THE LONDON CONFERENCE, 125 YEARS LATER: PAN-AFRICANISM & DIALOGUE ON REPARATIONS
THE LONDON CONFERENCE, 125 YEARS LATER: PAN-AFRICANISM & DIALOGUE ON REPARATIONS is part of the roadmap to the upcoming 9th Pan-African Congress to be held in Lome in December 2025. It is a monumental event to explore the evolution of pan-Africanism since the first conference of London in 1900 and to discuss the need for sincere dialogue with a view to genuine reparation for the harm done to Africans and Afro-descendants.
This hybrid event will be both in-person and online, bringing together scholars, activists, thought leaders and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue and reflection. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a thoroughly informed conversation and enriching experience.
Date: 9th April 2025
Venue
Brunei Lecture Theatre, SOAS, University College of London
10 Thornhaugh Street London WC1B 5DQ
Time
12:00pm Registration opens
13:00 - 18:00 Panel Discussions
Cocktail Reception Follows
The art exhibition: The Past, The Truth & Reparative Justice, opens at 10am
Get your FREE TICKETS here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/london-conference-125-years-later-pan-africanism-reparations-dialogue-tickets-1276607560579?aff=oddtdtcreator
The Rapport Film Festival
Earlier this afternoon at @rapportfestival we had the pleasure of chairing a panel discussion on ageism, informed by the excelled depictions by these 3 great films: Ageing Is A Gift by @toyoelejo , Ted & Noel (documentary featuring activist, Ted Brown and his partner Noel) by @juliaalcamo and Irpinia by Jameisha Prescod @youlookokaytome .
In the discussion we touched on the alarming systematic ageist discrimination in the UK when accessing health services and social care. The issue becomes a bigger problem when examining the nuances of the discrimination as it relates to race, sexuality, ethnicity postal code, and so on.
Kudos to Lara Samuels, Founder of Rapport Film Festival and the film directors, who were all female, and who approached the topic with commendable command of their artistry. You provoke a collective call of action against all discrimination in health care service towards elderly people.
Diaspora Voices: Ethics & Sustainability in the Fashion Industry
In celebration of Black History Month USA, Sustainable Fashion Week US is thrilled to launch Ethical Voices of the Diaspora: Sustainability on their YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHBn6OdjIm0&ab_channel=SustainableFashionWeekUS
This powerful video brings together thought leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs from the global Black diaspora to discuss how sustainability intersects with culture, identity, and fashion. Through their unique perspectives, we’ll explore how traditional practices, innovation, and community-driven approaches are shaping a more sustainable future. Creative Resilience International is proud to join voices.
Click on the YouTube link above to hear inspiring voices that are revolutionizing the fashion industry—one sustainable step at a time. Be part of the conversation and celebrate the beauty of diversity in the movement towards a more ethical and sustainable world
Love Camden Discussion: Protest to Progress, 40 Years of LGBTQ+ Activism
Michael chairs a panel discussion, Protest to Progress, by 4 amazing role models of LGBTQ+ activism from different generations and unique lived experiences. Love Camden, the cultural arm of Camden Council, is celebrating 40 years of activism in the borough.
Tickets available at Love Camden.
Beacon Excellence Award: Community Service
HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to our Managing Director of CRI-KENYA, Salome Cupid,who was recognised by the Beacon Excellence Awards (a subsidiary of United Airlines) for her exemplary community service.
Celebrating Arunma Oteh
We had the honour of being invited to the private birthday events in celebration of our friend, the phenomenal @arunmaoteh .
The two days celebration coincided with her book launch, All Hands On Deck - Unleash Prosperity Through World Class Capital Markets, a must read for deeper understanding of the significance of Capital Markets and their vital importance in development and stability/
Arunma is a formidable force both as an executive and as friend, a steel fist with the most purposeful, compassionate heart. Just an extraordinary human being! The testimonies shared over the last 2 days brought us to tears as we each drew association with our own special connection with Arunma. Our dear Arunma, may your blessings continue to show up in abundance in every aspect of your life with long health, joy and prosperity
Find Your Magic
Ed and Rob from Find Your Magic Podcast invited our Founder & Executive Director, Michael Burgess to be the special guest on episode 2. This is a very revealing insight into Michael’s personal life, his creative journey, activism and ambitions for Creative Resilience International expanding into Kenya and Ghana.
