Baroness Floella Benjamin OM DBE DL
Honorary Graduate (DLitt, 2006) and former University of Exeter Chancellor from (2006 - 2016), Baroness Floella Benjamin, is an actress, singer, presenter, writer, politician and campaigner. We spoke to her ahead of Black History Month to find out what Black female role models inspire her and more.
What does Black History month mean to you and why is it important to you?
The meaning of Black History Month to me is that it gives everyone the opportunity to highlight and focus on how we can acknowledge people of colour and their contribution to society and how that should be considered throughout the year. It is important because it’s a time to share untold stories and learn about a part of our history which is not always recognised, included or embraced.
Do you have any Black female role models that inspire you? Who and why?
I have two Black female role models. Firstly, my beloved mother who instilled in me the feeling of confidence, self belief and determination, no matter how many times people tried to put me down or put up barriers and obstacles to stop me from achieving. Her mantra was ‘education is your passport to life’. She believed that every disappointment is an appointment with something better, so never give up and believe anything is possible.
Secondly, Maya Angelou because her writing is inspirational and she introduced me to the concept of forgiveness because if you don’t forgive you remain a victim. I believe forgiveness frees the soul.
What career or personal achievement/s are you most proud of?
Everything I do is to make a difference to the lives of others and to empower them. So, each time that happens I feel an overwhelming sense of joy. Now as I stand on the summit of life’s mountains looking down on the valley of experiences I feel a sense of achievement knowing that I have changed many lives. I think that is why King Charles III asked me to carry the Sceptre with Dove at his coronation, which represents equity, mercy, spirituality and peace; the philosophy I try to live my life by.
What is the legacy you’d like to leave behind as your place in Black history?
The legacy I would like to leave behind is being in charge of the creation of the National Windrush Monument which stands at Waterloo Station. I was asked by the then Prime Minister in 2018 (Theresa May) to oversee the concept of a monument to celebrate the significant contribution the Windrush generation has made to Britain. Ironically the monument stands just a few metres away from platform 19, where I first arrived in London in 1960.
Whilst remembering our history is important it also provides an opportunity to look to the future – what is a change you’d like to see or what would you like that to look like?
I would like to see a truly all-embracing society where people are not referred to by their colour, not to be judged by their ethnicity, sexuality or religion and for everyone to be given equal opportunities. That all starts in the classroom so children grow up understanding the importance of how they should show consideration and compassion.
Do you have any advice for students at the University and other alumni?
Always work to the best of your ability and act with morality, integrity, honesty and be the person others can trust. But most of all to keep smiling because winners smile; it’s also wonderful for the mind, mental well-being and for the soul. It gives a real ‘feel good factor’ and can make others around you feel good too and change their lives for the better. So do try to change the world wherever you can by doing everything with love and passion and by practicing my three C’s: Consideration, Contentment and Confidence all wrapped up with Courage.