Community News

A local hospice is hoping to turn Birmingham pink this July as part of its 40^thanniversary celebrations.

Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice is calling on the local community to Go Pink! on Wednesday 10 July to celebrate the day it was officially opened by Princess Alexandra in 1979.

The much-loved charity is calling on Brummies to “wear it pink, bake it pink, quiz it pink or make it pink” in a bid to raise vital funds for local people living with life-limiting illness.

Lucy Watkins, head of fundraising at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “Whether it’s wearing a pink fancy dress outfit, baking pink cakes for the office or hosting your own pink-themed party, Go Pink! is a really simple but fun way of supporting Birmingham St Mary’s during our 40^th anniversary.

“It will cost £8.3 million this year to keep the Hospice’s crucial services running, most of which needs to be raised through the generosity of local people and businesses. By turning the city pink this July, we hope to make our communities more aware of what hospice care is and help raise the money needed to continue to provide it.”

Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice opened its doors in 1979, after it was founded by former NHS matron Monica Pearce. At the time, it was the first independent hospice in the Midlands and only the seventh nationwide.

40 years on and Birmingham St Mary’s remains the city’s largest hospice. It is caring for more people than ever before – over 400 people every day – and it can provide support in people’s homes, in the community and at the Hospice.

One of those people is Merdella, who is currently receiving care from the Hospice’s ‘Support at Home’ service – a volunteer-led initiative which provides practical, social and emotional support in individual’s homes. Merdella is backing the Go Pink! campaign as a way of showing her support for the charity.

She said: “Happy isn’t a word I thought I would use to describe my time at a hospice but that’s how I always feel, happy. The nurses and volunteers are so kind and empathetic – they understand what I’m going through and help me to be as comfortable as I can be. They remind you that life is about living and always encourage you to live as well as you can.”

Lucy added: “Whilst Go Pink! is a really fun way for people to support the Hospice, it’s also an opportunity to highlight how vital our care is for people just like Merdella. Demand for palliative and end of life care is growing at a significant pace – well beyond the £8.3 million needed to meet current needs – so funds raised from campaigns like this ensure that we can continue to provide our care to people now and for another 40 years to come.”

Go Pink! is taking place on Wednesday 10 July across the city. To find out more about the campaign and to pledge your support, visit: www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/go-pink

Leading up to their participation in the forthcoming Vitality Netball World Cup the much-fancied Jamaica ‘Sunshine Girls’ national team was in Birmingham to meet and greet fans and also to be on hand for the Sunshine Netball Tournament at the University of Birmingham Sports & Fitness Centre.

With teams from around the country on hand, it was an unforgettable day for all there, who were able to take part in, and witness, the day-long competition indorsed by the world No.3 ranked team.

It was the perfect prelude to the upcoming Vitality World Cup, taking place in Liverpool, for fans to be ‘up close and personal’ with the ever-engaging Sunshine Girls, who were never afraid of connecting with the mass number of supporters, and those following the teams which took part in the competition, plus those who just wanted to rub shoulders with the legendary ‘Girls.

Following a Q&A and open training sessions, and with a Sunshine Girl designated to coach each of the teams that took part, it was the Redditch, in Worcestershire-based Panthers Netball Club who beat the Swanley team from Kent, in a conclusion to a day of fast-paced sporting endeavour, great family fun and an unforgettable chance to mingle freely with some sporting legends.

An overwhelmed Zena Wooldridge, Director of Sport at the University of Birmingham Sport and Fitness Club said: “We have a great relationship with Jamaica following the track and field team using here as their training camp leading up to the  2012 Olympic Games in London.

“For today, a big ‘Thank You’ goes out to Paulette Simpson, Executive, Corporate Affairs and Public Policy at The Jamaica National Group and Voice Newspaper for being at the heart of all this”.

Finishing off, she said: “We’ll be supporting England and Jamaica during the World Cup”.

“It’s a great privilege to shake the hands of legends”, said visiting Special Guest, Jamaica High Commissioner in London, His Excellence Seth George Ramocan, CD. “The University has great facilities and are fantastic supporters of Jamaica in every way.

“When you compare the budgets of the leading teams in the world, it just puts into perspective just how great our team is.

I am truly proud”.

The other teams who took part in the Sunshine Netball Tournament include; Ashanti, Malcolm X Ladies, Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer, Stockland Belles and City Treasurers.

Following England’s Gold Medal-winning performance in the Commonwealth Games, in the Gold Coast, in Australia, netball has taken-off massively, with more women and girls taking-up the sport at many levels.

With Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls fully behind a successful ‘Sunshine Netball Tournament’, the game has never been so engaging.

The Vitality Netball World Cup takes place in Liverpool, July 12- 21.

Good afternoon. I feel particularly honoured to be in the company of so many outstanding women, at this VMBS UK Women of Purpose Luncheon. I am humbled and inspired as I look around this room. I consider the achievements and the impact you have made in different sectors including healthcare, politics, education, religion, the arts, among others – and I am filled with pride and admiration.

