Interview with Sade
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
“My name is Sade, I’m 19 years old and I live in Hereford, I moved here just over a year ago (I’m originally from London but have lived between there and North Wales). I’m currently doing my A-levels - business, law and politics - at Hereford Sixth Form College. I also work part-time at Waitrose.”
How do you think your life in Hereford compares to when you lived in London?
“I think my life in Hereford is very different to London as a young person in general but also as a young black woman there are lots of new challenges to deal with. Being a young person here I have to say I have enjoyed the overall atmosphere more, I personally find London culture quite toxic and don’t think I would ever live there again. As a young black woman, however, Hereford has been a new experience definitely and not always in a good way. Although I personally haven’t experienced any direct racism or prejudice toward me there have been lots of things that I have witnessed and honestly been shocked by including some of the frequent commentators in the “live chat Hereford” FaceBook group and also seeing a house with a confederate flag adorning the front during the beginning of the global Black Lives Matter movement earlier this year. Also, a lack of education on how to talk to black women (the answer is like humans) is something that I have noticed during my dating life since moving here and it can be at the very least upsetting but more often just disgusting how some men choose to approach me or talk to me.” ”
Do you feel like Hereford is a place where you can freely express yourself?
“I feel free to some extent but also find myself watching how I talk or react to certain situations for fear of being stereotyped as the ‘angry black woman’ (even when the anger is justified). In general, I am content to be myself here but I definitely see room for more personal growth when I move.”
Do you see yourself staying here always?
“Hereford is definitely not the end goal for me, in fact, I will be moving next year! But it’s been a nice stop-gap to slow down and spend time with my extended family.”
What are your ambitions?
“In terms of ambitions, I want to get out and be independent for a few years to gain some life experience and then hopefully will be applying to be a flight attendant (economy permitting) to work and travel. Past that I’m not sure what I want to do but am confident it will come to me when the time is right. ”
