Heroic Black men, pastor files police racism complaint - and Shabana Mahmood's "deport dem" energy
Plus: Black Current News given props by one of Britain’s leading journalism platforms!
Dear readers,
Hope you’re all well. It’s been one of those weeks when the news cycle has thrown everything at us - sweeping immigration reforms, heroic Black men stepping up for their communities, heartbreaking farewells, a new Black-owned pub opening on the ends and a pastor calling out what he suggests was shocking state violence inflicted upon his church.
Every week, In Focus will bring you:
The biggest headlines affecting Black and marginalised communities, which mainstream media often underreport or miss
Good news, highlights and achievements worth celebrating
And feedback is always welcome, you know. A devoted reader recently expressed outright disdain - cussed us off, actually - for our coverage of the killing of an Asian prisoner in a racist attack, suggesting it meant we weren’t truly a pro-Black platform. We even lost two subscribers after it went live.
The truth is, stories like that matter, not least of all because what harms one minoritised group feeds the same system that’s overpopulating our prisons with Black people. BCN is unapologetically Black - and we stand for equal rights and justice. We also stand with you, our readers, so please keep the feedback coming.
As ever: thanks for supporting this growing platform for Black news, perspectives and the issues shaping our communities.
Good News
Zekel Johnson, a firefighter from Norwood, rescues children on fourth day in job
George Imafidon joins Co-op Foundation Board as Vice Chair
Eniola Aluko inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame
Steven Bartlett seeks to build ‘Disney of the creator economy’ after multi-million investment
Aamilah Aswat becomes first Black British female jump jockey to race in the UK
Room 187, a Black events company, wins big at the UK Entertainment Awards
Black Current News given props by one of Britain’s leading journalism platforms
Just in | Police probe launched after pastor accuses officers of racism, saying they ‘stormed Black elder’s funeral and assaulted mourners. He’s carrying that “no weapon formed” conviction…
Bishop Anthony Parry, who leads the New Testament Church of God in Leeds, has accused West Yorkshire Police of racism after officers stormed the funeral of a Black elder, allegedly pushing a woman to the ground and shoving him when he questioned them.
A formal complaint has been filed and the incident is now under internal review. The police have apologised for the “distress” caused, as the church calls for accountability and assurances that this will never happen again. Read the full article here.
UK to deport more Black and Asian families, thanks to new immigration clampdown
On Monday, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood unleashed a sweeping set of immigration measures, from temporary refugee status to changes in human rights law aimed at driving up deportations. Ministers are also threatening visa restrictions for countries that refuse to take back people the UK wants removed. Here’s a detailed breakdown of plans: you should read it because, for all we know, it could soon be any one of our loved ones on the next plane out of here, unprovoked.
US couple wanted over racist attack on a London family ‘have already left the UK’
Police say a prominent Trump supporter and her partner, wanted over a racist attack on a family in central London, left the UK within days of the incident. Investigations are ongoing.
Kanya King to open ‘House of MOBO’ pub in London ahead of awards’ 30th anniversary
MOBO Group has teamed up with Greene King to launch a brand new pub in South London - the House of MOBO, pitched as a vibrant community hub that celebrates Black culture and brings a fresh take on what a modern pub can be.
Marcus Fakana, 19, laid to rest
Marcus Fakana’s funeral took place in London on 14 November. His family shared a moving tribute, describing him as “a cherished brother, cousin and friend whose presence lit up every room he entered”.
What else we’re reading
Man jailed for killing boy, 16, in front of mother
‘Barrel Children gets New York honour, Barbados filming this winter, Rustie Lee on childhood migration’
Exclusive | “People are anxious for help”: Mark Golding on the urgency of Jamaica’s recovery after Hurricane Melissa
Racism returning to UK politics – and people are very scared, says Starmer
Vybz Kartel on his legal victory, vulgar lyrics and the lasting scars of prison: ‘If I hear a key shake, it traumatise me’ by Jason Okundaye
NHS staff who visit patients at home say St George’s flags can mean ‘no-go zones’
Analysis | Is MP’s call for death penalty rooted in racism?
Inquest finds HMP Belmarsh failings behind racist killing. Why this matters for Black people
Where we’ve been
Last Wednesday, our editor Nadine White (middle in the loud silk shirt, honey) headed to the Society of Editors Awards (SOE) with fellow ‘Women in Journalism’ executive committee and advisory board members, where Black Current News was shortlisted for the prestigious Georgina Henry Prize. For those who don’t know, the SOE Awards is a leading journalism prize ceremony.
We didn’t take home the trophy - but being recognised just a month after launching was a real boost and a sign we’re moving in the right direction!
Remembering
Remembering Mel Rudder: the plug who powered UK culture
Got news, a tip, a story idea or thoughts on our coverage? Email admin@blackcurrentnews.co.uk. We read everything and take our community seriously.