a powerful collection of seven exclusive works by Black Liverpool artists.

Our 4-year journey, led by our previous Associate Artistic Director, Nathan Powell (currently Creative Director at the Everyman and Playhouse Theatres), began in response to the murder of George Floyd in America in 2020. Like many individuals and organisations, we processed the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent events with a mix of anger, grief, and reflection. These events amplified the spotlight on racism in the UK, creating an urgent call to action for systemic change. 

While diversity, equity and inclusion have always been central to the work, we recognised that we had an even greater role to play in becoming a truly proactive and anti-racist organisation. We decided to use this difficult time to celebrate the achievements and highlight the struggles of Black artists, showcasing their depth, range of experience, and insight, giving them a platform to create and share their artistry. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, 7 artists channelled their voices into compelling pieces using a variety of art-forms such as music, poetry, visual art and film making and using a range of DIY tools such as smartphones, home studios, and ancestry kits. The films, made by Brodie Arthur, Tia Hume-Jennings, Malik Lidgett, Anita Welsh, Amber Akaunu and Dorcas Sebuyange were all created and released over the course of the pandemic, each with a unique voice and powerful story to tell. The final piece, created by Paislie Reid, marks the culmination of this journey. Paislie’s project was four years in the making, creating the music and lyrics in 2020, Paislie had a vision for what this film could eventually become.  

“Black with a Capital B is not just important for this moment but for all moments. Liverpool’s Black history is unique, with generations of families and communities that have cultivated a rich cultural heritage. These emerging artists are a vital part of that tapestry—bold, imaginative, and truthful. Their work resonates on a local, national, and global scale.” – Lemn Sissay, Patron

Tia Hume-Jennings

My name is Tia. I’m dual heritage and 15 years old. I sing and I write my own songs, and one day I want to be cast in a musical.

 

I have started writing my own play because I feel like there needs to be more cultural representation in the theatre world, and I hope to have a diverse cast.

 

I have been in two 20 Stories High shows: Indebted and Shutdown. I have also performed at Blackfest and many other events.

 

Brodie Arthur

My name is Brodie. I’m an actress, a mother, and a soon to be business woman.

 

I’m a free spirited individual with a passion for life and love! I’ve worked with 20 Stories High over a number of years since joining their Youth Theatre and Young Actors Company around the age of 14-15. I always had a passion for the arts. Some might call me a bit of a drama queen.

 

I’m mostly remembered for my jokes, my sense of humour and of course my award winning smile. Haha.

 

Malik Lidgett

Mal is a versatile music producer and rapper who explores all aspects of showcasing his talent.

 

He enjoys performing on stage and in front of the camera. Mal’s skills extend behind the camera too after gaining a BA (HONS) Film and TV Production degree at LMA which gave him skills in all aspects of film production from script writing, producing, directing, filming and acting to editing and marketing a finished film. This led more recently to Mal beginning a Masters degree in documentary film making at LJMU.

 

Mal has extensive experience with various pieces of software and professionally uses Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro X. He shares his knowledge and skills in teaching others how they can develop in these areas.

 

Mal has a passion for writing lyrics and has showcased these through his music and through collaborative working. This skill also extends to spoken word. 

 

Mal is wearing a peach coloured snapback cap backwards. He is also wearing a green t-shirt. He sits in a studio on a pink chair and appears to be listening to somebody talking who is outside of the frame of this image.

Amber Akaunu

Introducing Amber Akaunu with her short film ‘Agudas’.

 

‘Agudas’

Definition: Aguda is the name given to the descendents of freed Afro-Brazilian slaves who left Brazil and settled in/returned to Nigeria. Regions with significant Aguda populations include Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Calabar and Port Harcourt. The Agudas in Lagos built and designed the Brazilian Quarters which still stands today (although it risks being demolished and is not in good condition). The buildings resemble the baroque style that was popular in Brazil in the 19th century.

 

I remember my grandad telling me that I look Brazilian, like his mother, but I never took any notice of it. However, I recently found out (via my aunty – thank you!) that my grandad’s mother was actually Brazilian – well, her father was born in Brazil in 1894 and later moved back to Nigeria where he passed away in 1980. He was an Aguda.

 

After learning this, I very quickly realised what this meant. I felt guilty for not knowing this important part of my family history while also feeling angry now knowing my ancestors were forced into slavery by the Portuguese colony. It’s hard to come to terms with the fact that they endured this unfathomable pain that technically allowed me to be here today. While researching, I naturally came across sources that detailed Liverpool’s significant involvement in the slave trade and even found out there were Liverpool ships that took enslaved Nigerians from Lagos to Bahia. The thought that my ancestors could have been on one of these ships is unsettling.

 

Dorcas Sebuyange

Dorcas Sebuyange is a Congolese multi-disciplinary artist specialising in drama, music and poetry.

