TFL worker berates old woman, reggae icons honoured in London & Black barrister appointed King’s Counsel
Plus: UK Black Business Entrepreneurs survey launched
Dear readers,
This week’s dispatch is landing a little later than usual after a hectic weekend, some of which was spent at the Community, Corporate & Culture Awards.
It was a special event and we enjoyed being in the room with the likes of Dean Forbes, Davina Forbes-Williamson, Tim Campbell, Richie Brave, Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Abimbola Johnson, Olivia Hylton and many others doing incredible work across business, media and community.
Below are the stories worth your attention this week, from community wins and cultural moments to key events shaping experiences.
Good news
African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise (ACKEE) wins community business award at the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry SME Business Awards 2026. Launched in 2024, ACKEE tackles kidney health inequalities among African Caribbean communities
Afua Hirsch receives honorary doctorate from University of the Arts
Black-owned startup goes global with backing from UK Export Finance
Trailblazing poet Benjamin Zephaniah honoured as first-ever recipient of the City of Birmingham Medal
Harlesden’s reggae legacy honoured with Music Walk unveiling
Over the weekend, commemorative paving stones were unveiled and awards presented as part of the Harlesden Music Walk, a key strand of the wider Bassline project.
The initiative honours Harlesden’s legacy as the UK’s reggae capital and the Windrush generation whose cultural influence shaped it. It honoured key figures from across the scene, including General Levy, Janet Kay and the late singer Delroy Washington. Pioneering groups Aswad, The Cimarons and Ruff Cut Band were recognised, alongside Dennis Brown, Jet Star record label, Hawkeye Records, Starlight Records and Trojan Records
The moment spoke to community, influence and history, ensuring Harlesden’s reggae heritage is permanently recognised in the area. A public celebration is slated to take place this summer.
TfL investigating after worker seen berating elderly Black woman in public
TfL says it is “urgently investigating” after a worker was filmed berating an elderly woman who asked for directions, telling her to “use her brain” and calling her a “fool”.
Andrew Powell sworn in as King’s Counsel after outstanding career in complex family law
Andrew Powell has been sworn in as King’s Counsel, marking a major career milestone for the leading family law barrister known for handling complex, high-stakes cases at the forefront of evolving legal issues.
Renowned London arts venue under fire after ‘ghetto’ remarks about Black awards event
Renowned London arts venue Rich Mix is facing backlash after broadcaster Remel London said her awards event was described as “ghetto”, “disgusting” and “nasty”.
King Charles photo with Caribbean officials sparks backlash over slavery-linked portrait
A photo of King Charles with Caribbean officials is facing criticism after it emerged the group posed beneath a portrait of George IV, a monarch linked to wealth derived from enslaved labour in Grenada.
What else we’re reading
Edna Mmbali Ombakho: Fundraiser launched to return her to Kenya after death in the UK
Dozens of AI ‘Black women’ accounts removed over racist, sexualised content
‘Quit or I’ll murder you’: Paapa Essiedu faces racist backlash over Harry Potter casting
Women in Africa up to 150 times more likely to die from maternal sepsis than in Europe, study reveals
GB News faces complaints after commentator claims ‘genocide’ against white people in UK
Ex-Met officer guilty of abusing position to groom TV presenter Jackie Adedeji
Hundreds of racism complaints at police forces led to no officers sacked
Black people bitten by police dogs at over three times the rate of white people, data shows
‘Racist comments about my daughter’s hair at a kids’ group made me set up my own support network’
Black music drove 80% of UK recorded music revenue over the past 30 years, report finds
Station FM founder DJ Keithley dies, remembered as a pioneer of UK reggae radio
UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Survey now open
A new national survey is gathering insights for the upcoming UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Report 2026.
The research aims to better understand the experiences of Black and African Caribbean diaspora-owned businesses, and will be used to inform how government, investors and corporates engage with the sector.
If you’re a business owner, you’re being encouraged to participate and share with others too.
The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is open until 31 March 2026: https://shorturl.at/rWzFF
Out and about!
Our founder, Nadine White, was named ‘Social Justice and Equality Champion’ at Community, Corporate & Culture Awards 2026, sponsored by HSBC, for work that challenges power, speaks truth and holds authority to account across journalism, film and Black Current News.
She extends thanks to Mahari Hay and the CCC team, the judges and her community. The win was unexpected, but deeply appreciated! Read more here.
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