Yesterday’s government u-turn on free school meals after an inspiring campaign by Marcus Rashford, a young Black man brought up in one of the most deprived parts of the country, shows that campaigning pressure works.
As thousands continue to protest across the globe to say Black Lives Matter, it’s vital we use this moment to win demands on issues such as institutional racism, policing and human rights, as well as continuing the call for Justice For George Floyd.
As the government looks to set up a commission apparently to deny the existence of institutional racism, we have to make sure the voices of the millions affected by racism are heard, and demand action now to implement the inquiries that have already taken place on institutional racism, as well as acting on the now published submissions to the PHE report.
Tonight’s #TakeTheKnee is also crucial in light of events at the weekend, when the far-right descended on London to oppose the BLM movement in a display of Nazi salutes and violence, including an attack on a young black teenager. The far-right have again been encouraged by Boris Johnson’s comments, this time claiming the BLM movement was “hijacked by extremists.”
You can join #TakeTheKnee wherever you are – whether that’s at work, at home, or at your local socially distanced event, listed below with links to the facebook event for that area.
Canning Town & Newham