CBeebies presenter Ben Cajee praised for discussion about being mixed race
CBeebies presenter Ben Cajee has been praised for a moving clip in which he expressed his pride in his heritage and emphasised the importance of being kind.
Cajee, who is mixed race, told viewers about his parents and detailed the various traits he has inherited from them, from his favourite football club to his love of music.
“Sometimes people have been unkind about what I look like and the colour of my skin, but I try and forget about those people and instead focus on the people who were there for me and who supported me,” the 32-year-old said.
“They just liked me for being me and they were my friends – I think at the moment it’s really important to be kind, because you never know, you might just make someone’s day,” he added. “Thank you so much for being my friend, and I’ll see you soon.”
CBeebies trended on Twitter in the UK as people sent words of thanks and encouragement to Cajee.
Music publicist Emily Cooper tweeted: “Really beautiful and powerful words from CBeebies, a lot of adults could learn something from this...”
“I love this! My son is mixed race too, I hope he's as proud about that too,” one person replied to Cajee’s post.
Author David Munday tweeted: “Powerful stuff, well said. Have been hugely enjoying CBeebies’ Black History Month content. Really important that my kids have the chance to learn about it!”
Another parent said: “Thank you. Lots of questions from both of my sons at the moment – especially my five-year-old, about being mixed race. I will 100 per cent be showing this to them when they come back from school. It reinforces everything I’ve been saying. Big thanks.”
Cajee, who has been a CBeebies host since 2015, gave a similar talk in June, in the wake of widespread protests over the police killing of George Floyd in the US.
“It doesn’t matter what you look like, what you sound like, or where you come from, and some people are treated unfairly just because of the colour of their skin; and they shouldn’t be,” Cajee said.
“I know that seeing a person for who they really are and how they make you feel, is beautiful. And I think it’s really important to talk to your friends and family about these things too because when we work together, we can create change and we can build a better and kinder world for the future; and I’m hopeful for that.”
“Because I believe in you,” he concluded. “Because one day you will be older and you will be looking after the world and all the people in it.”
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