"Old ladies tell off kids playing in London council estate 1970s"
Makes you think what some people would have to say if these kids living on the same or similar council estate today doing the exact same play, behaviour and verbal attitude to "Old ladies" but happened to be black or brown?
Slavery was not taught to me during my time in primary and secondary education. I moved around a lot as a child so my education was split between 3 primary schools and 2 secondary schools. I was led to believe that there were no black people during the Victorian times. This is so far from the truth.
Even though black people have lived in Britain for more than 400 years, less than 4% of students educated at Oxford or Cambridge are black. We have never had a black priminister. If these figures don't change, it is unlikely that we ever will have one.
Whilst slavery has been abolished in Britain since the 1800's, the horrendous conditions in which people are being forced to live, means that we still have access to cheap tea, cotton and sugar. The capitalists continue to live in luxury whilst their employees are paid less than minimum wage and suffer from basic illnesses caused by malnutrition and poor sanitation.
As a white mother, I feel I have been encouraged to be ignorant. I want better for my child. I want her to know and understand the truth. Much more needs to be done.
EMILY
SILENCE. BROKEN
Mon, 13 Jun 2022 18:27
YOU CAN HELP TO ERADICATE RACISM
TIME TO BREAK SILENCE
I’m 17 and I used to be racist.
My turning point was being confronted on my racism and because of this I said to myself “why am I like this?”
I decided I should open my mind more and read about the history of black people in the UK and the US. Because of me educating myself and asking myself different questions I’ve been able to free myself of the bigoted mindset and I’ve confronted racism at college and been acknowledged by teachers and also confronting racism when I see it within my own family. I’m currently reading up about the civil rights movement in America and about the efforts of MLK and Malcolm X.
CHARLES
SILENCE. BROKEN
Sun, 5 Dec 2021 22:55
Because I am white, middle class and old I was for a long time insulated from the hurtful and direct impact of racism; but having so many Asian and Caribbean friends opened my eyes. It was very painful to see people I cared about being so deeply hurt on a daily basis by the nastiness and dehumanising effect of racism. It is not a political issue. It is a moral one.
I am proud to stand full square with Black Lives Matter and to use what influence I have call out racism and work towards a world of basic decency where people are treated as people not as skin tones. I am often deeply ashamed to be white, when I look at the history of black/white relationships, and when I see the disgusting behaviour towards 3 wonderful guys after the football match.
How many of the guttersnipes who hid behind anonymity to make vile threats, have done anything where near as much as the amazing and inspiring Marcus Rashford to make our world a better place; and how many, at 19 years of age, could have been at the top of the sport at international level, racism appeals to people with no talents whatsoever - its their only way to make themselves feel important. Pathetic.
And let's forget the football for a second. I remember being a back seat passenger when we were stopped by the police; and how abruptly the attitude of the police changed when they finally saw me, bourgeois whitey, in the back in my suit. BLM is a fight, and we're in it for the long haul. Silence makes the silent person complicit with the racists. There is no neutral ground on this issue.
COLIN
SILENCE. BROKEN
Wed, 14 Jul 2021 14:15
I am breaking my white silence because I want to be a better ally to all Black people. I am bitterly regretful that I have not been an effective ally for you, and I want to learn, change and challenge. I want to be better and do better.
I am a 29-year-old white female from England and, until now, I would probably have thought of myself as anti-racist. I have always found racism abhorrent and challenged it when I could. I knew enough about history to know that the world we now inhabit was built through the systemic abuse of Black people, and I hated this fact, but I also felt very separate from those awful people who caused so much harm all those years ago. I knew that political and institutional and societal racism was still rife, but I thought things must have been better, that our generation must have been better at stamping out racial discrimination and abuse than the ones before us. However, I have recently sought to better educate myself on racism (and opposing racism), and quickly discovered just how much I have let down the Black community.
I am so ashamed by how ignorant I was - and still am - to the full reach of racism around me and my place within it; I have been complicit to, and even benefitted from, systems and institutions rigged to disadvantage and abuse Black people. I didn't realise that I was harming you through my action or inaction, but this is no excuse. I am so sorry, and I know these words are not enough.
I have learned that 'doing what I can' is not enough; Black people don't have the luxury of making a choice like that. Fighting institutional and societal racism has to be integral and automatic, like breathing. It isn't a choice.
I will no longer wait for things to change, quietly supporting and well-wishing the Black community in my heart, whilst going through the same old motions without question. I will listen to you. I will join you and demand change. I will continually strive to educate myself, and challenge myself and my privileges. I will be better for you.
