Eunice Olumide
“2020 has been tumultuous, with so many things we could never imagine taking place that have redefined our very existence, not only at home, in the workplace but literally how we interact and communicate with one another. If there is any silver lining it is that we have had a moment to reflect on what matters, family, love, happiness and our community. Over lockdown rather than focusing on my usual supermodel musing and broadcasting, I founded my own charity ADBSF. I am proud to say it focuses on supporting African diasporic vulnerable groups here at home in the UK and is supported by Tech UK, Mckinsey, Generation and DCA who will be supplying free healthcare to our entrepreneurs.”
@euniceolumide @adbsfwww.adbsf.org
Black History Month UK: Share the Mic UK
To launch Black History Month UK, Vanessa Kingori MBE (Publishing Director, British Vogue) and Stephanie Phair (CCO, Farfetch and Chair, British Fashion Council) launch #SHARETHEMIC the global edition. This campaign comes after seeing the #ShareTheMicNow USA campaign in June 2020. As you may know, the #SHARETHEMIC campaign aims to magnify Black women and the important work that they’re doing by taking over the Instagram accounts of prominent White women with strong audiences. The campaign was born from a desire to put women’s relationships ahead of the racial injustice that we have witnessed so sharply in 2020 and to encourage all women to be a part of the solution. There are some brilliant names taking part, including: Charlene Prempeh, Charlotte Mensah, Dr. Patricia Kingori, Eloise King, Emma Dabiri, Grace Ladoja, June Sarpong, Susan Bender, Yomi Adegoke, Alexa Chung, Brooke Shields, Charli XCX, Gwyneth Paltrow, Isamaya Ffrench, Kourtney Kardashian, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Sheryl Sandberg and Victoria Beckham. Follow the Instagram to check out all the incredible takeovers.
Book: The Power of Privilege, June Sarpong
Many of those privileged enough to be distanced from racism are now having to come to terms with the fact that they continue to prosper at the detriment of others. Having spent the last four years researching, writing, and speaking about the benefits of diversity for society, June Sarpong is no stranger to educating and challenging those that have been enjoying the benefits of a system steeped in systemic racism without realising its true cost. In The Power of Privilege, June will empower those fortunate enough not to be ‘otherised’ by mainstream Western society to become effective allies against racism, both by understanding the roots of their privilege and the systemic societal inequities that perpetuates it. The Power of Privilege offers practical steps and action-driven solutions so that those who have been afforded privilege can begin undoing the limiting beliefs held by society, and help build a fairer future for all.
Halloween: El Dia de los Muertos
Halloween in London is always mega and this year, The London Cabaret Club is proud to present a truly decadent Halloween ‘spooktacular’ at The Bloomsbury Ballroom. This year’s theme will be the internationally renowned Mexican celebration of ‘El Dia De Los Muertos’ aka ‘The Day Of The Dead’ – an age old tradition where families unite to remember those close to them who have moved into the spirit world, by way of a vibrant and scintillating fiesta! Made famous in countless films including the opening scene of the latest James Bond film ‘Spectre’, guests will be treated to a special ‘Dia De Los Muertos’ adaptation of The London Cabaret Club’s critically acclaimed 007 themed show ‘London Never Dies’. This Halloween special will include the same heady mixture of expertly choreographed dancing, stunning vocalists, jaw dropping acrobatics and a whole host of other revelations, only this time the performance will be given an extra edge with staggeringly intricate Halloween costumes and phenomenal make up. Expert chefs will present a specially designed menu that will reflect the textures and tastes of this awesome Mexican celebration. Guests are of course encouraged to dress to the theme – the more elaborate and colourful the better! Special prizes and ghostly surprises will be presented on the night. Visit their website to book.
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Book: Ghosts, Dolly Alderton
We’re obsessed with Dolly, simple as that. We devoured her first non-fiction book ‘Everything I know about Love’ and look forward to her weekly Sunday Times Style column but now she is here with her debut novel, Ghosts which is out on the 15th October. The story revolves around Nina Dean, a successful food writer in her 30s who tackles the online dating scene and life in the city moving at a pace faster than she hoped. The years since turning 30 have seen fading friendships with some moving out of the city, ex-boyfriends moving on and life happening too quickly but a new budding romance with ‘Max’ means she feels like life could be back on track and heading in her desired direction. As with ‘Everything I know about Love’, Dolly writes with humour, tenderness, razor sharp observations and complete relatability. Ghosts has already been touted as a massive hit and we know it is sure to be a mega page turner. We can’t wait to dive in!
