Renowned British-Nigerian racism activist and influencer Victoria Oshodin, based in the US, has been a dedicated voice in the ongoing struggle against racism and violence towards the Black community, particularly by state and security forces.
In an exclusive interview with Apples Bite Magazine, Oshodin reflected on her upbringing in a close-knit Catholic household, where she was taught to love, respect, and treat everyone equally, regardless of race, ethnicity, or cultural biases. At the age of 18, she began encountering societal realities that shaped her life and fueled her activism.
On Her Identity
When asked how she would describe herself, Oshodin responded, “An optimistic multi-disciplinary individual who believes in the vision of a better-changing world and dares to make that vision a reality.”
Her Philanthropy and Humanitarian Work
Oshodin credits her upbringing in a strict Nigerian Catholic household in South London for her passion for humanitarian work. “I was raised to ‘love your neighbour as yourself.’ As a child, I was surrounded by love from individuals of diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds,” she shared.
Her motivation to engage in humanitarian efforts intensified as an adult, having experienced firsthand the negative physical and verbal attacks due to her race. She is driven by the hope that her activism can help ensure that future generations, including her nieces, nephews, friends, and children, do not have to suffer the same injustices.
Creative Vixstory: A Platform for Change
Oshodin founded the initiative Creative Vixstory, which embodies the ethos that bias has no place in the creative world. “Creativity is devised by a magnitude of colours,” she explained, adding that the initiative works with some of the world’s biggest brands and organizations to showcase diverse creative talents. “‘Vixstory’ stands for Victoria’s story—my creative journey—and showcases the work I’ve done to confirm that the creative world should have no biases.”
Experiencing Ethnic Maligning
Sadly, Oshodin has faced racial maligning, but she emphasizes the importance of speaking out. “I no longer justify the despicable actions of others to make them comfortable. I speak up without fear of being labelled as ‘the angry Black woman.’”
She advocates for the removal of the red tape surrounding initiatives like BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic), DE&I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) within organizations. According to Oshodin, real change will come only when active listening is coupled with action.
Success Stories
A goal-oriented individual, Oshodin hesitates to dwell on her successes, but her achievements are undeniable. From starting as a runner in the UK creative industry, she has grown into an award-winning creative, working on globally significant projects, including collaborations with Sir David Attenborough. Her move to the US on an O1 Visa, commonly known as the “artist visa,” marked another milestone in her journey.
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Challenges as a Black Creative in the UK
Life as a Black creative in the UK was initially frustrating and isolating for Oshodin. But she found strength in her faith, hard work, and the support of family and friends. The launch of Creative Vixstory was a pivotal moment in her career. She approached her projects with intentionality, choosing companies and assignments that allowed her to hone her skills and gain invaluable experience.
A key turning point came when she worked at BBC Studios under the mentorship of Sarah Gerona, Creative Director of BBC Studios, who recognized Oshodin’s skills and potential. “I was constantly put forward for some of the most significant projects, and that shaped my career.”
Moving to the US
Oshodin relocated to the US to pursue her dreams and further her creative career. “America is said to be the ‘land of opportunities,’ so I’m here to take all the opportunities presented to me while creating opportunities for others.”
The Birth of ‘I Am Not My Trauma’
Oshodin’s move to the US also inspired her to create the initiative I Am Not My Trauma. Disheartened by the lack of diversity and understanding she encountered, especially in Atlanta, Oshodin sought to turn her negative experiences into a positive impact. “I was left questioning how I allowed such a thing to affect me so deeply again. But I turned my pain into purpose.”
Through I Am Not My Trauma, Oshodin aims to create awareness and promote understanding of the trauma Black individuals experience. She hopes the initiative will lead to new norms that dismantle negative stereotypes and create safe environments for Black people worldwide.
Challenges on the Journey
Oshodin’s journey has not been without its frustrations. She recalls working in an organization that, despite its promises of progress and inclusivity, became a toxic environment. “I was physically, mentally, and spiritually worn out,” she said. However, she persevered, turning her frustrations into the driving force behind I Am Not My Trauma. “All my ugly no’s brought me to my beautiful yes.”
Positive Reception for ‘I Am Not My Trauma’
Since its launch, I Am Not My Trauma has been positively received. Oshodin has received feedback from individuals of various backgrounds who have found solace in knowing they are not alone. The project’s bold visuals and diverse stories have also drawn praise for their powerful impact.
The pilot docu-series is currently available to watch on YouTube, and Oshodin is excited about its future potential.
Influence of Past Experiences
Having worked in advertising, broadcast, and film production, Oshodin’s creative journey has been influenced by her exposure to diverse industries. These experiences have broadened her perspective and shaped her avant-garde approach to her work.
As Oshodin continues to champion the fight against racism and bias, her initiatives—Creative Vixstory and I Am Not My Trauma—stand as powerful examples of how creativity can be harnessed to inspire change and foster a better understanding of Black experiences around the world.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
