Anita Kambo

Please can you introduce yourself

I’ve lived in Brixton (Lambeth) for 14 years and I love my community. Community power and social justice are in my DNA.

 

Of South Asian descent, my grandparents and parents were part of the 1950s Windrush movement and experienced life under the racially divisive MP Enoch Powell in their Wolverhampton constituency.

 

With a background as a mental health practitioner, I now work as a Community Researcher and with NICE to embed lived experiences and seldom-heard voices into the heart of processes. This involves disrupting conventional systems, cultures and power narratives within a journey towards more equitable, inclusive and interconnected systems.

 

Where does creativity show up for you and how do you use it?

In Brixton, creativity is in our communities, diversity, activism, community assets – markets, libraries/archives, parks. Brockwell Park, photography and community helped me through postnatal depression / lockdown. Creativity with my daughter includes singing, dancing and cooking! As a researcher, I use photovoice, storytelling, eco-mapping, and have shared findings through promenade performances!

 

Has your creativity ever led you to any unexpected places or connections?

My creativity led me to chance upon a photograph of my grandfather working in a tyre factory. To see him in black and white doing the job that opened so many opportunities for us, 16 years after his passing, stirred some powerful / joyful emotions for me and my family.

 

What drew you to take part in The January Challenge?
I’m not an artist but engaging in everyday creativity has been incredibly healing for me during dark times. Herein lies the beauty of creativity – outcome aside, the process itself is immensely powerful.

The January Challenge will enable me to nurture creativity and connection in communities where need is the greatest.

 

Finish the sentence. 'Creativity Is...'
breaking down barriers