S1 E5: Place and Space in the Making of Race and Racism "Part One"

Content warning: May contain examples of extreme racist violence and language.

In part one of this episode, Yusef is in conversation with Brixton residents Valcie, Hurley and Patrick. The discussion draws on experiences of life in Brixton.  Juxtaposing this with Rayann’s episode on life in Eltham in the UK, we hear about a neighbourhood where Black cultures are shared and celebrated, but also how racisms and inequalities have restricted access to housing, security and opportunity.

When listened to in conjunction with the rest of the series this episode helps us to understand the significance of space in the lives of minoritised people and the trade offs that are made between living in the multicultural inner city, where interpersonal racism and the threat of racist organisations can be reduced, but other urban problems like underfunded public services, over policing and limited housing stock make life challenging in different ways.

These experiences contrast in some ways with those living in Eltham and help us understand better the textures and choices black and brown families may have to make when considering where they live in the UK. 

With thanks to guests: Valcie, Hurley and Patrick

Host: Dr Yusef Bakkali

Dr Yusef Bakkali is a Legacy In Action Research Fellow at the Stephen Lawrence Research Centre and grew up in the South London district of Brixton. Through education and later academia, Yusef found sociology equipped him with a language to diagnose and challenge social problems affecting himself and the community. Developing a research and teaching praxis focused around social justice and change, Yusef encourages students to develop critical skills, developing fresh perspectives to aid them in tackling the challenges, both of today and the future.

Produced by Weyland McKenzie-Witter for Nello and the People’s Production LtdTwitter/X: @weylandmck Web: weylandmck.comWeb: nelloandthem.co.uk

Music: AyChibs @AychibsImage: And Still She Rises by Marcus DoveDesign: Angy Ebrahim 

Stay connected with the Stephen Lawrence Research Centre:www.dmu.ac.uk/slrc Twitter/X: @SLRC_DMUJoin the mailing list by emailing slrc@dmu.ac.uk

Stephen Lawrence Research Centre, De Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH. United Kingdom

© 2023, Stephen Lawrence Research Centre