The coronavirus outbreak has most of us self-isolating and working from home, which is the best precaution we can take for our health right now. Spending so many hours inside is bound to drive you crazy sooner or later, so if you’re feeling restless already, check out this list of ways to keep yourself occupied during your newfound free time.
Watch: Who Killed Malcolm X?
Who Killed Malcom X? is the acclaimed mini-series that casts doubts on the facts we thought we knew: from the FBI to the Nation of Islam, several parties had a motive to assassinate the civil rights leader. This documentary questions who was really involved in the assassination, and whether the criminal investigation was even conducted properly.
Watch Who Killed Malcom X? on Netflix
Watch: Noughts + Crosses on BBC iPlayer
Malorie Blackman’s classic young adult series about a world in which black people hold all positions of power has been powerfully transformed into a much-awaited TV drama. Noughts + Crosses is a story of forbidden interracial love but it is ultimately a glaring commentary on race relations that has timeless relevance, and you’ll be glad you have all this time to watch it.
Stream Noughts + Crosses on BBC iPlayer
Listen: the establishment of the world’s first black republic
Saint-Domingue was the new world’s most lucrative colony before it was burnt to the ground and reclaimed by the island’s black slave population, to become the first ever black republic. The podcast Revolutions dedicates its entire fourth series (episodes 4.01 to 4.19) to exploring the fascinating details behind the historic Haitian Revolution. This is essential listening for anyone interested in global black history.
Listen to Revolutions on iTunes
Play: do a jigsaw puzzle of Africa
When was the last time you did a jigsaw puzzle? Very Puzzled designs jigsaws of countries around Africa and the Caribbean to educate us and inspire pride in black heritage. Their 100-piece puzzles feature famous figures and landmarks and so you’re bound to learn a fact or two as you brush up on your geography. If you have small children, they’ll love these too.
Get 20% off Very Puzzled with your Jamii card
Read: Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
If you’re stuck at home and need a laugh, Candice Carty-Williams’ debut novel Queenie has been hailed by reviewers as being the ‘black Bridget Jones’. It follows the mishapful love life of a young woman living in London who’s searching everywhere for answers to who she really wants to be. Queenie represents the refreshing sound of black voices telling their own stories.
Laugh: Mo Gilligan’s stand-up special
Black British comedian Mo Gilligan debuted his own stand-up special, Momentum, on Netflix last year. His relatable, observational humour riffs on his upbringing and other hilarious experiences, and features a live band as he performs in the iconic Hackney Empire.
Watch Mo Gilligan: Momentum on Netflix
Stretch: join an online yoga class
It’s likely you won’t be making the most of your gym membership any time soon. Yogahood Ldn founder Sanchia Legister plans to help you get around that with online yoga classes you can join from the comfort of your own home. Sign up here to see when she’ll be holding classes next.
Breathe: do some self-care
Isolation is likely to take its toll on your mental wellbeing, which should be taken as seriously as our physical health. Take time for self-care: Reign x Shine curate gift boxes made to remind you to de-stress, with thoughtful treats including a colouring book and a gratitude journal. With so much chaos in the world right now, it’s worth slowing down and remembering what we’re grateful for – with these gift boxes you’re well equipped.
Get 10% off Reign x Shine with your Jamii card
Cook: perfect a Caribbean recipe with Original Flava
Shaun and Craig are the two brothers behind Original Flava, a Caribbean food and lifestyle platform. Their online recipes show you how to make flavoursome Caribbean dishes, from the more traditional curry chicken to their vegan take on ackee and saltfish. If nothing else, you’ll be eating good.
Get cooking with Original Flava
Moodboard: wishlist your black-owned business favourites
This might be a shameless self-promotion… but we truly believe that a little moodboarding goes a long way! If you’ve got to the point where all you can think about is getting your life back, do some window shopping and check out the thousands of items by black-owned businesses featured on our website. Save your favourites to your Wishlist and create your very own vision board for how you’ll live your best life when this is all over.
Start browsing black-owned businesses
Stay in touch: call your family and friends
Staying in for so long without seeing people can wreak havoc on our mental health, so give your loved ones a regular call to check in and see how they’re doing. We’re all in this together!