You can listen to the entire conversation here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/16fSqaTVcBsbpMtyR84Eoj?si=Zw0DWRI7R7iCa0KyAvm-6w
Ed and Rob have also been organising very successful bespoke retreats in Crete, Greece for a number of years including one specifically for queer men, http://www.findyourmagicretreats.com/share
Thank you 2024, Hello 2025!
Our end of year wrap-up VIDEK is us giving honour to the incredible support we've received from all the amazing creatives, partnerships, sponsors, family and friends (which all of you following our social media pages). You've helped us to accomplish every goal and achieve milestones.
We are an event production & creative agency committed to making a difference using the full creative landscape: fashion, art, music, performance, digital, literature, and sports. While we are based in London, our reach is global as far as talent sourcing, client servicing, audience engagement and impact.
As a social enterprise, the ethos is championing equity, diversity and inclusivity of the underrepresented and underserved pool of untapped exceptional talent. CRI shines a spotlight, create spaces and opportunities where related communities are valued and their creative contributions are validated as credible, marketable and conduit for social change.
You help us to help others. Your support could be in the form of following our social media pages, commenting and resharing our posts, hiring us for your next event production, curation and consulting project, join the team become a mentor, provide professional development opportunities and employment for our staff and mentees, volunteer or make a donation. DM or email us if you have any queries.
Take this ride with us in 2025. It will be AMAZING!!!
Go to our Instagram to see our end of year wrap-up video. The place holder image is by the brilliant multimedia artist Wayne Campbell of @acelebrationofdemonstration
Grassroots Art Studios Presents: Lens to the Runway
Our Founder & Executive Director, Michael Burgess is the MC for Grassroots Arts Studios’ fashion show, Lens To The Runway, taking place at LABSm Bloomsbury Square, London. Doors open at 13:00. Michael is also hosting a very inspiring panel discussions with highly respected industry experts including award winning filmmaker, Nicky Slimting Walker, renowned Afro Contemporary artist, Alexis Peskine, trailblazing multi genre photographer, Dr. Denise Maxwell and A-list fashion stylist, dancer and photographer, Ramario Chevoy. The event is FREE!!!
RAS Benefit Gala
The Royal Africa Society’s Benefit Gala returns this year after 2 fallow years. After the great success of the inaugural ball, we were once against asked to come on board as co-curator and producer. The event is iterally one of the top events on the London autumm social calender.
This year’s gala will be hosted at the Grade II listed premises of The Royal Institute of British Architects at Langham Place, central London. Event festivities kickoff with a cocktail and networking reception at 17:30, co-hosted by Afreximbank (platinum sponsor), Rolling Stone Africa, Africa No Filter and RAS’s APPG (remarks by the Vice-President , Lord Paul Boateng. The banquet hall opens 19:00 for dinner programme that includes 3-Course meal curated by Michelin star restaurateurs, Ikoyi and Chisharu. Following the speeches and video messages guests will be treated to an electrifying cultural entertainment programme including the UK premiere of Laolu’s performance masterpiece, Jenny Mitchel riveting poetry, Ballet Soul’s UK premiere of Trickster. The Silent and Live auction gives guests a chance to bid on coveted items.
CEO Lecture: Professor Benedict Oramah
We have the great honour of co-producing the @royafrisoc Annual CEO Lecture delivered by Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of @afreximbankofficial. Opening remarks by the Chair of The Royal African Society, @arunmaoteh and Q&A moderated by @omarbenyedder Group Publisher and Managing Director of IC Publications.
