The World In My Backyard

I asked, "Did you feel racial tensions or prejudice as a young man living in NYC?"
"No, but what I do remember is being very thankful I was not born in the United States."
"What??? Why?"
"I realized I would not have had many role models in professional positions in the States. Growing up in Barbados, I was able to see black people in professional positions…doctors, lawyers, politics. I was lucky to see that anything was possible from a young age.”

Harold Brandford is a constant reminder for me of the importance of connecting with the world in your backyard. I will be forever grateful to his openness in sharing slices of his life journey & I hope the sharing will create more conversations, understanding, awareness and connectivity.

Barbados | The World In My Backyard Barbados Harold was born on May 21st, 1949 in Christ Church parish, Barbados. His father was born and raised on the island, while his mother was born in New York City to Barbadian parents. Her parents had died at a young age, forcing her return to Barbados to live with her aunts and attend high sch…

"In Barbados, at the age of 8, all children took a very serious exam that lasted all day. It pretty much determines the rest of your life. It was extremely competitive. Every child knew the importance of this exam, but I particularly knew from my father. I remember it like it was yesterday. When I came out from taking it, I realized I had gotten one question wrong. I was devastated. We had to wait weeks for results. It was excruciating. I found out I got into Harrison College [the top all boys public school in the country]."
To read more about Seattleite, Harold go to www.worldinmybackyard.org/barbados