The human experience through the eyes of mixed-race & black British women Our mission?
Black Ballad is a UK based lifestyle website that taps into the conversations Black British women are having over dinner, through the changing room walls of Zara, online and anywhere else in between. As black British women ourselves, (well, the majority of the team is), we understand our identity is influenced by a wide range of sources and cultures. To create bold and intelligent articles from im
portant social issues to the latest beauty topics that most resonate with the progressive black British woman. Whatever your stance on our perspective, Black Ballad encourages readers to find their own voice and embrace the confidence that comes from articulating that voice.
Too often, we wait for permission to pursue what’s ours, but your dreams are worth the fight. No more waiting, no more doubting—consider this your sign to chase those dreams.
It’s not easy, but when you push through, you open doors for others, too. There’s power in that.
Tap the link in the bio to read latest newsletter if you haven’t yet.
Black Ballad Weekender is a wrap! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Thank you to you, the incredible black women who came, have been our readers, members and investors for the last decade. We genuinely love you.
Here is a day two dump!
1. Keynote speaker
2. Our beautiful audience in the main stage
3. The amazing
4. Our fantastic gynaecological panel
5. The Twi class with
6. Our black women working in the beauty industry
7. .health’s Dr. Jennifer taking questions after her panel
8. A glimpse of ’s Igbo’s class
9. Attendees taking part in a cornrow class
10. The closing and magical conversation between and
Are men allowed at the Black Ballad Weekender?
Yes! Black men need to be present and supporting we are having in order for black women to be able to make the progress we deserve. So yes, black men should be at the Weekender and we have some speaking! 🎤🎤
Join , , Moses McKenzie, as they come together on the panel Let’s Talk Black Masculinity on Friday 23rd August.
And secondary school teacher will be sharing his advice on navigating the education system also taking place Friday 23rd August.
You asked, and we listened! 👀 Check out our brand new FAQs for everything you need to know about the BB Weekender. Do you have your tickets yet?
Drum roll please… 🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁
We are so excited to announce some of the speakers and sessions at the Black Ballad Weekender 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Swipe to see what we have in store for you!
From beauty classes, writing workshops, conversations about the black family, careersg and money masterclasses - the BB Weekender has something for everyone.
And remember there are STILL more speakers and sessions to be announced 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Make sure you grab your ticket via the link in bio….
So tell us in the comments what session or room will you be attending?
Drum roll please… 🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁
We are so excited to announce some of the speakers and sessions at the Black Ballad Weekender 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Swipe to see what we have in store for you!
From beauty classes, writing workshops, conversations about the black family, careers and money masterclasses - the BB Weekender has something for everyone.
And remember there are STILL more speakers and sessions to be announced 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Make sure you grab your ticket via the link in bio….
So tell us in the comments what session or room will you be attending?
Our Head of Editorial, Jendella Benson, dives into what 10 years of Black Ballad looks like through 10 powerful articles. We waded through our archive of thousands to highlight ten that truly encapsulated our journey and spoke with the incredible writers who made them happen. We’ve shared a few snippets, but there’s so much more. Click the link in our bio to read the full stories!
BB Members, we’ve got a new perk for you! Join us for an exclusive screening of "Queenie," featuring the first two episodes, a Q&A with the cast and creators, and a drinks reception. Tickets available tonight at 9pm—first come, first serve! Bring a guest and enjoy an unforgettable night
Not a member yet? Visit our website to find out how you can get exclusive perks. Check the link in bio for more info!
We are so excited to announce the first 12 speakers for the ultimate lifestyle event for black women and what a line up it is.
New York Times best sellers, your fav creators and award winning professionals and advocates. In total there will be over 40 workshops, panels, in conversations with over 100 Black women that we know (and some you need to know) and love on 23rd and 24th August.
So this is your pre-warning to grab a ticket when we go live on Saturday morning as you won’t want to miss out and as always, Black Ballad members get a discounted ticket.
We can’t wait to see you there
Ready to feel seen?
As we celebrate 10 years of Black Ballad, we want to express our gratitude to every black woman who has journeyed with us. We exist to empower EVERY black woman to help her realise the power she holds to change her world with every click she makes and every conversation she has. Here's to a decade of empowerment, growth, and sisterhood.💜✨
No one can deny Wendy Williams’ life and career isn’t without controversy.
