Medicine at King's. I joined the Youth Forum because I firmly believe in the importance of community, and that Black people should be celebrated, lift each other up and know our histories so that we can improve our futures. I'm proud to be a part of a forum that amplifies our voices, and I look forward to working together to make a positive impact on our community. 

Betsy 

I’m a university student studying History. I applied to the Youth Forum to channel my interest in Black British History into actionable outcomes that will help our community to continue learning about and being inspired by our vast history. BCA is a cultural centre for Black British history, thus endowing the Youth Forum with the capacity to significantly impact the Black community in London.   

Tinu 

I am an undergraduate psychology student. I’m very interested in black history, specifically black queer history and culture. In my free time, I enjoy writing and creating art related to my experience as a black queer woman in the UK. 

Kia 

An experience to all that should come across me and my work. A hands-on creative, multifaceted writer and generator of solutions with a way of making strangers fond of me and naysayers nod their yeses.  

My interest in the truth beneath the truth and commitment to beating LOUDLY on the road less travelled to get to it has kept me unsparing with my penmanship, an existential threat to those who love the comfort zone and uninterested in anything that has nothing to do with saving the world. 

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? 

No, it’s Kia Kiasuka-Kiakanda. 

Chiedza

I graduated with a degree in English from The University of Cambridge (2021). I'm currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Law at The University of Law as part of my journey towards becoming a solicitor. Being a part of the Youth Forum is important to me because immersing myself in culture has been a significant part of my journey of personal growth and education. I strongly believe that empowering young voices is key to the endeavour of collecting, preserving and celebrating the histories of people of African and Caribbean descent in the UK. Outside my studies, I'm a part-time photography enthusiast and a full-time Shakespeare fan!

If you are a business or organisation interested in partnering with the Youth Programme by working with us on an event or exhibition, visiting a Youth Programme meeting as a speaker, or inviting us on a trip to your organisation, please email youthforum@bcaheritage.org.uk.

Ithill 

I'm a current undergrad at QMUL studying History and Politics. My interests lie in archival research, particularly surrounding the changes in documentation of Black cultural history over time. I particularly want to see more research done towards the history of Black disability in Britain! My personal areas of interest include intersectionality of Black identity, and East African British history. 

Jesualdo 

Born and raised in Lisbon, I am a multidisciplinary artist with a degree in BA (Hons) Filmmaking from the Northern Film School at Leeds Beckett University. In 2021, I founded its creative collective The Blacker The Berry Project which aims to amplify Black queer and trans artists residing in Africa, the Caribbean, South and Latin America and across the Diaspora through creative interventions such as exhibitions, club nights, workshops and residencies, as well as the pioneering retreat The Blacker The Moses in collaboration with the yoga facility Vale de Moses. 

Nkechi 

I am a recent LSE graduate currently working in the area of social impact. I wanted to get involved with the Youth Forum as art and cultural spaces are a big part of my life. I have visited Black Cultural Archives multiple times in the past and have always enjoyed the exhibitions there. This inspired me to contribute to shaping the future of BCA. 

Olamide T 

I am a British-Nigerian founder, Dj, organiser, facilitator and youth and creative consultant from South London. I plan to bring my network and experience in consulting, event production and community organising into the Youth Forum and to learn more about curation.