100 Voices #AllAgainstRacism: Willzee – "Growing up as an Irish Traveller raised by a settled family, I have experienced both sides of the fence..."

Willzee,
spoken word artist & rapper

Growing up as an Irish Traveller raised by a settled family, I have experienced both sides of the fence – too settled for the Traveller and too Traveller for the settled people. I have seen discrimination, both subtle and overtly hostile.  It’s unfortunate that in 2021, these problems still exist, and that there is no plan to bridge the gap between both communities. Each side surely wants the same thing: to live in peace, know their neighbour and most importantly, to feel safe. Imagine what we could learn from each other as a whole, both histories, both lifestyles and both beliefs, breaking down the barriers and engaging with each other.

As the first self-proclaimed Tra-Buffer – who has lived both lives – the hope I see for change is if we the people do it ourselves. The time to start is now.

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:

Special thanks to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission for their support in this project.