Comedy, Music & Events: Ally Pally
It’s been one helluva year and we are all in need of some light relief, right?! Well look no further than the glorious Alexandra Palace who are putting on a host of comedy events throughout October to put the smiles back on our faces. Following full Covid protocol, head on up the hill to the ‘people’s palace’ to enjoy a variety of hit comedians including Al Murray, Phil Wang, Russell Kane, Suzi Ruffell, Dara O’Briain, Adam Hills, Rosie Jones, the list truly goes on. Not only are there comedy nights but also Shit Faced Shakespeare, Rebel Bingo, Off the Kerb and Drive In Cinema so pretty much something for everyone that’s looking for a fun night out throughout the month. Tables will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis within the section booked, so arrive early to secure the best positions and we would advise you continue to check the website should anything change but we have everything crossed these events will go ahead as planned. Bring on the side-splitting belly ache...for which laughter truly is the best medicine.
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Music: 80’s Drive In
For one evening only on the 7th October, The Drive In at Troubadour Meridian Water in Edmonton is replaying some EPIC 80’s concerts from musical legends like Madonna, Bowie and Prince, allowing us to travel back in time for some musical mastery. Fancy dress is encouraged (hello back comb and hairspray, it’s been a while) and of course the snacks and drinks available will be theme appropriate. If you’re worried that you don’t have a whip to rock up in, then fear not because you and 5 friends can book a car free bay to still sit back and enjoy the entertainment. Tickets are £15 and all profits are going to ‘Help Musicians’, a charity that supports mental health and finances for struggling artists, something that is invaluable at this time when so many theatres and performance venues are not open or have been closed for many months. The 80’s was an inspiring decade for music and we can’t wait to relive the best concert moments all in one go whilst supporting artists and enjoying an evening of entertainment with pals. Make sure to check out all the cinematic options on offer too while you’re on the website.
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Music: A Night Of
A Night Of is a live music hub producing bands and events inspired by particular artists, genres, and eras. Their passion is live music and this month and ongoing they have multiple events happening at the Jazz Cafe in London. Monday 19th October is ‘A Night of Whitney’, an evening of classic songs from the late Whitney Houston as they celebrate the music and life of the mega global superstar that she was. For music lovers there surely cannot be anything better than an evening watching fellow musical enthusiasts playing their hearts out to bring you the best renditions of absolute classics and all in the setting of the Jazz Cafe! As the year goes on and into 2021 there are also evenings dedicated to Amy Winehouse, Luther Vandross, Reggae and more to come. Tickets are priced from £12 and the events are for over 18’s only. Due to the current situation the event is seating only but check out the A Night Of website for more info.
Charity of the Month: Coppa Feel
October marks breast cancer awareness month and Coppa Feel are an incredible charity, the first in the UK, to solely create awareness amongst young people, with the aim of instilling the knowledge and tools they need to get to know their bodies. They like to talk about a serious message in a light-hearted way, empowering people to start healthy habits for life. They want everyone to have the best possible chance of surviving breast cancer, living in a world where all breast cancers are diagnosed at the earliest stage possible, at which treatments are more effective and survival rates are higher. Regularly checking your breasts is important as is learning the correct way to check them. So this month, we urge you to visit the Coppa Feel website to watch the video on how to correctly check your breasts- Boob Check 101! You can also donate via their website and see other ways to get involved and help them in their mission to reduce breast cancer diagnoses. They have also just launched a boob-tastic cheeky organic t-shirt collaboration with Missoma- wear it proud and encourage everyone you meet to also check their boobs.
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App of the Month: Stocard
Stocard is a hit mobile wallet app that was recently launched in the UK. Others exist of course and have done for a long time but this one gets rave reviews and they've updated it now so that you can pay for your purchases as well as upping those loyalty points as you go. All your go-to retailers are linked including Nectar, Tesco, Boots, Costa, M&S and so many more. Custom cards mean you can also add that local coffee shop from around the corner too. The easy and secure payment function allows you to pay for your products wherever you are shopping and being able to rid your wallet or bag of a bundle of cards and also eliminate the faff of finding the right one each time, is a win as far as we are concerned. Whatever makes life that little bit simpler eh? Advanced features also mean you can browse coupons, discounts and catalogues and also save boarding passes, cinema tickets and gift cards. Yes to you Stocard.