In 2020, the world watched in horror as George Floyd’s murder at the hands of American police was brought to the forefront of both mainstream and social media.
But while the rest of the globe seemed to discover racism for the first time, Black audiences across the world were horrified but unsurprised by the turn of events that had defined the stories attached to names such as Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, Philando Castille and many, many more.
A year on, while George Floyd moved to the back of many minds, Black people remain aware of the racialised experiences that they had and continue to encounter every day – and this is what Simon Frederick sheds light on in the creation of his new YouTube Originals series: The Outsiders?
The Outsiders? is a six-episode series that sees Black talent across the UK and the US discuss their experiences as Black people in their various industries and within institutions.
Ahead of the series launch, BuzzFeed UK attended The Outsiders? premiere, where guests and cast members took to the red carpet before viewing two exclusive episodes at Fulham Road’s Picturehouse.
Speaking to BuzzFeed UK, filmmaker, photographer and series creator Simon Frederick, discussed the surrealness of launching the series: “Last week I was speaking to my friend, Jeymes Samuel, whose film Harder They Fall is premiering soon. We discussed how growing up in West London, we never pictured ourselves doing something like this – releasing feature films and documentaries on a global stage as Black men. It’s mind blowing.”
Frederick also explained the importance of the series coming out now: “I think there’s a generation of Black people under 40, that needs to be celebrated. They’ve created things that have never been created before, they have professions that have not existed before.”
“My generation asked for permission and if we couldn’t get it, we tried to make it ourselves. Your generation doesn't ask for permission, you’re all making your own things and creating it on your own terms.”
Featured contributors such as broadcaster and presenter Julie Adenuga echoed Simon’s sentiments: “People don’t realise the outsiders are always outside, we just work in our spaces and where we feel safe, where we feel we are championed and celebrated."
Her excitement was shared by fellow cast member and vegan chef / content creator Rachel Ama:
In the series we see one of the contributors, model Eunice Olumide, discuss growing up in Edinburgh and being met with racial assault, bullying, and even arson to her home. Speaking to BuzzFeed UK, she explains how things have evolved since she was younger:
Social commentator and author Chidera ‘The Slumflower’ Eggerue, also discusses the importance of more radical movements beyond conversation:
Contributors weren't the only ones expressing their delight at the series’ release – the guests were too. YouTuber and editor extraordinaire Leoni Joyce said: “With upcoming Black talent, and Black History Month on the way, what better time to shine a light on our experiences?”
Similarly, boxing champion Lawrence Okolie, shared his thoughts on why now is an integral time for the series to come out: “There’s a lot of young, up and coming talented Black people going through obstacles – it’s good to see those who have, talk about how they pushed through and overcame those experiences, not only for context, but for motivation.”