100 Voices #AllAgainstRacism: Jamel Franklin – "Dealing with racism in Ireland started off as an education and has become a journey for me"

Jamel Franklin,
Rapper and songwriter (Shy Mascot)

On a personal level, dealing with racism in Ireland started off as an education and has become a journey for me. When I moved here from Florida in 2010, I’d get comments from Irish folks about how I must be glad to be out of an inherently racist place like the US. These people meant well, but I was born, raised, lived, and worked in a Black community. I never had to deal with daily microaggressions in the workplace, people shouting racial slurs from cars, or being zeroed in on in social situations because I’m Black.

I’ve had to deal with and navigate all of these since I’ve lived here. The disappointing thing is, a lot of those same people who would ask me if I was glad to be out of a racist country, would minimise these experiences with racism in Ireland. I’m hoping people can be more open, honest, and willing to listen to those who may not be from here, or fit what their idea of Irishness looks like.

Read Part 1 of 100 Voices: #AllAgainstRacism, in the current issue of Hot Press. Available to pick up in shops now, or to order online below: