In recent months, even with a pandemic going on and all the other madness that 2020 has served us for all 3 courses - black women are still doing their thing and going all the way off. I've been meaning to do this post for a while, amounting everything I feel to be making shifts in the world of fashion. Fashion, typically, has been seen to be an escape route for many allowing for exploration in a creative setting. For me, I have always been amazed and in awe of the capabilities of fashion designers and creatives alike. With fashion week being put on hold for the S/S 2021 shows that usually take place in Sept-Oct - there have still been exceptional collections. 

The first being the SAVAGE x FENTY, with the creativity of the show not being put down by COVID. The delivery? Astounding. Rihanna, as a creative spirit, never fails to deliver shows that embody so much more than style. The show included various performances including Miguel with his wife Nazanin walking for his segment in the show. What is clear is the freedom of expression and self appreciation that is present in the energy of the SAVAGE x FENTY shows. Evidently, this derives from the aura Rihanna has carried throughout her music career and her flexibility in delivering various styles and methods in not just her music but fashion. She highlights this in the in show interviews, revealing why her she remains so passionate for inclusivity. The exploration of different women bodies and their ability to be truly free in their beauty despite colour, gender, sexuality etc - the show is a testament that all women are beautiful. Whilst some began critiquing Victoria Secret for their lack of inclusivity, to anyone with a mind, the SAVAGE x FENTY show delved deeper than any couture house or brand by creating an experience. The ability to have dancers delivering sets in lingerie shows Rihanna's ability to incorporate her own experiences and knowledge of the movement of the female body without a potential nip slip. 

Beyoncé continues to dominate the world of athleisure wear with her brand IVY PARK with her new collection and British Vogue cover for December. Throughout her career, we have seen her explore style and fashion whilst demonstrating messages within it. Her shoot for Vogue was no different, looking at the exploration of street style and high fashion - which is where we can see IVY PARK was created for.  The brand has been around now for over 4 years demonstrating shifts in sports wear by exploring various styles and branching outside of the expected. Being one of the first female black owned brands to delve into the world of sportswear, it is clear that since the IVY PARK collaboration aims to continue pushing boundaries. 

With these two fashion conscious women creating new movements in their respective fields - lingerie and athleisure - their message remains the same. Within the realm of lingerie and the exploration of self, Rihanna has been successful in allowing for not just the sample sized woman but all women to feel included and sexy. Lizzo, who has been ambushed by media for her body positivity, featured in the show in front of a mirror exploring the beauty of the female body. SAVAGE x FENTY created room for conversation about the never ending empty issues attached to women being sexy for themselves as opposed to being sexual objects and overly sexualised for men. Beyoncé through IVY PARK allows for another sector of fashion, which has typically been made for performance as opposed to look, to be remade and shifted in a way where both men and women alike can feel good in athleisure. Both of these women evidently show that again women are superhuman. Our ability to create is endless, pushing boundaries and cultural norms. Fashion goes far beyond the garments but the message and story arguably are more important. Let this be a reminder that our bodies deserve to be any notion we give them. 

I have been obviously observing events unfold across social media following the horrific MURDER of George Floyd - emphasis on murder due to the evident unlawful brutality that must be highlighted. With events related to black lives, what is evident to me is the nations ability to mute it out to become almost white noise - which in turn allows for further spiralling and belief that 'oh it's not that bad here isn't it?'. The repetition of such statements particularly within European culture is proving problematic, with the allowing of ignorance of continuous instilled racism across the system. I've continued to take a step back during this uproar to reevaluate and take notice of my surroundings to understand the complexity of instilled racism within the UK.



The death of Belly Mujinga is one of many deaths caused by direct acts of racism - yet treated as 'accidental' or the result of issues but the issue itself i.e. racism. Our policing and justice system alike work continually against the black community in particular in a lazy and systematic manner. This is not because we as a community are presenting a negative front but instead have built a negative relationship with these enforcement agencies as a result of generations of aggressions coming directly from these institutions. In the UK, the system has mastered the forms of micro-aggressions that continue to hinder and isolate us.

What is evident is that a strategic plan as a community needs to be formed as a means to progress and ensure that this is totally eradicated - protecting and uplifting our own since no one else will. Yes reposting is beneficial and saturating other media outlets with information that is critical to our overall awareness is also key - however what do we do going forward?


