I’ve finally found a creative platform where I’m able to
express myself with thoughts and feelings regarding topics around
misrepresentation of individuals. We’ve seen a lot in the media of people who have
been heavily stereotyped, mistreated, labelled, and discriminated against. The
cases are shocking, the way some publications write or post media in such
ignorant ways can often make one believe that these stereotypes are true.
But we have to remember, social media, used correctly, is BRILLIANT. We have our own
platforms to speak truth, honesty, and we’re lucky enough to freely express our
thoughts, so why not use a publishing tool to do just that, except make it into
an online magazine? Exactly!
And that’s what ic3 do. We shed positive lights on people who
wouldn’t usually receive it through mainstream media. People read ic3, discuss
ic3, learn new stories and testimonies about these people, whilst discovering
what great things they’re doing, and then grow from it. Just knowing that we’ve
been able to change the way people think, proves that being a creative can
positively change people’s mind set about mainstream media’s perceptions and
labels.
Ic3 have so much in store for 2016. We plan to give you so
much more visuals, and open up your eyes to how you see people in your everyday
life.
Follow our journey! >>
Anyone that knows me personally knows I absolutely love to network like crazy! Even when exhausted after a long day, meeting and connecting with new people is a big love of mine, it expands my connection base as a whole, and it's awesome saying I personally know and speak to people from not only the BBC, but CNN, ITV, MTV, and more.
I'm blessed enough to have a strong base of close friends as well as family, but these people have become more than connections, but great friends of mine also that I met this year. Hopefully they won't cringe at this! Haha! In no particularly order here goes it...
Cris
http://www.ic3mag.com/2015/11/one-night-sleep-out-for-young-homeless.html
I met Cris in the first few days of January, after agreeing to become part of our new innovative platform, ic3 - we met over our first meeting about launching the online magazine. We always joke about meeting for the first time, and how I thought he'd be the complete opposite to how he turned out to be. After a few sentences, we immediately clicked and got along so, so well. Since then we are constantly in contact, making each other laugh and building a beautiful friendship. He's broadened my interest in photography and even the idea of one day, travelling alone. His outlook on life and general 'hippyness' inspires me, and I'm so blessed to have gained a brother like Cris!
Phoebe
http://phoebeparke.com/
The first time we met was hilarious. Me being my wacky networking self after a few glasses of wine, I boldly approached Phoebe exclaiming that I'd definitely seen her face before...on a billboard. She immediately freaked out and started asking how and where I could've seen her face...on a billboard?! I finally came to my senses then realised her face is familiar, from a twitter profile pic...where she followed me a few months before meeting her in person. Awkward! But super funny. It's been so nice not only being able to connect with her on a professional basis - she's at CNN, I'm at the BBC, but fellowshipping together at Ladies Who Fellowship, and building a sweet and genuine friendship in general! She's a sweetheart and I'm blessed to have met and got close with her this year.
Ra'ed
https://www.gofundme.com/roadtosamos
As well as being a flipping humanitarian G which I had no idea about when I met him, I didn't expect to meet such a sweet and warm soul in Ra'ed. Within a few moments of speaking, we realised that we shared the same birthday! Now that's special. I met him at a networking event, where I was my usual bubbly self, then later became upset by a comment someone had made to me. Ra'ed was super kind about it, and never fails to make me smile. Only later on did I then realise that he regularly takes time out to travel miles and miles to help, clothe and support refugees that have suffered due to the migrant crisis. His documented journeys reminds me how much more beautiful people in this world like him, still exist. Thank God for his life!
Amrit
http://amarettosworld.tumblr.com/
Amrit!! We always scream when we see each other it's hilarious! I met her shortly after her starting at BBC Asian Network. Not only is she such a bubbly, wild, beautiful and spontaneous soul, but her work ethic is INSANE. She's always on the go, travelling one from bbc building to another, working on live events, interviews, giving talks, reviews, working hard across all the social media platforms she looks after, and works full time, as well as maintaining a good social life. It's so inspiring to see a young gorgeous lady like Amrit do her thing and make the most of each opportunity - people like this only go higher and succeed whilst on the journey towards greatness. Wishing this babe nothing but the best.