The event is hosted by @thewheelerinstitue at @londonbschool on Thursday, 21st November, 2025, London Business School, Marylebone. Registration opens at 17:00 with opening remarks commencing at 18:00. Get your FREE TICKETS here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/royal-african-society-annual-lecture-with-prof-benedict-oramah-tickets-1075524876859?aff=oddtdtcreator
Premiere: The Decolonisation of Africa
We had the pleasure to event produce the UK premiere of part one of Accelerate Studios’ docuseries, The Decolonisation of Africa. The screening is part of @filmafrica organised by @royafrisoc , co-hosted with @accelerate_tv and supported by @myaccessbank.
Date: Monday, 28th October 2024
Venue:
SOAS, Brunie Gallery Lecture Theatre
10 Thornhaugh Street
London WC1H 0XG
Time:
6:00pm (pre-screening reception).
7:00pm (screening start sharp)
9:00pm ENDS
Commissioned by the late Dr Herbert Wigwe, Produced by Accelerate Studios, directed by Bardia Oluwu, The Decolonisation of Africa delves deep into the continent’s complex history, shedding light on the slave trade, colonialism, and the courageous fight for liberation led by African leaders and citizens alike. With insights from prominent figures such as the Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, H.E Joaquim Chissano, Lord David Owen, Baroness Chalker, and the late Chief Buthelezi, and many more. The documentary offers a unique perspective on the many layers of Africa’s journey towards self-governance.
Get your FREE TICKETS ⏬️:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/premiere-of-the-decolonisation-of-africa-tickets-1059535301609?aff=oddtdtcreator
Film Africa Live: A Cultural Music Experience
Join us this Saturday evening for a very specially curated live music event, *Film Africa Live* for @filmafrica 2024, organised by @royafrisoc . Come enjoy this rich culturally infused musical experience in a cinematic landscape in London's epicentre of culture, Brixton.
Perfomances by:
@nicvani
@melodicjanelle
@berber.diffusion
Plus a special guest performance by @damel_theartist
DJ @minn.land will be on the decks spinning your favourites.
Venue: @ritzy_cinema (upstairs bar)
Time: Doors open at 8pm - 12am
Date: Saturday, 26th October
Ticket info ⏬️
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/film-africa-live-2024-tickets-1053775895069?aff=oddtdtcreator
This year’s Film Africa festival which opens this evening 25th October - 3rd November promises an exhilarating array of films.
A Royal Initiative: Platforming Film Creatives
We were invited to be part of this very special joint event between @royafrisoc and @bafta , which was the brilliant idea of HRH Prince William, Prince of Wales @princeandprincessofwales . HRH as the President of BAFTA and the Royal Patron of the Royal African Society facilitated the collaboration between the two organisations. The event was in support of the need to continue to create access and opportunities to uplift and upskill diverse creative practitioners in the film industry in the UK and Africa.
The Royal African Society (RAS) through its film festival @filmafrica which is the largest film festival in Europe for filmmakers from the African Diaspora, continues to be the leading platform promoting the African Film industry and has done so for the last 11 years. Through its strategic partnership with the British Film Institute, the National Film and Television School, the British Council, Institut Francais, Rich Mix, African Banks such as Access Bank and Afreximbank, and a number of partnering cinemas, RAS has provided incredible opportunities to filmmakers including masterclasses, workshops, funding opportunities and extensive networking opportunities.
The Prince William Bursary initiative was created and delivered through BAFTA to provide much needed financial support for underrepresented film creatives. The support is used for such things as travel expense to work,, getting a driver’s license, equipment and training progammes.
Many thanks to our friends for joining us Colette Otusheso (CEO of Accelerate Studios/TV), Editi Effiong (award winning filmmaker) and Rasaq Kukoyi (award winning actor).
Black History Art Exhibition: Reclaiming The Narrative
The City of Westminster commissioned us to curate and produce an innovative exhibition at the City Hall, on the mezzanine floor of the City Hall, located at 64 Victoria Street, Westminster, SW16 6QP. The exhibition, Reclaiming The Narrative, which runs from 4th October - 25th June, celebrates the diverse art and culture for Black History Month and beyond, presenting both visual, digital and multi-media art. The artists include, Richard Mensah, Sharon Walters, Gary March, Sokari Douglas Camp CBE, Wayne Campbell, Peju Alatise, Vince Fraser and Caroline Sani.
