Jump to content

Jak Beula: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Yobot (talk | contribs)
Bots
4,733,870 edits
m →‎Early life: WP:CHECKWIKI error fixes using AWB
No edit summary
Line 1: Line 1:
+ {{BLP sources|date=May 2013}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{POV|date=May 2013}}
+ }}
{{BLP sources|date=May 2013}}
}}
+

{{Infobox artist
{{Infobox artist
{{Infobox artist
| bgcolour = #6495ED
| name = Jak Beula Dodd
| image = jbeula.jpg
| bgcolour = #6495ED
| bgcolour = #6495ED
| birth_date = Johnny Alexander Bubeula Dodd {{birth date and age|1963|07|04|df=yes}}<br /> Paddington, [[London]]
| nationality = British
Line 11: Line 16:
| field = Entrepreneur
}}
| works = [[Nubian Jak]], On Track 4 Gold, Educational workshops, Blue plaque schemes
}}
| awards = Black Arts Sports Enterprise (BASE) award, (March 1995), MACE Award (December 2003), African Caribbean Enterprise’ (March 2005), Organisation Achievement Award’ BEEAM (July 2007)
| website = [http://www.nubianjak.com www.nubianjak.com]
}}
− '''Jak Beula Dodd''' (born '''Johnny Alexander Bubeula Dodd''' on 4 July 1963) is a [[United Kingdom|British]] artist and entrepreneur, specializing in African-centered products and concepts for the education, leisure and entertainment industries. He has been an author, columnist, songwriter, musician, model and social-worker. Jak Beula is best known for inventing the multi – award winning board game series [[Nubian Jak]] and App of the same name.<ref>[https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/27744/nubian-jak "Black Londoners": 1880-1990 by Okokon, Susan (1998) The History Press (25 April 1996) P57 ISBN: 9780750915489,]</ref> He is also the proprietor of Britain’s only national BAME plaque and sculpture scheme to honour personalities of the past.<ref> "Open Plaques Organisation"[http://openplaques.org/organisations/nubian_jak]</ref> Jak is a father of 3 and lives in London, England.

'''Jak Beula Dodd''' (born '''Johnny Alexander Bubeula Dodd''' on 4 July 1963) is a [[United Kingdom|British]] entrepreneur best known for inventing the board game [[Nubian Jak]].
+ '''Jak Beula Dodd''' (born '''Johnny Alexander Bubeula Dodd''' on 4 July 1963) is a [[United Kingdom|British]] entrepreneur best known for inventing the board game [[Nubian Jak]].

−
==Early life==
−
Jak was born in [[Paddington]], West [[London]], and is one of four children. He was born to parents Gladys Jessithiah Dodd and Daniel Smikle but from the age of 10 days old was brought up by his grandmother, Roslyn Dodd. His grandmother was of [[Jamaican]] descent and was a [[Pentecostal]] evangelist who raised Jak with a strict Christian upbringing.<ref name=Success>[http://www.publicbookshelf.com/biography/black-success/jak-dodd-1 "Jak Dodd/Nubian Jak", in ''Black Success Stories'' by Zhana, Chapter 3. PublicBookshelf]</ref>

==Social work==
==Early life==
==Early life==
It was while working in his capacity as a social worker that Jak Beula began to notice what he described as society’s neglect, particularly of young black and white working-class youth in the social care system. Not only did it appear as if care staff were ill equipped to deal with demands of the young people, some of the young people were adopting sub-cultural stereotypic behaviour. Beula put this down to, in part, their educational experiences, as well as a lack of positive role models in both the media and their immediate environment.<ref name=Success /> Jak noticed there were hardly any [[multi-cultural]] resources available within their homes.

− Born in [[St Mary’s Hospital]], West [[London]], in 1963, to Gladys Jessithiah Dodd and Daniel Smickle, Jak was adopted as a baby by his grandmother, Roslyn Dodd, and brought up in and around the area of [[Notting Hill]]. His grandmother was a [[Pentecostal]] evangelist, who raised Jak with a strict [[Christian]] upbringing. In 1975, she founded her own ministry alongside Pastor Olonzo Headlam.<ref> "Source"[http://www.glighthouse.org/site/cpage.asp?cpage_id=180000801&sec_id=180000467]</ref> at No 1 Warwick Crescent, Maida Vale, London, with a pre-teenage Jak as the church’s regular organ player. Although he would eventually leave the church in his mid-teens to the inevitable disappointment of his grandmother, Jak credits his religious upbringing and musical foundation as the inspirational source for all his creative concepts.
''"They were hungry for role models, because we all need a sense of identification, a sense of self and of self-esteem. Most of the role models they were being given in the media were negative and were stereotypes, it was very disappointing. So I decided to give the young people some new information, whether they wanted the information or not, I was going to give it to them".''
+ Jak was born in [[Paddington]], West [[London]], and is one of four children. He was born to parents Gladys Jessithiah Dodd and Daniel Smikle but from the age of 10 days old was brought up by his grandmother, Roslyn Dodd. His grandmother was of [[Jamaican]] descent and was a [[Pentecostal]] evangelist who raised Jak with a strict Christian upbringing.<ref name=Success>[http://www.publicbookshelf.com/biography/black-success/jak-dodd-1 "Jak Dodd/Nubian Jak", in ''Black Success Stories'' by Zhana, Chapter 3. PublicBookshelf]</ref>

He began to devise an educational program that would try to address these points, out of which came the board game Nubian Jak. It immediately became a bestseller in [[London]], prompting Beula to give up work as a social worker. By the ending of 1996 educational magnates such as [[Time-Life]] were commenting on its innovation. In 1998 Beula self-published the first edition of ''Nubian Jak’s Book of World Facts''. Dubbed “the truth with proof”, it was subtitled "the Ultimate Reference Guide to Global Black Achievement". In 2001 Beula signed a publishing deal with [[Harper Collins]] in New York to reissue the book.

