Editor Letter – September 2024

September is the month of renewal and new beginnings.

Still, recent world events can make it so challenging to view the future in a positive light: Donald Trump getting so far ahead in the presidential candidacy despite his 26 sexual misconduct victims, poverty levels at home in the UK, wars breaking out and natural disasters, the energy crisis.

How do we feel hopeful about new seasons when the forecast feels so bleak to help us feel revived, Black Wall St Media turned to those who are shining a light on amplifying the real and lived experiences of the diaspora to remind us that there is always room for renewal.

A reflective piece on the aftermath of collective trauma and the august riots was insightful.

“The recent UK riots have exposed deep-rooted issues of systemic racism, Islamophobia, and collective trauma. These aren’t just isolated events—they’re the result of generations of unresolved pain. In this article, we explore how communities are affected and the steps needed to heal. Let’s dive into the psychological and social impacts, and the path forward.”

This positive outlook on healing and moving forward from the race riots was uplifting.

I was intrigued to follow reports that the three candidates hoping to become the next Secretary-General of the Commonwealth have all announced their support for reparations for slavery.

The candidates are competing to become the next secretary-general of the Commonwealth. The candidates – Mamadou Tangara of Gambia, Shirley Botchwey from Ghana and Joshua Setipa of Lesotho have all said they support reparations for the Transatlantic slave trade according to a report by Reuters.

Another important headline was the announcement that zombie style knives were banned in England and Wales on September 24th.

Owning, selling, or making ‘zombie-style’ knives and machetes is illegal, with police empowered to seize and prosecute possession, even in homes.

This ban came too late for Daejaun Campbell, 15, who was found with a stab injury from a zombie knife in Woolwich on 22 September.

We can only hope that this is a big enough step to save more lives from being taken. Black Wall St Media reviewed ‘I Am Judah’ the hard hitting documentary that shines a light on the 2017 tasering of Ras Judah Abundi, a beloved elder of Bristol’s St. Pauls Afro-Caribbean community.

But this isn’t just a story about police brutality, it’s about systemic racism, resilience, and a community’s fight for justice.

A deeply eye opening but inspirational documentary, this review reminded me of the power and importance of story telling. September was dominated by Sean Combs being charged with racketeering, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution.

The indictment alleges beginning in 2009 to about 2018, Combs knowingly “recruited, enticed, harboured, transported, provided, obtained, advertised, maintained, patronised and solicited” an unnamed victim to engage in commercial sex acts.

This backdrop made it perfect timing for Black Wall St Media to announce an all important event with PLIAS Resettlement set to host a landmark summit in London on 29 November 2024, aimed at confronting the pressing issues of domestic homicide, violence, and justice.

The event, titled ‘Breaking the Silence on Domestic Homicide, Violence, and Justice’, takes place during the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a period dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring action to combat violence against women and girls.

Those of you who have followed my journey as a domestic abuse survivor and the work I have done in this arena since, will know that I fully endorse any event that is designed to put a spot light on domestic abuse.

As we gear up for black history month, I’m excited for a month of highlighting our heroes, honouring our history, celebrate our campaigners, showcasing talent. Also and in keeping with this years of Reclaiming the Narrative, which is the purpose of Black Wall St Media, I look forward to hearing the voices that need to be heard.

Until then, I hope you can find moments of clarity to plan the remainder of the year, prioritise your well-being, and look ahead to hopeful and exciting new beginnings.