George Floyd’s death highlights an institutional failure to deal with racism.
From career choices to relationships racism is toxic and comes in all forms like Covid 19.
I have never used the race card in order to progress or highlight any form of prejudice but after a humiliating experience I have always pulled people up for any form of prejudice or discriminatory but my journey has been challenging.
From the moment I was told ‘I should be lucky to work at a radio station or else would be a refuse collector’ I knew I had to work twice as hard in order to get through the doors to establish myself as a broadcaster.
That moment in 2002 was crippling. It dented my perception of excelling within the radio industry.
The individual in question who told me was a managing director of a well known respected media and music corporation in the UK and he was white.
I was powerless to do anything at the time as I was starting out in radio and he was my boss.
I didn’t want to rock the boat and end up being sidelined for highlighting something which clearly had racist undertones.
It was a humiliating experience and it knocked my confidence.
Some of my colleagues heard what was said as it was audible in the middle of a corridor but I didn’t let that put me off.
All the staff were predominantly white other than the accountant who was Nigerian which made it even harder to address.
I knew I had a battle on my hands, I continued to hustle and ensure I was seen and heard.
That moment gave me ample opportunity to reach for the skies, to be a voice and champion for those who find it hard to get into broadcasting because of their background and ethnicity.
I did encounter other incidents where I address the lack of diversity and was prevented from working at a well known commercial radio station a few years after that incident.
I was told I had exhausted all avenues merely for pointing out at the time their daytime schedule was not representative of the audience it served.
I could have easily called it a day but was determined not to give up.
If I did then I would let them win. The prejudice also exists within relationships.
I have lost count the amount of times I have been told “I cannot date you because my Dad will kill me if he knew I was dating a black guy.”
The general perception that every black guy is a drug dealer, gangster or unfit to have a great job or be in a decent relationship.
There are good and bad people in every race. Those lazy stereotypes have caused these societal traits to continue and get out of hand.
Many people observed a black out to observe the savage killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
What happened to Floyd highlights the struggle for black people to be treated equally not just in America but across the world.
It could have occurred in any local neighbourhood. I think it's the perfect moment to have a debate about race relations and ensure companies take diversity into account and offer more clarity on how I and other people from minority and ethnic backgrounds are generally treated.
Within the work environment things have improved, there are diversity initiatives in place and creatives in place to ensure make every aspect of the media industry reflects the society we live in but we still have a long way to go.
Many large corporations are still run mainly by white men. There are not many people of colour or diversity in managerial positions.
That is the main problem. It’s not just within the media industry but also within other sectors.
Racism remains unchallenged but in the UK today when aspects of race discrimination are addressed the discussion or debate tends to be swept under the carpet with many people citing the argument as a distraction without examining the context of the argument.
We must challenge racism in all forms. It’s imperative so we can ensure the next generation coming through live in a more tolerant and accepting society.
