executive quotes
“The horrific killing of George Floyd was an inflexion point for many; a tragedy that shone a light on a very long chain of tragic events and injustices. In Cephas' letter to his son, he talks of shared responsibility as a "custodian of the future". I may not share Cephas' journey but I do share with him the responsibility of changing the narrative. We all do.
Letter to Zion talks about taking "brave & tangible steps forward at this crucial time of awakening" so that this moment becomes more than just words and feelings of guilt, but tangible action and change. I have children and I want them to live in the future that Cephas describes in his letter. I won't be able to look my children in the eye if I stand by when I have the chance to be an ally of change and take those tangible steps."
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Andrew Denton
Alfa Systems, CEO
‘The key to success in leadership is to continue to learn. Everyday. BBN offers us all an opportunity to do just that by helping us understand the Black community in an authentic and collaborative environment. Cephas is an inspiring driver of changing attitudes and his beautiful ‘Letter to Zion’ demonstrates his special combination of empathy and passion. I’m personally proud to be an ally and supporter.’
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William Eccleshare
Clear Channel Outdoor, Worldwide CEO
“It’s clear that Cephas’ passion for and commitment to social justice is unequivocal. His powerful letter to his son Zion, expresses the opportunity that is before us - and the leadership role we must play in tackling systemic racism and forging a fairer and more equitable future for the next generation.
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At O2 we are on a journey to drive equality and equity across our business, which is why we joined the Black British Network. We are committed to listening, learning and growing, understanding we have a long way to go. To effectively represent the communities we serve, we are dedicated to supporting the progression of not only the Black community, but employees in our business from a variety of backgrounds"
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Mark Evans
O2 Telefónica UK, CEO
"I’m involved with Cephas because, like him, I believe in working together for a better future. The more people that are engaged in building a brighter future the greater the progress.
What inspired me in his letter was the commitment to improvement from whatever position you or your organisation may be. It’s the commitment to improvement that is important"
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“The truth is, no one is perfect and even I cannot promise you that I will not make mistakes along my journey. The more I tried to strive for perfection the more I realised “perfect “isn’t real. And so there is no “perfect “, only improvement." - Quoted from Cephas' Letter to Zion
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Keith Weed
WPP, Non-Executive Director
"In order for us to truly progress we need to have uncomfortable conversations that create tangible solutions”, This quote from “Letter to Zion”, captures the essence of the relationship and friendship, Cephas & I have developed over the last few years. From our first conversation to the launch of the 56 Black Men, “I am not my stereotype” campaign, to the “Let’s Not Forget” campaign during lockdown, and now his latest venture The Black British Network. I feel this latest work calls on each of us to step up and become an active ally to bring about real long lasting change. I hope Clear Channel and I can play our part!"
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Richard Bon
Clear Channel, Managing Director, UK
“Cephas’ letter to Zion is beautiful and heartfelt. I love the fact that it simultaneously offers hope, a way forward, and a scathing indictment of where we are now.”
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Simon Pegg
Stolen Picture, Co-founder
“I have spent all my working life in the business of music and it's true to say I didn’t see too many folks that looked like me in senior levels of any of the companies I worked in. It’s easy to understand when you're employing somebody you choose somebody that you can relate to, I understood that and tried to redress the balance by recruiting Black people who would otherwise not be given a chance. I have high hopes that by joining The BBN the next generation will see a good few folks that they can relate to and aspire to become, an opportunity I never had.”
“One of the key take-a-ways from “Letter to Zion” is the point Cephas made that we are standing in the midst of perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity. As sad as that seems, we have to take full advantage of the mirror society is currently looking into, and make the changes necessary to ensure Zion and the children of his generation are treated in the same way as their white counterparts.”
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Mervyn Lyn
Strategic Partnership Solutions Ltd, Founding Partner
"I was introduced to Cephas Williams through Simon Pegg and was immediately captivated by the intelligence, integrity and style with which Cephas has crafted his work. In Cephas’ 'Letter to Zion' he described systemic racism as a weed ‘choking the goodness out of our world’. That’s a powerful image - the challenge isn’t just about levelling playing fields going forward, important as that is; it’s also about society recognising that systemic racism is a poison that infects and corrodes our values. Cephas’ work is important and impactful and I am delighted that Sony Pictures have been able to support his vision through Black British Stories."
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Richard Parsons
Sony Pictures TV International Production
COO