He has created Britain’s only national [[Black and ethnic minority|BME]] plaque and sculpture scheme,<ref>[http://www.itzcaribbean.com/kelsocochrane.php "Kelso Cochrane Honoured With A Blue Plaque", itzcaribbean]</ref> to honour personalities of the past.<ref>[http://openplaques.org/organisations/nubian_jak Nubian Jak Community Trust plaques, Open Plaques.]</ref><ref>[http://www.itzcaribbean.com/heritage_plaque_scheme.php "Black Heroes Honoured", itzcaribbean]</ref> Beula worked alongside London 2012 with his innovated diversity project, On Track 4 Gold.<ref>[http://ontrackforgold.com/Articles.asp?ID=97 "The race is on to find Britain's Favourite Olympian"], On Track 4 Gold.</ref><ref>[http://www.luton-dunstable.co.uk/Seb-Coe-visits-Lutons-2012-Olympic-programme/story-21689520-detail/story.html "Seb Coe visits Luton's 2012 Olympic programme"], ''Luton On Sunday'', 23 January 2008.</ref>
− ==Early career==

==Bibliography==
− Between 1974 and 1981 Jak Beula attended [[Quintin Kynaston Secondary School]] in St John’s Wood, where he first received the moniker “Jack” (derived from John). Keen to pursue a career in the arts on leaving school, Jak signed up with the stage and screen union [[NATTKE]] aged 17. His first job was as resident in-house sound engineer Upstairs at [[Ronnie Scotts]]. The venue hosted live music as well as being a night club, situated above from the world renowned Jazz club. About the same time Jak was asked by a school friend, Frank Tobin, to join a new [[reggae]] fusion boy band, which became known as Stigma. The band were styled to wear Pirate clothing designed fashionista Mark Tarbard.<ref>"Source"[https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=FV3nAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT218&lpg=PT218&dq=mark+tarbard+pattern+cutter&source=bl&ots=2iBB4WShTN&sig=ZiC2FAr_IRzxFFDH04TVfNiJ9C8&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj8jYiA45bPAhWnJ8AKHSaLAqYQ6AEIKzAD#v=onepage&q=mark%20tarbard%20pattern%20cutter&f=false]</ref> The original line up of the band was Frank Tobin (lead vocals), Jak Beula (Keyboards and lead vocals), John Paul (JP) Palmer (Drums and backing vocals), Reuben “Piper” Fari (Bass), and Peter Pocket (Guitars). Their only single Remember<ref>"Song credits: Jak Beula-Remember"http://www.45cat.com/record/stig1
* ''Book of World Facts'' (Edutainment & Leisure, 1998).
* ''Book of World Facts'' (New York: Amistad Press, Harper Collins, 2002).
− https://www.discogs.com/Stigma-Remember/release/4680287
* ''Book of World Facts'', Vol. 1 (London: Nu Jak Media, 2004).

