People, Places, Events   

Alesha Anjanette Dixon was born in Welwyn Garden City on 7 October 1978 to a Jamaican father and Scottish mother. Growing up in Welwyn Garden City, Dixon attended Chancellors School in Brookmans Park, Hertfordshire. However, her childhood was marked by the separation of her parents when she was just four years old. Her father moved away, leaving Dixon to describe her family life as "very dysfunctional."

Craig David, a Southampton native, was raised in the close-knit community of the Holyrood estate. His upbringing was shaped by his diverse heritage, with his father hailing from Afro-Grenadian roots and his mother being of Anglo-Jewish descent, with familial ties to the renowned Accurist watch-making company.

Angie Le Mar, a multi-talented individual, was born and raised in Lewisham, London, to Jamaican parents. Growing up with four older brothers, she faced various challenges during her schooling years. She attended Lewisham Bridge School, Lewisham Girls School, Blackheath Bluecoat School, and Vauxhall College. It was only after completing her education that she discovered she had dyslexia, shedding light on the struggles she faced throughout her academic journey.

In his early years, Patrick Robinson's upbringing was marked by diversity and creativity. He was one of seven siblings, born to a Jamaican-immigrant father who worked as an electrician, and an English-born mother. Robinson's passion for acting was ignited at a young age when he joined the South East London School Drama Group at just 14 years old.

David Beresford Grant MBE (born 8 August 1956) is an English singer, comedian and vocal coach. Grant's birthplace in Kingston, Jamaica, and subsequent move to London during the late 1950s shaped his unique perspective on life. Growing up in two distinct cultures allowed him to develop a deep appreciation for diversity and a strong sense of identity.

Brinsley Forde MBE, born on October 16, 1953, is a highly accomplished British artist with Guyanese roots. He has made a significant impact in both the music and acting industries. As the founder member of the renowned reggae band Aswad, Forde has played a pivotal role in shaping the reggae genre and has garnered immense recognition for his musical contributions.

Belinda Magnus OBE, DL, (born 23 October 1953), better known as Pauline Black, is an English singer, actress and author. She has had an illustrious music career that has spanned over four decades. She first rose to prominence in the late 1970s as the lead singer of the 2 Tone ska revival band, The Selecter.

Kehinde Nkosi Andrews, a renowned British academic and author, is a distinguished Professor of Black Studies at Birmingham City University. With his expertise in the field, he has made significant contributions to the academic community and beyond. Andrews holds the prestigious position of being the first Black Studies professor in the UK and has played a pivotal role in establishing the first Black Studies program in Europe at Birmingham City University.

Niomi Arleen McLean-Daley, known professionally as Ms. Dynamite, is a highly acclaimed British singer and rapper who has made a significant impact on the music industry. Born on April 26, 1981, in Crawley, West Sussex, she grew up in Kentish Town, North London, with her Jamaican father and Scottish mother. Notably, she is the older sister of the talented rapper Akala.