The Aftermath

by Grace Blenkinsop

“Over the past year, the Black Lives Matter movement has faded into the background. Unsurprisingly to myself and many other people of colour, white people have simply decided our issues are no longer relevant in their ego-fuelled performativity. This piece highlights this stark transition, offering a creative reflection on how the past year has mentally affected myself and the Black community. In tandem with the lockdown-induced isolation, this prose gives an insight into the reality of the aftermath of summer 2020, how lockdown has affected our mental wellbeing, destroyed the perception of oneself and most strikingly, clouded the definition of meaningful activism.

If you are a non-Black reader, please use this piece to reflect on how you actively challenge the institutions that oppress and marginalise, and recognise why it is imperative that the fight against anti-Black racism is sustained, always. Your silence is, of course, violence.”

Grace Blenkinsop is a graduate student studying Race, Media and Social Justice at Goldsmiths, with a specific interest in social justice and studies of the African Diaspora. Grace’s main goal within her work is to educate and uplift; striving to make apparent injustice and give voices to those most marginalised. Connect with Grace via her Instagram where she uses the platform as an outlet to start these conversations and provide various educational resources.

Rooting for all Black people.