NCUTI GATWA MAKES HIS DR WHO DEBUT BUT CAN WE DISCUSS THE *FIRST* BLACK DOCTOR?
I watched Dr Who for the first time a few weeks ago after Neil Tennant was slated to reprise the role. I’d heard great things about his work generally so tuned in and genuinely enjoyed it. Watching it again this weekend, the latest Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa was revealed as the 15th doctor.
As we discussed our excitement about a new Black doctor, a member of the family asked why they were billing Ncuti as the first Black doctor and flagged that there was a Black female doctor prior to Ncuti’s arrival.
A Google search and a CNN article later revealed that Jo Martin was in fact the first person of colour to play the infamous Doctor.
What’s interesting to me is that she seems to have disappeared from the television show’s history except in die hard fan sites and selected pages of Wikipedia – she currently doesn’t appear on the main page.
The show has a way to go before it represents the full spectrum of society in its portrayal of The Doctor but it really has stepped up its game in recent years and I’m impressed there was a Black woman, though it would be great it her contribution was surfaced further.
Ncuti Gatwa’s first foray as the 15th doctor starts on Christmas Day at 5:55 on BBC1
LET’S TALK REAL BUSINESS: INTRODUCING EUGENE AAYISI
Eugene came on my radar after a friend suggested that he is married to a famous stylist and influencer. Eugene has started dropping teasers from a forthcoming documentary about his business, and I am really intrigued.
Here, we have a Black British man discussing how to conduct business on the continent, and I am hopeful because I hope people – especially young people – see a business that doesn’t involve rapping or sport. Eugene’s specialism is agriculture, and, to me, his story could open up new ways of thinking for up and coming generations. I’m looking forward to seeing more.
DO WE NEED TO HAVE A CONVERSATION?: SKY ANNOUNCES NEW COMEDY DRAMA PILOT ABOUT SLAVERY
Watching with great interest as news unfolds about the pilot of a comedy drama about Britain’s involvement in colonialism. This article in the British Comedy Guide makes a point of mentioning that Britain played a part in ending the practice, conveniently omitting they were also the most prolific perpetrators.
I’ve seen murmurs from social commentators in the Black communities who are already concerned that this makes a mockery of Black history. Author and Journalist Nels Abbey (pictured) challenged Rufus Jones to discuss his pilot with Black audiences.
I’m reserving judgement until I understand the true angle as right now it is not 100% clear to me. I can’t see a context where the slave trade is used in a comedy but, again, I’d like to see who is the butt of the jokes. I’m hoping Rufus uses the programme to educate his peers on Britain’s colonising history and actually be an ally. As someone who posted about Benjamin Zephaniah’s death last week and saluted Dr Who’s decision to have a Black Doctor Who, I’m hopeful he’s an ally.
AND ON THAT NOTE…
Let’s talk about reflection. Everyone is likely to start preparing for the year ahead, and one of my favourite things to do is The Year Compass. It’s basically a series of questions that help you evaluate the last year and prepare your thoughts for the year ahead.
It’s not a two second jobby and done properly it really gives you time thinking about your next steps so I’d recommend a glass of something you love, a quiet space, a deep breath and a pen and a printed or digital version of the guide. Grab your copy on their website. The best thing is IT’S FREE.
