About Me

A Member of the Black Empire

I am the creator of: Members of the Black Empire (MBE). A space aimed at amplifying and celebrating diverse black voices from numerous, excitingly complex intersections. We are complex identities, rich with nuanced experiences, confronting social issues and dispelling myths and destroying stereotypes. I was desperately searching for my place, where I fit in this world, where my purpose is. I was and am, constantly rejected from black spaces for not being ‘black’ enough, queer spaces as bisexuality is the gateway to gayness and culturally mental health doesn’t exist because life could be worse. Ultimately, these facets have shaped my experiences, my perspectives, my curiosity, and now: this production company.

MBE is a labour of love that took shape almost 7 years ago. Formerly called The Pendulum Swing, it was a blog site where I shared my experiences of being bisexual, with bipolar navigating this world as a black man. My experiences aren’t palatable and nor do I want them to be. I wanted to recite my story with as much detail as possible. It is raw, unfiltered, vulnerable, honest and unapologetic. The black experience is riddled with stereotypes, often undeniably harmful, diluting and reducing black people to a sum of parts. Often omitting the richness and diversity of our being, because the stereotypes sells. We aren’t caged in idyllic glass house zoos; step through the glass and let’s discuss everything that makes us human—sexuality, race, mental health.

The Vision of MBE:

MBE is more than a media company. It’s a collective of diverse minds, stories and experiences. We are here for debates, storytelling and education. Our premier podcast: Sunday Dinner serves food for thought, tantalising your intellectual taste buds through nourishing audio content. Everyone is invited to this table, pull up a chair, grab the mac and cheese, join the conversation.

My Journey:

A born ‘souf londoner’, raised in rural Jamaica, from the barber shops and afterschool clubs of Deptford, to living in Germany. I have collected souvenirs from different cultures, languages, struggles and triumphs. My attempts to master German has really made me appreciate the superhuman skill of polyglots. I studied Psychology at Goldsmith’s College, University of London; I spent the majority of my professional life untangling the complexities of human behaviour. I adore my intersections; I call them my: Bs (Black, Bisexual Bipolar). I am uncovering how important it is to accept myself, accept my differences. MBE isn’t here to stroke and validate my ego (ok well maybe a little), but this is where the real conversation starts, the topics that are rarely talked about.

Why Members of the Black Empire? Isn’t that a bit risky?

Some will naturally find the name: Members of the Black Empire controversial, but it has its intentions. Empires are built by members. Our membership can be inherited like genetics or postcodes, whereas some are awarded like Member of the British Empire. MBE changes this narrative recognising that our contributions as Black individuals is essential to the strength of the empire of which we are members.

Welcome to MBE, from podcast and blog site to future mediums, we champion stories unheard, art unseen, members unappreciated.

MBE: Blackness is Expansive.