MULTIPLE AWARD WINNER, AUTHOR,, CORPORATE MC, MENTOR, PROMOTER & AMBASSADOR FOR PEACE -UNIVERSAL PEACE FEDERATION. WE PROMOTE THE SUCCESS STORIES OF AFRICANS & CARIBBEANS AROUND THE WORLD. CONTACT US NOW ON +447882809005
Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez is an International Award Winner, Published Author & Poet, Broadcast Journalist, MC and Youth Empowerment Consultant . He is also The CEO of AFRICA4U and The Founder of Africans in The Diaspora
People also see him as a Cultural and Social entrepreneur, which means he is skilled in working with many different communities, bringing people together in successful focused events. Tony has organised many cultural events …involving both BME and mainstream communities. He is skilled in hosting events that reinforce community cohesion and bringing different kinds of people together. He has organised events in The UK, The U.S.A, Holland, Germany, Romania, Malta and Nigeria and has visited over 22 European Countries.
Tony has also organised The Black History Month Celebrations at The UK House of Parliament for over five years in a row
He continues to promote the true life and success stories of Africans in Europe and Africans around the world and has organised several small scale literary and awards initiatives aimed at empowering young people.
He has also spent time as an International broadcaster and was The Producer and Presenter for AFRICA4U International Radio Talk Show at Reading4u Radio Station for nearly three years.
Tony has interviewed high profile Members of Parliament, Distinguished celebrities and some of Africas best musicians including Ivonne Chaka Chaka and Kanda Bongoman.
He has also been a guest on BBC Radio on numerous occasions to discuss the community cohesion events he organises at UK House of Parliament and also to recite some of his published work in memory of Nelson Mandela, 50 Years Anniversary of The race relations act and major community issues. Tony has also a Guest on popular Radio stations in Nigeria and The States
In the last few years he has been very passionate about Youth empowerment, community cohesion and cultural intelligence.
Tony was born in South London and has lived in several parts of England and Nigeria . He started writing at the tender age of nine, a habit he expressed with creative enthusiasm. Tony writes Poetry, short stories and proverbs on personal development. He is currently working on his 4th book which will also be his first novel. He is also into Public Speaking at Special events and Social functions and is a Mentor for young people in the UK Community.
He completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at The University of Lagos, Nigeria in English and World Literature. He later went on to attain a teaching qualification at The Frances King International Training Institute, South Kensington London, it was here he studied Teaching English as a Foreign Language. He also studied Web Design at The City University in London.
He published his first book in June 1999 called “The Beauty in the Dark” (A Collection of Poetry which received critical acclamation in many circles around the world). .Tony’s aim in life is to inspire the young generation and to encourage the youth to make the very best of their dreams and aspirations,. He published a 2nd book in June 2009 called ” The Sound of Running Water” – A Family gift book of proverbs and quotations on Personal Development and Positive Thinking .
In December 2009, he published his 3rd book called “One Moment of Peace”.- A collection of Poetry inspired by personal experiences and spiritual growth.
Besides the fact that the Artist has won International online awards, he is mostly inspired by Life experience, love, music and cultural awareness. He was Resident Poet at the 5th London Poetry Festival in 2009 and has been a guest on BBC Radio on very many occassions including The famous Anne Diamond Show. He has also been a guest on a few SKY TV stations and several International Radio Stations around The World
We are pleased to inform you that 2TSHIRTGANG CIC will be receiving an Africa4u Award at a major Black History Month celebrations in Bradford for their contribution to lives of people in Bradford for several years
CONGRATULATIONS TO 2TSHIRTGANG CIC IN ADVANCE
INFORMATION ABOUT 2TSHIRTGANG CIC CAN BE FOUND BELOW
2TSHIRTGANG CIC were founded in 2019 and are a black led organisation based in Bradford, West Bowling. 2TSHIRTGANG CIC are a community organisation that aim to offer youth in the community the opportunity to positively invest in themselves.
2TSHIRTGANG CIC offer several different youth services, such as:
Educational Functional Health & Well-Being training.
