“Freedom through financial access. It was a trap! Something for nothing. Pretty words and laws delicately wrapped…” Excerpt from R.R.R.
Simone Millwood, a London creative, channels her Jamaican heritage into her poetic masterpieces, weaving a vivid tapestry of dramatic and evocative storytelling. Her art is a passionate exploration of history, identity, and black liberation.
Simone grew up in a large, loving family where friends were like family, and no one was left out. Her passion for storytelling comes from her mother, Verna Mae, who delighted Simone and her brothers with imaginative tales. Verna skillfully wove together entertainment, culture, and history using characters like Anansi the spider and mythical beings from folklore and the Bible.
Her father, Milton, nurtured her love for Caribbean culture through music, food, theater, and comedy. Milton’s adventurous spirit and passion for the arts inspired Simone to explore Caribbean and African cultures, which she infused into her college and university projects.
Some of Simone’s cherished memories include day trips across the UK with her family, enjoying Caribbean theatre and comedy, and the lively Dominoes games at home, where the table would buckle under the excitement of a winner’s slam and the cheers of “King of Dominoes.”
“We huddled together, not knowing this would be our last meeting. I cried tears. Never truly seen…” Excerpt from R.R.R.
Simone has always wanted to make a difference in the world, but she realized that her true impact would be in the place she loves most—her community. While studying at university, she became curious about why people outside her community had so much control over its narrative. She wanted to understand why it was easier for others to finance, govern, and shape how people in her community were seen.
“The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.” African Proverb
After finishing her master’s degree, Simone discovered that creating content was important, but it was even more crucial to own and control how that content is made and shared. She wanted to ensure that her community could create and control its own stories and not be at the mercy of others.
The challenge wasn’t a lack of understanding or acceptance of her culture but rather the negative way it was often portrayed. Simone is determined to change this by helping her community reclaim its narrative. She aims to give creatives the tools to build their own platforms, address key issues, and find solutions to the problems they face.
Simone is dedicated to empowering individuals through creative expression and community action. She creates events and books to support and inspire people of all ages, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.
In addition to her literary work, Simone is launching the Verna Mae Foundation in October 2025, aiming to support students in the Caribbean and Africa through scholarships and aid.
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