Neomi Alam speaking at the Exeter is for Everyone protest in Bedford Square, video Alan Quick IMG_8758

Transcript

00:00You know that racism has no place in our communities, our institutions or our future.

00:08We want to bring our children up in a space that is safe and that is away from any form of division and hatred.

00:18Racism harms individuals, it divides neighbourhoods and undermines the values that we stand for.

00:27Fairness, dignity and equality.

00:31Anti-racism is more than rejecting hateful words and actions.

00:36It's choosing every day to challenge injustice wherever we see it.

00:42It's speaking up when silence would be easier.

00:46It's listening to those whose experiences differ from our own and believing them.

00:53And it's recognising that change doesn't happen by accident.

00:59It happens when ordinary people decide that discrimination of any form is unacceptable.

01:08Standing up to racism doesn't require perfection, it requires courage.

01:17So be proud of yourselves.

01:19It requires us to interrupt harmful comments, to advocate for fair treatment and to educate ourselves even when it's uncomfortable.

01:30Each of us has the power to influence our schools, our workplaces and our communities.

01:40Let's commit to being that voice, that advocate, that ally.

01:45Let's build a society where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.

01:51Not just in words alone, but in actions every day.

01:56I'm going to talk very briefly about an experience.

02:00When I was on a bus travelling from A to B.

02:04Somebody said something of a racial nature and it was addressed to me and me alone

02:10because I was the only person of colour on that bus.

02:13And what intimidated me, what scared me more than anything else was not the words.

02:19It was not the racist slur.

02:22It was the silence around me.

02:26Do not be the silence.

02:29This is what I ask of you.

02:32Use your voice, use your privilege, use your platform.

02:37Wherever the opportunity brings itself, make yourself heard.

02:42Stand united.

02:44We stand united against racism.

02:47And we will ensure that our city remains a city of sanctuary.

02:53Remains a safe space for refugees and asylum seekers.

02:57We stand against racism.

03:00I'm not going to drop the mic.