Ali G's racism, more Black peers and new Carnival 60 app
Plus: Black Muslim academic makes history!
Dear readers,
How’s it going?
This week, we lead with the promotion of Dr Faatihah Niyi-Odumosu, who is believed to be the UK’s first Black Hijabi professor in life sciences, public health and allied health professions. It’s a landmark achievement - but also a reminder of how slowly Britain’s institutions are changing.
Black professors account for just 1.13% of the UK’s professoriate (270 academics). A recent analysis suggests the sector is missing about 699 Black professors because Black academics are promoted at a lower rate than their white counterparts.
As ever, we’ve also rounded up stories that challenge, celebrate and inform, from renewed calls for Windrush justice and Notting Hill Carnival updates to community-led health initiatives and the return of one particularly tired caricature from a hard-back man who should’ve grown up by now (cough Ali G).
Keep scrolling for more and remember to pre-order your copy of our very first print magazine - coming soon.
One love!
Faatihah Niyi-Odumosu promoted to professor at University of the West of England
Dr Faatihah Niyi-Odumosu has been promoted to Professor of Physical Activity, Ageing, and Community Health at the University of the West of England. A medical doctor and expert in healthy ageing, she founded the Ageing Lifestyle in Blacks and Asians (ALIBSA) initiative.
Over 100 lawyers demand urgent Windrush compensation overhaul as scandal nears 10-year mark
With the 10th anniversary of the Windrush scandal approaching, over 100 lawyers and campaigners have urged the government to deliver long-promised justice through sweeping reforms to the compensation scheme. Their proposals include an independent statutory inquiry, funded legal representation, citizenship reform and faster compensation payments.
MPs urge Government to confront racism in homelessness system
A cross-party committee of MPs has urged the Government to explicitly address racism and racial inequality in its strategy to end homelessness. The report calls for better ethnicity data, stronger action against discrimination and greater accountability, warning that Black people continue to face disproportionately worse outcomes across the housing system. Campaigners have raised concerns for years, but meaningful reforms have yet to follow.
Black Joy Bulletin
Two dozen trailblazers named on HSBC UK x UK Black Business Show’s ‘Top 25 Black Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2026’
Notting Hill Carnival announces official app and 60th anniversary merchandise
Black-led groups can apply for £15,000 maternal health grants
Black-owned UK hair brand Ruka lands Sephora US launch
Meet the NHS clinician delivering hospital-level care in patients’ homes
Poet John Agard has claimed a record-breaking third win at a renowned literary award
Campaign secures return of Black history billboards for Carnival
Two new Black history billboards honouring pioneers Claudia Jones and Rhaune Laslett are coming to this year's Notting Hill Carnival. This comes courtesy of a community crowdfunding campaign by award-winning cultural theorist Kayne Kawasaki, which surpassed its fundraising target.
East London pop-up puts Black women's breast health in focus
The Girls' Bathroom is an immersive pop-up health awareness event taking place at UNLOCKED Shoreditch tomorrow (Saturday 18 July). Created by Touchy Feely in partnership with the NHS, it transforms the familiar, judgement-free setting of a women's bathroom into a space for open conversations about breast health, with a particular focus on encouraging Black and Brown women to prioritise screening and early detection. Free tickets can be obtained here.
What else we’re reading
June Sarpong, Barbara Mills KC and Alison Lowe among 26 new peers to enter the Lords
Black women less likely to attend breast screening due to systemic and cultural barriers, study finds
Caribbean reparations body urges UK to return British Virgin Islands
Black doctors in England four times less likely to get training places than white counterparts
The UK’s first fibroid summit spotlights a condition that disproportionately affects Black women
Bob Marley statue returns to Liverpool after conservation break
‘If you have been listening to Suella Braverman and think Britain has gone bonkers, let me explain’ | Nels Abbey
‘Sacha Baron Cohen’s midlife Ali G comeback is pathetic’ and a forensic analysis of his racist caricature
First picture of Sikh mum, 24, stabbed to death in what parents fear was ‘racist attack’
Chef Dom Taylor dies as heartfelt tributes pour in for The Good Front Room founder
Queen Elizabeth II replaced by Caribbean heroes on new Eastern Caribbean banknotes
Disney’s new ‘Captain Durag’ cartoon character ignites backlash from Black folks
Got a news tip or story idea? Submit it via this form. Reader feedback and corrections are welcomed separately here.
