Day of action #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #BlackLivesMatter #ScrapS60 #TakeTheKnee
Friday 11 September
The trial hearing of the four ex police officers charged with the murder of George Floyd starts on Friday 11 September.
On that day the judge is to hear whether those accused of George Floyd’s killing will be tried collectively or as individuals.Stand Up To Racism is asking all those who are supporting the fight for justice to #TakeTheKnee – on that day – in solidarity with George Floyd and to oppose racist policing in the UK.
The inspiring #BlackLivesMatter movement developed across the world in the wake of George Floyd’s killing.The issue of racist policing is at the heart of that movement.
We stand with those facing racist harassment and violence at police hands.In Britain the massively disproportionate use of use of stop and search under section 60 against black people must end.
#JusticeForGeorgeFloyd#BlackLivesMatter#ScrapS60
Please organise and/or attend socially distanced solidarity events in your town, city, workplace or college/uni campus. Bring banners and placards.
#RefugeeLivesMatter – Solidarity Day Of Action
Stop the Scapegoating
Saturday 19 September
Stand Up To Racism is calling a day of action across England, Wales and Scotland to say that refugees are welcome here, and to stand in solidarity with refugees and migrants who are viciously demonised and dehumanised by politicians, the mainstream media and establishment.
The horror of news breaking in recent weeks, of more lives lost needlessly as people seek in desperation to survive by crossing the sea, was devastating and enraging.
It comes as a result of racist border policies.Five years on from the heartbreaking death of three year old Alan Kurdi, 16 year old Abdulfatah Hamdallah, a Sudanese refugee, drowned trying to cross the Channel with another boy in an inflatable dinghy, using shovels for oars. He died because the Tories’ border controls are constructed to keep desperate people out, preferring them to drown trying to reach safety than welcome them.
We say Refugees Welcome Here – Stop the Scapegoating!#RefugeeLivesMatter.
Stand Up To Racism calls on local groups across Britain to hold solidarity protests (socially distanced and with masks and sanitizer available) on Saturday 19 September, with a central London event taking place too which London groups are encouraged to build and attend.
Add ‘Stand Up To Racism’ as a co host on Facebook for events called as part of the Day of Action, and email info@standuptoracism.org.uk with details
Anti racists gathered today in Dover to send a positive message that refugees are welcome here and that refugee lives matter. Up to 200 fascists had mobilised in opposition to this message, to spread hate and division. The small gathering of fascists was looking to build forces off the back of the vile racist scapegoating of refugees and migrants that we have seen from politicians and the mainstream media across the establishment in recent weeks.
Around 150 turned out on the anti racist demonstration organised by Kent Anti Racist Network, and supported by Medway Stand Up To Racism and other anti racists including the Rail, Maritime & Transport (RMT) union, the Communication Workers Union (CWU), and the Folkestone Mayor Jackie Meade, the local Trades Council and Green Party activists.
Eyewitness anti racists described the fascist mobilisation, saying,
“It was a poor turnout given all the hype and publicity surrounding their national call out. Nigel Marcham, the organiser, was led away from his demonstration by police.
“There were no players there from groups such as Britain First or For Britain, who have recently looked to intimidate asylum seekers at hotels, for example in Essex.
“A group of ‘Chelsea Headhunters’ (a notorious fascist football group, detested by the vast majority of Chelsea fans) met up with a few thugs each from Cardiff and Millwall and were involved in confrontations with the police. Some went back, frustrated, to Golden Lion pub.
“The fascist mobilisation included a mix of ex English Defence League (EDL) thugs too. Several were arrested and their demonstration dissolved.
“On the anti racist side, there was a good mood of solidarity with refugees and hatred of far right, and it was mainly people from the local community.”
Given the fascist mobilisation was intended as a national one, it was a pitiful turnout for them. Of course, any time such dangerous and divisive forces raise their ugly head and try to build, it is vital that anti racists come together to oppose them.
The #BlackLivesMatter movement has blown open the deeply intitutionalised and violent nature of racism in society. It has done so at a time of intensifying crisis and a global pandemic that has been handled murderously by this government. We are seeing deepening polarisation, with far right forces taking confidence from the racism of Trump, Johnson and their ilk. The mass anti racist movement is crucial to turn the tide against the rise of racism. This task is urgent.
Weyman Bennett, co convenor Stand Up To Racism, said
“The fascists and the Nazis have been given the green light by Trump, Johnson, and our vicious Home Secretary Priti Patel. They have reached into the gutter to attack desperate children refugees.
“Rather than accept their incompetent handling of the Covid19 crisis and the consequences of that, they seek instead to divide Black and white, Muslim and non Muslim, and refuse to confront endemic racism in society.
“It is important that we unite, Black and white, and fight back.”
For quotes and interviews:
info@standuptoracism.org.uk
