Black Girl Festival was founded by two women: Paula Akpan and Nicole Crentsil. Both women are London based but the former is half-Trinidadian, half-Jamacian and the latter is Ghanian born. Both women have been featured in Forbes, Stylist Magazine and has been a keynote speaker for Apple.

             

Here are a few quotes where both founders discuss the importance of why an event such as Black Girl Fest is so important and monumental for not only themselves but also for all Black British women and girls.

“We wanted to create something we wished we had for our younger selves”

                    -Paula Akpan, Founding Director

“Black women are at the core of everything we do. This is for us by us!”

                   -Nicole Crentsil, Founding Director 

“The world is a white man’s festival, so being able to carve out our own space is so important” 

                      -Paula Akpan & Nicole Crentsil, Stylist Magazine 

This event showcased the talents of Black British women and girls from all over. The panel discussions and talks varied widely and discussed very important issues and ideals in the Black British community. A few programs that stood out to me were the following: “Media and Black Disabled Sexuality”, “Being Black in Britain-Migration and Displacement”, “Why Aren’t There More Black Therapist”, and so many other great discussions and programs. Aside from the program discussions, this event also showcased black women businesses in London. Women sold art, clothing, skin care, haircare, make-up and many other things that were made to cater and fit to the needs of black women and girls specifically. 

This event fits perfectly with Black History Month here in the United Kingdom because this event really celebrates and embraces the beauty of not only being Black but of being a Black women. A quote that really resonates with me is one by Malcom X: “The most disrespected woman in America, is the Black Woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black Woman. The most neglected person in America, is the Black Woman.” This organization is breaking down years of not only systemic gender oppression but more importantly of racial oppression. This festival curated a safe space for women and girls  to discuss pressing issues in their communities, learn more about the different experiences of black women and girls and to socialize with one another.

This event promotes networking among black professionals in London. These two women were able to bring a wide variety of black professionals to the Black british community of London in one beautiful setting. The ideas of “taking up space” and “inclusivity” we’re definitely well received and achieved at this year’s festival. The founders even went as far as offering free tickets to women and girls who wished to attend but could not afford a ticket. This way all women and girls were able to partake in this year’s festival regardless of their circumstance. Nicole and Paula have started a movement in London and I hope more young black professionals follow in their footsteps of creating a community and safe space for black british women and girls. 

Below are a few photos from the booths present at this year’s festival that I purchased items from: