“Where there is no Vision…… the people perish.

 

 

OUR ViSION is to effect a positive impact locally and globally on humanity through programmes of education, self-empowerment, spiritual health and well-being and to increase the social value of the community of interest which will empower and inspire individuals and groups towards strong economic growth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OUR MISSION is to develop and deliver inclusive services which recognise and value of cultural contributions which RasTafari has made in empowering the community and acknowledging its positive legacies, thereby increasing the social value inspired by RasTafari Culture and Livity – way of life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“...Unless we find the requisite courage and fixity of purpose to rise above our petty selves; we shall be broken on the wheel of our own invention, slaves of our own despotism. The spirit of Africa, which surrounds our deliberations here, is deserving of the greatness which Africa demands of it. Let us prove ourselves worthy of it…”

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I. 1964

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.Background

 

The Rastafari community has been part of Lambeth’s diverse mix since the 1950s.

 It has continually worked to support both its community members and the wider community.

 There are differences between and within the RasTafari Community where little or no research has been completed which caters for the community’s specific needs.

The contributions of the Rastafari community have not been charted and there is limited information in the Black Cultural Archives of Brixton with detailed reference to Rastafari Communities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We want to develop a partnership with the London Borough of Lambeth and other local community organizations by contributing to overcoming many of the challenges the Council faces in its role as lead funder in light of diminishing resources and gentrification. In effect, much like the little understood Portuguese and Polish communities, there is no other group that is better placed to engage specifically with the Rastafari Community, and by extension, the African and Afro-Caribbean Community, on behalf of the Council.

 

We recognise the need to conduct more in-depth research into our community and how we relate to and affect the wider community as Census Data does not reflect an accurate picture, i.e. phraseology of census questions would have naturally produced the wrong result e.g. "Religion" has been used as opposed to "Faith" or "Way of Life" and that the Rastafarian population and impact is much more significant than what is reflected in the Census.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We therefore recognize and are affected by the disproportionate impact of Lambeth’s Proposals set out in the Black Caribbean Research in Lambeth Briefing and Equalities Insight report - “Get Involved” by Equinox Consulting based on census information from 2011 p13, relating to BME groups such as the Rastafari Community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.The RasTafari Movement UK CIC

 

The Rastafari Movement UK is a Black Led company developed by socially conscious individuals seeking to provide effective means of addressing serious issues affecting the Black and African Heritage Communities, particularly within mainstream UK society. Its directors, members and participating professionals bring a wide-ranging set of skills and experience to the delivery of its services. This includes Education, Legal, Research, Youth and Community Development, Child Protection, Work with Vulnerable Adults, Construction, Radio and Media, Post-compulsory training, Policy and Governance. Rastafari Movement UK is a not for profit Community Interest Company registered in England and Wales. We established in 2013 and registered in 2015

 

Jamaica High Commission

 

 

Based in the London Borough of Lambeth, our services are experienced by Lambeth residents first.

 

 

 

Our special focus is on sustaining youth involvement, empowerment and strengthening economic development and we recognize that by addressing the issues of historical repression and enforced self-loathing on Black and African Heritage communities, We proposed to do this in various ways such as :

• Dissemination of Factual Educational Materials and Publications, using website and online social media platforms, through film, radio, music, and arts.

• Organising intergenerational Spiritual and Wellbeing gatherings with current and topical reasonings

• Facilitating solutions-focused opportunities for dialogue in a safe environment

• Leading and organizing Cultural Festivals such as the Africa International Day of Action which hosts young, aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing new and vibrant talents within Lambeth young BME communities.

• Collaborations and Partnerships with new and established groups and organizations, businesses and educational establishments.

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There is a genuine opportunity to eliminate the resulting feelings of hopelessness. Such feelings manifest in negative activities that prevent progress and cause individuals and our community of interest to feel marginalized and excluded from mainstream society

We see the mainstream society and those interesting in having a positive impact, locally and globally, on society, as major stakeholders. For this reason we work primarily, but not exclusively, within the widely diverse Black and African Heritage communities who are most affected by inequality, Injustice prejudice, stigma, stereotypes; raising cultural awareness, raising self-esteem and confidence, spiritual health and wellbeing and economic development opportunities.

 

 

 

 

DIRECTORS

 

 

 

Our Directors boast an accumulation of over 150 years of experience working in community development. They have children and Grandchildren and experiences in the problems, faced by African-Caribbean’s living in Lambeth and the surrounding areas. They design and facilitate workshops, cultural events, sharing of information and community social and well-being gatherings in order to re-establishes positive balance to the negative outcomes of various levels of inequality, injustice, exclusion, and disengagement which has affected the Rastafari Community, unaffiliated Rastafari individuals, their friends, and families both locally and globally.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Founder Director - Ras Gabre Wold (a.k.a.) Norman Adams - Jah Blue

Elder Norman Adams (a.k.a Ras Gabre Wold - Jah Blue) is one of the longest-serving activist within the Rastafari community In England. He remains at the forefront of the growth and development of the Rastafari Movement in England as well as the broader social evolution which began in England in the 1960s as Race, Equality, Power, and Immigration dominated the social landscape.

 

Ras Gabre Wold is instrumental in the establishment of the UK’s:  details of Jah Blues Book here)

 

 

● The RasTafari Movement UK CIC

● Ethiopian World Federation Inc.

