January 15th: Today's Feature

January

Cleo Lake, elected Lord Mayor of Bristol for the 2018-2019 term, brought a unique blend of experiences and passions to her role. Not only as a former actress and activist, but also as an artist who believes strongly in the principles of 'inclusion' and 'representation'. Growing up in Easton and serving as the Green councillor for Cotham, Cleo has dedicated a decade of her life as the dance troupe leader of the Malcolm X Elders Forum.

Her diverse background and commitment to social justice were evident during her nomination and acceptance speech, where she captivated the council chamber at City Hall with a powerful address that garnered a standing ovation from both the public gallery and councillors from all political affiliations.

The Green councillor representing Cotham expressed her primary goals of "inclusion" and "representation" during her tenure as the city's first citizen. Reflecting on her own upbringing in Easton, she emphasised the importance of the support she received from her family, community, and teachers in shaping her journey to where she stands today.

Cllr Lake, who proudly identifies as a Bristolian with Scottish and African-Caribbean heritage, expressed her hope that the city would draw inspiration from the motto of Jamaica - "out of many, one people." She further suggested that Bristol could adopt a similar motto, emphasising unity and solidarity.

She acknowledged the significance of her position as the first citizen of Bristol, particularly in a year that commemorates the 50th anniversary of St Pauls Carnival and the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the Windrush generation. She regarded her role as a testament to the progress made thus far.

Lord Mayor Cleo Lake is a proud Bristolian who embraces her diverse heritage, with roots in both Scotland and the African-Caribbean community. As the Lord Mayor, she held a non-partisan ceremonial role that is rotated among different political groups within the council on an annual basis. It is important to note that her position was distinct from that of the directly elected Mayor, as she did not have the authority to make decisions regarding council policies.

In a memorable speech, Cllr Lake expressed her admiration for the female mayors who preceded her, recognising that she was part of a long-standing legacy that spans over 800 years. She emphasised her unique contribution to this legacy, stating that she was not just another brick in the wall, but rather a symbol of change and progress.

Prior to her tenure as Lord Mayor, Cleo Lake had an impressive track record of public service. She ran as a candidate for the position of Police & Crime Commissioner for Avon & Somerset, garnering an impressive 65,000 votes and finishing in third place.

During her time as a Councillor, she played a pivotal role in the passing of a Reparations and Atonement motion at Bristol City Council. Additionally, she is a founding member of the Countering Colston campaign group, which gained international attention when she removed portraits of enslavers from the Lord Mayors Parlour in City Hall.

Cleo Lake's involvement in the arts and culture sector spans nearly two decades, showcasing her passion and dedication to promoting creativity and inclusivity.

She has served as the Chair of St Pauls Carnival, a radio producer and presenter on Ujima 98FM, and an ADAD Trailblazer (Association of Dance of the African Diaspora).

Furthermore, she has worked as a writer in residence at the Arnolfini and has been recognised as a Bristol + Bath Creative R&D Inclusion fellow. These experiences highlight her commitment to fostering artistic expression and championing diversity within the community.

Cleo, a community engagement professional, has played a pivotal role as the lead researcher and consultant for the groundbreaking Bristol Legacy Steering Group commissioned project, known as Project T.R.U.T.H. Her expertise and dedication have been instrumental in driving the success of this initiative.

In addition to her role in community engagement, Cleo is also a qualified dance therapist and holds a position as a research associate at Bristol University. She is actively involved in the 'Decolonising Memory: Digital Bodies In Movement' project, which is funded by UKRI. Her contributions to this project highlight her passion for exploring the intersection of creativity, dance, and technology.

Cleo's work is driven by a profound belief in the power of creativity and performance to foster civic engagement. She aims to redefine storytelling as a tool for resilience, embedding cultural knowledge, empathy, understanding, and cohesion within communities. Currently, Cleo serves as a community coordinator for The World Reimagined, where she continues to make a positive impact through her dedication and innovative approach.