HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DARLING SISTER – NICOLETTE
There is a great scent in the wind,
feeding through the dream of a new dawn,
and as the sun sets, each room is filled with blessings,
For it was only yesterday, that we began to count the stars in the sky.
Its silver heights were warm and bright,
racing through new pace and light.
There is a great scent in the wind,
breathing through a fresh new lawn
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
LOTS OF LOVE
TONY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DARLING BROTHER – STEVEN FERNANDEZ
It is time to cherish the birth of a new story,
as the old dawn kisses the moments of a new day,
There are enough drums waiting to cuddle the riddles of new paths,
and the footprints of secrets that have made us laugh.
Its time to cherish the birth of a new story,
And Thank the Lord, in all glory
LOTS OF LOVE
TONY
#happybirthday #manifestation #truelove #blessings
ROLE MODEL OF THE WEEK, 89 YEAR OLD JAMIAICAN PIONEER BASED IN HUDDERSFIELD – ARTNEL JOHNSON. CONGRATULATIONS TO HIM
THE AMAZING 89 YEAR OLD JAMAICAN PIONEER, ARTNEL JOHNSON BASED IN HUDDERSFIELD WILL BE RECEIVING AN AFRICA4U AWARD AT THE CITY LIBRARY IN BRADFORD ON FRIDAY THE 12TH OF MAY AT 5PM,
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS AMAZING ELDER CAN BE FOUND BELOW
Background
Born in Rose Hall of St Elizabeth parish Jamaica on 26 th February 1934 from a poor
family of 13 children. Despite poverty he excelled in education in Jamaica reaching the equivalent of university Diploma level by UK standards.
Part of the pioneering Windrush generation Artnel moved to Huddersfield 1959 seeking like many a better life and more opportunities followed by his wife in 1961.
He met racism and discrimination when seeking work in more skilled profession and
work for many years as a bus driver until he started his own business in 1977 sharing
a vehicle with a Nigerian friend.
Artnel a lover of education befriended and helped to bridge the relationships
between continental Africans who were often students from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra
Leone and other newly independent countries in the 60 & 70’s many of which lodge
in Artnel own home. He was to make connections, friendships and alliances which
set him apart as having a greater understanding and love of Africa than his Caribbean
peers.
Artnel ran support surgeries from his front room providing free writing letter,
teaching and coaching to support other immigrants from the Caribbean helping
them to navigate a racially discriminatory system.
Married with 8 children but was a father figure and uncle to countless others.
He has 27 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild
which in itself is a legacy on own right.
Artnel has been a central unassuming, dependable, upright, humble and pillars of
the community not only in Huddersfield but also in Jamacia where you enjoyed the
first 20 years of his retirement before returning to England 3 years ago to be closer
to his family.
Achievements
One of first business owners and treasurer of popular night club known locally as
“Venn Street” which attracted the top reggae superstars from Jamaica such as John
Holt, Dennis Brown, Delroy Wilson Gregory Issacs and many more placing Huddersfield on the map as a top nightlife hotspot in the North of England
First Caribbean driving instructor in Huddersfield and travel agent
Community Leader serving on many Community Voluntary boards including Police
advisory boards at the height of the 80’s riots, Hudawi, Jamaica Nation Committee
and Beaumont Street Studio’s of which he was the founding Director.
He is one of the black First Magistrates in Kirklees serving on the bench for over 25
years
A committed Christian he served as a deacon of his local church for many years
Interests
Artnel has had many interests over the years including photography building his own
dark room in the basement of his home.
Artnel is a keen debater on anything to do with global history and politics and is
certainly not backward in voicing his opinions even if he had to stand alone.
He brewed homemade beer although ironically, he has never drunk alcohol himself.
Artnel is a vibrant and energetic man singing in the church choir and listening and to
his favourite artist Fats Domino to which he can still rock and roll to on the dance
floor or living room floor when the vibe and rhythm takes hold of him.
