Letter
26/08/2024
My experience…
When I was in school, I was around 14 years old, whenever I would joke with my classmates (who were white or Asian) I would always be seen as the aggressor in what was perceived as me arguing, as if I were starting trouble.
Children would be shouting or talking, but my laughter was always conveniently the noise that that was called out for being too loud.
This wasn’t when I was a child but I was very young. When I was 20, I did a year abroad in France and suffered horrific racism that left me with anxiety, depression, caused me to start greying and made me physically ill. When I spoke to my university faculty about it (who were all white women 🙃) they told me that “the experiences would prepare me for the real world”.
My advice to you…
I would encourage young black girls to try and keep talking until someone listens, because someone eventually will. For me, it was the Dean of my uni department that listened to me when I discussed how upset I was. I also had a French lecturer who was kind, empathetic and open.
We have to remember that we are operating in a world that benefits from our subjugation. It is so important to remember that any experiences of racism and prejudice you may have are not due to a fault with you, but a fault with the world that you live in. Where possible, try and find and do things that bring you joy. Whatever that looks like.