HEADER IMAGE by The Power of Black Identity competition winner Karis Beaumont, Portrait of Esi
Representation, and the ongoing battle marginalised people continue to fight to achieve it, is often casually dismissed ‘tricky’ or ‘complicated’ – a tightrope wobbling between exclusion and tokenisation. But as we move forward in the wake of 2020 – a precarious year for fashion – the need for change around the racial disparity in the fashion industry becomes even more urgent. That’s why, amongst the pinkwashing of Pride Month and bleak reports on the lack of change since George Floyd’s murder by police last year, it’s so refreshing when we do see authentic support for underrepresented communities.
This weekend, diversity equity and inclusion consultancy, the Fashion Minority Report, are hosting the Power Of__ Festival celebrating Black identity, talent and culture. Taking place June 12 – 13th at Lambeth Town Hall, the festival will feature a series of provocative panel talks, showcase music and celebrate art from emerging Black artists.
Backed by fashion and creative heavyweights FARFETCH, Fred Perry & Nikon, the packed events schedule includes ‘The Power of Black Culture’ panel in hosting opinion formers Jeanie Annan Lewin and Harris Elliott, contributing to discussions on the impact that Black identity has made on British culture and beyond.
Other schedule highlights include ‘The Power of Collaboration’ masterclass led by Sam Lambert and Shaka Maidoh and an interactive workshop where attendees can get creative and use customisable prints developed by Art Comes First mentees to create their own artworks. “Hosting our own masterclass and interactive workshop at The Power Of__ festival gives us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on our community and show creativity in all its diversity,” says Maidoh.
Other events include a Black Girl Knit Club workshop, a panel featuring The Black Curriculum founder Lavinya Stennett on ‘The Power of Protest’, and another on ‘The Power of Beauty Bias’ with renowned beauty writer Ateh Jewel.
Hosting our own masterclass and interactive workshop at The Power Of__ festival gives us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on our community and show creativity in all its diversity.
Shaka Maidoh
by Nico Utuk, Afro Comb Portrait 
by Lou Jasmine, Grandmother
The event will also showcase photographs from the inaugural winner of The Power of Black Identity competition. Karis Beaumont will receive £6,000 in camera equipment, have 1-2-1 sessions at the Nikon school, will receive expert mentoring from industry heavyweights, plus her images will be displayed on billboards across central London courtesy of Jack Creative. “Having my work showcased at The Power of_ festival is a perfect way for me to reach a large audience and raise awareness of Black culture in art,” she says.
This free-to-attend festival programme has created a much-needed opportunity to visit topics shaped by cultural provocateurs whose voices society has often tried to repress, from the worlds of art, activism and social mobility. The Power Of__ festival invites everyone to celebrate cultural change-makers, and to take an active role in driving the conversation around diversity, equity and inclusion to a point of measurable change.
The Power Of_ Festival is an unmissable showcase of Black identity and an opportunity for people to listen, learn and celebrate from some of the best in their field.
Daniel Peters, Founder of The (Fashion) Minority Report
Founder of The Fashion Minority Report, Daniel Peters, says, “It’s important that we look back on 2020 as the year that the world came together to stop failing marginalised voices, not least in the creative field. The Power Of_ Festival is an unmissable showcase of Black identity, and an opportunity for people to listen, learn and celebrate from some of the best in their field.”
He continues, “Our partnership with Lambeth Town Hall, 40 years on from the 1981 Brixton race protests, feels like a poignant opportunity to celebrate Black identity, and the contribution that we continue to make to mainstream culture.”
Check out the full schedule here and book your slot on Eventbrite now.
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