D'Rose Academy

Ethics and values should be more than words - they should be how we lead, build relationships, and make decisions every day. At D'Rose Ethics and Equity Academy, we live by the principles of People Care, Earth Care, and Fair Shares, and these values guide our work across all sectors. Curious about how these three simple principles can transform your approach to leadership and diversity? Dive into our latest post to discover how to put ethics into action and create lasting impact. Read here... https://lnkd.in/euPbjUfS

Join us this Black History Month as we honour British role models who inspire change, celebrate resilience, and empower future generations to continue breaking barriers for a just world. This year's theme is reclaiming the narrative. Today we acknowledge and celebrate... Malorie Blackman, born in February 1962 in Merton, London, is a highly acclaimed British author celebrated for her influential contributions to children's and young adult literature. Raised by Barbadian parents who were part of the Windrush generation, Blackman initially pursued a career in computing, studying computer science at Thames Polytechnic and working as a systems programmer. However, her passion for writing led her to shift careers, and she began her journey as an author at the age of 28. Blackman's debut book, Not So Stupid! (1990), a collection of short stories, marked the beginning of a prolific writing career. Her early works included Hacker (1992), a novel about a teenage girl who uses her computer skills to prove her father's innocence, and Thief! (1995), which explores themes of injustice and time travel. Her 1997 novel, Pig-Heart Boy, which follows a young boy undergoing a heart transplant, garnered significant acclaim and was adapted into a BAFTA-winning television series. She gained further recognition with her groundbreaking Noughts & Crosses series, starting with the eponymous novel in 2001. This series, which explores themes of race and societal division through the story of Callum and Sephy, has been followed by several sequels, including Knife Edge (2004), Checkmate (2005), and Double Cross (2008). In 2004, Blackman also published Cloud Busting, a novel in verse that won the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize (Silver Award). In addition to her novels, Blackman has written for television, including episodes of Byker Grove and Pig-Heart Boy, and her stage play The Amazing Birthday was performed in 2002. She has also contributed to collections such as Unheard Voices (2007), which commemorates the abolition of the slave trade, and Free? (2009), celebrating human rights. Blackman's impact on literature has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Red House Children’s Book Award, the Fantastic Fiction Award, and the Eleanor Farjeon Award in 2005. In 2008, she was honored with an OBE for her services to children's literature. In 2022, she became the first writer of children's and young adult fiction to win the PEN Pinter Prize. Blackman was also the Children's Laureate from 2013 to 2015, during which she established the YA Lit Con, the UK's first large-scale public literature event dedicated to young adult books. Her work consistently features Black characters, driven by her desire to address the lack of representation she experienced in her own reading as a child. As noted by The Times, Malorie Blackman is regarded as a national treasure, reflecting her significant and enduring influence on literature for young readers.

Join us this Black History Month as we honour British role models who inspire change, celebrate resilience, and empower future generations to continue breaking barriers for a just world. This year's theme is reclaiming the narrative. Today we acknowledge and celebrate... Steven Bartlett, born on August 26, 1992, in Botswana, is a notable entrepreneur, businessman, author, and television personality. At the age of three, he and his family relocated to Plymouth, England, eventually settling in Moss Side, Manchester. His upbringing was shaped by his mother, a Nigerian immigrant, and his father from Coventry, both of whom played significant roles in his formative years. Bartlett attended Plymstock School in Plymouth and later pursued business management studies at Manchester Metropolitan University. However, he dropped out after just one lecture, realizing that traditional education was not aligned with his aspirations. This pivotal moment led him to start Social Chain, a social media content and marketing company targeted at millennials, from his bedroom in Manchester. By the age of 23, Bartlett had become a millionaire, and Social Chain has grown to a market valuation of around $600 million (£450 million). Bartlett's personal net worth is estimated at £50 million. In 2020, Bartlett transitioned from Social Chain to delve into blockchain and biotech sectors. He launched two new ventures: thirdweb, a Web3 technology platform, and Flight Story, a marketing consultancy that recently acquired a PR agency with high-profile clients such as Tinder and Hinge. Additionally, he joined the BBC's Dragons' Den as the youngest-ever investor, making history as the first Black and youngest Dragon on the show. In March 2021, Bartlett released his memoir, Happy Sexy Millionaire: Unexpected Truths about Fulfillment, Love and Success. The book, which became a Sunday Times bestseller, delves into the complexities of achieving true happiness and success, exploring how the pursuit of these goals can sometimes create barriers to their attainment.

