A night dedicated to discussing the platforms that are used to celebrate black individuals within the community. Positive black representation is important in developing aspirations of young people who may not be exposed to this. KCL ACMA wants to make sure we don’t just celebrate the Martin Luther King’s & Rosa Park’s during Black History Month, but that we highlight the work and journeys of incredible black individuals who are inspiring the next generation through their work.

With guest speakers including: Professor Funmi Oloniaskin, Tomi Okeowo. Paulette Williams, Dr Michael Ajeleti & Alvin Owusu- Fordwuo. Come and celebrate modern day black success!

Professor Funmi Olonisakin - Professor ‘Funmi Olonisakin is Vice President & Vice Principal (International) at King’s College London and also the Professor of Security, Leadership & development. In her role as Vice President & Vice Principal (International), she has lead responsibility for all international matters at the College.

Tomi Okeowo - Tomi Okeowo is an experienced video director with a demonstrated history of working in the music industry. skilled in customer service, music videos, social media, management, and teamwork. Tomi is also the co-founder and creative director of the creative production company: The Unit. The Unit specialises in Film, Music Videos, Advertising, Theatre Production. Clients have included Wizkid, Jacquees, Wande Coal, Tion Wayne and One Acen

Paulette Williams - Paulette Williams has worked in higher education for over a decade leading widening participation and student success projects. She is the founder of Leading Routes, an initiative set up to prepare the next generation of Black academics. The organisation delivers events and programmes via their Paths to University and Black in Academia projects and recently published 'The Broken Pipeline' a report exploring the barriers to Black PhD students accessing research council funding. Paulette also currently works as Head of Student Success Projects at University College London (UCL) leading on an institution-wide project addressing the BME attainment gap.

Dr Michael Ajeleti - Dr. Ajeleti is a junior doctor, graduating from the Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland. Dr. Ajeleti has made it his duty to encourage young people to get involved in medicine and other healthcare professions. As the co-founder of the non-profit organization, he aims to encourage prospective medical students from BME (Black Minority Ethnic) backgrounds to reach their full potential. The organisation also inspires current medical students to thrive in their careers by empowering them with the knowledge, support and representation needed for them to flourish in the medical field.

Alvin Owusu - Alvin is the co-founder of The Advantage Group (TAG). TAG transforms the lives of young people from low income and underrepresented communities. To date, TAG has impacted over 2000 young people across London and partnered with global orgs such as Facebook and Google to realise our vision through workshops and academies.

Questions for the panel

• How do we ensure that the next generation are aware of the achievements of successful black individuals and groups?

• Black History Month is one example of a major platform to celebrate black achievements. How can we build on these types of platforms?

• As a community do we do enough to highlight and celebrate the success of black individuals and groups?