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Heart and Soul: Should I change my name?

Should I change my name?

19/04/2024 GMT

BBC World Service - Heart and Soul, Should I change my name?

Robert Beckford explores the significance of slave names and their impact on individuals

Robert Beckford explores the significance of slave names and their emotional impact on individuals and communities.

Personal names have spiritual and religious meanings in the Christian tradition. But what if you carry an inherited surname that you feel is profoundly unchristian? Should you keep it or change it?

Robert Beckford is going through this dilemma. His surname is a slave name, a brand of ownership passed down from his enslaved African ancestors in Jamaica. Over time, Robert has grown deeply uncomfortable with the meaning of this name and now wants to find a more spiritual alternative.

Robert Beckford embarks on a journey of self-discovery, considering whether he should change or keep his inherited name. He investigates the historical context, exploring the significance of slave names and their emotional impact on individuals and communities. He reflects on his own experiences and feelings towards his character. Beckford speaks to other individuals who have taken on new names due to adopting a new faith or spirituality.

Presenter: Robert Beckford
Producer: Rachel Briggs
Executive producer: Rajeev Gupta
Production co-ordinator: Mica Nepomuceno

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