It’s the 1st of October, and for those in the UK, this marks the start of what’s traditionally known as Black History Month—though we prefer to call it Black Excellence Always!

While the months of October (in the UK) and February (in the US) are often filled with the usual retellings of Martin Luther King or Malcolm X debates, slavery films, and reminders of the struggles Black people have faced—and continue to face to some extent—there’s so much more to our history and our identity than these narratives alone.

As much as I value the celebration of Black history, being Black and proud of our rich culture, which stretches back thousands of years, is not just a 31-day moment. My Blackness is not a trend, nor is the resilience instilled in us by God. But I do relish the idea of two months a year dedicated to shining an extra spotlight on the excellence that is Blackness, and I’ll gladly attend any event that does just that.

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Recently, I had the pleasure of attending Guap’s collaboration event with the V&A—a space where emerging artists and creative minds came together in a celebration of Black artistry and culture. From workshops to fashion films, to the remarkable work of photographers and artists, it was an inspiring showcase of Black talent. Guap consistently uplifts our community, and this event, held just before the start of Black Excellence Always, truly set the tone for the month ahead.

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