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
Join author Kandace Chimbiri for a talk about her book The Story of the Windrush, in conversation with Samantha Williams from Book Love. This event will explore the legacy of the Windrush pioneers and writing non-fiction for children.
About the book: In June 1948, hundreds of Caribbean men, women and children arrivedin London on a ship called the HMT Empire Windrush. Although there were already Black people living in Britain at the time, this event marks the beginning of modern Black Britain. Combining historical fact with voices from the Windrush Generation, this book sensitively tells the inspiring story of the Windrush Generation pioneers for younger readers.
About Kandace: Born in London, England in 1968 to parents from Barbados, Kandace Chimbiri is the author of Black history books for children. Motivated by a desire to help improve both children’s literacy as well as their knowledge of history, Kandace founded her small publishing house Golden Destiny Ltd in 2009. Golden Destiny specialises in non-fiction titles for children, in particular Black history before mass enslavement. She is now an author of Scholastic Children’s Books where she will be republishing her brilliant titles in an all-new look and format.
IN MEMORY OF THE LATE SIXTUS ALEXANDER PEDRO FERNANDEZ – FOUNDER OF THE FIRST ACTIVE PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO IN NIGERIA
History is not only the study of the past, our narratives and the true stories of events, it also entails the stories of people and their actions as well as the impact these stories have on many communities around the world.
For many centuries, oral tradition had not only taken centre stage as a source of history from our past, it had also become the norm in very many West African settings as the way we shared our stories and our experiences.
Unfortunately, the drawback sometimes of Oral tradition is that it is not always recorded and there are still countless stories within the Nigerian context which are not only inspirational, but they also do not make it into our precious history books.
One of such stories is the legacy of THE LATE SIXTUS ALEXANDER PEDRO FERNANDEZ – FOUNDER OF THE FIRST ACTIVE PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO IN NIGERIA AND A LEADING PHILANTHROPIST that played a prominent role in many peoples lives.
The studio was first set up in the year 1924 at Egerton Street, Henshaw Town, Calabar.
He not only focused on photography as a key area, but also the provision of sports and camera equipment’s.
It is no surprise that members of The Fernandez Family in Nigeria are still absorbed with fond memories of this great philanthropist who shaped the lives of many Efik and Yoruba people in Nigeria and inspired many with a unique sense of leadership, integrity and vision.
It is also no surprise also that his warmth, hospitality, people’s skills and interest for the community still runs in the family of the older and younger generation. This is not only reflected by the fact that he spoke English, Portuguese, Efik and Yoruba fluently but he also engaged in promoting the essence of community cohesion and social well-being among various communities in the present day South South Nigeria.
My Father, Mr S.O Fernandez still has fond memories of my late Grandfather as an inspirational icon with a warm heart and also the regional leader of the Yoruba people in Calabar. He recalls how members of the Yoruba community in Calabar will gather in Grandfathers home for regular meetings and how he promoted and encouraged the positive cohesion of local leaders within the vicinity.
He was a strict practicing Catholic and would wake up at 5am every Sunday for mass no matter how much it rained.
It would probably not be wrong to assume that he was not only very punctual but quite particular and so on several occasions would arrive at Church before it opened and even wake up the priest by hitting his front door with a heavy wooden stick.
In the year 1963, The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo (A prominent leading Nigerian nationalist and strong advocate for Nigerian independence) was imprisoned for plotting to other throw the former Nigerian Federal government.
The prison sentence was to last for ten years but Chief Obafemi Awolowo was released from Calabar prison in August 1966. This was not only a historical turning point in the crucial developments of a great nation but it was also a strong indicator of other major events to unfold.
My Father also recalls of how Chief Obafemi Awolowo stayed in our home in Calabar with our late Grandfather for a few days, before returning back to the West.
My Mother, Mrs P Fernandez also worked with Port Health, Lagos in the seventies. She proudly recalls how she attended to VIP Patients in a special room one morning and came across Justice Candidi Johnson and family.
When she had finished attending to them, he was curious to know which of the Fernandez family my mother belonged to.
My Mother told him that her husband was the son of the late Sixtus Pedro Fernandez who lived in Calabar. She recalls how Justice Johnsons eyes immediately lit up and he began to tell her stories of the late Sixtus Pedro Fernandez and how his home was haven for people and visitors from all works of life.
My senior Aunty, Aunty Georgina Fernandez also has very fond memories of the late Sixtus Pedro Fernandez as an amazing humanitarian who always went the extra mile to ensure that the welfare of local citizens was a priority. She recalls of how he not only made sure that all his children were educated, but also paid the school fees of many Efik indigenes who could not afford their fees as the time.
According to Aunty Georgina, the late Sixtus Pedro Fernandez was a strict catholic with a methodical approach to life. She also remembers that he had a senior sister who lived in the same house as him called Mrs. Victoria Harding. Mrs Harding was also referred to as “Big Mama”.
Late Sixtus Pedro Fernandez was the son of an enterprising entrepreneur from Brazil who married a Nigerian woman.
