
Redefining Her. Reclaiming Us.
#DefinitionRedefined
#DefinitionRedefined is an empowering call-to-action for all Black women in the UK, to redefine and claim ownership of our own narrative. The national campaign is multifaceted with many ways you can get involved and support. Read on...
#DefinitionRedefined Explained
Assumptions about a particular group of people are often based on the observer’s limited personal experiences or promulgated societal stereotypes. This is often the case when it comes to expectations of Black women and their personalities, experiences, and behaviours. The narrative about us is not our own. Black women in the UK are treated as if we were a monolithic group. On the contrary, we are the most diverse group on the planet with varied backgrounds, cultures, and socio-economic statuses, different experiences, opinions and more. While society generalises Black women to embody certain stereotypes, such as being "loud" or "angry", these stereotypes do not apply to all Black women. Black women are just as likely to be soft-spoken, introverted, and non-confrontational as women of any other race. Extrapolating this, we could go further and say that when Black women are “loud” and “angry”, oftentimes they have reason to be. Black women face unique challenges that are often overlooked or ignored. They experience intersectional discrimination, which impacts their experiences in areas such as education, employment, healthcare. Indeed, every facet of their lives is shaped and impacted by external forces; the cause behind the many ‘institutional failings’ influencing lives of Black women. The reason Black women are four times more likely to die in childbirth, is because it is assumed that they have higher pain thresholds than white women. The reason Black women are overrepresented in the criminal justice system and mental institutions – because they are perceived to be a threat due to being ‘angry’ and ‘aggressive’ and the reason Black women experience the worst rates of poverty is because they are nauseatingly impacted by the gender-race pay gap. The examples of correlation are plenty. For centuries, Black people have been racialised, defined, explained away to justify past colonial behaviours. The narrative about us, is not our own. Soul Purpose 360 founder and CEO said: “The time is right to challenge and take ownership, by shaping our own narrative; by redefining the definitions that harm us. We need to evolve the discourse about us and move away from harmful stereotypes and assumptions about Black women, and instead recognise and celebrate our diversity, talents, achievements, and resilience. By doing so, we can work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all. Our campaign Definition Redefined is a multifaceted campaign, that includes a series of initiatives allowing Black women to play their part in social change.” She continued: “To be successful, any such campaign must be a positively uplifting one; for to do it any other way, will play to the unjust narrative of Black women being ‘angry’, ‘loud’, ‘aggressive’ and ‘challenging’…. The current narrative means, we cannot even campaign for change the way others have the privilege to do.” In collaboration with Sharon Douglas pf Inkygrey Photography, Soul Purpose 360 launched a photographic exhibition at the International Women's Day conference. "Single Light" is a contemporary narrative that celebrates our beauty and splendour, that acknowledges the diversity within our communities and challenges historical perceptions grounded in racist ideologies.
1.

