Black History Month Heroes

Nicola Adams - a shining example of breaking down barriers. Nicola is an inspiring, warm and authentic sports personality who grew up just down the road from LUU in Ebor Gardens, Leeds. Nicola was aspiring to be an Olympic champion long before women were allowed to box at the Olympics. She went on to be the first woman to hold Commonwealth, European AND Olympic boxing titles. She won gold in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, and is such a charming lass that she thought she could pop down to Asda after the 2012 victory and was surprised fans recognised her! She was also the first openly LGBT+ person to win an Olympic medal (boxing gold) and was voted most influential sports person by the Independent. This is particularly inspiring to me as being LGBT+ is still such a huge taboo in most sports and many sporty kids think they have to hide their sexuality to succeed. There still has not been an out mens footballer in top flight football since the sad story of how the media treated Justin Fashanu. The same can be said for professionals in most other mainstream sports - Basketball, Cricket, etc.

Nicola remains unbeaten in her professional career and for her work outside the ring. She continues to break boundaries and as the first woman-woman dancing duo in this year's Strictly - could success on the glittery tiles be coming her way?

Amrita, Help & Support

Nina Simone is an icon, a legend, but a hero would be a label even she wouldn't accept lightly. Miss Simone was an incredible musician who trained as a classical pianist. Her dream was to be the first black female artist to play Carnegie Hall in New York City. However her music career would flourish as a singer firstly, and a pianist second. Her works are not only beautiful, but often very political. Nina Simone wasn't afraid to make her voice heard at a time when the Civil Rights Movement was on the march and opposition to it was fierce and often violent. Nina Simone never shrank in the face of opposition; instead she sang louder and more passionately than any one else could.

Nina's life would become shrouded by her struggles with mental health. Her own demons would famously affect her temperament during performances. But through music, she would find levity in her life albeit fleetingly. Nina Simone led a complicated and fascinating life leaving behind a cultural legacy like no other. In her eyes she was a failed pianist, and wouldn't lightly accept the title of hero. But to me, Nina Simone poured pain and passion into art and never backed down from speaking the truth.

Watch: What happened, Miss Simone?

Anon.