Shirley Ballas and David Olusoga

From Guvna B, rapper and author: 

As it’s the 1st of October I’ve been thinking about black history month, and considering what’s happened this year, I’m surprisingly more optimistic than I’d usually be. In the past I’ve really struggled with the month as it’s always felt a bit token.” Here’s the month where we’ll spare a thought for black people in our community, but for the rest of the months in the year it’s business as usual.” With so many problems in the world, I guess I can be a little bit guilty of tokenism as well. The murder of George Floyd which sparked arguably the largest civil rights movement in history has made me feel a bit more hopeful though. 

It feels a bit weird to say that, because how can something good possibly come from such a tragic event? I remember feeling this way after my Dad passed away in 2017, but it’s possible. After his untimely and devastating death, I became a stronger person, I was able to help others who were experiencing grief, and the album that I released which was inspired by his passing, went on to be my best-selling record yet. It must have connected with people. So yeah, even though sometimes I can’t see it when I’m in the middle of a storm, good things can come from bad situations. 

Black History Month this year is an opportunity to keep that conversation going, and I’m going to see it as an opportunity to celebrate. So often conversations around race are drenched in struggle, oppression, trauma, and inequality. Those conversations are important to have, but I want to shine a light on celebrating the successes, achievements and impact of black people in our community. 

So from Lionel Turpin who fought in the first world war on behalf of our country, to Raheem Sterling who fights on the football pitch, thank you. To Sir Trevor McDonald who kept me informed with the news, to Michael Kiwanuka who keeps me informed with the blues, thank you. Like the increasingly popular saying goes, if you can’t see yourself, it’s hard to be yourself. And just before I finish, thanks to you, Zoe, for continuing to show unity, and sharing your platform with people like me.