“In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist. We must be anti-racist” Angela Davis
Saturday 20 March 2021 marks the UN anti-racism Day of Action. Regrettably the effect of the global pandemic meant that demonstrations set to take place last year had to be postponed. However, an exciting online gathering event will replace the street protests, with speakers from across the world, including leading figures from the trade union movement and prominent anti-racists campaigners.
Ahead of the UN Day of Action, the TUC and Stand Up To Racism are holding an online conference this Saturday, 27 February, From COVID-19 to #BlackLivesMatter – Fighting for an Anti-Racist Workplace. With key speakers from UNISON and across the trade union movement, this event builds towards the main event on March 20.
Rosita Ellis, Chair of the regional Black members committee and Deputy Regional Convenor said:
“By joining our voices together and attending these national and local events, we can come together to end discrimination and celebrate diversity, tolerance and inclusion. By joining our voices together, we can be part of a resounding call for human rights, compassion, tolerance and peace that cannot be ignored. Everyone has a right to live a full and productive life with dignity, no matter what they look like, where they come from or whom they love. Let’s come together to end discrimination.”
Members are encouraged to join the online World Against Racism rally on Saturday 20 March. The event will showcase online anti-racist video messages from MPs, trade unionists, faith groups and campaigners, all showing their solidarity with the fight against racism as well as marking the 60th anniversary since the apartheid government in South Africa gunned down people struggling for freedom.
Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has brought to the forefront the horrific levels of racism worldwide and the everyday racism Black workers endure. Covid-19 has highlighted lots of questions about the society we live in, Structural racism, pre-existing economic and health inequalities continue to disproportionately impact Black communities. The current government is inept to deal with scapegoating and racism during this pandemic. Furthermore, the report into the Windrush scandal shows racism at the heart of the Tory government and its hostile environment for migrants.
Join the day for virtual solidarity in our fight for a fair and just society.