− http://www.popsike.com/Stigma-Remember-UK-orig-12-/201045901989.html
==References==
{{reflist}}
− </ref> was released on their own label Stigmatic Sound, and distributed by [[Independent Label]] Beggars Banquet. The song was a [[John Peel]] record of the week on [[Radio One]], and scored limited success in the Independent [[Charts]] in 1981.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Beula, Jak}}
[[Category:Board game designers]]
− Over the next decade Jak Beula would supplement his ambition for a music career with contractual work as a NATTKE employee. He worked as a stage extra in the West End musical [[Little Me]]<ref>"source" http://www.ovrtur.com/production/2892154</ref> at the [[Prince of Wales Theatre]] with [[Russ Abbott]] and [[Sheila White]], and as a stage hand in [[High Society]] <ref>http://www.musicalheaven.com/h/high-society/</ref> at the Victoria Palace Theatre with [[Patrick Ryecart]] and [[Angela Richards]].
[[Category:Living people]]
+ ==Social work==
[[Category:1963 births]]
+ It was while working in his capacity as a social worker that Jak Beula began to notice what he described as society’s neglect, particularly of young black and white working-class youth in the social care system. Not only did it appear as if care staff were ill equipped to deal with demands of the young people, some of the young people were adopting sub-cultural stereotypic behaviour. Beula put this down to, in part, their educational experiences, as well as a lack of positive role models in both the media and their immediate environment.<ref name=Success /> Jak noticed there were hardly any [[multi-cultural]] resources available within their homes.
− In the summer of 1987, his membership with NATTKE landed him a short contract with Thames Television, in Euston, as a department liaison officer. While in this post Jak was given an opportunity to represent Hollywood (wiki) screen legend [[Bette Davis]]. It was done as a favour to the literary agent Patrick Newley <ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/culture-obituaries/theatre-obituaries/5517062/Patrick-Newley.html</ref> (who Jak had met a few years earlier when working at [[Quaker Meeting House]] in Hop Gardens, London, W1). Using publicity material received from Patrick Newley for Ms Davis, Jak set up a meeting with the [[Thames At Six]] news team, to discuss an interview on behalf of the Hollywood actress. The interview was to promote Ms Davis’s second autobiography [[This N That]].
+ ''"They were hungry for role models, because we all need a sense of identification, a sense of self and of self-esteem. Most of the role models they were being given in the media were negative and were stereotypes, it was very disappointing. So I decided to give the young people some new information, whether they wanted the information or not, I was going to give it to them".''
− Not long after his stint at Thames Television Jak formed another five-piece experimental unit called This Medusa, with Drummer, model, and long-time collaborator John Paul (JP) Palmer. Their recording of an unreleased song entitled Crazy in the City engineered and produced at [[Abbey Road Studios]] by [[Ken Townsend]] led to an introduction to [[Jazzie B]] of [[Soul II Soul]]. At the time Jazzie B was managed by [[Don Taylor]] who’d previously managed [[Marvin Gaye]] and [[Bob Marley]]. Don Taylor agreed to take Jak and JP under his wing, and offered them a management contract to re-record Crazy and a follow up single called Mansion Party <ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Zx35ltE4PA</ref>.
+ He began to devise an educational program that would try to address these points, out of which came the board game Nubian Jak. It immediately became a bestseller in [[London]], prompting Beula to give up work as a social worker. By the ending of 1996 educational magnates such as [[Time-Life]] were commenting on its innovation. In 1998 Beula self-published the first edition of ''Nubian Jak’s Book of World Facts''. Dubbed “the truth with proof”, it was subtitled "the Ultimate Reference Guide to Global Black Achievement". In 2001 Beula signed a publishing deal with [[Harper Collins]] in New York to reissue the book.
− However, although both songs were recorded at Jazzie B’s Farnham studios, contractual disagreements delayed the release of a This Medusa debut single. Finally, the management contract with Don Taylor was torn up, and disillusioned with the music industry Jak decided to change career paths and returned back to full time education in 1989. His new chosen path was a career in social work. But a year into his degree Jak’s grandmother suddenly passed away. Unable and unwilling to continue with his studies, and now at a crossroads, Jak took on employment as a peripatetic [[social worker]]. He also signed up as a part time model with the [[Ugly Models]] agency in London. In 1992, he secured an assignment to become the “National Face of [[InterFlora]]”, where he was featured in a number of well-known magazines from “[[GQ to Viz]]” The campaign lasted from February 1992 until December 1995.
+ He has created Britain’s only national [[Black and ethnic minority|BME]] plaque and sculpture scheme,<ref>[http://www.itzcaribbean.com/kelsocochrane.php "Kelso Cochrane Honoured With A Blue Plaque", itzcaribbean]</ref> to honour personalities of the past.<ref>[http://openplaques.org/organisations/nubian_jak Nubian Jak Community Trust plaques, Open Plaques.]</ref><ref>[http://www.itzcaribbean.com/heritage_plaque_scheme.php "Black Heroes Honoured", itzcaribbean]</ref> Beula worked alongside London 2012 with his innovated diversity project, On Track 4 Gold.<ref>[http://ontrackforgold.com/Articles.asp?ID=97 "The race is on to find Britain's Favourite Olympian"], On Track 4 Gold.</ref><ref>[http://www.luton-dunstable.co.uk/Seb-Coe-visits-Lutons-2012-Olympic-programme/story-21689520-detail/story.html "Seb Coe visits Luton's 2012 Olympic programme"], ''Luton On Sunday'', 23 January 2008.</ref>
−
−
− [[File:Jak Interflora.jpg|left|thumb|Jak on Cover of Interflora 1992]]
−
− ==Business Career==
−
− It was. However, in his capacity as a peripatetic social worker that Jak Beula conceived the concept that would change his life. The idea came to him to develop an interactive product that included positive role models, after discovering many of the young people he was working with, especially those from a BME background had cultural identity issues resulting in low self-esteem. So he set about devising an “edutainment” board game which looked at the diverse contributions people of colour had made to the UK. The game was called Nubian Jak and used a design very similar to the British Union Jack Flag. It was officially released at London’s Olympia Toy and Hobby Fair in January 1995 to rave reviews.<ref>http://www.gamecabinet.com/sumo/Issue22/node9.html</ref>
−
− Nubian Jak immediately became a best seller in the UK, prompting Jak Beula to give up his job as a social worker and develop the Nubian Jak concept further. By the ending of 1996 a World Revised edition was released for the US market<ref>http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/9603010215/nubian-jak-invades-europe-usa</ref> prompting educational magnates like [[Time Life]] to comment on the product’s innovation.<ref>http://www.gutenberg.us/articles/nubian_jak</ref> This was followed in 2000 by the game’s most successful edition to date, the Nu Millennium Edition<ref>http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/revealed-our-hidden-history-97270.html</ref> which sold on both sides of the Atlantic.
