Hall of Fame

Sports

Ethel Scott

Old photograph of a black woman standing next to a large amount of trophies

Ethel Scott was the first Black woman to represent Great Britain in an international athletics competition, competing as a sprinter. She is known to have competed between 1928 and 1950 and achieved her greatest successes around 1930. She spent the last decades of her life living in Barking.

Jack Leslie

Old black and white photograph of a black man

A former player for Barking Town FC, in 1925 Jack Leslie became the first ever Black footballer to be called up for England. However, he was denied the chance to play because of his race. In 2022, the FA awarded him a posthumous cap to recognise his contribution and the discrimination he faced.

Colin McMillan

Black and white close up of a face of a black man

Colin McMillan is a British, Commonwealth and World Featherweight Boxing Champion. He learnt to box at Barking Boys Amateur Boxing Club. Since retiiring, he has raised thousands of pounds in support of disadvantaged young people; in 2019 he received a British Empire Medal.

Arts and Culture

Rochelle Humes

Born in Barking, Rochelle Humes is a former member of the pop groups S Club Juniors and the Saturdays. She has gone on to a successful television and radio career, as a presenter of The Hit List and a regular guest host on This Morning.

Zara McFarlane

Black and white photograph of a female, black singer

Zara McFarlane is a British jazz and soul singer and songwriter. In 2014 she was awarded “Best Jazz Act” at the MOBO (Music Of Black Origin) Awards. Her musical tastes have been influenced by her Jamaican heritage.

Kemi Oloyede

Kemi Oloyede is an artist, entrepreneur and designer. Drawing on her skills and experience from a career in the fashion industry, she founded The Sew London Project, which runs sewing classes and promotes sustainable fashion with workshops on upcycling.

Colin Francis

Colin Francis is a DJ and music producer, specialising in dance, hip-hop, pop and R&B. He is the only UK DJ to have had nine consecutive number one albums in the UK Compilation Charts.

Botis Seva

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Botis Seva is an Olivier award winning dance artist, choreographer, and director, at the forefront of Hip Hop dance internationally. He focuses on making a societal difference and using his autobiographical experiences to drive narratives.

Mailaika Firth

Photograph of a female, black model on the runway

Mailaika Firth is a successful model, born in Kenya and brought up in Barking. In 2013, she was booked as the first Black model in nearly 20 years to appear in a Prada advertising campaign.

Community and voluntary

Hannah Kupoluyi

Hannah Kupoluyi, founder of the ‘All Women's Network’, is dedicated to women's empowerment and supporting women to gain confidence and achieve their dreams. Her work earned her various awards from Barking and Dagenham, including the Rising Star Award, Most Influential Women Award, and Business Excellence Award, recognising her outstanding contributions to women in the borough.

Stephen Addison

Portrait of black man smiling in the camera

Having seen the impact of gang violence in his own life, Stephen Addison founded ‘Box up Crime’. The organisation uses non-contact boxing to educate and inspire young people and keep them away from crime. In 2019, Stephen was awarded a British Empire Medal for his work in schools, pupil referral units and community centres across London.

Zahra Ibrahim

Black woman, who is wearing a hijab sitting in a chair looking into the amera

A former child refugee from Somalia, Zahra Ibrahim is now the director of the Excel Women’s Association, a women-led charity which works with women and girls to provide a safe space and access to advice in Barking and Dagenham and across neighbouring boroughs.

Jeorgina Soares

Jeorgina Soares is one of the founders of ‘Triangoals’, a local organisation that works to support children, young people and families, promoting fitness, mentoring and skills development and providing opportunities for them to socialise.

Bobbie-Jo Muir

Bobbie-Jo Muir is the founder of Make Your Mark CIC, a group that works to create a platform of opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people - especially from BAME backgrounds. Their mission is to bridge the poverty gap so that all children and young people have the resources and support to become a successful adult.

Jocelyne N’guessan

Portrait of black woman smiling in the camera

As the lead for the Church Elm Hub Wellbeing Group, Jocelyne N’guessan has been committed to promoting wellbeing tackling isolation, depression, low self-esteem, poverty, anxiety in Barking and Dagenham.

Arinola Araba

Photograph of a female, black writer promoting her book

Arinola Araba is an Nigerian-born award-winning doctor, social entrepreneur, speaker and published author. Through her social enterprise ‘bMoneywize’, she has worked to promote fun and innovative approaches to numerical and financial education for children and digital education for the elderly. Her educational board game has been featured on ITV and BBC news.

