Black Lives Matter

Recent events in America and the outpouring of support globally has been both remarkable and inspirational. It’s a moment when powerful forces have combined to great effect, all pushing for positive action with #BlackLivesMatter.

All of this has led me to become rather reflective on current attitudes and behaviours. It is not enough to say you are not racist, or remain silent. This sends out the wrong message. We must choose actively to be anti-racist and take a stance against societal injustices against black people.

I’ve noticed several reports and signs popping up of #AllLivesMatter. A well-intentioned statement for sure, however, we must be honest enough to say, there hasn’t ever been a question over whether white lives matter. This is not where the problem lies – It is the treatment of black lives - that is the issue, be that consciously or subconsciously.

What has really struck me these past few weeks is how little is actually known on this important issue. Having opened up the debate across a wider pool of people this yielded similar disappointing results in levels of understanding (with some even suggesting we don’t have an issue here in Scotland) and thus it led me to the conclusion, we do not know enough. Ignorance is not an excuse when we consider the abundance of data, stories, podcasts, books, documentaries, and a whole host of other resources available to us in the current age.

Thus, it brings me to a key point which I keenly communicate to you – educate yourself and understand why there is a need for this BlackLivesMatter movement, and why it is important to be present, listen and support. Sure, I appreciate we all have our own problems and challenges, however, to compare it to this fight is an injustice. It’s inappropriate. White lives have had hundreds of years as a head start. Black lives are still seeking the level playing field they deserve, with what happened in America merely scratching the surface of much bigger issues at play.

At Spentwell, we take a stance to be anti-racist. We take a stance to educate ourselves and stand for positive outcomes, the right outcomes, to take strides forward to a world where black lives matter. I believe education is certainly a start. Here’s a couple of resources to get you going:

·       Netflix – The 13th

·       Book – Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race

#BlackLivesMatter

Keith

Managing Director

Spentwell.