A Collective Voice on Racism

Reflections, Realities, and the Urgent Need for Change

The recent unrest and racial tensions in the UK have prompted deep reflection within our global cooperative organisation. As a white female founder and mother of a multicultural child, I have witnessed firsthand the brutal impact of racism. The comments I've received from our diverse members around the world have been both heart-wrenching and enlightening. Their voices deserve to be heard, and their stories must fuel the urgent change we all need to see.

The Unyielding Strain of Racism

For many of our members, racism is not an isolated event but a daily burden. The stress of navigating life as a person of color in the UK is compounded by microaggressions and systemic barriers that consistently undermine their existence. These everyday slights, often dismissed by those who don’t experience them, accumulate into a heavy load that is difficult to bear. One member shared,

"Some individuals are just tired of it, and we have to get on and help as many people as we can and not be sidelined by it. It happens every day for some of our members."

The Unspoken Fears

Many of our members, particularly those from diverse cultural backgrounds, have shared deep-seated fears about voicing their thoughts on these issues. One member expressed a poignant concern: "As someone who is yet to be a permanent resident in the UK, the recent unrest has left me questioning if I truly have a place in this society. This unfortunate situation, based on misinformation and miseducation, has somewhat reaffirmed my fear that

"Once an Immigrant, Always an Immigrant.' No matter how long I live, work, pay my taxes, and contribute to society, I am scared for my children, not knowing what is lurking around the corner for them, especially them being of mixed heritage."

This fear is widespread. Many members are not just exhausted by daily struggles but also fearful of how speaking out might impact their lives. In a world where racism is pervasive and deeply ingrained, the consequences of standing up can be profound. This silence, born out of both exhaustion and fear, is a telling indicator of the heavy burden that racism imposes on individuals.

These fears are not unfounded. Statistics reveal that Black women receive less than 0.35% of venture capital funding in the UK. Additionally, Black men are disproportionately affected by mental health issues, with rates of psychosis being 9.3 times higher than those of white men. The persistent burden of racism and limited access to resources create significant challenges for culturally diverse? groups. The fear of speaking out against these injustices often adds to this strain, as many individuals worry that their voices might lead to further marginalisation.

Research shows that individuals from culturally diverse? backgrounds, particularly Black men, are disproportionately affected by mental health issues. This disparity is deeply connected to the systemic racism and discrimination they experience regularly. The chronic stress of navigating a society rife with racial bias contributes significantly to these mental health challenges.

Furthermore, barriers to career progression for people from diverse cultures are stark. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) found that? people from diverse cultures are less likely to be promoted than their white counterparts, often due to systemic bias and a lack of access to networks that facilitate career advancement. This inequity in the workplace exacerbates the mental health challenges faced by people from culturally diverse? backgrounds, as the stress of being overlooked or unfairly treated accumulates over time.

The fear of speaking out about these issues is rooted in the very real concern that doing so could lead to retaliation or further exclusion. For many culturally diverse? individuals, raising concerns about racism can result in being labeled as a troublemaker, which can stymie their career progression and increase their sense of isolation. This fear, combined with the systemic barriers they face, creates a cycle that is difficult to break, contributing to higher levels of stress and mental health issues.

The cumulative effect of these challenges—racism, lack of resources, career stagnation, and the fear of speaking out—makes it increasingly difficult for people from culturally diverse? backgrounds to thrive both mentally and professionally. Addressing these issues requires not only awareness but also concerted efforts to dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality.

Finding Common Ground

As Alexander Coles wisely pointed out, the divisions we see often stem from the same economic struggles, yet different creeds and backgrounds lead us to blame each other rather than the true sources of our challenges. "We humans have a habit of finding blame and excuses for our problems, rather than looking much deeper at what's driving it all," he observes. He fears that this conflict could be exploited to justify further draconian state surveillance and the erosion of free speech by the government. Alexander reminds us that we have more in common with each other than with those at the top, whose failings have created the conditions we now face. Social media, with its dangerous algorithms, exacerbates this divide, creating echo chambers that keep people ignorant and fuel further conflict.

However, Alexander believes that open discussion across all strata of society and realising our commonalities is the key to uniting and reclaiming our power. His insights resonate deeply with the need for unity and understanding in the face of the systemic issues we confront.

