In celebration of Black History Month: A London event spotlighting the impact of Black design
This month, in celebration of UK Black History Month, join Apple for a free event at their Covent Garden store spotlighting and supporting Black creativity. Inspired by Charlene Prempeh’s groundbreaking book Now You See Me: An Introduction to 100 Years of Black Design, the evening invites Charlene and three other Black creatives to share their experiences. Open to all, expect meaningful and thought-provoking conversations about the future of Black design as they reflect on the book’s themes and engage with contemporary artists.
For over a century, black designers have significantly shaped creative industries, from fashion to architecture. Yet, as Charlene Prempeh notes, while we’ve seen their work, we haven’t always seen them. Black designers often remain overshadowed by their white counterparts, despite diversity driving success. Those from a Black ethnic group reportedly still only make up 2% of all managers in the UK design industry, a lower proportion than the rest of the UK working-age population.
Aligned with this year’s Black History Month theme, ‘Reclaiming Narratives,’ Charlene’s book delves into the impact of Black creativity. Her pivotal work spotlights the immense contributions of Black designers and artists across the globe, and the UK in particular.
In what is set to be an unmissable event on 22nd October, Charlene will present a keynote presentation as part of Today at Apple’s 100 Years of Black Design event at its Covent Garden store in London. This will be followed by a panel discussion with a brilliant lineup of creatives: Jazz Grant, Bianca Saunders and Jayden Ali, as they share their journeys as Black creatives.
The event will cover the book’s sections – fashion, architecture and graphic design, as well as topics like the evolution of Black creativity, the systemic barriers Black designers continue to face, and actionable steps for fostering greater inclusivity within the creative industries.
If you’re in London on 22nd October, we highly recommend reserving your spot to avoid disappointment. Read on for more information on these incredible speakers and all the event details.
Meet the speakers
Charlene Prempeh
Charlene Prempeh is a celebrated voice in the creative industries and a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion. With a wealth of experience in design and marketing, Charlene is also the founder of A Vibe Called Tech, a platform dedicated to amplifying the stories of Black creators within the world of design and technology. Her work pushes the boundaries of creative expression and challenges systemic inequalities, making her a key figure in today’s cultural landscape.
Jazz Grant
Jazz Grant is a visual artist known for her innovative collages and mixed media artwork that challenge traditional narratives around identity and representation. Her unique style and craft has lead to her creating a mural for Jay Z’s NYC exhibition, Book of HOV, and artwork for the front cover of Dazed magazine, as well as collaborations with brands and artists including Celeste, Burberry, Gucci and adidas.
Bianca Saunders
Bianca Saunders is a prominent British-Jamaican menswear designer based in London, known for her innovative and subversive approach to traditional menswear. After graduating from the Royal College of Art in 2017, she launched her eponymous label, which quickly gained recognition in the fashion world. Her designs often explore the intersection of culture, identity, and gender, integrating elements from her Jamaican heritage into her collections.
Jayden Ali
Jayden Ali is a British architect and filmmaker who creates inclusive, socially enriching spaces and advocates for diversity in architecture. He's been recognised as an essential voice in architecture, “shaping a new future for London” by the Design Museum, Wallpaper Magazine and the Architecture Foundation, projects such as the Thamesmead Waterfront initiative and contributions to the V&A's Fashioning Masculinities exhibition – all reflecting his commitment to community engagement and accessibility.
Event details
When: Tuesday 22nd October 2024, 6.30–7.30pm
Where: Apple Store Covent Garden
No. 1, 7 The Piazza, London WC2E 8HB
Running order:
- Keynote talk from Charlene Prempeh
- Panel discussion with Jazz Grant, Bianca Saunder and Jayden Ali
This event is free and open to all, particularly those studying or working in the creative and cultural industries, as well as allies committed to promoting diversity and inclusion.
This article has been created in partnership with Apple to promote Today at Apple – an ongoing series of interactive and educational sessions focused on various creative and technical skills.
Written by Creative Lives in Progress
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