What does Black History Month (BHM) mean to you and why is it important to celebrate BHM?
I have huge respected for the pioneers and ancestors before me that paved the way and the legacy of their footsteps.
BHM is about taking inspiration from the past and using that as motivation to shape a better future for the generations after me. This month is a time to feel empowered by our collective contributions and appreciate how Black culture has contributed to and shapes the global cultural agenda. This month is a reminder that representation matters and that creating equality of ,opportunity is essential, which is why I created the Black Magic Awards, alongside Kojo Anim to celebrate the changemakers and the trailblazers in the British Black community. Black history is British history.
It’s also World Mental Health Day in October. What does “Black Health and Wellness,” mean when considering mental health?
In the UK, suicide rates are higher in Black men than their white counterparts and Black people are more likely to experience socioeconomic disparities and racial discrimination that can contribute to worse mental health outcomes. I’m a big advocate for self-care and people in general prioritising their mental, physical and spiritual health and establishing boundaries. I’m all for living a soft life. What I mean by that is you should make decisions that leave you stress free and able to vibrate higher.
What Black creators, organisations, or movements inspire/empower you?
.One initiative that is working to address the retail and economic inequalities which affect Black communities in the UK: Black Pound Day.
The idea is simple: encourage consumers to support Black-owned businesses across the UK and Europe by highlighting the importance of making conscious choices with your money. When it comes to making meaningful change, arguably nothing talks louder than money and how we spend it. This movement is important because Black entrepreneurs and business owners face multiple challenges. On top of a multibillion-pound ethnic pay gap, black people are more likely to lack savings or assets, and black-owned companies less likely to get funding. That’s also why events like the UK Black Business Show, which I am on the advisory board for, are important. Wealth accumulation is integral to facilitate change around socioeconomic inequalities affecting the Black community.