On the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a young British woman of Caribbean heritage reflects on the meaning of national pride, sacrifice and belonging. While she honours the courage of those who fought in WWII, she questions whether she could ever fight for a country that still sees her as an outsider. Amid rising inequality and cultural division, her story is a powerful call for healing, representation and a more inclusive Britain.

I was gutted when man like Melvin (Odoom) was voted out of the jungle on “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” on ITV earlier this week. Watching TV presenter and radio DJ Melvin in the jungle reminded me how important it is to see people like us on TV, doing their thing and being real with it. Melvin was great TV but more importantly was his representation as a great role model and vulnerability.

Does the fun of Halloween justify the freedom to dress up as virtually anything or anyone regardless of whether certain costumes and actions can cross the line from harmless fun to offensive or even damaging representations?

Growing up in a multicultural neighbourhood, I've always been surrounded by a vibrant tapestry of traditions, stories, and cultural pride.