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My name is Brian James. I’m 53 years old, married for 31 years, and worked all my life in Ireland.
My father was from Trinidad, my mother is from Waterford. I grew up in London and Luton. My discovery of my colour was when I started school at age 5, and from that age I was...
My father was from Trinidad, my mother is from Waterford. I grew up in London and Luton. My discovery of my colour was when I started school at age 5, and from that age I was...
... called gravy, nigger, wog and coon amongst other things . England was harsh and very cruel. I moved here in 1989 when I met a wonderful woman who I married that same year.
When I first came here in 1987 I was 20 and immediately noticed there were no black people here...
When I first came here in 1987 I was 20 and immediately noticed there were no black people here...
...people in local towns would cross the street to just pass me and say how ya, I was delighted and it was obvious they were just curious. I played soccer for local teams and I encountered racism on the pitch. Not every match because mainly it was a positive experience...
...However, playing in a friendly tournament my nose was broken and I was told to go back to monkey land Nigger. This hurt as my two sons were on the sideline watching the game with my wife.
My father taught me to answer racism on the pitch by being better at soccer than them...
My father taught me to answer racism on the pitch by being better at soccer than them...
...I’m hugely proud of being black Irish/trini. I love Ireland and I’m so glad we moved here; it has not been easy at times because you always have to be on your guard and prove to be twice better than others. And that’s just to be good enough or equal for the job.
I’m proud...
I’m proud...
of my Irish and Trinidad roots. I, just like my sons, have experienced racism but have dealt with it like my father taught me. We should always rise above it and through friendships and dialogue things can improve. But awareness is the tool that must be shared.
