They Walked, So We Could Run - Black History Month Exhibition

They Walked, So We Could Run - Black History Month Exhibition

Editor Editor
They Walked, So We Could Run - Black History Month Exhibition
They Walked, So We Could Run - Black History Month Exhibition

They Walked, So We Could Run - Black History Month Exhibition

GenB TV Celebrates Black British Innovation, Creativity, and Legacy with Groundbreaking Exhibitions at OUTERNET London.

London, 3rd October 2024 – GenB TV (Generation Black TV), part of the BA Diversity Media Group, is proud to announce the launch of three dynamic and immersive exhibitions celebrating Black British excellence, innovation, and creativity across television, film, digital media, and beyond. In collaboration with various contributors and hosted at the state-of-the-art OUTERNET London space, these exhibitions will open to the public on 3rd October, marking the beginning of a month-long celebration during Black History Month and extending into November.

1:  PIONEERS OF THE SCREEN: Honoring Black British Icons in Film, TV, and Digital Media

Titled THEY WALKED, SO WE COULD RUN, the PIONEERS OF THE SCREEN exhibition is an immersive tribute to the Black British pioneers who have shaped and continue to transform the entertainment industry. Celebrating trailblazing actors, directors, and online creators, this experience blends bold visual storytelling with cutting-edge design.

The exhibition shines a spotlight on iconic figures such as John Boyega, Naomie Harris, Thandiwe Newton, and visionary directors like Steve McQueen, Destiny Ekaragha, and Michaela Coel. Digital pioneers, including the late Jamal Edwards of SBTV, also take center stage alongside GenB TV as the UK’s largest Black British TV platform.

Christopher Kenna, CEO of GenB TV, shared his excitement:

"This exhibition honors the remarkable visionaries who paved the way for future generations. At GenB TV, we are proud to showcase not only these pioneers but also the rising talents of today, pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation."

The visual design, created by graphic designer Sam Sheridan, brings this exhibition to life with a bold and immersive experience that honors Black British achievements while inspiring future generations.

Sheridan noted: “This was an inspiring project to work on, blending the legacy of pioneers with the creativity of emerging talent.”

This experience was made possible by the UK Creative Festival and its founders, Dina and Jeremy Green, who supported the vision and production of the exhibition.

In their statement, Dina and Jeremy said: “We are thrilled to support this important celebration of Black British culture and talent, which continues to shape the creative industries globally.”

A full list of the PIONEERS being celebrated can be found HERE

2: MUSEUM OF BLACK INNOVATION: A 3D Immersive Experience paying Tribute to Trailblazers Across Science, Music, and Business

The MUSEUM OF BLACK INNOVATION, a first-of-its-kind 3D installation, transforming OUTERNET London into a digital museum that celebrates the contributions of Black British innovators across various industries. Curated by Farouk858 and GenB TV, the installation spotlights figures who have made monumental impacts on science, business, the arts, and more.

Featured innovators include:

  • Dame Margaret Aderin-Pocock for Space Science
  • Walt Braithwaite for Design
  • Dr. Amber Hill for Neuroscience
  • Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE for Orchestral Music
  • Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon for Mathematics & Computer Science
  • Kanya King CBE for Music & Media
  • Ira Aldridge for Theatre
  • Dr. Samantha Tross for Medicine
  • Yvonne Thompson CBE for Business & Entrepreneurship

Farouk858 explained the inspiration behind the exhibit:

"I wanted to create a space where Black British innovators are celebrated with the visibility they deserve. This installation symbolizes limitless potential and strength, inspiring future generations to see themselves in these trailblazers."

3: BLACK HEROES: A Youth-Inspired Tribute to Black British Icons.

In partnership with the youth organization YCUK, GenB TV is also unveiling a special exhibition, BLACK HEROES, which showcases 12 influential Black figures chosen by young people. These heroes, ranging from activists to cultural icons, are celebrated in an engaging visual format accompanied by a powerful spoken word piece, THEY WALKED, SO WE COULD RUN, written by Chrissie Okorie and performed by artist Jenomé. This spoken word performance will play throughout the immersive exhibitions, adding a profound narrative element to the visitor experience.

Christoff Taylor, Founder and CEO of Young Creators UK: "YCUK are proud to be a part of BA Diversity's launch. Working with a partner who is willing to walk the walk and champion the voices of young creatives that YCUK supports and shares its platform and gives opportunity and support the whole way through the project is what the industry needs if it's going to achieve long lasting change. More importantly they pulled together an amazing community of creative and cultural leaders and organisations who have produced a series of works that beautifully capture some of the immense contributions that the Black community has made to British culture. YCUK couldn't be prouder to contribute to this important body of work and looks forward to seeing BA Diversity continue to champion black voices and creatives in Britain and work with them on many more projects to come."

Featured heroes include:

  • Stormzy - Artist
  • David Lammy - Politician
  • Little Simz - Artist
  • Diane Abbot  - Politician
  • Normski - DJ and Photographer
  • Jamal Edwards  - Entrepreneur
  • Akala  - Activist
  • Adeola Patronne - Public Figure
  • Shannie Mears  - Entrepreneur
  • Baroness Amos - Politician  
  • Serlina Boyd - Author
  • Vanessa Wallace - Paralympian
  • Ibrahim Kamara & Jide Adetunji - Entrepreneur
  • Trevor Nelson - DJ and Presenter
  • Valerie Ebuwa - Creator
  • Tobago Crusoe - Artist
  • Patience Agbabi - Poet
  • Darcus Howe - Activist

Invitation to the Press Launch

The official press launch of these groundbreaking exhibitions will take place on Thursday, 3rd October at 10 am at OUTERNET London, located just outside Tottenham Court Road Station. Members of the press, media, and the public are warmly invited to experience this unique celebration of Black British creativity and innovation.

For further information or to arrange interviews with creators or any of the pioneers being celebrated, please contact Dean Evans at dean.evans@badiversitymedia.com.

Available for Interview on day of Press Launch : More to be confirmed

---

About GenB TV

GenB TV (Generation Black TV) is part of the BA Diversity Media Group. The UK’s largest Black British TV channel, GenB TV continues to break new ground in representation and storytelling globally with partnerships across the main platforms and carriers - broadcasting in over 30 countries across 20+ platforms.  www.badiversitymedia.com

About OUTERNET London

Outernet London is the most visited cultural attraction in the UK and home to the most advanced screens in the world. Outernet is an immersive entertainment and culture district designed to provide experiences for audiences and brands the likes of which have never been seen before. Outernet features the world’s first of its kind space- The Now Building - containing an immense digital canvas: a 4-storey high, floor to ceiling, 360 degree, 16k screen surface. London will kick off a global roll out with sites planned in New York, LA and Europe.

About YCUK

The UK’s first impact lead creative agency. Reimagining how creativity works with underrepresented young people. We harness our disruptive and joyful culture to deliver unique work and create real change. 

Tags: