Eastwood: We must find other ways of showing solidarity with BAME community

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has called on people to find creative ways of showing their solidarity with black and minority ethnic communities during the Covid-19 emergency period.

The Foyle MP said that while large gatherings are prohibited under the Covid-19 regulations, it’s important that people stay safe and prevent further transmission of the virus.

Rallies are planned for Derry and Belfast tomorrow, Saturday, June 6.

But police have called on people not to attend the rallies as large public gatherings breach the COVID-19 lockdown rules.

Police chiefs say they will have a presence at the #Black Lives Matter’ Derry rally at the Guildhall Square at 3 pm.

Up to 2,000 people attend a Black Lives Matter rally in Belfast on Wednesday which raised concerns over social distancings.

Said the Foyle MP: “The scenes of police brutality against the black community and peaceful protestors in the United States have been horrifying and outrageous.

“I know that people here feel the need to show their solidarity with the black community by standing with our BAME friends, family and neighbours.

“I feel that need too.

“But while lives are still being claimed by Covid-19, and evidence shows that disproportionate numbers of BAME people are having their lives taken by the virus, we have an obligation to think differently about how we show solidarity with the struggle for justice.

“Take a knee at your doorstep. Post a sign in your window. Share your support using social media.

“Think of ways to send a message of support that will not put others at risk. SDLP Civic leaders are working to light up our council buildings in a show of support as well.

“It’s also important, however, that there is depth to our solidarity.

“A tweet with a hashtag is meaningless if you aren’t willing to educate yourself about the systemic discrimination that BAME people face in the US and in Ireland everyday.

“If you can, donate to those organisations providing critical support to demonstrators in the US and the families of those who have been murdered.

“Give money to bail funds and support programmes. And most importantly, listen to the lived experiences of black people. Hear their story, amplify their voice, support their struggle.

“This is an incredibly difficult time. But there’s no going back to how things were before. We need to dismantle the structures of racist discrimination that permeate our societies.”

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