Introducing Aba Graham
Aba’s ancestral roots are in Sierra Leone, where she spent her younger years, she joined her parents in the Uk in 1979. Aba then spent a few of her formative years in Scotland where she endured some of the challenges of the immigrant child of aspirational, work-focussed parents.
Transitioning through young adulthood presented lots of struggles for Aba, and isolation contributed to her vulnerability. Her ancestors’ spirits were never far from her, though, and she firmly believes that during her toughest times, she was guided by the beauty and spirituality as well as some of the biblical teachings of her grandma. She recalls:
“During some of the low times in my youth, neighbours became family, and although there may have been elements of being used, I knew overall they couldn’t lead me into paths of wrongdoings, such as drugs or prostitution, simply because of my strong spirit and my grandma’s teachings.”
From an early age she has been aspirational, not just for herself, but also for her community, her activism has never waned. She describes herself as a proud ‘Stopfordian’ (a demonym to Stockport) adopted from Manchester. And it is in her adopted home, that for the past quarter of a century, she has been immersed in community initiatives, her focus for activism is equality and justice for members of the black community. Here’s a significantly edited insight into Aba’s undertakings since 1998:
Helped well over 500 people and deterred around 25 people from entering into crime.
Educating all sectors of the community, providing awareness training, cultural events and building partnerships.
Co-founded Ebony and Ivory Community Organisation (EAI CO) and Nexus as well as establishing the Stockport Race Equality Partnership.
Advising on race equality for the GMP independent advisory group.
Wellbeing coordinator supporting 26 community groups to develop their pathway to independence.
Works alongside Disability Stockport developing well-being pathways for many of the most challenged in society.
Founder of Aspiring Boldly Associates (ABA) group. This group is collectively co-producing training and awareness-raising events.
Works alongside Disability Stockport developing well-being pathways for many of the most challenged in society.
Developed her own registered enterprise community hub, which looks at developing vocational skills.
Researcher for the ‘Jam and Justice’ project hosted by Sheffield University.
Keynote Speaker, Workshop Facilitator and Consultant
All the initiatives above have been implemented with limited funding and often only sustained from Aba’s own personal funds. Yet, you won’t hear Aba complain because the work she’s engaged in cannot be separated from who she is. Listen to how she describes how she feels about the work
“My community work with black people, refugees, and young people in particular, is a calling it's not just a piece of work.”
“During some of the low times in my youth, neighbours became family, and although there may have been elements of being used, I knew overall they couldn’t lead me into paths of wrongdoings, such as drugs or prostitution, simply because of my strong spirit and my grandma’s teachings.”
And what are some of the values that drive Aba as she invests herself, time, and resources into her communities’ initiatives?
She states:
“My aim is awakening the mindset of Black value so that our people can value themselves.
To educate and align what our ancestors want us to have - this means to allow people to be the best they can be for themselves, especially our young people. My initiatives mean that I create safe spaces for people. My work should encourage the development of enterprises so that people can do for themselves.”
And there are times when finances are some of the easier costs of doing activism and community work. Campaigning work also takes its toll on the body, the mind and the spirit. These costs are rarely evaluated or spoken of, primarily because there is a lack of research in these areas especially when it comes to the work of black women. Though Aba is not saying that the work is the sole contributor to health issues, she also wants it known that she has survived a burst membrane on the brain. The impact of this was 2 brain surgeries, 8 weeks in hospital and 3 years of recovering to a new normal, which includes elements of memory and hearing loss and other associated health issues. She shares not to solicit sympathy but to educate others to prioritise self-compassion, self-love and self-care. Though she doesn’t work for accolades, she is pleased for herself and especially for the ancestors that her work is making a difference and, at times, has been recognised for doing so. She and her work have been recognised in the following ways:
Award at Stockport Women & Girl’s Network International Women’s Day Award
Finalist for Northwest Women’s Power Award
Winner Black Lights Award sponsored by Royal Air Force
Winner Greater Manchester Wellbeing
Amongst her highest accolades are her family, four children and 4 grandchildren. For ease and relaxation, she enjoys the uncomplicated little things in life. A good movie, comedy, a belly laugh or two, a good book, and being out in nature. She lives with gratitude and thinks it's important to count our blessings and know this for sure: we can all make a difference.
To Ms Aba Graham, a lifelong community activist, who has actually put her life on the line for the cause of greater equity and justice for people of the African Diaspora. The ancestors are proud of you and we, your siblings, honour you.
This feature is part of the Seasoned UK Black Queens series celebrating Black women throughout March, a fantastic project led by Yvonne Christie. Read more here
