BRIGHTON AND HOVE BLACK ANTI-RACISM COMMUNITY ORGANISATION
Our Formation
BARCO was established in the summer of 2020 following the uprisings and worldwide acknowledgement of the racism Black people face in our societies. In Brighton and Hove crowds of over 10,000 took to the streets to demand change, BARCO was established to be a leader in creating this change in our city.
Where?
We are based in Brighton and Hove and the wider areas within Sussex. The UK has significant changes to make in the fight against racism Black people face and Brighton and Hove is very much a part of that.
What type of organisation are we?
BARCO is an Independent Community Interest Company based in Brighton & Hove.
Who do we cater for?
BARCO is formed to serve the needs of people who identify as Black African, Black Caribbean, belonging to the Black African diaspora, or of Black mixed race heritage in Brighton and Hove. Our aim is to improve the experiences of Black people living, working, studying and visiting Brighton and Hove.
What do we do?
As a CIC, BARCO is made up of volunteers and we simply do what we can! Our mission is to provide and curate events for and by the Black community to celebrate being black and black culture. We want people of all walks of life to enjoy those celebrations and improve their understanding of anti-Black racism.
We are here to inspire, educate, co-create and celebrate everything to do with being Black in Brighton and Hove.
Our aims
Our aim is to improve the lives and experiences of Black people living, working, studying and visiting Brighton and Hove.
We believe this can be achieved through the celebration of what it means to be Black in a White majority society, celebrating Black history and culture. Involving and inviting the wider community to celebrate all of this together.
the TEAM
Vannessa Crawford - Trustee
I came to Brighton to train as a primary school teacher at Brighton University and later decided to follow a career as a youth worker, and completed my post graduate study in youth and community work at Brunel University. I have worked across Brighton and Hove and East Sussex as a detached, centre based and project worker, with diverse groups of young people and their communities.
I founded the Black and Minority Ethnic Young People’s Project with a group of young people in 2015, it was the first youth project set up to target and be led by Black and Minority young people. I am involved in different groups and organisations in Brighton and London, as a trustee, consultant and trainer and also involved in a new Black and Asian Women’s Group - Sistas by the Sea.
I'm committed to anti-racism, equality and justice for all, but particularly those that experience oppression and marginalisation, and the intersectionality that we all have.
Love people, love learning, and I love life (most of the time anyway!)
Bud Johnston - Founder & Trustee
I'm born and raised in Brighton and my roots and love for the city are deep. I've experienced the good, bad and ugly for a Black person living in the city and as a father I naturally want a better future for us all. Shocked by the lack of dedicated support for Black people following the events in 2020 decided it was time to use my skills within a charitable outfit for my community. I want to challenge myself to be a better person and challenge others to do the same.
I believe Brighton & Hove has the potential to be an example - and accommodate a better environment with better experiences for Black people living, working, studying and visiting the city, in the same way it is recognised for and by the LGBTQIA+ Communities. Creating awareness of the nuances that differentiate anti-Black racism to racism that other marginalised groups experience is key to unlocking wider, more general anti-racism practices and solutions. I am passionate about making this happen!
Annie Whilby - Founding Member & Trustee
I moved to Brighton in 2010 to pursue my studies in psychology and am currently working towards the completion of my PhD at the University of Brighton, researching Black people's experiences of intimacy in the context of psychosis and mental distress. I am passionate about weaving justice into every aspect of life.
I have worked in therapeutic environments supporting people with severe and enduring mental health conditions and substance misuse issues, as well as in educational settings supporting young people with Autism, learning differences, and behaviours that challenge.
I am also a spoken word artist, going by the name of AFLO. the poet.
J.J Baiden-Amissah - Trustee
Hailing from Accra, Ghana; I arrived on these shores some 28 years ago as an International Student to study Civil Engineering at the University of Brighton. With the pull of the Brighton currents and matters of the heart being so strong, I quickly acclimatised to the south coast and integrated into the black community as a local DJ and owner of urban stores; Mic-Check & RPRZNT. At a period that some would define as the ‘golden age’ of UK urban culture, I was fortunate to be part of a movement of black talent, expression and creativity very unique to Brighton.
Fast forward a few years, and I’m now a freelance marketer and digital solutions provider based in Hove. I’m always keen to identify with and contribute to my community. Inspired by my daughter and her call to activism by forming a diversity club; I also contribute to a parent-led diversity council looking to introduce anti-racism policies in her school.
Joseph Suddel - Trustee
I moved to Brighton in 2011, following the migration of fellow band mates and musical colleagues. Since my arrival, I’ve managed two music venue’s (SMFB & The Hope and Ruin) and three pubs (The EST, The Mash Tun & The Actors) in my determination to balance my creative passions in music with my desire to provide safe platforms and opportunities for others to host and share their own creativity.
My latest endeavour has led me to the Actors, formerly the Marborough Pub and Theatre. In September 2021 I reopened this LGBTQI+ cornerstone and community hub, after 18 months of closure. It is my ambition to extend this safe space further to the Black community, creating the diverse beautiful melting pot that I believe it can be.
I DJ under name Riphco and am a member of the J-Felix live band, Bakk Lamp Fall, Super Dupes and Cyan Sphinx.
Jacob Mee - Trustee
As Events Coordinator my role is to help BARCO navigate the world of event management. My primary focus for this group is the flagship annual carnival and I look forward to helping build this each year to grow into one of the statement events on the Brighton Calendar
Brendan Okoronkwo - Trustee
In 2012 after studying Business Management at the University of Worcester, I was looking for a welcome, diverse, vibrant new city to call home – and I found it in Brighton.
Having developed a career in Recruitment I recognise some of the disparities some will face when building their careers, both locally and internationally. Also as a semi-professional basketball play I’ve spent significant time in and have seen the benefits of a functioning diverse environment from players, coaches, fans and supporter.
I believe you should always aim to be the change you seek in the world. As great as the city of Brighton has done to promote and allow true representation and fairness for various groups, I also see the opportunities to further support the Black community. A single opportunity can shape someone’s future.
Christina Buggy - Trustee
I joined the BARCO team after volunteering at several events. My background is in catering, the Caribbean Kitchen has long been established as the premier caterer for music gigs in Brighton so wherever I could add value to BARCO events has been rewarding. I look forward to continuing the journey, the fight and being apart of improving Brighton for the Black community.
Interested in becoming a Trustee?
We are looking for Trustees to help us on our mission, if you think you have the time and passion please get in touch