#0052 We don’t have to break to prove we’ve built

Hey Loved One,

How’s your week been?

Your messages last week, after I returned from a short break, truly humbled me. Thank you for holding space for me — I appreciate every single one of you.

As we edge closer to D-Day for the Windrush Caribbean Film Festival, my anxiety rises. As you can imagine, running a national festival is no small thing. My role has evolved into Festival Director, and I’m now woven into the fabric of the festival’s DNA. It’s a responsibility I take seriously as the newest contributor to this legacy.

Every waking moment is filled with decision-making, strategising, and bringing things to life. There are nights when I wake up, heart racing, instantly asking myself, “What do I have to do next?”

So breaks and listening to what I actually want have become essential.

Saturday night I watched Forever, produced by Mara Brock Akil, fellow Gemini and creator of Black cultural staples like Girlfriends and Being Mary Jane. Inspired by Judy Blume’s book, the story follows Justin and Keisha as they navigate their first love.

Forever (the literary version) and I go way back. One of my favourite places growing up was South Lambeth Library in South London. It was walking distance from our flat, and books became a sanctuary for me throughout my childhood. In my final year of primary school, I stumbled across Forever. It felt incredibly risqué. It really wasn’t, but at 10 or 11, I’d never read anything like it. I brought it to school to share with my friends. Big mistake. By the end of the day, someone had lifted it from my bag.

Watching the 2025 TV version was sweet. I saw myself in Justin’s mum, deeply committed to her son’s academic success, maybe a little too much. Unlike the 1975 version, this one also touches on the realities of today, like digital sex tapes, while still preserving the tenderness of young love. I’ll admit, I didn’t realise how much trauma I carry from watching art where we’re at the centre. I kept waiting for the violence - police trauma, someone dying, something. It never came, thankfully.

Rest as Activism

This week, one thought keeps echoing: rest is activism.

That idea really landed after watching a two-part video from Pierre Neil, known to most as Swiss from So Solid Crew, and to others, the founder of Black Pound Day, one of the few recent campaigns that truly united Black communities.

Launched in 2020, the campaign encouraged people to buy from Black-owned businesses on the first Saturday of each month. And although platforms like Jamii had already existed since 2016, Black Pound Day gave voice to the grief and frustration that followed the events of May 2020. It scaled fast. Retail stores, brand partnerships, even Google.

But at what cost?

In his video, Swiss shared that he’s had to scale everything back. The stress of leadership and his deep desire to serve the community had impacted his relationships, his energy, and his body. He now has reduced hearing and hasn’t been able to feel his feet in 18 months.

He admitted it was the hardest message he’d ever had to share. Black Pound Day still exists, but without the in-person stores and with a much smaller team. What continues now is the ethos.

I really rated Pierre for being vulnerable and honest. Especially publicly. Especially as a Black man. Especially in a community that isn’t always forgiving when things shift. I felt that.

I’ve been there too. Still showing up publicly while privately feeling like things are falling apart.

His message reminded me that reimagining your vision is not failure. It’s power. Nothing that stays the same ever truly grows. And change, even when it’s painful, can lead to something more aligned, more freeing, and more sustainable.

So if you’re in a season of change, re-evaluation or evolution, I hope Pierre’s honesty reminds you that there is power in choosing yourself. In honouring what you need most.

One Last Thing

This week, I finally got to announce a project I’ve been working on since last October: securing a month-long exhibition for a client — a photographer — at one of the most iconic music venues in the world, The Royal Albert Hall.

It’s a reminder of what’s possible when you stay open, listen closely, and remain flexible and it all started with a voice note. You can read how I turned that moment into a career-defining legacy on my new website.

This week’s prompt (from my Rise and Restore deck, part of The 360 Business series):“What’s a fear you’ve outgrown, but are still letting run the show?” You can get the full deck — and others in the series — over at The Edit, my online shop.

Until next time,