Author Archives: blam UK

The Criminalisation of the Black Child 

By Jamila The big picture It is widely understood that Black communities and Black people in the UK are overpoliced and underprotected by the criminal justice system (CJS) as we are more than ten times more likely to be stopped and searched than our white counterparts. Statistics also indicate the Black people are likely toContinue reading “The Criminalisation of the Black Child “

Afro Hair: School bans probably illegal says watchdog 

By Serena History of African hair + Significance Throughout shifts in history, Black hair has been twisted and muted in a variety of ways. Yet it still represents one of the strongest connections to our traditions. And the modern styling of our hair is often the closest many will get to being able to practiseContinue reading “Afro Hair: School bans probably illegal says watchdog “

Why History Should be Important to All Black People

By Michelle   There are several reasons why we, as people of African descent, must engage with, be aware of, and perhaps even internalise our history. Our narratives, the histories of those before who looked like us, and the histories of our respective ethnic groups (if applicable) are all key components of the building blocks ofContinue reading “Why History Should be Important to All Black People”

Chris Kaba’s family meets with UN

On Tuesday 17 January, our Director Ife Thompson and a member of the Justice for Chris Kaba Campaign supported the family of Chris Kaba while they met with the UN. During this meeting the family discussed their campaign for justice for the police killing of their son. It had previously been mentioned by Ife thatContinue reading “Chris Kaba’s family meets with UN”

Mami Wata, La Sirene, Mama Dlo

Mermaids in African & Caribbean Mythology By Michelle The myth of the mermaid is a universal cultural staple. They feature in fairytales, fantasies, adventures, and the like. The concept of mysterious beings who live in the sea and other bodies of water has captivated the minds of those who live on land for milenia. TheContinue reading “Mami Wata, La Sirene, Mama Dlo”

Blam UK condemns the recent anti-Black language racism from UK white-owned media outlets

Blam UK condemns the recent articles by a range of white-owned media companies that further entrench language discrimination and the erasure of Black British English speakers in British society. The British media has a long history in shaping racist, discriminatory and anti-Black racial discourse. The highlighted articles make repeated, unfounded statements about Black British EnglishContinue reading “Blam UK condemns the recent anti-Black language racism from UK white-owned media outlets”

Exploring Black Languages, a quick look at AAVE (African American Vernacular English)

By Temi Oyenuga Surely, you’ve heard of the words ‘bae’… ‘lit’… ‘trippin’, ‘what’s good’. In your music, on social media, or maybe just in everyday conversation. But have you ever stopped to wonder where these words actually come from? The renowned lingo forms part of a language called AAVE. For those who don’t know, AAVEContinue reading “Exploring Black Languages, a quick look at AAVE (African American Vernacular English)”