I felt the least I could do was set up a regular donation to Black Lives Matter UK and start to put my words into action; however, I know that this is only a first, tiny step on a long and perilous journey.
I have often been ashamed to be white and English, but never more so than I am now. I won't be silent anymore.
BETH
SILENCE. BROKEN
Mon, 12 Jul 2021 16:44
Upon taking time to learn what the black lives matter movement is actually about, I am ashamed to say that I initially felt hostility towards the movement. Whilst I have never explicitly treated anyone poorly because of their race, I was ignorant to the fact that I was benefiting from a system that put me at an inherent advantage.
I realised that the term black lives matter is not to say that other lives don't, but instead to highlight that black lives seem not to matter as much as other lives in many areas of society and that this is not good enough.
I recently took some time to consider my positions, I have realised that racism is way more than just the use of racist terms but instead something that is built into society through generations of inequality and mistreatment of black and minority people.
I acknowledged that whilst life may not always be easy, it is never made harder because of the colour of my skin.
I have realised that this is not a political movement and that when politicians embrace it, it is because they are committed to listening and bringing about change, not because black lives matter is affiliated with them in any way.
I realise that taking a knee before sports games is not political but rather to raise awareness and keep the problem of racism in peoples minds as this is an ongoing problem, I now hope that kneeling continues as if it was not for the continuation of that I would not have chosen to learn about the problems with race in our world.
Through ignorance, I used to be resistant to change. I now acknowledge that change is not only to be celebrated but necessary in order to make society more equal.
I have been trying to challenge unconscious biases that I have held.
I remember feeling offence at Anthony Joshua's speech at a BLM demonstration when he urged people not to shop at white owned businesses. I have revisited this and now understand that he didn't say this because he wants to punish white people, but instead that he wants to help build up the black community which has been in many ways left behind and not allowed to reach it's full potential and that this is essential in order to help fully achieve equality.
There is no quick fix to eradicate racism and its effects from society, but I know that now is the time for some real change.
Although I wont ever fully understand the pain that racism causes people, but I am committed to learning more about and supporting the BLM movement on the long road ahead to achieve racial unity.
ROSS
SILENCE. BROKEN
Tue, 25 May 2021 13:59
I had to take my daughter off school because she was isolated as one of the few black kids. She was literally segregated as no one of her classmate came to her birthday. But I must say it is not the kids. It is the parents. And the school we are so upset about it.
I know that was the right thing because staying would have meant to normalize prejudices yet I feel so discouraged at times. I spoke with the school loud and clear yet I wish to do more.
B & Child C
SILENCE. BROKEN
Sat, 29 May 2021 18:08
I am committed with ever fibre of my privileged white middle class being to calling out the uncomfortable truths of systemic racism as and when I see them. To those who have shared their stories to help me understand more I applaud you. I will not get bored or tired or disheartened by the eye rolling and shoulder shrugging of my peers. Things must change...being quiet isn’t an option. Hiding history isn’t an option. Raising my children to shy away from conflict and ignore inequality isn’t an option.
NICOLA
SILENCE. BROKEN
Fri, 2 Apr 2021 23:26
I regularly pick up family members on their casual racism. It quite often leads to arguments but I'm starting to see shifts happen
HEIDI
SILENCE. BROKEN
Wed, 21 Apr 2021 16:35
I will no longer be silent and I will be an active in changing legislation wherever possible to address the injustices that are done to my brothers and sister. I will intervene and call out any form of racism, I will continue to educate myself and my friends. I will listen before I speak with people of colour. Enough is enough.
TARA
SILENCE. BROKEN
Fri, 16 Apr 2021 9:02
It’s about time we was open and honest about racism. I am a white woman and quite frankly I do not care what colour someone’s skin is. It is absolutely disgusting that the uk and America still will not acknowledge the world’s most racist institution the police! The police and uneducated EDL idiots are the racists the rest of us aren’t. It makes me sick to see officials treating black people in a sub human Manner its disgusting and vile they should be thrown in prison. And I hope with all my being that George floyds murder gets the death sentence he is a disgrace to humanity. I don’t see black people or any other ethnicity as anything other than another person. We are all god’s children and should love it each other and support each other no matter what are differences are ❤️
ALICE
SILENCE. BROKEN
Mon, 12 Apr 2021 20:06
BREAK SILENCE.
I will stand today with black people because Black lives matter.
I will use my voice and educate myself and learn and listen and pass on the message to everyone and anyone.
