Author Archives: clairebale

Scratching my head after the Coronation

Let’s dive right in and discuss the many elements of King Charles’ coronation that made me feel uncomfortable – the royal family’s history with slavery. Those looted jewels. The religious dogma that made some of us squirm, and, of course, who’s footing the bill. The Not-so-Pretty Past Okay, let’s address the elephant in the roomContinue reading “Scratching my head after the Coronation”

The Trees by Percival Everett

Can you see the wood for them? The lovely Notts TV Book Club invited me to read The Trees by Percival Everett. All I knew about this book before I opened it, was that it was connected to racist lynching in Mississippi in the “The Trees” in the 50s. With such an evocative title, andContinue reading “The Trees by Percival Everett”

The power of privilege

The Winter holidays have been a perfect opportunity to catch up with friends, and with great friends come great chats. Conversations always inspire me, and when I was nattering with someone about some training they’d received on the subject of privilege, it made me want to tap out some thoughts on it. What is it?Continue reading “The power of privilege”

Sticks and Stones

Well it’s been a whirlwind few weeks in the world of conversations about race hasn’t it? Meghan and Harry’s Netflix docuseries has sparked many a water-cooler chat. You all know my thoughts on Meghan, someone I admire for refusing to be bullied into silence. I chatted to BBC Radio Nottingham’s Sarah Julian on her breakfastContinue reading “Sticks and Stones”

Adultification – More than a Child can Handle

I’ve been building up to this post for a while. The Child Q case was one of those instances that really shook me. Anti-racist work is hard. There are particular instances that knock you for six. And this was one of those times. But, this work is bigger than me. And this case has openedContinue reading “Adultification – More than a Child can Handle”

Gentrifi-take-tion

Take a few moments to imagine…. You’re at home. In the neighbourhood you’ve lived in your whole life. Your Mum lives around the corner. Your old school friends are all within walking distance. The shopkeeper knows your name….. A new family moves in next door to you. They’re thrilled to have bought a big houseContinue reading “Gentrifi-take-tion”