The echoes of what my mum used to say to me rung through my head, during my formative years of aspiring to be an actor, 'Theres no one like us really on screen, forget about that racist industry.' I'd be so confused at the time, trying to piece out why and how this industry was 'racist'. But as I'd flick through my favourite films and shows, I slowly realised that no one like me looked back at me from the screen. We had a few children stars such Raven Symone and Keke Palmer at the time to relate to, but that was far and few between.
In terms of the recent quotes from Michael Caine stating 'people shouldn't win awards based on their colour', what needs to be understood is that, that is not the point. The point we are screaming in these hashtags, rallies and calls for justice are to notice us. Appreciate out talent and give us the roles we deserve regardless of colour. It is safer and more easier to give a dominant race a role. It leaves controversy, debate and anger at the door and allows people to focus their thoughts on the story instead. But isn't that sad?
Why in 2016 are we still discussing race and why is race still a construct that runs through our lives daily? We, the inhabitants of this multicultural Earth we live on are diverse in many different ways and talented.
I worry, as I step forward into the world further towards a career, that the colour of my skin may hinder me or the aspirations I want will be halted due to my levels of melanin.
What can we do to help this? It begins with the people at the top. Casting directors, agents, prodcuers, writers.. All giving people of colour a shot. Creating art that allows them to be represented as themselves, not as slaves or maids but as the everyday people they are in the real world. So a little girl or boy sitting in front of the screen can aspire and look forward to a future of potential not tainted by discrimination or judgement upon first look.
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