Inspire Justice Awards 2024: Q&A with ceremony host Clive Myrie

Clive, you were born in Bolton to Jamaican parents. In your memoir Everything is Everything, you speak candidly about the racism you and your family experienced in the 1960s and 70s. Do you think this was formative in terms of your future career-path, seeing as much of it has been spent shining a light on and challenging injustices in the world?  

I’d always had a dream to travel the world and tell stories reflecting on the human condition, and what it means to be human. As I began to do that, I realised so many of the stories I was telling reflected my own history. For instance, the experience of the outsider on the margins of society, someone not part of the dominant group and what that can mean. I came across so many others in my reporting across the globe who were seen as ‘lesser’ beings compared to others for a whole range of reasons. So yes, I’ve ended up focusing on those power dynamics that can so often lead to injustice.  

As a journalist, you’ve never shied away from danger, often putting yourself in the firing line to report on the biggest stories of our times at home and abroad. You therefore strike me as a very resilient person, is this something that comes naturally to you?  

A level of resilience was instilled in me by my parents. That I should never give up in trying to achieve something. When it comes to dangerous work like reporting from war zones, I get as nervous as the next person, but I make sure I don’t do anything stupid in the pursuit of a story. I calculate the risk and act accordingly, taking the necessary precautions. 

Having become somewhat accustomed to dangerous situations, has this hardened your admiration and respect for those who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us all safe?  

Yes absolutely. I admire anyone who looks out for others, especially those who do so at great personal risk. They are very special people. 

Clive, you will be hosting the Inspire Justice Awards on 12 September. The awards celebrate all those working in our criminal justice system who protect our communities and ensure that justice is done. Why do you think it’s important to celebrate this workforce?  

Citizens can only truly prosper in societies that are safe. That means living free from the fear of mistreatment, with the knowledge that those who transgress and break the laws we must all live by, will be properly scrutinised. Those who work in our criminal justice system help protect us all, allowing everyone to prosper and to reach their full potential.   

Finally, what is your message for our finalists?  

Many congratulations. Your work is so important, and truly helps us all to be free.  

The Inspire Justice Awards is delivered by Skills for Justice and supported by PeoplePlus Group, UNISON, BT, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), SFJ Awards and Policing Insight/Policing TV. To find out more visit: skillsforjustice.org.uk/inspire-justice-awards