 

Her recent theatre credits include Big Up (Theatre-Rites & 20 Stories High), Black Men Walking (Eclipse Theatre) and I told my Mum I was going on an R.E. trip… (20 Stories High). As a musician she has supported line ups including UK artists Akala, Lady Leshurr, Sway and Lowkey.  She has also worked with BBC, LUSH, Writing On The Wall, International Slavery Museum, Savera UK and more in her time as spoken word artist. Find out more at www.dorcasseb.com 

 

Dorcas’ piece “Quiet” is one of the tracks from her new album called DEEP CALLETH UNTO DEEP which is a collection of poetry that was written as an organic reaction to the recent resurfacing of racial injustice broadcasted on social media in 2020.

 

‘Quiet’ is the first piece of poetry I wrote. There was a lot going on in my head prior to and during writing it. I didn’t know how to respond to the numerous emotions going on. I didn’t know how to react online, to people, to God but, then I started writing.

 

Anita Welsh

Anita is standing on a street wearing a khaki green tshirt with red details. She has long, curly black hair and a bright smile. She is wearing red lipstick and large silver hoop earrings.

Anita is a mother, poet and writer who creates: not only life but in art to share with her child, as well as other children and families.

 

She uses writing and poetry to spark imaginations and encourage playful synergy between little ones and their parents and carers. This aim to offer high quality work and activities grows from personal experience of a lack of exciting, inclusive artistic opportunities that bring families together.

 

Recent projects include: “Touchy” 20 Stories High. Artistic Collaboration with Squash on their ‘Sign of the Times’ exhibition on Windsor Street L8. Toast & Jam, a 16-week project of creative play sessions delivered as Community Engagement Associate for Big Up!, a 20 Stories High and Theatre-Rites co-production. Consultant at Liverpool Cultural Education Partnership. Anita is also a Story Building Associate at 20 Stories High as part of their State of Mind initiative which explores mental health and wellbeing within the work they make.

 

“I Am – ANITA” is a gift of affirmation, empowerment & strength. Anita said that she struggled to respond to the original BLM movement as racism is something she has had to deal with in everyday life, but after the death of George Floyd felt it was important to add her voice and perspective with her own artistic response: “I wanted to show that yeah I’m Black and so much more than just that. My Blackness is a main – and important – part of who I am but it shouldn’t be the only part people see… This piece is a declaration to who I am, exploring my own identity. This piece is me affirming who I am…To me I am Black because even though I am as Black as I am white, no one will ever see me as white – society gave me that identity.” Affirmations are something Anita does regularly using her Jo/Bo stick, she described it as something that has benefited and empowered her – she has even taught her son to do them too. She wanted to share her practice and give other people permission to use them. Her aim is to build women up to be strong and empowered. She hopes this piece will be the start of a new series of her work called “Warrior Women”. “I want every person watching it to be able to take an affirmation they can use to empower themselves, use positive words about themselves, towards themselves. The power is in people saying the words themselves, not me saying it for them.”

 

Paislie Reid

Paislie Reid is an Actor, Director, Writer and creative.

 

She is Co founder and Artistic director of The Black actors collective Liverpool and Youth and Community Director at 20 Stories High. Paislie has worked all over the country with theatre companies such as Royal Shakespeare company, frantic assembly, Contact, Liverpool Everyman and playhouse and more. She also has TV credits for BBC, ITV, Sky and has worked with young people and adults in the her community for over a decade. As a Black mixed Neurodivergent artist, her mission is to inspire, empower and create more opportunities for marginalised communities.

 

Black With a Capital B is an uplifting song and short film that celebrates Liverpool’s Black community and beyond, highlighting the Black experience, resilience, and self-worth. Vocals & Lyrics by Paislie Reid Directed by Paislie Reid Cinematography & Edit by Isaiah Burnett-Egeonu Instrumental by Malik Lidgett Mixed & Mastered by Kofi Owusu for GoPlay Studio Produced by 20 Stories High.

 

‘The lyrics of the song speak about the Black experience, and how despite any obstacles we face, we frequently rise above people’s expectations and do wonderful things. We are worthy and valuable just as we are – regardless of what we achieve – we are worthy when we are playing, when we are looking after our children and when we are resting – regardless of where we are from or how light or dark our skin is.’ – Paislie Reid

 

Paislie sits against a plain blue background. She has long curly black hair. She is wearing small gold stud earrings and a red blazer.

“Black with a capital B is such an important project for us. We gave the artists a blank canvas to create whatever they wanted, and what they come up with was truly remarkable. This city still has a long way to go in terms of racial equality, and for many there feels there has been a huge set back in recent months. It’s even more important than ever that global majority artists are able to create work on their own terms to explore a plethora of personal. political, painful, joyful and uplifting stories.”  –Keith Saha, former Co-CEO/Artistic Director

 “Too often, our stories are told by those who perpetuate the very ideas that harm us. ‘Black With a Capital B’ gives us the opportunity to reclaim our narratives and do what we do best as artists—tell our stories. Our proud, painful, powerful, hilarious, bruised, joyous Black stories.”  –Nathan Powell, former Associate Artistic Director

Resources

Black with a Capital B Self Care toolkit

Self care toolkit for engaging with our Black with a Capital B film collection

Download (PDF)