A Call for Unity and Action.
Dewbien Plummer
Consultant and Non-Executive Director. Dedicated to improving standards in social housing ????
On Monday 29th July, a tragedy unfolded in Lancashire when 17-year-old Rudakubana murdered Beb King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine. Eight other children and two adults were also seriously injured in the massacre at a dance studio. Misinformation quickly spread online, falsely claiming the suspect was a Muslim immigrant, igniting riots the following day.
Since then, rioters have targeted Black and Brown people, set fire to Holiday Inn Express hotels in Rotherham and Tamworth housing migrants, attacked mosques, looted shops, destroyed a library and citizens advice centre, and clashed with police, all to chants of “We want our country back”.
Talking about this with a Black friend this weekend, she recalled a story from the 1980s when an Asian family on her road was attacked with a petrol bomb in the middle of the night. Tragically, the mother and three children died, and the case remains unsolved. We grew up just five minutes apart.
For those of us who 'look foreign', and those working on the front lines of public services, particularly in homelessness and housing, this is a dangerous and frightening time.
There are many things I could, and want to, say, but here are my LinkedIn-appropriate thoughts:
I want to acknowledge the Muslim community, who are being unfairly targeted for something that has absolutely nothing to do with them. I also want to commend the British people of all origins who are standing up against this hate. But most of all I send love and support to the families that have lost loved ones and the survivors.
The Britain I know, live in, and love is better and stronger than racists and Islamophobes.
Housing and Community Safety
In the realm of housing and social services, the recent unrest poses unique challenges. How do we ensure the safety and security of our communities, especially for those who are already vulnerable?
Community Cohesion: It’s imperative to foster stronger community ties. Local councils and housing associations can organise events and programmes that bring diverse communities together, promoting understanding and solidarity.
Safe Housing: For those working in housing, ensuring that homes are safe and secure is crucial. This includes working with law enforcement and local authorities to protect residents from hate crimes and violence.
Support Services: Providing robust support services for victims of hate crimes and those affected by the unrest is essential. This could include counselling, legal assistance, and emergency housing for those displaced by violence.
Education and Awareness: Increasing awareness about the contributions of immigrants and minorities to British society can help counteract the misinformation and prejudices fueling the unrest. Educational initiatives in schools and communities can play a significant role in this.
In conclusion, while the recent events are deeply troubling, they also highlight the importance of standing together against hate and division. As someone deeply involved in housing and social services, I see firsthand the impact of these issues on our communities. Let's work towards a Britain that truly reflects the values of inclusion, tolerance, and unity.
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3 个月Thank you Dewbien for sharing this. I have the very same feelings, but it's so much to put into words so thanks for doing just that. Seeing this all unfold has made me feel a bit unwelcome when I have always felt accepted and embraced in the UK. I have been reflecting a lot since the weekend and I also have to remember all of the wonderful people around me, and the rioters do not represent the Britain that I have come to call home. It's hard to wrap this up with a bow and say something positive here (esp. with a certain country coming up to elections) but here's still so much work to do to encourage unity and tolerance. But for now, what I can say is "Nope. Sorry. Not leaving."
Aspiring Board Member. Talks about, Inclusion, Arts and Culture, Resident Engagement. Committee Member UNIFY Network
3 个月There's so much to say and I didn't have a clue where to start so thanks Dewbien Plummer Every time something like this happens, I feel deeply sad. For the loss of life. And then, for what comes next. The looking for someone to blame. And you know exactly who is going to be blamed. Even without evidence. And you know, even before it happens that the media will fan the flames. It is always the same. Fear, anger and ignorance fester. Truth doesn't seem to matter anymore. Except it does. We have to fight misinformation, ignorance and fear mongering with education . Creating safety is important too. Safety for ignorance to fall away and knowledge to grow and safety for those at risk of fallout to feel held and seen. How do we do this in a housing setting? Pledges aren't enough by themselves. They are a start, they set the intention. Action comes next. I'm thinking carefully about what I can do in the communities I am part of. I have to take some time to work this through, but as a housing professional I think I'll need to start by asking the people I work for (I'm talking about the community, not just the business) , how can I help? And start from there.
Thought leader, consultant and advocate of how social housing can benefit from technology. Founder of the insight shacks and also a board member for Muirhouse and Non-Exec for Smplicare. Columnist for Housing Executive
3 个月I've just read it Dewbien and feel two immediate things. 1. As a white middle aged man from Scotland (and I guess the UK) I feel ashamed that others in that same demographic (but obviously with a much narrower mind) are sadly said to be representing me. But they are NOT! They are NOT! 2. Sadness. Simply that. Sadness. I want to f'ing cry!