The day before Black History Month began, I was in a “room” with the Duchess of Sussex, discussing the contributions of Black Britons, from ex-gang leaders turned businessmen to female academics paving the way for young black women like me.
Nervous as can be, I held my list of questions ready to quiz the royalty on screen.
I was not sure what to expect — how much detail would Meghan give me? Would she answer all my questions?
She was nothing like how some may assume her to be — she was softly but firmly spoken. She didn’t hesitate or pause, in fact she and Harry carried the conversation, giving us honest revelations on what this year’s BHM means to them and how the global protests opened their eyes to the racism, microaggressions and injustice the black community face.
I chuckled when she spoke about her childhood. She said when she was growing up she didn’t see enough representation in the doll aisle of children’s toys — an experience I also share.
It may seem like a small thing but for young people it goes a long way — representation, for some, could be the difference between reaching their full potential or not.
Before her name dominated the UK media, I hadn’t known much about her, but I’ve come to admire her for giving back to others through her charities.
As someone born in Zimbabwe, a beautiful country suffering from corruption and human rights abuse, I support those who understand the meaning of giving back and raising future generations.