#Blackouttuesday, which occured yesterday, saw a number of brands to influencers and media outlets 'standing' with the black community in solidarity. But what we need to do instead of 'thanking them' for their acknowledgments of current affairs - we need to seek change from them directly and question intention. Notice, a lot of the brands we as a collective continue to support lack the ability to be truly inclusive. A token black person is not enough particularly in the Fashion and Beauty industry where our coin is evidently important in ensuring these large companies can stay relevant and afloat. Black content creators continue to push their capabilities and creative energy for it be white washed and replicated to the masses to fit brand 'aesthetics'-  instead of being included in marketing for said brands. Enough is enough - supporting these culture vultures is a large issue . In order for progression to be made we must wholly unite. Separation of people within the black community must be removed and must be done sooner rather than later - particularly that of African and Caribbean separation. How can we seek inclusivity if we  ourselves are separated as a people yet to them we're all the same?

Political education must too become a major key in black households. The same way we encourage the progression within the STEM industries, basic political literacy holds significant power. I've come to realise that basic understanding of how our political system operates here in the UK is not common knowledge. Knowledge is indeed power - how are you actively seeking power? Learning more and allowing for more representation on a local authority level will most definitely allow for progression further up the ladder in due course.

Taking back our diluted black nature through distinctive changes such as challenging schools who do not allow your black children to have braids and afros. Educating people on the meaning of your 'long' name to further bring to light our blackness in a positive way. This particularly is aimed at white readers, seek to be educated instead of working on assumption and appear ignorant.

Supporting black owned businesses to further develop our economy and ensure our coins are being spent within our community. Through this we will open more seats at the tables which have for years  not included us and/or lacked actual representation - again not just one token black person. Money talks - this is evident on the basis that without an economic standing we fail to be wholly included and acknowledged as equals. Nonetheless, this won't be effective unless this is done on a wide scale.

If you still think the UK isn't that bad take a second to take a step back and reflect on your own personal treatment in your childhood etc. Did anyone alter your name to make it easier? Has anyone touched your 'interesting' hair? Do people actively continue to call you aggressive/rude? These are all micro-aggressions that we as a collective, me included, have continued to brush past to ensure I don't appear aggressive as mentioned previously.

Let this conversation be a reminder that we are still in a state of oppression and must continue to raise awareness that this fight is far from over. Change is on the horizon and we will bare witness to it. Let us raise our platforms - economically, politically and socially.

Right so let's not play games now because the truth of the matter is the general election really is in a couple of days - making it a more pressing issue now more than ever to be politically aware. You're claiming to be Labour but do you even know what they've promised under their manifesto? Probably not but you've still changed your name on twitter to Labour with a cute rose. Too close to home? Well. It's this kind of behaviour that led to people voting leave - on the basis of literally no knowledge and pre determined opinions influenced by media. I know ultimately this is the result of most elections, we can literally look at the whole issue with the legitimacy of Trump's presidency. Ultimately, it is the voters responsibility to look at what is being given to them and decide whether this is at all applicable to their own ethics and opinion. To make it easy I've broken down the key promises presented in the manifestos of the 2 'major' parties - now you don't have an excuse to not know why you're putting that rose in your bio:

Conservatives - 59 page manifesto - "Get Brexit Done" 

Labour: 105 page manifesto - "It's Time For Real Change."

I've only broken down a couple aspects of each manifesto to give you an overview of what you're essentially going to be voting for. If you're choosing to be 'tactical' with your vote, make sure you're well informed in your decision and not just doing so cause you've been advised to. Put it this way, come Friday morning the direction of where everything is going could change drastically - by not voting or voting without thinking could be the difference between a party you want and one you don't. It sounds really dramatic but it's true. I can't influence who you vote for but I can help keep you informed and if you want the breakdown of the other manifestos click here for a similar simplified version. Remember, you're not just voting for how you want the whole Brexit issue to go down but literally everything else too. So. VOTE WISELY. 

I don't know about you but sometimes I like to sit back and reflect on where I currently am in life - I say I like lightly because sometimes we are so pressured into thinking about our next move or play. This usually makes you feel as though you aren't achieving or lack there of but I'd argue the opposite. About a year ago now I did a podcast episode with another content creator Hannah Ashton (click to buy her planner) - a US based lifestyle content creator - on "the importance of sharing your values and ideas". I recently re-listened to the podcast and although sometimes it can be awkward hearing yourself back but it's made me realise just how much I know I've done over the years, as well as reflect on the ideas that I abandoned. This led me to the point I am now - questioning what do I value and why?



