Race and Britain with Les Back

Part 2 of 2: In part 2 of our episode focusing on race and the sport media, we're joined by sports producer, broadcaster, and founder of the Black Collective of Media in Sport (BCOMS), Leon Mann. Leon talks about his experience of working in the sport media and the reasons why BCOMS were established in 2009. Leon highlights ways in which diversity can be achieved in the sport media, he offers advice for sports journalists, and predicts how the industry will change for the better. Give BCOMS a follow on Twitter @wearebcoms and join the conversation and ever increasing network.

Part 1 of 2: In part 1 of this episode focusing on the sport media, Dan Kilvington speaks with BBC Sport's Nelson Kumah. Nelson reflects on his journey into the sport media and highlights how, at times, the industry can be somewhat unwelcoming for sports journalists from ethnic minority backgrounds. He speaks passionately about his own activist work as the Chair of BBC Sports BAME Advisory Group. In part 2, we'll hear from BCOMS founder, Leon Mann.

In this episode, Dr Dan Kilvington speaks with Dr Paul Campbell about racialised representations within the sport media, paying close attention to sports commentary. Paul discusses his own empirical research which illustrated that black athletes, for instance, are less likely to be praised by commentators for cognitive qualities such as intelligence when compared to their white counterparts. He outlines where such stereotypes originate from and the impact of them. ITV commentator, Sam Matterface, and Sheffield United striker, David McGoldrick, also feature.

In this episode we talk to Professor Frank Keating from Royal Holloway University of London about race, racism and mental health. Professor Keating outlines the 'invisibilisation' of race in health policy and practice. He talks about the changes required to raise the awareness and understanding of mental health professionals to the damage racism in all its guises causes racial weathering which harms the mental health of people of colour. He strongly advises that we talk about our mental health in order to start the healing journey.

In this episode Dr Rita Kohli, Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Education and Information studies at the University of California, Riverside, talks about her work with teachers of colour. She is the co-founder and co-director of the institute for Teachers of Colour Committed to Racial Justice. Dr Kohli describes the power of how the institute provides a mutually supportive space for teachers of colour to be their authentic selves. A space of joy, creativity and hope. 

In this episode we talk with Les Back, Professor of Sociology at Goldsmiths, University of London. We explore the state of race relations in contemporary Britain and look towards the future; how the Covid-19 pandemic helped illustrate racialised inequalities; ways to decolonise research; and how to be anti-racist.

Series 2 of the Talking Race podcast starts with a discussion about Black British feminism. Professor Heidi Mirza talks about how it grew from grassroots women today are driving forward change, leaving her hopeful about its future. 

In our series finale, Dr Daniel Kilvington talks with Rachel Boyle and Professor Jessie Danielsabout ‘race’ and racism on the internet. We’ll explore the significance and impact of ‘race’online, how the internet has provided a new platform for racism, and the motivationsfactors encouraging online racism. Both Rachel and Jessie recount their personalexperiences of receiving online racism and abuse. We end by offering solutions on howonline racism should be prevented and challenged.

In this episode of Talking Race, Dr Daniel Kilvington speaks with British Asian footballing pioneers Permi Jhooti (Fulham) and Anwar Uddin (Barnet FC). Jhooti, the inspiration for Bend It Like Beckham, and Uddin, now Aldershot Town assistant manager and campaign manager for Fans for Diversity, share their experiences on and off the field, highlight barriers, and offer solutions. This offers a great insight into British South Asian female and male experiences in the ‘beautiful game’.

In this episode of Talking Race, Professor Vini Lander speaks with Kauser Jan, a primary teacher in Leeds, and Daniel Kebede, Vice President of the National Education Union (NEU), about personal and professional experiences of racism. They discuss how racism is embedded in society and its institutions. We need to understand racism in order to dismantle it through education to establish an inclusive society.