A Southwark Detective Constable has been named as a finalist for a Black Talent Award for Public Sector & Services Employee of the Year.
The Black Talent Awards launched in 2022 with the goal of celebrating and casting a spotlight on outstanding black professionals and inclusive employers across the UK.
DC Shaun Pascal believes he has been nominated for his work within the Southwark community as a police officer, a role that he takes very seriously.
He said: “I’ve sworn an oath. I have the trust, confidence and support of my community. I expect them to hold me accountable.
“I’m a public servant through and through. Whether in uniform or out of uniform, I feel that my role on this earth to serve.”
The 53-year-old from Southwark, who has worked for the Metropolitan Police since 2004, said that he never saw a black policeman growing up.
He said: “When I was growing up being a police officer and coming from the black community was frowned upon.
“They said that black people had no place in the police, but we have to be part of policing.
“I’m there to protect people’s rights, to serve the whole community, represent my community and be a positive role model.
“And it has been challenging, but overall I’m a better person for it.
“I feel blessed because I’m able to help so many people and have a positive impact on so many people’s lives.”
The award that DC Pascal has been nominated for aims to celebrate individuals in the public sector, including social and health care, housing, and all educational settings.
He considers his work with Black Wall Street Media, a black online newspaper that he co-founded with journalist Dr Diahanne Rhiney, part of his work in the community and thus believes that it also contributed to his nomination for the award.
When asked what inspired him to launch his online newspaper, DC Pascal cited his uncle Alex Pascall who, as a journalist himself, launched the UK’s first national black newspaper ‘The Voice’ in 1982.
Regarding the portrayal of the black British community within the mainstream media, DC Pascal said: “Growing up, when you saw a black face in the media it always came with a negative connotation, so I thought that needed to change.
“They have had control the narrative for far too long and have shaped society’s views of certain communities.
“We can change people’s perceptions, tell people the truth and educate people.”
Speaking on the lack of global black newspapers, DC Pascal said: “I struggle to think of one that is owned and controlled by black individuals and that’s what I’d love Black Wall Street Media to be.
“It’s not about competition. It’s just about making it happen. I would happily collaborate with The Voice newspaper because we’re on the same mission.”
DC Pascal strongly believes in helping people, which he describes by using a metaphor of the ripple effect that a small drop can have on a large body of water to represent the impact that positive actions can have.
He said: “I’m that drop. We can have that ripple effect and that’s how we build a better society.”
The Black Talent Awards are in Birmingham on September 26, where DC Pascal will be hoping to be recognised for his role within the Southwark community.
Featured Image Credit: Shaun Pascal
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