#InConversation with Adeola Gbakinro
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.
In October 2020, we 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.
Meet Adeola Gbakinro, founder of The Skills Swap Day— a new initiative designed to increase the social cohesion between the younger generation and older generation in Bexley. The Skills Swap Day will take place in late 2020/early 2021 where the older generation (50+) can share life experiences and the younger generation can share digital knowledge (16+).
Tell us more about your event, How did you come up with it? What impact do you hope it makes for your community?
After attending a stakeholder engagement meeting late last year, it was clear that the older generation within the borough didn’t know what medium to use to connect with the younger generation. This is where the idea emerged from and I’m excited about it. I hope it creates a greater sense of belonging within the borough and for everyone to feel comfortable being themselves when they meet one another. There’s a lot of stigma on both sides yet both generations have so much in common! I do hope it will spark further conversations and ways to improve social integration amongst different age groups.
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to sign up to the Black Girl Fest Academy programme?
DO IT!! Don’t be afraid to test out your idea. Also, the team are amazing and will support you all the way through.
What have you learnt whilst being on the programme?
I’ve honestly learnt so much. There is a milestone to complete at every stage. Rather than looking at the whole picture, break it into different sections and take each step as it comes. I’ve learnt to not over-complicate things and by planning I can achieve my goal.
Could you give 3 pieces of advice you would give to someone who wants to run events for their community?
The most important part of the process is your story. 1) Work on it 2) Run with it 3) Let it speak for your work
Instagram: @reignxshine
Website: www.reignxshine.com
