Breaking Good

I have had some time to reflect recently and been inspitred by some 'reasoming' with my 85 year old St Lucian father.

While I am frequently defined by my ethnicity—Caribbean and Irish—it's my working-class background and accent that have posed the biggest barriers in my life. As the actor and playwright Steven Berkoff once said, “Your accent is your identity. It tells people where you belong and where you don't.” This resonates deeply with me, as my accent has often served as a marker of both my class and my struggle.

In recent years, I’ve attended far too many funerals of friends from my working-class community, many of whom have faced the devastating consequences of mental health issues, incarceration, or even suicide. The stark realities of growing up in a deprived part of London are all too familiar.

As a working-class boy from Bermondsey, a historically tough area, I often downplay the significant challenges I've overcome. Despite the psychological, physical, and financial barriers, I've managed to thrive. Yet, I find it hard to fully grasp the extent of my achievements in a world where so many are still struggling.

The Struggles of my Working Class community

1. Economic Inequality: Working-class individuals face entrenched economic disadvantages. According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 46% of children in working-class households live in poverty. Many endure low wages and limited homeownership, with working-class families significantly less likely to own their homes outright compared to their middle-class counterparts—only 13% of working-class families own their homes outright, compared to nearly 50% of middle-class families.
2. Educational Barriers: Discrimination in education has a lasting impact. The Social Mobility Commission reports that only 14% of boys from low-income families will obtain a BA degree, while the figure for girls is slightly higher at 24%. The disparity in educational attainment contributes to ongoing cycles of poverty and reduced income. For someone from Bermondsey, the odds of attending a prestigious university like Oxford are staggering, with less than 5% of students from my area making it to such institutions.
3. Health Disparities: Health outcomes for working-class individuals are particularly alarming. Research shows that four in 10 men aged 20 or older in lower socioeconomic groups have high blood pressure, a rate 30% higher than that of their more affluent peers (NHS). Additionally, men from working-class backgrounds are twice as likely to suffer a stroke and have a 40% higher cancer death rate than those from more privileged backgrounds.
4. Mental Health Inequities: According to the Mental Health Foundation, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to experience mental health issues, yet they face barriers to accessing care. The detection rates for mental health issues in working-class communities are disproportionately high, with many individuals facing stigma that prevents them from seeking help.
5. Incarceration Rates: The Prison Reform Trust states that individuals from working-class backgrounds are often disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system. Black and working-class individuals are 18 times more likely to be stopped and searched than their White counterparts, leading to cycles of incarceration that are difficult to break.

The Reluctant Leader: Grit and Academic Success

My journey has been shaped by the essential qualities of grit and resilience. While I’ve often felt like a reluctant leader, the experiences I've faced have forced me to step into roles I never anticipated. The grit I had to logically develop through my struggles has been crucial not only in my academic pursuits but also in my personal life.

In her book "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance," Angela Duckworth argues that these qualities are vital for achieving long-term goals. Her research shows that perseverance can be a more significant predictor of success than talent. This has certainly been true for me; my academic success, particularly in gaining admission to Oxford at 33 and later law school, was not merely the result of intelligence but rather a relentless drive to overcome the odds.

Moreover, "The Gift of Failure" by Jessica Lahey emphasizes the importance of resilience, advocating for the notion that setbacks are stepping stones to success. My life has often felt like a series of uphill battles, but each challenge has taught me invaluable lessons about leadership and perseverance.

The odds of a working-class boy from Bermondsey succeeding in higher education and navigating the legal profession are daunting. Yet, the grit I had to cultivate allows me to defy these expectations.

The Broader Context: Reflection, Humanity and Business.

In considering the broader implications of my journey, I am reminded of James Baldwin’s poignant words: “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” This reflection on our shared humanity is crucial, especially in a corporate context where diverse experiences and perspectives can drive innovation and creativity.

Transcending class barriers not only enriches organizations but also fosters an environment where businesses remain sustainable and humane. "The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton Christensen discusses how diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones, driving better decision-making and creativity. This is the stuff that happened daily on my Estate in Bermondsey, how we survived as individuals and families in a community that understood that ‘none of us is as strong as ALL of us.’

A Purpose?

Education is not merely a path to personal success; it is a transformative force that can uplift entire communities. I’ve witnessed first-hand how access to quality education can empower individuals to transcend their circumstances. It’s vital that we advocate for equitable educational opportunities for all, especially for working-class children who face systemic barriers. By sharing my story, I hope to encourage young people to aspire beyond their immediate surroundings and survival and create reilien, thrivingt and caring communities around them.

In pursuing this mission, I also want to emphasize the importance of engagement and community support. Just as I have benefitted from mentors and allies along my path, I believe we must create networks of support that lift each other up. This is not just about individual success; it’s about collective advancement. When we invest in one another and celebrate our shared humanity, we build a more equitable society.

As I reflect on the teachings of great thinkers and creatives who pointed my imagination and intellect towards a more humanistic approach, I am reminded of their insights on class mobility, education, and inclusion:

1. Charles Dickens once wrote, “It is a melancholy truth that even great men have their poor relations.” His works often highlighted the struggles of the working class, advocating for social reform and empathy toward those less fortunate.
2. Ralph Ellison stated, “The Negro is not a separate people; he is an integral part of America. He is a part of the whole, and without him there can be no progress.” This underscores the importance of inclusion and recognition of the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their background.
3. Mary Wollstonecraft argued, “I do not wish them [women] to have power over men; but over themselves.” Her advocacy for education as a means of empowerment remains relevant today, reminding us that education can elevate not just individuals, but entire communities.
4. Philip Roth observed, “The writer’s job is to write about the things that matter. To do that, you have to understand the world you live in.” This reinforces the notion that understanding our societal challenges, including class disparities, is essential for fostering change.
5. Isaiah Berlin said, “Freedom for the wolves has often meant death to the sheep.” His insights compel us to recognize the delicate balance between freedom and responsibility in society, urging us to create a system that protects and uplifts the most vulnerable among us.

?Additionally, as a Muslim, I reflect on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in his final sermon, which emphasized inclusion and tolerance: “All mankind is descended from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; none have superiority over another except by piety and good action.” This powerful message serves as a reminder that our worth is not determined by our background but by our actions and character. In the community I grew up in I experienced kind actions and loving characters on a daily basis. I see no difference in my recent Islamic values and the British values I experienced as a child. My community taught me that I can be black, Muslim and working class.

By integrating these lessons into my life’s work, I aspire to contribute to a society where educational and economic opportunities are accessible to all, fostering the culture of mutual respect I experienced and still experience daily. None of us is as strong as ALL of us.

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