Black Lives Matter has been raising awareness of the unacceptable treatment of black people.
Born in the United States in response to endemic police brutality, it has attracted support across the globe including at home here in the UK.
As representatives of the FBU’s black and ethnic minority section, we wanted to take the opportunity to explain why this movement is important to us – and there is no better time to do so than during Black History Month.
Black Lives Matter is about advocating for justice, fair treatment, equal opportunities and the value of black lives, as any other life.
This shouldn't be misinterpreted to mean; ‘Only black lives matter’, but instead be seen as a message that advocates for a fairer society by addressing the systemic injustices faced by those from the black community.
Unfortunately, racism is common in the UK. It can be subtle, overt and it can exist in public places as well as those which are more formal, such as your workplace, and of course in the justice system.
We know because we have experienced it.
A Trades Union Congress report revealed that 70% of ethnic minority workers have experienced racial harassment at work and two thirds say they have been subjected to unfair treatment by their employer because of their race.
Outside of the workplace, those from the black community are disproportionately stopped and searched, die in the custody of the police and tellingly, during the pandemic, were seven times more likely to be fined than a white person.
We have a duty as trade unionists, and human beings, to dismantle racism wherever it exists. That means solidarity with brothers and sisters overseas, but also doing what is necessary to get our own house in order.
Yes we should be proud of our country, but not too proud we don’t see the faults.
Long live the one race, the human race.
