Founder’s Note

When I accepted a relocation to Singapore in 2013, I very shortly embarked on a series of google searches for black communities and hair salons in Singapore! This bore similarities to my mother’s experience in the ‘80s when she relocated to Nigeria with my father from England. She did not have the benefit of google but found a British/Trinidadian community soon after she settled in. And so it is with many emigrants – the search for community, connection and familiarity follows.
In the wake of what could be considered one of the most pivotal race events in modern history in June 2020, a flurry of activity globally in corporations, communities and institutions ensued. From protests all around the world, to increased levels of DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) action, and a host of online forums amidst ongoing lockdowns in much of the world due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

I also felt compelled to do something to contribute to moving the conversation on social and economic equity forward. The genuine curiosity and questions that came from friends and colleagues in Singapore revealed to me how invisible a lot of the black community was – and that was not because they weren’t here. In the time I have lived in Singapore, I have had the privilege of meeting and connecting with so many inspiring and accomplished individuals – all of whom would make the perfect dinner guest-list! Individuals with remarkable stories that would remain largely unknown, perhaps unsurprisingly so, as many stints here are transitory. The Levantine Corridor Network brings together the stories of these individuals (Singapore past and present). It chronicles their journeys and the contributions they have made and continue to make.

I am inspired by the ‘corridors’ featured here, and I hope in sharing them, it is one small but impactful step towards changing narratives, challenging perspectives, and contributing to the changes we seek in our global communities.

Sincerely,

Mayen Ekong

Founder, The Levantine Corridor Network