AUDREY LINTON

Audrey where are you from? 

I was born in Jamaica, I grew up in  Manchester and live in London. 

What do you do?

I write songs, stories and play the guitar badly! I run career and  coaching seminars. I also work for the NHS developing better speaking up cultures to alleviate harm for patients and staff.  

You can find out more about what I do here www.audreylinton.com

What has inspired you recently?

When you next see me, ask me about Matthew Ashimolowo’s YouTube series titled Black and Blessed. It has been so fascinating!

What thoughts do you have looking back on Black History Month?

BHM is always a wonderful opportunity to promote the contribution that people from the African/Caribbean diaspora have generously made to our history, our country and our churches. The amazing diverse mix of people within our church family at St Barnabas is such an example of God’s kingdom and we should be proud of that diversity. 

Reading stories of all those who have contributed to this page has given great insights into our wonderful brothers and sisters. If you would like to read more about Black History I would really recommend: Harriet Tubman, the American Abolitionist and George Washington Carver. 

SEBASTIAN GHEBREZADICK MCBEAN Age 12 (Year 8) 

Tell us about where your heritage is from? 

Mum is Norwegian, with a Swedish and Eritrean heritage. Dad is American, with a Jamaican and Chinese heritage. I was born in London.

Name one thing about your heritage that makes you proud? 

The one thing that makes me proud about my heritage is the feeling of “togetherness”. It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, or how well you know the person; there is so much joy and happiness felt, especially through music. 

Is there anyone from the African Diaspora who inspires you and why? 

A person I am influenced by, due to my interest in sport, is Marcus Rashford a footballer who plays for the club Manchester United. He was born in England and his family originated from Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean. His work is to get every child free school meals. During lockdown this resulted in 1.3 million vulnerable children receiving free school meals and he was awarded a MBE.  

What does God’s kingdom look like to you? 

God’s kingdom to me is a safe place, an environment to relax; an eternal peace where God opens up his arms and people are loved and accepted. 

 Do you have a Bible verse you really like? 

One verse I am inspired by is Joshua 1v9:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

This is because it creates hope in hard situations. I look at this passage and remember I am always embraced by God’s benevolence, and I feel protected by his omnipotence. 

What do you most enjoy about being part of the St Barnabas Kensington church family? 

St. Barnabas is a place of happiness. It’s a place where we come together and friends gather. I like Sunday School  because it allows us to learn together and contribute as individuals. 

What three words would your family use to describe you? 

Intelligent, determined and successful.

Any final words about what Black History means to you?

Black History to me, as a young person, is something I feel very proud of. I am part of a community who served a purpose in difficult circumstances and who, through skills and talents, shaped today’s Britain. I feel extremely proud of that.

THE McLEAN FAMILY

L to R: Tiffany, Melenda (Mel) and Lamonte

Mel, tell us something about your family history?

My mother came to the UK from the Paradise Island of Jamaica.  My Dad is of mixed heritage Chinese/Jamaican.

My grandparents came to the UK during the Windrush era, my grandma worked as a nurse and my grandad for British rail.  They were both devoted christians who served in their church for many years of their lives. May they rest in peace,  I am truly thankful for their Faith in God, it has made me the person I am today!

Have you visited the African Diaspora?

I visited Egypt in my mid-twenties, The Gambia (with Tiffany and Lamonte) and in most recent years Morocco. We enjoyed the different cultures, food and wonderful weather! – Breath taking beautiful!

Do you have a family Bible verse?

We all have our own favourite bible verses! 

Tiffany’s favourite: Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Lamonte loves: Psalms 23 and John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

One of my favourite scriptures would be Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Tiffany, who from the African Diaspora inspires you in your current studies?

My biggest inspiration is Mary Seacole , who was born in Jamaica. She was confident enough to break social rules and prejudices to travel the world, run businesses and help those in need.

What about you Lamonte?

Charles Isbell he achieved his first PhD in Artificial Intelligence and Electrical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His research centres around machine learning and unsupervised learning.

Most memorable BHM event you have attended this month?

