CBeebies presenter Ben Cajee praised for discussing race on the channel
CBeebies star Ben Cajee has been praised on social media for a moving clip in which he discussed race and his heritage for the channel.
In honour of Black History Month, the television presenter delivered a stirring message to viewers in which he shared how proud he is of his mixed-race background and detailed the various traits that he has inherited from each of his parents.
"We've been friends for a really, really long time, so I thought I'd tell you a little bit about me and my family," Ben began.
The presenter continued to address audiences as he credited his smile and intense love of music to his white mother, and noted that his dark, curly hair and interest in West Ham United FC stems from his Black father.
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"Sometimes people have been unkind about what I look like and the colour of my skin, but I try and forget about those people and instead focus on the people who were there for me and who supported me," Ben continued.
"They just liked me for being me and they were my friends, and I think at the moment it's really important to be kind, because you never know, you might just make someone's day.
"Thank you so much for being my friend, and I'll see you soon."
Ben shared the clip on his social media page, writing: "I don't really have the words for this one – so I'm just going to leave it here. With love, always."
After Ben shared the message online, it was met with huge praise from many, including parents, fellow TV presenters and more famous faces.
"If only CBeebies had been around 50 years ago, the world would be a much better place than it is," one viewer replied on Twitter.
"Great work," Capital radio DJ Roman Kemp added, as writer David Munday said: "Powerful stuff, well said. Well done @ben_cajee.
"Have been hugely enjoying @CBeebiesHQ's #BlackHistoryMonth content. Really important that my kids have the chance to learn about it!"
Powerful stuff, well said. Well done @ben_cajee. Have been hugely enjoying @CBeebiesHQ’s #BlackHistoryMonth content. Really important that my kids have the chance to learn about it!
— David Munday (@DavidMunday815) October 19, 2020
Meanwhile, This Morning and Strictly Come Dancing star Dr Ranj replied with several heart emojis, while money expert Martin Lewis added: "This is just lovely."
Check out some more reactions below...
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
— Sue Perkins (@sueperkins) October 19, 2020
Amazing, Ben! You're a friend to everyone in our house, even though you've never met us. Our 4yo has benefitted so much from the love and kindness you and the other CBeebies House hosts spread every day.
— Erlingur Einarsson (@ErlingurEinars) October 19, 2020
Such beautiful words!💖
— 🏳️🌈 Oliver Bagshaw #BlackLivesMatter 🏳️🌈 (@OliverBagshaw) October 19, 2020
beautiful 🙌🏽
— Michael Chakraverty (@mschakraverty) October 19, 2020
Ben, it's so generous of you to share so much of your life, and I know what a difference it's making. My child asked last week if his bedtime stories could be "all about Black History Heroes". Thank you. x
— Katherine (@whatKatydidnext) October 19, 2020
Thank you so much. Love and acceptance and diversity on both CBeebies and CBBC was such a positive influence on me growing up. Videos like these give me hope for the children of today
— Ella ✊ BLM (@ellasrhapsody) October 19, 2020
👏🏽 Well done! Your positivity and the message shared is applicable to any child who is picked on for being themselves or for their appearance (their skin, their hair, their glasses...) it is 100% relatable and you said nothing that young children can't handle💜
— H0lly (@MissPrimary_HM) October 19, 2020
Such a beautiful message from such a beautiful soul. Well said Ben, you’re parents did an ace job bringing you up. Always be proud of who you are, we are all in this life together so let’s celebrate that rather than be against each other 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
— Pattie🦄💜⚽️✌🏻🌈🐾🌱 (@sparklypattie) October 19, 2020
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