BACKING THE BLACK COMMUNITY

As black people around the world continue to be subjected to systematic and individual racism, Brent Council has agreed an action plan to better support the Black community locally

The tragic killing of George Floyd sparked Black Lives “I think the Black Community Matter protests around the world while the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted Action plan is a realistic approach to tackling long standing issues” inequalities as the virus hit Black and Asian people the hardest. In this context, the council agreed a ten Boaz Adelekan, from Neasden point Black Community Action Plan earlier this summer.

The plan was developed by working closely with leaders and young people from Black communities across the borough. It sets out actions to tackle health inequalities, develop community spaces that will be run and managed by members of the black community and review processes within the council.

“We are extremely proud to be the most diverse borough in the UK and the Black community is an integral part of that,” says Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council. “This community plan is our commitment to do whatever we can to reduce the inequalities that people from Black communities experience on a daily basis.”

Boaz Adelekan, from Neasden said: “I think the Black Community Action plan is a realistic approach to tackling long standing issues.

“I’m optimistic as the plan seems

George Floyd’s tragic death sparked global BLM protests

Abdi Farah set up local charity Connectstars

achievable. Although it may not bring immediate change, it will help to put the right systems in place, especially from an accountability perspective, to ensure that pushing for change is not just a knee jerk reaction to the Black Lives Matter upheaval.”

Abdi Farah, a community worker who established local charity Connectstars in Harlesden said: “The plan is only the start of bringing the community and the council closer together. My hope is that the Black community plays a huge role in Brent society. Too often a negative light is shone upon it, we need to change that narrative and embrace the diverse heritage, culture, languages and talent the Black Community brings to Brent.”