DIVERSITY DISPLAYED ON MAINSTREAM MEDIA – CHANNEL 4 TV as McDonald’s wit combines with Imafidon’s Mathematical genius for a historic episode (Hidden ethnic verbal and arithmetic talents showcased for the first time ever on UK television).
Britain’s leading broadcaster, Channel 4 has confirmed that Sir Trevor McDonald and Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, MBE will present the famous flagship show, “COUNTDOWN” as part of the current racial equity christenised “BLACK-TO-FRONT”
By Ms Antoinette-Rita Okoiye – Britain was once ridden with “No Irish, No Blacks, No dogs” signs, but as signs of changing times, a ground-breaking diversity television project is set to air this September. Traditional media on both sides of the Atlantic are now being forced to dig up the suppression of geniuses from the BAME communities of yester-years. Across one day Channel 4 will broadcast programming fronted by Black talent and featuring Black contributors, to champion Black voices and stories, and the incredible but often ignored Black talent that make, shape and star in British TV.
In sports, the Olympics has demonstrated that if Britain excludes BAME talents or athletes, the overall medal score will be reduced by as much as sixty-percent. So the media seem to be waking up to the loss associated with the folly of racial discrimination, and are keen to address this momumental loss. Therefore, Channel 4 TV has invited, presenter AJ Odudu to join Bafta-winning Mo Gilligan as co-host of The Big Breakfast and newsreader Phil Gayle will return to read the news as this iconic show comes live from its original East London location, the Lock Keepers’ Cottages. A staple of the channel’s morning schedule from 1992 to 2002, The Big Breakfast defied the rules when it came to breakfast telly. Retaining plenty of its original anarchic spirit, risqué sense of humour and distinctive energy, the Black to Front special will see the presenters flanked by a mix of famous guests to kick start the day with a bang.
This episode will be exhibiting the mathematical genius formula that made the genius family of the Imafidon, who effortlessly pass University of Cambridge mathematics qualification at the tender age of 7, or 8. This secret is now being taught via the inner-city STEM programme of www.ExcellenceinEducation.org.uk
On Channel 4’s longest running show, Countdown, eminent journalist and broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald will host the iconic quiz show. Joining Sir Trevor in the Salford studio will be acclaimed poet and playwright Lemn Sissay OBE who will adjudicate the words from Dictionary Corner and maths prodigy Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE who will bring her arithmetical expertise to the numbers round. Lemn will be joined in Dictionary Corner by special guest, award-winning journalist & beer sommelier, Marverine Cole.
Dr Anne-Marie O Imafidon, MBE, the eldest child of Britain’s brainiest family, and the world’s most mathematical family says “It’s still surreal to be asked to take on the letters and numbers of the global institution that is COUNTDOWN alongside the institution that is Sir Trevor McDonald!”
AJ Odudu said “I absolutely can’t wait to get stuck into The Big Breakfast. It is such an iconic show to be part of and I am buzzing it is finally coming back! I’m so looking forward to working with Mo and I can’t wait to wake up the nation! I’m thrilled to be part of Channel 4’s Black to Front – which quite rightly gives a platform to deserving Black British TV talent across our industry, both on and off-screen. It’s going to be really special. ’
Sir Trevor McDonald said “I am proud and delighted to be presenting Countdown on this special day; I have always enjoyed watching Countdown, a show that has been around for almost as long as I have! “
Kelly Webb-Lamb, Channel 4’s Deputy Director of Programmes said, “From the voices that introduce the shows to the people appearing on screen, across social and All 4, the entire day will be fronted by Black talent and will tell the stories of Black British communities in a demonstration of Black excellence. Behind the camera Channel 4 is working together with our production partners to shape ambitious and meaningful off-screen commitments, making sure that Black to Front lives on beyond one day, accelerating careers and bringing about significant change that will leave a lasting legacy across the UK TV industry.”
But Professor Chris Imafidon, head of the Imafidon genius family says “It is a myth to say that anyone is a special genius in mathematics, Or some people are bad at mathematics or reasonsing. EVERYONE is a genius if given the optimum tools, techniques, technology, under the right tutage and thinking. There is a genius in you – irrespective of your current or past grades. We now have abundant independent evidence to prove this simple truth of your genius”
Planned over a year, and working with numerous production partners, Black to Front is part of Channel 4’s on-going commitment to improve Black representation on and off screen. From breakfast right through to late night, some of Channel 4’s most iconic shows will have Black talent at the forefront offering viewers a new perspective of much-loved programmes.
Channel 4 is an anti-racist organisation and has worked together with programme makers, production partners and the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity to identify and address the barriers for inclusion and progression for talent from underrepresented groups. Significant off-screen commitments were made to increase Black representation on Black to Front programming. Working together, Black to Front will accelerate significant and lasting change in the industry.
Black to Front was conceived by commissioning editors Vivienne Molokwu and Shaminder Nahal. It will be led by Deputy Director of Programmes, Kelly Webb-Lamb with Vivienne and Shaminder working across the whole day with Melissa Cousins as Project Coordinator. Head of Creative Diversity Babita Bahal and Director of Commissioning Operations, Emma Hardy are also part of the core team.
Ms Antoinette-Rita Okoiye writes from London with additional reports from Professor Chris Imafidon.
Barrister Antoinette-Rita O. Okoiye, is a qualified lawyer and educator with American and British experience. She is formerly of the London School of Economics & Political Science, London; and Chicago Law School, USA.
Professor Chris Imafidon, is chair, ExcellenceinEducation.org.uk, an alliance of inner-city educational charities and institutions that benefits and partners royal projects and initiatives. He also worked directly with royals, through his education and empowerment initiatives and charitable programmes for underprivileged students across Africa and the commonwealth. He is a multi-Guinness World record holder; internationally renowned adviser to monarchs, governments, presidents and corporate leaders; Mentor to multi-millionaire tech entrepreneurs & many world record holders. His research and innovation have been recognised internationally, winning multiple awards in many continents across multiple disciplines and his mentees are global leaders in pioneers. Professor Imafidon is a regular contributor to #AfricanVoice; authored op-ed editorial for the Britain’s Sunday Times; Mentor to New York Times Bestellers and a Sunday Times Op-ed author. [Twitter @ChrisImafidon; Instagram @CoImafidon; Facebook/Linkedln/ClubHouse –Professor Chris Imafidon]
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