The Uncomfortable Conversation:
Talking about Race in Cornwall
The Uncomfortable Conversation Audio 20/03/2021
Welcome to the second instalment of our ongoing dialogue - The Uncomfortable Conversation: Talking About Race in Cornwall which took place on the 20th March 2021. This is a recorded conversation between Abi Hutchinson and Dr Nneamaka Ekebuisi which was recorded within the Fish Factory Arts Space, facilitated by our events co-ordinator Amy Lawrence.
AUDIO IN PARTS - Please click from Left to Right - The Uncomfortable Conversation 31/10/2020
We had a lot of requests to record the talk, and it's available above in parts! This was the first of a series of talks about Race in Cornwall. It was a real honour to be able to use the Fish Factory for this event. We hope you enjoy listening.
On the 31st October, 2020 we were joined by a panel of guest speakers and guided through some topics that we hope will be insightful and educational. How is it to grow up in Cornwall as a person of colour? How has creative action helped to raise awareness about the Black Lives Matter movement? In what ways may white people be subconsciously creating problems?
We also went through some of the current language that is being used and offer definitions for some of the terms and expressions in use when people talk about race and racism.
Our confirmed speakers for the event;
Abi Hutchinson - Abi is a recent graduate from University of the Arts London. She is one of the founding members of Black Voices Cornwall and is the Cultural Director for the organisation. Abi is the co-host of the event.
Mary Mawonera - Mary is an ordained minister with a background in Marketing, public relations sales management. She is a qualified teacher with PGCE and a Masters in Education, currently exploring Neuroscience and Neurocycology.
Jones Oviawe - Jones is a Falmouth resident who grew up in East London. He is Founder of Cornish based Start Up; Money Story. Jones is passionate about developing people, finding purpose and entrepreneurship.
Dr Misri Dey - Misri is a Senior Lecturer at Falmouth University, and works for equality, creativity and hope through her pedagogical, cultural and political activism.
Marcus Alleyne - Marcus is an internationally recognised conductor and founder of South West Philharmonia and Chorus, working with choirs, orchestras and theatre companies across the UK. He is one of the founder members of Black Voices Cornwall and a former Royal Naval Medical Officer. He sits on a number of Diversity and inclusion panels including ITV, Cornwall Council BAME Steering Group and the Devon and Cornwall Scrutiny Panel.
Photography by Simon Barclay