A Southern Perspective on OBV

(Katie is pictured on the right)

The week before I began my internship here at OBV, I could not have been more nervous.

Nine African-Americans had been tragically killed at Emanuel AME Church in South Carolina, eight predominantly African Americans churches across the southern US had been burned within the span of ten days, and international news outlets condemned the Confederate flag that was hoisted above the South Carolina state house.

Coming from a white background and having been born and raised in the state of Kentucky, which is considered by many to be part of the Deep South, I was incredibly anxious to find out how the team at OBV would react upon my arrival.

I feared that my thoughts would be dismissed based on my background, and I questioned how I could contribute to the fight for racial equality and social justice in the UK when the issue is clearly, incredibly far from being resolved in the region that I call my home.

However, walking into the office on my first day at OBV, all my concerns were immediately laid to rest.

Contrary to what I had feared, the team did not dismiss my thoughts but were eager to hear my perceptions of the racial issues that dominate American society. They not only listened to my viewpoint, but sought to understand my perspective.

Furthermore, I was given the opportunity and the privilege to share my viewpoint with the entire OBV community by writing articles that covered some of the most pressing issues that face BME communities in both the US and the UK.

I think what I will take away most from this experience is that racial equality is not only an issue for the BME community. It takes individuals from every nation, race, and ethnic background to build a society that is inclusive and equal for all peoples. And in order to achieve such a goal, the issue of race must continually be part of the conversation regarding policies, research, and debate.

Maya Angelou, one of my favorite authors and the most powerful speaker I have ever had the honor to listen to, once stated a phrase that I always try to keep in mind - “I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”

OBV has definitely taught me to ‘know better’.

The team has shifted my perspective on the priority and attention that racial issues deserve and reinforced the importance of these concerns in the US, the UK, and throughout the world.

It has been incredible to see the impact that OBV has made and continues to make in British politics and in the lives of BME individuals. Although the team here at OBV is small, their passion and dedication to the cause of racial and social equality could not be outdone by even the largest of organisations. It has truly been an honor to have contributed even the smallest bit to this incredible team and the vital cause they are working for.

Katie Bergamini