● The Ethiopian Orthodox Tawahedo Church

● The National Nyahbinghi Council UK

● The Aincent Council of Elders

 

 

 

 

Ras Gabre Wold is the author of the book “ A Historical Report of the Rastafari Movement in England”. He is the architect of the historical Reparation March to Parliament: August 2014 and the African International Day of Action and can trace the Rastafarian Movement in England set against a concise history of Jamaica and Rastafari Doctrine. Ras Gabre Wold is able to present a factual chr2onology of events and a first-hand, eye-witness and insightful look into the Rastafari Movement development in England and also its connections with Jamaica, North America, and Africa.

 

 

 

Director - Sis. Sheeba Levi-Stewart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is an innovative and proactive individual who is able to organize, plan and

Manage workloads to meet targets, even under pressure. She possesses a strong work ethic and relish challenges and learning new skills and is excellent at grasping and utilizing information. Currently undertaking solicitors’ qualification at the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives Sheeba is Founder and Proprietor of Sheeba Crafts South London 1988-2000. Managing distribution and retail outlet of Art, Craft & Handmade Goods. Responsible for accounts, marketing, staff training, and administration. Production of sales catalogue which provided a wholesale service to other traders and organizations across the UK and Europe

 

Sis Sheeba is skilled in Business Management, book-keeping, communication skills, analytical & writing skills, practised negotiator (represented Kingston University Nationally), information Technology literate

 

With an LLB Law Degree – Kingston University Sis Sheeba has completed Modules in:

 

● Dissertation on Penal Reform,

● Public Law,

● Company Law 1& 2,

● Land Law,

● Employment Law,

● Contract Law and Equity & Trusts

 

Sis Sheeba possesses an LLM Degree – Kingston University, completing modules in:

 

● Employment Contracts,

● Industrial Relations,

● Mediation

● Discrimination and the Equality Act 2010

 

.Director - Ras Clive Grant aka Sugar Dread

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ras Clive is skilled in Leadership and Management of Operational Teams Local and Regional Accountability, monitoring funding Campaigns, average KPI’s in recruitment and event booking. He has specialities in Research & Development, donor acquisition, business development, coaching, training, and media. With over 30 years working in the Radio industry, Ras Clive is a qualified Journalist and Radio Producer /Presenter.

 

Ras Clive excellent fundraising skills leading teams with client companies such as World Vision, Concern Worldwide, National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) and Age UK, raising over £50 million for charity partners. His Financial Management experience includes P&L, budget control and profitability. Ras Clive has excellent human Resource Management skills including :

 

● Company Director, Community support, attend meetings, leaders by example, setting up fundraising strategies. 

● dealing with the difficult issue and finding solutions.

● Participating in Meetings, Bid writing, receiving and delivering reports at the senior level

● Booking visits to charity partner for product updates and extensive training.

● Radio production and Presentation and social media to raise awareness

● Product Launching

● Excellent Communication Skills

 

 

 

Ras Clive’s experience extends to: Mentoring young people interested in radio and radio production, organizing industry networking events and workshops, enhancing workforce reaching company targets, training new recruits and current employees on business practices, company culture & values; Procurement and Booking of event & work sites, Working Independently running events including new product/market awareness campaigns, events, sponsorship and donor appeals with Business Development skills and experience in setting objectives, sales, market share, brand recognition. negotiating key alliances with the executive team to support strategy and attract strong employees into the business; sales and Sponsorships

 

 

 

Director - Stella Headley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stella is a European Black Women’s Business Owner and entrepreneur, with vast experience in the field of community development. She is linked to Brixton from childhood and begun charitable and community work within Brixton over 30 years ago as project assistant to Latin American and Caribbean Department In a large Charity. Stella is an experienced practitioner with post-compulsory education and training and within the Adult Education Sector, specializing Literacy, communication and financial competencies for Adults.

 

Stella is a founding director of: Sistah Outlets Community Cultural Stores CIC, a Progress Before Profit Community Interest Company established in 2010 which promotes Education for the sustainability of culture of African and Caribbean individuals and the communities they live in locally and Globally, using the medium of Rastafari and African Arts, Crafts, Music, Agriculture as a medium for self-empowerment, self-esteem and confidence with embedded literacy.

 

Ø Rastafari Regal Livity CIC and is one of the co-curators of the landmark “Rastafari In Motion Exhibition” and designer of the “Order of the Trinity Peace Garden” at the Black Cultural Archives in Windrush Square Brixton.

 

Currently pursuing a Masters in Education for Sustainability, Stella has a PGCE Post-Compulsory Education and Training (Adult Literacy Specialism); BA in Caribbean Studies and Education Studies and numerous qualification in a range of professional practices which support her work and interest in sustaining communities.

 

Stella is community Ambassador for the Impact Hub Brixton and participates in various Lambeth initiatives and Forums including Lambeth Equality Commission Focus Group meetings.

As a Construction Industry Training Board Apprenticeship Officer for 5 years she was invited to serve on the CITB London Diversity Forum for Construction after raising concerns about the lack of visible minorities within the field of construction. Subsequently, she was responsible for operational management of the Apprenticeship programme on the 2012 Olympic Park.

 

A qualified Journalist and Radio programme, Producer and Presenter, Stella is a Pioneer in community radio being the UK’s first African Heritage Radio Station Owner responsible for the establishment of the frequency 107.3fm currently used by Reprezent Radio - based in Pop Brixton.