#0020 It’s a quickie

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Hey Loved One,

How've you been? I hope you're keeping safe. It’s going to be a short one today as life has been life-ing which meant that the school run today ended in an Egg and Sausage McMuffin and a small Coke. Thank you to those who reached out to share your support on last week’s edition of TBFN, especially those who let me know that I am in good company regarding funeral pickups. I’d also like send a special shout-out to Rachel who not only took the time to read but then email me her comments whilst on maternity leave! Congrats lovely!

For those of you who are even slightly amused by the process, I can give you a micro update: I survived on the app for a week as per one of the rules and instead of deleting it, I’ve put it on pause. I went on two impromptu dates in 24 hours at the weekend which was interesting and the process has taught me new things about the world of dating. I’m in the early stages of early days with one match - trying to make sure the instant connection and chemistry aren’t a fluke, you know them ones - so maybe in time I’ll keep you updated.

This week’s book of the week is dedicated to a match who was interested in dating a Black woman. When I asked why he said because “he likes the way it looks”. That and a comment about not being “anti-woke” because he’s a “proper man” rang alarm bells for me.

Anyway loved one, a little later, but still yours

It’s hard not to want to rush to protect Nova Reid. She is unapologetically vocal about why people must do the work around their perceptions - and possible biases - of Black people. It’s a thankless and relentless task. When I had the privilege of producing her interview with national broadcaster Angie Greaves, about her book The Good Ally, I asked her how she protected herself and she mentioned she has her way but it’s not easy. Nova is NO NONSENSE. She truly is a representation of doing and standing by your word.

Here’s the synopsis for The Good Ally:

The Good Ally is an urgent call to arms to become better allies against racism and provides a thoughtful approach, centring 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 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, to examine their powerful role in it, but who want to know what to do about it. The answer often lies within.

The Good Ally is the answer to ‘what next?’