What does Black History Month (BHM) mean to you and why is it important to celebrate BHM?
I think it’s important to celebrate Black History Month because it’s a time that’s solely dedicated to Black people and all the great things that might mostly go unheard throughout the year. This month always feels like a moment where I’m most connected to that part of my identity and I see and hear and learn things that aren’t discussed as loudly and openly any other time of the year. It seems like Black people are always fighting for recognition for the different roads we paved culturally and so this month is the opportunity where no one can silence us and things are dedicated to hearing from and about influential Black people.
It’s also World Mental Health Day in October. What does “Black Health and Wellness,” mean when considering mental health?
For me, it means firstly an acceptance of mental health. When it comes down to it, there’s a lot of generational trauma in the Black community but there’s also a stigma around having less than perfect health, especially where mental health is concerned. Black Health and Wellness feels like a statement of having more openness when it comes to mental health.
What comes to mind when I say the words Black Joy to you?
When I hear Black Joy I think of the moments where African Caribbean culture is celebrated loudly, and when there’s a collective proudness among Black people.
Have you ever experienced barriers due to your race?
I haven’t explicitly experienced barriers in looking for jobs or whilst at university etc. It has mostly come down to stereotypes honestly, like going into a shop and noticing security keeping a closer eye on you which is annoying and you have to just kind of shrug off. The main thing was dealing with knowing, in school, that not much is expected of you and then working twice as hard to prove people wrong. Not quite barriers but experiences that are sadly not that rare.