Hogarth Blake Testimonials

Twilight Bey nominated for prestigious

'Inspirational Mentor of the Year' award

"... 150 people attended the conference and 28 (whom were teachers, parents, students or did not say) returned their evaluation sheet. There was an overall rating of 67% excellent, 61% thought the venue was excellent and 39% thought the conference pack was excellent...

"... (Feedback on) Paul Obinna: 85% (excellent); 11% (good)..."

"... Paul Obinna's black history workshop: 86% (excellent); 13% (good)..."

"... Paul Obinna was absolutely fantastic..."

"... I attended Paul Obinna’s workshop in the morning and was so inspired that I attended

it in the afternoon as well..."

"... Paul Obinna – excellent as always – knowledgeable, funny, entertaining, deep,

conscious..."

Conference Evaluation and Feedback from The Educating Our Black Children (Learning from Success) Conference; Saturday 6th June 2009, University of Derby

View Derby Council's 2009 feedback report here

View Derby Council's 2007 feedback report here

"...Dear Paul... on behalf of the Southwark Black and Minority Ethnic Staff Consultative Group (BME SCG), I would like to thank you for your excellent contribution and support in helping to make our 4th Annual BME staff conference (Thursday, 13th November 2008) a great success.

We received very positive feedback from delegates about your presentation. We hope to build an ongoing relationship and look forward to providing more time to allow people to digest the data and debate.

We thank you again for your support and inspiration."

Anthony Berry

Chair of Southwark BME SGC

"...The final question participants were asked was ”Has the session made you more prepared for a senior management role?“ 7 participants noted that they felt more prepared for a senior leadership role. A selection of responses is below:

- Session has made be more aware

- A broader perception of cultural variations

- Confidence - believing in myself

- Keep updating yourself with changes and adapt accordingly

- It has made me aware that we have to understand the way in which we communicate with students will lead to their personal and academic growth

- Be more engaged in youth culture and history

- Great awareness of current issues relating to youth culture and behaviour of students and how to improve on teaching and learning using different strategies to make a positive impact

Some general comments are below:

- Fantastic session - very engaging - wonderful

- Excellent speaker

- Very inspiring, I've started seeing things from a different spectrum..."

Feedback from 'Investing in Diversity for secondary middle managers session' run by Paul Obinna @ The London Center for Leadership in Learning, Institute of Education, London (June 2008)

"... This is to say a very hearty thank you on behalf of the Kent & Sussex RESPECT Committee for the excellent Keynote Presentation, which you delivered at our AAM...

The feedback I have received from every one has been very high indeed and I feel certain that some of them will be contacting you soon to request you do the same for them, I feel it is well deserved as personally I learnt a lot and definitely enjoyed your style of presenting.

I hope you don’t mind, but I would like to plug your presentation to my fellow RESPECT Area chairs throughout the country as I feel the work you do can only benefit us all.

Once again many thanks for a job well done...

Conrad Reid

RESPECT Area Chair, Kent & Sussex

HM Prison Service (Maidstone), part of the Ministry of Justice

"Anthony Ekundayo Lennon is an incredible and talented man. When I first met Anthony in February 2005, he demonstrated a kind gesture by randomly giving me a book that endorsed healthy living and wellbeing. Anthony also presented me with some valid words of encouragement.

The second time I meet Anthony was in August 2008. I had the pleasure of watching one of Anthony’s plays which he wrote and directed titled ‘Sick Man of Europe.’ The play established the need for African-centred support/counselling, for those of African ancestry coping with mental health issues. Anthony’s clever writing skills enable the audience to have an insight into the multifaceted complexities that people of African origin may face, with regards to their identity and how the world may perceive them as a person living in a Eurocentric society.

Anthony has a unique aura about him. Whenever you have any form of contact with Anthony, you can guarantee that he will have something positive to say. Anthony was able to be a good judge of my character, whilst also seeing the best in me which in turn has enhanced my self- development."

