I always find it difficult remembering 11 November, for lots of reasons which others no doubt share. I was born in Liverpool, am Northern English through and through and have been known to be a passionate Brit at times. But, many people like me and especially those younger don’t always know how to or indeed…
I was talking with a black woman earlier, and we happened to get on to the subject of race – something close to my skin, literally. She said that a lot of mixed-race people only identified as black, when they had experienced racism. I thought, how true. Prior to my own challenges against racism within the…
It’s the one day ‘some people’ can be themselves!
Last week, the husband of my friend from my old neighbourhood in Liverpool died. He and I weren’t many years apart. I know no words can comfort my friend at this time, and all people can do is be there for her. Once again though, I’ve been reminded that life is so precious and we need…
Last night, I watched the film Pariah written and directed by Dee Rees. It’s a 2011 contemporary drama telling the story of Alike, a 17-year old African-American teenager embracing her identity as a lesbian. It premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and was awarded the Excellence in Cinematography Award, which I can see why. I had…
In 2001, I stepped proudly through the doors of Greater Manchester Police and one of the first words I was called from a colleague was a “coconut” – you know, black on the outside/white on the inside. This was just before the BBC documentary The Secret Policeman aired highlighting racism in the service, I was at the…
I’ve just heard that Ray Cole has been arrested and detained in Morocco for being gay, and it reminded why I don’t visit countries like it and why other gay men shouldn’t. In many countries being gay is not a crime, but in so many it is – even, showing affection towards another of the same-sex in public. Ray has…
For those of you who have followed my story, you will know that for the past five years I have fought racism, homophobia and corruption within London’s Metropolitan Police. I’ve been through three trials, and things are far from over. During this Black History Month in the UK, I’ve had time to reflect. For over…
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A Celebration Of Musical TheatreThe AC Group bring their acclaimed concert A NIGHT FULL OF SONG to the world-famous Actor’s Church (St Paul’s) in the heart of theatre-land, Covent Garden ~ Sunday 16 November 7.30PM. With a live orchestra and featured soloists from London’s most prestigious Drama Schools, let them take you on an exciting journey through musical…
A few months ago, I wrote a blog about my experience with my dear friend Sara at Byron Hamburgers. Shortly after the post, the Founder of the company Tom Byng made contact with me. It was obvious from the start, that he cares deeply about the restaurants and the brand. So much so, that he went out…
Today, a UK tabloid newspaper is running with the story that the Conservative MP Brooks Newmark has been “caught” sending naughty pictures of himself to another. So what? He won’t be the first, and most definitely won’t be the last. None of us apart from his wife and him know what’s happening in their marriage…
Prior to joining the police service, I used to perform a little. One of my last performances before becoming a police officer was at the Contact Theatre in Manchester, in a production for NITRO (the Black Theatre Co-operative). The show then toured. Having left the police, earlier this year I received an email from Nitro about…
Before I was born, I was already an uncle to two. My eldest sister had her first two children, before I came into this world. The year of my birth, one of my sisters gave birth to a nephew – My Mum and sister, being pregnant at the same time. Over a decade ago, I became…
This week, the employment court decides if the Metropolitan Police dismissed me within the law after I challenged racism, homophobia and corruption within the Force. My only hope, that justice prevails.