Community Listening Session: Voices Against Racism Amidst Rising Tensions in the UK

Community Listening Session: Voices Against Racism Amidst Rising Tensions in the UK

Yesterday, we held a key Community Listening Session. It was in response to rising racial unrest across the UK. The event, at @SwanseaGrand Theatre, brought together people of various ethnic backgrounds. They shared their experiences of racism and discrimination. Jane Hut, the new Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, attended the session to hear the community's concerns.

Participants bravely recounted incidents of workplace bullying, verbal abuse in public spaces, and physical attacks, painting a vivid picture of the daily struggles they endure. One mother shared a harrowing experience of being sprayed with an unknown substance while waiting at a bus stop with her children. Another attendee spoke about the fear felt by Muslim women, who are often targeted for wearing the hijab, making them hesitant to leave their homes.

The session began with an update on the Cabinet Secretary's new title. It signalled a renewed focus on social justice at the highest levels of government. The discussion focused on racism's devastating impact on grassroots communities.

Key highlights from yesterday's session:

1. Diverse Voices: We heard powerful testimonies from Muslim women, black communities, and other ethnic minorities about the devastating impact of recent racist incidents.
2. Healthcare Concerns: A social worker raised alarms about racism in nursing homes, particularly against Black, Asian, and minority ethnic immigrants.
3. Grassroots Impact: The discussions revealed the deep-seated effects of recent events on our local communities, emphasising the urgent need for action.
4. Call for Collective Action: There was unanimous agreement on the need for collective efforts to eradicate racism from our society.

This session underscores our commitment to actively listening to all voices in our community and taking concrete steps to address racism and discrimination. We are dedicated to translating yesterday's discussions into meaningful action to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all residents.

Government's Response and Call for Collective Action

@JaneHutt's visit was more than a listening exercise. It was a call to action against all forms of racism. The Cabinet Secretary stressed the need to end these harmful practices. We must start with stronger policies and better enforcement in nursing homes.

We must work together to address the issues raised in this session. Both Our communities, local authorities and the Welsh government need to hear the voices of grassroots groups who speak of humiliating treatment on the grounds of their skin colour. We must focus on workplace discrimination, public safety, and our ethnic minorities' well-being.