Cultural and Ancestral Historian/Genealogist - Global Wars,Rebellions & Revolutions Heritage Specialist -
Identity and Empowerment Coach - Cultural Sustainability Programmer -
The Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey II & Amy 'Jacques' Garvey's family genealogist
Selena’s
profile summary
Biography
Selena Carty is the founder of BlackPoppyRose Rose CIC, Established in 2010. An initiative dedicated to revealing, empowering, sharing and educating the world about the contributions made by the African, Black, West Indian, Caribbean, Pacific Islands & Indigenous Nations to Wars, Rebellions and Revolutions since the sixteenth-century. Wars such as the American Revolution, Napoleonic Wars, Anglo Ashanti Wars, World War I & II, etc, all content we are briefly taught in the early stages of our education.
Selena is a distinguished Cultural and Ancestral Historian/Genealogist, Global Wars, Rebellions & Revolutions Heritage Specialist, Identity and Empowerment Coach and Cultural Sustainability Programmer based in London, UK. With a BA (Hons) in History with Military History from Goldsmiths' University, she is dedicated to education through sustainable development via genealogical research, historical consultancy, and the creation of bespoke empowerment programs.
​
She has contributed to numerous high-profile projects, including work with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the family of The Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey II, and various cultural institutions; and as the founder of BlackPoppyRose, she actively promotes the recognition of contributions made by global communities to historical events. Passionate and confident, Selena thrives on empowering individuals and communities through education, heritage, and cultural diversity.
​​
Selena maintains strong beliefs in transformative education: 'Education for sustainable development allows every human being to acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary to shape a sustainable future'. With the belief and understanding that nurture comes from showing the right examples, not only by following/setting rules and guidelines. When managing confidence, creativity and a positive mindset this allows for once perceive obstacles to become action plans and progressive steps towards achieving what was once considered impossible/challenging, establishing manageable goals, whilst encouraging a deeper sense of purpose within self in our personal and professional environments.
​
As a public speaker, Selena is equipped to present to diverse audiences including heads of states, academic, professional, community and school environments to encourage accessibility to decolonising language and inclusive narratives.
Appointments
Founding Director - BlackPoppyRose CIC and BlackRose of Remembrance
Founding Director - YIWAE: You are, I am, We Are Enough : Genealogy, Family Trees, Family connections
Supporting Director - The Urban Equestrian Academy LTD
Supporting Director -​ Bristol African Caribbean Expo LTD
​​​
Experience
Selena also has an extensive and diverse professional background, with significant contributions across various domains as a Cultural and Ancestral Historian/Genealogist.
Her key roles and their impact on her skills are as follows:
-
Founder of BlackPoppyRose:
-
Through founding and leading BlackPoppyRose, Selena has championed the recognition of diverse contributions to global historical events. This entrepreneurial venture has honed her leadership, advocacy, and community outreach skills. ​
-
​
-
Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
-
As a Volunteer Tour Guide, Selena organises and facilitates tours, which allows her to use her skills in public speaking, historical research, and community engagement. This role requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of historical narratives, which has been sharpened over the years through her research and analytical abilities.
-
By being part of the CWGC Special Committee, Selena has contributed reports on inclusive remembrance, Selena provided expert recommendations that shaped future commemorative practices. This experience enhanced her strategic thinking and policy development skills.
-
​
-
Marcus Garvey's Family Genealogist:
-
Conducting extensive genealogical research for the Garvey family, Selena has perfected her investigative and archival skills. This role has involved negotiating with institutions like the British Library and consolidating global research, which has contributed immensely to the improvement of her negotiation, documentation, and project management skills.
-
Follow this work on Instagram & X @MarcusGarveyNMe
-
​
-
Activision:
-
As a Cultural & Ancestral Military Consultant for Call of Duty – Vanguard, Selena provided cultural and military historical context, which required deep historical accuracy and scrutiny. This role enhanced her ability to translate complex historical events into engaging narratives for diverse audiences, and enabled the character’s authenticity and cultural preservation.
-
​
-
Media Consultations (Channel 4, ITV, etc.):
-
Consulting for media productions, Selena developed her skills in media communication and historical consultancy.​ Queens who change the World - Episode 4
-
​
-
Southwark Black Parents Forum:
-
Curating an exhibition West Africa and War in partnership with Parasol Creative and Tyreece Asamoah (Award winner for 'Best Experimental Film - "As Peckham As" at Brighton Rocks - International Film Festival 2024) showcasing images and artefacts from the late nineteenth century and producing a historical booklet on the African presence in England prior to the arrival of the SS Windrush in 1948. Selena further developed both her curatorial and educational resource creation skills.
-
​
-
Voices of War & Peace:
-
Authoring articles within Women and War ;about the African American women's contributions during World War I. Selena further refined her writing and historical analysis skills, as this role required extensive research and the ability to communicate nuanced historical perspectives clearly.
-
​
-
Royal Museums Greenwich and Other Institutions:
-
Leading research projects and curating historical content for prestigious institutions, Selena tireless demonstrates her leadership and collaborative skills. These roles required coordinating with various stakeholders and ensuring historical accuracy and relevance.​
-
Selena's extensive professional experience has not only contributed to her profound expertise in cultural and ancestral history but has also honed her skills in research, public speaking, project management, strategic planning, and community empowerment. Her diverse roles have equipped her with a unique ability to connect historical knowledge with contemporary issues, empowering individuals and communities worldwide.