A Journey Of Voice, Identity and Change

Welcome back, my gorgeous readers!

I know, I know – summer is officially over. How are we already back to the daily grind? Everyone’s clinging to the next celebration – Halloween, bonfire night, Christmas – just anything to make the mundane feel a little lighter. Not that I’m any different, mind you. Haha. It’s true what they say: failing to prepare is preparing to fail! So how do I keep succeeding? I’m probably the most last minute person you could ever meet and preparation is an enemy of mine! Haha. As I get older I realise how rare that actually is. I watch all the people around me stiffen up when I explain my processes. Hahahahah! Everyone plans so meticulously and I’m out here living like a real creative. Day to day! Haha. 

I’ve just returned from a truly stunning trip to Jamaica, and let me tell you, I am STRUGGLING to get back to reality. Honestly, I feel like I need my “out of office” on for another month just to recalibrate! It’s been over a week since I landed, and I still don’t know what day it is. If I close my eyes and whack the heating up to the MAX, I’m right back on that beach. Haha.

What a trip it was! We packed our time with every experience we could squeeze in, and honestly, we enjoyed every second. But you know me – the activist in me couldn’t just sit back and relax. Multimillion-pound resorts dotting the coastline, surrounded by poverty and a palpable sense of lack, struck a chord with me. My curiosity got the better of me, and I started talking with locals about what I was seeing. Conversations revealed truths I wasn’t expecting, and suddenly, I found myself doing what I do best – witnessing injustices and feeling compelled to intervene. 

I started researching the broader landscape of Montego Bay and even the hotel chain I was staying at. It was frustrating not to find much about local community development supported by these hotel chains, but eventually, I discovered that my particular hotel chain had partnered with a charity. Their goal? To support local residents in setting up tourist attractions that benefit the local economy. Naturally, I reached out to the charity. They got back to me quickly and promised to send more information. I’m waiting on the email, but I’ll admit, I’m sceptical. Not about the charity more so about what sort of contribution the hotel are making and what they stand to gain from it. But I’ll see. 

My mind’s already whirling with potential projects to help uplift those communities. If anyone’s up for collaborating, hit me up! I’ve already started brainstorming with a local I met while I was there, so I’ll definitely keep you all updated on that.

Jamaica reignited my creativity in ways I wasn’t expecting. I was writing more than I have in ages, with new poems spilling out of me and fresh story ideas to explore. I’ve added quite a few pieces to my growing collection, and I can’t wait to share more of that with the world soon.

Even my son thrived on the trip! Every disco, every cultural experience – he was all in. He made connections, tried new foods (stuff I wouldn’t even touch!), and just submerged himself in the lifestyle. I was in awe. Back home in the UK, he’s usually so introverted, and his food choices? Boring and plain. But in Jamaica? My god, he tried everything. The transformation was beautiful to witness. He can’t wait to go back, and we’re even planning a trip to the Dominican Republic next year to reunite with friends we made in Jamaica, they’re from the States.

I think what I’m most excited for now is more exploration with him by my side, especially since I’ve started homeschooling him. Watching him blossom into the person he’s meant to be is one of the greatest gifts. Our bond just keeps growing, and that will always be my proudest achievement.

But, really – how is it September already? October is practically here, and I’m in disbelief. Black History Month is always busy for us Black folk, but this year, it feels especially so for me, now that I’m working in race equality full-time. Luckily, I still have some performances lined up to keep my creative flame alive. It’s all about balance, isn’t it?

I’ll be honest, though – stepping away from the creative sector for full-time work in a completely different field has been hard. For the first six months, I felt so lost without my usual creative outlets. I wasn’t sure I could do it. But, this new direction has opened up unexpected opportunities. I performed my first poetry reading for Blackfest earlier this year, and I absolutely loved it. I’ve even had a chance to test new poetry with 20 Stories High, and I’m really looking forward to performing at their Black with a Capital B celebration. A project responding to the murder of George Floyd. I contributed a poem, and the final film is complete. 7 artists contributed to the project in total! We’ll be gathering to celebrate soon, and I’m thinking about inviting my team from work. They know me as this race equality advocate, but they haven’t really seen my creative side in action. It could be a nice way to merge my worlds!

I’m feeling renewed, reenergised, and ready for whatever comes next. Thank you all so much for being here and sharing this journey with me. 

Until next time!

❤️