Throughout October, we want to bring awareness to important Black figures. By highlighting the challenges that the Black community has endured, we hope to help understand and support the modern community that continues to thrive today.

We have been working with Celia Dipple, a Falmouth University Illustration student, to shine the spotlight on some important figures in the Black community.

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 B. July 1993 

 Stormzy, full name Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Owuo Jr, is a British artist known for his rapping, singing and song writing.  

 Aside from his music career, Stormzy is also politically active and openly speaks up about racism in the UK. In an interview he did with ITV, when he asked on which aspects is Britain still racist, his powerful response was: 

“The funny thing in Britain is that racism in Britain… people are really unaware of it, like being called racists, it is like “Wow, I’m not racist!”. But it’s like people are more scared to be branded a racist than actually tackle whatever racism they do.” He continued by saying, “Britain has a racism problem that they don’t like to admit. It’s like “oh no, we’re not racist.” But there’s a lot of racism in the country and even people hear me say that, people would say: “If Britain is so racist, how are you successful?” It’s a double-edged sword.” [1] 

He has also done an interview with BBC where he expressed his pledge towards tackling racism in the UK.  

“Black people have been playing on an uneven field for far too long and this pledge is a continuation in the fight to finally try and even it.” 

During the aftermath of the George Floyd protests, Stormzy has stated that he plans to donate £1 million a year for 10 years of charities, organisations and movements that are committed to fight racial inequality, justice reform and black empowerment in the United Kingdom [2].  

He has become a powerful icon and voice speaking up against racism in the UK, and received an honorary degree from the University of Exeter for his acclaimed work as a musician and social justice campaigner. [3] 

1. https://twitter.com/antoguerrera/status/1208757516898832386/photo/1 

2. https://uproxx.com/music/stormzy-10-million-to-black-empowerment/ 

3. https://www.exeter.ac.uk/news/university/title_917405_en.html 

To see more Black History Month profiles, news, resources and events, visit the SU Black History Month hub. 

www.thesu.org.uk/blackhistorymonth