Miss Represented

in conversation with Jenna Green.

Last month, we had the privilege to share a socially distanced sit down and chat with podcaster Jenna Green. We wanted to know more about her life behind the mic and her journey into the industry.

SOCIAL MEDIA “There was definitely a long period when I first came into the industry where it was just awful because all I’d ever see was people who didn’t look like me. I would try this make-up look or dress in certain clothes, but a spade is a spade; I was never going to look good in that style because it wasn’t my style. The key thing today is awareness, I wasn’t aware of what was happening and that I was letting it happen to me. I see enough people in my day-to-day life that don’t look like me, I don’t need to come onto Instagram and see more people who don’t look like me. But, recently I’ve found it massively more positive, especially in Lockdown as I found it very hard to find people who look like me in my local community. It’s hard but I have now found those circles online”.

MEDIA STEREOTYPES “There’s definitely stereotypes and inequality issues whether people admit it or not. We are always seeing the very beautiful mixed race women in the media, but where do we see the really intelligent black women? There’s a time for change, let black women be just black women. Why do they have to be sexually appealing or attractive all the time? Why can’t black women just be respected for being really clever, strong or something, not just because a particular brands made them look that way?” JOURNEY IN MEDIA “Without realising it, music was a massive coping mechanism. I’d put my headphones on and that was my form of escapism. I’m listening to music to understand myself, the way the world works, my own feelings, the feelings of others and to really connect with people I guess. The main pioneer of music for me is Lauryn Hill - specifically ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’. It’s great to have that reference point and understanding from music.” So, the starting point was music and then I was learning about a lot of things that are really important, to do with race and ethnicity and I thought I want to bring it to my community. How could I blend my inner discussions into something that was accessible and that’s how I arrived at radio. It did really give me my voice as a young black woman, because everywhere else I’ve been told to be quiet and that my voice didn’t matter.

Radio has been a really positive space - it’s about saying what you want to say, having an opinion and having a voice. I built a new community - I looked at what wasn’t available (what I’d like to see but don’t have), and then created two shows that were definitely targeted towards black people and were centred around black music, black discussions and black culture.”

Photography: Amina Mwande What’s your take on growing up as a woman of colour and what’s your relationship with social media like?

How has media helped you overcome stereotypes and embrace your authentic identity?

How has representation played a part in your journey into the industry and has it helped you discover your identity?

“... all I’d ever see was people who didn’t look like me.”