Chris
was born in Clapham in '82 to an unconditionally loving, religiously faithful,
Igbo Queen and mother. Alongside a providing, unbending, whip cracking,
accountant, but overall loving Ijaw Dad -it's no surprise Chris became a
creative visionary and faultlessly focused from an early age.
He
flexed the dexterity of his skillset first by honing his craft as a barber for
family, neighbours and classmates from age 14. He submerged himself in art and
design by drawing comic books and sketching until dawn, dabbled in the fashion
world, then performed as an actor in performances at Italia Conti, The Young
Vic and Wimbledon theatre. He locked down a graphic design degree, a lengthy
list of accolades and was voted the inaugural president of his uni's new African
Caribbean society, as well as created and ran some of the towns most off the
chain social events.
Off
the back of carving out a dynamic portfolio of creative work, Chris put in a
14-year career in Barclay's bank, building an extensive network, and an arsenal
of experience. Until he eventually resigned as a result of perceived racial
discrimination in the industry and poor leadership.
Blessed
with 3 beautiful children, his partner, siblings and his mother and father but
facing trauma and depression, Chris was supported by his strong network.
Thankfully his family, mentors and fitness coaches guided him out of what he
cities as the darkest phase of his life.
Throwing
himself wholeheartedly into everything that he does, Chris bounced back stronger and more
ambitious than ever. Having always been
entrepreneurial and no stranger to a side hustle his talents were soon back in
high demand. From freelance logo and graphic design commissions, private
corporate photography contracts, to family media productions company
'Kitokoncepts', his own self-defence and fitness brand 'Martial Arts Locker
Room' and beyond.
In
2020, when lockdown hit the transformed his most recent business venture
'Holistic Well Hub' into a COVID response unit that delivered free food and
supplies hampers to anyone vulnerable in the Croydon community.
On a
constant journey of self-discovery, Chris continually pushes his mind, body and
soul beyond its personal best. Whether that's football, Hiit training,
kickboxing, MMA of his current favourite Brazilian JiuJitsu. He's not only
racked up trophies but a unique fighting style, and like many elements of his
personality… an "alien endurance".
"My
career helped me achieve many successes and L's and exposed me to material
worlds that most could only dream of. From flash sports cars to properties,
shopping sprees, unfulfilling indulgences and wild parties. But it ultimately
became my downfall. Not only did I later discover that none of that world was
my authentic identity. But it exposed me to racial injustice.
Because
of this, the pillar of this platform in United to Change and Inspire that I'm
most passionate about is mental health and equality in employment. By
understanding my own purpose I hope to empower and helping others on their
healing journeys of self-discovery and evolution."
Chris
concludes "As a nation, we have suffered and endured for centuries as a
result of cowardly, incompetent, selfish, insecure and self-entitled privilege.
What I want to change and improve through United to Change and Inspire is the
current narrative and injustice my ancestors have faced. I hope to instead
spark consciousness that equality, education and self-love are where we need to
start to build a better society, community and race. "