The AC Podcast 180: Getting Real: Youth, Culture and Racism
Simone Ujah, youth worker, coach and podcaster, joins our host Maisie Barlow, for the first powerful episode of this series. Simone shares her coaching journey that helped her develop a core sense of self and allows her to work with young people with deep authenticity and honesty.
Simone reflects on the challenges of addressing cultural differences and racism, drawing from personal stories, including her children's experiences with racial incidents at school and the gaslighting she subsequently received. Simone talks about the need for conversations and education around unconscious bias and equality, sharing how world events led her to start her Re-education podcast during lockdown. Simone discusses how culturally, respecting each person as an individual experience is key and we need to empower young people rather than support a victim mindset.
You will learn:
· The importance of authenticity and honesty when working with young people
· The importance of putting young people at the centre of conversations and providing space for exploration and troubleshooting
· The challenges of guiding (not preaching!) young people, with the need to respect their space and earn their respect
“How and when do we tell our children that they're going to experience some form of racism, whether it's in the workplace, in school? How do I equip my children with the awareness that not all people are like this from any background? But some people have this perception that you are beneath them, and they will do whatever's in their power to continue to make you feel like you are beneath them… And that is not the truth. You’re not.”
For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: