A Journey Of Voice, Identity And Change

Welcome back my gorgeous readers, creatives and boss people!!!

Phewwwwww! October is out of the way! AND BREATHE! 

This year’s Black History Month has been especially busy and most of all, revealing. It really highlighted for me how our circumstances can shape how we feel about, or approach, this month of reflection, celebration, and visibility.

When I worked in local government, my remit covered communications and engagement, particularly with our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. Back then, October always came with a sense of dread. It meant producing enough events and initiatives to meet both the system’s need to “look proactive” and the community’s rightful need for acknowledgement and visibility. On top of that, there was always the pressure of showing up everywhere, to make sure my presence matched my commitment to the community.

But here’s what I’ve learned. Support doesn’t always have to mean showing up physically.

Support can look like moral support, kind words of encouragement, acknowledgment, a like and comment online, or sharing someone’s story. It can mean buying tickets for an event and gifting them to someone who really wants to be there but can’t afford it. It can be paying it forward in whatever way feels possible and accepting that that is ENOUGH.

And that acceptance? It’s liberating.

What do you think, is that a mindset you could adopt? Or are you still burning out every October trying to show up for every corner of your community and culture?

Expectation-Free Zones

As with everything I do, I’m sticking to a handful of rules, number one being: whoever comes are the right people. It saves me from disappointment, removes unnecessary pressure, and reminds me that there are no failures, only wins or lessons. (That’s a gem I picked up from the Kindred pInvestment Readiness Programme I’m currently attending with my business partner!)

So… What is the 411, what have I been up to?

When I say busy, I mean it! So here’s a quick recap. 

Black Stage Pass x More Than Words

We kicked off the month with a bang. Soft launching Black Stage Pass with a special Black History Month edition of my open mic series, More Than Words!

It was an unforgettable night: sold out and oversubscribed! Eight brilliant artists performed, five powerful panellists shared wisdom, and over 100 audience members journeyed with us. The feedback has been glowing and we can’t wait to share the impact report.

Investment Readiness Programme with Kindred

Enrolling in Kindred’s Investment Readiness Programme has been game-changing. It’s informative, eye-opening, and honestly; nourishing. The cohort is beautiful, supportive, value-driven, and full of shared energy for growth. Spending one day a week with people I admire and want to collaborate with? That’s special.

Events, Moments & Memories

Here’s a quick roundup of some of the standout moments from October:

• Black Actors Collective Portraits Exhibition. This may be bias because I was in the exhibition, but honestly one of the most standout moments this month! To see my picture and that of my friends and fellow creatives dominate a space we felt did not see us for so long, it was beautiful, empowering, poignant, powerful and everything in-between!!! What a time to be alive!

• Knowsley Black Entrepreneurship Event (with LCRCA’s Race Equality Hub): A roaring success! We connected with visionary business leaders across the region and promoted Black Stage Pass.

• Crew Night by Liverpool Locations Team: Networking and celebration at the new L16 Studios! And yes, Black Stage Pass got a backstage pass! Exciting opportunities brewing there.

• Anthony Walker Foundation 20-Year Anniversary Gala: A breathtaking evening honouring Anthony’s incredible legacy and celebrating Black brilliance, resilience, and community power.

• My First Day on Set as a trainee Assistant Producer with Parliament Street Productions! What a joy to learn and grow in a new space. Anyone who knows me knows I thrive on new challenges.

• Yazmin Lacey Live at Jacaranda Records Baltic: Simply stunning. I’ve admired Yazmin since our LIPA days, and watching her command that stage was deeply affirming. Her new album Teal Dreams is out now! Don’t walk, run to support it!

• And, cheeky bonus that no one asked for, I’m off to see Kat Burns tonight (also at Jacaranda). I’ll let you know how that goes, but I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be amazing.

Looking Ahead

I think I’ve covered everything (it feels like there’s more!). As I catch my breath, I’d love to know:

Where have you been this month?

What did you enjoy about Black History Month this year?

And most importantly, did you make time to prioritise yourself?

As I move through this transition phase; establishing my business, reintroducing myself to the world outside of corporate life and reigniting my creative sparks. I can honestly say October has been full of growth, joy, and meaningful progress.

And really, I can’t ask for more than that.

Thank you for being here and Iook forward to reading and responding to your reflections. 

Next month, we talk CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

Toodalooooo Mother Lovers!!!!