EDITORS LETTER MAY
Reflections of Resistance and Renewal
“As we step into May, a month of renewal and reflection, I’m taking a moment to look back on some powerful moments from April. From global solidarity with Burkina Faso, to spotlighting Black excellence at the Football Black List, to the urgent issues raised during Black Maternal Health Week—these stories remind us of the strength in our shared experiences across the Black diaspora.
In this roundup, I also reflect on the Leigh Day Immigration Summit, the impact of stress and inequality during Stress Awareness Month, and the need for real change in maternity care for Black women in the UK.
There’s so much to learn, feel, and act on. Read, reflect, and let’s move forward together.”
Dr Diahanne RhineyEditor in Chief
As we step into the vibrant new month of May, I love taking time to pause for a moment of reflection on the powerful events that have unfolded over the past month.
As much as we would love to be detached from the events that are unfolding in America, we aren’t. There are so many world events happening that resonate deeply within our global Black diaspora, that we cannot ignore.
All eyes have been on Burkina Faso as the global Black diaspora, from Jamaica to France, has come together in a powerful show of unity in support of Ibrahim Traoré.
This movement transcends borders and cultural divides, as individuals and communities rally to amplify Traoré’s fight for justice.
The solidarity expressed through protests, social media campaigns, and community gatherings reminded me of our shared commitment to each other’s progress and success. It reminded me that our interconnected histories and experiences can make a formidable alliance in the fight for equality and dignity worldwide.
Black Wall St Media covered the Leigh Day Immigration Summit 2025. Billed as ‘Over 250 experts. One powerful day.’ this event explored the lived experiences of immigrants to legal reform and brought together voices from across the immigration, asylum, Windrush, and refugee sectors to push for change.
Simon Israel addressed the escalating use of hostile rhetoric in UK politics and media which I thought was crucial, as he traced the use of dehumanising terms such as “swamp” and “flooding” into mainstream discourse.
We also covered The Football Black List. This event is a true celebration of influence beyond the pitch. The Football Black List was held at the Emirates Stadium, and honoured Black excellence in football, leadership, and legacy.
Idris Elba and other changemakers were recognised for their impact in and around the game. This quote from Leon Mann was particularly important:
“If young Black kids only ever see themselves as players, we fail them. They need to see themselves as executives, officials, directors, and journalists. Representation opens doors and shifts mindsets.”
April marks Stress Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the silent burdens many carry, especially those shaped by the lived experiences of inequality.
While conversations around stress often focus on workplace burnout or personal life challenges, it is vital that we also shine a light on the chronic, systemic stress experienced by racial and ethnic minority groups, and how this has serious, long-term effects on health.
Particularly at a time when diversity, and the progress we’ve made in this field, is under attack. Black women in the UK experience higher rates of common mental health problems like depression and anxiety compared to White British women.
This is partly due to the impact of racism and discrimination, which leads to chronic stress and related physical and mental health issues. So, stress awareness month is the perfect opportunity to explore how we can fight stress with relevant, effective and holistic approaches.
It was also Black Maternal Health Week.
I was happy to see this flagged in Parliament by MPs with concern that Black women in the UK are still three times more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth.
Reports from MMBRACE UK’s maternity mortality data indicate a statistically significant increase in the overall maternal death rate in the UK. Racism impacts us at every level and it’s scary that racial disparities persist in maternity care, with ethnic minority women more likely to experience poorer health outcomes, substandard care, and higher rates of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
They welcomed the Government’s commitment to set a target to end racial disparity in maternity care, but they also admitted that one has not yet been set; and several MPs requested that the Government establish a national strategy to eliminate racial disparities in maternity care, with clear accountability mechanisms and measurable targets. Here’s hoping we can make some real progress in that arena.
Here we are in May, I always feel hopeful about this month (not just because it’s my birthday!) because of the feeling of hope and renewal that this time of year represents.
Flowers bloom, the sun starts to shine, our much-needed vitamin D increases and it’s that much easier to feel positive. As we navigate this month together, we must celebrate our victories but also remain steadfast in our commitment to uplift one another.
Let’s embrace this month with purpose, continuing the conversation and the action that shapes our narrative.
