This is a time for people who are not black to listen to those who are. Deanna asked some of her friends and family in the black community what they had to say about recent events:
“Speak out and act when you see injustice. Don’t judge people based on their appearance. Treat others how you want to be treated, regardless of what they look like.” - Alicia, 30
“This season is an opportunity to confront the endemic miseducation of our nation’s history. Listening, learning, educating ourselves is key. When we look at British history honestly, we’ll see that white supremacy was the mortar between the bricks that built the British economy and empire; let’s not be surprised, then, that it can still be found underpinning the presently prevailing narratives around race. However, guilt won’t change anything. Instead, truly, see your peers, of every ethnic background, as your equal. Treat them with the respect you’d want to receive and celebrate their successes.The problem is old, ugly and pervasive. The solution, I think, can be summarised like this: “Love your neighbour as yourself”. If we really did that, if all of us did that, we would seek reform in our education, welfare and criminal justice systems so that no “neighbour” would be treated unfairly. We would not look at others with suspicion, seeing them as a threat, but we would welcome each other with love and generosity. We would fight for our neighbours, not against them. This is not wishful thinking; this is God’s desire for our world.” - Joe, 24.
“I feel very blessed to live where I do, when I do. But I believe racism is alive and well because it’s a spiritual issue that hasn’t had any spiritual solutions probably since MLK. We need to pray against the demonic spirit of racial division. The George Floyd tragedy has reminded me that there are still evil people in the world who do evil things but the answer to that has always been the gospel of Jesus.” - Theo, 24
“Build up a community outside of the system. Allies should support black businesses and speak up whenever and wherever they see racism. Everyone needs to educate themselves because we have all been lied to.” - Amanda, 30.
“Ignorance is not an excuse. We all must educate ourselves. I recommend people read books by James Baldwin, Malcom X and Africa 101 by Dr Arikana.” - Mya, 53
“Do all you can. Understand that black and brown people have been speaking about these issues for centuries, our voices are statistically not listened to, but people with privilege can amplify our voices, and maybe then change will come. We need to work together; our white allies really need to be allies and signal boost our voices.” - Steve, 27.
“Everyone has value. Everyone has a purpose. Everyone is here for a reason, for a season. We need to take the time to get to know one another, rather than applying our labels upon them and making assumptions. Embrace their gifts, their talents and their uniqueness in the universe.If we can do these things, we will be better able to tackle the challenges of the future that we all must face – but we must do so – together – in peace, love and harmony.” - Paul, 57.
“I’m heartbroken, not just for George Floyd, but all of our brothers and sisters who are being murdered because of the colour of their skin. White people should use their privilege to speak out. It can be hard sometimes, but I am trusting God that their judgement is coming, and I pray that He touches the lives of those people so that they are transformed and mend their ways.” - Claudette, 27
You can find SCM's collection of anti-racism resources on our blog.