Stand firm in pride: walking and wheeling as people of colour

Tricia Edeam helps coordinate our Equity Diversity and Inclusion work at Living Streets. In honour of Black History Month, she spoke to staff and volunteers about their experiences of walking and wheeling as a person of colour.

This year, Black History Month is recognising strength, resilience and leadership with the theme: Standing Firm in Power and Pride. Walking fosters connections with led walks bringing people together to share experiences and forge friendships. Walking helps to instil pride and a sense of belonging by exploring neighbourhoods together. For Black professionals, pride at work creates opportunities for people of colour to address bias actively, share knowledge and promote inclusive policies. 

Bolaji Ogunsola, Dagenham Older Adults Living Streets group

What’s your walking story?

I started Dagenham Older Adults Living Streets group as part of a Living Streets project in 2022. Three years on and we’re still walking. Some of the original members are still coming along and we get more members joining every month. We walk and then go for a chat and tea afterwards. The members look forward to their weekly walk; for some it’s the only time they get out and about, see nature and get away from daily stresses. They formed a bond and made new friends.

I started the group to become part of my community. I was so grateful when Living Streets supported me to get started. I wasn’t sure how things would go but they always encouraged me to keep going and the ladies were always so happy to go on their walks. 

Initially I think people looked at me strangely, a Black man walking around with a group of mainly white older women. I think they were confused at the scenario. That changed when I had my Living Streets fleece on as people would come up and ask me about my walk. I think that we feel bias is there sometimes, but the main thing is the group never felt it.

What does the future hold?

I thought I was running the walks for the group members, but I have found that it helps me so much mentally, especially when life is tough. I enjoy being there for them.

Well, we won’t stop. I don’t think the ladies would let me! Next week we’ve been invited by Barking and Dagenham Council to get our thoughts on the regeneration of Dagenham Heathway. I’ve told them we walk first and chat comes later!

What’s your walking story?

I think the biggest challenge is going to places that are kind of unknown. Within my work I go to places I’ve never been before and often on my own and so it’s not really a fear, but I know to be extra vigilant. I know I go to places where people are not used to seeing people that look like me. Sometimes people will approach you but sometimes people will avoid or just stare.

In recent times, I’ve noticed a change being Black and with a different accent. On a recent site visit in a place, I was going to stop into the local pub to use their toilet but there were lots of flags on display. I quickly realised that I wasn’t going to be welcome there. I found a local café that was more welcoming. I was glad I’d done my research about what facilities were in the area first.

Well, I carry on! I’m a person who absolutely loves cities and has lived in international places – I enjoy walking everywhere!

In my role I get to do so much; anybody has the opportunity to rise to a higher level based on their work experience within Living Streets. But for other people I know, ethnicity can play a role when achieving corporate roles. There is a need to diversify within senior roles and not just for people of colour.

What does the future hold?

Recently a researcher was asking me about the connections between barriers to do with gender and ethnicity in transport, and it was really interesting talking to her. That’s what I like doing the most, sharing information and finding different ways to support people on their career journey.

What’s your walking story?

Walking has long been a central part of my personal wellbeing. I walk for at least an hour every day – it’s something I started years ago and have kept up because of how beneficial it is.

Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I head out for a walk. By the time I return, the stress has usually lifted. It’s become a non-negotiable part of my daily routine.

One of my favourite places to walk is the Brent Reservoir. It’s leafy, peaceful, and beautifully quiet. There’s something grounding about walking beside the water, knowing that just beyond it lies the noise and traffic of everyday life.

When I interviewed for my role at Living Streets, one of the first things I asked about was the culture. That mattered deeply to me. I want to work somewhere that was open and welcoming, where I could grow and thrive. I do not see myself as a person of colour only, as I don’t believe in tokenism; but I see myself and want to be seen for who I am: professional, capable, and authentic. I believe success should be organic and meaningful, built on real connections and shared values.

What does the future hold?

I’m proud of the impact Living Streets has on communities. When we take the time to understand people’s diverse backgrounds and reflect that in our decisions, we create depth and real change.