The exhibition was the longest running exhibition at Westminster City Hall.
Art Exhibition: The Awakening Tree - Reclaiming The Narrative
Planting a seed gives life. The outcome is your responsibility. This beautiful art installation, The Awakening Tree by our Director of Art, Education & Skill Development, Gary March @garymarchdesign inspires us to take ownership in self care and lead on what narrative the world have of you.
Venue:
Hogan Lovells
Atlantic House
Holborn Viaduct
London EC1A 2FG
This exhibition was commissioned hy Hogan Lovells and curated by our Founder & Executive Director Michael Burgess
Caroline Mosyemi at Kenya & Friends in the Park
We are thrilled to be supporting the incredible sustainable fashion designer Caroline Sani, in producing her first ever fashion show at @kenyainthepark2016 , on Saturday, 27th July 2024. This is also the first time that the festival will include a fashion show on the programme.
@carolinemosyemi is an emerging brand that brings style, uniqueness, innovation and craftsmanship. Caroline designs reference both cultural representation and modern flare.
Access Bank Polo
Yesterday I attended @myaccessbank UK Polo Day held at @guardspoloclub . This was a fundraising event for a magnificent initiative that was started by the bank's Co-founder and former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe. This was the first time the event was taking place in Herbert's absence due to his untimely death earlier this year in a helicopter crash which also killed his wife and eldest son.
Herbert's spiritual presence was certainly felt. All around me was reminder of this great man's phenomenonal legacy shared by the testimonials of the people around me who beared witness to his extraordinary leadership, generosity, tenacity, resilience and exemplary achievements.
All the proceeds of the day went to towards an on-going joint project with @unicef which aims to provide over 20,000 children in Kaduna, Nigeria with fully equipped, solar-powered classrooms. They surpassed their target to build over a 100 classrooms.
Herbert believed in the upward mobility of underserved communities in order to shift the needle of not just Nigeria but all of Africa. He recognised and championed that education of children is critical in the continent's socio-economic transformation and Africa's future.
Herbert also encouraged creatives and women entrepreneurs and leaders to remain diligent and recognised their significance in changing the narrative, prospects, innovation, economic stability, and cultural and artistic preservation of Africa. Africa's future does not discriminate but collectively cultivates.
Dr Herbert Wigwe, what a PHENOMENONAL man!
Raindance Film Festival - Searching for Amani
The opening of the 32 Raindance Film Festival is on 19 - 28 June, at various partnering cinemas. Last year we attended and was blown away by the organisation of the festival and the impressive calibre of films.
This year our eyes are on the Best Documentary Feature nominee, SEARCHING FOR AMANI by first time film directors Nicole Gormley and Debra Aroko. Set in Kenya, SEARCHING FOR AMANI charts the heart wrenching journey of Simon Ali, a 13 year old boy who aspires to be a journalist and yearns to know the truth behind the murder of his beloved father who worked as nature conserver for one of the largest game park. Premiere is on Friday, 21st June, at the Prince Charles Cinema, Leicester Square, at 6pm with a Q&A.
With the death of his father, Simon's foundation was unexpectedly pulled from under his feet with concession for him and his family. No father meant he had to grow up fast and assume adult responsibilities, provider, protector, nurturer and so on. Just in the attached trailer itself you sense the directors' mindful sensitivity to the characters fragility and ambition.
Unfortunately, Simon's burden is heavily laden with other complexities, as he and his community have to contend with the harsh realities of climate change on their humble farm life and the ongoing tribal dynamics of the surrounding communities.
