#BGFAcademyAlumni — Tumisha Balogun
Black Girl Fest Academy is a seven-month community-focused creative programme, created by Black Girl Festival, in association with Today at Apple and The Mayor of London.
Over the past few months, we’ve supported 30 Black women aged 17–25, equipping them with the tools to create events for their local communities. We’re excited to introduce our Academy Alumni sharing more about their event ideas.
Tumisha Balogun wants to curate and deliver a virtual school for 30 young people (15–22) to explore their creativity through design. The programme will aid young people to redesign the community they live in by telling their story on a blank canvas.
Jumi Akinfenwa
Tell us more about your event, How did you come up with it? What impact do you hope it makes for your community?
Home way A digital campaign in light of COVID19 to engage, educate and inspire young people from the comfort of their home. Thus far, this has included educational content across social media, art and writing challenges, an ebook and short film powered by young people. With a limited focus on the mental health of young people, we wanted to keep them excited during this unprecedented time and also allow them to gain new skills. The hope is the gain some skills to then put on their cv.
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to sign up to the Black Girl Fest Academy programme?
Put your best foot forward — everyone is here to help. You get as much in as you put in, don’t be afraid to come out of your shell and ask for help.
What have you learnt whilst being on the programme?
This programme has taught me how to focus on the details of an event. It has taught me to focus on logistics and approach all ideas with a funnel approach.
Could you give 3 piece’s of advice you would give to someone who wants to run events for their community?
Share your idea — there is always someone willing to help do not keep the burden of planning for yourself
Research — make sure you spend time researching the need for your idea, this will give you more leverage and confidence
Apply for Black Girl Fest
