Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Called for an End to Structural Racism in the U.K.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry spoke out about structural racism while launching a campaign to celebrate Black History Month in the U.K.
![bognor regis, united kingdom october 03 prince harry, duke of sussex and meghan, duchess of sussex visits university of chichesters engineering and digital technology park during an official visit to sussex on october 3, 2018 in bognor regis, united kingdom the duke and duchess married on may 19th 2018 in windsor and were conferred the duke duchess of sussex by the queen the duke and duchess married on may 19th 2018 in windsor and were conferred the duke duchess of sussex by the queen photo by samir husseinsamir husseinwireimage](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pDXjvdYnwLrTTZ3brPjo56-415-80.jpg)
- Meghan Markle and Prince Harry spoke out about structural racism while launching a campaign to celebrate Black History Month in the U.K.
- "For as long as structural racism exists, there will be generations of young people of colour who do not start their lives with the same equality of opportunity as their white peers," they wrote.
- The Sussexes have compiled a list of Black British "Next Gen Trailblazers."
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have called for an end to structural racism in the U.K., while launching a new campaign to celebrate Black British leaders and trailblazers. In an article in the Evening Standard, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said, "For as long as structural racism exists, there will be generations of young people of colour who do not start their lives with the same equality of opportunity as their white peers. And for as long as that continues, untapped potential will never get to be realised."
To mark the start of Black History Month in the U.K, Meghan and Harry compiled a list of "Next Gen Trailblazers," asking high-profile Black British figures including writer and actor Michaela Coel, British Vogue editor Edward Enninful, writer Afua Hirsch, and Olympic boxer Nicola Adams to nominate someone whose "cause-driven work is creating a lasting legacy for the next generation of Brits." The list includes gal-dem founder Liv Little, educational campaigner and The Black Curriculum founder Lavinya Stennett, disability advocate Danielle Oreoluwa Jinadu, and writer and poet Henry Stone.
A post shared by Evening Standard (@evening.standard)
A photo posted by on
"If you are white and British, the world you see often looks just like you—on TV, in media, in the role models celebrated across our nation. That is not a criticism; it’s reality," the Sussexes wrote. "Many recognise this, but others are not aware of the effect this has on our own perspective, our own bias, but also the effect it has on young people of colour."
"For people of colour and specifically for young black Britons, the importance of representation in all parts of society, of seeing role models that share the same colour skin as them, and seeing and reading stories of success and of hope from those who look like them, is absolutely vital in opening doors of opportunity," Meghan and Harry continued. "Not only that, but representation in positions of power and decision-making is necessary—because that’s how equity and opportunity are translated from words to action."
RELATED STORIES
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
Our Complete Quiet Luxury Shopping Guide
30 quality closet classics that always have—and always will—endure.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford Medal in Mother-Daughter Olympic Matching
The pair touched down in Paris wearing coordinating navy looks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals Royal Family Rift Was Worsened by Tabloids
"Yeah, that’s certainly a central piece to it."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Royals, Paul McCartney, Nicola Coughlan, Salma Hayek... Was Taylor Swift's London Eras Tour Her Most Star-Studded Yet?
Imagine all the people........
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Kate Middleton Confirms She Will Attend Trooping the Colour in a Heartfelt Update on Her Cancer Treatment
"I am making good progress."
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published