Invest In Our Youth – Youth Club
Training & Apprenticeships (14-18)
Youth Sports Training
Our Educational Functional Health & Well-Being training, focuses on, physical training, how the body works, staying healthy and coping with mental health.
Our Youth Club focuses on: Self-identity, confidence building, project building, team work, careers and having fun.
Our Training & Apprenticeships (14-18) – We offer youth in the community the opportunity to work in our services to further develop their skills.
Our Youth Sports Training offers youth in the community access to professional sports coaching. Youth in our community that aspire to have a career in the sporting world, receive additional strength & conditioning training, along with the mental capacity and discipling training. This will give our youth the opportunity to compete and survive at the top level of their sporting careers.
The Dominican Association Bradford has been doing amazing work in the City of Bradford for very many years.
The members will be receiving AN AFRICA4U AWARD as part of A BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS TAKING PLACE IN BRADFORD THIS MONTH
CONGRATULATIONS IN ADVANCE TO DOMINICAN ASSOCIATION BRADFORD
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ORGANISATION CAN BE FOUND BELOW
The Dominica Association was set up in 1979 after Hurricane David in Dominica.
A few Dominicans living in Bradford got together to raise money towards relief. They continued to do so for several months and as the word spread, many more Dominicans got on board to assist.
Originally based at Hallfield Road, the move to Worthington Street became necessary as it’s membership grew, currently at 104. The Association continued to develop and provide cultural, social and educational facilities for Dominicans and the wider community.
The Association in legal terms is a constituted unincorporated association and is run by a management committee made up of 7 members and a centre manager. We have 2 Holding Trustees who are responsible for the property assets, and regular volunteers who provide assistance with various activities.
Current services Include Senior Citizens Day Care Services which runs on Wednesdays and Thursdays and has a modest attendance of approximately 25 users.
The Association also provides facilities for recreation and social activities for the membership and local community, and opens regularly on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
It is the Association’s intention to maintain the current Day Care service but also work in collaboration with other agencies on a variety of projects for young people, focussing on educational, cultural awareness and artistic activities.
The Association is making slow progress with refurbishing the premises, but due to the current economic climate and limited funds, there is still much work to be done. The credibility of the Association is steadily growing and is slowly becoming recognised as a cultural community facility as well as a social gathering venue.
We have come a long way, and thanks to social media, we can make wider links with Dominicans all over the UK and worldwide.
The amazing Vincent Destouche will be an award recipient of THE AFRICA4U AWARDS due to take place this month as part of A MAJOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS taking place in Bradford
CONGRATULATIONS IN ADVANCE TO VINCENT –
INFORMATION ABOUT VINCENT CAN BE FOUND BELOW
Vincent Destouche (Mr MAPA) Volunteer Community Worker/Caretaker-/School Dinner Attendant/Youth Worker Bradford Youth Service) Vinny is an amazing versatile person when it comes to his employment/community engagement ( volunteering). Vinny has worked (paid)/volunteered for MAPA for 35 years and he is often referred to as
MR MAPA.
History Vinny was a user of our community centre and lived in the then Newby Sq. He has always come across as a quite person and continues to have that persona. He often speaks about his early childhood growing up in the Sq. and how it shaped his life and others. MAPA General (1985-present) Vinny was out of work when we met , he used to volunteer to help MAPA by cleaning, DIY, Djing etc). in 1990 we offered him a contract as a Handy Person/Caretaker which continues to carry out today. Scout Group In the late 90s Vinny helped set up a one of the first Black Scout Group in Bradford ( and according to the Scouts Association we were the first Pack in the Country to have a Rasta Scout Leader (Mickey. Roots) . Afterschool Care In 2000- 2010 He was appointed as a keyworker on the scheme and did this for 10 years Summer Playschemes ( Volunteer)- (1990-2015) This is and was Vinnies forte – he was at the top of his game when it came to entertaining young people. Hi sessions on Rounders are legend. Nothing was too much for Vinny he supported everyone. Youth Worker MAPA/Bradford Youth Service (1995 to present) Vinny has been involved with our youth session for over 25 year mainly at MAPA and also across the city at different youth clubs. Holiday/Household Food Programme ( 2018 – present) Vinny has been a vital part of this programme supporting his local community (who are suffering high poverty levels and lack of funds to meet their needs).
