Black History Month in the UK is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable contributions of Black individuals to our society, culture, and history. It's a time to recognise the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of the Black community, both past and present. This year, as we commemorate Black History Month, we are thrilled to introduce you to one of our newest talk and workshop leaders and a truly inspirational figure, Patrick Hutchinson – a personal trainer, athletics coach, martial artist, author, and co-founder of pHKind, a health and wellness brand that empowers individuals to take control of their health.
A Journey of Determination
Patrick Hutchinson was born in Coventry, England, and raised in London by a Jamaican single mother who was part of the Windrush generation, Patrick's life is a testament to the power of determination and resilience. His mother, Maxine, made tremendous sacrifices to ensure the happiness of her children, often going without to provide for them.
Patrick's motto is "Fit at fifty," symbolising his commitment to improving physical health and mental well-being. He relies on daily exercise and martial arts as sources of motivation and self-improvement. Patrick's journey in martial arts began with mimicking Chinese kung fu movies alongside friends, which ultimately developed into a lifelong passion. He started his training in Tae Kwon Do at the age of 12 and currently holds a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
A Defining Moment
On June 13, 2020, Patrick and his companions felt an urge to go to the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in central London. Their mission was to protect women and children from the aggressive confrontations of far-right counter demonstrators and football hooligans.
Amid the crowds, a profound moment unfolded - an image of Patrick carrying a far-right counter-protestor on his shoulders, preventing the individual from enduring severe harm. This act of courage not only shielded the Black Lives Matter movement from negative publicity but also reshaped the narrative surrounding it.
Patrick's heroic act garnered widespread international attention. Within hours, major news outlets like CNN, The New York Times, The Guardian, and more were captivated by his story. His image graced the covers of renowned magazines such as GQ and Vogue. Patrick's accolades included the GQ Hero award and a CNN Heroes award, recognising him as one of the most inspirational figures of 2020. Beyond awards and recognition, Patrick received community honours, including the prestigious London Chamber of Commerce Black Excellence Awards in October 2022.
A Catalyst for Change
Patrick is not just a hero but a catalyst for change. He serves as an ambassador for several charities dedicated to enriching the lives of young people, including The Hope Collective, Rio Ferdinand Foundation, and The Black Students Support Fund at the Open University.
Now, as a published author and motivational speaker, Patrick shares his life experiences, including his nearly 25-year career in the corporate world. He passionately emphasises the importance of educating ourselves and others about the root causes of systemic inequalities. Patrick underscores how systems of power and privilege perpetuate discrimination, inequality, and a lack of equity for people of colour.
As we commemorate Black History Month, we are honoured to introduce you to Patrick, an individual whose journey epitomises resilience, courage, and compassion. His voyage from a London council estate to becoming a global hero exemplifies the transformative potential of determination and the capacity for positive change within us all. Patrick's story serves as a reminder that each of us possesses the potential to make a profound difference in the world. We invite you to join us in welcoming Patrick Hutchinson as he shares his incredible journey and his unwavering commitment to combating racism and inequality in his talk, "Everyone Versus Racism". It is a narrative that will inspire, educate, and empower us all to stand up for justice and equality.