The late Sixtus Pedro Fernandez also had a cousin in Brazil who he used to visit frequently.
He also had relations that lived in The Campus square (A vicinity of Lagos island that still maintains a historical reputation as a melting pot of Brazilian descendants but also an area deeply associated with a Portuguese influence of architecture and names (Just like many parts of Lagos.)
In my view, the legacy of the late Sixtus Alexander Pedro Fernandez truly represents the essence and impact of community cohesion, social wellbeing, positive collaboration, value systems and the importance of working together as part the spirit of nation building.
Nigeria is not only a thriving and colorful melting pot of culture, belief systems, traditions and a people with a wide range of diversity, it is a nation of incredibly complex and diverse regional families with so many differences.
The legacy and example of the late Sixtus Alexander Pedro Fernandez also represents the need to rise above our differences as a nation and embrace the spirit of working together and appreciating our differences.
There are so many other success stories that cannot be found in history books, but the best part of history is when we are able to embrace each moment and quietly inspire our communities with a raw sense of leadership, humility and example.
I’ve never wanted to tie myself down to any one path or career, and this site showcases the many journeys I’ve taken, and still taking. After all variety is the spice of life. I was born in the United Kingdom, and grew up in Zimbabwe. I feel very privileged, to be influenced by two different cultures, and life styles.
I enjoy gatherings, working and playing (together). I am an optimist, believing that anything through Christ is possible! say amen now.
With each project I embark on, I approach it with enthusiasm and focus on detail.
Do explore my blogs, motivational events and visuals.
I hope you find it to be thought provoking, and sparks something from the inside you.
I am proudly African, an African l writer, and motivator, as you will discover.
You can be your best motivator!
I received my primary and high school education in Zimbabwe. I had the pleasure of attending and experiencing both private and government schools. High school was a blast, I attended Roosevelt High, a government school in Harare.
My university years were in the UK. Hull University gave me my qualification in (BSC) in Business Management, years later, London South Bank University gave me my Law qualification in LLM Civil Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution. When I say “gave”, I actually mean I studied hard and earned my qualifications.
By the way, I completed my Masters degree at the age of 41, so its never too late, just put your mind to it. Who knows, I might do my PHD next…
Our young inspirational author just received her copies of her 3rd book, The Anderson Adventure and is now on a mission to sign and post all autographed copies to their amazing owners and supporters.
Once more a massive thanks to all those who have purchased her books so far, we profoundly appreciate you.
Thank you for supporting this young role model and author!If you are yet to get your copies, please do so either online/ Amazon or get autographed copies directly from the author.
*** FREE ONE DAY DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS ON AMAZON!***This is a must read for your young ones.
A VERY RELATABLE BOOK THAT INSPIRES YOUNG PEOPLE TO OVERCOME PEER PRESSURE/ BULLYING, GAIN CONFIDENCE & APPRECIATE THEIR FAMILY MORE! Below are the links to order your copy today:
WHAT IS HAPPENNIG FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH THIS OCTOBER? TONY TOKUNBO ETEKA FERNANDEZ
Dear Family and Friends,
We have been organizing THE BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBARTIANS AT THE UK HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT EVERY SINGLE YEAR SINCE 2013.
We shall not be organizing The BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS AT THE UK HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT this year due to the current covid challenges as well as recent parliament regulations
HOWEVER, HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH ON OCTOBER
We are planning a BLACK HISTORY MONTH VIRTUAL ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS on Saturday the 31st OF OCTOBER AT 6PM UK TIME with International Participants- YOU ARE ALL INVITED AND WE SHALL KEEP YOU POSTED.
Our Historical Story of the Month is in memory of Our late Grandfather – Sixtus Alexander Pedro Fernandez – OWNER OF THE 1ST EVER ACTIVE PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO IN NIGERIA – The building can still be found today in Henshaw Town, Calabar, Nigeria.
Copies of OUR BOOKLET on the JOURNEY OF ORGANIZING BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS AT THE UK HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT are still available to order. The booklet highlights on the achievements and the success stories of change makers within our communities.
GET YOUR COPY TODAY VIA PAYPAL FOR JUST 3 POUNDS TO afripoet@hotmail.com (FREE DELIVERY IN THE UK) OR CONTACT US ON +447882809005
Having risen to the top of a male-dominated industry, Nigerian singer-songwriter Yemi Alade was today appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Kicking off her new role as the COVID-19 pandemic surges around the world, Alade will help shine a spotlight on the disproportionate impact of the health and socio-economic crisis on the poorest and most vulnerable people, who are often women, especially in developing nations.
“Women are among the 4 billion people who are trying to survive COVID-19 without any form of social protection,” said Alade. “I want to lend my voice to these women and other vulnerable people who make up half of the world that’s struggling to make ends meet. They don’t have the luxury of working from home and are putting their health at risk just to put food on the table.”
“But as we address poverty and inequality in our COVID-19 recovery plans, we can’t put climate change on the back burner,” Alade said. “Climate change and poverty go hand-in-hand, and neither is gender-neutral. Women in developing countries, such as my homeland Nigeria, are disproportionately affected by both.”
