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 us for a Panel Event featuring prominent figures from the Black British Ballet project. This event will provide a joyful and enlightening discussion about their careers, the challenges they faced, and their extraordinary journeys in ballet. From meeting international celebrities to overcoming barriers in the ballet world, the panelists will share fascinating insights into their experiences.
Not just ballet?
How did the son of Jamaican immigrants find friendship with Princess Diana?
Why would you leave Everton Football Club’s youth team to dance ballet?
How do you go from a council estate in Brixton to board at the world’s most prestigious school for ballet at just 11 years old?
Join us on Saturday to get the answers to these questions and to hear first hand about their rich and varied careers in ballet and beyond,
Carl Dovi is a proud Ghanaian and a dynamic young leader dedicated to driving impact through innovation, sustainability, and community development. With a strong passion for creating value, he continuously seeks to uplift those around him while making meaningful contributions to society.
He holds an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, where he excelled in sustainable development. His academic excellence was recognized with the Dean’s Prize for Innovation and Impact, awarded for achieving the highest-scoring Master’s dissertation.
During his time at the university, Carl was deeply involved in various leadership roles, serving as a Welcome Student Ambassador and Vice President of the Sustainability Society. His efforts in organizing Sustainability Week, tree planting, litter-picking workshops, and a sustainability exhibition which engaged over sixty students and inspired collective action for a greener future. Beyond academia, Carl has been instrumental in fostering student engagement and support.
As a key figure in the creation of the Ghanaian Students Society at University of Bradford, he played a crucial role in creating a strong, connected community, ensuring the voices of Ghanaian students were heard and their needs met in the UK. Carl’s impact extends beyond borders. He is the founding Project Manager of Coastal Watch Ghana (formerly Project Hope Ghana), a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to coastal and environmental protection.
His leadership in this space underscores his commitment to sustainability and development. Currently, Carl serves as a Volunteer Programme Officer for Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, working closely with producers of over 1,000 events. In this role, he coordinates volunteers, creates impactful opportunities, and ensures community involvement in major cultural projects.
His ability to connect people, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change has been at the heart of his work. With a background in Economics and Geography from the University of Cape Coast, Carl combines analytical skills with a deep understanding of social and environmental challenges.
His expertise in project management, research, and leadership has made him a standout figure in the non-profit and cultural sectors. Carl’s guiding philosophy “Rise by raising others” reflects his unwavering dedication to integrity, respect, and kindness. He aspires to be remembered as the young man who served his people, brought hope, and ensured their voices were heard, leaving a lasting impact on both local and global communities
If life is a battlefield, art is Kimba’s weapon of choice. Since 1999 he’s been using words to paint pictures that capture hope, framing life as a journey full of opportunities to learn and discover greatness.
His versatility has provided him a platform to perform to politicians, corporate executives, and festival crowds, as well as host workshops for community groups, churches, universities and schools around the world. He writes for Sony Viacom, CBS, and West One Music Group where his music has been featured in film and on Television. He has also been privileged to be a featured artist at The Victoria and Albert Museum, The Tate Modern, and The Houses of Parliament. He is the current London Slambassador for Author’s Abroad and an Oracy Development Artist for the renowned Polka Children’s Theatre.
Kimba has received support from some of the upper echelons of hip hop & the music industry, including: Chuck D of Public Enemy, DJ Premier of Gangstarr, Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 6, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Pos De Nous of De La Soul to name a few.
He is a former elite athlete and now a devoted husband and father. Originally from Trenton, New Jersey, he now resides in London, England with his young family.
COMING SOON ON THE TONY TOKUNBO FERNANDEZ SHOW – OOUR INTERVIEW WITH THE AMAZING TIFFANY OKEWOLE AND LEA DELETA BASED IN THE UNITED STATES .
Tiffany and Lea are Co-Founders of The Social Environmental Equity Network
The Social Environmental Equity Network was founded by Lea Deleta and Tiffany Okewole in December 2024.
Even so, planning had gone as far back as July 2024. Both girls were interested in creating a passion project that allowed their West Orange community to get involved in helping a underrepresented environmental problem in the world.
With all of the current events of 2024, including laws and statements of action that went in the wrong direction in terms of environmental welfare, Lea and Tiffany wanted to create a source of hope in their community and their generation.
Lea and Tiffany promise to strive and work hard in order to allow this network to have an impactful and positive effect on the massive problem of environmental injustice.
ABOUT TIFFANY OKEWOLE
Hi, I’m Tiffany! I have a deep interest in science and I care a lot about the environment. The normalization of certain groups of people being treated like second class citizens does not sit right with me at all and I hope to combat it. I hope to use this network to fight yet another injustice against minorities and less fortunate people.
