S2 Ep8: Black Minds Matter U.K., Racism, Mental Health and Avoiding Burnout | Agnes Mwakatuma

My debut book, The Good Ally is OUT NOW via your favourite bookseller or online: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-good-ally/nova-reid/9780008439484 In this episode it's just you and me kiddo wrapping up and reflecting on an incredible season. Going solo to share more about my author journey and barriers to author success. I also talk about healing and why courage and vulnerability are necessary to be anti-racist AND, I treat you to a little exclusive reading from my debut book The Good Ally. The Good Ally is an urgent call to arms to become better allies - and, in turn, human beings - against racism, and provides a thoughtful approach centering collective healing to do so. It is a book for those against persistent racial injustice, hungry to expand their knowledge and understanding of systemic racism in Britain and beyond. It intricately uncovers the roots of racism and its birthplace, anti-Blackness. It is for those who not only want to be able to better recognise both subtle and overt forms of racism in action, and to examine their powerful role in it, but who want to know what to tangibly do about it. The answer often lies within. Full of punch, humour and hope and packed with searing research and case studies – some toe-curling, some blood-boiling – The Good Ally will show you how, with knowledge, a dose of self-interrogation and a lot of courage, we can broker privilege and create powerful change. The Good Ally is out now via your favourite bookseller or online now: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-good-ally/nova-reid/9780008439484 Ways you can help get thew word out and support The Good Ally: 1. if you are able, please do buy the book for you, your family and your friends. Here is where you can buy the copies and independent booksellers.  eBooks can be found here is the Kindle version on Amazon 2. Listen to The Good Ally on audible (for free if you have a 30 day trial) 3. If you use Goodreads, add it to your reading lists here  4. If you already have your copy - please share it.  It is wonderful to see photos of #TheGoodAlly out in the world.  Share what parts of the book that resonated with you on social media, on Goodreads, with friends and family on Whatsapp, and talk about why you have the book and what it means to you.  Please don't forget to use #TheGoodAlly on those shares. You can connect with me over at @novareidofficial   (https://www.instagram.com/novareidofficial/) and at www.novareid.com       If you are ready to do the inner work and learn to be actively anti-racist please visit my website for further details about my online academy: Becoming Anti-racist with Nova Reid    https://novareid.com/services/anti-racism-course/        If you would like to express gratitude you can do so here: https://novareid.com/gratitude/ Don't forget if you learn something and these add value you can join my  podcast community over on Patreon to support this work: https://www.patreon.com/novareid.       If this podcast resonates with you, please leave a review. 

In this episode I have the pleasure of talking to campaigner, writer and speaker, Gina Martin, who is best known for founding and running the national campaign to make upskirting illegal and changing English and Welsh law by creating the Voyeurism Act.  Gina’s first book Be The Change was published in 2019 and is a practical guide for activists starting out. Recently named one of the Evening Standard’s 1000 most influential people in London, Gina is also an ambassador for UN Women UK and advocates for regular people creating change in their communities.  Gina and I had an honest conversation about activism and what triggered her involvement leading the Upskirting Campaign which ended up changing the law. We talk about sexual assault and power, being an influencer vs and activist, anti-Blackness and the different standards that are held for white women who are campaigners and Black women and how human rights issues are deeply connected. We also talk about the impact of social media, racism in the law and most importantly the role you have and how can you impact change.     Referenced in the episode:   - Be The Change (Little Brown, 2019)     You can also connect with Gina at @ginamartin  You can pre-order my debut book, The Good Ally, via your favourite bookseller or online now: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-good-ally/nova-reid/9780008439484 You can connect with me over at @novareidofficial   (https://www.instagram.com/novareidofficial/) and at www.novareid.com       If you are ready to do the inner work and learn to be actively anti-racist please visit my website for further details about my online academy: Becoming Anti-racist with Nova Reid    https://novareid.com/services/anti-racism-course/        If you would like to express gratitude you can do so here: https://novareid.com/gratitude/ Don't forget if you learn something and these add value you can join my brand new podcast community over on Patreon to support this work and get access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/novareid.       If this podcast resonates with you, please leave a review.  