But if we call her medical condition “karma”, then what does that say about how we see people who fall sick
“Wendy Williams Has The Right To Be Ill Without Judgement & Moralising” - live on BB now
What are your thoughts?
Money matters, a lot – and especially within relationships
We spoke to three black women on the reality of having partners and husbands that earn less than them.
Their stories are… revealing
What happens when patriarchal ideas held by Black communities meet the reality of women out-earning their male counterparts?
🚨BB Members Perk: Free Screening Of Origin is already SOLD OUT🚨
Our 3rd BB Member’s perk of the year sold out in just a few hours - can’t wait to watch Origin in a cinema full of black women!
Origin is the latest film by Ava DuVernay which she wrote, produced and directed, starring Oscar nominated actress Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. The film explores how the caste systems in America, India and even Germany have created structural inequalities that we have to reckon with today
BB Members are getting a free screening of Ava’s though provoking film, with free drinks and popcorn, a special exhibition documenting Black Ballad’s origins and journey & a special Q&A
“As a British-born Jamaican, I was able to celebrate both parts of my identities in different ways” -
Lashana opened up her heart (and our tear ducts) talking about the importance of playing Rita Marley in Bob Marley One Love.
So happy to see it was the top grossing film in the cinema last weekend - she and the film deserve every success 👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽
This might make you think twice about sharing your children online…
Deep faked videos, child predators and loss of autonomy are some of the many dangers that oversharing on social media can expose children to.
Head to our Bio to see the full article and find out more on oversharing and most importantly how you can keep your children safe online.
Article by the GOAT
✨NEW BB MEMBER’S PERK✨
We’re teaming up with Warner Bros Pictures to create a free BB Members Only screening of The Color Purple - The Musical!
Can wait to see Taraji, P. Henson, Danielle Brooks & Fantasia Barrino in this bold re-imagining of the classic book & film with a room from BB Members & their plus ones
If you are a already a BB Member, then you can relax until tomorrow. Tickets get released on Thursday at 9pm via email & our website to paying BB Members.
If you are not a paying BB Member and want a chance to attend The Color Purple screening, you have until Thursday 18th January at 8pm to become a Black Ballad member.
Who’s going to try and get tickets?
Congratulations to Ayo Edebiri on her Golden Globe win🙌🏿🙌🏾🙌🏽
And as usual, the girls showed up and made statements 🤌🏾
Looking for black-owned Christmas gifts for your loved ones (or yourself)?
You know the BB Team has you covered!
We shared the items on our personal wish lists, to make sure we share some Christmas cheer and coins with our favourite black-owned businesses!
Which black-owned businesses have you bought gifts this year? Tag them in the comments!
1. Corks Crew Lace Wig 20”
2. Oversized Rimmy Coat
3. Head Coverings Cards
4. Knotted 100mm thong sandals
5. Knotted 100mm Thong Sandals
6. A List Of Things Art Print 30 x 40cm
From not having a partner, to grieving a loved one or feeling the financial pressure of the season – there are many things that can trigger holiday depression.
Black creators will keep being failed by the companies that are meant to financially facilitate their projects because they see black art as a tokenistic tickbox
This week’s Riches & The Frustrating Reality Of Telling Black Stories 📺
Head to the link in our bio for the full newsletter
Black creators will keep being failed by the companies that are meant to financially facilitate their projects because they see black art as a tokenistic tickbox.
This week’s Riches & The Frustrating Reality Of Telling Black Stories 📺
Head to the link in our bio for the full newsletter 🔗
We're hosting 2 braiding workshops to help you learn the basics of how to cornrow your hair & the hair of the little loves in your lives 👩🏾🦱
Join us on 9th Dec at Untype Hair with trichologist Ebuni Ajiduah Hair
Find out more & grab your tickets below 🎟
If you're a BB member check your emails for your discounted ticket link!