− In 2001 Jak Beula signed a publishing deal with [[Harper Collins]] in [[New York]] to publish a book version of the board game. Coined the ‘the truth with proof’, the book was titled Nubian Jak’s Book of World Facts: The Ultimate Source on Blacks.<ref>https://openlibrary.org/publishers/Amistad_Press_(HarperCollins</ref>
−
− Subsequent editions of the multi - award winning Nubian Jak game include the 10th Anniversary Gala Edition in 2005<ref>http://www.rpggeek.com/boardgame/27744/nubian-jak/geeklists</ref> and the Windrush in Edition 2008<ref>http://www.itzcaribbean.com/nubianjak.php</ref> followed by a limited Special US edition in 2009<ref>http://ebooklibrary.org/articles/nubian%20jak?&words=nubian%20people</ref>
−
− In recent years Jak has concentrated on more philanthropic activities. He created the On Track 4 Gold Program<ref>http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/local/olympic-exhibition-at-hat-factory-1-1031290</ref> as part of the London 2012 “Inspired” initiative, to encourage more participation with diversity in sport.
−
− Nowadays, Jak Beula spends a significant amount of his time running the Nubian Jak Trust see [[Nubian Jak Community Trust]], which is Britain’s only national BME plaque and sculpture scheme. The organisation has delivered 36 plaques to date, as well as establishing Britain’s first dedicated [[African and Caribbean War Memorial]],<ref>http://www.brixtonbuzz.com/2014/11/african-and-caribbean-war-memorial-unveiled-at-the-black-cultural-archives-in-brixton-photos/</ref> to WWI and WWII service men and women.<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/aug/30/hideously-diverse-britain-changing-history</ref>
−
− '''His commemorative plaque tributes include:'''
− Bob Marley<ref>http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/rasta-in-peace-heritage-plaque-for-bob-marley-7260008.html</ref>, Luton Bicentenaryhttp://slideplayer.com/slide/1443938/, Ignatius Sancho<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/aug/30/hideously-diverse-britain-changing-history</ref>, Mary Prince Plaque<ref>http://bernews.com/2011/11/the-enduring-legacy-of-bermudas-mary-prince/</ref>, Connie Mark<ref>http://www.itzcaribbean.com/uk/connie-mark-mbe-honoured-with-blue-plaque/</ref>, Claudia Jones x 2<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7577113.stm</ref>, Kelso Cochrane<ref>http://www.24dash.com/news/local_government/2009-05-05-Kelso-Cochrane-to-be-honoured-with-a-blue-plaque</ref>, Amy Ashwood Garvey<ref>http://www.octaviafoundation.org.uk/news_events/news/241_blue_plaque_unveiled_for_amy_ashwood_garvey</ref>, ANC and Nelson Mandela<ref>http://www.islingtontribune.com/news/2010/feb/plaque-marks-building-where-struggle-against-apartheid-was-plotted</ref>, Lord Leary Constantine<ref>http://cricwestindies.fr.yuku.com/topic/3046/Lord-Learie-Constantine-to-be-honoured-with-Blue-Plaque</ref>, Rudy Naryan <ref>http://www.obv.org.uk/news-blogs/civil-rights-rudy-narayan-honoured</ref>, Mayor John Archer<ref>http://historyandsocialaction.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/why-john-archer-is-important.html</ref>, New Cross Fire<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12216776</ref>, George Padmore<ref>http://www.blackpresence.co.uk/blue-plaque-unveiling-for-george-padmore/</ref>, Claudia Jones<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14682187</ref>, Rhaune Laslette<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14682187</ref>, Frank Critchlow<ref>http://www.irr.org.uk/events/blue-plaque-for-frank-crichlow/http://www.irr.org.uk/events/blue-plaque-for-frank-crichlow/</ref>, Malcom X<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-17112209</ref>, Dennis Brown<ref>http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/news/heritage/blue_plaque_erected_in_harlesden_in_honour_of_reggae_singer_dennis_brown_1_1345356</ref>, Russell Henderson<ref>http://www.blackpresence.co.uk/2012-notting-hill-carnival-two-blue-plaques/</ref>, Leslie Palmer<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-20001754</ref>, Sir Arthur Wint<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-20001754</ref>, Bernie Grant MP<ref>http://www.thetottenhamindependent.co.uk/news/10013603.display/</ref>, Samuel Coleridge Taylor<ref>http://www.blueplaqueplaces.co.uk/samuel-coleridge-taylor-blue-plaque-in-croydon-12018#.V9XVPYWcHIU</ref>, Frederick Douglas <ref>http://www.frederickdouglassinbritain.com/a-plaque-to-frederick-douglasshttp://www.frederickdouglassinbritain.com/a-plaque-to-frederick-douglass</ref>, Frank Bates<ref>http://www.itzcaribbean.com/uk/history/singer-frank-bates-honoured-blue-plaque/</ref>, Stephen Lawrence<ref>http://www.eastlondonlines.co.uk/2013/05/murdered-teenager-stephen-lawrence-is-honoured-with-blue-heritage-plaque-in-lewisham/</ref>, Pete Robinson<ref>http://openplaques.org/plaques/39859</ref>, Laurie Cunningham<ref>http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/10721622.Blue_plaque_tribute_to_Orient_legend/</ref>, Dr John Alcindor<ref>http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/patience-pays-%E2%80%98-black-doctor-paddington%E2%80%99</ref>, George Africanus<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-29106232</ref>, Walter Tull <ref>http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/11549403.Blue_plaque_unveiled_for_war_hero_and_footballer_Walter_Tull/</ref>, Sidney Bechet<ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/worldfolkandjazz/11250988/Sidney-Bechet-awarded-blue-plaque.html</ref>, British West Indies Regiment<ref>http://www.eastsussexww1.org.uk/blue-plaques/</ref>.
−
− ==Recent Music Career==
− In the Summer of 2015 Jak recorded the [[Eric Roberson]] recording I Have A Song<ref>"Jak - I have a song"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lnFcBrPr9A</ref> to help raise funds for the installation of Britain’s first [[African and Caribbean War Memorial]]. The multi Grammy – Award nominated artist, Eric Roberson, also known as the Godfather of [[Neo Soul]], shared lead vocals on the recording with Jak. Despite not recording any new material for over two decades, Jak produced the single, which was launched at the [[Palace of Westminster]] on 28th February 2016.<ref>http://www.centenarynews.com/article/song-released-for-memorial-to-african--caribbean-veterans-of-both-world-wars</ref>
==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
− * ''Book of World Facts'' The Complete Black Edutainment and Reference Guide, Jak Bubeula - Dodd (Edutainment & Leisure, London, 1998).
+ * ''Book of World Facts'' (Edutainment & Leisure, 1998).
− * ''Book of World Facts'' The Ultimate Source on Blacks, Jak Bubeula - Dodd (Amistad Press, Harper Collins, NY, 2002).
+ * ''Book of World Facts'' (New York: Amistad Press, Harper Collins, 2002).
− * ''Book of World Facts'' The Ultimate Guide to Black Entertainment, History and Achievement Vol 1, Jak Bubeula - Dodd (Nu Jak Media, London, 2004)
+ * ''Book of World Facts'', Vol. 1 (London: Nu Jak Media, 2004).
− * ''On track for Gold'' Jak Beula, Nu Jak Media, London, 2005
− * ''John Archer:'' London’s first Black Mayor, Jak Beula, Nu Jak Media, London, 2010
−
−
− ==Discography==
− * Remember (Stigmatic Sound) 1981
− * I have a song (Memorial Aid Records) 2016
−
− [[File:Jak in his band Stigma.jpg|thumb|Jak in his band Stigma]]
−
− ==Filmography ==
− * 11th Hour, BBC, 1995, (57)
− * Super Human, Zeal TV, Channel 4, (2004) (58)
− * Bob Marley: Exodus 77, Arena, BBC (2007), (59)
− * Beat The Boss: BBC (2008). (60)
− * Fighting for King and Empire, BBC 2015 (61)
− * Jak Beula has fronted his own game show, [[Who Knows Jak]], which was shown on the Sky Channel 182 (BEN Television) in 2005.