In this episode I have the pleasure of talking to Kym Oliver, writer, speaker and the 'Official Goddess’ for The Triple Cripples - a platform dedicated to highlighting the narratives and increasing the visibility of Black, Brown & Indigenous Melanated People, living with Disability.     Kym is dedicated to illuminating her ‘lived experience’ with a long-term condition; examining its psychological, emotional, practical, social, cultural, structural and interpersonal effects, in order to create a blueprint for a more equitable future for our planet. She is determined to be the change she wishes to see.  Kym and I had an incredibly honest and powerful conversation about living while black and disabled, the importance of not trivialising representation and disability and worthiness.   We talk about racism, class, gender and ableism and how their intrinsic links to white supremacy and why intersectionality in anti-racism is so important. Additionally, why curiosity, and being on a constant journey of becoming and discovering, is vital for anti-racism. Surrendering to the work, always learning and un-peeling anti-blackness. We also talk about more about how The Triple Cripples came about, the work founders Kym Oliver and Jumoke Abdullahi are doing and how you can support them. Referenced in the episode:     - The Triple Cripples: https://thetriplecripples.uk - An introduction to Triple Cripples: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hXWibIt-CJo&feature=emb_title - TEDx Sussex: Empowerment as a Disabled Black Woman: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-JOSVUX5FEg Support the Triple Cripples Living Archive Project: https://PayPal.me/triplecripples  You can also connect with The Triple Cripples on Instagram at @triplecripples You can pre-order my debut book, The Good Ally, via your favourite bookseller or online now: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-good-ally/nova-reid/9780008439484 You can connect with me over at @novareidofficial  (https://www.instagram.com/novareidofficial/) and at www.novareid.com     If you are ready to do the inner work and learn to be actively anti-racist please visit my website for further details about my online academy: Becoming Anti-racist with Nova Reid   https://novareid.com/services/anti-racism-course/      If you would like to express gratitude you can do so here: https://novareid.com/gratitude/ Don't forget if you learn something and these add value you can join my brand new podcast community over on Patreon to support this work and get access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/novareid.     If this podcast resonates with you, please leave a review. 

In this episode I have the pleasure of talking to Agnes Mwakatuma, Founder of Black Minds Matter U.K. Born in Tanzania, Agnes’ family relocated to a small town in Devon 12 years ago. While growing up in a predominantly white town, Agnes recalls early examples of racism and microaggressions. Her own experiences as a Black woman, as well as witnessing the deterioration in mental health in the Black community around her, were both key drivers in her setting up Black Minds Matter U.K. in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder.   Agnes and I had an incredibly powerful and honest conversation about the impact of systemic racism on mental health and how the shortfalls in government and mental health services in the NHS have led to the need for organisations like Black Minds. We talk about being an entrepreneur in your twenties, how Black Minds Matter U.K. came about and the work that they are doing this year. We also talk about the 21k Donor Challenge and how you can support the charity. We also talk about how to look after you - how you're only as good as how well you look after yourself - avoiding burnout with self-care. Referenced in the episode:     - Black Minds Matter U.K.: https://www.blackmindsmatteruk.com  - Black Minds Matter U.K. 21k Donor Challenge: https://oxfordshire.enthuse.com/pf/bmmuk21k-354b0  You can also connect with Black Minds Matter U.K. at @blackmindsmatter.uk   You can connect with me over at @novareidofficial  (https://www.instagram.com/novareidofficial/) and at www.novareid.com     If you are ready to do the inner work and learn to be actively anti-racist please visit my website for further details about my online academy: Becoming Anti-racist with Nova Reid   https://novareid.com/services/anti-racism-course/      If you would like to express gratitude you can do so here: https://novareid.com/gratitude/ Don't forget if you learn something and these add value you can join my brand new podcast community over on Patreon to support this work and get access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/novareid.     If this podcast resonates with you, please leave a review. 

In this episode I have the pleasure of talking to Amanda Appiagyei, one of my anti-racism students. Amanda is a brand strategist helping people to build business and lives that feel more joyful, a lifelong learner.   Amanda and I had an incredibly raw and honest conversation about her anti-racism journey, her experience of being in an interracial marriage with two mixed heritage children and how this has affected her anti-racism work. We talk about when Amanda realised she needed to do this work, how to know when you’re embodying the work and some of the hardest and most transformative lessons Amanda has learned along the way.    In the episode we also discuss:   - Whether social media is a help or a hinderance to anti-racism - Trauma and the how white women uphold white supremacy - Upholding anti-racism work, causing harm and perfectionism - The importance of accountability  - Love and anti-racism   Referenced in the episode:   - Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers: They Were Her Property  - Becoming Anti-Racist with Nova Reid https://novareid.com/services/anti-racism-course/   You can connect with me over at @novareidofficial (https://www.instagram.com/novareidofficial/) and at www.novareid.com   If you are ready to do the inner work and learn to be actively anti-racist please visit my website for further details about my online academy: Becoming Anti-racist with Nova Reid  https://novareid.com/services/anti-racism-course/    If you would like to express gratitude you can do so here: https://novareid.com/gratitude/ Don't forget if you learn something and these add value you can join my brand new podcast community over on Patreon to support this work and get access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/novareid.   If this podcast resonates with you, please leave a review.  

