Not changing seats: a timeless act of owning the narrative
Written by Andrea Sotelo
The bus lurches to a stop. The driver's voice, stern and expectant, cuts through the hum of idle chatter: "Move to the back." All eyes turn to a woman, quietly seated, her gaze steady and resolved. "No," she says, her voice barely above a whisper, yet resonating with the power of a thunderclap. This moment, frozen in time, is more than just Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat. It's a declaration: "This is my narrative, and I choose how it unfolds."
Fast forward to today. A young black-heritage student stands before their UCAS application to a prestigious university. They're the first one in their family to attend. A black executive presents her innovative ideas in a boardroom full of sceptical faces. She's one of few black employees at the company. An aspiring black entrepreneur pitches to investors who've never funded someone who looks like him. He belonged to that 51% of Black children who grew up in poverty.
These modern-day Rosa Parks aren't on a bus in 1950s Montgomery, but their actions echo her spirit. They too are saying, "I'm not changing seats."
"Not changing seats" isn't about physical space. It's about refusing to let others dictate one's story. It's about owning one's narrative in a world that often tries to write it for them.
But what does this ownership look like in our daily lives?
It's the confidence not to feel obliged to code-switch in professional settings. It's wearing one's hair in its natural state, unapologetically. It's pursuing dreams, even when statistics say the odds are against you. Each of these actions is a modern-day equivalent of refusing to move to the back of the bus. They aren't acts of defiance; they're acts of self-affirmation and narrative reclamation.
Yet, the journey is far from over. Educational and career barriers persist. Systemic racism continues to shape lives. This ongoing struggle underscores why initiatives like Black History Month remain crucial. They serve not just as celebrations, but as reminders of the work still to be done and the roles we all play in creating change.
As allies, our responsibility extends beyond mere visibility or passive support. We must actively engage in dismantling systemic barriers and amplifying diverse voices. When society presents a script that doesn't fit, it's our collective duty to challenge it and help write a new one.
This rewriting of narratives happens through conscious, everyday choices:
Listening actively when someone corrects the pronunciation of their name, and making a genuine effort to get it right.
Approaching different cultural traditions with curiosity and respect, rather than othering them as 'exotic'.
Actively supporting and encouraging individuals from underrepresented groups to pursue leadership roles and promotions.
Challenging our own biases and those of others in professional and personal settings.
Using our platforms and privileges to amplify voices that are often marginalized.
Each of these actions contributes to our collective story. By supporting and amplifying diverse narratives, we don't just observe change—we actively participate in creating a richer, more inclusive society.
This is not a standalone fight. It requires unity, understanding, and active participation from all of us. As allies, we must recognize that our role is crucial but supportive. We may not be not leading the charge, but we are essential in reinforcing it.
So, let's take our seats - not in the driver's chair, but as committed co-pilots. As allies, we don't write the story, but we can help turn its pages. We can ensure that every voice is heard, every experience validated. Because every time we do, we honour Rosa's legacy and pave the way for a more equitable future.