The Black British series is an ongoing project consisting of a collection of images that capture, document, and explore diaspora narratives and stories of people around me.

Ever since I lost my childhood best friend I have found the notion of friendship to be something that is fascinating. What makes us choose the friends we make and share our lives with?

We have the fewest pictures with the ones we are closest to. For this project, I collaborated with Renee to capture the love and magic of friendship shared in a sisterhood circle. Rene is my cousin's best friend, we discussed what friendship means to her and wanted to capture a get-together with her group of close friends one Sunday afternoon.

The starting point was to explore and showcase the sensitive and beautiful togetherness that is often found in a friendship circle. The friendship between Black women is often sacred and cherished, In these images, everyone is connected by Reene and has met her from different time periods or walks of life. The images were taken just after the easing of the first UK lockdown, this was the first time they're seeing each other after a long time, there is a sense of optimism and appreciation of the relationship they each share with each other.

In its essence, the main purpose of this project is to create a feeling of happiness, vulnerability and also presenting the girl next door.

Friends

• Renee Kigongo @reneesilver_

• Zelda Okonkwo @zeldsss_

• Zara Holmes @z_eah

• Samara Holmes @samaraholmes

• Michaella Newton @melamicky

• Simi @blac_kaviar

Words & Portraits by Derrick Kakembo using the Leica SL2