A new short film commissioned by Power to Change, the independent trust that supports community businesses in England, centres around Margate-based community business, People Dem Collective, as they work to facilitate systemic change.
‘Creating Cultural Belonging’ tells the story of People Dem Collective’s work promoting healing and continuing the work of its member’s ancestors by elevating the presence and visibility of people from Black, Brown, and Diaspora communities.
Directed by Black Dog Films’ Tom Dream, the film follows People Dem Collective founders Kelly Abbott and Victoria Williams as they bring about their mission in Margate, Kent.
Starting life in Kelly’s living room, the group has grown exponentially since 2019, particularly since the murder of George Floyd and they’re now working to take over a five-story building to create the UK’s first National Cultural Centre. People Dem Collective are currently delivering education sessions, workshops, cultural events and mentorship for young people from minoritised ethnicity communities. The group are also working in partnership with Dreamland Margate to turn a disused building into an inclusive space.
“People Dem Collective was born out of a shared lived experience, and a lack of space and inclusion for our community. We have a rich culture that we need to share, and we’re excited to launch this film and our journey with the world. We would like to encourage anyone who is interested in the National Cultural Centre to take part in our ongoing consultations as we develop this new space," says People Dem Collective.
Natasha Bright, communications manager at Power to Change, said: “With the release of this film and through our latest campaign #MyCommunityBusiness we hope to shine a light on some of these incredible stories of resilience and communities coming together, and maybe inspire others to do the same. People Dem Collective is a prime example of how integral community businesses are, not only to their local areas but also to the people they support.”