In this episode I have the pleasure of talking to the incredible Resmaa Menakem, a Healer, best-selling author, and trauma specialist.    Resmaa helps people, communities, and organisations find strength in healing historical and racialised trauma – carried in the body and the soul – that is holistic and resilient. He is a cultural trauma navigator and helps people rise through the suffering’s edge. He is a communal provocateur and coach, a Senior Fellow with The Meadows Institute and considers it his job in this moment to make the invisible visible.   I have the pleasure of hearing more about Resmaa's journey from social work to healing historical and racialised trauma. We talk about the beautiful inspiration behind the name of his book, My Grandmother's Hands. We also talk about the concept of 'white body supremacy'. The immaturity of white body supremacy and the barrier it creates anti-racism and healing. We talk about healing from racialised trauma, Black women and creation, and Resmaa’s best-selling book, My Grandmother’s Hands.    Referenced in the episode: -Resmaa’s free Racialized Trauma Course: https://courses.culturalsomaticsinstitute.com/courses/cultural-somatics-free-5-session-ecourse - My Grandmother’s Hands: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/443/443125/my-grandmother-s-hands/9780141996479.html - Podcast Ep 3 BLM One Year On, Toxic Masculinity, Healing and Honouring Women with Daniel Edmund https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/blm-one-year-on-toxic-masculinity-healing-honouring/id1506584414?i=1000523257338   You can connect with Resmaa on his Instagram @resmaamenakem and Linktree page to download a free racialized trauma course   You can connect with me over at @novareidofficial (https://www.instagram.com/novareidofficial/) and at www.novareid.com   If you are ready to do the inner work and learn to be actively anti-racist please visit my website for further details about my online academy: Becoming Anti-racist with Nova Reid  https://novareid.com/services/anti-racism-course/    If you would like to express gratitude you can do so here: https://novareid.com/gratitude/ Don't forget if you learn something and these add value you can join my brand new podcast community over on Patreon to support this work and get access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/novareid.   If this podcast resonates with you, please leave a review.

In this episode I have the pleasure of talking to the incredible community builder and organiser, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah also fondly known as Lady Phyll, who is the nucleus of the award-winning celebration and protest that is UK Black Pride.  Lady Phyll is also the executive director of Kaleidoscope Trust, an organisation working towards the liberation of LGBTQ people around the world, an Albert Kennedy Trust patron and a public speaker focusing on race, gender, sexuality and class.    My goodness do we take a deep dive in this episode. We have a beautiful conversation about some of the things that make us human. Phyll also shares what lead her to found UK Black Pride, racism and how it intersects with other marginalised communities, Christianity and its link to white supremacy, homophobia and colonial systems. We also talk about managing expectations and overwhelm in social justice work and the beauty of joy. We also talk about the forthcoming UK Black Pride Love and Rage taking place online on the 2-4 July 2021  - as a space to re-imagine difference.   Referenced in the episode:   - UK Black Pride ukblackpride.org.uk (Twitter: @ukblackpride Instagram: @ukblackpride) - UK Black Pride 2021: Love and Rage  - Kaleidoscope Trust kaleidoscopetrust.com (Twitter: kaleidoscope_t Instagram: kaleidoscope_t) - Albert Kennedy Trust https://www.akt.org.uk/ (Twitter: @aktcharity Instagram: @aktcharity) - Stonewall Glossary Terms https://www.stonewall.org.uk/help-advice/faqs-and-glossary/glossary-terms   You can connect with Lady Phyll on social media via:  Twitter: @MsLadyPhyll Instagram: @ladyphyll   You can connect with me over at @novareidofficial (https://www.instagram.com/novareidofficial/) and at www.novareid.com   If you are ready to do the inner work and learn to be actively anti racist please visit my website for further details about my online adacemy: Becoming Anti-racist with Nova Reid  https://novareid.com/services/anti-racism-course/    Don't forget if you learn something and these add value you can join my brand new podcast community over on Patreon to support this work and get access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/novareid.   If this podcast resonates with you, please leave a review.   