I will ask my employers and work place and community what are they doing to make a change because there is only one race and it's the human race!!
I will not stop until there is justice, equality and peace.
We can all love again
RB
WHITE SILENCE. BROKEN
Tue, 2 Jun 2020 13:31
"I’m white im of Turkish Cypriot descent I have been affected by racism my whole life and continue to be a victim I feel the pain of any ethnic minorities you only know if you have suffered!"
PEMBE
SILENCE. BROKEN
Tue, 2 Jun 2020 11:09
I hope that our world slowly begins to wake up to what has taken place for so long.
Thank you for your work, and I am here to help, donate and support for as long as I live!!
SAF
BROKEN SILENCE.
Sun, 16 Aug 2020 13:32
I have always been a proud equalitarian and humanitarian who is truly colour blind to the world and judges people on who they are and what they do rather than the colour of their skin or their background. I work in an all white male environment and argued down a racist who complained about the attention given to the BLM movement. His casually racist comments over the preceeding weeks had angered me and after we butted heads (verbally) I was thanked and congratulated by others who said he needed putting in his place.
I calmly encouraged them to speak out too and not leave it to others. This is how we win the war for justice and equal treatment, by speaking out in the face of bigotry even when no-one of another ethnicity is around. I have acted this way in previous years in the face of prejudice in the workplace at other companies and hope that the majority who are fair-minded take my lead and constantly speak out, no matter how awkward or inconvenient, in the hope we will one day eliminate the privilege of unchallenged existence afforded to hate.
Thank you for what you are doing.
Peace and Love to all.
ADAM
SILENCE. BROKEN
Fri, 28 Aug 2020 8:20
I’m white and ashamed of my privilege, and will be until the day that we have equality throughout the world.
Another shooting Another black man executed.
Another day we all should hang our heads in shame.
SARAH
SILENCE. BROKEN
Mon, 24 Aug 2020 14:33
Hi Folks,
I am a white Scotsman who fully supports the movement & no longer want to be complicit in racism due to silence.
I will speak out & defend my brothers & sisters, & I want to educate myself more to help racism to be wiped out.
I want to subscribe to your newsletters & information as I don't participate in social media.
Thanks for all you are doing & keep up the good work.
Peace & love
CRAIG
SILENCE. BROKEN
Tue, 6 Oct 2020 10:42
I need to learn and listen and listen and learn from those who have put up with a lifetime of racism. If I'm lucky, some of this will get through my layers of privilege and touch something real.
FRED
SILENCE. BROKEN
Tue, 29 Dec 2020 0:02
As a middle aged white woman, I have been educating myself, family and friends, doing deep inner work through the White Supremacy and Me book by Layla Saad and learning more about black history in the UK (thanks David Olosogu for making that easier).
I want to be a good ally and will look for ways to be one.
I will be braver in having difficult conversations and will raise awareness.
I believe we are all equal, but the current system benefits white people through systemic racism. I have benefitted from this, but it is not fair and I will do what I can to shift this balance.
If in doubt, I will speak up, better to regret speaking than being silent.
With love and hope.
VANESSA
SILENCE. BROKEN
Tue, 5 Jan 2021 14:30
Until last year I thought that not being racist was part of being a good person. I then encountered the term anti-racist. It made me realise that I have a lot of work to do moving forward. I went to my first protest last year, it was only a small event, but it was pretty powerful all the same. I'm trying to read more, and learn more about the anti-racism work that I need to do, and will do in the future. I want a better world than we have now, and I know I need to actually contribute to that, not just wish for it.
GAVIN
SILENCE. BROKEN
Tue, 2 Feb 2021 1:11
Is there any way I can make a regular donation to BLM UK?
Thanks for all you are doing. White people like myself need to be doing so much more to support and raise up black voices.
HAYLEY
WHITE SILENCE. BROKEN
Tue, 2 Jun 2020 11:22
Thanks you
Haley you or anyone else can use botton below and decide how much or how little you would like to donate, one off or regualary!
I will speak up against those who are racist - friends or strangers and ask them why. I will question my loved ones and family and keep the conversation going and current at the dinner table, in the park, in the classroom. I promise to acknowledge my students feelings and experiences and facilitate a safe space for them to discuss race. I will listen to them.
I am reading and researching and watching films and documentaries, attempting to educate myself, family, friends and colleagues. I will share what I learn.
I will question my own biases and I will keep checking in with myself and I will never be flippant about race and racism
LOUISE
BROKEN SILENCE.
