Adekunle Rufai, Founder of S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project, joins Sarah to answer One Question: How do we lead today? Through the lens of equity and Black Men.

Kay Rufai is an artist, photographer and founder of S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project,  a project to address the rise in youth affected by violence, which sparked a series of reactionary approaches from the government regarding tougher criminalisation of youth, more stop and searches and greater police presence in global majority communities. These approaches inspired Kay to investigate the mental health provisions, or lack thereof, for the demographic in question - Black youth.

Kay joined One Question in conversation to share his experience of using art better to understand the link between the police force and society. And more recently, as part of the approach to understanding what keeps black men mentally healthy as part of our approach to preventing mental illness piloting in Bristol. 

Kay joins Sarah to understand whether a new model of leadership can achieve greater equity. Despite so much awareness, especially since the death of George Floyd in the United States, there is a lack of cultural equity in the UK and, more recently, a pushback against DE&I initiatives that seek to drive equality and equity in business.

What questions should we be asking? Can we create an environment for leaders, businesses, and institutions to address shared challenges?

This conversation was recorded prior to Donald Trump's election in the USA, and perhaps more than ever before, understanding the value of a more equitable society is a conversation we should all be having.

An honest, inspirational conversation answering One Question.


Research discussed in the episode.

https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/no-black-executives-ftse100-companies-uk/

https://www.ey.com/en_uk/newsroom/2024/03/parker-review-reveals-good-progress-on-ethnic-diversity

https://www.channel4.com/4viewers/black-to-front-project

https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/uk-first-black-reporter-barbara-blake-hannah-journalists-are-the-most-important-people-in-the-world/

To find out more about Kay Rufai and S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project > https://universoulartist.com/smiling-boys-project/

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