Some Achievements of Black Wulfrunians in Wolverhampton and Elsewhere during 2013

We look back at some of the key events of 2013; and highlight some of the individual Wulfrunian achievers in Wolverhampton and elsewhere.

The sporting heritage of Black Wulfrunians is not limited to the martial arts and athletics. Past and present Power Lifting champions have also done their bit to keep Wolverhampton on the sporting map. On April 26 teacher David Gray won the European Power Lifting Championships; breaking six world records on the way. David works at the Midpoint Pupil Referral Unit at Wednesfield school.
Maxine Bygrave was appointed as chairman of the health and social care watchdog, Healthwatch Wolverhampton. Maxine has worked for over 20 years toward improving the health standards in Wolverhampton.

Twenty five year old Charna James from Penn, won the ‘Outstanding New Teacher of the Year Award at the Pearson Teaching Awards ceremony. Charna is a teacher of history, sociology and religious studies at Wednesfield High School. The award acknowledges outstanding achievement in the West Midlands.

Six year old Dachiya Atkinson from stunned millions worldwide with her impressive breakdancing skills. Dachiya competed at the Pro Chelles International Dancing Competition which was held in Paris. Her dance routine was recorded and it attracted 5.3 million viewers on YouTube. Dachiya whose family reside in Fallings Park uses the performing name B-Girl Terra. The video earned Dachiya and her sister an appearance on a US talk show hosted by Ellen DeGeneres. Following on from her YouTube success, Dachiya was recruited by Sainsbury’s to be the face of their ‘Back Tu School’ campaign. Dachiya starred in a two minute television advert to promote the company’s clothing line.

Former Northicote High School pupil and University of Wolverhampton student Richard Campbell , secured a lucrative contract with the American clothing giant New Era Caps. Richard sent samples of his eye catching T-Shirt art to more than two hundred clothing firms before securing the New Era contract.

2013 was an eventful year for Radzi Chinyanganya . During the summer months he co-presented the BBC television programme: ‘Wild’ The programme was aired on CBBC every Saturday morning. Radzi also replaced Ann Skelton on the popular BBC1 programme: ‘Blue Peter’. The son of a Ziimbabwean father and Scottish mother, Radzi is a graduate of Loughborough University.

Sarah Andam, a member of the Crimson Tide cheerleading team helped her troupe to fifth place in the Future Cheer championships held in Bournemouth. Sarah is one of a number of Black and Mixed Heritage members of the 40 strong cheerleading team. The Crimsons are based at the Wolverhampton Gymnastics Club.

Former St.Peter’s Collegiate School pupil, Matthew Hudson-Smith secured two bronze medals in the 200m and 4x400m relay, at the European Junior Athletics Championships in July. The Lanesfield teenager is a member of the Birchfield Harriers athletic club.

The Rev. Viscount McGregor, a pioneer of the Black led church in Britain, died on August 16. Born in Jamaica Rev. McGregor came to Britain in 1955, aged 17. He founded the Bilston branch of the New Testament Church of God in 1958. In 1960 Rev. McGregor began to focus on congregations in Shropshire. He returned to the church in Bilston in 1961 before working in Walsall where he officiated at the New Testament Church of God and the United Church of God.

In September karate siblings Curtis and Amelia Harvey both secured medals at the British International Open Karate Championships. The talented teenagers who train at the Ikon Martial Arts Centre in Bushbury competed against over 1,000 competitors from Britain and abroad; at the championships held at the New Emirates Stadium in Glasgow. Curtis secured gold in the junior male category. Amelia won a bronze medal in the under 21s section and a silver in the senior ladies open weight category.

Dr. Lyseight was born on Thursday December 11, 1919 in the district of Claremont, Hanover parish, Jamaica. He was the fourth child in a family with twelve children. September 21 was a milestone date for Black and other minority ethnic communities in Wolverhampton. The first Blue Plaque honouring Dr. Oliver Lyseight, a Black Wullfrunian for his contributions to society; was unveiled at the New Testament Church of God on Wednesfield Road.

Dr Lyseight brought together a number of immigrants to start their own church. They first held prayer meetings in a member’s home in Faulkner Street. These meetings later moved to the local Y.M.C.A. in Stafford Street. The group decided to open a branch the New Testament Church of God, which was already active in Jamaica and the USA. The church had a starting congregation of 25.

Dr. Lyseight came to Britain in 1953. He is credited for founding the Black led church in Britain and Europe. Message from Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP

Today as you gather in Wolverhampton for the unveiling of a Blue Plaque in honour of the late Rev Dr Oliver A Lyseight, I wanted to send a message on behalf of the Labour party

. Reverend Lyseight was the founder of the New Testament Church of God here in Britain and a key figure amongst the Caribbean and wider community here. His work and reputation extended far beyond Wolverhampton. When faced with racism, he devoted his efforts to supporting the black community in order that they could practise their faith. The New Testament Church of God stands now with over 107 branches, clearly showing the important legacy of Reverend Lyseight’s work.

