Meeting that man changed not only my career, but my life (Picture: Getty Images)
It was 2008 and I had given up trying to get a paid job as a journalist.
From age 16 to 23 I worked for free doing internships at household media names like the BBC, ITN and the Daily Express.
Having a university degree but not being able to get even an entry level job in the industry left me with no other choice but to give up on my dreams of becoming a hack and begin to face the reality of getting a ‘regular’ job.
And then as if by fate I was told by a fellow struggling writer about a journalism academy called Catch22, run by the man I now consider my mentor, Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa.
Meeting that man changed not only my career, but my life.
He opened doors that had been previously closed to people like me – not just Black people, but working class folk too.
Tokunbo, or Toks as he’s known, had several frank conversations with me about areas I needed to improve in and how I should carry myself in my professional and personal lives.’
As if by fate I was told by a fellow struggling writer about a journalism academy called Catch22, run by the man I now consider my mentor, Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa (Picture: Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa)
‘Talent has no postcode’ is just one of Toks’ mantras that has stuck with me through the years.
Journalism can feel like a closed shop, an exclusive industry where nepotism pays dividends and anyone outside the middle-class circle has little to no chance of getting a foot on the ladder.
But because of Toks and Catch22’s approach of nurturing aspiring young journalists, I was able to get my opportunity.
Catch22 eventually closed down, but not before helping hundreds of us into jobs.
And those lucky enough to obtain roles in journalism built upon the example set to us and added much needed diversity to UK newsrooms.
Too often we can be guilty of ignoring the living Black stars around us in everyday life who are contributing to our rich and varied history, educating us, fighting for us and inspiring us today
Toks is now the CEO of a UK-wide charity, and yet he still has found the time to set up another community initiative in his spare time.
The Black Unity Bike Ride (BUBR) is a series of activities that encourages holistic wellness amongst Black communities. Their flagship is the annual 14-mile bike ride across London.
My mentory started BUBR with a few other people after they realised that there is under-representation of Black cyclists at all levels of the sport, from grassroots to elite level.
According to government research, only 55% of Black people are considered active in the UK, significantly lower than the national figure of 61%.
The Black Unity Bike Ride (BUBR) is a series of activities that encourages holistic wellness amongst Black communities (Picture: The Black Unity Bike Ride)
BUBR provides a safe space where cyclists and riders from diverse backgrounds can feel welcomed and be inspired to get active.
I know first hand how much Toks has done and continues to do for the Black community, but he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves and has earned.
He’ll squirm with embarrassment at the fact that I’ve dedicated my column to his endeavours and shone a light on a community leader who burns brighter than most.
But this is Black History Month, and it’s not just a time to reflect and learn about our history but to highlight our present and future too – those legends of the community who don’t receive the credit they deserve.
Legends like sisters Stephanie Amor and Julie Duodo, who created Afro Leads, which began life as an Instagram page with the sole purpose of celebrating Black British culture and business.
The success of Afro Leads became such that the sisters created a podcast series, business directory and also have a column with OK! magazine (Picture: Afro Leads)
The success of the page became such that the sisters created a podcast series, business directory and also have a column with OK! magazine.
Another personal hero is Donna McConnell, a woman who’s name should be more widely known in media circles.
As Showbiz Editor of the Daily Mail Online she was the driving force behind the success of the world famous showbiz sidebar.
I worked under her for four years and learned much more than just how to write engaging copy – seeing a Black woman with blonde dreadlocks in such an influential and powerful role made me think it was possible for me to one day be in her position.
Kelechi has many strings to her bow – actress, director, podcaster (Picture: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for BFI)
Elsewhere in the media I want to highlight Michael Morgan and Kelechi Okafor.
Both of these stalwarts of social media use their followings and influence to speak out against injustice, even when the result too often means a pile on of abuse from trolls.
Kelechi has many strings to her bow – actress, director, podcaster – she also teaches pole dancing and stands up for what she believes in, saying the things many of us want to say but are afraid to.
Michael, meanwhile, is a social commentator, holding the police and our government to account at every turn, and hosts spaces for people to meet, connect and discuss issues that affect the Black community.
People of African and Caribbean background have played a huge part in British history, and I want that to be recognised far more widely.
While our contribution to society’s past is overlooked and ignored, Black History Month presents an opportunity, not least for those of us lucky enough to have platforms like mine, to celebrate the positive impact Black culture has had on people of all races.
As a child, my heroes were sports stars, actors and musicians – people I could never hope to emulate but aspired to be like.
Yet, too often we can be guilty of ignoring the living Black stars around us in everyday life who are contributing to our rich and varied history, educating us, fighting for us and inspiring us today.
That’s why Toks, Donna, Julia, Steph, Mike and Kelechi should be treasured, protected and lauded as they inspire our current and future generations.
Not just this month, but every month.
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Black History Month
October marks Black History Month, which reflects on the achievements, cultures and contributions of Black people in the UK and across the globe, as well as educating others about the diverse history of those from African and Caribbean descent.
For more information about the events and celebrations that are taking place this year, visit the official Black History Month website.
October is Black History Month (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
Too often we can be guilty of ignoring the living Black stars around us in everyday life.