Rooted & Rising – Episode 2

30 Mar 2026

Episode 2 of Rooted & Rising explored storytelling, visibility, mental health and the systems shaping Black women’s health.

Award-winning journalist Melissa Sigodo spoke about the devastating impact of Black women being overlooked in mainstream media, including the case of Edna Mmbali Ombakho, while also highlighting the power of Black women creating our own platforms and driving change through storytelling.

Poet, researcher and PhD candidate Mackayla Forde (Red Medusa) brought a radical perspective on Black women’s mental health, discussing poetic inquiry, decolonising research, and challenging the systems that shape whose knowledge and experiences are valued.

The episode also reflected on health inequalities, misogyny in healthcare, and the importance of addressing misogynoir in conversations about Black women’s health.

Hosted by Susan Cole and Dr Vanessa Apea

This episode was streamed live on Monday 30th March 2026, 5–5.30pm

News

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