Cephas Williams Closing Address + Q&A | Black Out 2023 | Cannes Lions | Launch Event

You’ve only seen the pictures from our launch event last week Friday. I’m still receiving messages from those that attended about how they found the entire event, the film we premiered of #CephasInCannes last year, the content that came out of all the panel sessions and my closing address / Q&A segment.
For me to do what I doing now has taken a lot, I had to become comfortable with the idea of death and not seeing the manifestation of my vision in my life time, comfortable with being 1,000 things to 1,000, people not understanding the decisions I make because we have different views. Comfortable with the idea that people may not support me no matter how pure my intentions are and no matter how brilliantly I execute my vision, comfortable with the idea that people may much rather support someone or something that is not a threat to them, their sphere of privilege or their own insecurities.
I don’t like watching myself back after giving a speech or talk/conversation but this 1 defiantly hit different.
There has been movement happening and we’ll be announcing a few things soon, but more still needs to be done. I often feel like the guy people will watch when I’m dead and gone and understand better than the people who are alive to experience my contribution, vision and what I’ve given to this world and the people in it. I have made peace with that and don’t do this for praise or recognition, so I say, don’t thank me. Join me. We have a long way ahead of us and as Black people, only when we come together in isolation of ego and the insecurity that make some of us forsake the strength in the face of the glory, only then will we truly win.
Together We Are Stronger
If you’re an organisation within the industry and would like to partner with us on this program to invest in Black talent across the landscape please email - [e-mail]
Partner with us as we move toward our initial target of £100k the more we raise the more we can continue to do in our mission to dismantle systemic racism and creating an equal playing field for Black people across the board.
The Black British Network / #BlackOut In partnership with Cannes Lions
You can also personally support the Crowdfunder here - www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/black...
Watch the short film from last year #CephasInCannes

[@catherinekay8694]

HI Cephas I am so pleased I connected with you so many years ago. You are a constant inspiration.

[@RelaxIn30]

🙌🙌

[@kmscribbles]

🖤🖤

[@lizzieam12]

Your message broke my heart 💔
You are doing amazing work, and I pray you to get the right support.
One of the most difficult things I realised when I was running my own business was dealing with our own black people for fundraisingor donations. There are many black millionaires that can back the work you are doing, but nowhere to be found in times of need. It's really heartbreaking 💔
If we can't support our own, than who's going to help us.
I walked away from a well established business because I was so tired of always asking for help to support the black community.
There are many millionaires, billionaires who can support the work you do, the likes of Beyonce, and most who are in the music industry, film, businesses and more...we are however, only thinking about ourselves, and not ever looking at the bigger picture.
I am not too sure, when this mind set of myself only, will ever change.
All I can say is keep up the good work. When you feel you, can not pour from empty glass. Walk away with your head held high, and say you gave it your best shot.
Your health is your wealth, and always remember family first. Your wife and children must be your priority.
Take care and look after yourself.
From your number 1 fan 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@kookiepopstv349]

Wow! This has touched my soul I relate to those values too. I’m going to continue to practice that attitude always When you have good intentions 💙🙌🏾🫶🏾✊🏾👑Clean Hearts win. Keeping it real always x