As you can see from the above Vinny has given 30+ years to MAPA. He has kept us going in very difficult times, we would have certainly closed if in was not for Vinny (who often took the helm every time MAPA was it a crisis be it Funding, Staffing etc) . If we could bestow an award to him it would need to be recognised by a wider audience other that local people, who love him and appreciate all he has done for MAPA. MAPA is Vinny and Vinny is MAPA . That’s the way its been. He has been the constant from the coming and goings over the years. ‘Who you gonna call VINNY’( caption from Ghost Busters).
The amazing Maureen Rowe will be an award recipient of THE AFRICA4U AWARDS due to take place this month as part of A MAJOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONSEVENT taking place in Bradford.
COMGRATULATIONS IN ADVANCE TO MAUREEN-
INFORMATION ABOUT MAUREEN ROWE CAN BE FOUND BELOW
A highly respected Mother, Friend to the many and a Professional Youth Worker.
Born in Jamaica but made her home here in Britain.
Maureen works as a Youth Worker and has done for 30+ years . She has had a massive impact of both young people and the community all her working and personal Life.
She is an advocate for raising education Standards amongst black young people , she worked ( voluntarily) as a support teacher with young people for many years on the African Caribbean Achievement Programme ( ACAP). This programme was run in various community Centre across the city, with excellent outcomes for young people.
She in her professional life worked as Youth and Community Worker for Bradford Youth Service (seconded to Checkpoint Bradford). She developed work around arts, social involvement and equality of opportunities for Black young people.
Due to reorganisations Maureen was Seconded to MAPA ( the oldest Black led organisation in Bradford 52 years). Where took up post as the Lead Worker for the organisation. She excelled and brought much needed resources, cultural experiences and pure commitment to the local community she served. This essential work kept black and minorities support networks alive.
Live all good things and often wrong decision a further restructure meant all support 3rd sector supported organisation stopped and they were left to run on their own. This led to closures of key Black provision along side other community centres. It was the commitment of MAPA trustees and members that kept it from closing.
Maureen moved to more generic work that often did not involve the support of the under resources black community. Nevertheless Maureen being her professional self-gave 100% of her input.
The latter is why so many people from far and wide loved and continue to love her input that often helped change/influence their lives for the good.
Maureen who has now retired( with a little casual work stops her going insane I guess) in local schools has left the following legacies
• Supported and Challenged inequality in Education systems for black young people . She continues to fight and support the raising of individual achievement of all young people
• She then became a trustee of MAPA for many years, supporting the development of work with Black young people and the community.
• She is a strong advocate in promoting equality and rights to access for Black women and continues to run sessions, raise awareness and open opportunities for Black people in the Business world.
Finally If I was to sum up Maureen that reflected her existence . I would ( and I am sure it is mirrored by everyone that she was involved with) say she was Tough , straight talking , understanding, empathetic and mostly loving and caring towards ALL people.
HAVE YOU GOT YOUR TICKETS FOR ONE OF THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL EVENTS OF THE YEAR ?
Come and be part of one of the most inspirational events of the year featuring amazing artists who will be performing at Wired To Worship on Saturday 3rd December, 6PM at Dominion Centre, Wood Green, London.
They include Loveradge, Victoria Orenze, Eric Reverence Elle Limebear, Limoblaze, Philippa Hanna, Joshua Kesler and Becca Folkes
COLLECTIVE IMPACT proudly presents an Inspirational full day of Black History Month initiatives taking place on Friday the 21st of October 2022 from 3pm to 11pm at The Sorms Studios, Little Germany Bradford.
ITS TIME FOR CHANGE AND NOT WORDS
COME AND BE PART OF THIS HISTORICAL DAY IN THE UK CITY OF CULTURE
The society in search of a direction by Livy-Elcon Emereonye
The easiest way to learn is to learn from other people’s mistakes, the next is through the hard way, that is, personal experience. And the hard way is the best way, but when someone chooses not to learn, they will become indifferent, lose value and end up suffering from every direction at every given time and situation.
