Witnessing a Community Stand Against Racism in Birmingham
Last weekend, though I wasn't feeling 100%, I had to attend a powerful protest in Birmingham. The demonstration was in response to a brutal and racially charged attack on a young man, his pregnant girlfriend and his sister (who is disabled), which took place outside a shop on the High Street.
The attack began when the family returned to their car, which was parked outside the shop. They were met with hostility from the shop owners, who hurled racist slurs and attempted to kick the pregnant girlfriend in the stomach. The young man, describing the event as deeply traumatic, tried to fend off a mob of about 20 men who emerged from neighbouring shops to join the assault. He faced this terrifying ordeal alone, with only a teenager in a school uniform attempting to help, but unfortunately, the brave teenager was also severely beaten. I have no further details about what has happened as a result of this child being hurt, I will try and find out more information.
During the protest, an unsettling incident occurred. One of the shop employees made a racist remark to a protester standing nearby, referring to her with a derogatory term historically used to dehumanise Black people. Despite police presence, the protestors were understandably shocked and deeply upset by this blatant display of racism. The man was eventually arrested, a small victory amid the distressing circumstances, and the proof of his arrest was shared with the organisers.
The emotions at the protest were palpable. The community was visibly upset, not only by the initial attack but also by the ongoing lack of remorse by the shop owners (during the demonstration) and the secondary incident of racial abuse during the protest. This peaceful and organised protest highlighted the solidarity and collective anger of the community standing against such abhorrent acts.
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Though I’m not a photographer, I felt compelled to document this event; these are my photos. It was important to me and to many others, to find a way to ensure our voices are heard and this story was told. The quest of the organisers now, is to petition for this shop to be shut down. Anyone that can help in any way financially or otherwise, please get in contact with me and I'll forward the details for you to make contact with the organisers.
I won't be adding anything further to the newsletter this week!
Le'Siran x
I’m devastated to read this Le’Siran ????this overt act of racism is deeply disturbing. Racism and violence have no place in society. Thank you for your bravery in documenting this tragic & preventable event. I hope the victims of this vicious & senseless attack are ok. There is power in numbers & coming together as the protesters show, we must stand actively stand against racism.
Student Social Worker
5 个月I felt the weight in your newsletter. I’m saddened to read we are still experiencing these acts of utter ignorance. I recently experienced verbal assaults and the most hurtful part for me is the slowest response from the Police in dealing with it.
Clinical Social Worker/ Yale New Haven Health
5 个月So sad racism is still alive and thriving.
School of Shabs -Independent Trainer & Facilitator Doctoral Student with research interests in Supervision and Anti-racism. Associate Research in Practice and published author
5 个月Look after yourself Le’Siran - this is heart breaking and I am deeply sorry ?? saddened by the reality of ongoing racism and the trauma this leaves people with. Thank you for sharing and I can only imagine how difficult this must have been to write…