The Curse of Being Black in Britain

About the Book

The Curse of Being Black in Britain is an account of my exerience of living in the UK as an ethnic minority. When I returned to the UK I never knew that Racism still exists!

I was shocked to realise that Britain hadn't changed. The book recounts some of my experiences, like suffering the humiliation of a security officer following me around a shop. They are certain I'm a shoplifter! There's also the experience of the Sales Attendant who seems to take forever to examine the £5.00 note I have tendered suspecting it is fake! After all, I'm black and I look dodgy! There is the sad but amusing experience of the white Sales attendant who accuses me of being aggressive though he is the one shouting and pointing his finger right in my face!

The Book als talks about the great divide between Blacks and Asians. Many Asians hate Blacks with a passion. I have recounted a few experiences I had with my Asian landlords and an honest chat with an Asian who insisted in anonymity while giving his account of Asian people's opinion about Blacks!

My humiliating experience while in prison is also recounted in the book.

There is a clear call for redefinition of "Black" in the UK, from being seen as a violent, dangerous, failure that ends up in prison to someone who can achieve positive success.

It encourages all ethnic groups to come together to make and reflect a truly multicultural Britain.

About the Author

Simon was born in Hammersmith, London in 1968.

He left the UK and returned to West Africa with his parents and siblings in 1976. There he completed his education, graduating from University with a B.A. Degree in English and African Literature.

At University he started to develop his writing skils under the tutelage of Dr. Zaynab Alkali, an Associate Professor of English widely known for her internationally award winning work: "The Stillborn" among others.

After graduating from University, Simon taught for three years in Secondary School, preparing students for their GCE. He also became involved with young people; counselling and supporting troubled youths and ointing them in the right direction to receive professional help.

He also became a member of a local church. He got involved in the Christian Drama Group and wrote scripts for the Christian Home Videos produced in the church and also acted minor roles in Drama presentations. He became a member of the Prison Fellowship and with other members, visited the prison regularly to speak to inmates.

He returned to the UK in 2002. He is learning to live and face up to the challenging reality of Racism in the 20th Century UK.

He is presently working in the possibility of developing this book for television screening under the title Black Trash. He is also working on a drama script titled The Culprit which he hopes to use to reach out to young black people across the UK.