Black History, future legacy: Why culturally sensitive Wills matter

Black History Month is not only a time for reflection, but it's also a time for forward planning.

As we celebrate the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black communities across Britain, it is also important to consider how we prepare for the future.

One powerful but often overlooked way of doing this is through Will writing.

For me, as a Black African Nigerian and a legal practitioner, Will writing is more than a legal process. It is an act of care, stewardship, and cultural preservation.

It ensures that the values, traditions, and stories we carry are respected and passed on, while also protecting the families we leave behind.

At its simplest, a Will is a legally binding document that sets out how your money, property, and possessions should be distributed after your death. But in practice, it is much more.

For many in Black and African communities, a Will can:

• Prevent disputes among relatives, both in the UK and abroad.
• Protect children, ensuring their guardianship is clearly established.
• Respect faith-based practices, whether Christian, Muslim, or otherwise.
• Safeguard hard-earned wealth against unnecessary loss through taxes or legal complications.

Writing a Will does not take place in a vacuum. For many Black families, conversations about death and inheritance are uncomfortable, sometimes even taboo.

There are also deeper barriers to consider:

• Legacies of mistrust: Historically, institutions have not always served Black communities fairly. This mistrust can make it difficult to turn to legal professionals for support.
• Financial inequalities: Generations of systemic inequalities have left many families with less wealth to pass on. Some feel that because they “don’t have much,” writing a Will is unnecessary.
• Cultural expectations: In Nigerian culture, for instance, there is often an assumption that extended family will “know what to do.” But without clear instructions, this can lead to disputes, especially when families are spread across continents.
• Faith and values: For Black Christians, the Will may be tied to beliefs about stewardship and legacy. For Muslims, Wills must comply with Islamic inheritance laws. A culturally sensitive solicitor understands these nuances and ensures they are honoured.

This is why it matters to have solicitors who share, or at least deeply respect, the cultural values of their clients. The process becomes less transactional and more relational – an act of trust rather than suspicion.

Over the years, I have noticed recurring questions and concerns from clients in the Black community:

• “Do I really need a Will? I don’t own much.” Yes. Even if you do not own property, your savings, personal possessions, or even digital assets (like social media or online accounts) need clear direction.
• “Won’t writing a Will mean I’m inviting death?” No. Writing a Will does not hasten death – it relieves your loved ones of confusion and conflict when the inevitable does happen.
• “What if my family back home disagrees?” A properly drafted Will reduces disputes by making your wishes legally binding, while also allowing you to respect cultural traditions.
• “How do I balance my faith and the law?” With the right solicitor, your faith and values are not just respected – they are built into the Will. For example, Muslim clients often need inheritance structures that comply with Sharia law, and these can be properly reflected in a UK Will.

If you are unsure about writing a Will, here are a few thoughts:

1. See it as an act of love: It is not about wealth; it is about protecting your family.
2. Start with a conversation: A solicitor can walk you through the process gently and respectfully.
3. Choose someone who understands your culture and faith: This makes the process less intimidating and more personal.
4. Don’t delay: Life is unpredictable, and writing a Will is one of the most empowering steps you can take today.

A few years ago, I worked with a Nigerian family who had lost their father unexpectedly. He had not left a Will.

As a result, his wife and children in the UK found themselves in conflict with relatives back home in Nigeria, who believed cultural tradition gave them authority over his estate.

The process became drawn-out, painful, and costly – emotionally and financially.

Not long after, another client – a Ghanaian woman – passed away. She had taken the time to write a Will, ensuring her children’s guardianship, her church commitments, and her extended family abroad were all provided for.

Her passing was still painful, but her family found peace knowing her wishes were clear.

For Black communities in Britain, writing a Will is not only a legal safeguard – it is an affirmation of identity, faith, and care. It allows us to take control of our stories and ensure they are told with dignity.

It is about honouring your journey, protecting your loved ones, and leaving behind more than just memories – you leave behind a legacy.

About Michael Ezimoha

Michael is just one of the many legal professionals trained in culturally sensitive Will writing that Oxfam partner with through the National Free Wills Network.