Revision as of 18:34, 26 October 2016

+ 

 + }}

 +  
 {{Infobox artist
Jak Beula
  }}

− Jak Beula Dodd (born Johnny Alexander Bubeula Dodd on 4 July 1963) is a British artist and entrepreneur, specializing in African-centered products and concepts for the education, leisure and entertainment industries. He has been an author, columnist, songwriter, musician, model and social-worker. Jak Beula is best known for inventing the multi – award winning board game series Nubian Jak and App of the same name.[1] He is also the proprietor of Britain’s only national BAME plaque and sculpture scheme to honour personalities of the past.[2] Jak is a father of 3 and lives in London, England. 

+ Jak Beula Dodd (born Johnny Alexander Bubeula Dodd on 4 July 1963) is a British entrepreneur best known for inventing the board game Nubian Jak.

− − 

 ==Early life==
  ==Early life==

− Born in St Mary’s Hospital, West London, in 1963, to Gladys Jessithiah Dodd and Daniel Smickle, Jak was adopted as a baby by his grandmother, Roslyn Dodd, and brought up in and around the area of Notting Hill. His grandmother was a Pentecostal evangelist, who raised Jak with a strict Christian upbringing. In 1975, she founded her own ministry alongside Pastor Olonzo Headlam.[3] at No 1 Warwick Crescent, Maida Vale, London, with a pre-teenage Jak as the church’s regular organ player. Although he would eventually leave the church in his mid-teens to the inevitable disappointment of his grandmother, Jak credits his religious upbringing and musical foundation as the inspirational source for all his creative concepts. 

