By Charlotte Ndupuechi.
Southampton stood proud once again. Today (10/8/24) the Bargate was filled with people who wanted to make a stand to show that our city is a diverse and tolerant place to live for all.
Building on the momentum of Wednesday’s amazing show of unity, Southampton Stand Up to Racism held a unity rally at the Bargate. Crowds of all ages filled the space with banners, and many keen to make speeches shared their experience of racism and why this demo was so important to them.
Jayanti Shah spoke of the racism he has experienced over the years and of how this is not a new fight, but sadly one that we must face again and again.
Speakers at the rally also made calls to address the underlying issues that have allowed these ideologies to flourish.
Helen Field, one of those who chose to speak at the open mic event, said “It was important to remember that the years of austerity have played a significant factor in the increased tensions. Racism did not get created on social media nor was it created in a vacuum”.
She spoke about the need to reflect on the fact that the 2008 crisis the UK has been used as an excuse to see deep cuts to public services and the welfare systems. She said that the most vulnerable communities have been disproportionately affected by these policies which have led to increased inequality, poverty and social discontent, leading to a fertile ground for the rise of the far-right. She added that far-right groups have fed on these insecurities and anxieties, blaming minorities for the problems that are a result of intentional and avoidable economic policies.
This was one of many similar protests taking place across the UK, with communities coming together to reject hate.
The rally was peaceful, well attended and a credit to Southampton. It was great to see people standing together to show that Southampton will continue to be a city that champions equality and rejects racism in all its forms.
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Read more:
Reader’s letter: So what happened in Southampton on Wednesday,7th August?
Southampton’s anti-fascist counter demonstration – last night we took our country back
Anti-racist meeting held ahead of demonstration in city centre