April 5th 2024.
A groundbreaking change is on the horizon in the United Kingdom as the founder of the first Black children's magazine takes a bold step towards improving diversity standards in creative spaces. Serlina Boyd, the visionary behind Cocoa Girl magazine, is all set to open the doors to the Cocoa School of Journalism and Creative Arts on April 8th in Beckenham, South London. The school's curriculum is designed to equip young minds with the skills and knowledge of journalism, including news reporting, video editing, and illustration.
Operating during after-school hours and half-term breaks, the school has been described as "a hub that champions creativity" by Boyd. Along with journalism, the courses will also cover creative writing and music, as she aims to inspire the younger generation to explore unconventional career paths. "Through this journalism school, we hope to show the next generation that there are so many avenues they can choose from, instead of just the typical ones. And we want to make learning a fun and exciting experience," says Boyd, brimming with enthusiasm.
According to The Voice, the entrepreneur believes it is time to shake up the industry and change the narrative. Shocking statistics from the Sutton Trust report reveal that 80% of editors were educated in private schools, while only 11% of journalists come from working-class backgrounds. Even more alarming is the fact that only 0.2% of journalists in the U.K. are Black. These numbers not only took Boyd by surprise but also fueled her determination to make a difference. "The statistics are quite eye-opening. We need more journalists from diverse backgrounds to tell our stories," she says with a sense of urgency.
Boyd's passion for journalism and storytelling is evident in her work with a team of young budding journalists, aged 10 and above, for her magazine. Launched in 2020 by Boyd and her daughter Faith, Cocoa Girl has already been distributed to 500 schools across the U.K. The mother-daughter duo has also launched a similar magazine called Cocoa Boy. Boyd's journey of teaching journalism skills to young children has already opened doors to great opportunities, such as interviewing Halle Bailey, the star of Disney's The Little Mermaid. Boyd says that meeting Bailey, the first Black actress to portray Ariel, gave the children a chance to shape the narrative. "It was a powerful experience for the children to see someone like them being represented positively. It's important for them to tell their own stories and not wait for the world to paint a false picture," she explains.
Apart from catering to children, Cocoa Journalism aims to engage with adults as well, offering a storytelling center and a fashion styling course in the evenings. The school's "no phone" policy is a nod to traditional education methods, and Boyd believes it will encourage children to pick up a pen and interact more. "We want to go back to basics with this school. Children are so used to scrolling on their phones, and we want to change that," she says.
The response to the school's opening has been overwhelming, with over 300 parents expressing interest in enrolling their children. Boyd is grateful but not surprised. "Parents have been asking for something like this for a long time. This school is a chance for children from diverse backgrounds to improve their social skills, and we are all very excited about it," she says.
In the future, Boyd hopes to collaborate with Black media professionals to teach and run workshops at the school. The school's opening has also caught the attention of the media, with Essence Black Women in Hollywood honoring Danielle Brooks and Halle Bailey for their contributions to the industry. The future looks bright for Cocoa Journalism, and with Boyd's determination and passion, it's sure to make a significant impact on the next generation of journalists and storytellers.
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