Black History Month 2024

Read on to see who some of the members of our Renaissance DING have chosen to highlight!

Karen, Office Manager - Deltatre London Hubs

Can you share a particular piece of art by a Black artist that has left a lasting impression on you? 

The Windrush Monument at Waterloo Station, London, UK. This work of art is by Jamaican Artist & Sculptor, Basil Watson and stands in London Waterloo Train Station, to mark the Windrush Generation.

The monument pays tribute to the thousands of people who arrived in the UK from Caribbean countries between 1948 and 1971. It is aptly named after the ship “Windrush”  which arrived from the Caribbean on 22nd June 1948, with people from the Caribbean seeking to make a better life for themselves and generations to follow. My family was also part of this group that arrived from Jamaica to the UK in those years.

It’s a symbol of 'the courage, commitment and resilience of the hundreds of migrants who travelled to the UK to work and help in the rebuilding of the United Kingdom after the 2nd World War.'

The Windrush generation has made and continues to make great contributions to all aspects of the UK society.

If you had the opportunity to introduce someone to the work of Black artists, what piece would you recommend and why?

Most definitely Basil Watson and the Windrush Sculpture in London Waterloo Station.

This is one of the busiest train stations in the UK and it gives me a huge sense of pride every time I go past it, knowing that my  contribution and that of others before me, from the Caribbean, is widely recognised and hasn’t gone unnoticed.

How does the work of Black artists influence your perspective on diversity and inclusion in the arts? 

Basil Watson’s work was selected from a shortlist of 4 designs, of which all artists shortlisted were of Caribbean heritage.

It’s great to see that Black artists were given the platform to showcase their work in such a fitting way. Members of the public were given the opportunity to vote for their favorite piece using an online poll, with the final choice resting with the Windrush Commemoration Committee.

I echo the words of the Chair of the Windrush Commemoration Committee, Baroness Floella Benjamin DBE…

"The monument will be a permanent place of reflection and inspiration for Caribbean communities and the wider public, especially children.

It will act as a symbolic link to our past, and a permanent reminder of our shared history and heritage for generations to come."

Other notable works from Basil Watson are:

Hope Moving Forward, 2021. Commissioned by the City of Atlanta in tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

To the World – Usain Bolt, 2017. Commissioned by the Government of Jamaica in honor of the Fastest Man Alive, Usain Bolt, OJ, CD

Arianne, Senior Frontend Engineer - Deltatre Digital Streaming

Who is your favorite Black artist, and why?

I have so many that it’s hard to choose just one. I think one of my favorites is the musician Prince. I have seen him live in concert twice and I just admire the way he always performed and went all out on stage. He played all kinds of instruments and was a master at songwriting, arranging, and producing as well as just a great voice. He also was very protective of artists’ rights and took on his publishing company to get control of his masters. I remember being a kid and admiring him for the stance he took against the industry.

Can you share a particular piece of art by a Black artist that has left a lasting impression on you?

I love the movie Purple Rain. From beginning to end. Even the soundtrack. At the end, there is a performance of Baby I’m A Star. That whole performance on film, the way Prince is dancing and singing and everyone is cheering him on,  just always fills me with joy and emotion. Even listening to the song in my car always gets me pumped up and in a good mood. I remember my mom taking my brother and my cousin to go see it at the drive-in and buying both the album and the cassette tape of the soundtrack. To this day it’s a fond memory.

There are many ways in which the art and entertainment created by Black artists contribute to the broader cultural landscape. Are there any elements you feel you’d like to highlight in particular?

I feel like this is especially true for poets like Nikki Giovanni. She has written commentary throughout different eras of Black cultural expression and you can see from her work how her perspective has evolved with the times but her message of Blackness and identity has remained strong. That’s why so many people still read her work and are still inspired and hold great meaning to it even today.

My perspective on diversity and inclusion in the arts is shaped by the love I have for Black artists, yet seeing their regular exclusion from major industry awards. It took 35 years for another Black woman, Sheryl Lee Ralph, to win best supporting actress in a comedy series at the Emmy’s. Before that, it took 85 years for Halle Berry to become the first Black woman to win Best Actress. She is still the only Black woman ever to win for Best Actress. The more I see great performances and great art being created by Black people, the more my reverence for industry award shows and accolades has diminished. I am glad that we as a community tend to always honor our own with things like the BET Awards and the NAACP Awards, because that to me lets me know that Black people are celebrated for their contributions.

If you had the opportunity to introduce someone to the work of Black artists, what piece would you recommend and why?

This is a hard one because I have so many favorites and so if I had to choose just one thing I would choose the music of Prince because he is such an electrifying figure in the music world and his music is so relatable to anyone. Plus, it’s music that just makes you feel good.

Cardine, Project Management - Deltatre Sport Innovations

Who is your favorite Black artist, and why? 
"Shonda Rhimes, an accomplished American TV producer and screenwriter, holds a special place as one of my favourite creative minds. Her impact is significant, given her role in bringing forth numerous successful TV shows with powerful black women in lead roles.

During my upbringing, it was a rarity to witness black individuals portrayed on television without falling into stereotypical roles. Shows like Bridgerton, set in an alternate historical universe where race is not a defining factor, emphasize black joy and humanity rather than trauma. Such representation brings me immense joy, breaking away from traditional norms and showcasing diversity in a positive light.

There are many ways in which the art and entertainment created by Black artists contribute to the broader cultural landscape. Are there any elements you feel you’d like to highlight in particular?

I think TV shows, films and social media obviously have a huge impact on a broader cultural landscape, serving as powerful agents for expanding people's minds and introducing diversity into their worlds. I champion anyone in this field who actively contributes to breaking away from the longstanding norms and representations that have shaped our perspectives for many years.

If you had the opportunity to introduce someone to the work of Black artists, what piece would you recommend and why? 
Shona Rhimes, Issa Rae and Spike Lee TV shows, films and documentaries.