+ Jak was born in Paddington, West London, and is one of four children. He was born to parents Gladys Jessithiah Dodd and Daniel Smikle but from the age of 10 days old was brought up by his grandmother, Roslyn Dodd. His grandmother was of Jamaican descent and was a Pentecostal evangelist who raised Jak with a strict Christian upbringing.[4]

− ==Early career==

− Between 1974 and 1981 Jak Beula attended Quintin Kynaston Secondary School in St John’s Wood, where he first received the moniker “Jack” (derived from John). Keen to pursue a career in the arts on leaving school, Jak signed up with the stage and screen union NATTKE aged 17. His first job was as resident in-house sound engineer Upstairs at Ronnie Scotts. The venue hosted live music as well as being a night club, situated above from the world renowned Jazz club. About the same time Jak was asked by a school friend, Frank Tobin, to join a new reggae fusion boy band, which became known as Stigma. The band were styled to wear Pirate clothing designed fashionista Mark Tarbard.[5] The original line up of the band was Frank Tobin (lead vocals), Jak Beula (Keyboards and lead vocals), John Paul (JP) Palmer (Drums and backing vocals), Reuben “Piper” Fari (Bass), and Peter Pocket (Guitars). Their only single Remember[6] was released on their own label Stigmatic Sound, and distributed by Independent Label Beggars Banquet. The song was a John Peel record of the week on Radio One, and scored limited success in the Independent Charts in 1981.


− Over the next decade Jak Beula would supplement his ambition for a music career with contractual work as a NATTKE employee. He worked as a stage extra in the West End musical Little Me[7] at the Prince of Wales Theatre with Russ Abbott and Sheila White, and as a stage hand in High Society [8] at the Victoria Palace Theatre with Patrick Ryecart and Angela Richards. 

+ ==Social work==

 + It was while working in his capacity as a social worker that Jak Beula began to notice what he described as society’s neglect, particularly of young black and white working-class youth in the social care system. Not only did it appear as if care staff were ill equipped to deal with demands of the young people, some of the young people were adopting sub-cultural stereotypic behaviour. Beula put this down to, in part, their educational experiences, as well as a lack of positive role models in both the media and their immediate environment.[4] Jak noticed there were hardly any multi-cultural resources available within their homes.

− In the summer of 1987, his membership with NATTKE landed him a short contract with Thames Television, in Euston, as a department liaison officer. While in this post Jak was given an opportunity to represent Hollywood (wiki) screen legend Bette Davis. It was done as a favour to the literary agent Patrick Newley [9] (who Jak had met a few years earlier when working at Quaker Meeting House in Hop Gardens, London, W1). Using publicity material received from Patrick Newley for Ms Davis, Jak set up a meeting with the Thames At Six news team, to discuss an interview on behalf of the Hollywood actress. The interview was to promote Ms Davis’s second autobiography This N That. 

+ "They were hungry for role models, because we all need a sense of identification, a sense of self and of self-esteem. Most of the role models they were being given in the media were negative and were stereotypes, it was very disappointing. So I decided to give the young people some new information, whether they wanted the information or not, I was going to give it to them".

− Not long after his stint at Thames Television Jak formed another five-piece experimental unit called This Medusa, with Drummer, model, and long-time collaborator John Paul (JP) Palmer. Their recording of an unreleased song entitled Crazy in the City engineered and produced at Abbey Road Studios by Ken Townsend led to an introduction to Jazzie B of Soul II Soul. At the time Jazzie B was managed by Don Taylor who’d previously managed Marvin Gaye and Bob Marley. Don Taylor agreed to take Jak and JP under his wing, and offered them a management contract to re-record Crazy and a follow up single called Mansion Party [10]. 

+ He began to devise an educational program that would try to address these points, out of which came the board game Nubian Jak. It immediately became a bestseller in London, prompting Beula to give up work as a social worker. By the ending of 1996 educational magnates such as Time-Life were commenting on its innovation. In 1998 Beula self-published the first edition of Nubian Jak’s Book of World Facts. Dubbed “the truth with proof”, it was subtitled "the Ultimate Reference Guide to Global Black Achievement". In 2001 Beula signed a publishing deal with Harper Collins in New York to reissue the book.

− However, although both songs were recorded at Jazzie B’s Farnham studios, contractual disagreements delayed the release of a This Medusa debut single. Finally, the management contract with Don Taylor was torn up, and disillusioned with the music industry Jak decided to change career paths and returned back to full time education in 1989. His new chosen path was a career in social work. But a year into his degree Jak’s grandmother suddenly passed away. Unable and unwilling to continue with his studies, and now at a crossroads, Jak took on employment as a peripatetic social worker. He also signed up as a part time model with the Ugly Models agency in London. In 1992, he secured an assignment to become the “National Face of InterFlora”, where he was featured in a number of well-known magazines from “GQ to Viz” The campaign lasted from February 1992 until December 1995. 

+ He has created Britain’s only national BME plaque and sculpture scheme,[11] to honour personalities of the past.[12][13] Beula worked alongside London 2012 with his innovated diversity project, On Track 4 Gold.[14][15]

− −

−

File:Jak Interflora.jpg
Jak on Cover of Interflora 1992

− − ==Business Career==

− − It was. However, in his capacity as a peripatetic social worker that Jak Beula conceived the concept that would change his life. The idea came to him to develop an interactive product that included positive role models, after discovering many of the young people he was working with, especially those from a BME background had cultural identity issues resulting in low self-esteem. So he set about devising an “edutainment” board game which looked at the diverse contributions people of colour had made to the UK. The game was called Nubian Jak and used a design very similar to the British Union Jack Flag. It was officially released at London’s Olympia Toy and Hobby Fair in January 1995 to rave reviews.[16]

− − Nubian Jak immediately became a best seller in the UK, prompting Jak Beula to give up his job as a social worker and develop the Nubian Jak concept further. By the ending of 1996 a World Revised edition was released for the US market[17] prompting educational magnates like Time Life to comment on the product’s innovation.[18] This was followed in 2000 by the game’s most successful edition to date, the Nu Millennium Edition[19] which sold on both sides of the Atlantic.

