Editors Letter – March 2025
Beyond the Applause: Sisterhood, Legacy & the Work Ahead
“"As Women’s History Month comes to a close, I’m reflecting on the power of true sisterhood, the work still left to do, and the voices that deserve more than just a moment. From trailblazers to changemakers, this month reminded us that it’s not just about celebration—it’s about commitment. Read my latest Editor’s Letter for the full reflection."”
Dr Diahanne RhineyEditor in Chief
As we say farewell to March and the celebration of Women’s History Month, I find myself reflecting on the powerful stories and remarkable legacies that surround us.
Of course, my own views on Women’s History Month are controversial because I feel that whilst it’s good to see women in the limelight, why do we only get one month of the year? Gender equality, equity, and all the battles women face need to be focused on every month of the year until we have made some serious headway!
Also, to me, it’s the things we don’t talk about, like is it real sisterhood to attend a couple of seminars? One of my biggest competitors are women. Once the seminars are over, there are so many settings where women are competitive and cliquey. By now you would think we’d have come further. We tick a box but are we doing the real work?
Much like Halle Berry who came out saying that the lack of Black women winning Oscars has forced her to ask ‘did it matter? Did it really change anything for women of colour? For my sisters? For our journey?” Halle is still the only Black person to have won the Best Actress Oscar in the 97-year history of the awards.
This is the first Women’s month that I didn’t book any speaking engagements, and it was very deliberate because I find there’s too much talking and not enough doing.
Saying all of that, I do what I do because I am truly passionate and believe in real sisterhood. I can’t help myself!
The power of women when we stand together is undeniable.
When it’s right, it has so much power to elevate, so much power to change the world. We just must make sure to harness it in every area of our lives, not just when it looks and sounds good, to create real meaningful change. Black Wall St Media were on the ball in covering some crucial topics throughout March.
We covered the inaugural Community, Corporate & Culture Awards (CCCAs) which honoured those making a real difference in their communities. From Kameese Davies, winner of Inspirational Mother of the Year, to Winston Goode, recognised for his fight against youth violence, this was a night of powerful stories and well-deserved recognition.
Black Wall St Media’s Daniella Maisons ‘Amplifying The Voices of Women’ series shone a spotlight on the lived experiences of women in Ghana,
The Congo and the Sudan and served as a reminder of not only rhetorical injustices women are facing in war, but also the incredible resilience they are demonstrating.
When we’re sitting at corporate tables talking about glass ceilings and seats at the table, it’s sobering to remember millions of women are fighting untold and unimaginable battles.
We also celebrated Princess Elizabeth Bagaya of Toro—a trailblazer in law, fashion, and diplomacy.
From becoming East Africa’s first female barrister to gracing the covers of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and later serving as Uganda’s Foreign Minister, her impact is undeniable. A true pioneer who shattered barriers and redefined possibilities for women everywhere!”
We also lost soul legend, singer Angie Stone, known for her hit Wish I Didn’t Miss You, who died at the age of 63. Angie was a true pioneer as a Stone has been a founding member of the groundbreaking female hip-hop trio the Sequence in the late 70s at the age of 16.
They scored a hit with Funk You Up, a song that was later sampled by Dr Dre for his single Keep Their Heads Ringin and Bruno Mars in Uptown Funk. She went on to redefine Neo Soul as a full-figured, dark-skinned black woman with natural hair with incredible talent.
Her life was testimony to the power of authenticity and ability, and her passing is a reminder that ‘tomorrow is not promised’ to any of us. We must work to create a lasting legacy every day that we are blessed with life!
As with every year, this past month has been a reminder of the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women throughout history and has served as an affirmation that our journeys, though unique, are woven together.
As we step into April, let us carry forward the lessons learned: to uplift one another, to share our voices, and to honour the incredible women who paved the way for us.
This month, let’s embrace not just the spirit of celebration but also the commitment to continue championing one another, fostering connections, and igniting the change we wish to see in the world.
Together, we can turn inspiration into action and create a future where every woman’s story shines brightly.