#InConversation with Leona Awoyele
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 Leona Awoyele, founder of The Netball Switch — A summer netball tournament for women based in East London who would like to give netball a go, try something new and meet some new, like-minded pals!
Tell us more about your event, How did you come up with it? What impact do you hope it makes for your community?
So right at the beginning of the year, I thought it would be a good opportunity to offer some back to basic netball sessions for Black women interested in trying something new. I play netball, and it’s a sport I thoroughly love — I wanted other women to feel the same way I feel when I’m on the court or hanging with my teammates. A summer tournament seemed like a great idea to bring the community together, have a bit of a laugh on the court, whilst allowing my community to try something new. I wanted to see women in my community feeling empowered and that sport is something readily accessible and fun. Unfortunately, COVID-19 hit and we were unable to proceed with the summer tournament — but this soon birthed the idea of The Netball Switch, a Black-led community project dedicated to encouraging women based in East London to get active, get social and feel empowered through playing netball.
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to sign up to the Black Girl Fest Academy programme?
Just do it! Even if you’ve got a vague idea of an event you’d like to run, as long as you are passionate and willing to learn the facilitators are all there to help and guide you along the process.
What have you learnt whilst being on the programme?
To just go for it — nothing is ever perfect but making that initial step and putting yourself and your idea out there is really exciting. Also to start believing in myself a little more — I can do it!
Could you give 3 pieces of advice you would give to someone who wants to run events for their community?
Make sure that the results can be tangible and that the demand and need are there for your event.