Myola Edwards

Community Development Worker, Birmingham

"... Twilight and Paul have made tremendous impacts in my walk and have provided insights that further explain and/or shed light on the "myth-information" that is so pervasive.

Looking forward to digesting the Timeline and simply staying in touch with the phenomenal work being done. Thanks for tossing the pebble for the ripples are never ending. "

"The work that Hogarth Blake does is vital in developing the minds and consciousness of all people, but is particularly important in engaging young people. I am truly inspired each and every time I have had the privilege to witness the workshops they do and the immediate effect that it has on people - it's amazing to watch the windows of people's minds open up as the light floods in! They reveal the information that is hidden in plain sight and 'makes it plain'!"

Donna Johnson

"...Greetings Obi, Twilight and Sandra - This is the most useful website I have come across in a long time! My son has sampled Twilight for his next grime choon - a testament to its cross age, cross cultural global appeal. So much to be gained, so much to do! Obi, I remember the timeline in its early drafts. It was a must have tool back then and has developed much since then. I look forward to the supplements! Many thanks for your investment in humanity!..."

Jendayi

www.utreasure.co.uk

"Brother Ekundayo... Congratulations on your appointment to the Hogarth Blake team... 

I've found you to be a highly motivated inspirational individual with a penchant for life and the lives of others. Your work with young people has highlighted a unique ability to engage with and hold the attention of a notoriously difficult target group whilst delivering a message which might save their lives.

A shining light in the midst of the densest of environments..."

David Jammeh

Senior Project & Development Worker

"... Sending Greetings to the team... I purchased the Timelines when they came out this time round and they are fantastic! I’ve also been checking on the website and wanted to say thank you for a wealth of information FREE. Some of the works I have in book form but I have passed on the details to others. You are doing so much in the community. WELL DONE! Continue the good work. Stay blessed 

Hyacinth Myers

"... I have just purchased my TIMELINE™ and I am exceptionally impressed with what I have seen as is everybody who comes to my house. I remember seeing Twilight Bey when he came to Nottingham last year and it was the best lecture I have heard in years - these two together should be dynamite. Well done!

Maurice Williams

"Dear Paul... I would like to express thanks from myself and the EDS (Equalities and Diversities Service) Management team for the excellent contribution you made at our recent conference. Evaluations from delegates regarding your opening presentation have been positive and very complimentary giving them 'food for thought' and much to take back to school and share with colleagues.

Listed below are some of the comments taken from the evaluation forms:

- Excellent keynote speaker

- Outstanding, informative, 'solid', illustrating the need for re-interpreting of how we teach and interpret the curriculum

- Keynote speaker was excellent. Thank You.

- Excellent key note speech

- Very erudite, amusing and well-researched

- Controversial and challenging

- Very interesting content in a fun way

Thank you once again for your part in making the conference such a success..."

Clare Gough

Head of the Equalities and Diversities Service, Wolverhampton City Council

"...It (Twilight's parents workshop) has given me the confidence to speak to my children more as I now have the understanding...

I have been waiting for something like this, but did not know where to go. I look forward to future sessions to enable me... to at least understand what 'their world' is like..."

L. Marquis, parent

"...It (Twilight's workshop) was very, very good... extremely well constructed..."

Nyelia Mawusi

I first saw a play directed by Ekundayo at the Afiya Trust conference in Manchester. I was overwhelmed with the message his work was able to portray and the impact it had on his audience. Following this I contacted Anthony to commission a piece of work on one man’s journey through the British mental health system, Anthony’s drama piece ‘Sick man of Europe’ turned out to be inspirational, wowing 60 mental health professionals to work towards a real change in improving mental health services for Black and minority ethnic communities. ‘Sick man of Europe’ has created a real buzz in the West Midlands, with future plans to use it as part of mandatory training sessions.

