LANDSEC
Landsec build and invest in buildings, spaces and partnerships to create sustainable places, connect communities and realise potential. They are one of the largest real estate companies in Europe, with a £10.8 billion portfolio of retail, leisure, workspace and residential hubs. Landsec is shaping a better future by leading their industry on environmental and social sustainability while delivering value for their shareholders, great experiences for their guests and positive change for their communities.
Photograph of Cephas Williams &
Mark Allan, CEO of Lansec
Tim Campbell speaking at the PoBB closing event
Photography by Chris O'Donovan
Cephas Williams joins forces with Landsec
Cephas Williams and Landsec have come together to launch Portrait of Black Britain at Bluewater shopping centre in Kent, one of Europe’s leading retail and leisure destinations.
Portrait of Black Britain is a project to create the largest collection of photographic portraits of Black people living in the UK. It is a celebration of the beauty in identity and diversity, highlighting that Black people are not a monolith and amplifying the achievements of the Black community within the British landscape.
This is the second instalment of Portrait of Black Britain, supported by Landsec and on display to members of the public at Bluewater from Monday 1 November until Sunday 14 November 2021. The portraits feature 220 individuals including members of the local community; Williams’ goal is to grow this collection to 1,000, with future exhibitions in locations across the UK.
Patrick Campbell hosting at the PoBB closing event
Photography by Chris O'Donovan
Portrait of Black Britain photographic exhibition opens at Bluewater
Landsec’s support of the exhibition demonstrates a commitment to being an active ally and making their spaces more inclusive and welcoming for everyone. Landsec’s involvement in this project follows a recent incident at Bluewater, where Williams was accused of theft by House of Fraser’s security team.
Portrait of Black Britain is one strand of the Black British Network, an alliance set up in 2020 and made up of business leaders, their organisations and the Black community. The focus of the network, founded by Williams, is to work together to dismantle systemic racism and improve the economic prospects of Black people living in the UK. Founding members include Salesforce, Dechert, EY, Sainsburys, Clear Channel and Alfa, whose employees feature in the Bluewater exhibition.
Williams is a campaigner, photographer and speaker committed to centralising Black representation and uniting communities and organisations to deliver long lasting change.
Andrew Denton speaking at the PoBB closing event
Photography by Chris O'Donovan
Cephas Williams speaking at the PoBB closing event
Photography by Chris O'Donovan
“Mark Allan and I met shortly after the incident, and after speaking with him, I believe the commitment to driving significant change alongside myself is meaningful and not insubstantial. When I sat down with Mark, I saw someone who was willing to listen, learn and really commit to the work, accountability and action needed to dismantle systemic racism. Launching Portrait of Black Britain at Bluewater is just the start of this relationship and I’m keen to explore and deliver on other aspects of our joint aspirations for societal reform. Mark and I may not share the same lived experience, however we have a shared understanding and passion for the change we need to see in this area and as such have become peers of the cause.”
Cephas Williams
Sam Obaseki hosting at the PoBB closing event
Photography by Chris O'Donovan
I Am Not My Stereotype
Nationwide Billboard Campaign
In 2019, Cephas partnered with Clear Channel to initiate a nationwide billboard campaign across the UK of the 56 Black Men portrait series.
Cephas & Clear Channel are committed to
utilising the medium of OOH media as a force for good. As an asset that sits within the hearts of communities there is a desire to not only give a voice to brands, but to give a voice to the people.
Michelle Moore speaking at the PoBB closing event
Photography by Chris O'Donovan
Sam Obaseki hosting at the PoBB closing event
Photography by Chris O'Donovan
Michelle Moore speaking at the PoBB closing event
Photography by Chris O'Donovan
I Am Not My Stereotype
Nationwide Billboard Campaign
In 2019, Cephas partnered with Clear Channel to initiate a nationwide billboard campaign across the UK of the 56 Black Men portrait series.
Cephas & Clear Channel are committed to
utilising the medium of OOH media as a force for good. As an asset that sits within the hearts of communities there is a desire to not only give a voice to brands, but to give a voice to the people.
Sam Obaseki hosting at the PoBB closing event
Photography by Chris O'Donovan