British | Nigerian

Photo credit: provided by subject

I identify as mixed-race; British and Nigerian. I was brought up as a Christian but found comfort in Buddhism and spirituality after living in a range of countries. I am heterosexual.

My Father is British, there are other known heritages from Ireland and France. My Mother is Nigerian; with a range of heritage ranging from Pan Africa, East Africa, the Middle East, as my Mothers ancestors were nomads who travelled a lot. My parents met in Nigeria. My Dad travelled there to work and they met. Me and my sisters have all been born in the UK but we travelled as third culture kids living in a range of countries growing up.

My Dad learnt the language and understood the culture in Nigeria. My Mom moved to the UK before me and my sisters were born, to get married to my Dad. Both parents kept us up to date with their cultures, we lived in Tanzania at an early age and learnt to speak fluent Swahili and embraced our African side of culture and awareness.

Cultural awareness or at least open mindedness is important. However, I grew up in a range of countries so travel is something I like in my life. I believe that I have learnt and embraced more cultures from around the world that have contributed to my diverse and individual identity, more so than necessarily hiding my expression of identity.

Interracial relationships are wonderful! Love sees no colour or race or differences. What is most important is respect and compassion to be able to navigate two separate cultures into one.

It’s hard being mixed-race as sometimes I’m ‘too White’ for Black people or ‘too Black’ for White people. People struggle to accept that we don’t need to be stereotypes or put into a box these days. We are all unique and have differences.

I haven’t been to Nigeria yet. We wanted to go last year but the pandemic hit so hopefully sooner than later. I can’t wait to touch the ground in my Motherland and feel the spirit of my ancestors.

My Mom told us that if anyone is tacit to us when we were children we should say ‘yes and I am proud of who I am’, so that has never left me. I always like to have positive discussions and connect with people. I am still very proud and do not need to fit in a box. I am proud of every aspect of my personality, identity and accomplishments.

Things like systematic racism and police brutality are topics I spoke about years ago. I like to look at statistics. We battle the two biggest discriminating factors around the world, race and gender. Raising awareness is not enough. We need to be vocal advocates whether it’s in the street and we see injustice or whether it’s in the discussions we have. The media plays a large role in showing negative aspects of cultures, especially undeveloped countries that may have even undergone colonialism or cultural exploitation. We need to embrace the good or at least show respect to our differences.

If I had the opportunity to be reborn I would build my confidence earlier to start being an advocate as early as possible. However I am now on that road and would not change a thing as I’ve learnt and grown.

I am a Miss Lancashire Finalist, 2021. I’d love to use my pageant platform to highlight the two reasons why I am running. Firstly, for mental health and the access of services for young people, and secondly, female empowerment and self-advocacy for all genders to not just be polite to everyone, but to also be fair to ourselves, especially when in uncompromising situations. We use our voices. I am also fundraising for a charity called ‘One woman at a time’, and I would love to gain support on my platform not only as a person of colour, as a female but as a representative and advocate for all those who need a voice or a reminder that we are enough, worthy and powerful in our own rights.

I work with an agency that supports children and adults with autism, I mostly work with non-verbal individuals. I privately tutor and work with people in need of professional or academic writing. I am currently in the process of finalising illustrations so that I can release a book, about a mixed-race girl, in which the book uses positive affirmations to allow others to see that they are capable, empowered and that being different is okay.

During the pandemic I decided to work as a key worker and have spent more time at work than home to stay busy. I have had a great support network, even with some family living abroad.