Universal Music’s UK Task Force for Meaningful Change (UK TFMC) has issued a manifesto detailing its goals and tactics to achieve what it describes as “tangible and lasting social change”.
The UK TFMC, which focuses on specific challenges that are unique to the Black community in the UK, was set up in June 2020 in partnership with Universal Music Group’s global Task Force for Meaningful Change, which pledged an investment of $25m to support Black communities both within and outside its company walls.
The group is co-chaired by Motown UK’s marketing director Afryea Henry-Fontaine, EMI Senior Director, Marketing, Fay Hoyte and Island’s Jade Richardson (covering co-chair).
It also includes staff from across Universal’s business including Adele White (Island), Alex Boateng (0207 Def Jam), Ayinde Gardiner (UMG), Charmaine Kuranchie (UMUK), Gus Jones-Donelly (Globe), Jade Bradshaw (Polydor), Jonathan Badyal (UMUK), Rebecca Muttu (Polydor), Shantelle David (UMUK international marketing), Sharlotte Ritchie (UMG), Stephen Wilson (Decca) and Tia Lewis (Capitol).
The UK TFMC says that it has studied how it can make an impact in local communities, across the UK, in the wider music industry, as well as internally.
The resulting manifesto, which can be read in full here, outlines the following key areas:
“Boosting outreach work to help attract more Black candidates for a wider variety of roles at Universal Music.
“Driving change within the company through mentorship initiatives, an internal audit and building on our internal mental health initiative with Black Minds Now.
“Celebrating Black culture with the launch of Universal Music’s ‘Black Calendar’.
“Supporting education initiatives across the UK.
“Building a unique infrastructure of support for Universal Music UK’s Black artists.”
The UK TFMC says that these areas include and build upon the numerous steps that have already been taken and implemented over the past nine months.
The UK TFMC has also partnered with The Black Curriculum, a social enterprise that “dedicated to addressing the lack of Black British history in the UK school curriculum”.
As part of The Black Curriculum’s recently launched Springboard Programme, the UK TFMC will help provide free out of school workshops teaching Black British history through the lens of music and the arts for young people aged 11-16 across five British cities: Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, London and Manchester.
Other initiatives include: the MMF’s Unite programme supporting Black artist managers; Small Green Shoot’s The Young Shoots program; and Pickni Uniforms, which provides free school blazers to families in need of support.
“This is just the beginning. We know there is no quick fix but believe this manifesto and a collective effort across the company will help bring about real change”.
Afryea Henry-Fontaine, Fay Hoyte and Jade Richardson, UK Task Force for Meaningful Change
Afryea Henry-Fontaine, Fay Hoyte and Jade Richardson, co-chairs of the UK Task Force for Meaningful Change, said: “We’d like to say a massive thank you to each member of the Task Force for their work in forming this manifesto and to all our colleagues across the Universal Music family who have offered their support, wisdom and advice along the way.
“This is just the beginning. We know there is no quick fix but believe this manifesto and a collective effort across the company will help bring about real change”.
Photo credit: Duane Prokop
“initiatives like The Black Curriculum demonstrate the Critical need to not only bridge gaps in education, but empower young people.”
Dr. Menna Demassie, Task Force for Meaningful Change
Dr. Menna Demessie, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of TFMC, said: “Supporting initiatives like The Black Curriculum demonstrate the critical need to not only bridge gaps in education, but empower young people to make visible the historical impact of Black people through music to future generations.
“The Task Force’s mission to be a driver for racial equity and social justice can be realized through such efforts.”
“I am confident that this manifesto will help bring about meaningful and lasting change.”
David Joseph, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music UK, added: “I’m incredibly proud of the UK Task Force and the collective leadership they have shown.
“While we are clear that there is still much to do, I am confident that this manifesto will help bring about meaningful and lasting change and I look forward to working closely with the Task Force to implement the recommendations and actions in their entirety”.Music Business Worldwide