He enjoys spending time with his wonderful and very large family. In his retirement Artnel has become a keen gardener planting fruit and vegetables for the family to enjoy.
Artnel believes in hard work and education is the key to success and complaining is a fruitless obstacle to progress.
Today, I joined 60+ charities to hand in 76k signed petition to No 10 Downing Street, to demand government take action on cancer crisis, patients are wait too long, health care professionals are leaving. Too many cancer patients are dying due to unnecessary delays!
MERCIA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ROGER OKEWOLE – FOUNDER OF 9JA POP ART BASED IN NEW JERSEY . We wish him a very happy birthday filled with inner peace and prosperity
INFORMATION ABOUT ROGER CAN BE FOUND BELOW
I am Roger Okewole and 9ja Pop Art is a peek into my imagination!
INSPIRATIONS: More than Dali, Rembrandt, Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Picasso, Roy Lichtenstein is my main artistic inspiration. I couldn’t have been older than eight when Mom was showing me Lichtenstein’s works in World Book Encyclopedia.
BEGINNINGS: My parents bought a few of those thick coffee table art books with photos of the great paintings by Old Masters, alongside Greek and Roman sculptures. I was studying anatomy and perspective from those books from a very early age. My folks also bought me every age-appropriate comic book they could find, which truly unlocked my imagination.
I first exhibited in a gallery when I was about 11 years old. I was designing costumes and banners for carnivals in Nigeria when I was in my early teens. I was 16 when I got my first graphics job with an advertising agency in Lagos.
I worked as a graphic artist while at college in Nigeria and the USA. I did all this without a single day in art school. My folks insisted I follow the “responsible eldest son” path and I got a Civil Engineering degree and an MBA.
Then things changed…After about a 10-year hiatus spent climbing the corporate ladder, I formed 9ja Pop Art to bring my artistic side back to life.
MEDIA: I mostly use pencils, inks, watercolor pencils and computer graphics; I like to mix it up and my creative impulses tend to go in very different directions. The only thing I never do is photobashing
I hope you enjoy the ride as much as I have!!!
My art business has been designated as a “Trusted Art Seller” with The Art Storefronts Organization, which means you can shop with confidence, and know that I stand behind the quality and value of my products.
ROGER OKEWOLE
#pop art #nigeria #jamaica #inspiration
COMING SOON ON THE TONY TOKUNBO FERNANDEZ SHOW , WE INTERVIEW URFAN FAQIR, – PROJECT LEADER FOR GRADUATE WORKFORCE BRADFORD PROJECT BASED WITHIN CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY SERIVES AS WE PROMOTE THE UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD TO THE REST OF THE WORLD
INFORMATION ABOUT HIM CAN CAN BE FOUND BELOW
Urfan is the Project Leader for the Graduate Workforce Bradford Project based within Career and Employability Services. The project aims to improve the prospects and career destinations for ethnic minority students and graduates. Previously he has worked with young people in school and colleges supporting them with work experience, job opportunities and apprenticeships. Urfan also has experience of working in the executive recruitment industry as a head-hunter specialising in management consulting.
He has not always worked in education and employability. Urfan has a passion for music, especially house music. He spent a number of years DJing in London around Brick Lane and Shoreditch. He could be seen at his residency at The Lane Bar or playing occasional spots at now closed Turnmills or The Rhythm Factory.
Urfan spent time living in Pakistan as a child. He has fond memories of the village and enjoyed the open living experience. Watching his grandmother cook on an open fire. Eating home grown vegetables and fruits from the crop fields and sleeping under the stars.
SOURCE :
UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD WEBSITE
POETRY BY JACKLINE WAZIRI (AFRICA4U YOUTH AMBASSADOR) ON WORLD POETRY DAY
Happy World Poetry Day 
……..
