Invisible: Refusing to Be Defined by Those Who Refuse to See You

In this episode of Wait, I'm Black?!, Michael sits in conversation with Harbi Jama – Group Director of Fundraising at the Helen Bamber Foundation, whose work supports survivors of trafficking and other forms of human cruelty. Born in Somalia, Harbi arrived in the UK as a young refugee after his family fled the civil war. Growing up in Britain, he encountered something he had never imagined: having his Black identity questioned by others, including people who were themselves Black. Together, they explore the complexities of Black identity, the diversity of experiences within Black communities, and the often-overlooked ways racialisation shapes how people are treated. They also reflect on how exclusion, silence and seemingly subtle behaviours can leave lasting emotional consequences, and how these experiences continue into adulthood and the workplace. This is a conversation about identity, belonging, dignity and the psychological cost of being made to feel that you do not belong. It is also a reminder that challenging racism requires recognising and confronting the everyday behaviours through which exclusion is perpetuated. If you'd like to follow the journey, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or follow us on Instagram @wibpodcast. And if you – or someone you know – has a "Wait, I'm Black?!" moment you'd like to share, we'd love to hear from you.