Breaking Barriers: Achieving EDI in Your Workplace Creating true Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is both a moral imperative and a strategic advantage. However, real progress remains a challenge for many organisations. Our latest blog explores the key barriers holding back EDI initiatives and offers actionable strategies to foster genuine inclusion. Learn from the D'Rose Academy's resources and discover how to build a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. Ready to make real change? Read more here: https://lnkd.in/emAz6tQH

Join us this Black History Month as we honour British role models who inspire change, celebrate resilience, and empower future generations to continue breaking barriers for a just world. This year's theme is reclaiming the narrative. Today we acknowledge and celebrate... Monica Lewin During an era when Black and minority ethnic surgeons were a rarity in the UK, Monica Lewin achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Jamaican woman to be named a fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons of England. Born in 1926 in Jamaica, Monica's early academic excellence earned her a prestigious government scholarship to pursue medical studies at the Royal Free Hospital in London. It was here that she met David Atkinson, a fellow medical student who would later become her husband. They married in 1949, forming a partnership that would see them both excel in their respective medical careers. Monica's medical journey was marked by a series of notable appointments. She gained extensive experience in various capacities, including as a house surgeon and physician at institutions such as Brighton, the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital, and the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital. Her determination and skill were further validated in 1962 when she passed the FRCS exam, a rigorous qualification that solidified her status as a distinguished surgeon. Following this achievement, Monica returned to Jamaica, where she took on the roles of senior registrar and later a surgeon at the Children's and Kingston Public Hospitals. Her work during the 1960s, a period of significant political and social unrest in Kingston, was particularly commendable. Monica displayed immense courage, tirelessly treating gunshot and machete wounds in a high-risk environment, ultimately saving countless lives. Later, Monica and her husband returned to the UK when David was appointed as a consultant urologist at North Middlesex Hospital. Undeterred by the move, Monica continued to make her mark in the medical field. She served as a clinical assistant in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments of the Royal Northern and Whittington Hospitals, where she remained until her retirement in 1988. Even in retirement, Monica's passion for learning and communication found a new outlet as she became an enthusiastic radio amateur, engaging with a global community of fellow radio operators. Monica Lewin passed away in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking achievements and unwavering dedication to medicine. Her life was also enriched by her family, as she is survived by two children and three grandchildren, who carry forward the memory of a trailblazing woman who broke barriers and made significant contributions both in the UK and Jamaica. #BlackHistoryMonth

Join us this Black History Month as we honour British role models who inspire change, celebrate resilience, and empower future generations to continue breaking barriers for a just world. This year's theme is reclaiming the narrative. Today we acknowledge and celebrate… Akala, born Kingslee James McLean Daley, is a British rapper, author, and political activist known for his powerful commentary on race, class, and social justice. Raised in Camden by his Scottish mother and Jamaican father, Akala overcame early academic struggles to excel in school and later gained recognition for his 2006 debut album *It’s Not a Rumour*, which won a MOBO Award for Best Hip Hop Act. In addition to his music, Akala’s critically acclaimed book *Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire* combines autobiography with sharp social analysis. He also founded The Hip-hop Shakespeare Company, blending Shakespeare with modern hip-hop. #BlackHistoryMonth

Join us this Black History Month as we honour British role models who inspire change, celebrate resilience, and empower future generations to continue breaking barriers for a just world. This year's theme is reclaiming the narrative. Today we acknowledge and celebrate… Diane Abbott who made history in 1987 as the first Black woman in British Parliament. A fearless advocate for civil rights, she has championed equality, human rights, and education for over three decades, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations with her bold, unwavering leadership. About Diane… In 1987, Diane Abbott made history as the first Black woman to be elected to the British Parliament, launching a distinguished career as a parliamentarian, broadcaster, and commentator. Diane Abbott's parents, originally from Jamaica, migrated to the United Kingdom in the early 1950s. Abbott began her professional journey as a civil servant at the Home Office from 1976 to 1980 before moving into journalism, working as a television reporter from 1980 to 1984. A dedicated member of the Labour Party, she also served as a press officer for both the Greater London Council and Lambeth Borough Council, where she focused on race and civil liberties issues. She was also a member of Westminster City Council from 1982 to 1986. She then transitioned into journalism, working as a freelance reporter for TV-AM and Thames Television and later as a public relations consultant. In 1987, Abbott broke new ground when she was chosen as the Labour Party candidate for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, a London constituency. Her election victory marked her as the first Black woman to be elected to the British Parliament. Along with Bernie Grant and Paul Boateng, she was one of the first MPs of African descent in the House of Commons. During the 1990s, Abbott became known for her outspoken, left-of-centre stance within the Labour Party, particularly as Tony Blair's modernization efforts began to shift the party away from its traditional socialist policies. Throughout her parliamentary tenure, Abbott has been a staunch advocate for human rights, notably opposing measures to extend the detention period for terror suspects without charge. Her commitment to civil liberties earned her a special human rights award in 2008 from JUSTICE, Liberty, and the Law Society. She also founded the London Schools and the Black Child initiative, which focuses on raising educational achievement among Black children. In 2015, she was re-elected to her Hackney North and Stoke Newington constituency with a commanding majority where she remains MP. Soon after, she was appointed Shadow Secretary for International Development and later became Shadow Secretary for Health in 2016. Diane broke new ground once more as the first Black female Shadow Home Secretary, a role she held until earlier this year. She also chairs the British-Caribbean All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and the APPG for Sickle Cell and Thalassemia.