Poetry Makes Women and Nature go around
She lives everywhere
In me, in you, in us
Like mangoes and tortoise dance
As i shade under her branches
Everyday, Today
On her ink day
Softly i paint down all my feelings
Gently she allows me to express how i feel
Incomplete ectacsy
Unselfish
Each breakfast and sleeping time
A light and hope
Without her
Will lose my way
Like a Bestfriend
and more
A pal from childhood
Through thick and needle
Even death can’t do us part
And even after life
Poetry will still have a job over our laptops
©Jackline Waziri 2023
Writer | Author | Poet |
Mwana book is available via website below 
#worldpoetryday#WomensHistoryMonth
#poetry#poems#creativity#art#mwanabook
VIE WILL BE RECEIVING AN AWARD FOR BRIDGING COMMUNITIES AT THE CITY LIBRARY ON FRIDAY THE 12TH OF MAY 2023. INFORMATION ABOUT VIE CAN BE FOUND BELOW . CONGRATULATIONS IN ADVANCE TO VIE
‘Vie Clerc, French national/ EU citizen, arrived in the UK in June 2000, she has extensive experience doing community work with asylum seekers, refugees and other migrants for over 15 years.
Founder of HEM – holmewood ethnic minorities and susbsequently became the community development coordinator, was vice chair of Bradford refugee forum for 2 years, sessional worker at city of sanctuary, and Bradford action for refugees, collaborated with Kath Canoville and Jerry red Dred for last 12 years organising black history month, Sunctuary Sunday, refugee week events.
Mother of 2 children and support worker working with people with Dementia and people with disabilities. In the last 5 years, she has focused her time campaigning for the guarantee of the rights of EU nationals as an advocate for the group The3Million both locally, regionally, nationally and in the EU. She is also a Senior Admin and Advocate of the InLimbo Project – which is a not-for-profit non-political initiative set up by a group of EU27 citizens in the UK to record testimonies from the five million victims of Brexit and allow their voices to be heard.
The first book called In Limbo: Brexit Testimonies from EU citizens in the UK was published from crowdfunding in June 2017 whilst in June 2018, In Limbo Too: Brexit Testimonies from UK citizens in the EU was also published. Facilitator of the EU27 COmmunities of support in Leeds supporting Eu citizens with the human impact of brexit.
Since September 2019 until December 2020, she was the Bradford and Leeds outreach coordinator and free immigration adviser level 1 limited to the Eu settlement scheme (self employed) to support vulnerable Eu citizens and non uk non Eu family members to make their situation secure in the uk post brexit (funded by Bradford council) And lastly instigator of Global Bradford a community group bringing together migrants and descendants of migrants regardless where from and regardless of status. Experienced in doing bids, running groups and sessions, organising events and bringing people together. Since January 2021, working as enhanced support and resettlement officer for Rotherham council with caseload being mainly non U.K. nationals and those with complex needs.
#bradford2025 #cityofculture2025 #bradford #migrants #diversity
THE AMAZING 89 YEAR OLD JAMAICAN PIONEER, ARTNEL JOHNSON BASED IN HUDDERSFIELD WILL BE RECEIVING AN AFRICA4U AWARD AT THE CITY LIBRARY IN BRADFORD ON FRIDAY THE 12TH OF MAY AT 5PM,
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS AMAZING ELDER CAN BE FOUND BELOW
Background
Born in Rose Hall of St Elizabeth parish Jamaica on 26 th February 1934 from a poor
family of 13 children. Despite poverty he excelled in education in Jamaica reaching the equivalent of university Diploma level by UK standards.
Part of the pioneering Windrush generation Artnel moved to Huddersfield 1959 seeking like many a better life and more opportunities followed by his wife in 1961.
He met racism and discrimination when seeking work in more skilled profession and
work for many years as a bus driver until he started his own business in 1977 sharing
a vehicle with a Nigerian friend.
Artnel a lover of education befriended and helped to bridge the relationships
between continental Africans who were often students from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra
Leone and other newly independent countries in the 60 & 70’s many of which lodge
in Artnel own home. He was to make connections, friendships and alliances which
set him apart as having a greater understanding and love of Africa than his Caribbean
peers.
