Honorary Doctorate Degree Starring Leigh-Anne Pinnock for Combating Racism

Leigh Ann Pinnock, lead member of the British band Little Mix and renowned lead singer, was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from the New University of Buckinghamshire. Title given to her in recognition fight against racism and the promotion of racial equality.

Music career and social activism

The singer, originally from High Wycombe, UK, became famous in 2011 after winning the small mixture in the eighth season X Factor UK. The group, which has sold over 60 million records over the years, has produced worldwide hits such as Shout out to my ex, Black magic AND woman like meannounced in 2021 indefinite break so that each team member can focus on their career.

Just Pinnock recently released his first solo single titled Don’t say love. The extraordinary determination that allowed her to break into the world of music has always accompanied Lee Ann with a strong public commitment.

An episode of racism experienced firsthand

In 2020, after the story with George Floyd, the singer spoke out against police violence against the African American population and spoke about the episode of racism experienced firsthand on social networks during the filming of the video for the song. Wings

: “Nine years ago, when I joined Little Mix, I experienced the deepest realization.

Choreographer Frank Gatson Jr. told me:You are a black girl, you should try ten times‘. No one has ever told me before that I should try harder because of the color of my skin (…) Later, Frank Gatson’s words made sense. I discovered that the dream of becoming a member of the most famous girl group in the world has its drawbacks and consequences. Consequences such as awareness widespread racism in the creative industries.

Realize that you don’t have to be too bold or too assertive or you’ll be labeled a diva or an aggressive person. (…) You understand that voicing your point of view about the lack of diversity in the industry is like talking to the wind.”

During the social outburst, Pinnock finally added: “My personal experience includes all the moments when I felt abandoned in my group. Part of me knows that if I had a darker complexion, my experience would be even more difficult. Our reality is that no matter how far you think you have come, racism persists.”

Race, Pop and Power Documentary and Charity

These “accidents” experienced by the singer as a black woman in the UK and the discourse about discrimination in the music industry have also been the subject of discussion. Documentary “Lee Ann: Race, Popularity and Power”

which aired in 2021 on BBC channels.

At the end of the documentary, Pinnock also announced the founding of her own charitable foundation “Black Fund”aimed at supporting all public initiatives in support of blacks in the UK.

PhD Ceremony

The honorary doctorate is a tribute to Pinnock’s extraordinary achievements in music, as well as her ongoing struggle to uphold values ​​such as equality and respect. During the Leigh-Anne Pinnock award ceremony shared his story with hundreds of students, emphasizing how his path may reflect the experiences of the many students present.

Even a TV presenter. Jay Blades, MBE, the current chancellor of the university and a longtime mentor to Pinnock, attended the event. Blades, who has known the singer for almost 20 years, praised the way the artist has used her fame for the benefit of society, always staying attached to her roots, and reiterated that her battles should be an example for everyone.

In her acceptance speech, Pinnock pointed out the most rewarding role for her as an activist, despite her success in the music field. “My story is the story of a woman who had a passion, who had a goal,” she said, “but it is also the story of a woman who, thanks to the support of her supporters and a lot of hard work and dedication, eventually got to where she wanted to be.

And if on the one hand I feel “blessed” for a successful recording career, on the other hand, it’s so nice that today my work is recognized racial equality activist and anti-racism. Along with my music, this role is becoming more important to me every day.”

Before the ceremony closed, the British singer attended an impromptu show by dance and performance students who choreographed the tune to her single. Don’t say love. Finally, the rector, Professor Nick Braceby, ended the day with a message of hope and a call to fight so that everyone can enjoy the same rights.

She reminds us that our voices matter he said, “and that the power to create positive change in our communities is right in our hands.”