Judi Love stresses importance of ‘white allies’ when talking about racism

Judi Love has voiced the importance of ‘white allies’ uplifting Black voices amid the hardships faced by the community.

The Loose Women panelist, 42, fronts an eye-opening documentary titled Black, Female and Invisible, which investigates how the ‘odds are stacked against’ Black women in everyday life, from education, to health, to work.

Speaking about the importance of the emotional film, the comedian highlighted the stats that Black girls are more likely to be excluded at school, Black women are more likely to receive a higher prison sentence for a crime, and four times more likely to die during childbirth.

Appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show, the former Strictly Come Dancing contestant shared how much the documentary meant to her, adding that talking about race shouldn’t be something we fear.

‘I have a background in social work and social care, so I’ve got that natural ability to have empathy with people and have a conversation where I can draw information out,’ she began, talking about her passion for the documentary.

‘So, it was good to use those skills and know when to bring in that little bit of humour and comfort,’ she added, saying her ‘crush’ Louis Theroux was her inspiration during filming.

‘You know, some people get really tense when you talk about racism or you talk about being Black and it shouldn’t be like that. Everybody should be able to have the space to talk about how they identify.’

Judi continued: ‘I’ve got to keep it real, white allies are something that we need. Sometimes, if I talk up, I will be seen as aggressive than if you (Jonathan Ross) talk up.

‘So, it’s about coming together. There are a lot of things trying to divide us, but it really is about coming together.’

This is far from the first time the TV star has spoken publicly about her experiences as a Black women.

Judi recently shared how Loose Women’s historic all-Black panel from 2021 still makes brings a tear to her eye when she thinks about it.

The comic told Metro.co.uk that it was an ‘unbelievable’ moment to be part of, admitting there was a sense of disbelief on set that it hadn’t already happened.

‘Even in the midst of talking and laughing I keep looking and I’m like, ok, this is a big thing. We get through it and Brenda (Edwards) is signing at the end and you’re just like… it stopped and we just… everybody, I cannot tell you,’ she said.

After stopping to compose herself, Judi shared: ‘It makes me emotional even now. Everybody, cameramen, production, we were crying and the one thing I remember coming out of production was thinking “I can’t believe this has not been done before”.

‘There was someone there who said, “I’m so sorry, this is unbelievable”.’

Judi took a couple of days off work after the show was filmed, saying it took Loose Women a staggering 21 years to air the first all-Black panel because, in the past, Black women weren’t ‘seen.’

‘We weren’t seen as a talent or what we could bring,’ she said.

Today, Judi remains confident that Black female representation on the small screen has changed for the better – but there is work to be done.

‘I would just love to see more shows that highlight positivity rather than trauma of the Black experience.’

Judi Love: Black, Female and Invisible is streaming now on All4.

The Jonathan Ross Show airs Saturday on ITV.

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