We can't wait to see this film and the rest of this brilliant festival. Huge Congratulations to our dear friend Elliot Grove, the festival’s founder and his amazing team. Get your tickets here:
https://raindance.org/festival-programme/searching-for-amani-qa/
Symposium: The Right To Return
This Wednesday, 19th June, at 9am BST / 11am EAT, we will be joining our friends @bandungafrica at the THE RIGHT TO RETURN SYMPOSIUM - of African descendants to Africa and Artefacts back to Africa_
Representing CRI will be Michael Burgess, Founder & Executive Director, and Tracey Sage, Director of Cultural Strategy, Policy & Programme Development.
You are invited to join the symposium online (or in person in Tanzania)
Wednesday 19 June 2024
Please see the programme attached, and feel free to share.
More details and registration via:
https://6regiontz.org/
Promo via instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8S0lc4tsIu/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
In Converstion with Gemma Rolls-Bentley & Ajamu X
We are partnering with Frances Lincoln Publishing & Gemma Rolls-Bentley for a very special book launch of her recently published, QUEER ART: from canvas to club and spaces between, on Wednesday, 5th June, 6pm - 8:30pm, at 198 Contemporary Arts & Learning, Herne Hill, London.
Joining Gemma that evening for a very special in conversation will be the Patron Saint of The Darkroom, Ajamu X who is considered as the UK's most respected Fine Art photographer. His magnificent work, Power Drill Heels (2021) graces the cover of the book. They are both leading voices in the UK on contemporary art and LGBTQIA+ Rights.
Other artists featured in the book will also be present to sign your copies and photo ops. Books will be sold on the night.
This event will also support the Art Academy London (AAL) auction. AAL is a charity art school created with a mission to educate and make high-quality art accessible to all people. It started by a group of artists in 2000.
Spaces are limited so email us if you want to come.
WAN International Africa Day 2024
International Africa Day celebrations with our friends at the Worldwide Afro Network and UNESCO is always fun. So once again we are onboard as producers for this sensational online extravaganza that spotlights key voices, organisations and platforms in the creative industry, from sports, entertainment, tech and visual arts, from contemporary to indigenous. This year the focus is on language.
Celebrate International Africa Day with us!
Outreach in Kenya with WeWOT
We spent 9 days in Kenya with our friends at We Were Once Them (WeWOT) , a global charity which uses the exemplary achievements of STEM specialists to inspire young people in poor, underserved communities across Africa and the Diaspora. We did outreach at 5 schools in impoverished areas of Nairobi, Voi and Kikuyu. Our hearts were pulled in all directions and conscience challenged by the hard worn lived experiences and extraordinary resilience of these young people, their parents, their communities and schools.
The experience magnified the awareness of our privilege and deepened our gratitude for the blessings that have been bestowed on us. We have been inspired with greater conviction of the value of humanitarianism. We must support these incredible young people and their communities, using our resources and network, in order to amplify the efforts of We Were Once Them, their amazing volunteers and the generosity of partnering organisations such as Don Bosco.
The charity work we did in Kenya with WeWOT included painting and repairing toilets, building new toilets and kitchens, planting trees, mentoring, providing food, clothes, books. We pledged to sponsor the school fees of 10 students. We are also sponsoring the volleyball team of Ruthimitu Mixed Primary and Secondary school with tennis shoes, and we are partnering with our friend, the amazing social activist, Joanne to sponsor a young girl at Gitiba School.
If you wish to support an organisation that truly make a difference in communities on the fringes of life, who if given a helping hand would excel and invest back into their communities, then we 100% recommend you support We Were Once Them. You can donate here ⏬
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/9aac44f8-eb6d-4383-897a-891e24730955?isOnboarding=true
Buckingham Palace Garden Party with RAS
We attended the Buckingham Palace Garden Party with the Royal African Society. We had a splendid time. So much so that we made it on the official Instagram account for @princeandprincessofwales . See the below video clip of HRH Sir William, Prince of Wales and our Founder and Executive Director, Michael Burgess having an engaging conversation.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C7PcDLytnbb/?igsh=Z3E5dWQxYXp1dWdm
The video even appears in Hello! Magazine online.
https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/553623/prince-william-joined-by-beatrice-eugenie-zara-peter-palace-garden-party/
In spite of all the rain everyone was really jolly and the Palace staff were very warm and welcoming. The sandwiches and desserts were indeed delicious. The best cucumber sandwiches ever.
