The official Black History Month has now passed but the world will never stop presenting

us with events to document as part of our history. Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez’s

mission has always been to remind the entire community to take ownership of our stories,

and preserve our African heritage.

On the 30th October, along with Zimlink’s founder- Zac Darkes, both men used their

organisations and respected positions, within the community, to produce the second edition of this historic event at London’s Houses of Parliament.

It was an empowering and inspirational day with an array of speakers which included

Lecturers, Historians, Professors and Community Leaders who each revealed what black history personally signifies to them.

As with many traditional African ‘storytelling sessions,’ music was included to enhance the

ambience and evoke the cultural theme. These who were still sleepy from an early start were fiercely awaked, as heads and feet couldn’t resist moving in rhythm to the drums and string percussion sounds.

Performances by Mosi Conde;- an artist from Guinea, who was followed by a group of

Zimbabwean artists;- Zee Guveya and his Heritage Band.

During the course of the morning, the essence of ‘storytelling’ and celebrating history

continued, as delegates senses were further ignited by informative talks from speakers,

who revealed new discoveries and essential aspects of Black History, whilst reminding

each and every person to always carry within their hearts, the legacies created by our

great heroes.

Jacqueline Wabara’s speech revealed some personal reference to her own life in order to share how her journey towards creating her organisation; the Miss Nubian Foundation which promotes heritage and unity amongst females of colour has now become a part of history. Jacqueline intends to continue her mission to inspire many more young women to create their own history by joining her legacy.

One vital message that hit home very hard was; – ‘we must celebrate the achievements of our

great historical leaders and as we do so, we must strive to create future leaders! The youth must be encouraged to aspire to be global leaders.’ Pauline Long is appealing to every youth and encouraging them to rise up and have a say in the development of our society.

This day brought pride and reminded us all to be thankful for our knowledge, power and liberty but to never take it for granted.  When you are sitting within the politically astute, Houses of Parliament;- a place where a multitude of decisions have been made, that have influenced all of our history and will continue to, you cannot help but give thanks for being a part the unique and great legacy of Black History.

Much in the way that many group associations were formed in response to civil war, apartheid and slavery, to re-establish unity and create peace, Zac Darkes, along with Zimlink manager-

Simba Chioto, are bringing this ethos back to life. Both of their speeches were breath taking and even included a cinematic documentary screening to reveal to delegates, that this global organisation- ZImlink;  are not only striving to create unity, but also to remind us that there is more to us as a people, than the legacy of slavery. Zac Darkes also went into depth about

Zimlink’s aims for future development and the establishment of links across Africa.

This annual event is an inspiration to the entire community. By creating this event, Tony

Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez has not only raised the bar in how we celebrate Black History

Month, as a community, but he has also highlighted the distinct differences between

success and extreme success. He is well known for his positive morale and abilities in

maintaining ‘Community spirit’ and this was felt throughout his event, as each delegate

walked away having danced, laughed and celebrated a renewed sense of unity. Tony’s

annual Black History Month event, succeeds in elevating the mindsets of attendees

because it ignites the pride within everybody!

From today, when we think of those great successful leaders and what they went through

on their journey, we must not forget to give thanks for their perseverance despite

suffering extreme injustice and trauma. For if they had not endured those great levels of

horror and made the crucial choices they did, then none of us would be where we are

today!

.

AUTHOR Nasilele Ailola

As well as being a gifted writer for various platforms and her own online magazine;( NVLife Mag)

Nasilele is also a Holistic Marketing, PR and Social Media Expert. This lady with a big heart is a keen advocate for great causes such as mental illness, gender abuse and many other causes which lie close to her heart. Her organisation Holistic Visions, has a mission to bring awareness and put holistic sector, health, wellness brands and charitable organisations on the map, as well promote their life changing services, products and events. To find out more about Nasilele, or read more of her written works, visit her website http://www.nasileleaiola.com.