Congratulations, ladies for the immense contribution you have made to your professions, your communities and to Jamaica. You are examples of Jamaican excellence and I encourage you to continue to be tireless and unyielding in your efforts to make a positive impact on this world.

In the words of the young and fast rising female reggae star, Koffee, we toast you:

Toast, yeah Say we a come in wid a force (yeah) Blessings we a reap pon we course ina hand full We nuh rise and boast Yeah we give thanks like we need it the most We haffi give thanks like we really supposed to, be thankful!

Blessings all pon mi life and Mi thank God for di journey di earnings a jus fi di plus (yeah) Gratitude is a must (yeah) Mi see blessings fall by mi right hand Buss a toast fi di friends weh tek off heavy load

It is significant that we are gathered in June – which this year will be recognised here in the UK as Windrush Month. Many of the brave, pioneering individuals who came over from Jamaica as part of the ‘Windrush Generation’ were women and they and their families went on to be trailblazers. These women were instrumental in the creation of many institutions that exist today, including the National Health Service (NHS). I mention the NHS specifically because, as you know, it was born out of the ideal that good healthcare should be available to all regardless of social class or background – which in some ways mirrors the founding principle of Victoria Mutual.

In 1878, a group of clergymen founded Victoria Mutual with the aim to help hardworking but economically marginalised Jamaicans own homes. The idea was that nobody should be condemned to a life of poverty, but instead everybody who is willing to work hard should have access to financial independence. We’ve grown significantly since our founding. Today we are a strong integrated financial group which offers savings, loans and mortgage facilities, wealth management and financial advisory services, real estate and commercial property management services, money transfer, pension administration and investment management services as well as property, casualty and liability insurance. Our reach extends across oceans and seas – with representative offices not just here in the UK, but also in Florida and as of November last year – in New York as well. We also have a very vibrant brand presence in Canada. Even with this growth, our core mission remains unchanged. We exist to help our Members own homes and achieve financial independence – because the dream of home ownership and the freedom of being financially independent should be equally available to all.

Victoria Mutual has very bold ambitions. We know we must have the best people on our team to realise these ambitions. We are the happy beneficiaries of the hard work and dedication of several outstanding women who serve the VM Team at every level - from the board of directors to senior executives, senior managers and managers. We therefore understand very clearly the sacrifice made by the women being recognised today and the magnitude of the contribution you make every day in your respective fields.

May I encourage you, ladies, to ensure that you share the vast knowledge you have attained over the years with the next generation of women – and men - through either formal or informal mentorship arrangements. We must equip the next generation to take the baton and continue the race.

I’m happy to say that Victoria Mutual will soon be launching our own mentorship programme aimed at creating and sustaining linkages among generations of Jamaicans. We know that Jamaicans are ultra-talented, however, the younger generation needs the help of those who came before them, so that they can reach their full potential. If anyone here today is interested in being part of the VM Mentorship Programme, our team is happy to talk with you after the luncheon.

Friends, mentorship is important because as times change, even more will be required in the workplace. A McKinsey Institute study titled ‘The future of women at work: Transitions in the age of automation’, revealed that, while the age of automation and artificial intelligence offers new job opportunities, women in particular face new challenges in the workforce. Globally, between 40 and 160 million women may actually need to transition between occupations by 2030, often into higher-skilled roles that require higher educational attainments - because net labour demand will only grow for jobs that require a college or advanced degree.

So, how are we going to handle this? That is a question to be considered not only by leaders at London’s Westminster Palace or Gordon House in Kingston. It is an issue for us all to interrogate with the dedicated focus it deserves.

As our women and men face a period of disruptive change, it will be vital for them to develop:

1. The skills that will be in demand
2. The flexibility and mobility needed to negotiate labour-market transitions successfully
3. The access to and knowledge of technology necessary to work with automated systems, including participating in its creation.

We need to encourage young people – especially our young men - to stay in school! Across developed economies including the UK, and in Jamaica, more women than men graduate with at least secondary-level education. And, even while staying in school, both young men and women need to match their skills as closely as possible to where the most job opportunities will be – professional, scientific and technical services.

The private sector can invest more in training and reskilling employees within their organisations or in partnership with academic and other institutions. For example, VM Group is partnering with MSBM to deliver management training to our middle management cadre. The private sector can also invest in digital learning platforms – such as the Harvard ManagementMentor programme used by VM Group.

FLEXIBILITY AND MOBILITY:

This is important so that persons can move across employers, occupations, sectors and geographies as needed in order to respond to the needs of an evolving labour market. However, women tend to face more structural challenges here than men. Women are less mobile and flexible because they spend so much more time than men on unpaid care work – three times as much. They must take advantage of technology such as teleworking. Also, more employers need to start offering flexible or remote working options. I’m happy to say that VM Group does this.

ACCESS:

Women don’t have access to the same extent as men to networks that help them develop their skills, achieve career progression and transition into new jobs. Some companies are moving ahead on this front, but more needs to be done to create opportunities for women.  VM Group offers formal coaching and mentorship and encourages our women to join service clubs and personal development groups like Toastmaster International.