Mon, 17 Aug 2020 22:15
I will not again excuse away racism because someone is either ‘old’ or has not been an active part of the multi-cultural nature of this country. I will challenge directly every time.
I’m sorry that I have not done this before, despite my own views. I understand the damaging impact of white silence.
I also commit to ensuring my daughter grows up as a conscious anti-racist.
Love and solidarity.
STUART
SILENCE. BROKEN
Sat, 29 Aug 2020 9:05
My friend posted online something that I did not agree with and in the past I would have just ignored it and carried on my day, but this year ... I've spent a lot of time reading, listening and watching since George Floyd was killed.
I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't give much thought to racism . But I'm learning all the time, and today when I read the post that was offensive I publicly responded to tell her that the information was not correct.
I plan to keep learning, keep taking opportunities to stop racism as and when they arrive and stop perpetuating white patriachy.
H
SILENCE. BROKEN
Tue, 25 Aug 2020 19:26
I will intervene when I see racism, I will call out any form of racism, I will educate myself continuously, I will listen to people of colour. I will combat my own white privileges.
MATTHEW
SILENCE. BROKEN
Thu, 8 Oct 2020 9:13
Me and my wife want to help break white silence and willing to do anything to support the movement
JAKE & WIFE
SILENCE. BROKEN
Tue, 29 Sep 2020 5:09
I will challenge racism, micro-aggressions, white supremacy, and white privilege and I will seek out more and more ways in which I can speak out and make noise to end white silence and be a genuine ally to end racism.
GARETH
SILENCE. BROKEN
Thu, 10 Dec 2020 10:59
I am white, I support this movement. I understand that white people need to step up and take action to end racial inequality.
Tbh, I find it difficult to understand why this is not blatantly obvious but as that is not the case, guess this is what I can do to support the BLM movement is share this view with other white people! So much information on this website which is great to see - thanks for all the work you do and good luck for 2021
ESTHER
SILENCE. BROKEN
Tue, 12 Jan 2021 19:25
Dear Black Lives Matter,
I am appalled at Priti Patel’s stance re demonstrations against racism in all its forms and as and when the opportunity arises my wife and I would be heart-felt to take the knee. We are in our seventies now and the ghastliness of racism both public and private has I think been present all our lives and I wonder sometimes if anything has actually changed. There is of course always hope and clearly there are amazing things that people do to combat this terrible disease that I fear is in all of us. Loving Kindness and Compassion are the only medicine that we can take and offer to others and to remain strong in facing this disease at all times.
JOHN
SILENCE. BROKEN
Fri, 12 Feb 2021 13:19
Dear Black Lives Matter,
...the following is a copy of an email that I sent today to the Home Office.
" I am appalled at Ms Priti Patels comment with regard to the above ( Black Lives Demonstration 2020) and including her displeasure at the act of taking the knee.
As a Home Office Minister she has a dreadful lack of ethical, diplomatic and compassionate behaviour.
She is not the appropriate kind of individual to hold this post and should be relieved of her duties forthwith."
I have had an auto-response, with a promise of a human response within 20 days.
JOHN
SILENCE. BROKEN
Fri, 12 Feb 2021 18:30
"I am a 41 year old white guy. I grew up in Derby and have never considered myself as racist.
However, I am ashamed to say that it was only today whilst discussing the murder of George Floyd that I realised that I had no idea what 'White Privilege' actually means.
I will break white silence by continuing to educate myself and calling out racial prejudice."
PETE
WHITE SILENCE. BROKEN
Mon, 1 Jun 2020 14:46
Black Lives Matter. I'm white and stand up to fight against racism, oppression and injustice. Lets end this racist scourge on our society and world. We as white people must take responsibility and challenge racism and injustice in our homes, communities, workplaces and institutions that continue to marginalise our black brothers and sisters. For to long our black brothers and sisters have had to live and deal with the daily trauma of injustice. Stand up, be proud, fight for what is right, Black Lives Matter
CP
BROKEN SILENCE.
Sun, 23 Aug 2020 13:22
After hearing about George Floyd and the protests on the news, My 7 year old son asked me, "But dad, why are people nasty to people who are a different colour, we are all human and they're people just like us".
I was lost for words. I just hugged him tight and said you are right son and never let anyone tell you otherwise.
ADAM
SILENCE. BROKEN
Fri, 28 Aug 2020 16:35
I will speak up when I see Racism and I will seek to educate myself to see it more clearly.
LOUISE
SILENCE. BROKEN
Sat, 29 Aug 2020 9:14
All I want is total racial equality in our world!!!