In the spirit of community and openness I am sharing my recent personal health journey because I may be absent for a few weeks. In May I went to my GP with symptoms around my Spina Bifida Occulta (born with wonky lumbar vertebrae) and perimenopause. I'm sent for blood texts and an MRI. The blood tests came back and triggered a series of investigations which have led to a treatment plan requiring me to go in for surgery, which was cancelled and rescheduled for the 9th of October (tomorrow). I'm being treated for Ovarian Cancer but until results come back after the surgery we do not know if I have endometriosis or cancer (I'm 99.9% sure it's endometriosis but thats a whole other story). I will be having a full hysterectomy at Northampton General. I've been assigned a McMillan nurse and will likely be off grid for a few weeks while I recover. I hope to be back with a phased return by the end of October and I will have someone checking the inboxes and monitoring the social channels. I've also prepared content for the Diversity in Practice community which will be shared in my absence. I'm expecting a 12-16 week rehabilitation period, including physiotherapy to help me manage my recovery while caring for my Spina Bifida Occulta and working with my McMillan nurse. I'm in very good hands and of course Damian has been amazing in supporting me through the journey. He will provide brief updates on my wellbeing. I'll be sharing some posts about women's health inequalities on my return, so watch this space. You can also follow D'Rose on socials.

Join us this Black History Month as we honour British role models who inspire change, celebrate resilience, and empower future generations to continue breaking barriers for a just world. This year's theme is reclaiming the narrative. Today we acknowledge and celebrate... Stormzy, an English rapper and cultural icon, is known for his fearless music that addresses issues of race, inequality, and personal struggle. From his historic grime debut to his ongoing advocacy for Black communities, Stormzy uses his platform to inspire change, uplift voices, and challenge societal norms. About Stormzy… Stormzy, born Michael Ebenazer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr., is a prominent English rapper known for his impact on the UK music scene. His breakthrough came with the "Wicked Skengman" freestyle series, which gained him significant attention on YouTube, propelling him into the spotlight. Stormzy initially began as a road rapper, a style closer to hip-hop than grime, but his unique approach soon made him a household name in the grime genre. Stormzy’s debut album, Gang Signs & Prayer, released on February 24, 2017, made history by becoming the first-ever grime album to top the UK Albums Chart. The album featured hit singles such as "Big for Your Boots," which peaked at #6 on the UK Singles Chart and later earned platinum status from the BPI. Another popular track, "Blinded by Your Grace, Pt. 2," reached #7 on the UK Singles Chart and also achieved platinum status. His earlier single, "Shut Up," initially released on YouTube, became his most successful track to date. It eventually climbed to #8 on the UK Singles Chart and was certified platinum, solidifying Stormzy's status in the music industry. Stormzy has received significant recognition for his work, including winning the ‘Best Grime Act’ at the MOBO Awards in both 2014 and 2015. His influence is drawn from key grime artists like Skepta and Wiley, and he proudly refers to himself as "a child of grime." Beyond his music, Stormzy is known for his humility and connection with fans, often interacting with them on social media. He has a passion for cooking, which he shares with his followers, and has also shown a soft spot for animal welfare causes. Additionally, Stormzy's artistic talents extend beyond music; he is also skilled in poetry and has written and performed spoken word pieces. #BlackHistoryMonth

October DEI Events! Join us this month for a series of empowering events designed to deepen understanding, inspire action, and celebrate diversity! Whether you're new to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion or looking to strengthen your practice, we've got something for you: 🗓️ 7th October – Open Webinar 🗓️ 15th October – D'Rose Community of Champions 🗓️ 24th October – Diversity in Practice Be part of the change and let's continue the conversation around inclusion and equity together!