Uchay Writes

Our identity is defined through our individuality, we should embrace our uniqueness as it is what draws people in and makes them want to learn. By doing this, we break down stereotypes and barriers between people. Besides religion, there are 4 main things which represent me:

Hair

As Solange sings “Don’t touch my hair”.

Natural Hair:

My natural hair is a thick, kinky, coily mass of afro which I usually tie up, so that there is a puff at the top of my head. If you know me, then you know my hair is usually in braids; so when people see me with my natural hair there are comments such as: “Wow, that looks cool!” “Is that your real hair?” “It looks so soft!” These all lead to the dreaded question: “Can I touch it?” The problem is not asking (the answer will always be no), it’s acting before the question has been answered. There have been times during secondary school when I have had my natural hair out. One time during French class, I was doing my work when I felt something in my hair. I reached out and felt my puff, the girl behind me had put a pencil in it. She continued to put pencils/pens in my hair even though I told her to stop. Back then I was even quieter than I am now, so when I was telling her to stop, it wasn’t a firm no, I laughed it off. Looking back now, I wish I was more confident in standing up for myself and more vocal about things. Braids aren’t as much as a problem because the hair technically isn’t mine, but I’d most likely still refuse if you asked to touch it. My hair is part of my pride and shapes my identity. My different styles of hair and range of colours used is a way of expression and love for being unique and different. Growing up in a predominantly Asian area didn’t make me cower, but instead made me more inclined to embrace my individuality.

My name:

My name is Uchenna, the correct pronunciation being oo-chenn-a. However, when someone asks me what name is I pronounce it as u-chenn-a. I understand that I do this so that they don’t struggle to say my name correctly. This is why nowadays I usually introduce myself with my nickname: Uchay. The only times I do pronounce it right is when a fellow Nigerian/African asks, as I know they would say it correctly and recognise the name. This is a habit I’m learning to stop because even though it’s a minor difference in pronunciation, the name holds great meaning. Uchenna means God’s Will, and mispronouncing it in a way deflects from that. If you can say Tchaikovsky, you can say Uchenna.

Personality:

There is the ongoing stereotype of black women being loud and aggressive. Yes, we can be lively and energetic but it’s not necessarily a bad thing. But if I’m talking about myself then it’s the total opposite. I am an introvert, I’ve always been quiet and shy but as I’ve grown older, especially during sixth form and this first year of uni, my confidence has grown and I have become more comfortable within social settings. 

There have been some people I have met, who have been surprised at my quiet nature and would say “You’re so quiet for a black girl”. These sort of views annoy me as it shouldn’t be surprising. I want to be viewed as a human, not a racial stereotype.

I have asked friends what they would describe me as. One said I am “a goth with colour”, the other said I am “an alien spy who is assimilating with the human race” (referring to my increase of communication with others).

Race:

I haven’t really experienced racial discrimination in my life, but the only time I have was when I was very young, in primary school. I was with my friends and this one girl said she didn’t want to be my friend because I was black. I was a little upset but I didn’t let it affect me.

I am proud of my blackness which is rich with culture/tradition and I portray it through my dress sense and mannerisms. 

All these experiences have helped me to grow and mould my character. I would never compromise my morals or beliefs for anyone’s satisfaction because without difference there would never be a chance to learn.