Black female pioneers of Milton Keynes celebrated

An exhibition timed to coincide with Black History Month is celebrating the positive impacts black women have made on a city.

The Black Female Pioneers of Milton Keynes highlights the roles played by 11 women from the city.

Created by Nana Ofori-Atta Oguntola, in collaboration with the city council, its theme is "saluting our sisters".

Fola Komolafe, one of the women nominated, said it was a "privilege" to be named a pioneer.

An open call for nominations resulted in 11 winners, selected by a panel of community and business leaders from the city.

Ms Komolafe, the director of Milton Keynes food bank and chief executive of world vision UK, said she felt humbled to have been chosen.

"To be given this recognition to celebrate the diversity that is in Milton Keynes, I think is a privilege," she said.

"We are still struggling for equality, we are still struggling for fairness, we are still struggling sometimes to just showcase the beauty that is Milton Keynes in terms of its diversity.

"So, for me, it's inspiring the next generation, it shows what is possible when you bring your authentic self into every place."

Tina Latifah Jones, who is also on the list, is a social worker who first came to Milton Keynes in 1996.

She said she was "shocked" to be named a pioneer.

"Pioneer is like such a huge word for me," she said.

"I think it's about time that we raise awareness of what black women are doing in Milton Keynes."

Event organiser, Nana Ofori-Atta Oguntola, said: "I am so proud of these women... the quality of the women, the calibre, what they do, how they contribute in the city.

"For me, I take Black History Month as an opportunity really to highlight what the black community is doing."

The 11 pioneers are:

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