April 29th: Today’s Feature

April

Part II: Jason ‘Jay’ Blades

Police Racism

At the age of 14, Jay Blades vividly recalls being subjected to a vicious assault by a group of police officers. Late in the evening, while walking home near his residence in North West London, a police van suddenly pulled up beside him.

Without any hesitation, the van's rear doors swung open, revealing a group of five or six uniformed policemen eagerly awaiting his presence. Shockingly, they didn't even bother to conduct a search before unleashing a brutal attack on him. With a barrage of fists, feet, and truncheons, they relentlessly beat him, leaving him no choice but to curl up into a defensive position on the van's floor, praying for the ordeal to come to an end. Although it may have lasted only two minutes, the torment felt excruciatingly longer.

Jay recounts that these distressing occurrences became a regular occurrence during his upbringing, further fuelling his disillusionment and resentment towards society.

Fearing the situation would worsen, Jay chose not to report the abuse, as it had sadly become a commonplace occurrence in the 80s. Sometimes the attacks were not severe, while other times he would be physically assaulted and forcibly taken away by his tormentors.

In his teenage years, Jay, who is now known for his successful BBC shows The Repair Shop and Money for Nothing, endured frequent acts of violence and discrimination. He vividly recalls instances where he would be unexpectedly kicked in the back or stamped on the arm. These acts were often perpetrated by police who would deliberately drive him to predominantly white areas, forcing him to navigate his way out to avoid the attention of racists who would relentlessly pursue him.

Although these experiences may shock many, Jay explains that within black communities, such incidents were unfortunately considered a normal occurrence. The victims rarely reported these acts of violence, as they knew that reporting them to the racist police would be futile. Growing up in a poor area exposed Jay to numerous injustices, and he quickly learned that voicing his concerns or grievances would serve no purpose.

Despite the hardships he faced, Jay believes that these experiences of racism and the deep sense of injustice he felt were pivotal in shaping his character and ultimately propelling him to his current success. While his on-screen persona exudes liveliness and cheerfulness, the teenage Jay was consumed by anger and resentment towards the mistreatment he endured, particularly when he was subjected to racial abuse during his time in secondary school. These experiences not only nearly destroyed him but also served as a catalyst for his determination to overcome adversity and make a positive impact in his life and the lives of others.

Propelled by Anger & Justice

In his early days of school, he experienced a distressing incident where he was struck in the face, leaving a lasting impact on him. Reflecting on this incident, he expresses, "The purity of my innocence was shattered in that moment." Seeking solace and guidance, he confided in his mother, who responded with an unexpected question, "Why didn't you retaliate first?" This question sparked a transformation within him.

From that point forward, he adopted a different approach. Determined to protect himself, he began to respond to aggression with aggression. As time went on, Jay, now in his fifties, became renowned not only for his willingness to engage in physical altercations but also for his ability to incapacitate his opponents with a single blow. He explains, "It was a combination of feeling wronged and harbouring a deep-seated anger. All I comprehended was that this mistreatment was unjust, and I resolved to fight back."

This newfound mindset propelled him into a reputation as someone not to be trifled with. The experiences he endured during his formative years shaped his perspective, leading him to believe that physical confrontation was the only means of asserting his worth and demanding respect. While his actions may have been driven by a sense of injustice, they also served as a coping mechanism, allowing him to navigate a world that seemed intent on treating him unfairly.

Jay Blades had a reputation for being a fighter, and it seemed like a right of passage for anyone to have a confrontation with him. He described how any provocation would lead to a physical altercation, and he found himself fighting frequently. School was a battleground for Jay, where he engaged in fights on a daily basis. It was a tough environment, and Jay felt compelled to defend himself through physical means.

Witnessing an Asian classmate being bullied due to his ethnicity struck a chord with Jay. The boy was not a fighter, and the unfair treatment he received deeply bothered Jay. When the bullies went as far as physically assaulting the boy and breaking his glasses, Jay felt a surge of anger. Knowing that the boy's family couldn't afford to replace the damaged glasses, Jay decided to take a stand against the bullies. This incident marked a turning point for Jay, as he shifted from fighting for himself to fighting for others who were being mistreated.

Jay's sense of justice and standing up against bullies extended beyond his school years. His experience at a frozen sausage factory, where he witnessed a manager mistreating an elderly coworker, triggered memories of his own past encounters with disrespect. Jay's intervention to defend the elderly lady, Rita, from the manager's harsh treatment reflected his unwavering commitment to standing up for those facing injustice. This incident not only showcased Jay's resilience but also highlighted his determination to protect others from mistreatment, regardless of the setting.

Jay's life took a turn when he witnessed his mother's friend being mistreated by her boyfriend. In a moment of bravery, he swiftly knocked out the aggressor with his rounders bat. However, this act of heroism came with consequences. The boyfriend belonged to a powerful local family, who retaliated by sending Jay a death threat. Fearing for his safety, Jay had no choice but to leave the area, leaving behind his familiar surroundings and embarking on a challenging journey.

From that point on, Jay found himself caught in a cycle of dead-end jobs and failed relationships. It seemed as though he was constantly struggling to find his place in the world. However, amidst the hardships, Jay stumbled upon a hidden talent that would change his life. He discovered his ability to connect with and assist young individuals who were also grappling with the same injustices he had experienced.

Finding Purpose

Determined to make a positive impact, Jay established a project focused on training young people in the art of furniture restoration. Through this endeavour, he found solace in helping others manage their anger and navigate through difficult emotions. Reflecting on his own journey, Jay emphasises the importance of guiding individuals away from resorting to violence as a means of problem-solving. By providing them with alternative paths, he believes that he can empower young people to overcome their challenges and create a brighter future for themselves.

Honours

Blades received recognition for his contributions to craft and was honoured with the appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) during the 2021 Birthday Honours. Additionally, in May 2022, he became the inaugural Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University.