8 Minutes and 46 Seconds
When George Floyd was killed the world changed. Those 8 minutes and 46 seconds sent shockwaves felt across the globe from Pittsburgh to Poland; protests were held and raging debates took over our social media channels. It was clear the #BlackLivesMatter campaign was proving to be a movement not a moment. The effect on Cumbria’s communities was profound, a spark had been lit that refused to go out, yes even here in Cumbria.
On 14 July 2020 the first Anti Racist Cumbria meeting was held online by Zoom. Back then we weren’t even called Anti Racist Cumbria, we didn’t even have a name. All we knew was that the systemic racism that pervades our communities, disadvantages Black and Brown people could no longer be tolerated.
More than fifty people huddled around their screens to talk about what we should do about it. Many stories were told that evening and we knew that whilst the #BlackLivesMatter movement was global that there were problems right here at home.
As a group of allies we also knew we could no longer remain silent. Our constitution was formed, and working groups put to task to help us achieve our Mission Statement;
“tackling and ending racism through action and education to create a forward-thinking and actively anti-racist Cumbria; free from prejudice and systemic inequalities.”
Anti Racist Cumbria will be tackling root causes of imbalance in the following key sectors in Cumbria.
Education | Business | Tourism | Health | Culture & Sports | Police & Crime
We know changes won’t be made overnight, but they will come. Our first project is Race & Education in Cumbria, because we believe all our children deserve better.
Interested in what we do, or want to get involved? Sign up to:
- Be part of Anti Racist Cumbria and help out; or
Simply keep up to date with our quarterly newsletter
