As an example of the lack of representation of Black Love in the public sphere, a random Google search for ‘Black relationships UK will return and plethora of results about interracial couplings far in advance of Black-on-Black ones.  The implications for this are important for a range of issues from community cohesion to mental wellbeing. (1)

Yet some may query whether Black on Black relationships are still a thing.  Office of National Statistics data from the 2011 census reveals that in addition to nearly one quarter (24.3% – the highest of all groups) of ‘Black’ families being ‘Lone Parent’, ‘Black Caribbean’ men and women are 48% and 37% in interracial relationships respectively.  (2)  It remains to be seen if the trend has gone up or down in recent census. 

But those committed to Black Love are not leaving it to chance (assuming ‘chance’ has left us where we are currently).  Soul to Soul Connexions is” a unique and discreet ‘bespoke Introduction and events service for single melanin rich men and women.  We aim to provide a reliable method of a finding a mate for the souls of melanin rich individuals seeking long term unions, companionships or relationships.”  In the absence of established community institutions, such services may well be the future.

Far from a frivolous issue, in this season of Afrikan Liberation, warrior scholar Mwalimu K Baruti emphasises the importance of Black Love as a basis of marriage, community and nation building when he asserts: “Europeans have no greater fear in the contemporary setting than the consciously centered Afrikan family.” (3)

This would indicate that even if we have hitherto left our relationships up to chance, our oppressors have been left inclined to do so.

(1) Joel Campbell (29/09/20) Socially-led campaign to highlight black British love. https://www.voice-online.co.uk/news/community/2020/09/29/socially-led-campaign-to-highlight-black-british-love/

(2) Office for National Statistics (03/04/19) Families and households. https://www.ethnicity-facts-figures.service.gov.uk/uk-population-by-ethnicity/demographics/families-and-households/latest ; George Arnett (03/07/14) Nearly one in ten people in England and Wales in inter-ethnic relationship. https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2014/jul/03/nearly-one-in-ten-people-in-england-and-wales-in-inter-ethnic-relationship

(3) Mwalimu K Baruti (2010) Iwa: A Warrior’s Character. Akoben House. p. 203

So we ask the question:

What’s Love got To Do with Liberation?

1) Can we believe the data showing we have high levels of lone parents and interracial relationships?

2) If it is the case why is this?

3) Do you think the rate of interracial relationships has gone up or down since 2011?

4) Have you ever used a Black dating or introduction service? Or Would you?

5) Is there a need for such a service?

6) Why do Europeans have “no greater fear in the contemporary setting than the consciously centered Afrikan family”?

Our Special Guest:

Sis. Zora Johnson: was born in north London in the early 60’s to parents of West Indian origin – Jamaica in particular.

She has had an eclectic career spanning, banking, business, marketing, and health  & social care at varying levels. 

Zora has been a qualified nurse since 1986,  but has always held interests outside her sphere of clinical practice such as qualifying as an Menopause Specialist, Image and Personal Brand Consultant as areas of private interest.

 Following the demise of my ten year marriage, I found that I wasn’t able to find access to like-minded kindred spirits like myself.

Cancelling out the negative experiences of Black singles and Match.com I found myself going to a bespoke matching service (originally set up for Asian families with a small core service for African Caribbean people) only to find that there no candidates for me to consider.

The seed for Soul to Soul Connexions was born to provide a service such as this for people from the African and Caribbean diaspora.

Zora considers herself to be a mover and shaker seeking to give back to her community in ways that share her love, wisdom , knowledge and expertise.

Bro. Hugh Mayers: Cognitive Behaviour Psychotherapist Life Coach & Mental Health Trainer and YouTuber.  Bro. Hugh co-founder of Soul to Soul Connexions a bespoke matching for people from the African and Caribbean diaspora.