Written by Bianca Danielle, Project Manager, Rekindling Nello James
Sometimes the most special moments happen by chance. When Malaya Li-Barrett-Squire joined us at Rekindle School for a week of work experience, she overheard me talking about finding a young illustrator to capture the heart of the Rekindling Nello James Project. I was looking for something that could be a response from a young mind, something to show what this community history means today.
A few days later, after she’d finished her placement, Malaya emailed to say she’d love to take up the challenge. What followed over the next couple of months was such a joy to be a part of. Long thoughtful emails and sketches that evolved with each draft, and a real sense of care in how she approached every detail.
Malaya poured so much of herself into this piece, her Caribbean heritage, her curiosity, and her reflections on community and transformation. She explained that she wanted to show people feeling down, unmotivated and dressed in dreary clothes entering the Nello James Centre, but then once they came back out they were transformed, they looked and felt vibrant and went out into the world, changed.
The final artwork now hangs proudly in Rekindle School, where it will remain long after the project ends, a reminder of how new stories can grow from old ones, when young people are given space to create.
Below, I’ve asked Malaya a few questions about her inspiration, her process, and what the project means to her. You can also scroll down to see the stages of her artwork, from early ideas to the final piece as her vision came to life.
Q&A with Malaya Li-Barrett-Squire
Age: 15 years old
How did you hear about the Rekindling Nello James Project?
I started my work experience at Rekindle School Manchester and heard a convo about needing someone’s art skills to add to the project that captured the nello james history and greatness in one picture and what better way to use my love for art than this? So I gave it a go!
What does the project mean to you?
It was to learn about the unique history my Caribbean side had and to research about the great communities we can form as a whole.
When did you start drawing?
To be honest, probably when I could learn how to pick up a pen, as I always, and still aren’t the best at writing, so why not draw instead? But I think my mum’s love for art and design definitely rubbed off on me too!
Where do you get inspiration for your artwork?
My art usually stems from what i cant put into words so i express through shapes and colours.
What do you hope people feel when they see this art piece?
I hope the older generation who got to experience the Nello James Centre feels nostalgia and a sense of pride and self respect for building a community so we the younger generation feel a sense of awe and honour to have people who came with a strong background.
Working with Malaya reminded me how powerful it is when young people feel seen and trusted to create. Her piece holds that same energy — thoughtful, bold, and full of heart.
