#InConversation with Bola Akanni
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.
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.
Meet Bola Akanni, founder of Kwanzaa—A series of events to educate the African diaspora in London about African political history.
Tell us more about your event, How did you come up with it? What impact do you hope it makes for your community?
Studying African Politics at SOAS, I noticed a lack of Black British students studying at the institution and particularly on my course. Equally, I saw a lack of representation in the international development sector, especially at higher levels. Talking to the people around me, I noticed that people were interested in matters concerning Africa and its affairs but often didn’t know much about it. I also know how important stakeholder representation is in the success of implementing international development projects. Although the diaspora may not be the direct grassroots community on the continent, we do have a stake and are affected by the fate of the development of African nations. Therefore, we must be clued up and can think critically and holistically about African affairs. I love to learn about African politics and history and I wanted to share that with others who also want to learn.
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to sign up to the Black Girl Fest Academy programme?
Do it! Go for it, articulate and believe in your idea no matter how undeveloped it is. Actively participate in the programme and make use of the facilitators, they are so helpful and friendly!
What have you learnt whilst being on the programme?
I learnt the importance of budgeting and how useful excel is. I’ve also learnt how useful compiling a pitch document and a master information document is. They are great reminders of important aspects of your event that you need to sometimes remind yourself of. I also learnt how helpful to do things like this with other like-minded and brilliant women who have inspired, encouraged and helped me through the programme.
Could you give 3 pieces of advice you would give to someone who wants to run events for their community?
Write things down!
Work with the people around you
Clearly define the parameters of your event