David
http://arisemaggospel.com/
I connected with David through my mentoring scheme page Pursue Your Passion. He could see the things my cofounder Rachel and I were hoping to achieve, and was keen to interview us for the magazine he's an editor of! Rachel and I thought 'why not?', and gave it a go! Not only was he infectiously polite, smiley and giggly, but he does so much on a daily basis! He works a very rewarding and admirable job at UBM, he has such a warm outlook on life and is living proof that you can serve and have a driven career path at the same time.
There are many others who I've honestly been so blessed to have met and connected with this year, but these beauts popped into mind and I had to also show them love! Ask yourself the same question: who are you so grateful to have met and surrounded yourself with this year?
I'm blessed enough to have a strong base of close friends as well as family, but these people have become more than connections, but great friends of mine also that I met this year. Hopefully they won't cringe at this! Haha! In no particularly order here goes it...
Cris
http://www.ic3mag.com/2015/11/one-night-sleep-out-for-young-homeless.html
I met Cris in the first few days of January, after agreeing to become part of our new innovative platform, ic3 - we met over our first meeting about launching the online magazine. We always joke about meeting for the first time, and how I thought he'd be the complete opposite to how he turned out to be. After a few sentences, we immediately clicked and got along so, so well. Since then we are constantly in contact, making each other laugh and building a beautiful friendship. He's broadened my interest in photography and even the idea of one day, travelling alone. His outlook on life and general 'hippyness' inspires me, and I'm so blessed to have gained a brother like Cris!
Phoebe
http://phoebeparke.com/
The first time we met was hilarious. Me being my wacky networking self after a few glasses of wine, I boldly approached Phoebe exclaiming that I'd definitely seen her face before...on a billboard. She immediately freaked out and started asking how and where I could've seen her face...on a billboard?! I finally came to my senses then realised her face is familiar, from a twitter profile pic...where she followed me a few months before meeting her in person. Awkward! But super funny. It's been so nice not only being able to connect with her on a professional basis - she's at CNN, I'm at the BBC, but fellowshipping together at Ladies Who Fellowship, and building a sweet and genuine friendship in general! She's a sweetheart and I'm blessed to have met and got close with her this year.
Ra'ed
https://www.gofundme.com/roadtosamos
As well as being a flipping humanitarian G which I had no idea about when I met him, I didn't expect to meet such a sweet and warm soul in Ra'ed. Within a few moments of speaking, we realised that we shared the same birthday! Now that's special. I met him at a networking event, where I was my usual bubbly self, then later became upset by a comment someone had made to me. Ra'ed was super kind about it, and never fails to make me smile. Only later on did I then realise that he regularly takes time out to travel miles and miles to help, clothe and support refugees that have suffered due to the migrant crisis. His documented journeys reminds me how much more beautiful people in this world like him, still exist. Thank God for his life!
Amrit
http://amarettosworld.tumblr.com/
Amrit!! We always scream when we see each other it's hilarious! I met her shortly after her starting at BBC Asian Network. Not only is she such a bubbly, wild, beautiful and spontaneous soul, but her work ethic is INSANE. She's always on the go, travelling one from bbc building to another, working on live events, interviews, giving talks, reviews, working hard across all the social media platforms she looks after, and works full time, as well as maintaining a good social life. It's so inspiring to see a young gorgeous lady like Amrit do her thing and make the most of each opportunity - people like this only go higher and succeed whilst on the journey towards greatness. Wishing this babe nothing but the best.
David
http://arisemaggospel.com/
I connected with David through my mentoring scheme page Pursue Your Passion. He could see the things my cofounder Rachel and I were hoping to achieve, and was keen to interview us for the magazine he's an editor of! Rachel and I thought 'why not?', and gave it a go! Not only was he infectiously polite, smiley and giggly, but he does so much on a daily basis! He works a very rewarding and admirable job at UBM, he has such a warm outlook on life and is living proof that you can serve and have a driven career path at the same time.