Women also need to be more engaged in technology – they need greater access, to acquire more technology skills and be stronger participants in the creation of technology to thrive in this new world. Technology has the capacity to breakdown many barriers, opening up new economic opportunities, helping previously marginalised groups to participate in the workforce and navigate transitions in the automation age.

We are constantly seeking new ways to help develop our team, because we all need to be prepared to take on the demands of this fast-changing world – a world which Military leaders describe as The VUCA World.

V - Volatile

U - Uncertain

C - Complex

A -Ambiguous

Volatile – rapid rate of change in politics, economics, society, environment – with markets leaders being regularly disrupted. Average life span of largest companies in the world now is 18 years versus 75 years in 1937. This volatility can throw you off track.

Uncertain – lack of predictability; things change at the drop of a hat. We have more and more surprises in new products from competitors, and new competitors.

Complex - in terms of the issues and chaos with which we have to cope. The business environment is ever-changing, situation is nuanced and has many interconnecting components. For example, there are generational shifts in the workplace, including VM Group. We have to understand how other generations access and use information.

Ambiguous – there is a haziness of reality. Due to automation and globalisation, it is increasingly difficult to distinguish between virtual world and reality. Some traits that may have been strengths before are now seen as weaknesses. We face unknowns daily and we don’t have any textbooks to guide us on how to respond.

What type of mindset do we need to succeed in a VUCA world? The experts share 12 critical competencies, but I will only cover four of them today. Let’s call this - ‘My VUCA.’ These competencies, I’m sure, can be of value to you – and to anyone you choose to mentor.

1. Vision and Values – Vision is a powerful force. It is both an anchor and a moral compass that drives everyday attitudes, decisions and actions. In fact, a compelling vision is an important pre-requisite for any individual, school, community or nation to succeed.

“A vision is not just a picture of what could be; it is an appeal to our better selves, a call to become something more.” Rosabeth Moss Kanter

This purpose-driven vision is the type that stirs your blood every time you think of it; it is the mark that you hope to leave on the world or on those around you. Daniel Hudson Burnham once said: “Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood.”

Once you have clarified your vision, you must be resolute in keeping focused and not moving away from your mission.

Your values must guide all your actions.  Every time you make a decision, you are showing your hidden values - what you stand for. It is important to clarify your values.

It is clear from today’s gathering that a key value for you all here is excellence. Victoria Mutual’s core values of integrity and excellence have guided the business for 140 years.  Many competitors have come and gone but we have been getting bigger and better. Why?  Every time a crucial or small decision is to be made, we are guided by our values.

What kind of values are we teaching our young people? The world’s economy is doing well as measured by the IMF and international banks, but when we think of the growing inequality and the many acts of corruption in the halls of power across nations, are we promoting commerce without morality and supporting politics without principle? When we think of the acceleration in cyber-crime and activities like scamming in Jamaica, are we encouraging our young people to acquire knowledge without character? Our young people are doing better in school than they used to, but the statistics still show that they are underachieving when compared with other ethnic groups in the UK.

Speaking of Vision, can we as parents and caring seniors inspire our young people to develop more robust visions for themselves and to be more ambitious and driven? In 2013, 53.3 per cent of Black Caribbean pupils in England achieved five or more GCSEs or equivalent at grades A to C including English and Mathematics, compared with 60.5 per cent of White British pupils and 60.6 per cent of all pupils regardless of ethnicity. Among pupils eligible for free school meals (used as a measure of low family incomes), Black Caribbean pupils outnumbered White British pupils by 36.9 to 27.9 per cent for boys and 47.7 to 36.8 per cent for girls in 2013. Perhaps we should teach them to sing what I read is Rev. Hudson-Wilkin’s favourite song by Labi Siffre “Something inside so strong, I know that I can make it. Though you're doing me wrong, so wrong You thought that my pride was gone, oh no There's something inside so strong.”

What about family life? We need to be more intentional in teaching our young people about the value of a stable family and that fathers must be present and active in the lives of their children.

Having settled on the values that will guide you, keep moving toward your goals. Develop some realistic goals. Do something regularly — even if it seems like a small accomplishment — that enables you to move toward your goals. Instead of focusing on tasks that seem unachievable, ask yourself, "What's one thing I know I can accomplish today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?" As Gandhi said “Your actions become your habits, you habits become your values, you values become your destiny.”

2. Understanding yourself – In this VUCA world, you have to understand yourself – your strengths and limitations so that you can take advantage of opportunities that present themselves, close gaps and manage risks. Understanding yourself means that you know how you learn best, how you do your best work. To know yourself, take feedback from everyone – family, friends, those who are not even close to you – the more the better.

Self-awareness and preparation also include spiritual health – for me, that means daily Bible reading and prayer. This keeps me connected to the source of power, reminds me who rules all creation and keeps me grounded, humble and focused. It ensures that I continue to grow. I have found that when I do this, my mind is always being renewed.