#DefinitionRedefined Open Letter
We, the undersigned, stand in full support of the Definition Redefined campaign by Soul Purpose 360, which is committed to challenging and changing the harmful narrative surrounding Black women in Britain. We believe that the current narrative is deeply entwined with Britain’s colonial past and the enslavement of African people. This outdated and damaging perspective has shaped the foundation of institutionalised racist and sexist practices, policies, and attitudes in sections of British society. These views do not reflect the values of modern Britain. The time for change is now. Historical research and analysis have underscored the urgent need to re-evaluate and transform this narrative for the benefit of all. Black women make significant contributions to Britain’s social, economic, and political landscapes, despite the barriers created by these negative narratives. There is substantial evidence of racial inequalities towards Black Women across many aspects of UK life—from health to housing, education to employment, and crime and policing to criminal justice. We believe that these harmful perspectives are a key factor in the many instances where Black women are at a disadvantage, including, but not limited to, the following: Black women are four times more likely to die in childbirth. Black women are overrepresented in mental health institutions and the criminal justice system. Black women are more likely to experience racism in the workplace. Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced breast cancers and types with fewer treatment options, such as triple-negative breast cancer. Black women are more likely to suffer from common mental health issues compared to white women. Black women are affected by the gender-race pay gap, earning less than their peers. Black women are worst affected by the cost-of-living crisis... and much more! We also call attention to misogynoir, where the intersection of race and gender deepens the contempt, and entrenched prejudice against Black women. We believe that when considering policies where Black women are disproportionately impacted, it is essential to view these issues as interconnected rather than in isolation, to ensure a comprehensive understanding and response. There is an urgent need for in-depth research into the effects of racism and intersectionality from childhood onwards, including the internalised responses that lead to limiting beliefs and restricted life opportunities—issues that Soul Purpose 360 supports members with daily. As supporters of this open letter, we call for the following actions: Public condemnation of all individuals who use racist and sexist language to demean, harass, or bully Black women in public spaces, online, or in the media. Further research into the impacts of negative perceptions of Black women across all areas of life, to begin seeking justice and redress. Awareness-raising through the national curriculum for children and students, to break the historical cycle of discrimination that has persisted for hundreds of years. Funding to support the #DefinitionRedefined campaign, enabling it to reach and engage Black girls and women, empowering them to challenge microaggressions, harassment, and bullying in the workplace and education system without fear of reprisal. Funding is needed to conduct in-depth research to fully understand the profound impact that a negative narrative has on Black Women from early childhood through to adulthood. This research is crucial to inform the development of effective social policies that can drive meaningful and immediate social change. We call for immediate and concerted action to address these issues and to acknowledge the broader benefits and opportunities that racial diversity brings to British society. We urge you to stand with us in supporting the Definition Redefined campaign. Let us dismantle these outdated narratives and build a more inclusive and equitable Britain for everyone. Sign this letter. Raise your voice. Be the change.
Download a copy of the Open Letter in PDF format
Signatories - Add your name, Sign Today!
Sonia Ackun, Every3Seconds | Jenefer Adams | Shanna Adeniyi, Genevieve Event Rental | Valerie Bernard | Aminah Black, Gastronami | Sarah Blair-Reid | Lisa Broderick | Marlesha Brown | Irah Castro |Gloria Charlton | Francine Daley, 360 Lifestyle Support Network CIC | Robinah B Dent, Love Protectors Game | Siobhan Down, Yellow Brick Road Projects | Avionne Downing | Nyasha Duri | Arpita Dutt, Anti-Racist Alliance Trust | Jillian Edinboro | Fola Ekundayo, Hekuda Creative LTD | Beverley Fray |Jacqueline Glen | Grace Goodridge | Tanya Goodwin | Harriet Hatty | Diana Hayes, Seyahworldlove| Pamela Haynes DipSW DipHE BA FRSA |Marggrettia Henry-Lindo, Black Women Walk 24 | Comfort Iyiewuare | Laura J | Nadi Jahangiri | Tracy Jenkins | Shanell Johnson | Adam Kamenetzky, Mabadiliko CIC | Aksa Malik, BPP |Tracy Manyan, Cavendish House Dental Practice | Dr. Rhoda Molife | Simba Mutahanna | Ursula Myrie, Adira | Danson Njoka | Roisin O’Leary | Yorkie Oaks | Suzanne Phipps-Cumberbatch |Norma Powell | Victoria Seaton, VSA Associates | Tanya Sinclair TNK Catering | May Smith | Harriet Summer, Noir Fusion | Natasha Ventour Hestia | Sylvana Walcott, Black Ops Consultancy | Claudia Webb | Mary Wedderburn, Just Like Granny's | Jennifer Williams, Jenesis Global Consultancy Ltd | Ramona Williams | Katie Wilson-Downie, Mandala Community Services |Carole Young | Tsitsi Chimbumu | Jenny Okona-Mensah | Karen Small | Jenefer Adams

2.
A National Commission on Black Women & Girls
The Need for a National Commission Black women and girls in Britain face multifaceted challenges that intersect across various aspects of life, including healthcare, housing, education, economic opportunity and social justice. Despite their significant contributions to society, they continue to experience systemic barriers that hinder their full potential This initiative is part of the #DefinitionRedefined campaign that aims to address the unique challenges faced by Black women and girls and to develop comprehensive strategies for their empowerment and advancement. Soul Purpose 360 believes that a National Commission dedicated to Black women and girls is crucial to driving policy changes and initiatives that address these issues at both national and community levels. Call to Action Soul Purpose 360 urges policymakers, community leaders, Black women’s organisations, trade unions, VCSE’s and ordinary citizens to support the establishment of this National Commission. By coming together, we can create a framework that not only addresses the immediate needs of Black women and girls but also lays the groundwork for long-term systemic change. Together, we can ensure a future where Black women and girls thrive and lead with confidence and dignity. What is a National Commission? A National Commission is a formal body established to investigate specific issues, gather data, and provide recommendations for policy and systemic changes. These commissions often bring together experts, stakeholders, and community leaders to examine challenges comprehensively and propose actionable solutions. Successful commissions have been instrumental in shaping policies and fostering societal changes by providing evidence-based insights and fostering collaboration across sectors. Success Stories of National Commissions National Commissions have proven successful in various contexts worldwide. For instance, the Equality and Human Rights Commission in the UK has effectively addressed issues of discrimination and inequality, leading to significant policy reforms. Similarly, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa played a pivotal role in addressing past injustices and fostering national healing. These examples underscore the potential impact of a dedicated commission focused on the specific needs of Black women and girls. Proposed Structure and Involvement The proposed National Commission on Black Women and Girls should comprise a diverse group of stakeholders, including: Government Representatives: Elected representatives and senior civil servants to ensure the commission's recommendations are aligned with national policies and can be effectively implemented. Community Leaders: To provide insights into the unique challenges faced by Black women and girls in different regions, communities and different areas of life. Academic and Research Experts: To contribute data-driven analysis and innovative solutions to the issues at hand Non-Profit and Advocacy Organisations: To represent the voices of those directly affected and ensure that the commission's work is grounded in real-world experiences. Black Women and Girls: To ensure that the lived experiences of those the commission aims to serve are at the forefront of its efforts.
If you would like to be a part of the Commission, please complete the Expression of Interest form here https://bit.ly/DREoI
Scan the QR Code to register your interest

