Soraya Cordle

The Cordle family's rich history is a tapestry woven with remarkable achievements and contributions. In the 1950s, my grandfather, Steven Cordle, embarked on a journey from St. Michaels, Barbados, to the shores of Wales as a seafarer.

Who are you and what do you do?

I am Soraya Cordle, a dedicated mother of two, a woman of colour and dedicated to supporting the Welsh Government anti-racism action plan. My journey has led me to become an impassioned educator and educational consultant. At the helm of these efforts, I am the founder and CEO of "It’s Mandatory CIC and I’m Representing IECC, both registered community interest companies unite in a shared mission: the eradication of institutional racism.

This undertaking comes to life through meticulously crafted bespoke training workshops, expert policy consultation, and rigorous policy evaluation. Our multifaceted approach encompasses comprehensive training, nuanced curriculum and policy consultancy, and the creation of inclusive resources and transformative programs.

Describe your link to the Caribbean?

The Cordle family's rich history is a tapestry woven with remarkable achievements and contributions. In the 1950s, my grandfather, Steven Cordle, embarked on a journey from St. Michaels, Barbados, to the shores of Wales as a seafarer. Following in his wake, his brother Tony Cordle joined him, etching his name in cricket history as a renowned cricketer for Glamorgan. Remarkably, Tony Cordle gained distinction as the county's inaugural overseas fast bowler. Settling in Tiger Bay, my grandfather found love and companionship with my grandmother, Peggy Ferugia, whose Maltese heritage adds another layer of cultural richness to our family story.

Together, they nurtured a family of four children. Among them, my father, Gerald Cordle, emerged as a luminous figure in the world of sports. With a remarkable versatility, he showcased his talent in both rugby union and league, donning the jerseys of prestigious teams such as the Bradford Bulls and Cardiff City. His prowess extended to representing not only these teams but also his homeland, proudly wearing the national colours of Wales and Great Britain.

The legacy of my father's accomplishments recently found a permanent place of honour in the Cardiff Bay Rugby Codebreakers initiative. This distinguished project stands as a tribute to the diverse rugby players who have enriched Cardiff's sports heritage. My father's name now graces a statue, a beacon of recognition in Cardiff Bay, representing the global majority and the ethnically diverse talents that have elevated rugby to new heights. This acknowledgement not only celebrates his achievements but also highlights the contributions of individuals from varied backgrounds who have collectively shaped the vibrant fabric of rugby history.

People from the Caribbean have not only played a pivotal part to the establishment of modern day Britain during the early Windrush days, but how do you think the UK would look without them?

It's an undeniable truth that the invaluable contributions of the Caribbean and other Commonwealth countries during the early WR days played a pivotal role in the UK's post-World War II recovery and the subsequent enrichment of its cultural tapestry. This fact stands as resolute as it is clear. Attempting to envisage the UK's trajectory without the profound influence of these nations is a impossible to conceive, you can see their contributions in, very facet. I believe Britain would be a very bland place without them.

What are your thoughts about the Windrush scandal?

The Windrush scandal starkly embodies racism in its purest form, serving as an unwavering reminder that regardless of the significant contributions and pioneering efforts by the global majority to shape Western culture in the UK, the label of "second-class citizens" continues to persistently shadow us. The scandal reminds us that, the very fact that people are undocumented, living a life under the guise of uncertainty must be very stressful.

The aim of both the companies I have established was rooted in the recognition of pressing needs, combined with my personal encounters with racism and a commitment to social justice. The services we provide are an active contribution to the transformative evolution toward an anti-racist Wales, a journey that involves close partnerships and symbiotic collaborations with a spectrum of initiatives and organizations. This is my vision of supporting the eradication of racism. However, I do believe that I may not see this actualise during my lifetime, but whilst I am here, the work underway is laying the essential groundwork for the benefit of future generations, creating a more equal Wales.

How can schools/organisations benefit by working with Its Mandatory and I’m Representing IECC?

Schools or any institution can access bespoke support with I’m Representing IECC from policy reform to curriculum/service design. Through professional and lived experience we can give service users the confidence and competence to approach the reality of institutional racism and be up skilled to challenge racism and make those uncomfortable yet necessary changes that will ensure their institutions are anti-racist. It’s Mandatory cic provide the I AM programme giving all children and young people the opportunity to access information that they wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to in their curriculum such as identity (social constructs, culture etc), hair discrimination, rights (equality act 2010) conflict management, mental well-being (racial trauma) and the importance of representation, providing a real sense of Cynefin'.

www.itsmanadatory.co.uk

With the work you do, how do you hope to influence change?

For schools and any institution seeking tailored support, I'm Representing IECC offers a comprehensive range of services. From overhauling policies to crafting curriculum and service designs, we bring together both professional expertise and lived experiences. Our aim is to empower organisations, with the confidence and skills required to confront the reality of institutional racism. By working with I’m Representing IECC, organisations are better equipped to challenge racism head-on and initiate those challenging yet indispensable changes that are integral to moulding institutions into an anti-racist environment.

Specifically for schools, what support do you provide?

Within the realm of education, It’s Mandatory CIC introduces the I AM programme, a transformative initiative. This program opens doors for children and young people, granting them access to knowledge that might otherwise remain obscured in their standard curriculum. Topics covered span the spectrum from identity exploration (embracing social constructs and culture) to vital discussions about hair discrimination by raising awareness the halo code, which is a campaign pledge that commits to give confidence to people with afro hair, supporting their choice to wear it in its natural state.

The curriculum extends to encompass conflict management, mental well-being with a focus on racial trauma, and the imperative of representation. Through these holistic lessons, the program offers a profound sense of connection and belonging, nurturing a genuine feeling of Cynefin.