New Exhibition Celebrates Black Culture and Inspirational Figures from Leeds

A new exhibition celebrating the contributions of people from Leeds’ black community is going on display from today.

‘Our Legacy: The Next Chapter,’ by Leeds-based events company Boomchikkaboom, opens on Thursday 1^st October at Trinity Leeds.

Guests can also take part in an immersive pop-up experience on Saturday 24^th October inside The Study, on the first floor next to Guest Services, at Trinity Leeds, where families can create, move through music and learn from creative storytelling.

Faye Kenny, founder of Boomchikkaboom, said: “This exhibition is a chance to celebrate black culture and highlight just some of the incredible and inspiring people making real, positive change to people’s lives and the communities we live in.

“We’re proud to platform these key voices and pioneers in the black community here in Leeds and shout about the amazing work they’re doing across many sectors, from music, dance and sport to health, fashion, literature and education. We hope that their remarkable stories will inspire the next generation.”

The exhibition includes 10 portraits, displayed on totems in the main atrium and will be on display throughout Black History Month.

Tashi Brown, CEO of the Black Health Initiative, is one of the 10 people making a difference in the community. Tashi also volunteers as an Emergency Responder at the British Red Cross and has travelled internationally to carry out humanitarian and disaster crisis work.

Leeds-based fashion designer and entrepreneur Hajjia Bolaji Ayeni, founder of AFSEY, Africa Fashion Show & Exhibition Yorkshire, is also featured in the exhibition, highlighting her work celebrating African heritage through fashion, and promoting a space of inclusion and opportunities for emerging talent.

More portraits showcased at the exhibition include:

• Joe Williams – Director of Heritage Corner, exploring African narratives within Yorkshire’s history. He also created the Leeds Black History Walk in 2009.
• Paul Edmeade – Leeds-based DJ, also known as DJ Oddball, producer and rapper, who also works at MAP Charity, teaching digital media and supporting young people.
• Sam Fray – Founder and CEO of BPSB, encouraging black talent into behind-the-scenes careers in sports broadcasting.
• Olivia Corbin Phillip – Founder of Stories with Liv, bringing stories to life through imagination, play and creativity.
• Errol Murray – Founder of Leeds Dads, a support group for dads and their pre-school children, helping thousands of families and providing free activities and support, with a focus on communities experiencing social and financial challenges.
• Kathy Williams MBE OLY – Director of RJC Dance, a black British-led cultural organisation based in Chapeltown, and the first black female artistic gymnast to compete for Great Britain at The Olympics.
• Professor Emily Zobel Marshall – Professor of Postcolonial Literature, author and poet.
• Brian Swarray – Barbershop owner who set up his own barbering academy, Piranha Hair Studio to share his skills with others.

For more information, please visit www.trinityleeds.com.