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OUR STORIES

Colleagues from across Cadent have been sharing their personal histories.
Inspired by the Broadway blockbuster Hamilton, Jade Lester, Head of Stakeholder
Engagement Strategy, shares her story through the medium of rhyme

So, where are you really from?
By Jade Mona Lester

“So, where are you from Jade?” My parents met at school
A question I am asked from day to day. and had children quite young,
Sutton Coldfield in Birmingham is what I usually say. Back when interracial dating
To be honest, I thought my accent was a dead giveaway! was considered as “wrong”.
“No, I mean where are you REALLY from?” So, I’m Jamaican, I’m English,
The question that invariably comes next. I’m White and I’m Black.
Really? I sigh, recognising the subtext: I embody multiple ethnicities
They’ve seen my brown skin and I’m very proud of that.
and want to put me in context I love the colour of my skin and all it signifies:
But don’t know how to ask Two fingers up to racists, bigots, and their lies!
without becoming perplexed. I am the living proof
I’m from England I respond, with a bit of a grin. of what can be achieved
If this is a game, I’m determined to win! When people stand up
“Sorry, I mean, where’s your FAMILY from?” for what they believe.
They implore once again “So, what’s the problem with the question?”
Well, that story’s quite long, Some people will wonder
Take a seat, I’ll explain... “Why does it cause so much tension?”
I tell them that we’re British, Some others will ponder...
And from a lot of different places, If truth be told, it’s the way that it’s phrased
Our eclectic heritage reflected and the underlying prejudice that it conveys:
in the smiles across our faces: It implies I’m not from “Here”
The Caribbean, Ireland, Cyprus, Korea, and I’m some kind of “Other.”
and of course, the UK. Just because my complexion shows
You know most of us were born Here, I have a Jamaican mother.
and not thousands of miles away. Doesn’t mean I can’t REALLY
We’re Black, White, Brown, and every shade in between. call England my home,
The most spectacular spectrum of family, that’s ever been seen. Or that the Birmingham streets I grew up on
“Yes, yes, but where are YOU from, Jade?” are not my OWN.
My word, they’re relentless! So, if you want to know my background,
You’d think their life depended can I make a suggestion?
on whatever I said next! Share YOUR history first,
I don’t mean to be a bore, then ask a much better question;
but I’ve answered this question twice before. Ask me about my HERITAGE
Yet they still want more! and say something nice.
So, let me settle the score I’m a sucker for a compliment,
Once and for all... you won’t need to ask me twice!

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