Canerow: Threads of Intergenerational Leadership is a storytelling series capturing the wisdom, resilience, and vision of Black women leaders across generations. Rooted in the Canerow project, these reflections explore leadership, legacy, and community through the voices of those shaping the future. The full interviews will be included in a print publication and released for Black History Month 2025.
Building a Collective
I’m Victoria Barrow-Williams, co-founder and director of People Dem Collective, a Margate-based organisation dedicated to dismantling systemic racism through empowering programmes in arts, culture, and community wellbeing. Established in response to the murder of George Floyd, our focus is on joy, civic pride, and creating spaces for Black and Brown communities, as well as engaging allies across different backgrounds. Our mission also includes advocating for policy changes to challenge systemic barriers.
Growing up in Dalston, Hackney, and raising my family in London and Margate, my diverse experiences shape my work. As a mature student and creative producer, I strive to make arts and culture accessible.
Being near nature in Margate ignites my creativity and inspires my leadership journey. I recognise that my experiences are often limited by systemic barriers, yet they play a crucial role in broadening my perspective.
Reflecting On and Redefining Leadership
My corporate role as a creative producer revealed the limitations imposed by systemic racism. Recognising that my efforts could not yield the resources I needed led me to pursue opportunities that aligned with my community-focused values. This transition marked a pivotal moment in my leadership journey, reinforcing my commitment to community empowerment.
My identity as a Black woman directly influences my work. Kelly Abbot and I have faced the complexities of navigating systems that often overlook or undermine Black and Brown women. However, I choose to focus on how my identity enriches my leadership and allows me to create inclusive spaces. To me, leadership is not about power but collaboration. It involves inspiring and mobilising communities to engage in collective actions towards dismantling systemic racism. My leadership style centres on building relationships and amplifying the voices of others rather than controlling or gatekeeping..
Kelly has been instrumental in my growth, fostering a symbiotic relationship that allows us both to thrive.
Jess Search, the late CEO of Doc Society, profoundly influenced my approach to leadership. Her dedication to connecting people and creating opportunities for those less privileged resonated with me. I aspire to continue her legacy as someone who encourages collaboration rather than exclusivity within leadership roles.
Navigating Leadership and Self-Care
Trust is a cornerstone of my leadership journey, particularly in collaborations with fellow Black and Brown women. I had to navigate my ego and learn to step back when necessary. For example, during the Black Lives Matter protests, I realised that leadership is not about always being in the spotlight; it's about supporting one another.
I enrolled in a massage course—not for financial gain, but as an act of self-care and a way to support my family. This stems from personal challenges, including my brother's schizophrenia, which has strained our family dynamics. By learning to give massages, I hope to offer healing not only to my family but also to friends and community members who may be financially constrained. In Black and Brown communities, systemic barriers often inhibit access to self-care. I envision my massage training to foster well-being, and as a commitment to dismantling the perception that self-care is a luxury rather than a necessity. As leaders, we must vigilantly safeguard our well-being amidst systemic pressures. Kelly and I support each other in recognising when we need to prioritise self-care, reflecting on our triggers to avoid burnout.
I have participated in Vipassana, a meditation technique involving ten days of silence and focused practice. Meditation helps me cultivate equilibrium and creativity amidst the chaos of daily life, enhancing my thoughts on leadership and community engagement.
Intergenerational Collaboration
Reflecting on legacy, I resonate with Yvonne Field's notion of “passing the baton.” While it feels premature for People Dem Collective to fully embrace this concept, I value my experiences mentoring young leaders. Working alongside a young person for the We Out Here festival reignited my excitement about becoming an elder in my field.
It is essential to cultivate spaces where emerging leaders can step into roles and share their innovative ideas. I find joy in fostering these connections. It’s crucial to discuss the sustainability of leadership and actively seek ways to facilitate knowledge transfer. Leaders need to learn to share responsibility, as refusing to do so perpetuates cycles of repetition and stagnation.
Defining Success and Legacy
To me, success equates to legacy. Initially, I underestimated the demands of building an organisation from the ground up. My vision of success is tied to the tangible impact we make in our community, evidenced by the development of new organisations and initiatives. Financial stability, such as the ability for Kelly and me to be compensated for our work, marks an essential milestone in our journey.
The ultimate goal is to establish the National Cultural Centre, which would stand as a lasting legacy for People Dem Collective.
Reflecting on Victoria’s interview through the lens of race and gender reveals several significant themes and implications regarding leadership, community engagement, and personal development.Victoria interview reveals a rich tapestry of challenges and opportunities within leadership, particularly in the context of racial equity. It requires navigating a complex system while prioritising both personal and communal well-being. It also emphasises the importance of trust, collaboration, and self-care while highlighting the need for systemic change. Victoria's experiences and philosophies present a model for inclusive leadership that honours intersectionality, fostering resilience and community engagement essential for enacting social change.
This image of Victoria Barrow - Williams was illustrated by Tinuke Fagborun and commissioned by The Ubele Initiave.