ABOUT LEA DELETA
Hi, I’m Lea! I am a junior in high school and I hope to work in environmental law in the future. I care about environmental injustice a lot and hope to utilize this network to fight the problem at hand.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to fully step into the woman you are meant to be—this is it.
This isn’t just another seminar; it’s a movement. A space for women to grow, lead, and thrive in every area of life.
We’re covering it all:
Leadership & Influence
Motherhood, Career & Purpose
Mental Strength & Personal Growth
Women in Tech & Innovation
Finding Balance in a Busy World
Every speaker and panelist has been carefully selected to bring you real insights, practical strategies, and inspiration. This is not about hype—it’s about transformation.
If you are serious about stepping into your next level, making an impact, and balancing every part of your life with confidence and power, you don’t want to miss this.
Date: 1st March 2025
Time: 12 PM (Arrivals from 11 AM)
Venue: The Events Place, 3rd Floor, Bradford, BD1 5AX
This event is open to all women—regardless of background, age, or profession. If you’re in West Yorkshire, this is for you!
And don’t come alone! Bring your sisters, friends, and colleagues. Big things happen when women come together.
DECKACY Launch 2025: Shaping the Future of Innovation and Inclusivity Bradford, UK* – The City Library in Bradford will host the eagerly awaited DECKACY Launch event on *Monday, 20th January 2025, at 4:00 PM*. DECKACY is a revolutionary initiative committed to championing *innovation, empowerment, and community*, with a vision to create a more inclusive society for all.
This landmark event will provide a platform for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and creative solutions aimed at fostering inclusivity and advancing opportunities for everyone.
A diverse audience of advocates, thought leaders, changemakers, and professionals will gather to share perspectives and drive collective progress. Key Highlights The DECKACY Launch will feature an exceptional line-up of speakers, each bringing a wealth of expertise and insights aligned with DECKACY’s pillars of empowerment and inclusivity. Speakers Line-up -*Anthony Lane** Founder of Neurolearn.online*, Anthony will present the ‘D’ – Development element of DECKACY. He will unveil Neurolearn’s innovative training programs designed for neurodivergent individuals and Neuro Coaches. Anthony will also share groundbreaking advancements in education technologies, such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), and will announce a specialised music course for ASD learners. Attendees will also hear a preview of his forthcoming book, *Autism A Superpower – An Awakening’, slated for release on **14th February 2025 –
*Tracy Sheldon* Representing *Kirklees Council*, Tracy Sheldon will discuss the importance of fostering inclusive communities and championing local initiatives aimed at equity and collaboration.
– *Ngamanya Nnorom* From *Uplifting Lives Services*, Ngamanya will highlight her organisation’s work in empowering individuals and creating transformative opportunities for communities. –
*Judith Dembo** Also from Uplifting Lives Services*, Judith will speak about her organisation’s dedication to supporting neurodiverse young adults. Currently based in the West Midlands, Uplifting Lives Services is excited to announce its expansion into West Yorkshire*, where it will continue its mission to provide meaningful impact and support.
*Jerry Crawford* A Yorkshire visionary with over 50 years of experience, Jerry Crawford will explore the ‘C & Y’ – Creative Yorkshire element of DECKACY. Focusing on the artistic and cultural contributions of Bradford and Yorkshire as a whole, Jerry will speak about how creativity drives progress and strengthens communities. –
*June Abbott* The founder of the Eco Fresh Laundry Hub, June Abbott will present on the ‘C’ – Collaboration element of DECKACY. She will share her inspiring experiences building sustainable, inclusive enterprises and demonstrate the power of partnerships and shared goals.
*George Matheson* CEO of DECKACY, George Matheson will lead the discussion on the ‘K’ – Kulture element. George will share DECKACY’s overarching vision for fostering a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and empowerment within organisations and communities across the UK.
MC FOR THE DAY- Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez , Online Broadcaster and Founder of Africa4u Association
The event will also offer unique networking opportunities where attendees can engage with thought leaders, advocates, and innovators, creating meaningful connections and collaborations.
# Join Us “The DECKACY Launch isn’t just a one-day event—it’s the beginning of a movement to build a future rooted in inclusion, creativity, and innovation,” said George Matheson, CEO of DECKACY. “We are proud to bring together this diverse range of leaders and changemakers to share their insights and inspire action. Together, we can drive real and lasting change.” #
# Media Coverage The day’s celebrations will be professionally documented by *Milton of Kirklees Local TV*, ensuring all the key moments are captured for a wider audience to witness. #
# Media Enquiries For press materials, interviews, or further information about the event, please contact: *Jo Fisher**Email*: jo@deckacy.org.uk *Phone*: 07551613648 Learn More For more details about DECKACY and its mission to champion inclusivity and empowerment, visit our website at *[www.deckacy.org.uk](http://www.deckacy.org.uk)*. *
Birthed in the 15th century as the exoteric [yet esoteric] form of Ekpe or Nyamkpe/Dibo, the Efik’s “Idem Ikwọ” is historically known to be the most famous, accomplished and adorable Ekpe masquerade designed for religious, governmental, social, political and cultural reasons.
