The Gold Twins originated from Ghana but spent their childhood in Italy, a place where the prejudice and discrimination of black lives is a continuous theme in everyday life.
23% of citizens in Italy are over 65 years old and with Italy being a conservative country, Emanuele and Enoch believe the bigotry towards themselves and other black people lies deep within the society.
Recollecting on their childhood, Emanuele and Enoch recall “Growing up, we had to get used to the fact that we were different. There weren’t many black kids in our school, so sometimes we’ve been left out for being black or get asked why we are that way”.
The educational system has and continues to briefly discuss the History of systematic racism around the globe but does little to encourage the change in the mindset of those who believe that racial prejudice and violence is still ok.
Emanuele and Enoch painfully and passionately speak on behalf of every human being of colour when they say that opportunities in day to day life, whether that be education, employment or finding a suitable place to live, are more difficult to grasp. This isn’t because they don’t have experience or because they have a criminal record, it is purely down to the colour of their skin. It is not ok.
“One of the worst things that happened to us, was when we were looking for an apartment and we were being told by many owners that they don’t rent to black people or immigrants in general”, the Gold Twins upsettingly recounted. “We would talk to the landlords on the phone and all was good because they thought we were white, but everything changed as soon as they set eyes on us”.
“When outside on a journey or at work we always try to blend in with the environment and people around us in order not to stand out too much, or not to look like someone dangerous because we often think that is how people will see us” Emanuele and Enoch woefully say.
The Gold Twins originate from the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence post-colonialism. Ghana holds many achievements; they are ranked the 6th most peaceful country in Africa, the economic growth continues to rise, the GDP for tourism in 2015 was worth $10 billion and their civilians welcome foreigners with open arms, so why can’t Italy do the same? Why can’t predominantly white countries do the same? why is the world failing black people? These are questions we as nations need to ask.
No person should have to hide who they are, where they come from and what their culture stands for. No human being should have to blend in to avoid prejudice, discrimination and violence. Every person of colour should feel comfortable to stand with white people and say ‘Yes, I am different, I am from a different country, culture and society but I am your equal, I am your friend’.
Emanuele and Enoch express that “protests must be done in a peaceful way to send a clear and target-oriented message. The one thing that white people can do to help is to spread more awareness on the topic, educate themselves and help us have a voice, education is everything.
#BlackLivesMatterhttps://blacklivesmatter.com/
“Our personal thoughts and ideas are what we have to pass on to our future generations, future kids and everyone we have an influence on, that is a huge responsibility not to be misused.
Speak Out 