Perfectionism will not save us, but neither will idolatry. Every year, we find out that figures in the Black community are awful. Between R. Kelly, Diddy, and other numerous men who have used their fame and power to abuse, there is the question of how do we reckon with this?

I recently read Neverland by Vanessa Kisuule. The book is a look at why we are so fascinated with famous musicians and why it is so hard to accept that famous people are, in fact, human beings capable of being awful.

Few examples better illustrate the complexity of idolisation than Michael Jackson. As an artist who transcended racial barriers while simultaneously embodying Black excellence, Jackson became an icon whose influence extended far beyond music. His later controversies and the abuse allegations against him created profound cognitive dissonance for many fans, particularly within the Black community, where his artistic legacy held special significance.