It was Michael’s 2nd time meeting Prince William which HRH remembered, and like the first time they had an engaging conversation sprinkled with laughter. Together with the CEO & Director of RAS, Janet Rogan, Keith Shiri, Lead Curator of Film Africa 2024 and Obi James, RAS Executive Council Trustee, we did an excellent plug of the Royal African Society’s Film Africa (opening 25th Oct. - 3rd Nov.) and the RAS Gala (22nd Nov.). Team work makes the dream work!
Fashion for Refugees
We are honoured to have been invited by Francesco Mazzarella and the Centre for Sustainable Fashion to participate in a series of roundtable discussions on the interplay of the power and impact of the Fashion Industry on Refugee policy. We joined a group of dedicated organisations and individuals who find it necessary to take urgent action in advocating for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.
The extensive research and detailed findings will be collated and form the foundation for a policy paper which will be shared with relevant policy makers and other stakeholders.
More info coming soon!
Fumi Desalu-Vold Meet & Greet
We are honoured to once again co-curate and co-produce the birthday party and meet-and-greet for our friend, the uber fabulous, social media sensation, actress, fashion designer and lifestyle expert, Fumi Desalu-Vold.
Fumi will be sharing her gold nuggets of wisdom and special friends with you. Goodie bags, food, drinks, workshops, panel discussions, vendors, networking, photo ops, content creation, fashion, catch-ups, laughter and more laughter. Hosted at the conveniently located Novotel Hotel, Hammersmith, 5 minutes walk from the tube station.
Excellent sponsorship offers available. Capture the FUMI EFFECT !!! Don't miss out. Get your tickets now ⏬
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/fumi-desalu-volds-birthday-meet-greet-with-fumination-tickets-869943112267
JUMP Premiere
JUMP dance film is going to premiere next Friday 29th, March, at Rapport Film Festival at Whirled Cinema in Brixton, Loughborough Junction, London, SE24 0HN
Last year our director, Michael Burgess was asked by the amazing Director, Teacher, Choreographer and Dancer, Jonathan Luke Bishop to be part of his film project. JUMP charts the gruelling process of a dance audition. While choreography is impressive in execution, perfect syncopation and drama, the behind-the-scenes challenges are not flattering but builds the fire in the dancers to make the cut and secure the contract.
Quote from our Director, "literally the entire journey was magical and executed with the most meticulous direction and team spirit. I am not surprised by the rise of JUMP's success".
#jonathanbishop #jonathanlukebishop you are AMAZING!!! We ❤️ you. We are so very proud and happy for you. You deserve all your blessings Sir.
Commonwealth Africa Initiative x Peju Alatise
Commonwealth African Initiative in conversation with Peju Alatise on her current exhibition, We Came with the Last Rain, at the Rele Gallery, 5 – 7 Dover Street, London. The exhibition closes 23 March 2024
In conversation with Beau Monde Society
Join us this evening live on Instagram at 8pm UK time (GMT) from @creative_resilience_intl in conversation with my friends @beaumondesociety Find out how we started our businesses and what keeps us going.
Middlesbrough College & Creative Resilience International
This year for Industry Week Middlesbrough College is partnering with Creative Resilience International to deliver a one-day virtual programme of panel talks and workshops with specialist in the fields of fashion, fashion communication, performance art, visual arts, design and PR.
Industry Week at Middlesbrough College is offering students the opportunity to interact and receive invaluable knowledge and advice from respected industry experts whose career trajectory and lived experiences could serve as a benchmark for the students' professional ambitions and furthermore inspire diligence and determination.
Very special thanks to the brilliant guest speakers, these creative geniuses:
@peju.alatise
@wacfoo
@acelebrationofdemonstration
@fumidesaluvold
@kanahflex
@joyce_addaidavis
@yemikosibah
#jennymitchellpoet
@kayflawlessofficial
