Like many individuals, communities and organisations, we at 20 Stories High have been processing the murder of George Floyd and the events that are now following with a mixture of anger, shock, horror, reflection, and grief.
We stand in solidarity with the protests in the US and fight for Justice for George Floyd and all Black citizens who have been murdered and oppressed by the state.
We also recognise that events in the US are now shining an even brighter light on racism in the UK that permeates through every aspect of our society, and that there is now an even bigger call to action to make systemic change.
Although cultural diversity has always been a cornerstone of the art we make, the people we make it with and the audiences we reach, we are also aware that we have a bigger part to play and are going through the process of learning to become a better anti-racist organisation.
We live in hope that change is coming and will be active on all fronts to make this happen.
There are many people and organisations doing great work to put as many accessible resources as possible in one place. Here is a guide to some that we have found useful, and we hope that they are helpful to you, too.
Talk to Someone
Firstly, we recognize the mental strain this is having on so many people. If you need to reach out and talk to someone the following organizations are really helpful. Young Persons Advisory Service
YPAS – Young Persons Advisory Service
MIND – For better mental health
MYA – Merseyside Youth Association
How to support the fight against racism now and into the future.
Gaylene Gould (@gaylene_g) has put together this open document of racial justice organisations doing continued work in the UK
twitter.com/gaylene_g/status/1267547083227181056?s=19
‘It’s Nice That’, have put together a list of resources, including organisations you can fund, petitions to sign and learning materials.
www.itsnicethat.com/news/resources-supporting-black-lives-matter-movement-creative-industry-010620
Below is a thread with ways you can help seek justice for Belly Mujinga from @Directoromok
twitter.com/Directoromok/status/1266524424884441091?s=19
The United Families & Friends Campaign (UFFC), is a coalition of those affected by deaths in police
Runnymede is the UK’s leading independent race equality think tank. We generate intelligence to challenge race inequality in Britain through research, network building, leading debate, and policy engagement.
Information and Signposting for people that want to learn how to be better allies
Afua Hirsch has written a useful article about Britain and racism.
Mireille Cassandra Harper has put together this brilliant thread of ten steps to non-optical allyship
twitter.com/mireillecharper/status/1266335563197501440?s=19
Rachel Cargle (@RachelCargle) has put together a syllabus for revolution with ‘The Great Unlearn’
www.patreon.com/posts/revolution-now-37706213
Below is a list of anti racism resources for white people. It is a selection of books, articles, podcasts etc. There is at least one resource that is accessible for you, there is no excuse.
Document compiled by Sarah Sophie Flicker, Alyssa Klein in May 2020.
docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/1BRlF2_zhNe86SGgHa6-VlBO-QgirITwCTugSfKie5Fs/mobilebasic?usp=gmail
Accounts to Follow to stay updated and to support locally, nationally and internationally
Header photo by Iain Watts
