Leah Rivas Stewart, SI Esperance, Trinidad and Tobago
Baroness Floella Benjamin inspires at SIGBI Conference 2024
The theme of the morning session of Day 2 was Empower and Baroness Floella Benjamin’s keynote address was delivered in her captivating and flamboyant style as she wove the tapestry of her 75 years through song, drama and dance.
She took us back to her early childhood going to outdoor drive in cinemas in Trinidad with her loving parents; arriving in Southampton, then Waterloo Station at age 10 as part of the Windrush generation; the resilience that was built when she sadly encountered bullying and racism, which she has relied upon in her phenomenal rise, to being awarded the title of Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham.
It is important to note that 62 years after arriving at Waterloo Station, Baroness Floella chaired the Windrush Commemoration Committee which created a permanent tribute to the Windrush Generation and their descendants at the very same station.
Baronness Floella is a woman of “firsts” :
- First Black woman to be Chancellor of a UK University (University of Exeter)
- First woman to be the chair of BAFTA
- First pregnant woman to present on TV
- First woman to wear trousers at a bank
She implored us to look after children who are our future. She drew reference to the fact that children are born with 84 million brain cells which are unconnected, which by age 18 months connections have started and completed by age 7, driving home the importance of ensuring safety, unconditional love and compassion in childhood. Delegates were encouraged to be a guardian angels to children and carefully consider the impact of positive words, actions and role modelling on their lives.
Baroness Floella emphasised the need for, and impact of our actions and behaviours on children, especially that of young girls who should be encouraged to speak up, speak out and never compromise their integrity by actions which they may later regret on “the long and winding road” of life .
Numerous valuable insights though impactful statements were skilfully embedded into her animated and emotionally charged speech:
“Childhood lasts forever”
“Education is your passport in life”
“Winners smile”
“Stand up for what you believe in”
“Adversity can break you or make you stronger”
She spoke passionately about her advocacy work in promoting the health and safety of children and issued a call to action for delegates to write to their MPs to put children first in policy considerations, while individually encouraging children to understand their worth.
Baroness Benjamin’s speech was not just a reflection on her illustrious career where she has engaged with Royalty and Heads of State; but also a call to action for the audience to maintain focus on children’s welfare and wellbeing, foster inclusivity, and to be authentic. It was a reminder of the power of storytelling, words and prose which resonated deeply with the attendees, leaving a lasting impression and igniting a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
Her final advice was about her philosophy: to practice consideration, confidence, all wrapped in courage.
Needless to say, a resounding standing ovation was a justly deserved reward for her outstanding speech.