HAPPY 57TH WEDDING ANNIVERSERY TO MY PAFRENTS- MR AND MRS FERNANDEZ

Happy 57th Wedding Anniversery to My Parents – Mr and Mrs Fernandez

We have been waiting for this festival,

Ever since the morning opened its eyes

New dreams embracing a soulful celebration

Where love teaches us the different shades of new music

We have been hungry,

To feed from the wisdom of your many stories,

Warm days shaped in the nutshell of fresh parables

New days blessed with old dreams

This season is so much more than a reunion

It is a festival blessed with the petals of love

For we have been waiting for this festival

And this new landmark of many more Wedding Anniversaries

Lots of love

Tony

CELEBRATING CECILE OXAAL – Championing diversity, inclusivity, and equality in our community.

CELEBRATING CECILE OXAAL – Championing diversity, inclusivity, and equality in our community.

Former Chair of Hull Amnesty Group Cecil Oxaal’s family history, is one of mixed heritage from wealthy white slaveholders. Cecile spent more than thirty years teaching in High schools.

Cecile is a member of HULL WOMEN’S LITERARY CLUB which was founded in 1960 for women interested in literature and other arts. A keen historian and author, Cecile explores the background of Dr. Murdoch, a Scottish medical doctor who settled in Hull in 1896 and who galvanised the suffrage campaign in Hull and East Yorkshire and she is known for her book Not Just Wilberforce: Champions of Human Rights Hull and East Yorkshire co written by Ekkehard Kopp (Hard cover, 2014).

Cecile continues to campaign for humanity and human rights, during Black History Month and throughout the year with Hull Amnesty Group.

ROLE MODEL OF THE WEEK, HULL BASED ABIDEMI AMOSU (ABIDEMI SAX) CONTEMPORARY SAXOPHONIST

We are pleased to inform you that Abidemi Amosu (Abidemi Sax)  shall be performing at our AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR AFRICANS IN EAST YORKSHIRE TAKES PLACE AT MARY SEACOLE LECTURE THEATRE, UNIVERSITY OF HULL ON TUESDAY 21ST OF APRIL 2026

INFORMATION ABOUT Abidemi Amosu (Abidemi Sax) CAN BE FOUND BELOW

Abidemi Amosu (Abidemi Sax) 

Abidemi Amosu, professionally known as Abidemi Sax, is a contemporary saxophonist, musicologist, and performer known for his expressive sound and distinctive blend of cultural heritage, spirituality, and modern musical influences. With decades of experience, he has developed a unique artistic voice that resonates with diverse audiences across the United Kingdom and beyond.

He holds a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Music from Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Ibadan, and a Master of Music degree from the University of Hull, United Kingdom. His academic background, combined with extensive performance experience, has shaped his versatility across genres including jazz, gospel, and Afro-influenced contemporary music.

Abidemi Sax has performed at a wide range of events and venues, earning recognition for his rich tone, stage presence, and ability to communicate emotion through music. His performances are often described as engaging, soulful, and deeply reflective.

As a recording artist and composer, his works include Temi, Smile, Selenkejo, Ife Osupa, and Trust in God. These compositions reflect a fusion of personal storytelling, cultural identity, and innovative sound, positioning him as a creative force within the contemporary music space.

Beyond performance, Abidemi is passionate about musical development, collaboration, and using music as a tool for cultural expression and inspiration. His growing body of work continues to attract media attention and appreciation for its authenticity and artistic depth.

Artist Name: Abidemi Sax
Location: United Kingdom

IS YOUR ENVIRONMENT A LIMITATION ? BY GERMAN BASED DR ESTHER UKARA

Title: Is your environment a limitation?

Elijah ( code name) has a start-up company in Frankfurt. He wants to expand to Kenya, but everytime he hangsout with his group of friends they say things like, “you are a dreamer, oversabi, you aren’t bold enough, just stay where you are. As a result, his expansion plan is lying fallow, deadlines with business partners abandoned. Elijah has lost faith in himself and he believes not expanding is the safest decision for his business.

