Bristol CORE denounce racist attacks on Mayor and Deputy Mayor
The Bristol Commission on Racial Equality (CORE) deplores the appalling racist attacks targeted on the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees and Councillor Asher Craig. Sadly, they are reminiscent of the litany of attacks that led to the killing of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and many other civil rights leaders. Words galvanise populations. The virulent attacks on the Mayor and deputy Mayor should not be isolated and seen as heated anger on the eve of elections. They resonate with the killing of so many people of African descent in recent years. The attacks need to be placed in a context of hatred that led to the killing of George Floyd and so many others.
Irrespective of our political sympathies or affiliations, we cannot stand by and remain silent when democracy is in danger. Racial slurs and threats have become regular occurrences in the lives of politicians from minority ethnic groups. We cannot simply accept this as a norm. We cannot become complicit of attitudes, actions and words that ultimately lead to the emotional and physical destruction of human beings.
There are no quick fixes for racism so ingrained in our communities in Britain, including in our own City of Bristol. Racism is indeed, as literary genius Toni Morrison wrote, a distraction that prevent us from thriving. However, by continuing to work together locally through the vision of the One City approach, we can make Bristol a real City of Sanctuary which provides welcome, safety and hope for all. There is so much work to be done but there is also a tangible feeling of hope that things can change for the better.
As Bristol CORE, we congratulate and acknowledge Bristolians’ act of kindness across the city during the pandemic. Collaborative city-wide initiatives to tackle questions of inequalities in key areas such as education, health, the criminal justice system, housing, the environment, economic opportunities are work in progress. #WeAreBristol, together lets root racism out. This starts with self-examination and listening to those whose lives are different from our own. It ends with justice, compassion, and empathy that manifests in our lives and on our streets.
We urge the responsible authorities to act speedily within the dictates of the law to ensure the perpetrators of such vile racist attacks are dealt with accordingly.
As Bristol CORE we remain resolute, focussed on what we have been set up to do and stand in solidarity with all those who stand for justice, peace, and determined to root racism out in our city, nationally and around the world.
Professor Olivette Otele
Independent Chair, Bristol CORE