3. We need courage to anticipate and create change – How much do you read and keep abreast of what is happening? In this world, it is best for us to accept that change and disruption are inevitable. This will lead us to not only seek positive outcomes from change but to use change and disruption to our advantage. Those of us who have leadership responsibilities need to constantly ask ourselves, how can we use our strategic foresight to create change before external change forces us to react? You can be the ones to create and lead change! We also need to remember to involve all stakeholders in the change process. One aspect of coping with change is remaining optimistic. Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems. You can't change the fact that highly stressful events happen, but you can change how you interpret and respond to these events. Being Optimistic is key. You may be down but not knocked out. Pick yourself up and try again. German Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”
4. Agility - Be an agile learner. Open yourself to change and be eager to learn new things. When thrown into unfamiliar situations, embrace the change so that you can learn from the experience. Get comfortable with unclear situations because this is the new normal. Remain determined to succeed in spite of the uncertainty. So, even as we embrace new technology, we also need to be comfortable using alternative methods. This way, we execute regardless of the tools available to us. Agile learning also involves learning from mistakes and using that learning to shape future decisions. Sometimes, this means changing things about yourself when required – your attitudes, your disciplines, your biases, your problem-solving techniques. All of us need to constantly ask ourselves: ‘What am I learning here?’

Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to again offer my sincere congratulations to you for your outstanding contribution to nation-building both here in the UK and back home in Jamaica. We have some special gifts for you tonight which will be presented to you at your tables, including some very special awards for a group of exceptional women among us whose purposeful lives are an inspiration to us all.

Thank you for being with us today and I wish you God’s richest blessings.

This is a one day conference - Theme: Transformative Power of Love and Kindness

What is involved?

Registration at opens at 0800 hours with coffee or tea

0900 Conference opens

Key Themes to be discussed:

• Positive workplace culture
• Courage to be your best
• Living Peacefully from Love to Action
• Promoting a culture of peace and non-violence through education
• Moving from Conflict to Connection
• Paths to deeper connection with the true self
• Transformation and Healing
• Confidence and Authenticity
• Love for all – the power of kindness

Home Page: http://birmingham-westmidlandswef.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.2343ec78a04c6ea9d80806345d31fd78-gdprlock/BWMWEF/

For more information visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/transformative-power-of-love-and-kindness-tickets-63976678969

Cost of the conference £69.95

Organiser: Dr neslyn Watson-Druée, CBE

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

As a nod to International Women in Engineering Day this week, Severn Trent is showcasing its flagship £300M Birmingham Resilience Project.  There is a female engineer at every level of the project, from project engineer, right up through programme director and the Head of Capital Delivery, to the Capital Delivery and Commercial Director and even right up to the CEO.

Jane Simpson, Head of Capital Delivery, said: “I am the head of capital delivery for Severn Trent, delivering £3 billion of capital schemes. The Birmingham Resilience Project is an amazing piece of work, and my largest, in terms of both what we’re trying to deliver, and to the women in particular who’re delivering it.  This is our flagship programme, where we’re investing around £300M to make sure water supplies to Birmingham are more secure.  It involves work on the existing Elan Valley Aqueduct, to keep the water flowing, and also building a brand new pipe, 26km from the River Severn into a brand new water treatment works in Birmingham.  When the work is done, Birmingham will have a second back up water supply, making everything much more resilient.

“I love working on large infrastructure projects, you leave a legacy behind which I don't think cares if you are male or female.  As much as people say that engineering is still a “man’s job”, it doesn't feel like that at Severn Trent.  When you have senior women in organisations, it hopefully encourages more women to join and see the opportunity.  However, outside Severn Trent it is still very male - the supply chain senior leaders are all male, as are the majority of their workforce.  I have seen things change, but there still needs to be more women in engineering.

“I became an apprentice at the age of 16, not really because I wanted to be an engineer, but because I liked physics and maths, so my dad encouraged me to apply for apprenticeships.  And I’d love it if more young women felt like this could be a career for them.”

Hayley Gladstone, Programme Director adds: “When I started my career, I went from an all-girls school to an apprenticeship, which being predominantly male was an uncomfortable transition.  However, during my working life I’ve always gained the respect from my colleagues. Things have moved on massively in recent years, and it’s much easier interacting with the younger generation as they don’t see any difference between male and female, you’re just doing your job.

“I found it strange moving to Severn Trent to work on this project.  I’d never had a female boss before and now the whole hierarchy is female!  I do think it’s different in engineering these days, although it’s still predominantly male.  But now that I’m working with a number of females, in senior positions on the project – I don’t see people as male or female I just admire people who do a good job.

“It’s definitely different working on a project where so many of the lead roles are taken up by women. But surprisingly the less emotional members of the team are the females!”

Jane finishes by saying: “I think that it’s amazing that we have so many women on this project.  I’m really proud of the whole team for what they have delivered so far and how they are delivering the last bits of the project so that everything is ready for next year when it comes to an end and Birmingham’s water supplies will be much more secure.”