As I hope you are all now aware, if not I'm genuinely concerned, a general election is upon us and your vote counts. I was recently talking to one of my friends about the election and it was brought to our attention that she won't be eligible to vote as she's a EU citizen, although she has lived here for practically all her life. With Brexit constantly bombarding us, it seems that these are the type of people that deserve a voice alongside British citizens - as this vote could ultimately could change their way of life in this country. By bringing up the topic alone, we were able to understand each other stances and perspectives on various issues - unpicking what we value and why we do. Another conversation with other students revealed that some people think their vote just doesn't count. Although true in some constituencies, the way the country is set up - we cannot afford to generalise and feel 'safe' by not voting. This, among various other conversations with people, showed me that either people think their vote is worthless and others wish they had the opportunity to vote.




With me, I believe that even on a local government level from voting for councillors to your local mayor has an impact on how your daily life is ran. Even, something as small as a bus route is political  - without you even realising it. What's important to realise is that this vote isn't a hidden referendum as some would think - but instead we are voting on how this country is ran for the next 5 (well this is questionable) years. Some of you keyboard warriors have a lot to say on social media, but yet fail to realise the importance of educating yourself before feeding others false information.

First things first, discover what party you're most aligned with and learn more about their policies and plan of execution - just because your mum is voting Labour doesn't mean you need to. By discover, you can literally use online tests which to be fair are actually quite accurate. If not, talk to people and openly vocalise your opinions. If you're a university student - REGISTER TO VOTE AT HOME AND UNI - although you can't vote in both you could potentially tactically vote depending on the voting history of the constituency.

If you take anything from this post - CLICK HERE to register to vote.

It's that season again where everyone is going back to reality and facing uni, or for some looking for their first graduate job - even looking where to begin. I've felt a huge wave of depleted energy not just around me but on social media with the endless cycle of "I'm tired" or "can't be bothered" type of energy. I'll put my hands up and admit that I have played a part in the sleeping Olympics in recent months - beginning with this blog which before used to be everything to me, an outlet and my own space. Creative block is a real thing and absorbing negative energy is also real - over the past couple of months I've written whole pieces and not posted anything or ignored opportunities presented to me on a platter. However, looking back at everything this isn't the first season of blockage and it probably won't  be the last - but what does need to happen is realising the season you've put yourself in. By season I mean have you placed yourself in a cycle, whether that be a season of being unmotivated or a season of self doubt. The question ultimately is, when are you going to let it pass?

A couple of weeks ago, I saw a tweet coming for self employed bakers and the rise of 'waffle makers with a sprinkle of parsley' on the timeline. At first I remember thinking "and I oo-" but this summer there has been a growth in the amount of people who I've seen tune into their talents and gifts - making their coin and still being critcised for it. Yet if we look at some of the most successful people, its usually those who found a hobby and honed in on it marketising and growing in their craft. To all the bakers, nail techs, make up artists, product developers and creatives - keep powering through because it only takes one thing to help you blow.



I've learnt, even though its taken me a long time to learn, that we need to take ownership in the environment we sometimes create for ourselves - realise what it is that is preventing growth. Relearning to be passionate, with child like energy, about the things that are happening around us and taking note of major changes that are and can affect us. Politics over the last month alone has been a whirlwind of changes, distraught and confusion amongst the general public. Staying alert  in times like this will prove important in months to come, learning what each leader has to say particularly during the current party conferences could determine the vote I foresee happening sooner rather than later. Engaging in politics and finally realising the issues we're facing now will prove key to change - which ultimately can be changed by the young people of this country. If there is anything to take away from this, REGISTER TO VOTE  and engage not just in the party your family may feel affilliated with/to but to what you believe in. Greta Thunderland, a 16 year old climate change activist, recently spoke at the UN Climate Summit - her devotion to such a pressing issue spoke volumes. She realises the power of dedication to a cause and the magnitude of impact she has had in the time is beyond. The one thing that stood out to me is "if you fail us, we will never forgive you" - in many ways this can be applied to things that go beyond the climate - but can also be addressed to self, finally realising the impact of yourself and how you can use it. 

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” - Luke 6:38 

The concept of Lent to me has never been something I've ever observed or even taken into consideration - probably because it wasn't part of my upbringing. Then I stumbled, quite literally, across the movement that is '40acts' started by the Christian charity 'Stewardship' - with an aim to challenge people in the everyday to give more freely. Some of the acts are seem really small an example being on Tuesday the act of giving joy to someone in the form of chocolate - Andre Spence documented his act of giving on his Instagram if you're interested in looking. Chocolate can literally cost pennies and yet has the ability to bring a child like joy to people - which has reminded me to appreciate the small things life has to offer a lot more. Usually, you hear a lot of people giving up chocolate for lent and failing then feeling a way about it - the act of giving then gives you the ability to share more.

