The Sussexes & Evening Standard Celebrate Trailblazers for UK's Black History Month

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex marked the start of the UK's Black History Month with an exclusive interview with the Evening Standard in which they discussed their hopes to "end structural racism in Britain". The couple have been meeting with key leaders and actively supporting Black Lives Matter for months. The fight against racism is one they feel passionately about on a global level. During the conversation Guy jumped on the sofa much to the delight of the couple. As for life in their new home in Santa Barbara, Meghan said: "We are doing well. Archie is so good. We are very lucky with our little one. He is just so busy, he is all over the place. He keeps us on our toes. We are just so lucky."

The Duchess was asked about her views on Black Lives Matter, saying: "They can be inflammatory for a lot of people. But when there is just peaceful protest and when there is the intention of just wanting community and just wanting the recognition of equality, then that is a beautiful thing. While it has been challenging for a lot of people, certainly having to make this reckoning of historical significance that has got people to the place that they are, that is uncomfortable for people. We recognise that. It is uncomfortable for us." Harry noted the prevalence of racism even in London "celebrated as one of the most diverse cities in the world, if you actually get out on to the streets and talk to people, it doesn’t feel as diverse as it actually is". Harry continued: "Therefore, now is the best time for us to be able to use our platform, and you use your platform as well, so we can actually start a conversation and introduce people to the Black community that are making a massive difference within their own communities and across the UK as a whole as well." The full interview can be viewed below.

More from the Evening Standard:

'Harry also weighed in on the row over the recent Black Lives Matter themed dance routine by Britain’s Got Talent judge Ashley Banjo’s troupe Diversity, which triggered a deluge of complaints.

He said: “We spoke to Ashley Banjo a few weeks ago, straight after the Britain’s Got Talent situation. And that in itself, I am sure even me talking about it will be controversial, but the reality of it is he and his team of guys put on the most amazing display.

Asked by the Standard whether it was difficult not being able to return to the UK to help the causes close to their hearts, Harry said: “Everything has been through video, everything has been in a room, somewhere. Actually it doesn’t matter where in the world we have been, we have stayed in touch with and supported the organisations as much as humanly possible.”'

Below, the powerful performance by Diversity. I remember reading about this on Twitter last month and being utterly perplexed by the dance garnering almost 25,000 complaints. It was very much a call for social cohesion and solidarity following the murder of George Floyd. Ofcom rightfully decided not to formally investigate, noting: "We carefully considered a large number of complaints about this artistic routine, an area where freedom of expression is particularly important."

The ‘BHM Next Gen Trailblazers’ is a joint project between the Duke and Duchess and the Evening Standard calling upon British BAME figures who inspire them, such as England and British Lions rugby star Maro Itoje, Vogue editor Edward Enninful, Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams, and Booker prize-winning author Bernardine Evaristo, to each nominate one black person for their positive contribution to British society.

When asked how they selected well-known figures to nominate trailblazers, the Duchess said: "An incredible example is Baroness Lawrence. Everything she has done in memory of her son Stephen is creating a legacy across the UK in what it means to really push for the change that is necessary." A month before their wedding, Harry and Meghan attended a memorial service to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the murder of Stephen Lawrence and to celebrate his life and legacy.

The murder of Stephen Lawrence in 1993 shook Britain to its core. Born in 1974 to parents Neville, a carpenter, and Doreen, a special needs teacher, Stephen was the eldest of three and grew up in the south-east London suburb of Plumstead. During his teenage years, he excelled in running - competing for the local Cambridge Harriers athletics club - and appeared as an extra in Denzel Washington's film For Queen and Country. At 16, already an aspiring entrepreneur, Stephen set up his own business selling clothes and book covers. His ultimate dream was to become an architect and at the time of his death the "kind", "ambitious" and "fun-loving" teenager was studying hard to achieve his goal. Following a day of study, 18-year-old Stephen spent the evening of Thursday, 22 April 1993 with a friend. As he waited at a bus stop to return home a gang of youths attacked him in a brutal, racially-motivated murder. Stephen didn't know his attackers and they didn't know him. The case became one of the most high-profile killings in UK history; its fallout included profound cultural change to attitudes on racism and the police, and to the law and police practice, and the partial revocation of double jeopardy laws, before two of the perpetrators were convicted in 2012.

Additionally, Harry and Meghan penned a joint article for the Evening Standard:

'Black History Month allows us all an opportunity to reflect upon the often unrecognised contributions people of colour have made that add to the richness and strength of this great nation. It is a month that celebrates the diversity of our community and of black British excellence.

As we look at society today, there has been unquestionable progress in the three decades since Black History Month was formally established in the UK, yet in many ways sufficient progress has not been achieved.

For as long as structural racism exists, there will be generations of young people of colour who do not start their lives with the same equality of opportunity as their white peers. And for as long as that continues, untapped potential will never get to be realised.

As we look back at our past, acknowledging the good and bad of how we find ourselves where we are today, we must commit to appreciating and empowering all members of our community who strive to make a positive impact for all. This mutual respect and collective recognition transcends mere tolerance, and contributes to a more cohesive society. We hope for a society where we see each other for who we are, where we thank each other for what we do.

We cannot change history, nor can we edit our past. But we can define our future as one that is inclusive, as one that is equal, and one that is colourful. We are a better nation because of the people you see in this list.'

Baroness Lawrence nominated education expert Dr Nicola Rollock: "She’s inspired me over the years because of all of the work she’s done around race relations and, more importantly, what’s happening within education. Her latest work within the UK is looking at how many black women are professors in this country. Nicola is passionate about the critical role of education to inspire young black women to achieve their potential. I admire Nicola for her consistent work around anti- racism, equality and inclusion."

British Vogue editor Edward Enninful nominated campaigner and founder/CEO of social enterprise the Black Curriculum, Lavinya Stennett. Edward said: "Lavinya is special because she believes in the power of education and the arts to ultimately transform the lives of young people. The Black Curriculum is positively shaping the national curriculum and building a sense of identity in every young person in the UK." Click here to view the full list of trailblazers.

The couple spoke to journalist Abbianca Makoni who shared background on the interview:

'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.

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.'

Emily Sheffield, Editor of the Evening Standard, commented: "The Evening Standard is proud to work with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on this project. London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, but it has not always been a place where voices are heard equally. The vast steps that have been made to improve BAME representation within every level of society, from education to entertainment, to the media and politics, should be widely applauded, but as Meghan and Harry note, there is still more to do. Whether racism is purposeful or engendered by society we need to join together to challenge it."

The Duchess wore brown leather trousers and a matching asymmetrical top with a sleek updo.

Meghan's camel long sleeve top is by Haitian-born designer Victor Glemaud. His designs are "for all people, genders, races, sizes and personalities, marrying comfort and style" (with thanks to Meghan's Mirror).

Closing the conversation, Meghan said: "We have all had to adapt to how we can have the most impact as possible within the constraints of what has happened with Covid-19. Like all of you, we are doing the best that we can and hope that our passion and our commitment is still felt, as it certainly hasn’t wavered."