Local community housing projects and charities are being urged to put their case forward as Nationwide, the world’s largest building society, makes £500,000 available to help make a difference to communities across the region.

The Society is inviting applications for grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 for housing projects that will support the most vulnerable in local communities.

Gareth Franks, Nationwide’s Regional Director of the West region, said: “In 2007, our members voted for us to donate at least one percent of our pre-tax profits to good causes and asked that we focus on tackling housing issues.  We recognise there is a housing crisis, resulting in many people living in unsuitable, insecure or unaffordable accommodation. So, to help make a real and lasting difference, we are aiming to make £5.5 million available in grant funding for housing-related charities and organisations across the UK per year.

“We are delighted to open the local application process and encourage housing related charities and organisations to apply so that they can collectively benefit from the £500,000 award that is available to communities across the West.”

A Community Board, which is comprised of Nationwide members and employees, will review all the grant applications and award grants of up to a £50,000. The Board and Nationwide branches within the region will also be providing time and expertise to these charities.

So far Nationwide has awarded £4 million in grants to more than 100 projects and will be investing £5.5 million in housing projects across the UK per year. The programme is being delivered with support from the UK Community Foundations programme, the national network for all accredited Community Foundations across the UK.

Nationwide is now inviting applications for housing community projects in the West until 5 July 2019.

Full details can be found at: www.nationwide.co.uk/communityfunding or in local Nationwide branches in this region.

Dr Joshua Johnson has been instructing the traditional martial artwork since 1978 when he first opened the JJ Karate Academy.

The varsity, positioned on the Graiseley Centre in Pool Avenue, Blakenhall, has seen numerous champions come by way of the ranks, having their expertise nurtured by Dr Johnson.

The 68-year-old was awarded his MBE by Prince William at a “as soon as in a lifetime” ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

He mentioned: “It was an extended day and I am very drained, but it surely was so thrilling for me and my household, an unimaginable event.

“It was as soon as in a lifetime, it was a really proud second for me.

“Assembly Prince William was very thrilling and touching, it appears so unreal, I cannot imagine it occurred to me, it was a second to treasure.

“There are a lot of individuals who do good work within the Wolverhampton neighborhood so it is an honour for me to be recognised.

“My father, Radcliffe Ellis Johnson got here to Stafford in 1944, in the course of the Second World Warfare, aged 22, so this has been an enormous journey for my household from the place we had been to me now receiving an MBE.

“He handed away 10 years in the past now and I do know he’ll be wanting down smiling on me and saying ‘that is my boy’.

“I have not obtained another celebrations deliberate however I need to do one thing with the scholars, they made all this potential.

“The scholars come to me for one hour from their households and for the remainder of our lives we’re a household collectively.”

Dr Johnson, who lives in Whitmore Reans, first got here to Wolverhampton when he moved from Jamaica as a 16-year-old and shortly turned his hand to the game.

He fell in love with Wolverhampton and has known as it house ever since.

He added: “It is town that I like and I need to give again, I’ve achieved a lot in my time – I need to thank the individuals of Wolverhampton for making this all potential.

“The honest heat of the individuals of Wolverhampton is what makes me love town a lot

“I used to be 16 once I arrived in England and the 1960’s was powerful, we needed to educate ourselves on the streets and take care of ourselves after which I obtained into karate.

“I began to take care of myself after which I ended up taking care of different individuals and passing my expertise onto them.”

The well-established membership remains to be operating to today with Dr Johnson on the forefront of coaching and instructing and he is exhibiting no indicators of slowing down.

He mentioned: “We have had native, nationwide and worldwide champions come from our academy and we’re doing our greatest to proceed producing them – I am very happy with what we have achieved with native individuals.

“The membership remains to be operating and I am nonetheless coaching now at my age.”

No matter how prestigious, literary awards are far from perfect. It is no secret that white men reign supreme when it comes to winning prizes like the Pulitzer (no woman has won a Pulitzer since 2014 and only three women of colour have won) and the Nobel (only 14 women have been awarded a Nobel Prize in Literature). All too often, women — particularly women of colour — go overlooked.

But Elizabeth Acevedo, author of National Book Award winning YA novel ‘The Poet X’, has made history in a big way - by becaming the first writer of colour to receive the Carnegie Medal in the prizes' 83-year history.

The Carnegie Medal is an annual British literary award that recognizes one outstanding new English-language book for children or young adults. Voted upon by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, it is called "the UK's oldest and most prestigious children's book awards."

Acevedo, the daughter of Dominican immigrants, won the Carnegie just two years after the prestigious award came under fire in March 2017 for releasing a 20-book long list of nominees, all by white writers. According to an article in the Guardian, the organizers instigated an independent review and concluded "that the UK’s overwhelmingly white librarian workforce, who nominate books for the medal, were mostly unaware of titles by writers of colour."

Organizers of the Carnegie Medal promised to restructure to account for its lack of diverse winners, which makes Acevedo's win even more meaningful: Not only is she the first writer of colour to win, but she won for a debut ‘Own Voices’ release, written in verse, about an Afro-Latina teen.

