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Diane Spence

@dianespence21

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Great session 4, I really enjoyed discussing the difference between fact and opinion 💬

I gained a sound understanding of how to identify unconscious bias, which I will apply during future community interviews throughout the project. 🗣️🧡

Genesis Sun are proud to be delivering this project in partnership with @jtojustice, supported by @heritagefunduk and The Hibbert Trust.

Huge thanks to @kmdbrumtown and @Kupidval creatively capturing and supporting the journey so far, to @tania.aubee for expertly leading the session and group discussions and to @therealpari5 for sharing your voice and experiences. 🙌🏾

#BlackCountryRootsAndRealities #GenesisSun #HeritageMatters #CreativeYouth #NationalLotteryHeritageFund by @dianespence21

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3 months ago

A great morning delivering Rhythm & Roots at @tdms.evesham on 19th April 🎶✨

Students explored how music shapes identity, culture and heritage through engaging and interactive activities and a bespoke Black History Month feature, ending with a special performance from Isaac Paris, which had the room buzzing.

Two engaging sessions, fantastic energy, and inspiring young minds through history, music and culture. 🙌🏾

Do you work for a school or know one that would benefit from an assembly that unpacks ideas in a powerful way?

Visit https://genesissun.co.uk/
and contact Genesis Sun to find out more.

#GenesisSun #RhythmAndRoots #MusicAndIdentity #SchoolEngagement #YouthVoice by @dianespence21

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6 months ago

£126,000 funding awarded for social history project

Since starting Genesis Sun, young people have consistently told us they want to see their histories, stories and lived experiences reflected more positively in education, communities and in the narratives that shape how they see themselves.

I’m therefore incredibly proud to share that Genesis Sun’s passion to address our communities wishes has been recognised with £121k funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside £5k from The Hibbert Trust, to bring this vision to life. The project will be delivered in partnership with charity Journey to Justice, continuing to build on a strong relationship developed through the Young Lives, Young Futures project in 2025.

From January 2026 to February 2027, we will deliver Black Country Roots and Realities, a 15-month project training young people to be oral historians, building life skills, confidence, creativity and preserving the stories of African, Caribbean and mixed heritage community members in the Black Country, West Midlands. These stories will be archived with Wolverhampton City Archives, ensuring they are preserved for future generations.

We’re deeply grateful to our funders for recognising the importance of this work, and to our partners, volunteers and collaborators who will help bring it to life. A special thank you to Jump Exposure for the fabulous project identity and website page, and to Isaac Paris and Shardae, whose music became the soundtrack that kept me inspired and focused throughout the application journey.

Check out more about the project here on the Genesis Sun website:
https://genesissun.co.uk/rootsandrealities/

More to come soon, I’d love to hear your thoughts as the project unfolds.

#NationalLotteryHeritageFund #GenesisSun #CommunityHeritage #YouthVoice
#BlackCountry OralHistory JourneyToJustice by @dianespence21

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9 months ago

Happy 21st birthday to my wonderful son @therealpari5 🎉💫

Watching you grow into the person you are today has been something I cherish deeply. Seeing you follow your passion for music with focus, creativity and heart makes me so proud.

I’m will continue to walk beside you, in whichever direction you take and be there for you, supporting you, cheering you on and watching you step into everything the future holds.

Here’s to you, your journey and all the incredible places you’re going next 🖤🎶✨ by @dianespence21

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10 months ago

These memories popped up the other day and made us smile.

Good times, good food, great vibes and even better company 🥰

Big thanks to Turtle Bay for looking after us so well! 🫶🏾

#GoodVibesOnly #MemoryLane #GoodTimes #FoodLovers #TurtleBay #IslandVibes #FriendsAndFood #FeelGoodMoments #ThrowbackFeels #GreatCompany #InspireBrighterFutures #GenesisSun by @dianespence21

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10 months ago

An amazing day at the Stourbridge Glass Museum following our Artistry Ascension event with guest speaker @Christopher Day. 🗣️🎨

A huge thank you to @AllisterMalcolm, who generously invited the drawing competition winner @Lydia along with the runners-up and Genesis Sun Founder & CEO @DianeSpence, for a special VIP experience at the glass museum.

