African skulls at UK auction sparks backlash

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Dear readers,

A lot has been going on!

King Charles and Keir Starmer have faced renewed calls for Britain to pay slavery reparations, which could far exceed £200 billion, ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa next week.

Here, I explain the meaning of reparations, including its five key components, the UK's atrocities, and more.

By the way, who's watching Mr Loverman? It's an eight-part, Black British-Caribbean BBC drama series about "love and being true to yourself," adapted from Bernardine Evaristo's novel.

In a glowing review, The Independent called it a "moving testament to the enduring power of self-acceptance".

Also in the news this week:

Written by Nadine White

Racist riots erupted across numerous UK cities this summer

Behind the headlines

A white nationalist, neo-Nazi group has raised thousands of pounds for the families of prisoners locked up over their roles in the anti-immigration riots that took place across the UK in the summer.

Almost £15,000 has been collected by Patriotic Alternative (PA) through an online fundraiser to help relatives of convicts – referred to as "political prisoners" – to "get by" while sentences are served.

This campaign is noteworthy because it highlights that, despite hundreds of rioters being prosecuted, the racism and anti-immigrant sentiment that sparked the violent unrest remains a pressing issue.

The fundraiser was published on GiveSendGo, a Christian crowdfunding platform. I approached the platform for comment, asking how the appeal aligns with its Christian values.

I also asked PA about their fundraiser; their representative told me: "We'll just laugh at the boring hit-piece you'll write about us, but if you want to spread awareness of our fundraiser, then be our guest."

Nadine's must reads

BBC halted work on Mrs Brown's Boys after star made 'racist joke'

By Ellie Harrison

Mel B backs campaign for emojis with Afro hair on mobile devices

By Nadine White

Hundreds of Afghan commandos to be brought to Britain as minister finally admits troops were employed by UK

By Holly Bancroft

Are you well-versed on the topic of slavery reparations? 

Britain is facing growing calls to atone for its involvement in the enslavement and genocide of Africans. 

This country was involved in the trafficking and sale of millions of these people across centuries. Now, campaigners, governments and descendants of the enslaved insist that practical amendments to the atrocities of slavery are required.

But how much does the average person know about the matter? I'm curious, so feel free let me know where you stand. And if you want to share your views, you can email me using the address below.

Birmingham-bound for Marcus Garvey 

(L-R) Chief executive Petra Roach, me, broadcaster Richie Brave and historian Kayne Kawasaki at Joyce's Jerk Joint

I attended a Black History Month dinner at the renowned Joyce's Jerk Joint on Wardour Street in Soho last week, along with some of Britain's best tastemakers and storytellers.

Other guests present included cultural historian Kayne Kawasaki, presenter Remel London, broadcaster Richie Brave, Nyle McIntosh of Black Things UK and marketing agency founder Chris Roach.

I was served with a starter of Jamaican red pea soup and the main dish was jerk chicken, rice and peas with steamed vegetables.

Nearing its 25th anniversary, Joyce's Jerk is the longest-running Caribbean restaurant in central London and a favourite among many,

including superstar Rihanna.

As I sat there, chewing my food and soaking in the good vibes, I thought about how it bucks the general trend: new research shows that Black business leaders have been twice as likely to be turned down for business funding in the last 18 months.

The disparities faced by these companies are well-documented, though solutions aren't often as forthcoming.

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MORE FROM NADINE

Over the coming days, I'll be going on a bit of a tour. 'Why?,' I hear you ask. Well... all will be revealed soon.

Approximately 49% of Race Report readers said they don't know about the "genocide threat" currently unfolding in Nigeria. You can read more on it here.

Got a story or simply want to share your thoughts on anything in this email? Email me at nadine.white@independent.co.uk or follow me on Twitter/X and Instagram: @Nadine_Writes

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