‘The Poet X’ follows Xiomara Batista, a teen from Harlem who struggles with body image, her first experience with love, her religious mother's strict rules, and her changing relationship with her twin brother. Desperate to find an outlet for all of her emotions, Xiomara turns to her leather notebook, where she writes poems and verses. When she's asked the join her school's slam poetry club, she knows it could change everything. In addition to the Carnegie Prize, ‘The Poet X’ is the recipient of the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, and the Pura Belpré Award.

Acevedo has been busy in recent months — and not just accepting awards. In May 2019, she released her second book, ‘With the Fire on High’. The novel follows Latina teen Emoni Santiago, a teen mom who feels magic in the kitchen when she cooks, but knows that her responsibilities at home come first. But when a cooking club at school presents her with a huge opportunity, Emoni might have no choice but to embrace her passion.

Hard Rock Hotel London and the UK’s largest independent music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins, have unveiled the victor of their nationwide search to discover Britain’s next big DJ star.

As part of their commitment to support budding talent and champion health and wellbeing through the power of music, Nordoff Robbins and Hard Rock Hotel London launched a national competition to encourage aspiring DJs to make beats behind bedroom doors and upload their own music mix to the Bedroom 2 Dancefloor website - Bedroom2Dancefloor.com. The most popular musical pieces were then judged by an expert panel of electronic aficionados, who then selected the top five finalists to be put forward for the people’s choice.

Winning the competition after going head-to-head with five finalists in a public vote, Connor Scott from Birmingham spoke about the inspiration behind their mix.

“Winning the bedroom to dancefloor competition has opened up so many opportunities for me. I’ve always wanted to work in big music events - seeing how a DJ can change the hype of a crowd and the whole experience of an event or even a night out, made realise that is what I wanted to be. Playing to different crowds, meeting new people, travelling and being able to work with and make music is what I love most.

Music is very important to me, and Nordoff Robbins are a charity that I think is doing amazing work. Music has had a massive benefit on my own mental health and I’ve seen how it can give someone who maybe can’t speak or communicate easily, an outlet”

The winner was crowned champion from the five finalists who were judged and selected by an expert panel of electronic dance music’s (EDM) best in the business. The judges included world-famous DJs and industry experts across club land, labels, music schools, equipment and media. The esteemed panel of experts included:

• Sister Blissfrom Faithless
• Happy Days for Everyone, Brandon Block
• BBC 6 Music, Chris Hawkins
• Ministry of Sound, George Thomas
• DJ Mag, Carl Loben
• Point Blank Music School, Rob Cowan
• Sentric, Mark Lawrence
• Toolroom, Stuart Knight
• Native Instruments, David Eserin

• A two-night stay at Hard Rock Hotel London in a Rock Royalty Suite
• The chance to perform live at one of Nordoff Robbins events
• A slot on Soho Radio
• S4 DJ controller by Native Instruments
• Online DJ course with Point Blank Music School

Founded in 1959, Nordoff Robbins offers those with life-limiting illnesses, physical disabilities or emotional challenges life-changing music therapy through its dedicated open access centres and over 200 partner organisations. With the announcement of this new partnership, Hard Rock Hotel London will join musical royalty such as Sir Paul McCartney, Sting, Barry Gibb and Dame Shirley Bassey, who have supported the charity over the years.

With approximately 900 stylish suites and rooms, Hard Rock Hotel London will serve as a landmark within the London landscape, as well as a permanent home to celebrate the heritage of the musical and cultural legends that have previously stayed at the iconic Marble Arch location, including Bob Dylan, Madonna, Jimi Hendrix and Diana Ross.

Following last year’s successful week of events to celebrate Windrush 70th, this year the Windrush1948Central, will be hosting a weekend of events in Birmingham following a very turbulent year for the Windrush Generation which has been plagued with the fallout from the Windrush Scandal.

This year’s events commence with:

Today (Saturday 22nd June) - A Public Service Day and Family Funday Day at The Sport Hub Holford Drive Perry Barr Birmingham, for which there is will an opening ceremony to mark Windrush day at 12 Noon, with the Lord Mayor, Chief Constable, Police and crime Commissioner and other public figures in attendance. This is a day when we celebrate the contribution of the Windrush Generation in public service which includes the NHS and also a day of activities for the family.

Following yesterday’s Elders Night at Pannel Croft Village in Newtown, this evening there will be a Gala Dinner and Ball at The Holte Suite Villa Park  for which the proceeds will go to assisting those caught up in the Windrush Scandal.

The to round off the weekend there will be a Church Service on Sunday 23rd June at The Assemblies of the First Born Church 23 Lozells Road Lozells Birmingham at 5pm, which is a service of thanksgiving and commemoration.

All events are free and open to the public with the exclusion of the Gala Dinner at Villa Park.

Chair of the Organisor's Reverend Dr. Desmond Jaddoo says: "This year’s events is the joining together of 7 organisations, which continues the legacy created by our elders, hence, demonstrating that the spirit of the windrush is alive and well and we must take this opportunity, to empower, educate, commemorate, give thanks and ensure that this rich contribution and legacy is never forgotten. We also wish to thank Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust for their continued support along with Victoria Mutual Building Society".