Methaphorically speaking, environments can be our social circle, the things we consume, residence and more. These factors can shape our thoughts and have a significant impact on the outcome of our lives.

Change starts with you and the fastest way to freedom is to pause for a moment, conduct a self-analysis, tell yourself the truth and move away from the things that aren’t working.

Questions

▪︎Are you in the right environment?

▪︎What are you going to do about it?

Practical steps towards change

▪︎Batch out 30 minutes daily for the next 30 days. Do a self-analysis once a week

▪︎Write out the cost of this limitation. Eg my self-esteem has dwindled, I’m stressed, broke etc

▪︎Mental reasoning is on the decline. How many percent?

▪︎Change something every day. Observe your progress & repeat until the shift is complete

I hope you enjoyed this piece.

Sharing practical tips to help you achieve new milestones.

Regards,

Esther Ukaria

CELEBRATING HULLS BLACK HISTORY – Championing diversity, inclusivity, and equality in our community.

CELEBRATING HULLS BLACK HISTORY – Championing diversity, inclusivity, and equality in our community.

We are the Black History Partnership – a community organisation dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich heritage of Hull’s Black community. Supported by Hull University, we strive to educate, inspire, and empower through engaging events, thought-provoking discussions, and impactful initiatives. Join us as we honour the past, embrace the present, and shape a future where diversity is celebrated.

TO FIND OUT MORE EMAIL – blackhistoryhull@gmail.com
OR VISIT http://www.hullblackhistory.org

ROLE MODEL OF THE WEEK, HULL BASED TEMI MAKINDE – INSPIRATIONAL COMMUNITY LEADER

Temi Makinde is a dedicated community leader based in Hull and the East Riding, working closely with the Yoruba and wider Nigerian communities. Passionate about inclusion and representation, Temi is committed to amplifying voices, fostering connection, and creating spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Temi serves as the BAME Officer for the Labour Party in Hull North and Cottingham and is the Labour candidate for Beverley and Newland. In these roles, Temi champions equality, advocates for underrepresented voices, and works to drive meaningful, positive change across the local community.

NIHR COMMERCIAL RESEARCH DELIVERY CENTRE INDUSTRY DAY TAKES PLACE AT BRADFORD ROYAL INFIRMARY (A SUCCESSFUL EVENT )

It was a pleasure to attend the NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centre Industry Day 2026 on Wednesday the 25th of March 2026 at Soveraign lecture hall, Bradford Royal infirmary.

This amazing annual event was attended by community champions , Key Speakers , Health experts and a diverse range of professionals from around the country .

Professor John Wright – Director of Research ( Bradford Institute for Health Research ) was in attendance to deliver The Welcome address.

Also in attendance was The Director of NIHR CRDC , Bradford and West Yorkshire , Professor Dinesh Saralaya who delivered a profound insight into the campaign and also introduced all the key speakers for the day .

The NiHR Bradford and West Yorkshire CRDC is led by Professsor Dinesh Saralaya at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, working very closely with partner sites as part of the NIHR strategy to deliver high impact , patient focused research that contributes to improving health outcomes and driving economic growth 

Also available on the day was Mr Richard Hebdon- The head of NIHR Industry Engagement, who delivered a powerful keynote address, Clinical Research Associates from Astra Zeneca, Dr Julie O Riorden. Director of Research, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust , Dr Rachel Pring, Dr Phil Waywell, , Richard Howard Jones, Dr John Ashcroft and many distinguished health experts from around the country .

Some pictures can be found below

ROLE MODEL OF THE WEEK – CECIL JONES, SINGER, SONGWRITER AND CHOIR DIRECTOR FROM SIERRA LEONE

Cecil Jones (CJ)

Cecil’s musical career commenced at an early age in Freetown Sierra Leone. As a multi-instrumentalist with ABRSM grade 8 in Saxophone,
He has over twenty years of experience as a musician. He is a singer/songwriter and choir director and have lived in the Hull community since 2012.