There are many others who I've honestly been so blessed to have met and connected with this year, but these beauts popped into mind and I had to also show them love! Ask yourself the same question: who are you so grateful to have met and surrounded yourself with this year?
For the entire year, I've been blessed enough to work full time at one of the world's biggest organisations. I look back and sometimes ask "what kept me going?" - all the crazy shifts, meetings, interviews, talks, networking meets, presenting on air and on tv, all the awesome events, meetings, connecting and even becoming friends with the most hard-working people I've met. 2015 at the BBC has honestly been so rewarding, in so many ways. Crazy thankful. Let me pop a few photos below as my visuals seem to be a lot stronger than words. :)
During my time at BBC radio 2 earlier this year, I was always keen to explore other radio station channels and see how they work. I had connected with an assistant producer who works on Woman's Hour, and was invited to sit in on a beyond brilliant show with them. Gosh, the amount of work that is put in for a 1 hour show..it's a lot!
I moved from one show to the other after a set amount of time spent with each team in the show at radio 2. The people I worked with in the afternoon show were the last people I'd imagine to mesh so well with (as well as the presenter). It was so sweet and thoughtful of them to give me a goodbye card as well as a cheesecake. It genuinely makes me well up thinking about it. Ah, the feeling of appreciation is such a wonderful thing!
Working on live shows meant still coming in on public holiday days. My alarm clock went off at 5:30am on Good Friday and Easter Monday to go to work; now that's definitely a first! :)
Radio training courtesy of the BBC academy, and being able to record my own show/podcast. I was slightly nervous at first but now that I'm at community radio regularly, it gives me more confidence when speaking on a live radio show with limited amount of time.
Queen Peggy Mitchell!! I fully waited 5 minutes to have this pic with her. Long live the original landlady of Albert Square's pub!
Randomly doodling around radio 2 studios and seeing my country's capital was a "oooooo that's so interesting" moment
Early commutes to work that were actually quite refreshing! You really do get so much out of the day.
Forever grateful for such an incredible platform that openly supports me in gaining more skills across various areas at the BBC. Definitely need to utilise this place more regularly!
Summer!!! Meeting my friend for froyo on a lunch break whilst gazing upon Oxford Circus (shortly after this pic was taken, a lady walked past us - bare foot. Guess it was really hot then!)
The legend and sweetheart that is Dermot O'leary. One of the nicest guys I've ever had the pleasure of meeting and working with as he danced 24 hours straight for charity!
Ping pong outside of work on a 23 degrees day. Why not.
During the time of the elections; what a time to be working on a current affairs programme!
Fully lost count of the amount of strange, large and shocking things I've randomly seen displayed outside of New broadcasting house. Always a fun experience!
One of the things I'll forever love and miss about working at BBC music..enjoying live music..for free! Loved Lianne La Havas' live set.
Colleagues that get you birthday cards :')
The only work place where I've ever been allowed to wear headphones whilst working
My "I've been at the BBC for a year" selfie :)
In the infinity room after a hectic but majorly enjoyable day #R2HydePark
Anneka Rice' weekend breakfast show. Yep. Got in at 5am. On a Saturday.Eek! #headwraponfleek
BBC Manchester (prob the most lushest building) for a day of journo training
Chatting with my lovely editor at BBC Africa and being caught by a friend via snapchat
Sarah Jane Crawford's leaving do...was invited after a casual chat with her for a couple of hours..what a hard-working and lovely presenter
Worked with this bubbly woman on her Arts Show and loved every moment. Really hope she won't kill me for putting this up!
Creative Access, so so thankful for this place!
Christmas do followed by karaoke, so much fun!
Filming for BBC Trending! Such a surreal and enjoyable experience. Loads of fun! (and outtakes)
When your brother comes to your work, whilst he's also working on a show, at your work. B)
Juke box selfie..why not!
