49. We Are Black Britain - Lord Sewell

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In this episode, Rasheed is joined by Lord Sewell of the British House of Lords, for an insightful discussion on education, race, and the socio-political dynamics in the UK and the Caribbean. They explore the myths of systemic discrimination, and the evolving narratives surrounding immigration, colonialism, and identity.

Mind the Gap
Lord Sewell highlights the challenges Afro-Caribbean students face in the UK, emphasizing the impact of family structure and socioeconomic conditions on academic performance. His program, Generating Genius, seeks to address gaps in STEM education by providing long-term mentorship to nurture talent.

It’s Complicated
We critique broad racial generalizations, emphasizing intra-group differences. Lord Sewell draws comparisons between Caribbean and African diasporas in the UK and the U.S., attributing disparities in performance to cultural and structural factors rather than race alone.

Legacy
Here we examine the persistence of colonial narratives in the Caribbean and the UK. Lord Sewell surmises most anti-colonial movements and discussions are performative, and calls for embracing the positive aspects of British influence while addressing present challenges more pragmatically.