Artnel ran support surgeries from his front room providing free writing letter,
teaching and coaching to support other immigrants from the Caribbean helping
them to navigate a racially discriminatory system.
Married with 8 children but was a father figure and uncle to countless others.
He has 27 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild
which in itself is a legacy on own right.
Artnel has been a central unassuming, dependable, upright, humble and pillars of
the community not only in Huddersfield but also in Jamacia where you enjoyed the
first 20 years of his retirement before returning to England 3 years ago to be closer
to his family.
Achievements
One of first business owners and treasurer of popular night club known locally as
“Venn Street” which attracted the top reggae superstars from Jamaica such as John
Holt, Dennis Brown, Delroy Wilson Gregory Issacs and many more placing Huddersfield on the map as a top nightlife hotspot in the North of England
First Caribbean driving instructor in Huddersfield and travel agent
Community Leader serving on many Community Voluntary boards including Police
advisory boards at the height of the 80’s riots, Hudawi, Jamaica Nation Committee
and Beaumont Street Studio’s of which he was the founding Director.
He is one of the black First Magistrates in Kirklees serving on the bench for over 25
years
A committed Christian he served as a deacon of his local church for many years
Interests
Artnel has had many interests over the years including photography building his own
dark room in the basement of his home.
Artnel is a keen debater on anything to do with global history and politics and is
certainly not backward in voicing his opinions even if he had to stand alone.
He brewed homemade beer although ironically, he has never drunk alcohol himself.
Artnel is a vibrant and energetic man singing in the church choir and listening and to
his favourite artist Fats Domino to which he can still rock and roll to on the dance
floor or living room floor when the vibe and rhythm takes hold of him.
He enjoys spending time with his wonderful and very large family
In his retirement Artnel has become a keen gardener planting fruit and vegetables
for the family to enjoy.
Artnel believes in hard work and education is the key to success and complaining is a fruitless obstacle to progress.
INFORMATION ABOUT TOLU CAN BE FOUND BELOW
Tolu’ A. Akinyemi (also known as Tolutoludo & the Lion of Newcastle) is a multiple award-winning author in the genres of poetry, short stories, children’s literature, and essays.
His works include Dead Lions Don’t Roar (poetry, 2017); Unravel Your Hidden Gems (essays, 2018); Dead Dogs Don’t Bark (poetry, 2018); Dead Cats Don’t Meow (poetry, 2019); Never Play Games With the Devil (poetry, 2019); Inferno of Silence (short stories, 2020); A Booktiful Love (poetry, 2020); Black ≠ Inferior (poetry, 2021); Never Marry a Writer (poetry, 2021); Everybody Don Kolomental (poetry, 2021); I Wear Self-Confidence Like a Second Skin (children’s literature, 2021); I Am Not a Troublemaker (children’s literature, 2021); Born in Lockdown (poetry, 2021); A god in a Human Body (poetry, 2022); If You Have To Be Anything, Be Kind (children’s literature, 2022); City of Lost Memories, (poetry, 2022); Awaken Your Inner Lion, (essays, 2022); On The Train To Hell, (poetry, 2022); You Need More Than Dreams (poetry, 2023); and The Morning Cloud is Empty (poetry, 2023).
A former headline act at Great Northern Slam, Havering Literary Festival, Crossing The Tyne Festival, and Feltonbury Arts and Music Festival, he also inspires large audiences through spoken word performances and has appeared as a keynote speaker in major forums and events. He facilitates creative writing master classes for many audiences.
His poems have appeared (or are forthcoming) in the 57th issue (Volume 15, No. 1) of the Wilderness House Literary Review; The Writers Cafe Magazine Issue 18; GN Books; Lion and Lilac; Agape Review; Continue the Voice; My Woven Poetry; Black Moon Magazine; Calla Press; African Writer Magazine; Football in Poetry 2 Anthology; and elsewhere.
#africanwriter #newcastle #toluakinyemi #nigerianpoet #blacklives
TONY TOKUNBO ETEKA FERNANDEZ 