CBeebies host gives viewers ‘powerful’ lesson about being mixed race and how to be kind

CBeebies host Ben Cajee delivered an important message about race to children watching the channel this morning.

Ben spoke about having a black father and a white mother and how people could be ‘unkind’ to him because of the colour of his skin.

“We’ve been friends for a really long time, so I thought I’d tell you a little bit about me and my family,” Ben, 33, began.

“My mum is called Fiona and she was born near Coventry and she is white. My dad is called Yakub and he was born in London and he is black.

Ben Cajee delivered an important message about racism and being kind to each other on CBeebies today (Image: Cbeebies) Ben shared a picture of himself as a baby being cuddled by his mum as he explained his heritage (Image: Cbeebies) Read More Related Articles

“Now as you know my name is Benjamin, but pretty much everyone calls me Ben. I was born in Ipswich and I am mixed race and I am really, really proud of that,” he said.

Ben then listed the different attributes he gets from his parents, telling viewers his love of West Ham Football Club and his dark curly hair comes from his dad.

While his love of music and his smile, take after his mum Fiona.

“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 are there for me and who supported me,” he advised.

Ben then showed viewers a clip that showed how to be kind to others.

Ben said he is really proud of being mixed race (Image: Cbeebies) The star said he gets his curly black locks from his dad – and his love of West Ham (Image: Cbeebies) Read More Related Articles

“At the moment I think it’s really important to be kind because you never know you might just make someone’s day,” he added. “Thank you so much for being my friend and I’ll see you soon,” he finished.

After the show, Ben shared the footage to his Twitter page and wrote: “I don’t really have the words for this one – so I’m just going to leave it here. With love, always. @CBeebiesHQ “

His followers were quick to praise Ben for taking time out of the show to raise such an important issue.

“Powerful message thanks Ben. I have a mixed race Daughter and always talk to her about how beautiful her hair and skin colour are as even though she’s only 4 she’s already said she wishes she had straight hair and white skin” one replied.

“Thank you for sharing this Ben, I hope my boy never experiences any of the prejudices that you & his dad suffered from, but at least I know he has positive role models like yourself to look up to!” added another.

While This Morning’s resident medical expert Dr Ranj Singh replied with three love heart emojis.