Detailed preparations involving famous international rugby star and broadcaster Christian Martin are under way for the live Black Sabbath event that’s attracting thousands of heavy metal fans to Birmingham.

The canal bridge over Broad Street will be renamed as the Black Sabbath Bridge at 3pm on Wednesday 26 June at the celebrations organised by Westside Business Improvement District (BID).

Meanwhile, the heavy metal bench dedicated to the band which is to be located on the bridge will be unveiled to the general public at the same time.

Sabbra Cadabra, the renowned Black Sabbath tribute band, will be transported along with their instruments and sound equipment onto a tiny island on the canal located between The Malt House pub, the Sea Life Centre and the Arena Birmingham.

The band will start playing from 2.30pm on 26 June to warm up gathering crowds while Black Sabbath founding members Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler hold a press conference at a nearby venue.

At 3pm, two canal barges will then take the legendary rock stars across to the island where they will be interviewed by former sports star and current TV broadcaster Christian Martin.

Martin, a lifelong Black Sabbath fan, once played rugby for Argentina and UK teams like the Saracens and Pontypridd. He is now a star TV presenter who commands an audience of millions across South America.

Sabbra Cadabra will continue to pump out top hits while Iommi and Butler cruise on to unveil the new Black Sabbath Bridge name and the heavy metal bench, cheered on by thousands of fans gathered at canalside bars and footpaths.

The band will continue playing to the crowds celebrating the new Black Sabbath venue until around 4.30pm and are scheduled to play again that evening at The Brasshouse and O’Neill’s bars on Broad Street.

Christian Martin, who still avidly follows Black Sabbath, said: “It will be an honour to play a little part in this event and to bring it to our people on the far side of the world.”

Mike Olley, general manager of Westside BID, said: “The afternoon of Wednesday 26 June will see an extraordinary event here in Birmingham in honour of the city’s legendary heavy metal rockers.

“We’re grateful to the Canal & River Trust, Birmingham City Council, Sabbra Cadabra and our many other partners for helping us to realise our ambition to pay this special tribute to Black Sabbath.”

Ani Sutton, community engagement manager at the Canal & River Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to be involved in helping people enjoy this event on the canal in Birmingham – which is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

“Dozens of our volunteers will be on duty throughout the day to make sure that everyone has a great time but also that they keep safe.”

The whole event coincides with a major Home of Metal exhibition celebrating Black Sabbath and the band’s legacy, running from 26 June to 29 September at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

This has created a captive audience for the Black Sabbath Bridge unveiling, adding to rock fans would have anyway gathered in Birmingham just to catch a glimpse of Iommi and Butler.

Jim Simpson, managing director of Big Bear Music which has arranged Sabbra Cadabra’s performance, added: “This fabulous event could easily see thousands of fans lining the canalside in the heart of Birmingham’s entertainment district. We and the band can’t wait to play our part!”

Tony Iommi said: “We’re thrilled that everyone can now enjoy what has become a special location for Black Sabbath history.”

Geezer Butler added: “I can’t wait for what’s going to be such a memorable event.”

The smash-hit ‘In the Night Garden Live’ will be at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre this summer on its first-ever UK tour of theatres. This brand new show will take audiences on a spectacular journey into the magical world of In the Night Garden, as the enchanting characters from the UK’s favourite family show are brought to life on stage from 31 July – 4 August.

‘In The Night Garden Live’ at Birmingham Repertory Theatre also promises a world first, as the Pinky Ponk Air Orb soars over the heads of In the Night Garden Live audiences – the first time an effect like this has been used in theatres anywhere in the UK. This amazing new 2.5 metre long flying Pinky Ponk, uses cutting-edge, patented aerodynamic technology pioneered by the specialist German company, Airstage, who have designed and built similar Air Orbs all over the world, including for the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics and the Radio City Musical Hall Christmas Spectacular in New York.

Executive Producer Oliver Seadon said: “We’ve toured In the Night Garden Live in our own venue for the last ten years and audiences always felt like they were being transported into the Night Garden. We knew that when we brought the show into theatres for the first time we had to do something magical for our little fans and their families. What better way than to take the Night Garden literally into the auditorium in the form of this incredible flying Pinky Ponk? If the toddlers in the audiences are half as excited as I was about seeing it for the first time, it’s going to be such a special experience.” 

In the Night Garden Live is the perfect musical theatre experience for the entire family. Children’s favourite CBeebies stars – Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends – are all brought beautifully to life in a specially written new story using full-size characters and magical puppets with enchanting music and dancing.

This delightful classic, which premiered in 2010 before becoming a summer entertainment fixture, is a firm favourite with pre-schoolers and their parents. Seen by over one million people, the critically acclaimed production has established itself as a must-see first theatre experience for young children.

