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Students and staff at Nescot have been celebrating Black History Month with a range of activities and events throughout October. Rev Bazil Meade MBE, co-founder of The London Community Gospel Choir, visited the college earlier this week (22 Oct) and spoke to students about his life experiences and success as a musician.

Students and staff were inspired by Bazil Meade’s insightful talks on culture, community and the power of music. He shared his life story and journey from a tiny island in the Caribbean to the UK as a boy, the people who influenced him and his remarkable career.

He spoke about the importance of finding a purpose and ‘something that your heart embraces because of the value it brings to you as a person’. He said to students that, like him, they will have their own journeys and lessons to learn. And urged them to seek help through their educational setting or support network to help them acquire the skills and knowledge they need, to be the best of version of themselves and achieve the things they want from life.

Bazil Meade also spoke about his work with The London Community Gospel Choir, an eclectic mix of talented vocalists from diverse backgrounds and their mission to spread the message of unity, peace and love through music.

The college’s theatre was filled with students from all curriculum areas who attended the talks that included resounding audience participation to familiar gospel songs performed by Bazil Mead on the piano.

Students also had a unique opportunity to take part in a gospel singing masterclass with Bazil Meade in the college’s Visual and Performing Arts theatre. They thoroughly enjoyed their vocal performance session, and were in awe of Bazil’s passion and talent.

Fiona Nerberg, Head of Student Experience at Nescot said, “A huge thank you to Rev Bazil Meade MBE for visiting Nescot. Our students and staff have been inspired by Bazil’s incredible account of his life and the whole college was uplifted by his energy and music – a day filled with joy.”

Throughout October, screens around campus have been highlighting prominent Black British personalities from music, sport, politics and the media. Students also accessed a range of related material from the college’s Learning Resources Centre that features a display of resources available for loan. Staff and students also enjoyed a taste of the Caribbean for lunch in the college’s Refectory with dishes that included Jerk chicken, fried plantain, Trinidadian lamb roti, Caribbean vegetable curry, Jollof rice, bean stew and Bobotjie.

Rev Bazil Meade is a charismatic and multitalented vocalist, pianist and co-founder of Europe's leading gospel choir, The London Community Gospel Choir. The Choir has collaborated with world-renowned artists like Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, Madonna and Kylie Minogue.