Every generation has its challenges, and every challenge needs unique attention. Every people have a peculiar representatives. The people will get the type of leader or ruler they deserve. The leader or the ruler is a reflection of the people and their value system.
No society can thrive on falsehood. No people can grow and develop through deception. Lie to others and you lie to yourself – and every lie brings about retrogression. Retrogression brings about pain, and every pain takes something away from the victim. The society is hellish that inflicts pains on its inhabitants.
If either by commission or omission but more out of indolence and indifference, a people is represented by self serving hypocrites, they will be kept reactionary in a state of continuous motion without movement by the same people who pretend to be with them and shoulder their burdens. In a classical dog eat dog style, this representative would stop at nothing to feed fat on them, and turn around to complain about the system. Instead of working for group interest, they strive for personal interests and serve their selfish agenda. While beating the drum of unionism, they will clandestinely kill and eat their members, clean their mouth and shout blue murder by the day, condemning cannibalism with every form of unprintable word. Don’t be deceived by anyone’s intelligent criminal acts. Don’t be carried away by well written and acted script meant to deceive the people and keep them down while the rot goes on unchecked. Don’t fraternize with those that worship with the Devil at night and shout hosanna in the morning. Run for your life if you find yourself in this type of situation else you become a victim for rituals.
Evil communication corrupts good manners, and a toxic environment produces toxic people that make the society more toxic. Flee from anything that can smear the conscience and cost peace of mind. Keep away from relationships that will not allow for mutual growth and meaningful development. This is what those who want to be worshipped and obeyed at all cost do – and here the emperor reigns.
Emotional emptiness and the void thereof is what every emperor gives and continues to give his victim. To this end, everything will be done to have a state of confusion, making simple things look complex. They will create a crisis just to cash in on it for devilish intentions – and those without balls will chicken out and may even turn around to idolize the one who torments them.
Psychological paralysis as a price for cowardice cannot be wished away. To make things worse, it is used as a tool for suppression and subjugation. The victim is always treated with contempt and disdain, deprived of every right and privileges. Being demoralized and possibly out, he would be giving bait as a way out. Should he fall for it, his case will be closed. Be vigilant and steadfast so as not to eat the food of your enemy. It is better to be hungry and live than to eat and die of food poison.
Retrogression is the price for idiocy done by the majority. When the rule is changed at the middle of the game to favour some people or the land is desecrated to accommodate an abnormality, the consequences could be huge with everyone suffering including the master minders, the perpetrators and those cheering and aiding them into action. When one finger touches oil, it may spread to other fingers. The consequences of evil done by one person might be suffered by more people or groups of people. Refuse to be intimidated or bought, if you desire to save yourself and others. Learn to live according to your means, and you will triumph over challenges and troubles.
In the land of evil, no one is safe. Where insecurity is the norm, no one is free. While the rich might build walls of defence and protection, the hungry unprotected poor that have nothing to eat would devise a means to feed on them. In our interdependence, nature has a way to always balance the system so something must give way for something else to happen. Every form of distortion has its value.
Complexity of either left or right is the cause of failure seen among states. Complex breeds fear with counterfactual tendencies common in profiling with a high level of distrust. Every victim of complex will in one way or the other make life difficult for the society and the people either for self-defence or hurtful revenge. When a man discovers that he is not wanted, he becomes hostile and dangerous so the society that promotes division and marginalization is but a keg of gunpowder waiting to explode. The people who erroneously believe that they will thrive by keeping others down will be surprised to find themselves painfully on the ground for what we give, we receive.
What we sow, we reap; what we give, we get. What we condemn, we repel; envy brings about stagnation and lack. The thoughts we nurture or have for others have ways of manifesting in our lives.
It has been proven that people do well when and where they are appreciated, and everyone resists hostility of every form and magnitude. Therefore, society will not be stable if it does not give room for equity and fair play. The people suffer that thrive on divisive sentiments and elevate injustice to a state act.
When faced with murderous silence amid anomie created by deceptive acts of turning promises of change into sheepish change of promises, absolute reorientation for proper guidance is necessary to steer the ship. It needs radical consciousness to awaken the people in a skewed state governed by psychopaths that seek and use power for wrong reasons. It needs sacrifice to rescue and liberate the people that are in bondage. We must pay the price to set the captive free and ignite the light of enlightenment and mutual togetherness..
