Ethnic minorities account for 14.4% of the British population according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), with London being considered one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world. However, new research from StoryTerrace, the nation’s leading biography-writing service, found that over one-in-three (38%) people from ethnic minority backgrounds often feel displaced or isolated in the workplace. In light of this, a key priority for the business is telling the stories of those from marginalised groups in society, including their trials and tribulations on the road to success.
The need for change in this area is evident, as research from Green Park consultancy shows that there were no black executives in the role of chair, chief executive or chief financial officer at Britain’s 100 biggest companies. This clearly highlights the undeniable barriers ethnic minorities face when aspiring to fulfil ‘successful’ roles in corporate positions in modern-day society.
All too often, minority groups have been viewed through the narrow lens of terms such as ‘BAME’, reducing the individual experience of those in the community. It has been proven historically that having ethnic minority people in positions of power and in decision-making roles has a direct influence in inspiring wider success in ethnic minority communities. For example, during Obama’s presidency in 2009 to 2017, data showed that the real median income of black households increased by 4.1 percent between 2014 and 2015, and the poverty rate also fell for all ethnic minority groups by 2.1% in 2015. This influence can also be likened to the growing number of British Asian people in power observed in the UK government, as newly appointed prime minister Rishi Sunak is set to become the country’s first British Asian leader.
It goes without saying therefore, that there is a positive correlation between visibility of trailblazers in communities and the growth of representation in high-power decision-making roles. However, despite the aforementioned influential examples, we are still a long way off. Rutger Bruining, CEO and founder of StoryTerrace, argues that through the recording and sharing of a variety of people’s success stories, this could go a long way in promoting inclusivity in industries where diversity is significantly lacking.
Memoirs and biographies of those who have defied convention, achieved greatness and set out to inspire younger generations are a verified way to elevate the visibility of underrepresented groups. From the likes of Michelle Obama and Viola Davis, we have seen a rise in the number of authors telling their truths through the literary medium of memoirs. But what about those who don’t make the headlines but are still paving the way for others like them?
Latheefa Ameer, a British-Asian woman who had her education taken away from her but later went on to set up a successful business:
Latheefa Ameer had her education taken away from her and was forced into an arranged marriage and in her memoir, she discusses the trauma of those experiences. Despite the tirade of constraints life put against her, she has gone on to establish a successful business whilst raising two daughters as a single mother, giving them a better life with more opportunities.
Rutger Bruining, CEO and Founder of StoryTerrace, has first-hand insight into the large number of incredible life stories that come to the service daily. Explaining how the memoir-service promotes the successes of today’s ethnic minorities trailblazers, he says:
“Though when we think of success, we immediately think of careers. What I have seen time and time again at StoryTerrace is that success does not come in one shape or size, and certainly doesn’t come in a neat package.
“We are still a very long way from achieving equal representation amongst ethnic minority groups in our workplaces, our communities and on our screens. But what we can do is elevate their truths and share their experiences through the memoir medium.
“When we look upon the world historically, we open ourselves up to new insights about the present, and the world around us comes alive. One of the key benefits of writing a biography is how it brings people closer to their family, their history and a better understanding of who they really are. For us, it is not just about documenting one’s story, it is about cementing your identity by connecting you with your past.”
