Erdington Academy black history conference: Inspirational speakers and former students an staff took part in a motivational event at a Birmingham school.
The school, which is part of the respected Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust, invited seven inspirational speakers from across a variety of fields, to share their life journeys with the students.
Among the fields and industries represented were education, entertainment, health sciences, politics and sports.
First to speak was Dr Sophia Kapcia, an Education Strategist with more than two decades of experience working in shaping inclusivity in schools. Born in Jamaica, Dr Kapcia spoke about the importance of learning from past role models such as Nelson Mandela, and setting the bar high for yourself every day and embracing education.
She said: “Education opens doors so give one hundred percent – that’s the key to success.”
The next speaker was solicitor Karen Bailey, who told students about her journey to becoming the first female black solicitor to run a company in Birmingham city centre – Bailey Wright & Co. She discussed how she unlocked her ambition to become a solicitor when she watched Crown Court on TV as a child.
Karen said: “You have to look for those things that make you feel the most comfortable, that you enjoy, and play to your strength.”
MP spoke at Erdington Academy black history conference
Students then heard from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington.
She told students about her humble beginnings and how, as a chatterbox at school, she was told that she would never amount to anything. However, she went back to college, became a nurse at 26 and learned to channel her talkative nature to positive use. After working for a union, she entered politics and was urged to run for parliament – becoming the first Black member of Parliament in Birmingham.
Paulette told students: “Your life is a book, so start writing it!”
Next to speak was Dr Paige Jeffers, a former student of Erdington Academy who now works as a Psychology Researcher after graduating from Birmingham City University. Dr Jeffers told students about her diagnosis with alopecia as a child, and how she overcame the stigma to draw strength from it.
She said: “Whatever happens to you in life, don’t let it define you or make your life become stagnant. Whatever you are facing, you can overcome those barriers.”
Podcast host Nicki Thomas Tapper MBE was next to speak to the Erdington students – a familiar activity for her as a former teacher at the school, when it was called Kingsbury School!
Nicki told students how she was a product of the difficulties her parents faced when they arrived from Jamaica. Despite being a poor student at school, who left with just a GCE in needlework, she worked hard to become a teacher, and then began a career in radio at the BBC. After distinguished career, she was awarded an MBE.
Nicki said: “I knew the joy that accepting the MBE would bring to my parents who went through so much when they came to the UK to build the country we have now.
“You are blessed to have what you have, so be grateful that you have woken up today. If you’re good at something stand tall and show people what you can do!”
Students next heard from Marlon Walters, a former footballer and mentor who is a familiar face at the school. He spoke to the students about the importance of resilience and reinvention, and how teamwork during his time as a footballer at Wolverhampton Wanderers showed him the value of inclusion. After learning how to coach football, he turned his skills to mentorship.
Marlon said: “Be brave to make decisions that are for you. Don’t just follow the crowd – be disciplined and be serious about your goals and you will go a long way.”
The final speaker was Tai Coleman, designer and brand owner and a former student at the school.
He told students about the life challenges he has faced, including living in a hostel, which he said shaped him into who he is today. A keen footballer, he represented England at the Homeless World Cup in 2008, later launching his own award-winning clothes brand, Hecklemania Designs, which is still going strong today.
Tai also revealed that during his time at Erdington Academy, Nicki Thomas Tapper had been his favourite teacher!
He said: “Stay focused, stay humble, stay disciplined and doors will open to you. Greatness takes time – you can come from nothing and achieve your dreams.”
Speaking after the event, Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton said: “I thought this was a brilliant event.
“I think it is incredibly important for schools like Erdington Academy to hold events like this, because unless young people can see what their future could be they cannot aspire to what their future is going to be.
“By holding an event like this, and bringing powerful black and Asian people together, it helps the next generation to understand that, even though they may be going through a difficult time or struggling because there are less opportunities where they live, they can aspire to do more.”
Kerrian Folkes, teacher and community engagement lead, helped organise the ambitious event.
She said: “I’m so pleased with the success of our Black History Conference, and immensely grateful to all of the speakers who shared their words here today.
“We are a very diverse school, so it’s important that we celebrate Black History Month by showing all of our students the potential they have within them, regardless of background.
“It was especially nice welcoming back a former teacher and two former students – they really did prove to our current students that excellence comes from Erdington Academy!”
Principal Simon Mallett said: “At Erdington Academy, we are privileged to be part of a diverse and culturally rich community. It’s one of our greatest assets, which we regularly celebrate.
“Our Black History Conference was important to us not only to strengthen the unity we already have among our brilliant student body, but also to highlight how each and every one of them can achieve greatness in whatever field they decide to pursue.
“Our speakers had some wonderful advice which really resonated with the students, and we hope they take it to heart and strive to accomplish everything they possibly can in life.”
Erdington Academy black history conference inspires students
