EDITORS LETTER
Navigating a New Reality
“When America sneezes, England catches a cold—so what does Trump’s presidency mean for us? As diversity and inclusion face growing attacks, we must ask: What does moral courage truly look like?
From political shifts to economic empowerment, now is the time to stand firm in our values. Initiatives like Cashblack show how supporting Black businesses can be a powerful form of resistance. As Black History Month begins in the U.S., let’s commit to action, unity, and justice because our fight is far from over.”
Dr Diahanne RhineyEditor in Chief
When America sneezes, England catches a cold.
So, as I reflect on the month of January, we find ourselves facing a reality that is both sobering and significant: Donald Trump is now the President of the United States. No, we aren’t in America, but for many in our global community, this moment is more than just a political transition; it feels like a shift that threatens to unravel the hard-fought progress we’ve made toward inclusivity and diversity.
Throughout his campaign and into his presidency, we’ve witnessed a concerning trend where diversity is not only overlooked but actively attacked. From immigration policies that target communities of colour to the dismantling of protections for marginalised groups, there is a real fear that the progress we’ve made is at risk.
It is essential for us to recognise the stakes involved. This is not just about politics; it’s about the lives and livelihoods of countless individuals who have contributed to the vibrancy of our society. The diversity of our nation is its strength, and any attempts to undermine that diversity threaten to erode the very foundation of our democracy. When I think about it in that way, if it was up to Donald Trump, there would be no Black Wall St Media.
As Sal Naseem asked in his powerful piece: ‘What does moral courage truly look like? It’s more than just words, it’s standing firm in your values, even when the stakes are high.’ We are living in a time where that couldn’t be more relevant.
Yet, as we stand at this crossroads, we must remain resilient and vigilant. January may have brought in new challenges, but it also invigorates our resolve to stand up for equity and justice. We must harness our voices, engage in meaningful dialogue, and mobilise to protect the rights of all individuals, especially those who are most vulnerable.
A perfect example of this is ‘Cashblack’. Cashblack rewards you for shopping with Black-owned businesses, and their Afrofiliate network helps Black entrepreneurs grow.
“In a time when DEI initiatives are under attack, economic empowerment is more crucial than ever. Join the movement that literally pays to uplift our community!” This is what I like to see.
Let this month serve as a reminder that our fight for inclusion and equality is far from over. Together, we can continue to push back against the forces that seek to divide us and instead promote unity and understanding.
The world seems to be at war, and as Daniella Maison wrote in her column, empathy and solidarity are needed. The fight for justice unites us all. Her article delves into the Black diaspora and the Palestinian people and how they ‘share a legacy of resilience against oppression, rooted in colonialism and systemic inequality.’
As we move forward into February which marks Black History in America (and I’m always happy to celebrate as many Black history months as possible!), let’s commit to being not just passive observers, let’s be more active and even more vocal.
Our strength lies in our ability to unite, to uplift one another, and to stand firm in our belief that diversity is an asset.
Let’s stand up for diversity.