An enlightened soul would rarely be carried away by the politics of hypocrisy with its associated audacious impunity. He will rather see politics as a call to serve – and serve diligently with dedication and honesty.
The primacy of our existence should be to make life meaningful and add value to it. We should endeavour to promote peaceful coexistence and bring out the best in us even in the face of tough challenges. To do this, we should live to encourage and not discourage good work. Learn the art and act of kindness. Engage into healthy competition. Work to make the world a better place.
However, those superintending our society have not provided the right environment for growth and mutual development. Our people abhor radical changes but surround themselves with minions.
The society is pitiable that is in search of direction and when it is ruled by a group of idiots the people become miserable and suffer – and the only way out is through a radical change that comes through radical consciousness with a radical distortion. Ours is a society in search of a direction but good enough, another opportunity is here for us.
Clementine identified a need in her community which leads to health inequalities, there was litter everywhere. She decided to address the need by picking up litter, so that the environment looks pleasant and so that the residents can develop a sense of pride regarding their estate.
Over the years, Clementine has been involved in many community projects in which she contributes to the wellbeing of those around her in small ways. For example, she volunteered as a play worker with Bradford Action for Refugees, supporting children and families and she also worked with Incommunities housing association as a customer service inspector, advising the organisation on how to improve the service that they provide to their tenants. She now volunteers with Collective Impact and city of Sanctuary simultaneously, to improve the quality of life in her local area. Clementine’s vision is to be an inspiration to young people by demonstrating that dreams can be achieved with a little effort and a little contribution, as such she has engaged in a continuous learning process and has emerged as a PHD student in the school of management, at the University of Bradford.
Admittedly, achieving all this is hard work and it means working long hours, besides holding down a job. But because she is determined to make a difference by inspiring young people, she keeps going.
The St Kitts and Nevis Independence Event at the Dominican Association was the very 1St to be celebrated in Bradford was well attended. Massive thank you those Kittians and Nevisians who travelled from Leeds Huddersfield and Leicester. Bigg Up to the Bradford Kittians and Nevisians who gave their full support.
The day started with Daddy Jeff setting the mood with tunes Soraya Grayston who delivered a speech with facts and information about SKN followed by speaker James Brown.
The sample of SKN national dish stewed saltfish coconut dumplings and spiced plantain went down a treat along with the sorrel and ginger. The children enjoyed their time colouring the national flag
Asher Titre AKA T.Dot.T gave a great live performance along with Bradford Ouadrille dancers we had 2 performances from the steel pan band which gave the event that SKN vibe then ended with DJ Raff spinning tunes.
We would like to thank the team, volunteers and the D.A for their support for this successful event
And last but not least Bigg thanks to Daniel Carter and all you good people who attended.
As each day unfolds , the birth of new legacies are created to inspire communities around the world .
Friday the 16th of September was a very historical day at The National Diversity Awards which took place at the prestigious Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool.Community champions .
Celebrities and prestigious Role models from all over the country gathered to witness the National awards for 2022.
This year’s event had well over 75,000 nominees ( the highest ever since it’s inauguration).
The National Diversity Awards was also a very historical day for Bradford City as Bradford 4 Better Community organisation lead by Dr SOHAIL AHMED won The National Diversity Community organisation award for its profound contribution as an organisation that continues to not only bring different people together from backgrounds , but also to represent the voices of the people through well executed initiatives and solution driven programmes.
Only a few months ago, Bradford was named UK City of Culture 2025, ( printing its name in the National map as a City that makes things happen).
This new triumph is a testimony of the fact that the people of Bradford continue to be the change they want to see in Society.
Representing the organisation at The National Diversity Awards were the Founder – Dr SOHAIL AHMED, Mr Kashif Ahmed , Mr Yasir and Tony Tokunbo Fernandez.
In attendance were amazing celebrities including Kelly Holmes , Richard Blackwood, Nina wadia, Lemar and many amazing celebrities from around the country.Watch this space for more updates
TONY TOKUNBO ETEKA FERNANDEZ 