Sunday 7 November saw a protest in solidarity with Azeem Rafiq, whose recent disclosure of the racism he faced at Yorkshire CCC has been a major catalyst for English cricket reckoning with the issue of racism in sport, as well as raising awareness of Islamophobia in society during Islamophobia Awareness Month.
As well as Leeds Stand Up To Racism, trade unionists from the UCU and other unions and members of the local community, the demo was joined by relatives of Azeem Rafiq including his sisters and his father.
Placards reading ‘Racism is not banter’ and ‘Thank you Azeem for not giving up on a better future for us’ reflected the wave of national support for Azeem Rafiq for speaking out about the racism he faced and continuing to argue for recognition of the existence of racism and the need for real change.
As Islamophobia Awareness month continues, it’s vital we work to build solidarity with all those affected by racism & Islamophobia and demand that all incidences of Islamophobia in the workplace and across society are recognised and tackled.