Sign up to be a part of the Commission Advisory Board

Campaign

3.
Owning Every Line
Anthology of Black Women's Writings
To support our national campaign #DefinitionRedefined Soul Purpose 360 are publishing a book, the contents written exclusively by Black Women.
Book purchases will contribute to the campaigning funds to empower more Black women.
You can learn more about Owning Every Line pre-order your copy by following this link to Our Shop.
4.

Single Light Photographic Exhibition
A Single Light is more than an exhibition, it’s a declaration. Through evocative portraits bathed in light and shadow, the collection reveals the individuality, splendour, and grace of Black women across generations. Each image is paired with the subject’s own voice, describing how she chooses to show up in the world. This is Black womanhood in full dimension: complex, radiant, and resilient.

The Single Light Photographic exhibition a collaboration between Soul Purpose 360 and Inkygrey photography aka Sharon Douglas as part of the #DefinitionRedefined Campaign.
Members of the National Black Women’s Networking & Empowerment Circle were invited to pose as subjects, and each were asked to take on a word from the #DefinitionRedefined campaign we ran in November that listed 30 adjectives that describe how Black women navigate life daily. Their images juxtaposed by a pitch-black background, highlighted by a single light, showed the ‘strength’ of our characteristics emanating from the darkness into the light. The exhibition was launched at our International Women's Day 2025 conference. To read more visit IWD25
Host "A Single Light" exhibition
Email info@soulpurpose360.co.uk to enquire

5.
Join the social media photo campaign
We are inviting you to participate in an exciting social media campaign celebrating the voices and impact of Black women.
#DefinitionRedefined Campaign - Video series Your Questions (Choose one) 1. What’s a quality you’re proud of that reflects the strength and beauty of Black women? 2. Who or what has empowered you most, and how do you pass that empowerment on to others? For example, a favourite author or Black female role model… 3. How do you practice self-love and rest in a world that often expects Black women to be everything for everyone? Video Submission Instructions We invite you to record a short video answering the question above. Here are the guidelines for your submission: - Use landscape orientation for your video. - You can shoot the video using an Android or iPhone. - Keep the video short and impactful – maximum 20 seconds. Please see an example video here: https://youtu.be/nalFXncqCTc?si=TVE43GlS0a5r_YYH If you're ready to challenge the stereotypes and rewrite the story, we want you with us. This movement is about amplifying the voices of Black women — bold, brilliant, and unapologetically authentic. Your voice matters. Your story deserves to be heard. Together, we’re not just shifting the narrative — we’re creating a new one. Let’s rise, redefine, and inspire. Where to send the video entry: Please send your submissions to Info@soulpurpose360.co.uk
Example
What’s one thing you love about who you are: One thing I love about who I am is my creativity. As a spoken word artist, I can take raw and sometimes difficult pieces of lived experience and reshape them into relatable narratives that invite people to lean in, laugh, reflect, and even cry. I love that my words can create space for vulnerability; turning pain into poetry, silence into conversation, and distance into connection. What do you wish more people saw in Black women? What I wish more people saw in Black women is the ‘more’. Too often, we’re reduced to a single narrative of ‘strength’, with the expectation that we can carry everything and everyone while also making ourselves small or ‘tolerable’. In reality, we are multifaceted— soft and powerful, vulnerable and vibrant, joy-filled and genuine. We hold complexity, creativity, and brilliance in ways that deserve to be seen, celebrated, and valued!

6.

Donate to support the campaign
A national campaign for social change costs. We receive no funding for this - but we feel a sense of responsibility towards Black women. We know that our very lives depend on challenging and changing the negative narratives about us. The reason Black women are three times more likely to die in childbirth are multiple, but in part, it’s because it is assumed that they have higher pain thresholds than white women. The reason Black women are overrepresented in the criminal justice system and mental institutions is because they are seen as a threat, as ‘angry’, and ‘aggressive’, and the reason Black women experience the worst rates of poverty, is because they are nauseatingly impacted by the gender-race pay gap. The examples of correlation are plenty.
Please support #DefinitionRedefined by making a DONATION
Soul Purpose 360 Founder and CEO, Palma Black said: “Thank you for your support by whatever means you choose to do so - the most important thing is that you take action. There are multiple ways in which you can support us - attend our events, participate in the social media campaigns, promote the #DefintionRedefined hashtag, sign the Open Letter, pre-order 'Owning Every Line', contribute your skills, knowledge and influence by joining the Advisory Board or simply make a financial donation. The time is right to challenge and take ownership, by shaping our own narrative; by redefining the definitions that harm us”