3 minute read
One Year On: Inclusivity & Practical Solidarity
The journey towards an empathetic, shared existence
GEORGE FLOYD
It has now been a year since the murder of 46-year-old George Floyd, by police officer Derek Chauvin, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Over nine minutes in length, the disturbing footage of Floyd’s murder was filmed and circulated throughout social media. The reaction and impact were immediate and significant. With the ever-more apparent injustices faced by Black people in the US, Floyd’s death resonated profoundly with many civil justice and human rights movements. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, founded in 2013, gained momentum like never before. The criminal trial of Chauvin received extensive media coverage and the guilty verdict was announced on live television on 20th April 2021.
ACTIVISM, SOLIDARITY & POSITIVE OUTCOMES
Floyd’s death acted as a catalyst for a passionate and sustained wave of worldwide marches, rallies and protests. The overarching tone was outrage at the death of another Black person killed as a result of police brutality. There have been calls for an end to the continued suffering of BIPoC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour), whose lives are greatly impacted by systemic racism, unchecked privilege, structural power imbalances and a heavy history weighing upon them. The sharing of experiences by BiPOC individuals, families and communities has been an eye-opening, educational experience for many. For others, hearing of a struggle similar to their own has helped alleviate the isolation, insecurity and transferred shame of people previously suffering in silence. Conversations once considered taboo by victims of injustice and those subject to gaslighting by perpetrators, are now eagerly being discussed by those who believe society has the capability, and duty, to work on itself and create bridges of mutual understanding and empathy. The optimistic first step has
been the development of more positive channels of expression for official and unofficial routes to restorative justice.
Active advocacy through social media, which has exponentially democratised human experience, has facilitated the visibility of the evident yet unnoticed in a groundbreaking way. Many social media users, Millennials and Gen. Z alike, have become social justice activists with their sharing of wellresearched and comprehensive infographics, videos, images and other posts. With the caveat of independent fact- and sourcechecking, it is easy to develop a respectable aural and visual understanding on a cause or issue du jour with such a vast array of information simply a hashtag or an ‘@’ away.
EDUCATION AND POSITIVE LESSONS
Social media, however, does not have all the answers and this is where the importance of the role of the education sector are key to ensuring change. In an attempt to resolve this, most schools and universities have pledged a commitment to championing diversity, inclusion and dedication to correctly addressing historical inequity. Institutions have actively spoken up, released statements of solidarity and implemented charters promoting inclusive ideals. Universities have added to their course repertoires to include BIPoC history, lives, cultures, traditions and rights.
In professional circles, it is inspiring and encouraging to see competent and qualified Black women afforded important leadership roles such as Stephanie Boyce appointed President of the Law Society of England and Wales and Dr Sandie Okoro appointed the Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the World Bank. However, there is still much to be done in the effective and lasting pursuit of justice, equality and freedom, but with reflection, introspection and a commitment to education, a promising start has been made so far…
AYESHA RANA is currently a teacher of English, Political Science, Sociology and Ethics, at a secondary school nestled in Continental Europe. She began her teaching career after completing her education and training at the University of Cambridge. Ayesha’s NQT & RQT years were spent at a state international day and boarding IB World secondary school. Last month she was awarded the “Most Supportive Teacher Award”, nominated and voted for by the ~1,500-strong student body. LinkedIn:
If you’d like to read, listen to and learn more about
anti-racism, click here:
