Young People's Empowerment

We recognise the importance of working in educational institutions, with universities and with young people. We give young people the opportunity to be listened to, supported and learn about other cultures in a meaningful way. We believe it is important to make space to celebrate diverse cultures and histories. Through our work we empower and support young people from all backgrounds through making, moving, listening, creating and sharing skills.

Our Future Hopes   - Year 2020

Photograph by Abi Jones

Commissioner:  Partners in Creative Learning

In the summer of 2020 a group of young activists and leaders supported by Kwanzaa Collective UK ran a CEP partnership project with PICL called 'Our Future Hopes'. Having spent a month working with the group, the intention was to create a short film that platforms a diverse range of voices from across the county. The film, created by Anderson J West and the young people challenges, communicates and shares positive messages. It also showcases young people, young local talent and the vibrant local cultural arts sector regionally.

The film features the poem 'Day Seven – Things Were Better Today' written by Charmaine Adetola. 

The young leaders, poets and activists involved with the project really want their work to be shared in schools, so, alongside the film, the group worked to develop a series of resources to use the film as a catalyst for discussion and other creative drama, and poetry activities for use in schools and with other youth groups. This included them commissioning artist Alisha Friday to create a colouring book resource.

Watch the YouTube video below to learn more.

BBC: Young, Black and Influential - Year 2021, 2023

Partner:  BBC Radio Stoke. SABLE (Staffordshire Association for Black Lives Equality) 

The idea of Staffordshire based journalist Bongi Msimanga Hodson we supported BBC Radio Stoke to feature and spotlight some of Staffordshire and Cheshire's most inspiring young Black people in business, the arts, science and sport.

Jumprov Jam - Year 2023

The magic of comedy improv

Photograph by Andrew Billington

Partner:  New Vic Theatre

Kwanzaa Collective UK worked with New Vic Theatre to create an annual event specifically aimed at young Black and Brown audiences. In 2023, we started this ongoing partnership by inviting Jumprov, proudly the UK’s first Black and Brown Improv group, to perform a show and run a free workshop exclusively open to Black People, Brown People and People of Colour. Held to celebrate Black History Month, we serve up brilliant comedy alongside some delicious food. 

The event   included a performance by Keele Gospel Choir, who in 2018 reached the final of BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the year, and a performance from poet Adrian Mckenzie. 

In 2024 we partnered with the New Vic again to host aa sold-out evening with David Olusoga OBE, the renowned historian, BAFTA-winning filmmaker and presenter BBC2’s A House Through Time. There was food there too, of course.

Read More:

https://www.newvictheatre.org.uk/productions/david-olusoga-obe-history-and-the-history-wars/

Podcasting - Year 2022

Partner:  Partners in Creative Learning

Our second KC Young Activists cohort young people focused-on podcasting skills. As part of their work toward their own podcasting they practiced live interviewing at Afro-Business Day and on the Friday at the big feast. Many of the young people have stayed connected with KC. The young people created their own podcast that focused on 

The lead artist for the cohort was Derrick Egblewogbe with support from Nom Ncube, Cythnia and a drop-in session from Anderson West.

Read More:

https://www.facebook.com/appetite.stoke/videos/1127228627865827

Browse Through Our Other Projects