Editors Letter – July 2025

As we say goodbye to June, I always love to pause and take a moment to reflect on the lessons learned and the joys celebrated in the past month. Don’t get me wrong, June has had its challenges, but it has been a month of warmth, connection, and resilience.

As the diaspora, we’ve honoured our heritage, celebrated our achievements, and embraced the vibrancy of our community.

July is not just a new month; it is a fresh chapter in our journey. Not everyone will see this chapter with us. I was saddened to see the death of Ananda Lewis.  

Her death came as a warning, a testimony and as a reminder to Black women as the former MTV star, who died from breast cancer at age 52, urged against being “stubborn” about mammograms and breast cancer screening.

It’s a warning we mustn’t let be in vain. “The fear is a deeply rooted one: fear of fighting cancer and fear of the cost of healthcare, without a guarantee of positive outcomes,” says Dr. Faith Ohuoba, and I agree.

There are so many obstacles in the healthcare system, and they are hard to navigate, so we must be extra vigilant and informed when it comes to our health.

As we step into July, let us do so with courage. The sun is out, and the vitamin D has us feeling good, so this is the time to invest in ourselves, to nurture our health, and to uplift one another.

The strength of our community lies in our collective courage, because when one of us rises, we all rise.

A great example of that is Coco Gauff who won the first French Open singles title of her career by fighting back to beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a rollercoaster final. Coco is such a shining example of excellence who continues to inspire.

I recently had the honour of attending the final performance of Millennium Girls at Brixton House, and let me say, what a closing night it was. I simply had to write a review for Black Wall St Media with my glowing report on the show.  

It left me full, inspired, and still humming the soundtrack of my own youth. Written by the brilliant Sophia Leonie, who also stars as Jessica, Millennium Girls is an evocative and unapologetically honest portrayal of girlhood, growth, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood.

Set in late 90s and early 2000s London, the story follows three inseparable friends as they navigate adolescence, identity, and survival in a world that both shapes and challenges them.

We need more shows like this one that authentically reflect our journey as the diaspora in Britain, because our narratives and experiences so often go untold.

In this issue, you will find inspiring stories of individuals and organisations making a difference in our community, as well as resources to help you embark on your own journey of boldness and bravery.

I encourage you to take advantage of this month to explore new horizons, connect with others, and reaffirm your commitment to your own personal growth and dreams.

As we step into July, let us do so with our heads held high, our hearts open, and our spirits eager.