Editor Letter – August 2024

Sometimes life throws us curveballs, and I’ve certainly felt that on a personal level this month, but it’s also what I’ve been hearing from so many in our global community.

What I’ve learned is that when those moments come, we simply need to stop, take a breath, and re-evaluate.

This month issued a heavy blow with the unexpected passing of creative genius, photographer Agenda Brown. Agenda called himself an ‘amplifier of visual stories’, but to the diaspora, he was that and so much more.

The last time I spoke to him, we discussed his book, which was set to launch in September as a creative collection called ‘Black Resilience’ and I was so excited to hear about his endeavours to magnify the black experience.

His loss hit the community hard and as we mourn his untimely passing, it’s so important to reflect on the fantastic legacy he carved out and the lasting impact he has had on the world.

The UK’s brewing of the far right is impossible to miss. Not just here, but all over the world. The death of D’Vontaye Mitchell, a Black man pinned down by hotel security, ruled as homicide from asphyxia served to remind us of that.

The month hasn’t been without its great moments. I was happy to attend the ultimate blend of African elegance and British countryside sophistication that was the Lux Afrique Polo Day, Europe’s largest celebration of African Polo, which made its return for its sixth year.

Hollywood star fashion launches, VIP gatherings, exhilarating polo matches, this was a true showcase of black excellence at its best. On the topic of black excellence, I was enthralled by Black Wall St Media’s article celebrating the remarkable 25-year reign of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

It was refreshing to read about the reign of visionary Asantehene of the Ashanti Kingdom. The article explored how his leadership has driven economic growth, cultural preservation, and unity and was a real eye opener. As a pioneer of black women conquering spaces were usually overlooked in, of course I have been enjoying watching Kamala Harris’s star rise.

Symbolically, just pondering the implications of the first black and South Asian woman running for president and of America electing its first woman president in history is momentous.

A notable moment for us as Black women came when Michelle Obama told Harris: “I am proud of you. This is going to be historic.” Of course, Kamala isn’t the only woman making historic moves as Black Wall St Media covered Gloria Tabi, the author and inclusion specialist who hails from Ghana and has resided in Australia since the ’90s.

This Ghanaian researcher is championing inclusive workspaces in Australia

In this article, Tabi, author of “Inclusive Teams & Workplaces: Everyone Wins!!” sheds light on the persistent presence of the post-Victorian racial hierarchy, now recognised as white privilege, in contemporary Australia.

I loved reading about Dawn Ferdinand, the esteemed headteacher at The Willow Primary School on the Broadwater Farm estate in Tottenham, Haringey, has been honoured with the prestigious Silver Award for ‘Headteacher of the Year’ in the Pearson National Teaching Awards.

This award celebrates her exceptional dedication and impact on the lives of her students and the broader school community. As the Olympics 2024 gets underway, I look forward to writing about the exceptional talent that emerges from throughout the diaspora in next month’s Editors Letter, which is always inspiring to witness, celebrate and write about.

I love this saying by Sam Lefkowitz: “When asked if my cup is half-full or half-empty my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup”.

It’s become my anthem this month. We have peaks and troughs, but during both, it’s so important to remember that just being here for the journey is a blessing.