Where Is Your Statement?

In the past weeks, I've been deeply engaged in tracking the riots, mapping information, and listening and learning from my colleagues and friends who are directly impacted. Managing my emotions while creating resources to educate and support the wider community has been a challenging but necessary. I've also encouraged past and present clients to share their voices and perspectives on current affairs.

Nearly three weeks ago, an incident that deeply troubled me was the treatment of Zarah Sultana, MP. Watching her discomfort during the aggressive interrogation, the sneering from Ed Balls, and the laughing from Andrew and Ben was deeply unsettling. Andrew's gaslighting about the damage and his paper's role in fueling these riots was particularly egregious.

Many of us who have been invited to share our lived experiences of racism have faced similar situations, where we are expected to detail our experiences only to be disbelieved and shut down. I personally would never agree to go on any news outlet to discuss Race, knowing that none of these spaces have our wellbeing or good intention to have a proactive conversation. Should we convince you of the racism, anti-immigrant, anti-muslim racism and Islamophobia that has been evident on our small and big screens?

Zarah Sultana held her ground admirably but shouldn't have faced such hostility. Shame on ITV and the presenters for their conduct. This incident is a stark reminder of the pervasive challenges we face when discussing racism publicly. It also underscores how easily misinformation and harmful narratives can spread, further inflaming tensions and fueling division.

We witnessed this firsthand as online platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) became breeding grounds for distorted information and fearmongering. False claims about the riots, often tinged with racist and xenophobic undertones, circulated rapidly, contributing to a climate of anxiety and mistrust.

This toxic online environment ultimately led to the inspiring counter-protests and anti-racism marches in Bristol and Walthamstow. Thousands took to the streets to denounce hate, demand justice, and reclaim the narrative. These demonstrations were a powerful testament to the resilience and solidarity of our communities in the face of adversity.

To my clients and community, I want you to know that I am here with you, navigating these difficult times together. I am committed to continuing this work beyond a single moment of solidarity. Here’s what I’ve been doing and what I will continue to do to ensure my antiracist journey remains ongoing. Take what you need to continue your work:

Active Listening and Learning: I will continue to listen, learn from, and advocate for those directly impacted by racism. Your voices and experiences are invaluable in shaping effective responses and strategies.
Resource Creation and Education: I will continue creating and sharing resources that educate and support our community. These resources are designed to empower and equip us all to challenge racism and advocate for justice.
Amplifying Voices: Encouraging and amplifying the voices of those who have experienced racism will remain a priority. Your stories need to be heard, and I will use my platform to ensure they are.
Holding Media Accountable: I will call out and hold accountable media platforms and representatives who perpetuate harmful narratives and behaviours. Respect, empathy, and genuine listening should be the standard, not the exception.
Community Support and Solidarity: Providing emotional and practical support to those affected by racism is crucial. I will continue to build and strengthen networks that offer this support.

To those who are silent

We ask you?

At the end of July, there was another 30 potential locations: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/aug/06/keir-starmer-promises-communities-will-be-safe-ahead-of-riots

Yet, we still saw silence from most organisations.

Where is your statement? I am watching some organisations go about business as usual. Perhaps, due to a lack of diversity, they are not having the conversations most people having, such as checking in with colleagues to see if they are okay, do they need to work from home today, whether they are safe, or whether their details have been leaked.

Don't wait until next week when you are ashamed and guilty that your lack of solidarity doesn't look right against your peers who have shared something. Is your lack of a statement of solidarity due to image preservation? Does it not fit with your marketing content calendar? Or are you waiting for things to calm down?

If you are not sure what to do, take your cue from establishments such as the NHS of The London Ambulance Service”

Whatever your reason, understand this: this movement in time will not disappear without our united voices.

Have a look at your South Asian, Black, and ethnic minority peers' posts on LinkedIn and other social media, and if you do see them, are you ignoring them? Are you uncomfortable? Did you believe that racism and race riots of this scale were just an American problem? If yes, then look at your organisation's antiracism pledges and plans. Does it involve proactive activities, or has it been ticked off as done? The sad reality we are in now is that the work and conversation of the past four years is only the beginning. The actual implementation work begins now.

South of the border problem

Some say this is an England and Northern Ireland problem, not Scotland or Wales. I say it's a UK problem. Racism is insidious—don't ignore the telltale signs. The throw-away comments disguised as banter…

“Your silence will not protect you” - Audre Lorde

If your reason for your silence is fear, then take your fear and place it in the shoes of those who are facing actual violent acts simply because of the colour of their skin, their religion, and where they or their family are from. Most are born here, and this IS their home. Yet, in this past couple of weeks, most of us who are not visibly white don't feel safe or wanted.

For example, my fear this week has been that I will be targeted online as a visibly Black woman voicing these issues every day. But I know my silence won't protect me as much as my roaring voice contributing to the demand for justice and a cry for unity will in the long run.

Please add your voice and name to the call for peace and antiracism and challenge decades of divisive language and rhetoric.

For those who haven't weaved a thank you, stay with us and encourage your network to join us in unity. Together, we can continue to educate, advocate, and drive meaningful change. Let's ensure that our commitment to antiracism is not just a moment but a sustained effort towards a just and equitable society.

Where is Your Statement