Alade was appointed UNDP’s latest Goodwill Ambassador by UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner.
There are 51 official cities in England and the list of these places have been granted city status by letters patent or royal character.
In the last two decades I have had the opportunity to visit over 30 Countries around the world but I have also had the opportunity to visit 40 of the 51 Official cities of England
There is always something profound that makes cities stand out, it could be the history, the architecture, the sceneries, the diversity of people, its identity or even simple things like the thoughts and emotions we feel when we embrace the new walls of a city.
Have you ever travelled to a new place and felt you are in familiar territory?
Travelling opens our minds into a new world of history, culture, experiences and a new transition of growth.
NEWCASTLE is one of the 51 Official cities I have visited in England
FIVE GOOD REASONS TO VISIT NEWCASTLE
Newcastle is situated in north east of England and is the most populous city of the North East. I have visited this City many times and it has a lot of iconic sights, great architecture, statues and a refreshing feel that is quite unique. It also has a lot of art and culture, there are lots of great sceneries on the outskirts as well as beeches, coastlines and countryside.
The people are part of reasons that make up a great city and the Geordies have a friendly and easy-going spirit. They also love to party, so this is a great place to put on your bucket list if you fancy something different and refreshing.
It is easy to navigate this City on foot as it perfectly formed and organized, alternatively you can also take advantage of the Metro System.
Newcastle also has some very interesting landmarks and buildings that are worth discovering. The Newcastle 12th Century castle is an amazing site with some breath-taking views across the City, you cannot also afford to miss Anthony Gomleys iconic angel of the North statue in Gateshead
Newcastle has always had an amazing nightlife with a wide range of options dotted round the City and even surrounding bay regions such as Whitley bay. The city continues to attract party lovers from all over the country as well as Scotland
There are 51 official cities in England and the list of these places have been granted city status by letters patent or royal character.
In the last two decades I have had the opportunity to visit over 30 Countries around the world but I have also had the opportunity to visit 40 of the 51 Official cities of England
There is always something profound that makes cities stand out, it could be the history, the architecture, the sceneries, the diversity of people, its identity or even simple things like the thoughts and emotions we feel when we embrace the new walls of a city.
Have you ever travelled to a new place and felt you are in familiar territory?
Travelling opens our minds into a new world of history, culture, experiences and a new transition of growth.
MANCHESTER is one of the 51 Official cities I have visited in England
FIVE GOOD REASONS TO VISIT MANCHESTER
I have visited Manchester so many times and there is no doubt that Manchester attracts visitors and tourists from all over the world. In recent years it has become so popular that many people in London, The South of England and The Midlands have relocated to this region and power-house of the north to make the most of the opportunities as well the choices available with regards to quality of Life. Although Manchester is not one of my favorite cities in the North of England, it is definitely an amazing city with a vast range of opportunities and a great place to relocate if you have had enough of London.
Manchester also has a great and very varied nightlife with a wide range of music scenes and options for people of all ages. Every night of the week, you will find something exciting with a wide range of preferences from local gigs, urban dance halls, raves, open mics and so much more.
Manchester is also a great city for those who like shopping and the options are endless. There are high street stores in the City Centre, a range of independent boutiques and designer stores. The Trafford Centre also has a lot to offer.
The Christmas markets in Manchester have often been described as the best in England and attracts visitors and tourists from different regions and vicinities.
Manchester has a lot of fascinating Museums which are dotted around the large city and the great thing is that many of these museums are FREE
There are 51 official cities in England and the list of these places have been granted city status by letters patent or royal character.
In the last two decades I have had the opportunity to visit over 30 Countries around the world but I have also had the opportunity to visit 40 of the 51 Official cities of England
There is always something profound that makes cities stand out, it could be the history, the architecture, the sceneries, the diversity of people, its identity or even simple things like the thoughts and emotions we feel when we embrace the new walls of a city.
Have you ever travelled to a new place and felt you are in familiar territory?
Travelling opens our minds into a new world of history, culture, experiences and a new transition of growth.
OXFORD is one of the 51 Official cities I have visited in England
FIVE GOOD REASONS TO VISIT OXFORD
Oxford is also the home of punting (a tradition which has evolved ever since the 1880s). It is worthwhile to hire a punt and make the most of a memorable experience with some strawberries and Champagne
Oxford has been often described as The Booklovers paradise of the UK. Blackwell’s Bookshop can also be found in Oxford and it is the largest academic and specialist book seller in the UK. The City has also inspired lots of authors for very many years
There are so many incredible museums to see and many of the museums are dotted around the city.
One Of the first things you notice when you visit Oxford is the architecture. The architecture is amazing, it has a traditional feel and reflects the history and the character of the City
Oxford is the home of some of the oldest pubs in the UK. Some of these pubs date back to the 13th Century
BOOK LAUNCH 
18:00 GMT 
20:00 GMT VIA ZOOM
TONY TOKUNBO ETEKA FERNANDEZ 