After work drinks; current affairs selfie!!
Simon Webbe. Enough said! <3
5:55am selfie with The World Service' best journalists after coming on air after an awesome show!
Prepping for Radio 2 in Hyde Park
Claudia Wink and Tony Blackburn in lots of glitter at Radio 2 in Hyde Park
We won the Black History Month quiz selfie! :)
The beyond and always beautiful views from the top of NBH
The next 1xtra DJ??? Lmao
First day at new job in BBC TV, it's only right I purchase a bag too!
The DG...Tony Hall
I left secondary school 7 years ago, at the age of 15. I was sure I didn't want to stay in the sixth form, I was sure I wanted to go to a mixed college, learn more and broaden my horizon. One thing I was certainly sure of was that the 5 years spent at Our Lady's Convent High, were the best beginning years of life. I somehow think that things would be so different had I chosen somewhere else to spend those crucial 5 years.
I built and grew in the best of friendships, was very naive most of the time, but learnt a lot nonetheless. I was a bit of a class clown, who was seen as a bit of a weirdo for being so well spoken, having being brought up in Hackney! Normal is boring anyway :-)
The main reason why I re-returned back to Our Lady's Convent High, was because I was invited to! I spoke to a bunch of sixth formers about future career goals and the hopes towards reaching where they hope to be. It was so refreshing being able to give honest, non-fluffy advice of my route down academia, deciding to go to a different college, which in actual fact prepared me towards studying my degree at uni, and so forth.
Everyone's journey is different. I felt so warm being able to openly express mine, and to let the girls know whatever their dreams and desirable career paths are, they can take them to many places, and that they should always be open to new experiences and never feel like life has an A-Z route.
I'm happy and grateful to not only work for the BBC, but to run a mentoring scheme being Pursue Your Passion, and to let my creative 'juices' flow by writing for ic3mag. I'm thankful for my journeys and wherever they take me, just as long as I'm doing what I love, I'm happy.
So it's almost been 4 weeks - and indeed they have FLOWN! It's been a really enthusiastic, intense, and enjoyable entrance into the world of TV.
I am a researcher at BBC Development Central, a television hub known for creating and developing brilliant television programmes and ideas that have the ability to sell worldwide.
My day-to-days include:
⁃ Contributing ideas for BBC television programmes; sourcing contacts and contributors; collecting, verifying and preparing information for film and television productions.
⁃ Working on a wide variety of programmes or within one subject area. (Not just in BBC documentaries as I originally thought!)
⁃ The work involves organising, planning and researching everything that will happen during the programme such as who will be interviewed, the location, if the film crew will fit, if the budget will stretch etc.
It's a lot. I constantly have a million tabs open on my desktop. It reminds me so much of when I was in the process of researching and finding loads of sources for my documentaries. The research process has to be well executed, and as the researcher, I have to be confident in ensuring the information I'm passing on is accurate and valid.
I'm so grateful for everything and it's incredible knowing I was able to make the transition from radio (my traineeship) to news radio & online - to TV! It's crazy when you try to figure out how to navigate through life. Sometimes just let go and let God!
#Learning
PS. I'm planning to start getting a lot more visual with my own work in the new year; kinda miss doing interviews and I'm currently in the process of finally getting a snazzy camera. Stay locked!
2014 -> 2015. Same Pudsey? Ha
Working on Children In Need as the main point of call on the Chris Evans breaky show was one the first project I worked on whilst on my traineeship last year. I still remember entering the studio building for 5:30am every single day; and was still completely buzzing throughout.
A year later? Still buzzing! Still pushing, still never complacent. Working in TV now is like entering another exciting realm. So many ideas, so many plans, so. Much. Research! Full blog post on my new job soon come. Maybe even a vlog actually :)
Stay tuned! Xo
I read. Every day. Stories that make my eyes widen; shock, surprise, disbelief, empathy, compassion, faith in humanity. It influences how I see people, how I investigate stories, and how I like to tell them.
Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple
Full documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydHRESPjBxg
One of my earliest memories of stories that I couldn't get out of my head and then did further study on was at the age of 17 when studying Sociology at A level.
I think what I found so chilling about this story was not being aware of the thousands of cults and sects that exist - all who identify themselves under the branch of Christianity.
Cults: a system of religious veneration and devotion directed towards a particular figure or object.
Sects: a group of people with somewhat different religious beliefs (typically regarded as heretical) from those of a larger group to which they belong.
So many survivors from this mass murder spoke about their experiences, many of of these experiences which were strange, and didn't even feel like a religion any more. Their memories were so vivid, and it's clear that it's scarred them for life. One woman lost all her children, and partner, because of The People's Temple founder Jim Jones. The bravery and honesty they have in telling these stories to journalists in documentaries, is truly astounding. That's why I love documentaries, so much. It's quite painful and sad to learn about, but it is important to know about. It's said that religion is one of the world's most biggest separators, especially now.
The Cleveland Captives: What Really Happened?
I remember reading this news report in 2013, about these young women who were released after being held captive for 10+ years. Not only was it incredibly ghastly to read let alone learn about, I was so moved by the innocence and lack of world awareness these young women, especially in their interviews.
They were taken by a local neighbour when they were so vulnerable and young, and missed out on so much of life. It's super inspiring to see how much awareness they've raised about abduction and how you can live life after experiencing hell on the little earth they saw. Every interview, article, video - I saw and read them all. So much to the point that I couldn't sleep properly for a few nights. Maybe it affected me especially as a female. It's definitely worth reading about - not just the horror side of it but seeing how each of them learnt to see the light at the end of the rocky bridge. They (and every single person that have been undeservingly abducted) are so, so brave.
Links to stories:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/10/michelle-knight-ariel-castro-how-i-survived
http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2013/nov/05/ariel-castro-kidnap-survivor-strung-like-fish-video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pco06q0R5gU
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3100986/Cleveland-house-horrors-captives-Amanda-Berry-Gina-DeJesus-realize-dream-high-school-graduation.html
Police seize possessions of rough sleepers in crackdown on homelessness
My first documentary ever was made on this topic and pretty much explains my thoughts and investigations towards the matter. I felt like not a lot of media outlets were discussing or investigating this problem in great depth at the time of the release (January 2014). It's good to see that there is way more awareness now, in 2015, as opposed to last year when only a few newspaper articles spoke about this action of the police. Way more can be done to combat homelessness, so I feel that making this documentary gave these homeless people of London a voice.
Watch Homeless in London documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7rz4Vd9FBE
Death Over The Air Jordan
Another documentary idea of mine - inspired through reading a blog post and learning about the shocking statistics of young black teens killed over trainers in New York City from the 90's. Consumerism is a killer, and it still happens today.
Link to stories:
http://bryantcross.com/2013/12/22/death-over-the-new-air-jordan-gama-blue-11-what-kanye-has-been-saying-all-along/
http://uk.complex.com/sneakers/2015/01/its-time-for-michael-jordan-to-speak-up-against-sneaker-violence
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/teen-shot-dead-in-dayton-ohio-in-alleged-clash-over-nike-air-jordans/
Watch Consumerism: In Love With My Jordans documentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvkx_BPtEYM
Farkhunda: The making of a martyr - Newsnight
As I was randomly browsing through some Newsnight clips, I genuinely didn't think I'd come across something so horrific. Unfortunately a lot of us are often desensitized to shocking news stories in Middle Eastern countries of violence against women. A young woman being stoned to death for having pre-marital sex, women in Saudi Arabia not being able to drive their cars, and just general oppression and looking at them as inferior. The story about Farkhunda really shook me; hundreds of people watched her being stoned to death and many video recorded the attack which was immediately shared online.
We as the public needed to see this, see the severity of how extremism is coming, and why it needs to be put an end to. Immediately.
Watch the story of Farkhunda here. WARNING: Graphic and distressing images.
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