Some comments following the ‘Sick man of Europe event’:-

"An excellent thought provoking event"

"Amazing drama piece… you could hear a pin drop in the room"

"The drama team were excellent, it gave me so much to think about"

Rajwant Gill

Interim Head of Equality and Diversity – NHS Walsall

"...Thank you... I am enlightened, blessed and encouraged to do my bit to make change..."

Joy Prime

"Twilight... your rep is very tight across the globe..."

The Bandana Republic Editorial Team

The Bandana Republic is an anthology of prose and poetry by current and former gang members which offers insight into the emotional, political, and socioeconomic qualities of gang culture behind the stereotypes, in a volume that includes contributions by members of such contemporary gangs as Crips, Bloods, and Hells Angels. Amazon / MySpace

"...We need more sessions like this...Twilight's talk was a real eye-opener... Keep up the good work..."

Errol Johnson

"...Brother Twilight Bey was really good... I'm gonna get at him via e-mail!"

Gavin Pinnock

"...We must continue these sessions... EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION!"

Sister Damisi

Enfield, London

"... Very uplifting and supportive information... Your enthusiasm and love for your people is encouraging, helps me to keep up the struggle! GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL!"

Jennifer Lane

Brixton, London

"... This (Twilight's) programme is so valuable, I hope it can get into schools..."

Mrs. G. Bernard

"... All of (Twilight's session) was useful, in particular education, as I am a teacher... I found the session very intense but extremely powerful and enlightening..."

Julie Muhammed

Chingford, London

When asked: Did the sessions meet your expectations..?

"Surpassed it!... I pray Allah continues to bless you much as you go on with this work..."

Ishea Brown

Forest Hill, London

"... I want to learn more... We need more people like you. I never knew any of this before and have been hungry for it..."

Ryan Bell

Stockwell, London

"...Continue to send this presentation around the world! Excellent! Well done!..."

Name withheld upon request

"Very challenging & insightful! Really powerful knowledge; makes you want to learn more."

Naomi Donald

Event director, 4WD: The Launch

4WD is a youth-led anti-violence awareness event for the young people of London. It aims to inspire, inform and empower young people so that they can make positive life decisions, reach more of our potential and become assets to our communities. MySpace

"A powerful and real eye opening conversation. Truly opens your mind into how the media and other organisations keep control and enslave the rest of us.

Every young person needs to sit down and listen to the message that Paul preaches."

Emmanuel Shodeinde

4WD: The Launch

"Eye-opening. Not only did it encourage me to take a step back and thoroughly analyse what I am feeding my mind; it also gave me the facts to do so"

Maria Shodeinde

4WD: The Launch

Anthony (Ekundayo) was commissioned to do a play around mental health in the African community. The play was well researched and hit the major issues that African people deal with when facing Mental Health services. Working with Anthony and Stage Masons was a very smooth experience as anything that I did not understand it was no problem for Anthony to break down or rearrange it.

The play it self was excellent hard hitting in your face yet a major learning curve for most who saw it. One of the most common feedback statements we got from the audience was that the play explained within an hour what a conference of speakers could just about explain in a day of presentations.

I am looking forward to working with Anthony and Stage Masons again in the future, I am also looking forward to seeing more of their plays.

David Williams

Community Development Worker (BME Mental Health), Walsall NHS Trust

"The (TIME Summer School 2007) sessions were interesting and engaging..."

Chema Udeh

Student

"...2 days (of the TIME Summer School 2007) opened my eyes more to the less obvious things in the world.

I have learnt a few things which already I have started to share with friends who haven't had the opportunity to learn the information which has been shared"

Name witheld upon request

"(The TIME Summer School 2007 was a) very enlightening event... This event will benefit more of the community..."

Sharon Munroe

Lecturer, London Metropolitan University

"I thought the (TIME Summer School 2007) sessions were very good..."

Mark Udeh

Student

"...It would be good if another one (TIME Summer School 2007) happened..."

Mariama Manfo 

"I found today (at the TIME Summer School 2007) to be very interesting and beneficial. I have learnt a lot of new information and facts that have helped to better my personality, thoughts and have extended my knowledge. I would like to attend other sessions if there are any.

