black leaders awareness day(BLAD) exists to empower people from all cultures to experience the wisdom of past, current, and next-generation leaders. Today, we want to highlight the talents and achievements of Black leaders in the design world, who continue to inspire and shape the creative landscape.
https://www.ozwaldboateng.co.uk/
Son of Ghanaian immigrants, Ozwald switched mid-degree course from computer science to fashion and design, and never looked back. With a design ethos rooted in culture, following his personal mantra “if you flow with history and don’t fight with it, eventually it becomes a dance”, Ozwald took his first steps in Portobello Road before opening the first Black-owned store in Savile Row and has actively championed black excellence in many different ways. Design legend.
Jon Daniel was an independent creative director, artist, curator, writer and activist, known for capturing Black British struggle and empowerment. Among his achievements was the iconic Afro Supa Hero exhibition that highlighted superheroes from real life who may have been forgotten about.
Iman is a 3D designer and digital artist who creates experiences that help people feel and heal, using skills spanning augmented reality, interaction and user research. She’s currently exploring intersectionality between self-care, neuropsychology and Afrofuturism. We love her work and approach to design. Go Iman!
https://gabriellesmith.co/#motion-design
Gabrielle is a multi-disciplinary creative and founder of the:nublk, a digital platform created in 2008, which celebrates stories from the Black diaspora through art, conversation, collaboration and film. She has worked with the likes of CNN, ITV and adidas. We love Gabrielle’s editorial collages and motion graphics. A talented woman!
Akil Benjamin is co-founder of Comuzi, exploring the intersection of design, technology, and culture to drive positive change and innovation in the creative industry. Akil’s work on ‘an interactive digital platform on Black British Art’ catches our eye in particular.
https://www.ramoneanderson.com/home
Ramone is a director who blends cinematic and engaging scenes with socio-political discourse. He produced a piece called 'The Huddle' for Nike London creating a conversation around inclusivity in football. He’s also worked with Missouri client Ballantine’s, filming a Boiler Room set that took place in Kenya.
