The Black women helping to run Burnham's new government.
Plus: Reggae Jam passa, Black Panther 3 and our magazine!
Good morning everyone,
Welcome to your weekly news round-up from Black Current News.
Did you know that the Commonwealth Games are happening right now? Been hella quiet this year. Someone said they’re dying.
Years ago, our editor wrote that the games are rooted in slavery, should be axed and “replaced with a sporting event that isn’t bonded by racial trauma against a backdrop of Eurocentric denialism”.
Opinions about how the Commonwealth benefits member countries are divided because, Britain aside, the wealth isn’t at all common among them. Still, the event has been, and continues to be, a springboard to greater success for some athletes. Debate aside, it is noteworthy that Nigeria is currently the highest-ranking Black-majority country on the games’ league tables at #3.
Anyway: our big, bad, boasy and very first Black Current magazine is coming out in a few days! Lots of people have pre-ordered their copies and we’re grateful for everyone’s support. Secure yours here and don’t miss out!
With Mother of the House, the Rt Hon Diane Abbott MP, and trailblazing Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP featured as our cover stars, the magazine features Angie Greaves, Marverine Cole, Charles Venn, Slim the comedian, Symeon Brown, Tianna, the Writer, Deta Hedman, plus more.
Keep scrolling for more headlines and don’t forget to share this round-up with your people!
We’re proud to be Britain’s fastest-growing Black news platform.
Three Black women appointed to ministerial roles in PM Andy Burnham’s reshuffle
After becoming Prime Minister on Monday (20 July), Andy Burnham set about appointing his government. Miatta Fahnbulleh was named Energy Secretary, becoming the only Black cabinet member. Florence Eshalomi has been appointed Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government, though will not attend cabinet, while Baroness Brenda Dacres has become a Baroness In Waiting (Government Whip) in the House of Lords.
Calvin Bailey, who is of Black and white heritage, has also been reappointed as Minister for Veterans and People, a junior ministerial position. This comes as the chair of Operation Black Vote warns that the new PM must shift the UK’s mood on racism.
David Lammy has been sacked as Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor, by the way. Interestingly, no one has been appointed as Deputy PM in Lammy’s place, though Louise Haigh MP was named First Secretary of State, a role with a similar function.
Black Panther 3: British actor David Jonsson to star in 2028 sequel, playing T’Challa’s son
Black British actor David Jonsson will star as the new Black Panther in the upcoming film, director Ryan Coogler has announced. The third instalment is set for release on December 15 2028, co-starring the UK’s own Letitia Wright and Winston Duke.
Children’s book festival accused of silencing diversity criticism
Bath Children’s Literature Festival is under fire after authors who criticised its lack of representation were asked to delete social media posts, Liv Facey reports. One writer described the emails as “threatening and bullying”. The row has fuelled ongoing concerns about inclusion and transparency within publishing.
German festival Reggae Jam has apologised after erecting a giant sexualised display of a Black woman on its stage sparked outcry. Read more here.
Black Joy Bulletin
Meet Lyse, a mum-of-six from Burundi, who overcame language barriers and achieved a nursing degree
Dr Tonye Sikabofori appointed as Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s new Chief Medical Officer
Idris Elba and Delroy Lindo set to receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, reportedly becoming the first Black British celebs to have this honour
Idris Elba has also reportedly collaborated with Google in a $1m initiative to empower African creators with AI tools
Dulwich stylist wins Afro Award at L’Oréal Colour Trophy Grand Final
Happy Sunday from the multitalented actress Angela Wynter and her band Kush Abakush! 🎤🇯🇲
Many viewers know her best as Yolande Trueman in EastEnders, but Angela’s acting career spans more than four decades across stage and screen.
This recent performance is a joyful reminder of her extraordinary range from singing to acting and beyond. Find out more via our Instagram page.
What else we’re reading
Black communities invited to have their say on the future of nursing and midwifery
Police officers ‘accidentally record themselves discussing illegal stop-and-searches of Black women’
Mother’s body left unburied for four years as family argued over £725,000 estate
Paralympian Ade Adepitan tipped to make I’m a Celebrity history in 2026 line-up
Green Party councillor cleared after calling David Lammy a coconut
NHS surgeon wins unfair dismissal claim after taking £250,000 UAE job during sabbatical
Former Met Police commissioner has acknowledged that undercover surveillance of Stephen Lawrence’s family was institutionally racist
British woman jailed for blackmail after accusing banker of rape in Hong Kong
Green London councillor cleared over David Lammy ‘coconut’ comments
Part of Hampstead Heath was purchased using slave trade profits, report reveals
Southport killer Axel Rudakubana moved to Broadmoor psychiatric hospital
‘Denied dignity’: Fundraiser launched to repatriate Yves Sakila’s body to Congo after Dublin death
Exclusive | Jury acquits Black man of assaulting police in just eight minutes after officers’ claims crumble
Exclusive | Diane Abbott hopes Labour suspension will be lifted as petition passes 35,000 signatures
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