Wunmi Oyewole

Wunmi Oyewole has made significant contributions to the Barking and Dagenham community since 2013. Her achievements include founding Radiant Ambitions, a CIC focussed on female empowerment, supporting other grass roots organisations with accessing funding and capacity development. She has also delivered sessions on everyday English.

Sarah Robertson

As a youth worker, coach and mentor, Sarah Robertson is dedicated to improving outcomes in Barking and Dagenham. Through local organisation Future M.O.L.D.S. Communities, she works with young people and their families, providing activities including boxing and sports coaching training.

Vanessa Raimundo and Ashleigh May

Portrait of two black women smiling in the camera

Through their work as co-founders of ‘Moms on a Mission’, Vanessa Raimundo and Ashleigh May support families facing poverty, providing services including peer advocacy, wellbeing projects and youth intervention, as well as campaigning.

Amanda Dawes

Wanting to bring people together and help young people to develop and make good life choices, Amanda Dawes founded the Youth Spot Bar. Today, it is a youth centre activity hub that delivers sports activities and social hub sessions, including a new roller-skating club, for people aged 8-25 years, making great alliances within the local area.

John Wainaina

John Wainaina is a champion of youth leadership and participation. He is the founder of ‘Youth League UK’, a multi-award-winning organization dedicated to supporting young people in the borough. It runs programmes from an established youth centre at Dagenham Heathway and at local schools including youth mentoring, education and career support, sports and leisure activities and a youth forum.

Clare Julien

Clare Julien has been running a parent and toddler group as a volunteer in Barking and Dagenham for over sixteen years. She has touched the lives of many families in the borough; by encouraging them to get involved with stay and play activities, she has brought people together andhelped them to develop their confidence.

Herbie Alley

A former volunteer supporting the healthy lifestyle programme, Herbie Alley wanted to share what he had learnt more widely and help people on their health and fitness journeys. He trained as a Zumba instructor and now delivers free Zumba and chair dance classes.

Neusa Catoja

As a motivational speaker and writer, Neusa Catoja promotes empowerment and self-confidence, particularly for women. She provides coaching and advice to help people to overcome life challenges and achieve their ambitions.

Milton McKenzie

As Chairman of the Joint Works Committee, Milton McKenzie campaigned for equal rights. In recognition of his work as a trade unionist, he was awarded an MBE in 2009. He has also served Barking and Dagenham as a local councillor and Mayor, has been awarded Freedom of the Borough and was made Honorary Alderman in 2016.

Stephanie Okoye

Stephanie Okoye founded ‘Girls Like Us’, which delivers powerful in-school programs to help girls of black or black-mixed heritage to discover their inherent ability and reach their potential by developing their confidence, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence.

Pastor Ade Adesina

Pastor Ade is an influential and inspiring local leader. He leads Powerhouse International, a local church who work in partnership with a variety of organisations, delivering outreach work and leadership to tackle issues, such as serious youth violence, poverty, health, interfaith connectivity and improving social cohesion. In particular, Pastor Ade was influential in delivering a local community response to covid-19 and has spearheaded a campaign to improve information, advice and guidance around sickle cell disease in black African and Caribbean communities.

Pastor Wale Olulana & Ronke Olulana

Photograph of a black man and a woman next to each other

Pastors Wale and Ronke Olulana, founders of Harmony Christian Ministries in 1997. Alongside their pastoral and spiritual guidance, they have been key community leaders in LBBD. Through their outreach arm HCProjects, they enhance local and global welfare, improving healthcare access, offering free weekly health checks, and promoting social cohesion. They also played a vital role in the community-led COVID-19 response.

David Anyanwu

David, a student at Dagenham Park School, is the new Young Mayor of Barking and Dagenham. His term (March 2024 - February 2025) includes fundraising with the BAD Youth Forum for Purple Penguins, a charity supporting children aged 6-18 with disabilities or learning difficulties through activities like sensory play, arts and crafts, cooking, and trips.

Patricia Murphy

For over 2 years, Patricia has run a dedicated sewing workshop in Dagenham. She offers various classes, including a popular drop-in sew and social session. This welcoming environment fosters creativity, combats isolation, and has earned Patricia high praise from all attendees. Her dedication to the community is truly inspiring.

Adanna Okorie

Adanna, a dedicated youth worker and mentor since age 13, has improved girls’ self-esteem, confidence, and well-being. She established the personal care section at Youth Zone Dagenham, mentoring hundreds in skills like hair care and nails. Adanna also runs the Girls Talk Podcast and Youth Mentoring Programme, creating a safe space for young people to express themselves.

