Dear SBWN Community,
The deplorable scenes of racist and Islamophobic attacks against Black, Brown and migrant communities across England and Northern Ireland are the product of decades of fear mongering and racist, Islamophobic rhetoric spread by mainstream media and politicians. It is a consequence and by-product of a country that has not dealt with its colonial past and legacy and has done little to make good the systemic injustice that persists as a result of it.
We are shaken by the inadequate media coverage by mainstream media and lack of response from our government. Attacks on numerous cities and towns in Scotland have also been announced in the last 24 hours.
We need to keep each other safe. We ask everyone to be vigilant, look out for each other, check in with neighbours and turn up to counter protests and support initiatives where you can.
Please particularly look out for those made extra vulnerable, including those of us who belong to non-Western faith groups, are visibly Muslim, Sikh, Refugees and Asylum seekers, QTIBPOC, and disabled Black people and people of colour, carers, children, those of us who rely on public transport or don’t have the option to work from home, and/or don’t have access to stable housing.
This is a safety and public health issue. We worry about our families, friends and wider community and do everything we can to stay safe. Please stay informed and connect with people around you.
We express our deepest solidarity to our brothers, sisters and siblings – may we keep each other safe! And urge everyone who calls themselves an ally to take action to end the violence.
The SBWN Team
Online support spaces
We keep each other safe (Instagram Slides published by reprojusticeinitiative @adiyahcollective and aisfor.activism helping us to think about keeping safe as an individual, in the community and at the workplace)
Community Support Circle, Radical Therapist Network
Rahma Safe Space for Muslim women, Thursday 8th August, 18:30 GMT
Online support spaces for young people in Greater Manchester and surrounding NW areas
@weareherscot mental health resources: Mental Health & Wellbeing — We Are Here Scotland