It has to be The Law Society’s 'Time for Change: Action Not Words'. I learnt so much about the lived experiences of Black solicitors in the UK working in their profession. It has helped me understand more about our nuanced diverse black legacies and cultures.

What are your favourite worship songs? 

We are a very musical family! Tiffany’s favourite is Shackles (Praise You) by Mary Mary, Lamonte’s is Oceans (Spirit Lead Me) by Hillsong and one of my favourites has to be Goodness of God by CeCe Winans. 

SAMY MANSOUR

Where are you from? 

I was born in Cairo in Egypt into a Christian Coptic Orthodox family. I am the youngest of two boys.  

Why Egypt to the UK? 

I was interested in studying addiction, however this area of study was not as well developed in Egypt as is was in other parts of the world. After researching academic studies in both the United States of America and in the United Kingdom, I chose the UK. I qualified as Addiction Counsellor, settled in the UK with my wife and two sons. I have worked in the field for 30 years now, practicing Psychotherapy, Leadership Coaching and Trauma focussed therapy working with people who have life controlling challenges.  

What do the colours on your phone wallpaper represent?  

I have understood the three colours represent the blood, soil and prosperity of Africa and its people.

What are you reading at the moment? 

I am reading Dominion - The Making of the Western Mind by Tom Holland.  I am curious to understand how history and the developing western world continues to impact society and culture. 

Favorite Bible Verse: 

Isaiah 60:19-20 - The sun will no longer be your light by day, nor will the moon shine for illumination by night. The Lord will be your everlasting light; your God will be your glory. Your sun will no longer set; your moon will no longer wane. The Lord will be an everlasting light for you, and your days of mourning will be ended.

Want to know more about me? 

Always happy to have a chat and I look forward to getting to know the stories of other members of our church family. 

TOLA DEHINDE

Where are you from? 

My mum came to the UK from Nigeria in the 50s through the Commonwealth NHS Nursing programme. My dad was also born in Nigeria, he studied in America before moving to the UK. They met in 1959. I am their third child. Dad worked as an Ambassador which meant we travelled all around the world as a family, mainly to French speaking countries. French was my first language.
   

What will you be doing this BHM? 

I have just completed my Maters in Creative Writing and have very quickly learnt how to immerse myself in reading 4-6 books per week. I have set myself a goal to continue with this pattern, specifically focusing on Black Authors. So far, my book list consist of  Beloved - By Toni Morrison, And Still I Rise by Dr Maya Angelou, The Girl with the Louding Voice - By Abi Dare and Natives - By Akala.

Praise or Worship? 

I love to praise and worship the Lord but If I had to choose it would be worship. I have a special worship mat that I roll out regularly to give HIM the glory for all that HE is, regardless of my circumstances. My favourite worship song and version is Goodness of God - By CeCe Winans. 

Favourite bible verse:

Romans 8:11  …But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Want to know more about me? 

During lockdown I wrote and published my first books and I also blog on careers. If you would like to meet for a drink my first choice would be ginger tea. I look foreword to getting to know my church family better.

LEAH HAYNES

Where are you from? 

I was born at Queen Charlottes Hospital when it was located on Du Cane Road W12. My mum came to the UK from sunny Jamaica when she was just 5 years old. My dad came to the UK in his early teens from the beautiful Guyana in South America. 

My grandparents on both sides came to the UK during the Windrush invitation era, they came to work and increase the outcomes and opportunities for their families. I am so grateful for their faith and courage.

What will you be doing this BHM? 

I am looking forward to watching The Woman King  as a huge family group this month. I am also planning to visit Brixton House to see A Celebration of Demonstration - Visual Art. This is my friend Wayne Campbell’s very first photography exhibition. 

What is your favourite song of the year, so far?

Has to be Maverick City's Jireh  the lyrics are such a beautiful reminder of just how much we are all loved by God. Jireh means “God will provide.” 

Favourite bible verse?

2 Corinthians 5:7 … for we walk by faith and not by sight

Want to know more about me?

I love Pret just let me know when!