Today we have come a long way in the fight against racism from the attitudes Reverend Lyseight experienced in the 1950s but there is still more to be done. It cannot be right that if you are a young black man in this country you are still today significantly less likely to be employed than other people, and that people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to be represented in senior roles public life. The Labour party will continue to fight hard for equal opportunity and against injustice and unfair discrimination as Reverend Lyseight did during his lifetime.

The Sam Sharpe Project based at the Newhampton Arts Centre closed after its funding was withdrawn by the Council. The project began in 1985 as a voluntary sector referral agency set up to provide community based alternatives to custodial sentences for Black youth. It was set up by the now defunct Wolverhampton Rasta Progressive Association. Over time the agency evolved into a music based project for aspiring young musicians. The Sam Sharpe project supported many up and coming young artists including Beverley Knight.

Dennice McKinnon who reached the 2009 semi finals of BBC’s MasterChef, opened The Toffee Nosed Cake Company in Coalway Road, Penn. The shop provides a variety of cakes.

Beverley Knight was the leading lady in the West End play ‘The Bodyguard’ which premiered at the Adelphi Theatre in London on October 16. The show is based on the 1992 film of the same name starring Whitney Houston.

(Oct or Nov) Talented Oxley siblings Amelia and Curtis Harvey came away from the 40th Wado-Kai European Karate Championships with gold and bronze medals, respectively. Amelia took gold in the ladies individual competition at the event in Lisbon, Portugal. Brother Curtis took bronze in the junior male individual competition. Amelia attends Coventry University where she is taking a sports scholarship.

Ten year old Monique Oladujaye and Lynden Hunt are proud members of the Wilkinson Primary School’s Cross-country team. The team has won every Cross-country tournament they took part in during the 2012/2013 season. Lynden and Monique also took first place in the Mixed Relay Competition held at the Aldersley Stadium.

Wednesfield’s De-reece Williams won the Young Sportsperson of the Year award at the Black Country Sport & Physical Activity Awards held at the Copthorne Hotel, Brierley Hill in November. De-reece was awarded for winning the Under 16 World Kick Boxing Championships held in Slovakia.

The fashion and clothing chain Diffusion; an outstanding and successful example of Black led business in Wolverhampton celebrated its twenty fifth anniversary. The company whose first store opened in Broad Street in 1988, has grown into a multi million pound enterprise. Founded by Gerald Bailey and Carl Peddie, Diffusion has six stores in total.

Jada Palmer, Jevina Walker and Rochelle Malcolm were amongst the pupils from St. Peter’s Collegiate School who sang a tribute in memory of Nelson Mandela. They performed at a special service held at St. Peter’s Collegiate Church on December 15th.

Some Achievements of Black People and Significant Events in Britain during 2013

After a determined public campaign the Conservative/Liberal Democrat government accepted defeat. Mary Seacole’s role in caring for sick and wounded soldiers in the Crimean War was kept on the National Curriculum across the United Kingdom.

On February 6, Ashley Cole became the first Black British footballer to reach 100 caps for the England team.

2013 marks 100 years since John Archer became London's first African mayor.

2013 marked 50 years since Paul Stephenson and the West Indian Development Council (founded by Roy Hackett, Owen Henry, Audley Evans and Prince Brown) successfully led the Bristol Bus Boycott. In 1963 a young Black man in Bristol was refused an interview for a job on the buses due to the colour of his skin. In 1963 Bristol was home to approximately 3000 people of Black Caribbean origin. They included ex-servicemen who had served Britain during World War 2.

This discriminatory act sparked a protest which attracted national attention and ultimately led the way to the country's first ever race discrimination law. Paul Stephenson whose father came from Africa became the spokesperson for the boycott campaign.

On Monday, April 15 Paul Stephenson OBE, Roy Hackett and Guy Reid Bailey OBE organisers of the1963 bus boycott launched a programme of events to mark the 50th anniversary of the historic event.

The bus boycott divided the city of Bristol. It had support from members of the public and particularly by students at Bristol University, but the trade union leaders and the Bishop of Bristol were among those who sided with the Bristol Bus Company. The local MP Tony Benn waded in support of the boycott and pressed the Labour Party to lend its support. The High Commissioner for Trinidad and Tobago also got involved.

The boycott lasted a period of four months before the bus company gave in. Neither the Bristol Omnibus Company – a state owned company, nor the unions apologised for their racist stance.

The boycott was instrumental in determining prime minister Harold Wilson’s resolved to introduce race relations legislation (The Race Relations Act).

