Greek | Montserratian/Grenadian
I’m representing a very rare mix. I, alongside my siblings, may even be alone in the world! But that immediately gives us a purpose. My Mum’s parents are from Montserrat & Grenada. Then my Dad’s Greek Cypriot. They met in a club at the age of 19! They raised us by thinking loosely about inherent cultures & being open minded to all ideas. We gained an experience of our identities through visits to our islands in the early years of life.
It’s interesting; Montserratians in particular have had a difficult time. Based in the Caribbean, we’re still a ‘British Overseas Territory’. Unfortunately we're still very reliant on UK taxpayers, with the lack of independence causing a struggle for culture too. The population is also very small, so we’ve struggled with culture. 1 key reason: In 1995 our Soufrière Hills volcano erupted and buried the capital. Half of the island is still inhabitable. Which shrunk the already-small population down to 5000. I'm waiting for the perfect opportunity to visit the Caribbean, but I've been Cyprus a number of times and it's so interesting to visit the village and learn about family members I’ve been unaware of.
Not only is my family unique, it’s quite small! Of course, there are a fair amount of extended family members. But I suppose there's a strain inherent in being tugged between multiple identities; you're the outsider. Cypriot mixes are rare, I have some strong Greek family members. I can’t say I know much about my Grenadian heritage as my Grenadian Nan lived in Montserrat! What I do know though, is that those with Black as part of their mix are certainly seen as ‘Black’. And it’s been a tough year for ‘Black’ people. We were already battling negative unconscious biases in life & in our workplaces, but in 2020 the world has taught us that we’re still facing the much larger battle: outright racism (which doesn't disappear when the British government tries to cover it up in commissioned reports). In my opinion, we can’t rely on the eradication of racial inequality. Instead, we’re going to have to rely on economic empowerment. To help in the long run, we need to be unapologetic about preserving our cultures (in every way that appears fit). Persistent commitment doesn’t lower the urgency of the moment, it acknowledges it.
We need to lower expectations in schools and workplaces. Feeling of having to work three times harder for the same results.