Strawberry Words

03/10/2025

(From Rebbecca Hemmings) What happened in Manchester at the synonogue was a horrific racist attack. My heart goes out to the families and communities affected. The rise in racial hatred in the country is beyond worrying.

I just want to share a book that I have recently found very useful in breaking down the complications of antisemitism. They are a lot deeper and nuanced than many people are aware. The lessons shared make it that little bit easier to discuss issues which can feel impossible to express.

14/09/2025

(From Rebbecca - CEO of Stawberry Words) Last night, I ended the day with the question, “What can I/Strawberry Words do to help?” given that people are scared due to the heightened racial tensions in the UK? If you haven’t heard, a young Sikh woman was sexually assaulted in Oldbury, West Midlands, this week in a racially motivated, savage attack this week. This comes amidst the rising racial discord in the UK.

When I awoke this morning, this blog was created.

I truly hope it helps. Please read to the end, as I honestly think that in addition to noting the advice on how to stay safe and well, we ought to dig in deep and become even more passionate about finding joy as a form of resistance.

Do share with anyone who might find comfort in this or find it helpful. Link in bio.

08/09/2025

Check out a few unofficial photos from our Embedding DEI in Evolving Times event. Look out for the official photos soon!

12/08/2025

Yesterday, podcast master Roger Moore FRSL Hons(GMIA), came to recce the space at NatWest, in preparation for the recording of our first in-person podcast “Embedding DEI in Evolving Times”.

Everything is set!

Have no idea what I’m talking about?

If any of you are working in HR, DEI, organisational development or similar, you may wish to sign up for our event taking place at the hub in 5th September at The NatWest Accelerator with Marcel De Jonghe, CMgr MCMI Head of EDI &B at Birmingham City Council, Helen Cuthill The CEO of The Smallpeice Trust and Loreal Stokes Head of EDI at the University of Birmingham.

Link to book the last 6 tickets is in our bio.

09/08/2025

Today Rebbecca spoke with Femi Olajiga on his podcast to discuss all things cultural humility, diversity and inclusion from a marketing team’s perspective. In it, she mentioned our 5 D’s of Resistance (these are common ways we find that people avoid having conversations about race). He found them useful, so we will share here too:

Defence: “X doesn’t have a racist bone in their body.”
There can be an instant desire to defend one’s position. This is often to express that “I am not racist” or due to the uncomfortable nature of the conversation the purpose can be to stop the conversation from continuing.

Deny: “I am not biased!”
It can often be easier to deny someone their experience rather than entertain the possibility that it is happening or is true. We all can do this when we are scared of the reality, don’t want to believe what is being said or genuinely think they might be telling an untruth or exaggerating.

Discredit: “Those people are naturally violent.”
Often, a very effective technique is to discredit the person or persons like the complainant. This then casts a shadow of doubt on their accusations or comments.

Downplay or justify: “He was probably just having a bad day.”
The act of minimising the harmful nature of racism is also very common. If the person on the receiving end or other bystanders can be convinced that it is not as bad as the ethnic minority is making out, the issue is more likely to go away as it won’t be taken that seriously.

Deflect: “But what about…?”
When someone asks, “But what about...?” as a defence mechanism when discussing racism, it often reflects a psychological process known as “counter-arguing” or “denial.”

11/06/2025

10/06/2025

Thank you for doing the work . 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

06/06/2025

We’re proud to announce that our Director, Rebbecca Hemmings, will be speaking at Connections for Prosperity 2025, hosted by the Centre for the New West Midlands.
She will be contributing to a critical panel discussion titled:
“Birmingham as a ‘Global Majority’ City – Issues of Race Across the Region.”
As a company rooted in anti-racism, cultural humility, and compassion-led training, Strawberry Words is committed to helping organisations confront the uncomfortable truths about inequality — and build safer, more inclusive environments in their place.
This event brings together 300+ of the West Midlands’ most influential stakeholders:
▪️ Business and community leaders
▪️ Politicians and policymakers
▪️ Academics and changemakers
Together, we’ll be exploring bold and necessary questions about what true equity looks like in one of the UK’s most culturally diverse regions.
We’re honoured to be part of a conversation that not only reflects our mission, but strengthens our resolve to create lasting change.

09/05/2025

Allyship isn’t just a concept, it’s a practice.
Join us for our face-to-face training session: Allyship in Action, where we equip individuals and organisations with the tools to show up meaningfully for racially marginalised people.

Explore what allyship looks like in real-life scenarios
Gain practical steps for effective and respectful action
Build the confidence to be an active ally in your community or workplace

This in-person experience encourages open discussion, reflection, and actionable learning that leads to lasting change.

Learn more and secure your spot:
https://www.strawberrywordscourses.co.uk/allyship-in-action

08/05/2025

Is it time to talk about race at work?
Our CPD-accredited course, Time to Talk About Race, is designed to help professionals build confidence when addressing race in the workplace. Whether you're starting the conversation or looking to deepen it, this course provides a supportive and practical foundation.

FAQ Spotlight:
"Do I need to have prior knowledge before taking this course?"
Not at all. This course is designed to meet you where you are. Whether you're new to these conversations or looking to expand your understanding, you'll find valuable tools and insights here.

Enrol your learners today: https://www.strawberrywordscourses.co.uk/time-to-talk-about-race-cpd-course

07/05/2025

S1: Ep 35 – Interview with Philosopher Daniel Stone

Join guest host Sipho Ndlovu in conversation with Birmingham-born philosopher Daniel Stone, as they explore his inspiring journey, from the streets of Handsworth to the halls of Oxford, navigating racial complexities along the way.

Through his charity The Philosopher’s Yard, Daniel creates space for people of all backgrounds to explore life’s big questions, authentically and without judgment.

Real talk. Real philosophy. Real impact.

Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts! https://open.spotify.com/episode/4oOEPHcJhLzzb0yWhPExxU?si=q_gw5s40RKOvmL5LraQCxg

06/05/2025

“Diversity is a reality, inclusion is a choice.”
-Stephen Frost & Raafi-Karim Alidina, Building an Inclusive Organization

Real inclusion doesn’t just happen, it takes intention, awareness, and action.

Our Antiracist Reading List is here to help you do just that.
Explore titles that challenge, educate, and equip you to build better, braver spaces.