In 2020 Marcia Ore came across an article written by Paula Akan from 2019 titled 'How The Stories of Black Women in the UK Are Being Reclaimed'. The quote from Jade Bentil, a Black feminist historian and writer stood out. “Black women’s historical narratives are either rendered completely visible under the gaze of whiteness, or an extremely sanitised version that flattens the complexities of our lives is authored by non-black gatekeepers, both within and outside the academy.”
Marcia then started thinking about the narrative around Black Women who had served in policing in the UK. Why? Because she is one of those Black women having served from 1982 until 2012. Whilst more Black women are being recognised for their contribution and impact on policing, we don’t seem to hear their stories or their experiences unless it concerns racism and discrimination. Marcia says "Don’t get me wrong, racism and sexism and discrimination exists in policing just like it does in British society. I know from my own personal experience. But does one not want to know what it’s like to walk through the world with three identities, as a Police Officer, being Black, and as a Woman?" In the first podcast series you will hear the lived experiences of five phenomenal Black women who served as Police Officers in the UK. Four of these women managed to complete 30 years of service which makes them quite unique. You will hear about why they chose a career in the police service, their role models and influences, and how being a Black Woman in Policing impacted their personal and professional lives, if it did.
Marcia says “I hope whoever you are, that the next time you see a Black woman in Policing, either in the police station or in whatever other environment you see them, you will consider what life is like for them whilst they contribute to making the communities they serve a safer place.”
In the second series of podcasts titled Black Women in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, five Black women share their experience working in this challenging yet rewarding space. These women live and work in the UK, USA or Canada and share their unique experiences, including their past and current roles, industry and sector, along with their passion and drive to contribute to progressing diversity, equity, and inclusion.