Children's Express asked three generations about being black and British. They told us about the differences the years have made, but racism remained a constant.
| My baby was kept apart from the white babies at a hospital and the manager said it wasnt really racism. |
Tallis Steele, 66, grew up in Jamaica and moved to Britain as a young woman in 1956: My baby was kept apart from the white babies at a hospital and the manager said it wasnt really racism. But racism doesnt mean anything to me because God made us all. I cant believe in it. I know its there, but I dont really worry myself about it.
Kate Marshall, 43, is a drugs counsellor and youth worker who spent the first nine years of her life on Nevis: When I came to London, there werent any other black families in our road and our neighbours used to call us names and telephone the police when my dad did work on the roof. They said they were being burgled.
I had an accent and even the way I wrote was different. I was told it was wrong and people used to laugh after me.
Carlene Thomas-Bailey, 15, is a young journalist with Children's Express: When I walk into a shop, the assistants look more closely at me because of my colour. If black children are having problems at home and play up at school, teachers see them as disruptive. Theres no understanding. People Ive known have had to change schools so many times.
I can talk to a black friend about dumplings and fried fish and mangoes, and shell know what I mean. And I would know that if someone was abusing me in the street, a black friend would stick by me, no matter what.
About the team
This article was produced by Delwar Hussain, 18, Erica Rutherford, 18, Caroline Abomeli, 17, Stuart Fletcher, 17, Anna Chandwari, 16, Lizzie Kenyon, 15, Kierra Box, 14, Koiya Donovan, 13, Niall Payne, 12, and Benjamina Avro, 12. It was published in Local Government Voice Solo.
