Being the First of Many
There is something so complex and fragmented about being the only Black person in the room. In being the only Other. Honestly, I can’t remember how old I was when it first dawned on me that this was my reality. And the realization that it was a pattern came much later. Before I knew the meaning of the words “race”, “class” or “social determinism”, I felt the expectation that I ought to carry myself in a specific way to make us appear in the right light. But I’ve come to find that it doesn’t matter how palatable you seem, how included or assimilated you may find yourself to be - these things will not bring you the joy or acceptance you yearn for.
When I’m asked what my job is and what the Observer is, I usually give a very straightforward answer: we’re a newspaper for students. We’re here to inform students about what’s happening in UCD, Ireland and beyond and why they should even care.
So here’s this month's byline for you: there is an inclusion and diversity problem in Ireland, there’s one in UCD and therefore there is one in the Observer.
An applicant for the paper who shall remain nameless pointed out to me in their application that there was a diversity problem in the paper. When I first read it, I heaved a sigh of relief. Not because it was the first time this was addressed, but because it was the second. I hoped this meant we had set up a precedent.
The fact is, I am the first non-White editor of The University Observer and while this fills me with pride, it always comes with a sort of a chalky and bitter aftertaste. Beyond the insatiable urge to prove oneself is the sobering reality that you’ve had to create another space instead of it being there initially.
As such, this is more than just an issue. This is a megaphone for students, for a community to speak into. Hands shaking and quite frankly delirious because it is well past midnight, I would like to thank the amazing talents that are featured in the Observer’s pages this month. Thank you to Tino, Olivia, Esther, Andrea, Israel, Mina, Gabriella, Purple, Raz, Anabel, Alimat - I am in awe of your talent and vision. You are welcome back anytime. Thank you to my amazing team, you executed our shared vision in a way that has surpassed my wildest dreams. Frankly, without you, this issue would never have seen the light of day. Thank you to Praise and the entire cast of We Dance for breathing life into this play and allowing us to see your craft once more. Thank you to our readers, you’re the reason we do this at all.
Happy Black History Month.
Tessa