Clara Amfo praised for powerful Radio 1 speech on George Floyd's death

The presenter explained that she missed her show on Monday as her mental heath was "in a really, really bad way" 
Kimberley Bond2 June 2020
The Weekender

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Clara Amfo has spoken out on her BBC Radio 1 show about George Floyd’s death.

The 36-year-old, who fronts the mid-morning show on the radio station, was missing from her regular slot on June 1st.

Having returned this morning, Amfo became emotional as she discussed how her mental health has been affected after reading the reports surrounding Floyd’s death.

“We talk a lot about mental health, and mine was in a really, really bad way yesterday,” she explained.

Clara Amfo - In pictures

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“And it has been for the last few days in particular in the relation to the death of George Floyd. An unarmed black man who died while being held under arrest.”

She continued: “I did not have the mental health to face you guys yesterday, and ask: ‘Hi, how was your weekend?’ like I usually do with my happy intention, because I know my weekend was terrible.

Clara Amfo became emotional on the show
Dave Benett

“I was sat on my sofa, crying, angry and confused, also knowing and stuck at the news of yet another brutalised Black body. Knowing that the world enjoys Blackness and seeing what happened to George….we Black people get the feeling that people want our culture but they do not want us.

“In other words, you want my talent, but you don’t want me.

“There is a false idea that racism, and in this case anti-Blackness, is just name-calling and physical violence when it is so much more insidious than that.”

Amfo finished her powerful monologue with a thought from American comedian Amanda Seales.

“You cannot enjoy the rhythm and ignore the blues,” she said. “I say that with my chest.”

Amfo’s hugely emotive words saw an outpouring of support on Twitter.

Fellow Radio One DJ Annie Mac wrote: “You beautiful woman you are so brave.”

Chris Stark added: “That was one of the most incredible, powerful, moving bits of radio ever. You are incredible and strong and brilliant.”

MNEK tweeted: “I love you so much,” while Dev Griffin said: “Incredible words from my sister.”

Amfo is just one of many celebrities which have spoken out since Floyd’s death in custody in Minnesota last week sparked worldwide Black Lives Matter protests.

John Boyega, Alison Hammond and Ryan Reynolds are among those who have thrown their support behind protesters.

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