At Teakisi, we see Black History Month as a vital opportunity to recognise the contributions and achievements of those with African and Caribbean heritage, as well as all who identify as Black. This month provides a significant platform for Black voices to share their experiences of racial discrimination, challenge existing stereotypes, and engage in meaningful discussions that help shape our society.
The Elevate Symposium (formerly ‘Teakisi Woman Talk’), now in its sixth year, has become the premier event for individuals interested in promoting the capabilities and leadership opportunities for Black people. It serves as a forum to discuss critical issues that not only impact the Black community but society as a whole.
Each year, speakers at the Elevate Symposium steer conversations and presentations around a central theme. For 2024, the theme is ‘Reclaiming Narratives,’ and the event will be hosted at our newly established venue in Blyth, Tales Without Borders.
Tales Without Borders perfectly captures the essence of our theme, as it is dedicated to amplifying marginalised voices and creating a sense of belonging for all. This venue is the ideal setting for us to come together, share, and reclaim our narratives.
We are delighted to welcome four guest speakers who will perform original works, using creative writing, spoken word, poetry, and storytelling to bring our theme to life.
2024 Conference Theme: Reclaiming Narratives
The 2024 Black History Month theme, ‘Reclaiming Narratives,’ focuses on the importance of Black individuals and communities taking control of their own stories and perspectives. For too long, the histories and experiences of Black people have been told through the lens of others, often leading to misrepresentations, stereotypes, and a lack of recognition for their true contributions and achievements.
‘Reclaiming Narratives’ is about challenging these distorted portrayals and ensuring that Black voices are at the forefront of telling their own stories. It involves highlighting the richness and diversity of Black experiences, celebrating the accomplishments that have often been overlooked, and addressing the ways in which history has been selectively recorded or altered.
This theme encourages everyone to engage with history and contemporary issues from a more inclusive and accurate perspective. It is a call to revisit, reshape, and redefine the narratives that have shaped public perceptions of Black people, both in the past and present. By reclaiming these narratives, we can create a more truthful and empowering representation of Black lives and contributions, ensuring they are given the recognition and respect they deserve.
Join us on the 12th of October 2024 for the
2024 Speakers
Degna Stone is a poet and poetry editor based in northeast England. They are a contributing editor at The Rialto and a co-founder of Butcher’s Dog poetry magazine. They received a Northern Writers’ Award for poetry in 2015 and a Hawthornden Fellowship in 2019. Their debut full-length collection, Proof of Life on Earth, is available from Nine Arches Press.
Their poetry also appears in Mapping the Future: The Complete Works Poets (Bloodaxe), Writing Motherhood (Seren), Urban Myths and Legends (The Emma Press), Filigree (Peepal Tree Press), More Fiya: A New Collection of Black British Poetry (Canongate Books), and elsewhere.
Tolu’ A. Akinyemi (also known as Tolutoludo & the Lion of Newcastle) is a multiple award-winning author in the genres of poetry, short stories, children’s literature, and essays.
A former headline act at Great Northern Slam, Havering Literary Festival, Crossing The Tyne Festival, Feltonbury Arts and Music Festival, The Stanza, and The Cooking Pot. He has appeared as a featured guest on BBC Radio, Spark Sunderland, Write Radio Sheffield Live 93.2fm, Koast 106.6fm amongst others.
He is a co-founder of Lion and Lilac, a UK-based arts organisation, and sits on the board of many organisations.
Abu-Zayd DeGale, born and raised in Sudan, is a Newcastle-based Refugee Week Leader & Ambassador, Filmmaker, Producer, Playwright, Actor, Storyteller and Amnesty Brave Award Nominee.
In Sudan, he worked as a stand-up comedian and storyteller which helped him to impact many people’s lives economically, socially and politically. This philosophy informs the work that he currently does in community contexts.
Abu has worked with many community groups across the UK and internationally but particularly, with people from asylum seekers backgrounds. The main thrust of the work has always been about social change & integration, acceptance and challenging prevailing orthodoxies. He uses the Arts to create social change and encourages integration through interdisciplinary arts.
Mwelwa Chilekwa is a Zambian British poet and spoken word artist. She is a regular at Newcastle’s spoken word scenes; hosting and producing several poetry events. She balances heavy topics with a sprinkle of levity, passionate about using her voice to raise awareness about social injustice and racism.
Mwelwa has performed at The Baltic, The Northern Stage, The Lindisfarne festival and been featured in BBC upload. She is currently looking forward to performing at The Durham and Newcastle Fringe festivals, bringing her debut show to Durham Fringe in July 2024.
She has been published in many mediums including anthologies such as the Joy//Us anthology by Arachne Press and the Ey Up anthology by Written Off Publishing.
Food and refreshments will be provided at the event for your enjoyment.
