Editor Letter – July 2024

Well, it’s safe to say that June was a topsy-turvy month in every way from the weather down to the global political climate and everything in between.

Here at Black Wall St Media, we are an apolitical platform. Still, as we sit on the cusp of the 2024 elections, it’s important to look at what this means for the U.K. diaspora.

According to the latest data, significant numbers of black people are not registered to vote.

In fact, people who are from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are less likely to be involved in the democratic process in the UK than their white counterparts.

In America, the so-called “black vote” is considered extremely important. In the UK, the “black vote” is less influential, with the needs of black people being overlooked and ignored year after year. I get it, it’s easy to lose faith in the whole process.

The thing is politics is everything. Of course, racism isn’t going to go away overnight, but we can demand political change, and we can make a difference if we speak up and make our votes count.

Recently, Al Sharpton wrote an article on this topic, and he said: ‘It shocks me that the wider British public doesn’t seem to understand the gravity of the threat to Black voting in the UK. It is imperative to democracy that we awaken the black vote in the UK and bring it alive. It’s not enough to be proud in silence – we need to get loud again.’ I couldn’t agree more.

The 22nd of June marked Windrush Day and it was the 76th Anniversary of the Empire Windrush’s arrival in Britain.

It was bittersweet because as much as it feels great to honour our parents and grandparents who came here to build a better Britain, it’s hard to forget the same Black elders who died after being forcibly deported due to the conservative hostile environment policy.

It’s safe to say that for as long as the Windrush scandal is ongoing, (no real change is happening, and the mainstream platforms seem to have moved on), it will be hard for us to truly celebrate Windrush Day the way we want to.

There were some inspirational contributions this month, including Nicola Millington who wrote and important piece about “Celebrating our heritage while paving the way for future generations”.

We also reported on Nathaniel Peat being awarded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Jamaica for his unwavering commitment to supporting Jamaica and its diaspora.

And, the inspiring story of Mildred Blount, a pioneering African American milliner who broke barriers in early 20th-century New York City and Hollywood.

All of these inspired me this past month. Back to the issue of ‘everything is politics’ an article by Editor of Social Cause Issues Daniella Maison’ ‘Missing Black Female’ tackled the disturbing truths behind black women who go missing and the lack of attention they receive from both the police and the media.

It was a real eye-opener. As you know, I’m all about investing in well-being and crucial to mine in this topsy-turvy month was Chaka Khan celebrating 50 years of a pioneering career, bringing her incredible voice and global influence to the Southbank Centre.

It was a stunning performance by an incredibly gifted singer and performer, and I finally had the chance to dance the night away. I can honestly say I came away feeling inspired, energised and proud to be a strong black woman.

Well, it’s July, and summer is officially on.

The temperature is blazing, colourful clothes and blaring music are acceptable, and enjoying friends, family and good food is a must.

Still, as we move into July, please don’t forget to vote. As futile as it might sometimes seem, we really can make a difference and we really can make a change.