‘In the Night Garden Live’ is written by Helen Eastman (writer of Bing Live) and based on the DHX Media television series created by Andrew Davenport. Directed by acclaimed Royal Ballet choreographer and director Will Tuckett, the show is produced by Minor Entertainment under licence from DHX Brands.

Leicester Riders chairman Kevin Routledge has received a British Empire Medal for services to the sport of basketball and the local community of Leicester.

Canadian-born Kevin is currently the longest serving club Chairman within the British Basketball League and joined entertainment stars such as Olivia Colman, Elvis Costello, MIA, Bear Grylls, Feargal Sharkey, Dan Snow in being formally acknowledged by the Queen as part of her Birthday Honours list.

His association with British basketball first began as a player (1974 - 1979) representing the Loughborough All Stars team. After a brief business secondment to Pittsburgh he returned to successfully combine his playing career with club administration and media duties.

He eventually went onto become the Chairman of the British Basketball League from 1988 to 2002; and was also a Director of the national governing body, England Basketball.

Routledge has worked on many multi-sport and community activities in the Leicester area and was responsible for the new £6m Leicester Arena build and launch. The Arena opened on budget on 27 January 2016 and on top of being home to the Leicester Riders it has become a much-valued asset for community use.

Sir Rodney Walker, BBL Chairman, congratulated Kevin on being bestowed such a prestigious honour:

"Kevin has been a magnificent servant to the game of basketball in this country for a number of decades and it is fantastic this unwavering service has been formally recognised by the Queen.

"His passion for the sport and its continual development, alongside the great community work he undertakes has long been acknowledged by his peers within British basketball and the people of Leicester.

"I am very proud to pass on my congratulations to Keven and his family for this great honour."

Kevin Routledge's passion for the sport of basketball shows no sign of slowing down - alongside being the current Chairman of Leicester Riders, Kevin is a Director of Morningside Arena, Leicester, Trustee of the Riders charity (the Leicester Riders Foundation), a Director of the British Basketball League, Vice Chair of the Basketball Foundation, and Secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Basketball.

Sandwell’s streets and pavements are being lit up by thousands of new smart streetlights that will save cash and cut carbon emissions.

Over the next three years, Sandwell Council will install more than 7,000 of the new energy-saving LED lights, which can also be centrally controlled, altered and monitored – unlike old-fashioned lamps.

The announcement comes as part of Sandwell Council’s #HighwaysWeek – a week of activity highlighting the work of the council’s road safety, maintenance, parking, street lighting and other teams.

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport Councillor Jackie Taylor said: “We’ll have already installed 4,000 of the new lights by next year (2020) and we’ve committed to make that 11,000 in total by 2022.

“The new streetlights allow us to control light levels depending on location, we’re able to record power consumption and we’ll be alerted when there’s a fault with an individual lamppost.

“Not only will this save money, it also helps us reduce our carbon footprint."

On Thursday 20 June members of the House of Lords will debate the increase in incidents of antisemitism in recent years. Tabled by Baroness Berridge, the motion reads:

Baroness Berridge to move that this House takes note of the incidence of antisemitism worldwide.

Members scheduled to speak include: Baroness Altmann Lord Alton of Liverpool Baroness Berridge Lord Collins of Highbury Lord Dykes Lord Harries of Pentregarth Lord Palmer of Childs Hill Lord Pickles Lord Polak Lord Shinkwin Lord Singh of Wimbledon

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon will respond on behalf of the Government.

Baroness Berridge will be focusing the debate on the global trend of incidents of antisemitism, and the ease with which hateful content is spread online. She hopes to encourage unity to prevent the spread of antisemitism, and action to hold online companies to account.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Baroness Berridge said:

“From Berlin to Buenos Aires, incidents of antisemitism have increased drastically in recent years. It seems that the ease with which content that encourages hatred towards Jewish people can now be spread online has combined with political instability and historic antisemitism to cause age-old stereotypes to resurface, as societies look for scapegoats and simple answers to complex problems. As Co-Chair of the APPG for International Freedom of Religion or Belief, I urge the UK and all Governments to work together to hold Internet Service Providers to account and take national measures to prevent the spread of hateful internet messaging about Jews and to do whatever else they can to protect Jewish communities around the world who are suffering once again. This scourge needs eradicating once and for all. ”

The debate is expected to start at some point after 11.30am on Thursday 20 June 2019.

Members of the public are welcome to attend

Members of the public will have the opportunity to quiz Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street at an event in Pheasey.

The Mayor will be holding his latest ‘Ask Andy’ public session at Beacon Church, Collingwood Drive, Pheasey B43 7JL, on Wednesday, 26^th June from 6.45pm to 7.45pm.

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street

He said: “This is your chance to ask me about the progress we are making as a region in strengthening communities by transforming transport, homes, employment and skills.

“These are exciting times for the West Midlands and I want as many people as possible to be there at Beacon Church.

“I’m keen to hear about what matters to local residents and the wider West Midlands community, so that we can continue to work together to improve people’s lives.”

Click here for more information and to book your place at the ‘Ask Andy’ session.