Edi Mandala

Edi Mandala

Edi has been in Brighton and Hove for over 20 years. He is a consultant in anti-domestic violence training, conflict management for families, and father’s development work. He also does mosaic art and decorative tiling.

What would your motto be?

‘If I am not what I’ve been told I am then it means that you’re not what you thought you were either.’ James Baldwin

Edi's grandmaWhat are you proud of?

Being immersed in creative activities in art and music as well as enjoying training people in anti-domestic violence strategies, which is something I’ve got an investment in as a father and as a Black man in this society – it makes me feel that I’m actually contributing to the change I want to see in society.

I have become qualified in my areas of work (Art Therapy), and I’ve managed to maintain healthy relationships across the social spectrum: young or people, Black and White, beyond gender / disability stereotypes.

I am so proud of my ancestry that I want to sing but my family’s continued growth and happiness is paramount.

What do you think Black and Minority Ethnic people have contributed to Brighton and Hove?

It’s incalculable but larger than we would think. For instance politically they have forced issues dealing with Equalities which have indirectly empowered other minority groups in the area.

Socially they have made Brighton even more stimulating and representative of the world and not insulated and grey like in neighbouring towns passing for ‘twee’.

Economically they have kept the hotels, universities, restaurants, taxi services running and enriched the creative culture as well. And would the National Health Service even exist without them?