Two braiding workshops to help you learn the basics of how to cornrow your hair & the hair of the littles loves in your lives
Once again, the British public shows that it will never give black women, dark skinned black women, the grace to make mistakes or the room to be human 🙇🏾♀️
Read this weeks via the link in our bio 🔗
To receive weekly takes & articles written for and by black women sign up to the newsletter 👩🏾💻
Despite what the FB Karen’s have to say about this years Christmas ad for sometimes it is the little things that bring us joy & these campaign photos bring us just that! 😍
“They look like my black family and the black families I know. Best of all, they weren’t part of a special Black History Month promo, they were part of a general Christmas advert that most people will see and connect with.” -
Read this week’s live on the Black Ballad website - link in bio 🔗
Want to read more articles written for & by Black women? Sign up to our newsletter for weekly articles, events & more 💜
Chemically processing your hair makes it more susceptible to the elements – here's how to protect it.
If you’ve been saying for years that you need to learn how to cornrow or if you’re not sure how to look after your little ones hair, this event is for you! 🙌🏾
We’ve partnered up with award winning trichologist & hairstylist to bring you 2 hands on classes:
👩🏾🍼 12PM How To Take Care Of Your Children’s Hair
👩🏾🦱 3PM Cornrow Classes
🗓️ 9th December at Untype SE1 8QW
This is not one to be missed! You can find out more & grab your tickets via the link in our bio & if you’re a BB member check your emails for your discounted ticket 🎟️
Content warning: This article discusses violence, abuse, alcohol abuse and suicidal ideation.
Domestic abuse doesn’t necessarily stop when a victim leaves their abuser. We speak with survivors to find out more.
Head to the link in our bio for the full article 🔗
✍🏿
Domestic abuse doesn't necessarily stop when a victim leaves their abuser. We speak with survivors to find out more.
TW: Abortion
As it gets harder for women to access abortions around the world, we speak with black women in one country where it is completely illegal about what happened when they needed one.
🔗 in bio for the full article
📝 Juliet Nnaji
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"Sometimes it's not a straight path, it can be a windy track." Makini, Google's Business Finance Director (UK & Ireland), emphasizes the value of patience in career growth, advocating for small steps before major leaps. What she loves most? The impact she makes and the talented individuals she works with. Let's raise a glass to black women leading the charge—we need more of this! #BB×Google #bbturns10
Fancy a trip to the National Theatre for the preview performance of Death of England: Closing Time 🎭 🗓 29th Sept 8 PM This #BBPerk is giving 5 BB Members a pair of tickets each to the preview performance of Death of England: Closing Time at the National Theatre in London. The play sees Jo Martin (Doctor Who, Dreaming While Black, Champion) and Hayley Squires (I, Daniel Blake) play Denise and Carly in this thought-provoking drama that explores family dynamics, race, colonialism and cancel culture. Sign up as a member by 14th Sept for your chance to win a ticket for you & and a plus one! For more info 👉🏾 https://blkbld.uk/46aU1hu
Introducing The Chest Checklist by CoppaFeel! & @Black Women Rising UK 💁🏾♀️ Let's be honest, how often do we check our breasts? If you answered with a "👀 urm," then don't worry, you're not alone! Step 1: Go check your boobs. Step 2: Tell your friend to do it too. Checking early could save both of your lives. It's especially important for Black women, who are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a later stage than white women, to check their breasts at least once a month. Set your reminders today and share this with a friend 👩🏾🤝👩🏿
Nia Morais' debut full-length play, Imrie, tackles themes of identity and belonging and is written and performed in Welsh.
As we approach #MothersDay take this as a reminder to chat all things breast health with the significant people in your life. You never know the difference a conversation could make! In partnership with CoppaFeel!
It’s always a good time to talk about your boobs(pecs, tatas or whatever you like to call your chest area) 👙 This #InternationalWomensDay we’re putting our breast awareness to the test & getting the lowdown on all things breast health Ok, we’ve said breasts one too many times, so grab a cuppa, watch the full video on the Black Ballad site & see how well you do at the end of the vid with our myth-busting quiz 👀 In partnership with CoppaFeel!