While no published historical record exist to guide interested researchers on why Idem Ikwọ is so called and/or its specific originator in the ancients, particularly to guard against myth or speculations that either arise out of ignorance or based on fear that such could be a futile exercise because it appears shrouded in mystery, oral history offers two main Information that etymologically attempt/unveil needed information.
Firstly, undocumented History tells us that the reason Efik ancestors named their “exoteric Ekpe”-IDEM IKWỌ -was because it then mostly appeared to appease the people, run-Ekpe errands/execute Ekpe judgements on Akwa Ikwọ day.
Contextually note that preceding the Akwa Ikwọ Day on the Efik’s eight Calendar Week Days is AKWA EDERI (the equivalent of Hebrews’ Sabbath Day/Sunday in modern Christianity sense; reserved mainly as Holy Day or public holiday for the worship of Ata/Akwa Abasi Ibom Enyọñ-God) and AKWA EYIBIO (set as spiritism or pantheism day for the worship of the gods, juju and ancestral spirits -Ndem, Ibọk, mbukpo etc), while AKWA ỌFIỌÑ (the day after Akwa Ikwọ) was mainly reserved as the day for Nyamkpe outing; restricted to only Ekpe initiates and forbidden against non-Ekpe initiates, women and children.
Secondly, another version of oral history informs that the Idem Ikwọ might have simply derived its name from the fact that it is mostly sung, eulogized or charged to dance or yọrọ by auditory stimuli as song (ikwọ), drumming, chanting (utaña Ekpit), cheering/applauses. Mainly when seen in cheery-appeasement of it large audience amidst heavy singing and drumming provided as external stimuli by a large choric force on street parade/display or daance during yuletide/festive seasons; a new King’s coronation; [Ekpe] chieftaincy events and/ or Nyọtọ festival.
Despite their distinct informative nature, it is deductively perceived that above oral histories respectively guide interested researchers to what probably is/could be the etymology of Idem Ikwọ because both rightly connect to the Efik homonym for Ikwọ day and song/auditory art.
Finally, kindly provide additional information if available and/or different from what is provided in this post.
We are pleased to inform you that the re-launch of the amazing DECKACY BRAND shall be taking place on Monday the 20th of January at The City Library in Bradford at 4pm on the dot.
COME AND BE PART OF THIS AMAZING RELAUNCH
DECKACY represents a Movement of Change, celebrating innovation, empowerment, and community with the aim of building a more inclusive future
This amazing event will be hosed by the CEO of DECKACY – Mr Geroge Matheson with Tony Tokunbo Fernandez as MC.
There will also some amazing speakers on the day including Bradford based Community Champion- Jerry Crawford, Huddersfield based Community champion- June Abbot and many others
COME AND BE PART OF THIS AMAZING RELAUNCH TAKING PLACE AT THE CITY LIBRARY IN BRADFORD .
We extend a warm welcome to the inaugural Greater Manchester Black Tech Expo, organized in collaboration with The Growth Company.
The primary objective of the Greater Manchester Black Tech Expo is to address the digital divide, stimulate business development, and enhance inclusivity within communities that constitute the global majority. This event serves as a platform for connecting businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators from the Black diaspora, Africa, and the Caribbean, thereby facilitating opportunities for networking, funding, and strategic partnerships and job creation.
The event will feature distinguished speakers who possess diverse backgrounds along with substantial experience, knowledge, expertise, and proven track records. Dr Emilee Simmons, Samantha Lubanzu, Adewale Omoniyi, Esther Aluko, Ali Olad , Ahmed Rimi , Dionne Taylor, Saeed , Sam Freakes, Fatima Abrar, Mary Fashanu , Nick Shepherd, Michael Livingston, Angel A ,Effa Ettah, Otis Thomas, Leanna Cameron , Michael Ekpechue
Join us on Friday, January 31st 2025 and Saturday, February 1st 2025 from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the Windrush Millennium Centre located in Moss Side, Manchester M16 7WD.
Leadership & Influence
Date: 1st March 2025
Time: 12 PM (Arrivals from 11 AM)
Venue: The Events Place, 3rd Floor, Bradford, BD1 5AX
Women, rise to lead! 
TONY TOKUNBO ETEKA FERNANDEZ 