Irish | Jamaican
I'm Chief Executive of a charity called 'Poetic Unity', I remember going to a networking event with about 30 other charity CEO's and I was the youngest and only person there who was non-White. It's a big issue. One of the fuels for me starting my charity is to help create jobs in senior positions for young people of non-White backgrounds. When I was young me and my friends who were predominantly from Caribbean and African backgrounds never got the same opportunities and support as our White counterparts. It's imperative that we make senior positions in companies and charities more inclusive and I'm determined to be a part of that change.
I have two role models, my Dad and my Grandad. My Dad is the hardest working person I know. Since I was a baby he has worked 7 days a week to provide for his family and his work ethic has inspired me to be the best version of myself. People have always said I look like my Dad and I'm proud of that because when I look at him I see a good man, a man that cares about 'us' instead of just 'I' and it's because of his leadership that I am now leading in my own right. My Grandad was my best friend, before he passed I used to visit him at least once a week. We had a lot in common as he was a musician and creative too. I used to love hearing his stories of his early life in Jamaica and how much he hated the English weather. He inspired me to be a better person, he had an energy that I have never felt before and I laughed my hardest when I was around him. I don't think I would be half the man I am today without my Dad or Grandad.
I have visited Jamaica twice. Once as a child and as an adult 3 years ago. Going back there was an amazing experience. In terms of my Irish side I have not grown up with any of those traditions unfortunately but I hope to learn more about this part of me and travel to Ireland soon. If I had the opportunity to be reborn I would like to return as myself but with the knowledge I have acquired over the years. My parents could have educated me more on my heritage from a young age. That would have helped me understand my identity sooner.
Sign up to Patreon or Subscribe to our website to read more
In collaboration with Poetic Unity