In collaboration with Leeds Conservatoire Students’ Union (LCSU), LCSU Afro-Caribbean Society (ACS) and Luminate Education Group, the conservatoire hosted a series of Black History Month events, open to everyone.
India Davies performing at the Sounds of Leeds Conservatoire: Black History Month showcase. Photo credit: Brendan Ashmore
Leeds Conservatoire is committed to creating an inclusive working and learning environment, where everyone’s background and experience is respected and championed.
Events included an ACS Meet and Greet Games Night, with food from West African caterer Delice D’ivoire, Quiz and Film Nights, plus a panel discussion led by some of Leeds’ incredible Black creatives, and the Sounds of Leeds Conservatoire: Black History Month showcase.
The panel (pictured left to right) Mica Sefia, Simone Yasmin, Graft, Danny West, Dessie. Photo credit: Ali Pritchard
The panel discussion on Wednesday 18 October, hosted by the conservatoire’s EDI Project Coordinator Mica Sefia, involved MOBO Unsung award-winning rapper Graft, activist and spoken word artist Simone Yasmin, Molasses Founder Dessie, and Head of Publishing at Come Play With Me Danny West.
The conversation focused on building an inclusive community within a creative space and overcoming barriers to reach your full potential. Panellists shared their biggest inspirations, with Danny citing fellow panellist Graft, and thoughts on Black History Month, emphasising how this needs to be a space where everyone can learn, the truth is told and Black people are celebrated.
When asked what advice they would give to their younger selves, replies included the following:
“Go deeper.”
“Keep writing and performing.”
“Try and find a community where you can talk freely.”
“To always love myself.”
“Unlearn to relearn.”
“It will get better.”
DV Collective. Photo credit: Brendan Ashmore
The Sounds of Leeds Conservatoire: Black History Month showcase followed the panel. This special evening of live music was hosted by LCSU ACS President and second year Film Music student D’evante Seepaul-Craig, who also performed with his band DV Collective.
Hamish Sharp-McClymont aka Hamish Tae. Photo credit: Brendan Ashmore
Additional performances came from Tiffany Mobisa (guest from Leeds Beckett University), Leeds Conservatoire students India Davies (first year Acting) and Hamish Sharp-McClymont aka Hamish Tae (third year Songwriting).
Fabienne Clarke. Photo credit: Brendan Ashmore
Also Fabienne Clarke (third year Popular Music) who performed a selection of original tracks including her single ‘Fantasy’ and a medley of R&B hits.
