Dear community

I’ve sometimes shied away from talking about racism.

Perhaps just to get through the day.

Perhaps telling myself it’s not there.

Perhaps knowing it is there, and choosing to ignore it.

I’ve definitely felt awkward writing about it at times.

Many of you will remember that I used to run anti-racism programmes focused on power, privilege, and inclusion. I stopped because it felt like hurt was meeting hurt, again and again. Or performative reporting being celebrated.

I still roll my eyes about House of Parliament's report on racism and their silence afterwards.

I didn't find spaces where love and courage met listening.

Hurt people can’t listen to other hurt people.

Yesterday, two incidents happened on the same day.

Even Eli asked me, “Did that happen because you’re a person of colour?” That question stopped me. Firstly his language! Person of colour! But also that at 10 years old, he's already thinking this.

I’m reflecting now on how racism shows up every day, and how often I ignore it.

I’m also reflecting on my role as a parent. Do I point out all-white spaces to Eli? Or let that pass? Is that my shadow speaking, or a necessary observation?

The Global Majority leaders who joined Rise in Our Roots all spoke about hostile work environments. About armour always being on. About not feeling able to be joyful, or spiritual, at work.

I realised how lucky I am to create my own environment. My own bubble.

And I also noticed something else. How easily I fall into a colonial pattern of over-giving and over-pleasing. A survival strategy carried through my ancestry.

When I step outside my bubble, the inequities of society are clear. I don't think deep down, us 'normal people' (non billionaires) want inequity, I'm convinced we have been duped into thinking one person must lose for another to win.

I also reflect on what it’s like to be a brown man, I know it doesn’t define me, but it has shaped many conversations I’ve had, and many I’ve avoided.😂 What's also interesting is how brown men are also perceived within brown communities, that messes with my brain.

So...

Where have I been passive in ways that allow racism to continue?

How do I want to show up differently? Integrating my shadow not projecting it.

What do conversations with love and courage look like?

For me, the answer lives in my work, my relationship with my son, and my community.

I’m making some commitments.

-Bringing this conversation into my work with clients. Let's reflect together on power and change.

-Taking these discussions into Eli’s school.

-Bringing different groups together in the UK to talk honestly about racism, thanks to the activism charity supporting ideation.

-Going to bring joy and play, and honour the colonial constructs, in every space I facilitate. To bring that sense of love, courage and listening. 💫💖

-Hugging my son, every day. Honouring that miracle.

If you want to talk about the questions, I'm here to listen, without judgement but with some edgy questions 😂💖

You know the events coming up, shout for the invites.

And always a song

As the world seems to get ever more violent and divisive, here's some words from the late great poet Benjamin Zephaniah

One Tribe Benjamin Zephaniah PREVIEW   ​