Three weeks ago George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer, who has since been sacked and charged with murder. The horrific footage of the officer kneeling on Mr Floyd’s neck for nearly 9 minutes has been widely circulated. It is difficult to watch this footage but we must not turn away.
Too many people from black and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds have for too long been subject to violence and injustice at the hands of those in authority. Smartphone cameras now allow us to witness this brutality and we must all see it for what it is; a siren call for meaningful and lasting change.
As a rights based organisation, we at the FLA would like to extend our hands in solidarity to those fighting for racial and social justice. We have been inspired by the outpouring of collective anger, empathy and solidarity at recent events and the clear determination to build a better, more inclusive world.
Whilst it is important that we march, donate and organise, it is also important that we develop better accountability mechanisms for law enforcement and other authority figures. We must also ensure that opportunity flows to all sections of our societies. In particular we urge people to donate time and money to grassroots organisations working to improve the life chances of young people from BAME backgrounds.
We need to send a strong message to lawmakers and law enforcers that this is not an issue that divides decent people. We are united in respect for, and solidarity with, one another.
James Sinclair, Founder and CEO
Anisha Rajapakse, Director of Stakeholder Engagement.
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