A Stand Up To Racism group has been formed in the Vale of Glamorgan as part of the growing movement of people who have now recognized that racism is on the rise.
And that people face increasingly overt racism, with levels of discrimination and abuse continuing to grow in the wake of the Brexit referendum – as nationwide research reveals.
Never has the need to unite people who will stand together in the resistance and rejection of this evil, been greater, with the death of George Floyd galvanizing people from all over the world call out, oppose and reject racism in all its forms.
The rise of the BLM movement has seen a backlash from people emerging vocally and publicly with Far Right views but sadly a subtler style of racism is being seen.
This includes people objecting not only to the BLM movement but also the use of the term Black Lives Matter which is often challenged with the ‘All Lives Matter’ chant.
Society’s widespread rejection of the phrase Black Lives Matter is considered to be the new style ‘covert racism’ in much the same way as people would often say ‘I’m not racist I have a black neighbour/friend/family member’.
Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) Vale aims to work to raise awareness of this racism and to challenge racism within the Vale of Glamorgan – whilst also working with local, national and international campaigns in support of those facing the devastating effects of Racism.
Stand Up to Racism Chair Alison Woolcock said: “The recent complaints by thousands to a dance by Diversity in support of BLM, highlights why this campaign is so needed. When people can be more upset about a dance than they are by the fact a man was killed.
Stand up to Racism Vale to galvanize, promote and challenge issues where racism has featured with the view to ensuring that people of colour experience justice and equality.”
Spokesperson Hilary Brown added: “Never has there been a greater need for people to stand together in unity to challenge Racism in all its forms.
The killing of George Floyd in the US or the treatment of Alexansdra Wilson in the British Courts or the treatment of Bianca Williams, 26, a European and Commonwealth gold medallist, and her athlete partner Ricardo dos Santos, 25 are not isolated instances – they are repeated right on our doorstep here within the Vale of Glamorgan.
“Racism exists here within the Vale of Glamorgan and it is right here that it will be challenged and called out and to be able to do that effectively, we need allies who stand with us and stand up for those who have no voice. The struggle to combat racism is not a Black V White peoples struggle. It is a struggle of all people against racism.
ENDS
Editors Notes
🖤Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) Vale are a Black-led Campaign Group who, with the strong support of Allies, are looking to unite our communities – locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
🖤All, who support their aims and values, are welcome to join.
🖤More information, background, and pictures are available here. SUTR Vale can be contacted on facebook at Stand Up To Racism Vale, or by email at sutrvaleofglamorgan@gmail.com
Sue Vincent-Jones, writing as Mrs SVJ, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and communications specialist. She blogs about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.
As a founding member of Stand Up To Racism (Vale) she, promotes the Black-led Campaign Group who, with the strong support of Allies, aim to unite our communities. And also acts as Communications Advisor for the voluntary collective.
Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.