Remembering George Floyd
I have taken a pledge not to be a bystander and to speak out. I would like to take this time to remember George Floyd who lost his life last week, and acknowledge the protests and conversations that are taking place worldwide for justice and equality.
In 2017, I attended an intensive programme to equip myself to help tackle all forms of hate crime. I then took up a voluntary role as a ‘No Place For Hate’ Ambassador for Tower Hamlets, London borough, as I believe everyone is entitled to human rights without discrimination. The rights to equality and non-discrimination are cornerstones of the Human Rights law. Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, and based on Article 2, everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in the Declaration, without distinction of race or any other kind.
Being a ‘No Place For Hate’ Ambassador has given me the confidence and opportunity to speak out for those who are unable to speak up or speak out against all forms of discrimination.
Now is the time to speak out as not speaking out means that you are part of the problem.
I know that one person can make a difference and everyone has a part to play in achieving equality and social justice.
As a resident of Tower Hamlets, I am asking us to make a united stand against all forms of hate crime by signing the personal pledge against Hate Crime, online.
Here are some points that can help you make a difference:
- Do your best to combat prejudice and to stop those who, because of hate or ignorance, would hurt anyone or violate their dignity.
- Try at all times to be aware of your own prejudices and seek to gain understanding of those who you perceive as being different from yourself.
- Speak out against all forms of prejudice and discrimination.
- Attend the Unconscious Bias training to get a better understanding on how the mind works and what Unconscious Bias is.
I leave you with a quote from Nelson Mandala
“No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”