A Journey Of Voice, Identity, and Change

 

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Brodie Arthur—a cheeky, outspoken Black woman born and raised in Liverpool. I come from a rich blend of African, Irish, and Jamaican heritage, which has shaped who I am today. Some of you might know me as Brodie the writer, others as Brodie the activist, the actor, or even just Brodie, your friend. I wear many hats, but no matter which one I’m wearing, I strive to stay authentic to myself.

 

So, why am I writing this blog? Honestly, I’ve been wondering the same thing! I’m always having conversations where people suggest where my voice should be heard next. So, I decided to listen—but also ignore them. No one suggested writing a blog, so here I am.

 

You’re curious now about what people have suggested, aren’t you? Haha. Well, some have said I should go into politics, others have pushed for me to start a podcast. A few want to see me on stage as an inspirational speaker. While all of that sounds amazing, I’m alright for now, thanks!

 

Instead, I’ve decided to blog once a month and share what’s on my mind. Hopefully, you’ll resonate with my thoughts and, maybe, learn something as you come along on this journey with me—this journey I’m privileged to call my life.

 

The Times We Live In

 

Wow! What a time to be alive. The wheels of change are moving, although not always in the right direction. Black and Brown communities here in the UK, especially in Liverpool, continue to fight against the tide, striving to claim power amidst adversity. But at what cost?

 

Take, for example, the recent riots in Liverpool. What triggered the mindless chaos? It all began after a tragic and senseless attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, where three young girls—Bebe King, aged six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, aged nine—were killed. A 17-year-old has been charged with their murders.

 

In the aftermath of this horrific event, misinformation spread like wildfire, fuelled by right-wing thugs. A false rumour circulated, claiming that the crime had been committed by a Muslim man who was an illegal immigrant. Even though this was later proven to be entirely incorrect, the far-right racism had already taken hold, leading to widespread fear and unrest.

 

Does anyone truly understand the impact of this struggle—the anger and violence directed at already marginalised communities? Probably not. So, let’s talk about what this really means.

 

Beyond years of community cohesion and efforts to bridge the divide between Brown communities and our white counterparts, there’s an economic gap that already existed and is now widening. Boycotts and closures of Black and Brown Owned businesses up and down the country is part of the fallout. And it’s not just us who are afraid—many white communities are grappling with their own fears of reprisals from our communities.

 

What’s even more troubling is the silence from some of our elected leaders. We need them to speak up and unequivocally condemn the racist actions of the far-right thugs who have plagued our streets. A unified approach is crucial if we are going to tackle the underlying issues that have allowed racist rhetoric to engulf communities and take such a strong hold.

 

We also need clarity on the austerity measures our communities are facing. These economic hardships leave people vulnerable to far-right conspiracies that scapegoat marginalised communities, when in reality, the root of the problem lies with local government policies. It’s time for leadership that not only acknowledges this but actively works to dismantle the narratives that fuel hate and division.

 

Some people believe that just because the initial acts of violence have subsided, it’s all over. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. This is just the beginning of a long and risky journey toward real change.

 

Resilience in Unity

 

Despite everything, one thing has overwhelmed me in the best way possible: the resilience of our communities. It’s been awe-inspiring to see us come together to oppose the racism and fascism we are witnessing. I am forever bowled over by the strength within our communities, and the overarching Scouse hospitality that transcends race, religion, or class. When the chips are down, we are only as strong as our allies—and they’ve shown up in masses.

 

This contribution and dedication do not go unnoticed. We see you; we hear you, and we appreciate you. The counter-protests across the city brought tears to my eyes, as did the turnout of local authority staff who stood in solidarity with Race Equality Hub staff. Hand in hand, arm in arm—together, we can weather any storm.

 

Seeing some of the incredible initiatives aimed at raising awareness and educating our communities has reignited my creative flair. Maybe it even pushed me to write this blog. I can’t express enough how held and supported I feel in these difficult times.

 

Living and Working for Change

 

For me, this cause isn’t just a passion—it’s my lived experience and my professional life. Working at The Race Equality Hub means I eat, sleep, and breathe the struggles our communities face every day. Each morning, I rise with a renewed sense of optimism, hoping that today will bring us one step closer to justice and equality.

 

As an individual, I’m committed to creating space for our stories to be heard. I want our lived experiences to influence real, lasting change. But in the meantime, I’ll continue to be a shoulder for my community, my team, and even for myself.

 

This is just the beginning of our journey together through this blog. Thank you for joining me. Let’s create something powerful.

 

Until next month. Take care of you!