My Second Rose Goes to….

In the spirit of giving people their roses while they are here; I am giving my second rose to Oliver St. Clair Franklin, CBE. He is the reason why I am in London. He had a vision for minorities to gain international experience working in the City of London. I moved to London in October 2008; travelled the world; and made lifelong connections. The photo of us was at the Teaching the Transatlantic Slave Trade event at the US Embassy London’s Constitution Gallery. Teaching the Transatlantic Slave Trade is a transnational education project involving Balliol College, Oxford and the Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia. The project resulted in a 50-minute film, as well as a multi-year teacher professional development program to support educators in the United States and the United Kingdom in teaching the significance and impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. I am aware of what’s going on in the political environment but I remain hopeful that there are so many people and companies who are putting in the work including this man standing next to me. Thank you Oliver! I am forever grateful for you exposing me to a bigger world and encouraging me to pave the way forward for the next generation.