Most of us wouldn’t dream of studying at the age of 80, but highly ambitious Antonette Clarke-Akalanne, saw age as no barrier when she enrolled on a MA in Black Humanities at Bristol University.
Graduating at 81 years-old, was a massive and inspiring milestone and Antonette continues to embrace work in the community through her poetry and community engagement in the city of Bristol, where she resides. This month we shine the spotlight on her.
Mrs Eulinda Antonette Clarke-Akalanne
Age: Elderly
What’s been your greatest career achievement so far?
Master of Arts degree in Black Humanities which offered me opportunities to be a researcher aspects of History
What motivates you?
life and learning
What’s been your favourite holiday destination?
Barbados
Name one country you would like (other than UK) to live and why?
Thailand, because presently it offers good quality of life, the people, are respectful and there is easy access to good quality organic vegetables and fruit. There are also opportunities to develop one’s spiritual, esoterical and emotional health.
What do you do to relax?
I practice mindfulness and meditation, do deep breathing exercises, visualisation and listen to classical music and being outdoors in the countryside.
What would you like to be remembered about you?
The impact I have made on people through my presence and poetry.
Name four inspiring Black British figures?
Olaudah Equiano, Trevor Mc Donald, Idris Elba and Megan Merkle.
Who had the biggest impact in Black history?
Olaudah Equiano
What is the most significant moment in Black history that stands out to you?
The toppling of Edward Coulston’s statue in Bristol
If you could be a part of one moment in history, what would it be and why?
I would be a singer. I sing soprano and was very involved in singing performances in the U3A in Somerset.
