An Intimate Conversation and Book reading with Floella Benjamin
In celebration of Black History Month, JN Bank UK hosted the iconic Baroness Floella Benjamin at our branch community space in Brixton for an intimate conversation and book reading. The full house of attendees from the local community as well as customers present were mesmerised by the inspiring stories of overcoming challenges as well as her many triumphs and achievements all shared by our special guest. There was laughter and tears in equal measure as we journeyed vicariously with the Baroness through some of the most poignant experiences in her life - which her new autobiography ‘What Am I Doing Here’ captures.
This multifaceted woman - actress, advocate, producer, singer, and much-loved former children’s television presenter who is currently a member of the House of Lords captivated everyone present. It was a great evening where our special guest also gave us an amazing pictorial insight of her journey from Trinidad and arriving in the UK as a 10 year old ‘Windrush’ child to now being the Baroness of Beckenham and Chairperson of the Windrush Commemoration Committee.
She also shared the following four Cs in her closing remarks which were well received and encouraged everyone to live and demonstrate them in their daily lives:
- Consideration – have empathy for others
- Contentment – have a happy and content heart
- Confidence – look in the mirror and love the person in front of you
- Courage – speak out for justice and for people who are suffering and don’t have a voice.
Following the conversation with the Baroness, most of the attendees eagerly snapped up copies of her autobiography which were all sold out at the event and waited patiently for the honour of having it signed by the Baroness.