Community unites behind End Racism This
Generation campaign in Broxbourne
A CAMPAIGN
has been launched to tackle racism in the borough of Broxbourne.
As part of
a national campaign, “end racism this generation”, a host of organisations are
exposing discrimination in all its forms and finding ways of eradicating it
from society.
Despite a
long history of cultural diversity in Broxbourne, with Italian, Greek or Greek
Cypriot, and Ukrainian communities settling locally after World War Two,
discrimination against ethnic minorities persists.
However,
organisations are working to improve the situation.
Michal
Siewniak, of CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) Broxbourne and East Herts,
said: “Hertfordshire, like many regions in the country has changed
significantly in recent years.
“Broxbourne
has seen quite a significant influx of new migrants from Poland, Lithuania, and
Turkey but also some African and African-Caribbean communities.
“The
campaign, its aims and objectives, reflect in many ways what CVS has been set
up to do – work with and on behalf of the community, break down barriers,
challenge prejudice and most importantly – create a platform for effective
engagement and integration.”
Among its
work are numerous community-based activities.
Sporting
highlights include a seven-a-side Euro 2012 tournament, which included teams
from the emergency services, Italian and Polish communities, and a basketball
tournament in Wormley in 2013.
There have
also been trips to the Museum of Immigration and Diversity and Houses of
Parliament and a testimonial gatherings to remember Nelson Mandela.
Michal
added: “Unfortunately, racism is still present in our daily life.
“Negative
media coverage, assumptions or negative perceptions can create a hostile
environment and can make things worse.
“That is
why it is crucial to work together, in partnership. Only collaborative approach
can bring many benefits to groups and individuals and shape the future of
communities in a positive and tangible way.”
One
example is the annual celebrating our communities event, which in 2014 will
take place in Waltham Cross town centre on Sunday September 14.
A showcase
of local talent and performances, it has hosted every genre from Chinese folk
to Polish blues and singers from the gypsy and traveller community.
It
includes input from the Ethnic Minority Association (EMA) in Broxbourne, the
Society of Africans and Caribbeans (SOCA), Gypsy And Travellers Empowerment
(GATE) Network, and Broxbourne Polish Association.
Social
housing provider B3Living is also heavily involved.
Performance
and equalities manager Catherine Bailey said: “Everything we do is about
creating great places where people want to live, and at the heart of that
approach is understanding people’s needs, and helping communities to break down
preconceived ideas and celebrate differences.
“We have
signed up to the end racism this generation campaign because we support the
goal of challenging racism.
“We
believe that no one is born racist – and if we ‘learn’ racism then we can also
‘unlearn’ racism.”
She added:
“We know that some people find it hard to get to know their neighbours or to meet
people from different backgrounds so we organise events to bring people
together.
“We also
support much smaller events such as local barbecues or street parties for the
golden jubilee in 2012 or for European neighbours day, and hold quarterly
diversity open forums on a variety of topics, such as what it’s like to be
Muslim and hearing from Irish travellers.
“We have
found it a fantastic way to create conversations and safe spaces for people to
get to know their community better.”
If you
have experienced or witness racism or other hate crime, contact Sam Bailey at
Hertfordshire Constabulary on (01992) 533651 or contact the safer communities
team at B3Living on (01992) 453725 or ASBServices@b3living.org.uk.
Read more: http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/Buntingford-and-Royston/Community-unites-behind-End-racism-This-Generation-campaign-in-Broxbourne-20140313174046.htm#ixzz2vwXGwzO1
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