BHM Inspirational Speakers event 2022

The evening started with a powerful opening address from Mr. Brown, in which he provided context and insight into his lived experience as an educator who witnessed racial abuse in schools being dealt with poorly, early in his career. His speech ended with him highlighting the need for a school’s staff body to reflect its students’ diversity and highlighted Urswick leadership role models of black African/Caribbean heritage; both past and present.

Our first 2 speakers were Dr. Mallet (specialist registrar obstetrics and gynaecology) and Dr. Fletcher-Rogers. Dr. Mallet spoke candidly about growing up in a single parent home and being the eldest of six children. She outlined the determination it took to be the first in her family to go university, alongside the acceptance that success is not a linear process. Dr. Fletcher-Rogers, shared that she struggled academically during secondary school and attributed her success to hard work. Both were messages that resonated with both parents and students alike.

Next up was the CEO of Mentivity, Sayce Holmes-Lewis who was recently awarded the Black Cultural Archives’ – Future Leaders Award. He delivered a powerful speech about his childhood, pro and semi pro football career and how he used his experiences through football coaching to support, mentor and develop young people in his local area. This further encouraged him to create Mentivity – an award-winning mentoring programme. A lasting message from Sayce was that you can turn negatives into a driving force of positive change.

One of our Sixth Form alumni, Javaughn McNeish, shared his journey since leaving TUS 6^th Form Academy – from university graduate to owner of his own recruitment company. He shared how he found a passion and put in the hours to develop a fruitful business.

The actor, Junior Salokun, known for his portrayal of Madder in the movie Blue Story shared a relatable and familiar journey. A man of Nigerian heritage whose family weren’t immediately supported of his acting ambition. After completing his degree, he invested in himself to develop his acting skills to land his role in Blue Story. He also shared that he has been cast in another movie and we wish him the best of luck in his new role!

Our final speaker was Creative Consultant and Founder of SlipStreamTV, Craigh ‘Tr’ Lewis. As a black man in the creative industry, he shared that seeking understanding and unravelling what we don’t understand is key. Goals and objectives keep you focused and set on your path to success, but most importantly, he said, is putting in the work!

The event ended with a vote of thanks and summary speech from our Head Boy, Brandon and a fellow year 11 student Hamza. Ciara, in Y13 delivered a prayer for black history month. We are thankful to the speakers who remained behind to answers questions from students and parents and to the families and students who attended.