"We are always the pillars of our family & our community" Tessa Thompson on the depth of her character, Bianca, in Creed III
The Creed III Cast On Black Masculinity, Strength & Vulnerability. Check out the full interview on Black Ballad
“You have all that you need” 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 A sermon from the Queen that is Angela Bassett at the #BAFTAS When life gets hectic & you need time to just feel grounded go where brings you peace & quiet ✨
“If I wasn’t have blood transfusions, I’d be in hospital every other week” We sat down with Stephanie, 31 as she shares with us the realities of living with Sickle Cell, finding support & why it’s so important for Black & ethnic minorities to donate blood 🩸 Don’t put it off, register to become a blood donor today - https://bit.ly/3eklo3l In partnership with NHS Blood Donation
'Riches' is ITVX’s new bold, beautiful and unapologetically black drama – the first of it's kind for the UK. We spoke to the star of the show Deborah Ayorinde to talk Black excellence, Black monoliths & coming full circle, check out the full interview via the link in our bio 🔗 Will you be binging tonight? We definitely will be 🍿
'Riches' is ITVX’s new bold, beautiful and unapologetically black drama – the first of it's kind for the UK. We spoke to star of the show Deborah Ayorinde to talk Black excellence, Black monoliths & coming full circle - full interview via the link in bio 🔗 We'll definitely be binging this over the Christmas break 🍿
During & after pregnancy it’s completely normal to see our breasts go through changes, being breast aware during this time can help you spot when there are changes that aren’t so regular. Tobi Oredein shares her changes during pregnancy 🤰🏿 Tobi Oredein information about what to look out for - https://coppafeel.org/info-resources/health-information/pregnancy/ In partnership with CoppaFeel!
We can’t talk about Black History without talking about our hair… Black hair has come to symbolise so much in our beautiful narrative of Black History. From our Afro’s being a symbol of resistance to capturing the early 2010s trend of YouTube tutorials. And we can’t forget the 80s Jheri curl and pixie cuts of the 90s. So take a trip down memory lane with us and @tangleteezer as we celebrate the beauty and diversity of black hair over the decades. #ad
This is your sign to become a registered blood donor! Maybe you read our Founder’s Letter or you are watching this reel, but Black Ballad and NHS Blood and Transplant have joined forces to get as many Black Britons to register to give blood. New figures reveal a record 250 donations are now needed every single day to treat people with sickle cell. Only 150 donations a day were needed five years ago. That statistic is latest in a long line of stats that we all know but we need to take action and taking action means registering to be a blood donor and booking that appointment to give blood that could save another black person’s life. Click below to take your first steps to giving blood by registering to be a blood donor 👇🏾 https://bit.ly/3eklo3l #AD #InOurBlood
Do you have a Self Care routine?💆🏽♀️ The Sunday Blues are a real thing, a self-care routine can help to alleviate some of those feelings of anxiety as you prepare for the week ahead. Watch BB’s Content Creator Mia take you through her weekly routine, save this for inspo!🧘🏽♀️ Remember looking after yourself physically & mentally doesn’t have to be expensive. For more ways to tackle those perfectly normal feelings of anxiety, head to the link below for nhs.uk approved tips and advice to help you deal with anxiety👇🏾 https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/?WT.mc_ID=MMC #everymindmatters #wmhd #mentalhealth #selfcaresundays #paidpartnership
Brush up on your make-up skills with NARS! This Sept 22nd & 23rd at Manahatta Deansgate, Manchester Tix👉🏾 https://blkbld.uk/3wPDhwI We’re hosting 2 events: 💄A make-up masterclass for beginners 💅🏾A brush along where you’ll get to practice pro make-up tips on your own skin! #manchester
Have you got your tickets yet?‼️ Tomorrow we’ll be diving into the next generation of digital technology & how it can impact you! Tickets - https://blkbld.uk/3CtP9Z1 If you want to know more about Web3, Metaverse, Cryptocurrency, NFTs then make sure to grab your ticket for our virtual workshop Weds 24th Aug, 7pm - 8.30pm The event will be hosted by Tobi Ajala, founder of TECHTEE the world’s first black-owned and female-led digital agency 🌍 #nft #Metaverse #Cryptocurrency
Would you turn down an MBE? 🤔 For the first time, Seyi Akiwowo , the multi-award-winning founder of Glitch reveals why she turned down this honour... Check out the exclusive interview via our website 📝 https://blkbld.uk/3CevrjN
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Black Ballad is lifestyle membership designed to help black women in Britain live their best lives.
Our articles, videos, events & experiences are created for, by and about black women in Britain because there aren’t enough platforms that give black British women the opportunity to articulate and explore their narrative on their own terms.
