Very Seen and Never Heard | Duke Harrison-Hunter | TEDxGosport

Key Concepts

• Being Seen and Heard: The core theme of the transcript, referring to the experience of having one's presence acknowledged and one's voice and contributions valued.
• Remand: The period of detention for a person awaiting trial or sentencing.
• EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion): A framework and practice aimed at ensuring fairness, representation, and belonging for all individuals.
• Equality: Providing everyone with what they need to thrive, not necessarily the same thing.
• Inclusion: Inviting someone to the table, allowing them to speak, and ensuring their voice is heard and valued.
• Diversity: Not just a policy or slogan, but a foundational element for innovation, empathy, and growth.
• Allyship: Actively supporting and advocating for others, particularly those from marginalized groups.
• Systemic Overlooking: The phenomenon where valuable contributions are dismissed or ignored, often due to the source of the idea rather than its merit.
• Invisible Voices: Individuals whose perspectives and contributions are not recognized or amplified.

The Prison Experience: A Foundation for Understanding

The speaker's journey to understanding the importance of being "seen and heard" began in an unexpected setting: prison. While on remand, awaiting sentencing, the speaker shared a 9 ft by 6 ft cell for 19 to 22 hours a day with a cellmate who was a practicing Muslim. Initially, the cellmate's five daily prayers were perceived as "annoying" due to a lack of understanding. However, this proximity fostered observation and learning. The speaker engaged with the cellmate, asking questions about his faith, culture, values, and, crucially, his story. This interaction revealed the cellmate's respect, routine, and discipline, demonstrating that "in the darkest of places, people can still carry light." This period of reflection in the "tiny cell" prompted the speaker to question their own beliefs and what they needed others to understand about them.

The Workplace: A Stark Contrast and a Painful Realization

Fast forward a couple of years, the speaker is out of prison and in a professional environment. During a team meeting, the speaker shared a concept believed to benefit the team's objective. This contribution was met with "nothing. No curiosity, no questions. Brushed aside, dismissed." This experience led to introspection: was the delivery unclear, or was the idea dismissed because of the speaker's identity? The situation was further highlighted when a colleague later presented a "very, very similar concept" which was "celebrated, praised and adopted." This stark contrast led to feelings of being "wounded" and a realization that "brilliance can be overlooked" not necessarily due to a lack of value, but because it originates from a voice not afforded sufficient space. As a "man of color," the speaker had to learn to navigate environments where they were "seen but not always heard" and "welcomed but not always included."

Shifting Perspectives: Advocacy and Redefining EDI

The speaker's response to these experiences was to "stop shrinking and started to speak louder," becoming an advocate for diversity and an ally for others, especially those who feel "invisible." This led to a redefinition of key EDI concepts:

• Equality: Defined not as giving everyone the same, but as "giving everybody what they need to thrive."
• Inclusion: Described as more than just an invitation to the table; it involves "allowing them to speak and their voices be heard and valued."

The speaker emphasizes that EDI is not merely policy but is "personal. It's powerful. And it's possible." Diversity is presented as a "foundation," essential for innovation, empathy, and growth, rather than a mere "tick box" or "slogan."

Real-World Examples and Personal Achievements

The transcript highlights several examples to illustrate the importance of diversity and being seen and heard:

• Pete Coddlin's Artwork: A piece featuring 900 charcoal portraits on a replica ship's sail, displayed at Boat House 4 in Portsmouth Dockyard. This artwork represents over 2,000 years of local history and diversity.
  • Lindy Deofenia: A Jamaican-born individual, the first man of color to play for Portsmouth Football Club, depicted in the artwork.
  • James Albert: A sailor and cook, formerly enslaved, who became the first African to be published in Great Britain, also featured.
• The Speaker's Personal Achievements:
  • The speaker is also depicted in the artwork.
  • They are the "first man of color to have won the football blacklist award celebrating black excellence in the community and black excellence in football."
  • While working for Portsmouth FC in community EDI, they received a handwritten letter from the billionaire owners congratulating them on their award – a significant recognition as the "first man of color to have received" such a letter.
  • They were also the "first man of color to have won it in the whole of Hampshire" and believe they are still the first.
  • Their name is on the "wall of honor within the Premier League" alongside prominent figures like Marcus Rashford, Mo Salah, Raheem Sterling, and others, recognized for their work both inside and outside of football. This signifies being "very seen and now heard."

The speaker clarifies that these awards are not the primary motivation but are appreciated.

The Societal Impact of Diversity: A Hypothetical Scenario

The speaker presents a powerful hypothetical scenario: "Now, let's just imagine for a second that everyone of color went back to their own country." The consequences would be catastrophic:

• Societal Breakdown: "Society would break down in a hot minute."
• Economic Impact: Retail, hospitality, taxes, and construction services would be "staff cut in half, no longer here."
• Cultural and Sporting Loss: Beloved sports and athletes would be absent. Imported foods would disappear, leaving only "fish and chips" (which, ironically, originated in Portugal).
• Service Shortages: Local services and shops would cease to function due to a lack of staff.
• Healthcare Crisis: "40% of our NHS staff are from different parts of the world," leading to "even longer waiting times" if they were to leave.

This scenario serves as a stark warning against the sentiment of "go back to your own country," highlighting the indispensable contributions of people of color to the fabric of society.

The Vision for a Better Future

The transcript concludes with a hopeful vision of what could be achieved if society actively chose to "see and hear people":

• Happier Communities: Increased harmony and well-being.
• Enhanced Education: Greater educational opportunities in schools.
• Peace: Potentially "no wars."
• A Better Place to Live: An overall improvement in the quality of life.

The call to action is to "open doors, let's open minds, and let's build a world where we can see people for who they truly are" and where "your voice is heard and valued." The final question posed is: "So, what can you do to see and hear people? And how can you be an ally?"