CLINT
SILENCE. BROKEN
Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:17
Hello Black Lives Matter, thank you for all you do.
I just wanted to say that as a straight, white middle class chap I realise that I have have had a lot power. Has my life been easy, well no but has it been as challenging as somebody of colour? Of course not.
Do I understand the realities faced by black people in the UK? Of course not but I can stand in solidarity and support you!
TOM
SILENCE. BROKEN
Sun, 4 Oct 2020 10:55
By inaction I have been guilty of condoning racism. I will end that part of my life and join the fight to end all prejudice now.
CRAIG
SILENCE. BROKEN
Tue, 15 Sep 2020 19:39
I am white and British and ashamed of them both! I am also ashamed that I am now 55 years old and it has taken events of only the last two years to really appreciate the enormity of racism today and over hundreds of years. I would like to think that I have had a conscience and understanding of injustice but it is only since the birth of my mixed heritage grandson and the death of George Floyd that I have begun to truly understand the depth of the problem. Ignorance, fragility and silence....are unforgivable. I have always been interested in politics and always leant towards the left of the spectrum and advocated for the rights of the many and not the few, but I consider myself a moderate in terms of the actions I have and have not taken through my life. Now I feel it is time to break out from, at best, my whispers of discontent, to start shouting out about the heinous acts of the past and the subtle acts of the present that oppress black people and try to educate those, who say they are against it but do nothing to stop it.
My commitment is to call out racism when I see or hear it, no matter where or who it is against. I still do not understand enough about the depth and subtlety or extent of the racism in institutions and subconscious actioms of white people but my other commitment is to read and understand this more, so I can be clearer when I see and hear racism and can be conscious of my own inner actions too, that are borne out of living with white privilege and never having to think of so many things that can haunt and oppress black people every day of their lives. I want to stand with your movement in every way I can!
MICK
SILENCE. BROKEN
Wed, 13 Jan 2021 12:12
I am a 61year old white female, I have seen prejudice from white people towards black people from when I was 18yrd old, and it broke my mixed race relationship which broke my heart. Nothing has changed it is just well hidden.
Please read about a very brave black soldier who served in the British Army his name was WALTER TULL, he saw Britain as his home and future but I feel he was let down by only being acknowledged for being a good footballer not a brilliantly brave soldier, he was put forward for an Honour and everyone agreed he deserved the bravery medal but never received it. For a black immigrant who fought bravely for a country that showed nothing but prejudice is beyond belief, and sadly he never received his rightful recognition for being a very brave soldier who happened to be of black skin. He was killed in action and his body never found, THIS BRAVE MAN NEEDS RECOGNITION get his statue built in the centre of London for all to see. Black people need to be made aware of their heroes and heroines in history, they deserve recognition and not to be forgotten.
If I had a wish it would be for people like WALTER TULL https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Tull
To be rightfully recognised for his bravery and have a bronze statue erected in pride of place in the centre of London where so many white statues are, we need more recognition for black people and what they have achieved. I hope you are the people to start finding out which black people in history did remarkable things, and I am certain there were many.
Please make people aware of them and that they existed not only as slaves but also the ones who achieved greatness for all they had against them at that time. Because BLACK LIVES DO MATTER and always have and always will.
DEBBIE
SILENCE. BROKEN
Sun, 14 Feb 2021 18:01
Hi Debbie,
Thanks, please see our page where we have incuded Walter Tull
Tell us how you dealt with or will deal with racist remarks, acts of discrimination; be it an everyday comment or a blatant performed act of racism.
Racism is Racism.
What will you say or what will you do next time?
Be part of the NEW Revolution that finds another way, a way to break white silence and mental chains of racism, so black people no longer have to continue to fight, an unjust fight they cannot win alone without solidarity of white citizens, white allies and or without uprising that only serve to hurt us all and break down society.
White silence perpetuates racism. End WHITE SILENCE, END ALL SILENCE to abolish racism.
Black people don't want to fight to survive: they want to live another way, a just and fair way.
BUT until then black citizens will have little choice than to create BLACK NOISE and protest when confronted with a shield of SILENCE, AND WHITE SILENCE.
BLACK PEOPLE will fight even though their bodies are tired and rise to fight another day for justice and equality and fight for as long as it takes...
If you're white and anti-racist stand with us shoulder to shoulder, and we will stand to shine in the same light together.
Send us a message about how you have or will prepare to BREAK WHITE SILENCE, END ALL SILENCE ON RACISM.