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Throughout October, National Prison Radio will be broadcasting stories, music and interviews to celebrate Black History Month 2024.
Black History Month is celebrated annually every October. The event began in the US in the 1920s, and was first celebrated in the UK in 1987. It is an opportunity for people to acknowledge, share and understand the history and impact of black heritage and culture.
The theme this year is ‘reclaiming narratives’.
What does this mean?
It’s about taking ownership of the stories that define Black people’s culture, contributions, and identity. It is a chance for Black communities across the UK to reclaim their stories and how their history is told, as for far too long it has been narrated by others, leading to distorted portrayals that fail to capture the full breadth and depth of Black people’s experiences.
As part of Black History Month, National Prison’s Radio’s Outside In programme has spoken to one of TV’s most loved Black characters: Patrick Trueman from British soap Eastenders.
Patrick Trueman first appeared in Albert Square in September 2001 and 23 years later, he’s still one of the most-loved characters.
He is described as being the “go-to guy for words of wisdom in Albert Square”.
Rudolph Walker is the man who plays Patrick Trueman and like his character, he was born in Trinidad.
Rudolph tells Outside In’s Richie about his dreams of making it as an actor, his arrival in the UK from Trinidad and the racism he experienced.
He tells Richie he was very careful about the roles he took and says “there are roles I’ve turned down… because it didn’t lead to anything positive.”
“I’ve been very selective… whether he’s a road sweeper or a doctor… I always play a character with dignity.”
When Rudolph first arrived in London, racism was common. He describes the signs that were displayed around the city.
“No dogs, no Irish, no blacks.”
“Racism existed then, it still exists”, he says.
There were challenges for Black actors, the parts were few and far between, he says. “It was tough.”
He tells Richie that slowly obstacles have been broken down, he says directors began to cast more Black actors.
When asked if he has any regrets about his life, Rudolph replies:
“I don’t live a life of regrets… you can’t go back. It is what you do today for tomorrow that matters.”
To celebrate Black History Month 2024, Rudolph tells National Prison Radio’s listeners that his advice is to…
“walk with dignity… walk with dignity and you can never go wrong.”
Rudolph Walker’s interview will be broadcast on Outside In on Monday 14th October 2024.
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National Prison Radio is the world’s first national radio station for people in prison. It’s available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on in-cell TV.
Outside In is our talk show is produced and presented entirely by people who learnt their craft while working at National Prison Radio during their sentence. Together, they interview big names who have experienced life behind bars, while providing guidance and practical tips to help ease the transition back to life after release, from those who have ‘been there done that’. Outside In broadcasts every Monday at 12:00 and 18:00 on National Prison Radio and reaches over 80,000 people behind bars across England and Wales.
National Prison Radio was founded by the Prison Radio Association – a registered charity. Shows like Outside In help people to cope with life inside prison and thrive on release. If you would like to support our work, and enhance the futures of people in prison across the UK you can make a donation at prison.radio/donate.