John Akinde

John Akinde was raised in Barking and Dagenham and has established himself as an influential artist, educator, and entrepreneur. He has delivered and managed community and youth engagement projects across London, working with diverse communities and disadvantaged groups, including those in PRUs and prisons.

As a writer and artist, John has built an impressive portfolio, undertaking creative commissions from HuffPost, Metro, BBC, and more. He creates art and entertainment for mass audiences through music, spoken word, film, and theatre. He wrote and directed If I Die Today, a short film commissioned by Sky Arts and Creative England and had worked with organisations which include Warner Records, Museum of London, and Talawa Theatre.

John recently founded Ideate Ed, a youth led education company focused on combining equity thinking and innovation to its products and services.

Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Ebokosia

Emmanuel ‘Manny Loveankh’ Ebokosia is a multi-award-winning social entrepreneur, creative practitioner, and the Founder & CEO of True Cadence, a social enterprise that empowers young people by educating them on the business side of the music industry. A pioneer in his field, Manny partners with universities and researchers to expand access to music and enterprise opportunities for young people, creating lasting impact.

Joey Antwi-Kusi

Joey, the Director and franchise owner of Whalebone South McDonald’s, joined the BBC Children in Need Community Connections programme in May 2024. He launched a Work Experience and Employability programme, sponsored local organisations, supported youth work, and provided lifesaving bleed bags. Joey also promotes youth services, mentors students, and collaborates with schools, achieving remarkable community outcomes.

Mide Allen

Mide Allen is Permaculture Consultant and the founder of Fruitful Orchard CIC, a not for profit that focuses on improving mental & physical health within the BAME community. Her projects are centred around connecting with orchards, woodlands and green spaces using a method called Ecotherapy.

Frank Ambei

He is a mentor, an international DJ with over 20 years’ experience and a role model to many young people and professionals across the borough instilling values and drive. He has trailblazed a bespoke culturally sensitive mentoring programme in Dagenham schools which empowers young people to celebrate their heritage and rich cultures; to be proud of their identity and spirit, to keep this with them in all they do. He delivers intergenerational activities to great effect; breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for young people and parents and carers to better understand and support one another.

Dionne Corrodus-Weekes

2024 youth inclusion award winner, Five Elms Primary School Governor, and educator is passionate about holistic wellbeing and inclusion for the marginally disenfranchised. Brainchild and founder of Dagenham Eagles Drum Corporation, Dionne effectively promotes citizenship in action boroughwide. Dionne champions inclusion and building stronger intergenerational communities with impact through thematic “Talking Points.” As a social entrepreneur, her out of school enrichment programmes for children aged 5-12 leads in health and wellbeing, transforming lives and communities.

Young Voices

Barking and Dagenham Youth Forum

The Barking and Dagenham Youth Forum is made up of democratically elected secondary school students, who work on a range of campaigns and projects. Many young aspirational Black students have been elected to the forum, including its chair Millie Kiseke, Isabelle Mlay, Jada Henry-Ward, Chelsea Adu-Bireco, Koryn Archer, Caelyn Edwins, Favour Onah, Ahosa Osunbor, Adesewa Odejide and Rebecca Francisco.

Regina Mudiba-Pamba

As Barking and Dagenham’s Young Mayor for 2023-24, Regina has worked alongside the Youth Forum to raise money for Centrepoint, a youth homelessness charity, as well as to represent the voices of young people across the borough. She is forward-thinking young person who is enthusiastic about young people from all ethnicities and cultures having the opportunity to express their ideas and concerns about issues that affect them.

2025

Sharleen Ferrol-Fulgence

For the past 20 years, Sharleen has been at the heart of Barking and Dagenham Youth Dance, delivering high-quality youth arts programmes since 2005. She has led countless dance workshops, coordinated vibrant performance showcases, and mentored emerging young artists, all while creating inclusive spaces for creativity and self-expression. Passionate about nurturing talent and building confidence through the arts, Sharleen’s dedication has left a lasting impact on generations of young people. Her work continues to play a vital role in BDYD’s mission to empower youth through creativity, connection, and community engagement.

Nassaba Guiba

Nassaba Guiba, a Barking and Dagenham resident for over 20 years, founded Elevate Together CIC to promote health and community wellbeing. Drawing on personal experiences with domestic violence and depression, she has focused on recovery and supporting others for over a decade. She transformed the former janitor’s house at Valence Primary into a parent centre and led the revival of four local gardens. Through fitness classes, support groups, and gardening, Nassaba empowers marginalised communities. Her work earned the 2024 Community Group of the Year award at the BD Women’s Empowerment Awards. She also represents residents in the BD_Collective working group.