− In 2001 Jak Beula signed a publishing deal with Harper Collins in New York to publish a book version of the board game. Coined the ‘the truth with proof’, the book was titled Nubian Jak’s Book of World Facts: The Ultimate Source on Blacks.[20]

− − Subsequent editions of the multi - award winning Nubian Jak game include the 10th Anniversary Gala Edition in 2005[21] and the Windrush in Edition 2008[22] followed by a limited Special US edition in 2009[23]

− − In recent years Jak has concentrated on more philanthropic activities. He created the On Track 4 Gold Program[24] as part of the London 2012 “Inspired” initiative, to encourage more participation with diversity in sport.

− − Nowadays, Jak Beula spends a significant amount of his time running the Nubian Jak Trust see Nubian Jak Community Trust, which is Britain’s only national BME plaque and sculpture scheme. The organisation has delivered 36 plaques to date, as well as establishing Britain’s first dedicated African and Caribbean War Memorial,[25] to WWI and WWII service men and women.[26]

− − His commemorative plaque tributes include:

− Bob Marley[27], Luton Bicentenaryhttp://slideplayer.com/slide/1443938/, Ignatius Sancho[28], Mary Prince Plaque[29], Connie Mark[30], Claudia Jones x 2[31], Kelso Cochrane[32], Amy Ashwood Garvey[33], ANC and Nelson Mandela[34], Lord Leary Constantine[35], Rudy Naryan [36], Mayor John Archer[37], New Cross Fire[38], George Padmore[39], Claudia Jones[40], Rhaune Laslette[41], Frank Critchlow[42], Malcom X[43], Dennis Brown[44], Russell Henderson[45], Leslie Palmer[46], Sir Arthur Wint[47], Bernie Grant MP[48], Samuel Coleridge Taylor[49], Frederick Douglas [50], Frank Bates[51], Stephen Lawrence[52], Pete Robinson[53], Laurie Cunningham[54], Dr John Alcindor[55], George Africanus[56], Walter Tull [57], Sidney Bechet[58], British West Indies Regiment[59].

− − ==Recent Music Career==

− In the Summer of 2015 Jak recorded the Eric Roberson recording I Have A Song[60] to help raise funds for the installation of Britain’s first African and Caribbean War Memorial. The multi Grammy – Award nominated artist, Eric Roberson, also known as the Godfather of Neo Soul, shared lead vocals on the recording with Jak. Despite not recording any new material for over two decades, Jak produced the single, which was launched at the Palace of Westminster on 28th February 2016.[61] 


 ==Bibliography==
  ==Bibliography==

− * Book of World Facts The Complete Black Edutainment and Reference Guide, Jak Bubeula - Dodd (Edutainment & Leisure, London, 1998). 

+ * Book of World Facts (Edutainment & Leisure, 1998).

− * Book of World Facts The Ultimate Source on Blacks, Jak Bubeula - Dodd (Amistad Press, Harper Collins, NY, 2002). 

+ * Book of World Facts (New York: Amistad Press, Harper Collins, 2002).

− * Book of World Facts The Ultimate Guide to Black Entertainment, History and Achievement Vol 1, Jak Bubeula - Dodd (Nu Jak Media, London, 2004) 

+ * Book of World Facts, Vol. 1 (London: Nu Jak Media, 2004).

− * On track for Gold Jak Beula, Nu Jak Media, London, 2005

− * John Archer: London’s first Black Mayor, Jak Beula, Nu Jak Media, London, 2010

− − − ==Discography==

− * Remember (Stigmatic Sound) 1981

− * I have a song (Memorial Aid Records) 2016

−

−

File:Jak in his band Stigma.jpg
Jak in his band Stigma

− − ==Filmography ==

− * 11th Hour, BBC, 1995, (57)

− * Super Human, Zeal TV, Channel 4, (2004) (58)

− * Bob Marley: Exodus 77, Arena, BBC (2007), (59)

− * Beat The Boss: BBC (2008). (60)

− * Fighting for King and Empire, BBC 2015 (61)

− * Jak Beula has fronted his own game show, Who Knows Jak, which was shown on the Sky Channel 182 (BEN Television) in 2005.

