Black History Month - A Reflection
Black History Month - A Reflection

Happy Black History Month! As October draws to a close, this is the time to reflect upon what Black History Month actually means to the community from a personal standpoint. Everyone has spent this month celebrating the rich and diverse Black heritage and the contributions of extraordinary Black individuals. Even though the curtains close on this month, it is necessary to remember to extend it beyond this month to honour the community all year-round. The intersection of race and disability, particularly for Black Disabled people, is riddled with complex difficulties and unpleasant experiences. It is very important to recognise that Black Disabled individuals face a multitude of discrimination in varying levels based both on their race and disability. 

Here at Unhidden, we want to take this moment to appreciate and applaud our powerful and talented models who show up every day with their excellence! 



A Celebration of Incredible Individuals


Glen Evans

 

Glynis, black woman with an arm limb difference. She is wearing a black blouse and blue trousers. She has diamantes on her hair parting. She is on the runway and one of her hands are in her pockets while the other is resting on her thigh.
              

Glen Evans is the first black disabled woman to appear on the “This Girl Can” ad in the UK. This gorgeous disabled model is a disabled advocate and uses her platform to spread awareness about Amniotic Band Syndrome.

 

Adrian Carter


Adrian, a male presenting man in a power chair. He is dressed in purple shirt and black trousers. He is on the runway and is posing sideways.

                      


Adrian Carter is a Disabled Chef and the founder of Carters Caterers, a wonderful catering service! He is also a Cookery teacher apart from being a stunning model who rocks the runway!

 

Issac Harvey

 

Isaac, a black man, has white pearls decorating his face and close cut hair. He is wearing a white short sleeve shirt under a prince of wales check waistcoat with black shorts. He has grey socks on and is using a power chair. Behind them is a white back drop with Unhidden in black text visible above his head.

                     


Issac Harvey is an outstanding Disability Advocate and is dedicated to spreading awareness about Limb-pelvic hypoplasia! He is the president of a non profit organisation called “Wheels and WheelChairs” that is dedicated to London based skaters, rollerbladers and wheelchair users! Issac is also awarded with the prestigious MBE! 

 

Lee Chambers

Lee Chambers is a male presenting person. He is wearing a white and purple checkered shirt., a rainbow cross body bag and eye glasses with a blue rim. He is standing in front of a cream with his hands in his pockets.

 

Lee Chambers is an inspiring workplace wellbeing speaker! He is an award winning business psychologist and keynote speaker. He is the founder of PhenomGames and Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing. This impressive individual has been interviewed by Vogue, Telegraph and Guardian.

 

Fats Timbo


                          

Fats Timbo is not only a dazzling model but also a famous TikTok Comedy Creator with 2.9 Million followers! She is the author of her book “Main Character Energy - 10 Commandments for Living Life Fearlessly”. Her quick wit, fun spirit and disability advocacy has made her a media superstar!

 

Clara Holmes


         

Clara is a black woman with short hair in a power chair. She is wearing a hot pink one shouldered dress, green stiletto shoes and a rainbow handbag. She is has silver diamantés a her cheek and green eyeshadow. She is posing on the runway for Unhidden.

                        

Clara Evans is a fabulous lifestyle creator on Instagram who creates content on fashion, fitness and travel! This beautiful disabled model has been printed in Vogue Portugal! 

 

Wesley Emmott


Wesley, a black man with autism and vitiligo, is walking the runway at London Fashion Week. He is wearing Lucy and Yak / Unhidden collaboration dungerees and a "Disabled is not a bad word" white tshirt.

Wesley Emmott is an Autism Advocate and an avid baker! His Instagram is decked with decadent desserts that he chefs up. He is also an engaging writer!

 

Monique Dior


                       

Monique is a short statured, black woman with slicked back black hair. She is wearing a lavender colored one shoulder dress, rainbow sandals and is on a power chair. She is on the Unhidden runway.

       


Monique is a sensational wheelchair dancer and disabled model! She is the co-founder of Triplec - an organisation for deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent people to have access to arts and media!

 

Jacqueline

 
Jacqueline is a black woman with short hair. She is wearing a purple jumpsuit and is walking the runway with a bright smile while holding a purple purse.

Jacqueline is an astounding blood cancer advocate, who strives to bring awareness and improvement in the healthcare industry! She is a terrific woman, mother, model and actress!

 

Elena Turner-Thorne

 
Elena, a mixed heritage woman with Downs syndrome, is walking down the runway. She is wearing a purple gingham shirt with navy trousers. She has her hand on her hip and is carrying a sparkly disco ball in the other hand.

 

Elena is a brilliant model who represents and raises awareness for Down Syndrome. She has dazzled the cover of Fluid Magazine and the face of Specsavers! She is also a fantastic actress!

 

Highlighting Community Achievements


We are also thrilled to see the incredible Edward Enninful has made the PowerList2024 top spot this year as his tenure at British Vogue comes to an end. Never had an editor done more to promote disability inclusion in fashion than Edward; we hope that his legacy will continue until it is normalised. 

The theme for Black History Month was announced to be “Saluting our Sisters” by blackhistorymonth.org.uk. 

The UK Parliament commemorated this by showcasing Black Women who are members of the House of Lords and recognising their accomplishments over the years!

This incredible resource pack from blackhistorymonth.org.uk, illustrates the incredible contributions of Black Women’s contribution to society. 

Black History Month does not conclude at the end of October, the spirit must linger on. By educating ourselves on not only the history but also the current affairs, we can make a difference everyday! Thank you for celebrating Black History Month with our impactful Unhidden models!