Chloe Houngavou

Chloe is an outstanding youth leader and has supported over 500 young people across Barking and Dagenham. She works with various youth agencies, schools and colleges to provide learning opportunities and mentoring to LBBD young people. She is a part of the John Smith House Strategy Development Group and Youth Awards Steering Group as well as being a former LBBD Young Woman of the Year.

Dr. Oma Eguara

Oma Eguara is the founder of TEKSHAQQ C.I.C., a social enterprise empowering underserved communities in Barking and Dagenham and across London, through digital skills, personal development, and wellbeing support. Oma creates opportunities for children, young people, and adults to access technology, get into tech careers, build digital confidence, and achieve social mobility, championing lifelong learning and inclusion while inspiring the next generation to embrace the Digital Age. She is the author of How to Get into Tech: Your Handy Guide to Today’s and Tomorrow’s Tech Careers and numerous digital inclusion programmes and resources.

Ms Bunmi B. Kuye

Bunmi Kuye is the Founder of Kingdom Builders Outreach, an initiative dedicated to empowering women, supporting families, and strengthening communities. She leads projects that provide intensive care support, mentoring, and counseling, helping individuals navigate challenges and achieve personal growth. Passionate about women’s empowerment, she has inspired many to build confidence, develop purpose, and pursue opportunities in education, training, and employment. Through active community and volunteer service, Bunmi fosters resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable change. Her outreach programs in Barking and Dagenham have given young people safe spaces, practical support, and stronger aspirations, making her a trusted mentor and beacon of hope.

Silvano Griffith-Francis

Silvano Griffith-Francis is an author, actress, and speaker of Caribbean descent. She has written and produced multiple stage plays, two feature films, and authored nine books. Her most notable works are The Kala Series, a collection for ages 5–10 that follows a young Black girl and encourages children to express their faith with creativity and confidence among peers. As a Black writer, Silvano is deeply aware of the challenges faced by those of Caribbean and African heritage in pursuing writing as a serious career. In response, she leads workshops that empower aspiring writers and speaks at events about overcoming limiting beliefs to fully embrace one’s potential. Beyond her creative work, Silvano is an avid traveler who has explored 78 countries to date. Her mission is to inspire others to journey beyond conventional holiday destinations and discover the depth and diversity of global cultures.

Annetha Mills

Helps homeless children in Barking and Dagenham. She also supports and advocates for women and children. She made a film in Barking and Dagenham. 1st African/ Caribbean person on Great British Bake Off.

AJ Haastrup

Moving from Germany to Barking & Dagenham at age 10, AJ grew up in the borough, attending Eastbrook School and playing for Barking FC before finding his path in the creative industries. He has since produced over 100 cultural events and co-founded One Room Live, a platform built on the belief that “no one in One Room is ever just one thing.” What began as a creative pop-up has grown into a membership space for emerging talent, helping creatives take their work to the next level and build sustainable careers. AJ is also a founder of By Any Means (BAM), a free weekly callisthenics class in Barking & Dagenham that blends fitness with community connection. Alongside this, he has worked internationally as a model for brands like Adidas and continues to grow his practice as a filmmaker and social designer, focusing on how culture and places in transition can be shaped with and for local people. For AJ, Barking & Dagenham is “the sexiest place on earth”, rich in talent, possibility, and passion.

Ms Parissé Devaux

I am nominating Ms Parissé Devaux who is well-known in the Black community of the borough.
Parissé, has lived in the borough for over 28 years. Founder of the Village UK, which provides an extensive amount of support, like Health and wellbeing events which are wonderfully bespoke, for women, young people and the elder community, providing free Caribbean food and GP services. Using social platforms, Parissé continues the enjoyable cultural vibe to promote the workshops that is so needed.

Emmanuel Kwarteng

Parissé is known for her innovative yet empathetic approach, beautifully displayed through her work and collaborations. This is particularly exhibited in mentoring others to start and/or develop their own business/ organisation and appointed as the lead organiser for The African & Caribbean Health Show - where residents were provided with free African & Caribbean food, access to GP & NELFT services, engage in health talks and discussions, free beauty therapy sessions and connect with other Voluntary Sector organisations. Using social platforms, Parissé continues the health talks and enjoyable cultural discussions, ensuring community development doesn’t end when the event or workshops are finished.

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