My only complaint would be that more people should know about and attend these sessions or sessions like this. It is very good for future decisions and helps you understand a little bit about your cultures past positions.

Overall, I would highly recommend it"

Dixie Fernandez

"All young people worldwide should have the opportunity to access this information as part of their human right. If they wish not to utilise it, that is their freedom of choice. Life saving information"

Abena Barrett

"Throughout the 2 day course (at the TIME Summer School 2007) I learnt a wide variety of things ranging from the root origin of words (to) the functions of the brain. The method of learning was positive and enthusiastic, always involving the pupils."

Malcolm Sawyers

"I thought that the session today (at the TIME Summer School 2007) was very good and allowed me to gain knowledge about certain things I never knew of before"

Melissa Brooks, student

"(The TIME Summer School 2007) was good because it taught me to look at the bigger picture of life and not just individual aspects"

Nadine R. Smith

"I found it (The TIME Summer School 2007) good. I learnt a lot. I found it very inspirational"

Bukola

"I think that this (CASHFLOW game at the TIME Summer School 2007) was good because we learnt about business and how to manage money and how to spend it wisely"

Tochi Agada

"It was really good because I felt that some of the lessons (from the TIME Summer School 2007) could really help me in my life"

Angela

"(At the TIME Summer School 2007) I learnt how to use and make a learning log, how companies advertise and appeal to different groups of people to make money. I also learnt how to think wisely using money through playing CASHFLOW... The game is interesting and shows the players how to think and be conservative with money"

Obi

”I have known Ekundayo since 2005 as a fellow performer, teacher and living encyclopedia on all ”Matters of Colour“ historical, spiritual and political!

Quite simply Ekundayo was – literally – born to do this work! I, for one, am delighted to see that his extraordinary blend of consummate professionalism and abundant soulfulness will be shared though (Hogarth Blake) with a much wider world – and particularly with the younger generation for whom I know he has always felt so deeply.

In his work, I have found him to be a profound example of dedication, inspiration, knowledge, integrity – and above all warmth, humour and play! Secure – and, when performing, spectacular! - in his own higher calling to be an artist, he is nonetheless able to draw the best from others what ever calling they may have. His modesty, draws the shyest of us to him only to find his contagious belief in us helps us blossom in ways we had not yet imagined. A born educator in the true sense of the word - ”to draw forth from“ -  he leaves us with the finest gift a teacher can: the capacity to go on learning for ourselves.  

A gifted wordsmith and animated speaker, yet also a patient listener, I have seen both organisations and individuals instantly captivated by his adaptable, sensitive communication style. He is blessed with the capacity to build trusting relationships extraordinarily quickly - in a whole room, between individuals and, most profoundly, in oneself.

And this is someone who walks it like he talks it! His dedication to his own family and friends, his on-going concern for the past, present and future of our human family speak of a man who does not  just love peace, but who strives to live it every day.  I can think of no finer guide for a generation of young men and women I see overwhelmed by an age of materialism and lack of true listening – including listening to themselves.

I wish him and this much needed enterprise all the very best for a productive future together“

Louise Katerega

Creative director, dancer & choreographer at Foot in Hand - website

"Last night's lecture (that Paul Obinna presented on Scientific Racism: A History) was great. It has left me wanting to learn more about this history of racism in science..."

Ms Huma Shah

Co-organiser of 2006 Loebner Prize for Artificial Intelligence

"... Your lecture last night on Black History and Cultural empowerment was truly inspiring... "

Shemley Gordon

Citigroup

"... Tonight i was inspired by Brotha Twilight Bey, I want to circulate leaflets reflecting the troubles (and) dangers facing our communities here in Britain.

I hope to expose the genocide that's taking place right here. I want to write down questionnaires raising awareness in the hope to waken the consciousness of the masses...

I see things so clearly or enough to do something. Must say tonight was awesome, i'm forever grateful..."

Ayen

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