CALLING ALL:

It is Monday the 5th August 2024, 7:43am and my sister has just called me asking if I have heard about the riots, she called me to stay safe, she told me not to leave the house because she heard that people on the far right are attacking Black people. She told me to call my mum, to tell her to lock the doors because she is scared for her safety.

What is happening in the world is beyond race, it's beyond class, there is a sickness that has taken place across society, and this has been bubbling under the surface for years. The Far Right have taken to the streets, and urgently we need unity, solidarity and hope. It was only four years ago that the sector took a stand against racial injustice, and once again we are here. 

Over the last four years we have been living through multiple challenges, from the pandemic, the cost of living crisis, racial, gender, climate and class injustices - and we are all victims. I fear that there is a new pandemic of hate, chaos and disorder, and it is capturing how we function as a society, and it is a sickness. Enough is enough and we need to go back to the fundamental basics of radical solidarity and care at a local level. We need an unshakeable commitment to unity, to hope and for transformation. 

This sickness is beginning to capture the hearts of young people and children, and the tragedy of what happened in Southport is a clear sign of that. Now is the time for us to think about the world we are living in, the world we are creating and to transform it for the better. We need to start by taking to the streets and looking after each other, our neighbours, our communities and our peers. 

The time for talk is over, and this is about action and for zero tolerance for any form of injustice. 

We need to start to build the infrastructure for the future and that starts with solidarity, and people from all walks of life coming together to dream, and to build. 

So this is an invitation.

On Friday 16th August from 6 - 9pm I would like to hold an event on 'Unity and Solidarity in the West Midlands': A space for solidarity, peace and imagination. 

Venue will be in Central Birmingham, and will be sent to those who've registered. 

Booking is now open - click here to reserve your place on Eventbrite.

Let’s also raise our voices on social media. I would like to use MTAM’s social channels to share and amplify your words, so if you want to share how you’re feeling via our platforms, send a DM or email info@mtamgroup.co and we will post your messages on our website and social platforms, or share your posts from your own channels.

All the best 

Elizabeth Lawal, MTAM

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