In June Malorie Blackman became the new Children’s Laureate. Malorie author of many books grew up in Lewisham, London. She declared her support for public libraries.

The actor David Harewood received a special accolade in July when he became the latest Birmingham born citizen to have his own star on the Broad Street Walk of Stars. Harewood best known for his roles in ‘Homeland’ and ‘Blood Diamond’ is originally from the Small Heath area of Birmingham.

In August Christine Ohorugu became the first woman athlete to win 2 athletics world titles.

On October 15th Doreen Lawrence became a Peer in the House of Lords. The civil rights campaigner was honoured for her charitable work.

Some Achievements of Black People and Significant Events Overseas during 2013

In February Blues guitarist Magic Slim (born Morris Holt) died at the age of 75. He died at a Philadelphia hospital. Magic Slim was influential in shaping the sound of Electric Blues – a style typical of Chicago. Magic Slim created a style of guitar playing that merged a vibrato with a slide guitar sound, he made by using his fingers on the guitar strings. He became an established figure in Chicago’s Blues community during the 1950s. Having made his first record in 1966, Magic Slim released more than 30 albums.

The Ras Tafarian Community in Jamaica and worldwide began a campaign to save Pinnacle. Pinnacle was the site of the first Ras Tafarian settlement in the world. Up to 4,500 Rastas communed at Pinnacle. Rastas are campaigning to have Pinnacle recognised as a national heritage site. Currently the only part of the site granted such status is the ruins of the house Leonard Howell once lived in. Pinnacle is found near to Sligoville in the parish of St. Catherine.

The site was purchased b the Ethiopian Salvation Society in 1940. The commune was targeted by the police who described it as a den for criminals. In July 1941 the commune was raided by the police and Howell was arrested. He was put on trial in August of that year, resulting in a prison sentence of two years. In October 1945 it was claimed that Howell had not bought the land outright and a writ to vacate was served by a local bailiff. The police removed all the residents, but they returned almost immediately. Howell was arrested a second time in 1944. By 1954 the commune was no longer. The police conducted a massive raid on Pinnacle. They razed the site and arrested 140 Rastas. From 1956 Leonard Howell resided at Tredegar Park

In June Native Australians were in mourning as the death of Mandawuy Yunupingu was announced by the Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard.

Mandawuy was one of Australia’s most famous musicians and advocate for Native Australian rights. He was the lead singer of the band Yothu Yindi whose hit songs included: ‘Treaty’ and ‘Tribal Voice’. Mandawuy whose career blossomed the 1980s and 1990s died aged 56.

A native of the Democratic Republic if the Congo, Cecile Kyenge became Italy’s first Black minister. Kyenge soon experienced the type of racism fuelled by the myth of the Black as savage, having not contributed anything to modern civilisation. She has received death threats and racial slurs. Kyenge was described as an orang-utan by a white politician; and at a rally where she was speaking about citizenship and minority communities a spectator threw bananas at the Integration Minister. In July the vice president of Italy’s Senate stated: “Tigers, bears, monkeys, all of them, but when I see pictures of Kyenge I cannot but think of the features of an orangutan”.

“There has been a failure of education. Italians were not helped in learning about others, people with different skin color and facial characteristics...Migrants are not seen as diversity that can enrich but diversity which instills fear”. Cecile Kyenge

On August 7th the US government’s National Institutes of Health made a historic agreement with Henrietta’s family on Hela Cells. The great advances made in mapping the human gene, the polio vaccine and research into cancer, AIDS, the effects of radiation on human cells and the countless lives saved as a result, is all due to the resilience of the cells of an African-American woman – Henrietta Lacks. Cells taken from her body without her knowledge were and still are grown in labs around the world. Henrietta’s cells were the first human cells that could be grown in a laboratory. Over 20 tonnes of her ‘HeLa’ cells have been grown and sent to labs across the globe. The Western pharmaceutical and other companies made enormous profits from Henrietta’s cells, but neglected to pay her or her surviving relatives any compensation. Her surviving family were denied the opportunity to have some control over access to and use of her cells. The agreement gave them a say on scientists’ access to the cells’ DNA code. They would also be acknowledged in any resulting studies.

On August 28 people across the United States and around the world celebrated the famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech delivered by Martin Luther King Jnr. It is widely accepted that this event signalled a turning point in the fight against racist segregation in the USA. The speech in itself was just short of ordinary until Dr. King spoke the words: “I have a dream”. His powerful oratory inspired and motivated millions placing alongside the other great speeches that has changed the course of history. Women were not allowed on the platform when the speech was being made. As a consequence the women of the movement founded the National Organisation for Women two years later.

Nelson Mandela – the first Black president, and the first democratically elected president of South Africa died on December 5th.