I feel very honoured to be able to contribute the first post to the new Race and Faith Network (RFN) blog “Talk it out!” During a recent RFN planning meeting for ‘Black History Month’ we were thinking of ways to continue to build a community for talk during and beyond the month of October. A blog site seemed a natural space for continuing the discussion around issues related to Race and Faith – a space for real voices unconstrained by academic conventions.

I have to admit when I first joined the RFN I had reservations. I am not a person of any particular faith, however a bit like when I head into a sweet shop, I love a bit of ‘pick and mix’. There are elements of many religions which I love and resonate with me, whilst my soul shudders at other parts (I am sure some will smile wryly at my use of the word ‘soul’). I viewed the faith element of the RFN’s identity with suspicion having shied away from assigning myself a religion. My interests in the group were those of a Black woman, raised in a very white community, who had recently found her voice to speak out about the issues faced by people that look like her. I had made a pledge to myself that I would use my voice in order to amplify the voices of other Black people, particularly Black women. So I took a deep breath and decided to dip my toe in the water, after all I could jump back on dry land if it didn’t work for me.

After the first meeting, I realised with pleasure that the members of the group were a community who had a shared desire: equality for all. It was, as a University should enable, a group which promoted teaching and learning around Race and Faith. It wasn’t about promoting one identity over another, it was about allowing a space to understand the issues that impact on particular groups, and most importantly what can be done to overcome those issues. It respected the fact that a cohesive community is made up of people who attempt to understand each other, and work together to ensure every member feels, and is, a valued and respected part of that community. The only way to understand is to listen, the only way to have something to listen-to is to allow a safe space for all voices.

During the planning meeting, we discussed how we could have a better understanding of different religious dates and how they might impact on a staff member or a student of that faith studying at University. The discussion of the number of faiths was eye-opening and I realised my complete ignorance of most, and how members of our University community might be affected by the ignorance of many like me. I thought I was open to, and aware of issues related to equality. Realisation dawned: we all have so much to learn through listening to the stories and experiences of others. Someone at the meeting explained quite simply that faith is about spirituality which as I understand it, as defined in the Oxford Dictionary, is “the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.” In the RFN I think appreciation of the human spirit is something we are all focused on, whether we practice a particular faith or not.

At a recent meeting I quoted an article by Bennie Kara who says “Decolonising the curriculum is also an exercise in decolonising the mind of the educator”. To close this post, I would urge you to delve into the pages of this RFN Blog space “Talk it out” in order to listen to the voices of a community you inhabit. Perhaps, as I had to do with my views on faith, it will help bring you a step closer to decolonising your mind.

Annie Richardson is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood at the University of Brighton’s School of Education and Co-editor of Talk it out!