SEACA

South Essex African Caribbean Association

Who We Are

The South Essex African Caribbean Association (SEACA) is a Charitable Organisation. A recognized African Caribbean Association in Southend, that is easily accessible to the community. We celebrate and share exciting, colourful, warm and vibrant African and Caribbean culture. Also successfully acknowledging the African and Caribbean traditions through different medias, be it education, music, drama food, poetry and dances.
We collaborate with other societies and organisations and extend the diversity of the association, by openly welcoming those of different backgrounds, cultures and origins to contribute to helping the community.

We welcome any support that assists with, the progression of the African Caribbean Association.
South Essex African Caribbean Association (SEACA) seeks to share and celebrate our culture, heritage and arts with the wider community, promoting understanding, tolerance, community, and social cohesion.

MEET THE TEAM

Tanesha Baxter

Trustee

Tanesha comes from an educational background with a BA in Education and Community Development and works as a Child Specialist and is also a Senior Teacher for Inclusion and SENCO. She trains teachers on the new Code of Practice ensuring teachers are aware of Individual Support Plans. Tenesha is very passionate about teaching all year groups from nursery to Key Stage 4, and teaches pupils with various learning difficulties; Autism, ADHD and those with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Tanesha's attitude towards children and schooling is "Never limit a child, each child is an individual and should be taught accordingly.”

Shauna Creary

Trustee

Shauna has been involved with SEACA (South Essex African Caribbean Association) since it’s inception and has been a valued member for twelve years. Coming from a Caribbean background, originally from Jamaica, she settled in Southend with her family twenty-one years ago. Working as a Civil Servant for over 40 years in a variety of roles, in departments from Defence to Benefits. Shauna is passionate about creating a network, which is part of our Caribbean culture and making sure there is family to family support. She has watched her own child grow up with local families children and that has become an extended community connection. The future of Southend and the changing face of this corner of Essex, has become part of her mission to share and support the lives, stories and aspirations of the African and Caribbean community.

Josephine Melville

Founder / Chair

Josephine is coming from a creative background and has had an extremely varied career starting out as a dancer and making her transition to actress writer, director, archivist and producer working in the business for over 40 years. As founder of the South Essex African Caribbean Association, Josephine uses her combined skills and experience to create initiatives and community events to break down cultural barriers and enhance community cohesion for the ever-changing diversity of South Essex residents.

Annika Phillipps

Trustee

Annika comes from an administrative background covering a variety of roles both in the private and public sectors but is currently working in the fire and security business. Born in the UK of Caribbean background moved to Southend from London 5 years ago with her family with a hobby for all things crafts. "I would like to bring the community together showing the beauty of the African and Caribbean cultures whilst supporting and encouraging each other."

Patrick Graham

Trustee and Secretary

A business analyst / project co-ordinator working within the Financial Services sector for over 30 years . Patrick has extensive stakeholder management and leadership skills but specialises in strategic project delivery for complex business needs. He enjoys working with young people within the community and has been involved with the project 'Coaching for Success' within Essex secondary schools, ABA boxing tutoring and mentoring for Southend Association of Voluntary Sector (SAVS) .

East Beach Festival

The countdown begins… The East Beach Festival at Shoeburyness in Southend will happen on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th August… East beach will come alive with colour, music and food, a carnival by the sea. The East Beach festival is coming. Save the date in your diary and join us and be part of this exciting weekend. Application for stalls are going fast!! To book, go straight to the website. Please allow 7 days for reply. For more information; www.eastbeachfestival.uk Spread the word… the East Beach Festival is coming!