This episode is sponsored by The Hopper (www.thehopper.tech). In this week’s episode, I have the pleasure of talking to the incredible author, historian, and British Civil Rights activist, Stella Dadzie, whose career has spanned over 40 years.  Stella is a founding member of OWAAD (Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent), a national umbrella group for Black women that emerged in the late 1970s as part of the British Civil Rights movement. She is often described as one of the “grandmothers” of Black Feminism in the UK. We talk about when Stella consciously became an activist, her work as a historian, researching trauma and self-care, the erasure of Black Women’s experience in the academic record, the erasure of their role in civil rights, education and ‘white noise’ debates and how we can all cling onto hope. So much Civil Rights and anti-racism activism has been led by incredible Black women, including Stella Dadzie and it is an honour to bring this episode to you. Links to Stella’s books: https://www.versobooks.com/books/2694-the-heart-of-the-race https://www.versobooks.com/books/3699-a-kick-in-the-belly    You can connect with me over at @novareidofficial (https://www.instagram.com/novareidofficial/) and at www.novareid.com You can pre-order my debut book, The Good Ally, via your favourite bookseller or online now: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-good-ally/nova-reid/9780008439484   If you are ready to do the inner work and learn to be actively anti racist please visit my website for further details about my online course: Becoming Anti-racist with Nova Reid  https://novareid.com/services/anti-racism-course/    Don't forget if you learn something and these add value you can join my podcast community over on Patreon to support this work and get access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/novareid.   If this podcast resonates with you, please leave a review.

You can pre-order my debut book, The Good Ally, via your favourite bookseller or online now: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-good-ally/nova-reid/9780008439484 One year on from the murder of George Floyd which sparked global Black Lives Matter Protests we explore what has changed and what has stayed the same. In this episode I have the pleasure of talking to fellow TED talk and podcaster Daniel Edmund, a dynamic speaker, presenter and social entrepreneur committed to leading this generation to a more inclusive and equitable world for all people. I offer a content warning as we explore themes of suicide and drug use. Racist and homophobic language are also used to depict some of Daniel's lived experience. We discuss everything from mental health, gender expression, racism in liberal friendships and toxic masculinity. We also explore our shared commitment to collective healing through anti-racism work. Daniel also led powerful protests in Bristol during the Black Lives Matter resurgence following the murder of George Floyd in summer 2020 and we talk about what that period of time was like for him, what has changed and what has stayed the same.   It's a deeply raw, honest and moving episode and I encourage those of you engaging in anti racism work to sit with any discomfort our conversation brings up.    To find out more about Daniel and his work and his podcast "Gender Unfiltered' you can follow him on instagram danieledmund and visit his site danieledmund.com    Links to the Black women and women of colour who have supported Daniel with collective healing including but not limited to:  Maya Kalaria- mayakalaria.com  Josiane Smith - https://www.linkedin.com/in/josianesmith/  Rachel Edmund - www.instagram.com/rroselc  Jennifer McGeever - https://www.instagram.com/j_wenghan/ In memory of George Floyd please visit: https://www.georgefloydmemorialfoundation.org If you are ready to do the inner work and learn to be actively anti racist please visit my website for further details about joining other change-makers on my online course: Becoming Anti-Racist with Nova Reid  https://novareid.com/services/anti-racism-course/  Don't forget if you learn something and these add value you can join my podcast community over on Patreon to support this work. https://www.patreon.com/novareid. If this podcast resonates with you, please leave a review.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of stealing some time with the incredible New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author, anti-racism educator, International speaker and podcaster Layla F. Saad. She is the author of the ground-breaking Me and White Supremacy (2020), an anti-racism education workbook that was initially offered for free in an Instagram challenge and in a self-published digital workbook in 2018 downloaded by 100,000 people in the space of six months. We talk about her groundbreaking book, book publishing, parenting and why holding boundaries in anti-racism and relationships are so important.  We also explore the beauty of surrender. Join us! Referenced in the episode: The Good Ancestor Book Club: http://laylafsaad.com/bookclub The Good Ancestor Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/good-ancestor-podcast/id1451091236 Article: Just How White is the Book Industry You can connect with Layla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laylafsaad/?hl=en and on her website: http://laylafsaad.com/  You can connect with me over at @novareidofficial (https://www.instagram.com/novareidofficial/) and at www.novareid.com You can pre-order my debut book, The Good Ally, via your favourite bookseller or online now: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-good-ally/nova-reid/9780008439484 If you are ready to do the inner work and learn to be actively anti racist please visit my website for further details about my online course: Becoming Anti-racist with Nova Reid  https://novareid.com/services/anti-racism-course/  Don't forget if you learn something and these add value you can join my podcast community over on Patreon to support this work and get access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/novareid. If this podcast resonates with you, please leave a review.