Becky #mixedmonday

Becky

This week's #mixedmonday is @becksymalone1 a Bristol-based Project Manager currently working for @creativeyouthnetwork and as leader for music project, @bristolreggae. Rebecca is also a non-exec director of @_beyond_the_mix

I was born and raised in Bristol, but left to study Psychology in London. After uni I spent quite a bit of time travelling (21 countries and counting!), including living in Australia for a year. I am now back in Bristol with my husband and two sons. Career-wise I’ve worked in both corporate and voluntary sectors, first in recruitment and Aerospace and then later in community theatre and youth arts which is where I’ve been for the past 18 years. In my spare time, I play Clarinet and sing with @bristolreggae. 

How would you describe your ethnicity? 

My dad is Black Jamaican, and my mum is White English. They divorced when I was little so largely raised by my mum. If I had to define myself in a word, I would use ‘mixed-race’ but honestly that changes depending on what setting I’m in. When I was growing up, I remember loads of people using the term 'half caste’. It’s an awful derogatory term, so I’m glad we’ve moved away from that.

Has your mixed-ness influenced your career in any way?

I have been subjected to racist slurs in past jobs, comments on the ‘inappropriateness’ of my natural hair and being mistaken for other mixed race female staff ‘because we look so much alike’ – (we really didn’t!). It knocked my confidence and for many years, it made me shy away from jobs in prominent positions even though I knew I was capable. I guess this is why I’ve swayed towards jobs that have a focus on inclusion, and generally passionate about better opportunities for marginalised groups. These days, I’m much more confident so would call these behaviours out. 

If you could describe your mixed identity in one word, what would it be?

Mixed is part of who I am but I’d want to use lots of words to describe the being I aspire to be. I hope that I am creative, kind and courageous.

What is the best thing about being mixed heritage?

I now see my ‘mixed-ness’ as a privilege, I love that I am part of multiple worlds and encourage my children to be proud of it.