In a world where cultural traditions are increasingly under threat, movements for resistance and preservation are more vital than ever. At BLAM UK, we stand in unwavering solidarity with the struggles faced by communities in Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and across the African diaspora. These struggles, rooted in a shared history of colonisation andContinue reading “Preserving Culture, Resisting Erasure: BLAM UK Stands in Solidarity with Global Struggles”
Category Archives: blog
Ethiopia: Reclaiming Africa’s Place in the Story of Christmas
As Christmas approaches on 25th December for much of the world, let us turn our attention to Ethiopia, a nation where Christmas or Ganna, as it is called, is celebrated on 7th January. But Ganna isn’t just a festive day on the Ethiopian calendar. It’s a powerful reminder of Africa’s central role in the originsContinue reading “Ethiopia: Reclaiming Africa’s Place in the Story of Christmas”
From Heartfelt Storytelling to Black Girl Magic: How Doechii’s NPR Tiny Desk Performance Redefined Representation, Empowered Dark-Skinned Women, and Made Music History
Doechii’s recent NPR Tiny Desk performance was nothing short of mesmerising—a heartfelt, powerful, and revolutionary moment that left audiences spellbound. Among the standout moments was her soul-stirring performance of Black Girl Memoir, a poignant and deeply personal ode dedicated to Black women. Through her searing lyrics and emotive delivery, Doechii captured her journey of growingContinue reading “From Heartfelt Storytelling to Black Girl Magic: How Doechii’s NPR Tiny Desk Performance Redefined Representation, Empowered Dark-Skinned Women, and Made Music History”
Haka and the Black Struggle: United in Resistance
A powerful moment of protest in Aotearoa (New Zealand) recently captured global attention. Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, the youngest Māori MP at just 22 years old, made headlines when she performed the Haka in Parliament while tearing up a copy of the controversial Treaty Principles Bill. Her act of defiance against the bill, introduced by the ACTContinue reading “Haka and the Black Struggle: United in Resistance”
Racial Empathy Bias: Why the World Turns Away from Sudan’s Pain
Imagine a country where 11.5 million people have been displaced by war, entire communities have been torn apart, and millions are facing hunger. Now, imagine that this country, despite enduring one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history, is met with near silence from the global media. This is the reality in Sudan. WhyContinue reading “Racial Empathy Bias: Why the World Turns Away from Sudan’s Pain”
What Does Kemi Badenoch Really Mean for Black Britain?
In an unprecedented moment, Kemi Badenoch stands as the first Black leader of a major UK political party—a milestone, yes, but not the triumph some might celebrate it as. Instead, it serves as a wake-up call for Black communities and allies in Britain. Is this a victory for true representation, or just a convenient facadeContinue reading “What Does Kemi Badenoch Really Mean for Black Britain?”
The End of Innocence: The Adultification of Black Girls in the UK
By Serena The concept of adultification is not new by any means, and yet its importance within social movements is often overlooked. Such is the case in the UK as seen in the case of Child Q, and the continued social and educational inequalities faced by Black girls. The current awareness of adultification provides furtherContinue reading “The End of Innocence: The Adultification of Black Girls in the UK “
Racialised Cultural capital
What is cultural capital? Cultural capital is a sociological term coined by Pierre Bourdieu and Jean-Claude Passeron in 1977. They used it to explain the difference in performance and academic achievement in children based on their experiences. It is the social and cultural advantage that some have, and the access to opportunities that that advantageContinue reading “Racialised Cultural capital”
The Importance of Racial Wellness in Schools
By Michelle Racial trauma can be described as the mental and emotional impacts that a person experiences as a result of exposure to racism. This exposure may be direct, for example by being on the receiving end of racist insults or frequent microaggressions, or more ‘indirect’ such as hearing distressing news about a racist incidentContinue reading “The Importance of Racial Wellness in Schools”
Mythology in Africa and the Diaspora
By Michelle Africa is home to more than a thousand languages, and cultures. It’s no surprise to learn that a continent full of varied geography, a multitude of languages, and so many vibrant cultures has equally varied and vibrant myths. African mythology is full of interesting folklore, networks of unique gods, and colourful creatures andContinue reading “Mythology in Africa and the Diaspora”