Our long standing member Olga Geidane says "Stay strong and guard your mind against the negative influences in government and media, who may try to manipulate your thinking and sow division"

"Love and respect are the key ingredients for a brighter and more positive future"

The Emotional Toll and Glimmers of Hope

Jennifer von Walderdorff , another member, recalls the trauma of her first encounter with racism: "Hearing the N-word for the first time at just seven years old was more than just a word—it was a painful introduction to racism, made even more traumatic because it was followed by violence." Now, 30 years later, as a mother, entrepreneur, and partner, Jennifer finds herself in a world where violence and hate have become more pervasive. Yet, she remains hopeful: "Amidst the chaos, there have also been powerful moments of humanity and love extended to those who need it most. These moments give me hope that while the noise of hatred may come from a few, the true change will be driven by the many."

Meena Assi echoes this hope amidst the distressing events in London. "It’s deeply disheartening and distressing to witness the protests rooted in anti-immigrant sentiment. In 2024, it’s truly alarming that such divisions persist, fostering an environment that feels unsafe for our children and teenagers. The fear and uncertainty they experience should never be a reality in our society."

However, Meena also sees a glimmer of hope in the strength and unity of anti-racism groups standing up in support of those targeted by hate. "Their courage and solidarity are a powerful reminder that love and acceptance are stronger than fear and division. We must continue to advocate for a world where everyone, regardless of their background, can feel safe and valued."

Talal Baloch our member from Pakistan stated "I stand with humanity, peace, and respect. It’s crucial that we all discourage violence and condemn all forms of racism"

The Call for Change

Our member DIVINE ASHU highlights the need for the UK government to promote diversity effectively: "For me, the UK government should design tools and programs to promote diversity. Let anyone found in the UK understand and respect the values and identity of each and everyone. No one should think their own identity is superior to others."

Allegra Chapman echoes this sentiment, urging leaders to confront the reality of racism: "For so long in the UK, we've been trying to turn a blind eye to racism and issues of systemic marginalisation and exclusion. We've seen so clearly over the past few weeks that the issues haven't been solved; they were just hidden for a while. Politicians, business leaders, and community groups urgently need to stop hiding from these issues and have open conversations to understand what's going on in their organizations and local areas so we can start to heal these divides. Nothing was ever fixed by burying heads in the sand; we need to look the harsh truth in the eye."

A Personal Reflection

As a mother, it is painful to confront the reality that my little superhero, at just four years old, has already been subjected to racial slurs and prejudice. Being called a "N-Word," "pretty little half-cast," and "tike" in her short life is a brutal reminder of the world she is growing up in. It is a world where the "normal" stresses of life are magnified by the daily reality of racism.

Finding Inspiration in Success

Amidst these challenges, it is essential to find inspiration and hope. The success story of Tope Awotona , the Nigerian founder of Calendly, serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved despite systemic barriers. Awotona's journey from Lagos to leading one of the most successful scheduling platforms in the world is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of believing in oneself.

Arlan Hamilton is another pioneering figure in the venture capital world, known for her tenacity and commitment to creating opportunities for underrepresented founders. As the founder and managing partner of Backstage Capital, Hamilton has made a significant impact in a field that has historically been inaccessible to many, especially Black women. Her work has not only challenged the status quo in venture capital but has also inspired countless others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, regardless of the obstacles they face. Hamilton’s success story is a powerful example of how perseverance, vision, and a commitment to inclusivity can lead to groundbreaking achievements in the world of investment. Her work continues to pave the way for other Black women in the industry, proving that success is possible even in spaces where they have traditionally been excluded.

A Collective Responsibility

As we move forward, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that we are not merely bystanders in the fight against racism. We must be active participants in creating a world where everyone, regardless of their race or background, feels valued and respected. The voices of our members, the statistics that reveal stark inequalities, and the personal stories of struggle and success all point to one undeniable truth: change is not just necessary; it is urgent.

Poppy Evans states"If we were to see each individual as a unique expression of human life"

This is our collective voice we stand together in a space where all our individual brilliance is heard, we want every voice in this organisation for change, together we take Sustainable Action!

Let us spend time together by knowing each other, understanding each other we will challenge systemic racism, and build a future where our children can live without fear of being judged by the colour of their skin. We owe it to them, and we owe it to ourselves.

Thank you for reading Sian Young CHC (楊賢) CEO & Co-Creator of Centre for Sustainable Action

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