My name is Jahzara, I am currently an MA Philosophy and Politics undergraduate at the University of Edinburgh, and I was part of the 2024 Pass the Mic writers group. I was introduced to Pass the Mic by a friend who saw their post on social media and sent it to me urging me to apply. I thought it was a great opportunity, but I was hesitant because I didn’t consider myself an ‘expert’ in any regard. I questioned what Pass the Mic meant by ‘expert’, and it was their warm and welcoming response that led me to apply.
I wanted to be part of Pass the Mic because it is an organisation which aims to empower women of colour to tell the stories they think matter. As a self-proclaimed outgoing individual, I like to share my perspective, and I have plenty to say, but I don’t often have an outlet for that. My experience at Pass the Mic, which led to my article being published in the Press and Journal, gave me an outlet.
The voices and expertise of women of colour are often drowned out by the voices of those who speak louder and with more ferocity because society has emboldened them to do so. Pass the Mic challenges this by providing women of colour in Scotland a platform and the connections to thrive. As a part of the 2024 writers’ group, we had many workshops and networking opportunities. Pass the Mic has given me, undoubtedly, the most successful networking event I have ever attended. Through the community it has cultivated, and the workshops provided, I learnt so much about the media industry, and the space available to women of colour.
Pass the Mic and its founder Talat Yaqoob have created a space for us, a space that the media industry desperately needs. I urge you to make use of it. Claim any opportunity that comes your way. Your voice is wanted and needed.
A major highlight of my 2024 was being part of Pass the Mic’s writers cohort. I implore every woman of colour who has something to say to apply. If I had to sum up my experience in one word, it would be enlightening. I have grown so much in being surrounded by incredible women of colour in Scotland from all walks of life. Having completed my time in the writers’ group, I feel more confident in my ability to succeed in the media industry because of the valuable insights I gained. It is an experience I will always look back on with the utmost gratitude – I couldn’t thank Pass the Mic enough.