He has participated in the PRS New Music Biennial and worked on music workshop with esteemed musicians to create new music.

Muchcollaboration was achieved working with master trainers from around the world on a music project Singing Days, in conjunction with schools in Hull organised by the British Council.

His versatile style of playing music led to completing a Bachelor of music degree at Hull University. At university, he augmented his skills on the saxophone through actively participating in diverse ensemble acquainting himself to jazz style playing. This opportunity gave him the pleasure to
form a jazz band and has ever since been performing annually at different locations within Hull City.

In 2017, during the celebration of City of Culture, Cecil performed together with other musicians from Sierra Leone on one of the main stages with the opportunity of sharing his country’s cultural and heritage with the audience that gathered to watch.

It was in that same year he formed the HULL AFRO DRUM BEATS, using the djembe drums to perform and lead workshops within and outside of Hull.

Cecil runs the United Voices Choir that is based at Princes Avenue Methodist Church, which brings together singers from various cultures and backgrounds across Hull.

He is an active member of his Alma Mater school brass band, The Sierra Leone Grammar school in London and Freetown Sierra Leone.
During his final year studying at the University of Hull, Cecil formed the CLAFRO JAZOP band and has been organising yearly concerts since graduating in 2021.

Cecil is presently the Chairperson for the Freetown Society in Hull and
working with a team to strengthen the twinning and special relationship
between Hull and Freetown Sierra Leone it’s twinned city.

Cecil’s big vision is to set up a Community Music Centre that will provide music training and activities that will appreciate and celebrate the rich cultures in Hull and Freetown Sierra Leone.

For the past eight years, Cecil been working for the Open Doors Project in Hull as Project Coordinator, providing welcome and practical support to people seeking sanctuary in Hull. Providing a safe space and helping them integrate into the community.

More of his entertainment and performances can be found on YouTube and Facebook where you will be musically thrilled.

Providing music education and entertainment continues to be his quest.

Screenshot

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST SISTER, MRS NICOLETTE FERNANDEZ OKEWOLE – GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST SISTER – NICOLETTE

There is only one Princess 

Dressed with grace – from the deepest shores ,

Her footprints are filled with magic 

And a new story that has housed many beginings 

We have fed from her love which is young and able

And the stories from the east that coax through the night 

We are touched by the stance from your chosen cradle 

And all the new blessings that breathe from your light 

There is only one princess

And she sits on a throne from an ageless season 

There is only one sister 

And her calling is dressed to feed the world 

Lots of love 

Tony

WOMENS HISTORY MONTH – CELEBRATING HULL BASED SEVERINE KIPILI, COMMUNITY LEADER FROM CONGO

Severine Kipili

Severine is a community leader, educator, and advocate with a powerful track record of supporting refugees, women, and marginalised communities to rebuild their lives with dignity. As the founder and leader of Bora Shabaa, she oversees programmes that support more than 500 people every year, helping them access education, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Severine began her career as a primary school teacher before conflict forced her to flee. Her years in refugee camps shaped her commitment to empowerment, peacebuilding, and human rights—values that continue to guide her work today.

Since resettling in the UK through the Gateway Protection Programme, she has worked as an interpreter, ESOL teacher, youth support worker, and community advocate. She has also completed a wide range of professional qualifications, strengthening her leadership and ability to serve diverse communities.

Severine is a trustee at Artlink, a member of HEY Confident Futures and the HEY Advocacy Network, and a graduate of the New to Leadership Programme. She has contributed to major regional and national events, including Black History Month (2023–2025), the Two Ridings Conference, and the Mass Lobby event in London.

Driven by lived experience, compassion, and a deep belief in human potential, Severine is dedicated to amplifying the voices of those who are often unheard and creating pathways for people to thrive.