Thread by @marcusryder

When it comes to Diversity & Inclusion sometimes a party is not just a party, it’s a lifeline. (Short thread)

Last night the @LHC4MD held a gala to mark our two year anniversary. There were great speeches, as you would expect, from people associated with the centre; @MyBCU VC @PhilipPlowden, @LennyHenry @TVMarv @MuktiJCampion #ErikaJones @fdoug23 @DianeKemp1

Also attending were people from almost every major U.K. media organisation: BBC, ITV, Channel4, Viacom, FT, Guardian, NewsUK etc. Plus too many universities and academic institutions to mention.

But the real point of the night was the party after the speeches. And when it comes to diversity and inclusion there was a very serious reason we took the after party so seriously.

Black folk, and people from underrepresented groups, working in the media joke about “having PTSD” from the hostile work environment we are in.

It’s a joke, but it’s not funny. We suffer higher rates of mental illness, we leave the industry at a higher rate, it affects our relationships and our physical health.

Which is why it’s critical that we find time for joy and love and fun amongst ourselves. It is part of our defence against the prejudice and hostile environment we work in every day.

Which is why yesterday to have amazing singers and musicians helping us dance our blues away was therapy.
Memories of @LennyHenry singing Cameo’s Word Up will sustain me.
@AdrianLester singing Cameo’s Candy will nourish my soul
And Jazzie B from Soul II Soul DJing is pure therapy

Yesterday was Black love, brown love, disabled love, lgbtq+ love, and every type of love you can imagine.
In the words of feminist icon Emma Goldman:
“If I can't dance I don't want to be in your revolution”