It was an inspiring and memorable day. Thank you to the award-winning Stourbridge Glass Museum and Allister Malcolm for your warmth, generosity and kindness. ✨

A fabulous day out for all 🙌🏾 💯

Check out the pieces we made on the day 🤩🧡🙌🏾

#GenesisSun #AscensionEvents #StourbridgeGlass #GlassMuseum #ArtAndInspiration #CreativeYouth #ArtistryEvent #CommunityCreatives #YoungArtists #AllisterMalcolm #ChristopherDay #ArtExperience #InspiringTheNextGeneration #VIPDay #ArtsCommunity
#InspireBrighterFutures taken in Stourbridge Glass Museum by @dianespence21

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10 months ago

Highlights from the Young Lives, Young Futures Parliamentary Reception ✨✨

Swipe for live performance of We Need Change 🗣️🎶

A few special moments from our unforgettable visit to the House of Lords for the Young Lives, Young Futures parliamentary reception.
Such a rare and powerful opportunity for Young Lives United and the research group, shaped by Genesis Sun and Journey to Justice to get the chance to share their experiences, speak truth to power and inspire change. ✨ taken in Houses of Parliament by @dianespence21

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a year ago

🌟 An unforgettable day at the House of Lords! 🌟

Yesterday, we had the honour of joining a Parliamentary reception at the House of Lords with our young community as part of the Young Lives, Young Futures (YLYF) project.

Through our Genesis Sun and Journey to Justice partnership, our young researchers—contributors to the six-year study led by King’s College London and the Edge Foundation—shared their voices in parliament. The event, led by Professor Sharon Gewirtz and Rana Khazbak, brought together policymakers, educators and advocates to discuss the study’s findings.

🎶 Coinciding with the event, our group Young Lives United (Isaac, Maureena, Jemima & Damaris) released “We Need Change,” a powerful song expressing young people’s hopes for a fairer education system. They performed it live at the reception to an inspired and enthusiastic audience.

It was a proud moment to stand alongside our young community, partners, and friends from Genesis Sun, Journey to Justice, CareerSpace, and beyond. Huge thanks to Martin for organising a cultural tour afterwards—ending the day perfectly.

💫 We’re so grateful to Young Lives, Young Futures for their support and belief in our work. This day truly celebrated collaboration, creativity and youth empowerment.

📘 Explore the YLYF research here: https://www.ylyf.co.uk/

🎧 Listen to “We Need Change” on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eAJbkfKr or search Young Lives United on your favourite streaming platform — and please share! taken in Houses of Parliament by @dianespence21

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a year ago

✨ What a joy it was to celebrate my mum’s 85th birthday in Leeds this weekend with our wonderful family and friends! 💖

She was over the moon to see everyone gathered to surprise her and was truly spoiled and treated like the queen she is 👑.

A huge thank you to Turtle Bay Leeds for making the evening so special, from the amazing food and drinks to the thoughtful service, everything was perfect and made it a memorable night and one to cherish. 🥂🎉

Wishing you a fabulous 85th birthday today 🎊🥳🧡 taken in Turtle Bay by @dianespence21

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a year ago

Together for music 2025 on Friday 15th August was vibes on vibes, big up @diversitymusicwolves & @sundaybest.uk for putting on such a brilliant showcase of talented west midlands musicians at The George Wallis 🔉🎸

Such a great afternoon where we linked up @jpbeatsabar 🤩

This is exactly what Wolverhampton city needs 🙏🏾🎶

#wolverhampton #youthempowerment #togetherformusic #musicshowcase #wolverhamptonmusic by @dianespence21

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a year ago

So proud to share my son @therealpari5 third release under his creative project @fruitofparis , this time teaming up with the incredibly talented @love_dae11 from Bermuda 🔥

Their new track “Bag or Sum” is a smooth neo-soul summer vibe with an infectious hook you’ll be humming all day 🎶☀️

Would love for you to check it out, drop a like, leave a comment, and share with your people, every bit of support helps this passionate duo reach new ears 💫💛

🎧 Search “Bag or Sum” - Shardae & Isaac Paris to stream the song on any platform today
🍎 Follow @fruitofparis to join the journey, there’s so much more to come!

Thanks so much for the love!

#ProudMoment #FruitOfParis #IsaacParis #Love_dae11 #NeoSoul #NewMusic #BagOrSum #SummerVibes #SupportIndependentArtists by @dianespence21

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a year ago

I had the profound honour of speaking at POWWAI’s “She Ignites” event at the House of Commons on Friday 28th March. This remarkable gathering brought together inspirational women to share their stories of selflessness, courage, and achievement whilst honouring their triumphs. 🙌🏾

The event was a powerful celebration of women’s accomplishments, fostering meaningful conversations aimed at building a more inclusive future. I’m deeply grateful to Josephine Raj, a true force of nature, her talented daughter Leya Raj, and the amazing Avneet Nijjar for orchestrating such an unforgettable experience. Special thanks to Bal Lola for attending this significant occasion and to Andy Holmes for his invaluable support in preparing for the event. It was a pleasure to connect with so many incredible and spirited women, whose energy and stories continue to inspire me. ✨

Reflecting on this empowering day, I’m reminded of the strength found in unity and the importance of uplifting one another. Let’s continue to champion innovation and creativity among young people, paving the way for future generations to thrive. When we unite, we possess the collective ability to drive positive change with purpose and passion. taken in House Of Lords, Houses Of Parliament by @dianespence21

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2 years ago