  1. ^ "Black Londoners": 1880-1990 by Okokon, Susan (1998) The History Press (25 April 1996) P57 ISBN: 9780750915489,
  2. ^ "Open Plaques Organisation"[1]
  3. ^ "Source"[2]
  4. ^ a b "Jak Dodd/Nubian Jak", in Black Success Stories by Zhana, Chapter 3. PublicBookshelf
  5. ^ "Source"[3]
  6. ^ "Song credits: Jak Beula-Remember"http://www.45cat.com/record/stig1 − https://www.discogs.com/Stigma-Remember/release/4680287 − http://www.popsike.com/Stigma-Remember-UK-orig-12-/201045901989.html −
  7. ^ "source" http://www.ovrtur.com/production/2892154
  8. ^ http://www.musicalheaven.com/h/high-society/
  9. ^ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/culture-obituaries/theatre-obituaries/5517062/Patrick-Newley.html
  10. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Zx35ltE4PA
  11. ^ "Kelso Cochrane Honoured With A Blue Plaque", itzcaribbean
  12. ^ Nubian Jak Community Trust plaques, Open Plaques.
  13. ^ "Black Heroes Honoured", itzcaribbean
  14. ^ "The race is on to find Britain's Favourite Olympian", On Track 4 Gold.
  15. ^ "Seb Coe visits Luton's 2012 Olympic programme", Luton On Sunday, 23 January 2008.
  16. ^ http://www.gamecabinet.com/sumo/Issue22/node9.html
  17. ^ http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/9603010215/nubian-jak-invades-europe-usa
  18. ^ http://www.gutenberg.us/articles/nubian_jak
  19. ^ http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/revealed-our-hidden-history-97270.html
  20. ^ https://openlibrary.org/publishers/Amistad_Press_(HarperCollins
  21. ^ http://www.rpggeek.com/boardgame/27744/nubian-jak/geeklists
  22. ^ http://www.itzcaribbean.com/nubianjak.php
  23. ^ http://ebooklibrary.org/articles/nubian%20jak?&words=nubian%20people
  24. ^ http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/local/olympic-exhibition-at-hat-factory-1-1031290
  25. ^ http://www.brixtonbuzz.com/2014/11/african-and-caribbean-war-memorial-unveiled-at-the-black-cultural-archives-in-brixton-photos/
  26. ^ https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/aug/30/hideously-diverse-britain-changing-history
  27. ^ http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/rasta-in-peace-heritage-plaque-for-bob-marley-7260008.html
  28. ^ https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/aug/30/hideously-diverse-britain-changing-history
  29. ^ http://bernews.com/2011/11/the-enduring-legacy-of-bermudas-mary-prince/
  30. ^ http://www.itzcaribbean.com/uk/connie-mark-mbe-honoured-with-blue-plaque/
  31. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7577113.stm
  32. ^ http://www.24dash.com/news/local_government/2009-05-05-Kelso-Cochrane-to-be-honoured-with-a-blue-plaque
  33. ^ http://www.octaviafoundation.org.uk/news_events/news/241_blue_plaque_unveiled_for_amy_ashwood_garvey
  34. ^ http://www.islingtontribune.com/news/2010/feb/plaque-marks-building-where-struggle-against-apartheid-was-plotted
  35. ^ http://cricwestindies.fr.yuku.com/topic/3046/Lord-Learie-Constantine-to-be-honoured-with-Blue-Plaque
  36. ^ http://www.obv.org.uk/news-blogs/civil-rights-rudy-narayan-honoured
  37. ^ http://historyandsocialaction.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/why-john-archer-is-important.html
  38. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12216776
  39. ^ http://www.blackpresence.co.uk/blue-plaque-unveiling-for-george-padmore/
  40. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14682187
  41. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14682187
  42. ^ http://www.irr.org.uk/events/blue-plaque-for-frank-crichlow/http://www.irr.org.uk/events/blue-plaque-for-frank-crichlow/
  43. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-17112209
  44. ^ http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/news/heritage/blue_plaque_erected_in_harlesden_in_honour_of_reggae_singer_dennis_brown_1_1345356
  45. ^ http://www.blackpresence.co.uk/2012-notting-hill-carnival-two-blue-plaques/
  46. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-20001754
  47. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-20001754
  48. ^ http://www.thetottenhamindependent.co.uk/news/10013603.display/
  49. ^ http://www.blueplaqueplaces.co.uk/samuel-coleridge-taylor-blue-plaque-in-croydon-12018#.V9XVPYWcHIU
  50. ^ http://www.frederickdouglassinbritain.com/a-plaque-to-frederick-douglasshttp://www.frederickdouglassinbritain.com/a-plaque-to-frederick-douglass
  51. ^ http://www.itzcaribbean.com/uk/history/singer-frank-bates-honoured-blue-plaque/
  52. ^ http://www.eastlondonlines.co.uk/2013/05/murdered-teenager-stephen-lawrence-is-honoured-with-blue-heritage-plaque-in-lewisham/
  53. ^ http://openplaques.org/plaques/39859
  54. ^ http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/10721622.Blue_plaque_tribute_to_Orient_legend/
  55. ^ http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/patience-pays-%E2%80%98-black-doctor-paddington%E2%80%99
  56. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-29106232
  57. ^ http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/11549403.Blue_plaque_unveiled_for_war_hero_and_footballer_Walter_Tull/
  58. ^ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/worldfolkandjazz/11250988/Sidney-Bechet-awarded-blue-plaque.html
  59. ^ http://www.eastsussexww1.org.uk/blue-plaques/
  60. ^ "Jak - I have a song"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lnFcBrPr9A
  61. ^ http://www.centenarynews.com/article/song-released-for-memorial-to-african--caribbean-veterans-of-both-world-wars
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jak_Beula&oldid=746326675"