In a groundbreaking move, the Guardian has launched The Long Wave, a weekly newsletter that dives deep into the multifaceted experiences of Black communities around the world. This unique offering, written by columnist Nesrine Malik and edited by Jason Okundaye, aims to fill a significant gap in mainstream media coverage by providing a platform for nuanced, authentic narratives that resonate with Black audiences across the diaspora.
The Long Wave emerged from the Guardian’s Legacies of Enslavement program, a decade-long restorative justice initiative that seeks to amplify Black voices and stories. Months of meticulous research and development went into crafting a format that would truly serve the needs and interests of Black readers worldwide. The newsletter aligns with the Guardian’s broader commitment to global coverage of the Black experience, as evidenced by the recent appointments of dedicated correspondents in the Caribbean, Africa, and South America.
A Personal Connection
For Nesrine Malik, The Long Wave is more than just another editorial project; it’s a deeply personal endeavor rooted in her own experiences as a member of the diaspora. Born and raised in Sudan, Nesrine has lived in various parts of the world, including Kenya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and now the UK. It was only when she began focusing on the newsletter that she realized the profound impact the diaspora has had on her sense of belonging and identity.
“The diaspora had become a second home for me, a place I could reach out to – whether on social media or in real life – that made me feel grounded,” Nesrine reflects.
She found herself constantly seeking out familiar cultural markers – food, music, art – whenever she traveled, a subconscious effort to combat the alienation and homesickness she experienced after relocating to Europe. The Long Wave is, in many ways, an extension of this personal journey, a means of fostering connection and dialogue among Black individuals who may share similar yearnings for community and understanding.
Breaking the Mold
The Long Wave deliberately eschews conventional narratives about Black communities and countries, which often oscillate between crisis and boosterism. Instead, it seeks to capture the rich complexity of Black experiences worldwide, pulling at the common threads that unite the diaspora while celebrating its incredible diversity. Each weekly edition will feature a carefully curated mix of insights, analysis, interviews, profiles, and culture picks, designed to inform, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations.
“You can’t capture the experience of such a vast, diverse and sometimes deeply incongruent diaspora. But all of humanity is full of these contrasts, and we share common threads,” Nesrine acknowledges.
By embracing these contrasts and complexities, The Long Wave aims to paint a more authentic, multidimensional portrait of Black life around the globe. It’s a bold departure from the limited, often reductive coverage that has traditionally dominated mainstream media, and a testament to the Guardian’s commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and perspectives.
A Space for Connection and Exploration
At its core, The Long Wave is about fostering a sense of connection and community among Black readers worldwide. The newsletter format allows for a more intimate, dynamic exchange between writer and audience, encouraging readers to engage with the content and share their own experiences and insights. It’s a space for discovery and exploration, where subscribers can encounter stories, ideas, and perspectives they might not find elsewhere.
“The Long Wave is here to bring readers perspectives they won’t find elsewhere,” Nesrine emphasizes.
By shedding light on the myriad ways in which Black individuals navigate and shape the world around them, the newsletter aims to challenge assumptions, broaden horizons, and deepen understanding. It’s an invitation to join a global conversation, to celebrate the richness and resilience of Black communities, and to imagine new possibilities for the future.
The launch of The Long Wave marks a significant milestone in the Guardian’s ongoing efforts to elevate Black voices and experiences. It’s a testament to the power of authentic storytelling, and a reminder of the transformative potential of media when it truly reflects the diversity of the world we live in. As Nesrine Malik and Jason Okundaye embark on this exciting new journey, they invite readers from across the diaspora to join them, to share their stories, and to be part of a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to redefine how we understand and engage with Black life and culture on a global scale.
Sign up now for The Long Wave, delivered to your inbox every Wednesday, and prepare to embark on a journey of discovery, connection, and celebration of Black experiences worldwide.
