‘An Evening of Purpose’ with We Are Parable
Image: FreezeFrame
On a warm Summer evening in London, a community of storytellers gathered together at the Barbican Centre. Anticipating a night of healing, connection and purpose, we were drawn to seeing ourselves reflected back to us in an iconic space of art and culture. Like moths to a flame, we were drawn to the power of the arts and the potential of change.
In an age of loneliness, research during the Covid-19 pandemic, by the Mental Health Foundation, revealed that risk factors for loneliness were at a high due to social isolation, bereavement and unemployment. It’s not unusual to highlight that people with long-term physical conditions, people on lower incomes and people with existing mental health issues were more likely to experience loneliness in comparison to the general UK population. Strong evidence also highlights a heightened stigma, barriers and lower access to mental health support in ethnic minority groups. In light of this, as we move towards building back better, it is evident that during this ‘Evening of Purpose’, the Barbican was filled with people open to connection and community in order to help to make sense of our rapidly changing world and our experiences within it.
Image: FreezeFrame
The evening was curated by We Are Parable, an award winning company showcasing Black Cinema through immersive experiences, opportunities and mentorship, and Jessica Huie, an entrepreneur and published author of bestselling ‘PURPOSE’.
As we ushered into the auditorium, Anthony and Teanne Andrews, the leading team behind We Are Parable, welcomed us to a nightly fusion of film screenings, music and movement. There was an air of support and wonder, as the duo announced that they were also the recent recipients of a year-long ‘Creatives in Residence’ partnership with the Barbican. As the audience celebrated, an air of co-creation ignited the auditorium as we infused intention behind what it meant to be validated by an arts institution that, typically, are not built to serve underrepresented voices. Here, however, the power of purpose and creativity unravelled what it can look like to build inclusive futures together.
The film screenings shared stories of home, friendship and black masculinity. Acknowledging that only the privileged few have the time, space and resources to be reflective, it was refreshing to look back in order to travel forwards together. With moments of sadness and grief, interwoven with tones of hope and progress, these films were examples of possibility. We were led by example, and were invited to take a short break in the Barbican cinema foyer, as it re-opened for more laughter and a deeper connection.
Image: FreezeFrame
The most anticipated moment of the night was a panel discussion, with speakers Akua Gyamfi, founder of multi award-winning platform The British Blacklist, Ayo Akinwolere, Award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster and Marvyn Harrison, Author, Broadcaster, and founder of Dope Black CIC. We were invited to listen to them sharing their stories, and in the process, reduce the stigma around vulnerability. As layers of truth were stripped back, stereotypes around what it means to be black and human were also dissolved. As generations of built up armour around race, hyper masculinity, and over-assertive femininity were let go of, through discussion, a safe space was fostered to encourage collective honesty, courage and acceptance.
Conversations flowed between the power of therapy and consistency, having a disciplined meditation practice, the purpose of having a family that you desire to lead by example and honouring the space for everything difficult, challenging and messy. Surprisingly, it were the men on the panel that championed the transformative potential of constantly checking-in with oneself, and noted the importance of keeping accountable to the stories that we tell ourselves. Panellist Akua Gyamfi owned feelings of defensiveness and protection, as the audience shared a round of applause; Akua bravely uncovered how the power of accepting childhood traumas, related to abandonment and rejection, has led to a greater sense of purpose as she raises her daughter. It was a beautiful moment of owning where we’ve come from in order to move forwards with strength and hope.
After we dived into waves of consciousness, creativity and compassion, we all emerged feeling fulfilled and expansive. Once we left the auditorium, we were also invited to reflect on our own purpose, to be captured on video and sent back to us six months later... Aware of this moment in time, and our place in it, we were encouraged to commit to a more intentional version of ourselves.
In our eyes, more of these safer spaces are needed, and we look forward to joining another transformative experience with We Are Parable.
Image: FreezeFrame
Stay up to date with We Are Parable, Jessica Huie and the Barbican’s Summer Programme here.
