#BHM: Q&A with Esther

Written by Sonya Kayson on Oct 20th 2022

For Black History Month, we wanted to profile a number of key folk from across Crown and celebrate what they bring to us. Today we’re introducing Esther who lives in Harrow and has been at Crown since 2016. Thanks to Esther for taking time out of her busy life to answer some questions and allow us to get to know her a bit more!

Gavin: Can you tell us a bit about your background, your family and where you grew up?
Esther: I was born in Nigeria and moved to the Republic of Ireland when I was 3 years old. I have one younger sister who was born and raised in Ireland. I grew up in an African-Christian household in a predominantly white-populated area called Wexford. Wexford (the ‘sunny south-east’) is not really a big town so everyone knows everyone, which made it feel like one big community! I lived in Wexford town till I was 9 before moving to the countryside. I would call myself a country girl as I am very used to the smell of manure living next to fields of cattle! I was also very fortunate to live within 15-25 minutes of various different beaches where I and the family would go for walks and beach days out

Gavin: Can you tell us about your education and work experience before joining Crown?
Esther: I went to primary and secondary school in Ireland. When I was 18 I moved to the UK to study Psychology at Brunel University. During my course through placements, I gained experience working with vulnerable people as a support worker which I thoroughly enjoyed! My experience in worship came from a very tender age where I would get so upset if I arrived late to church and missed worship! Singing has always been part of my life and I joined my church worship team every Sunday when I was 16 and became a Sunday school helper too. I also had the privilege of running my church’s kids’ choir for a little while.

Gavin: How long have you been at Crown and in what capacity do you serve?
Esther: I have been at Crown for 5 years and I am a worship leader

Gavin: What does Black History Month mean to you?
Esther: For me, Black History Month is remembering and appreciating black history and celebrating the current black role models I have in this current day. Also, it reminds me that I as a black woman have a role to play and that I can make a difference for future black women after me.

Gavin: What do you like about Crown?
Esther: The inclusivity and diversity! I feel like I am part of a family that really cares about me and my spiritual growth. Everyone is so friendly.

For more information about Crown Church’s response to the ongoing issues of race and justice, please see our sermon series Amazing Race together with footage from our International Celebration Weekend. For those wishing to further explore issues of race, we would recommend Ben Lindsey’s book We Need to Talk About Race and Crossing the Divide, by Owen Hylton – both authors are dear friends of Crown. Owen heads up Reconciled Churches Group and Ben leads Power The Fight, which works to reduce youth and gang violence, supported in part by Crown Church.

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• #blackhistorymonth
• crown church
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