Yesterday, the 8th day of Lent, the challenge was to 'Bring life' in the form of blood donation. This has always been something I've been intrigued by over the last year - I couldn't give prior because of my tattoo then this triggered me to look into it again. Giving blood within the black and other ethnic minority groups isn't practised as much with less than 5% of donors in the last year being from these backgrounds - yet we form almost 15% of the population. This number is crucial in light of the number of patients that require constant blood transfusions - particularly those with Sickle cell from the black community and Thalassaemia in the Asian and Mediterranean communities. Some blood groups are a lot rarer to find and have been seen to be most prevalent within the black community - so surely we should collectively aim to give and give freely if we're able to.





The act of giving challenges you to put yourself at a lower place to humble yourself - knowing that all you have within you has the ability to be shared and used by people who desperately need it. If I was being completely honest, the thought of blood makes me sick as in the anxiety that built up in me to donate was overwhelming. In reality, the blood that you donate replenishes itself in less than a month - which you won't even notice go by if you really deep it. The average person can give up to 6x a year - why don't you start with giving once?


Check if you're eligible to give at www.blood.co.uk  - if there's anything to take away from this post is to give and to give freely. You never know what your giving will do. 

Photographer - Ezekixl Akinnewu.

8th March. International women's day. A single day for the appreciation of women.


To think this day has existed for over a century is almost unfathomable knowing how far women have come since then - yet acknowledging how far we have to go. This day was created by the Socialist Party of America, although it's unclear what the purpose of the day ultimately was, allowing for the celebration and acknowledgement of women. Our history as a gender teaches us the lengths to which those before us had to go for things we now take for granted - from the vote to the roles we have been able to take in society. Unfortunately, what's clear is that the equality that we are working towards fails to be acknowledged on a global scale - with many women still struggling to find a voice. This day for many is a time to honour womanhood and everything that it encapsulates yet, some don't even know the day exists - or see it as their only time to be vocal and protest.

Women's day to me goes beyond celebrating and appreciating the women around me but realising the steps that need to be taken for a 'balanced society'. #Balanceforbetter, as a campaign, is exactly what needs to be brought to light for this years Women's day as shown by the IWD organisers. A balanced parliament, a balanced boardroom across the financial districts of London, a balance in our wealth and ultimately a balance of rights. What makes me proud as an ethnic woman, is to know that non Caucasian nations are leading the way in establishing a balance in government - the center of change. Rwanda, a country that has faced atrocities in the past decade, leads with women forming over 60% of their government. Growth is happening and what is ironic is it's Africa paving the way - showing that this is possible. Let's not even get into that...



Although today collectively celebrates all women, black women raised and made me - today I celebrate you. Black women's influence on current pop culture, fashion and ability to shift the routes taken isn't acknowledged. Trend setters in our own right - yet when such 'trends' are seen on us they can be seen as 'ghetto' and ultimately socially unacceptable. From the long acrylic nails auntie from church has been having since the beginning of time to the art of wig wearing - black women have caused a new evolution in the paths of pop culture.

I applaud all black women for their boldness in being carefree - embracing the roots of their heritage wholly and in such a wholesome way. The diversity in our melanin should be celebrated not just for the beauty in it's appearance, but for the stories and history that are embedded in the tones. Dark skin women are only glorified on social media and almost made into a fetish - depleting them of their worth and richness. Patricia Bright puts it simply 'rich in colour, rich in life'.

Uganda // photographer @dazzle_jam

Learning to embrace what makes me a black woman was shown to me by other black women in my life - so to honour that here's a short piece:


A Letter To My Women.

Black woman, may your crown flourish in length and achieve bounds you couldn't imagine -
your 'fro exceed the power it already holds.
Black woman, may your roots ground you - hold you. Since the world does not.
Black woman, let your skin glow - your shea butter reflect the light you are.
Black woman, be bold and hold no regret in being unapologetically you.
Black woman, without you - where would we be?
Black woman, the bigger the hoop the bigger the goals.
Black woman, continue to overachieve - our army is rising.
Black woman, you are magic. Majestic.
Black is beauty.
Black is change.
Above all, black is you.


If anything, I pray that the daughters that God blesses us with have the ability to be carefree and unapolagetically black women in society. To be able to experiment freely in the journey that is embracing everything that is being a woman.