Theme: Identity

The concept of identity is troublesome for some because it means allowing one’s self to be categorised according to societal standards and treated according to these self-imposed standards.

But on the other hand, they also help some of us become participants of groups they otherwise may be alienated.

People identify in different ways-
Gender?
Nationality? Passports?
Religion? Upbringing? Sexuality?

Some traditions are not fluid while some identities are more linear in comparison. But the growing intersection of these usual hallmarks and standards of defining identity make it more difficult for a generation that is more determined individually and by more intersecting parts of a whole, than one singular identity. This identity is now being questioned now more than ever. By hate, by ignorance and above all by fear. It is important that we understand that identity is never an imposed form or description.

Identity above all is always evolving and growing. You could say that it’s always metamorphosing.
It’s self-defined. It’s what we choose to identify as personally.

The Bleacher
60 Worship Street
Shoreditch
London, London, City of, EC2A 2EZ
United Kingdom

Amaal Said

Photographer/Poet

Amaal Said is a Danish-born Somali photographer and poet. She is a former Barbican Young Poet and won the Wasafari New Writing Prize for Poetry in 2015. She uses photography, especially of women of colour, to widen representation. She uses her poetry and photography to document stories. She was recently featured at the London Africa Writes Festival 2017.

Imad Mesdoua

Political risk consultant

Imad Mesdoua is the Senior Consultant for Control Risks' Africa analysis desk, where he leads on political risk consultancy engagements in sub-Saharan Africa. In this role, he works closely with an extensive team of country analysts, business intelligence consultants and security risk management experts to deliver complex consultancy engagements for clients across Africa. Imad has lived and travelled extensively on the continent, conducting regular research, consulting and business development trips. He is also a regular commentator on TV, radio and print media on political and security dynamics across Africa. Before joining Control Risks, Imad worked as a political risk analyst for a number of London-based risk consultancies, where he covered North Africa (the Maghreb) and West Africa.

Sherika Sherard

Singer/ Songwriter

Prepare to be positively moved as you experience Sherika Sherard performance at our TEDxEustonSalon. Last year British Soul Singer Seal surprised Sherika with a visit while she was busking on the Southbank, they performed two duets and Seal went on to invite her to open for 2 of his shows on his worldwide tour.

Timothy Armoo

Co-Founder Fanbytes

Timothy is one of the co-founders of Fanbytes, a revolutionary company that has partnered with some of the world’s biggest brands like Adidas and Nickelodeon to advertise with ‘millenials’ in mind.