Camden Council in solidarity with Black Lives Matter
A message from Camden Council's Leader and Cabinet Colleagues on racism and in support of Camden's young people:
"We stand shoulder to shoulder with those calling for an end to racism and inequality in Camden and around the world. On Tuesday evening we lit Camden council purple to remember George Floyd and to show our solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and all who for too long have faced deep injustices. The Civil Rights Act was passed in the US in 1964 and it sent reverberations around the world. Now, approaching 60 years later, and despite all of our advances, racism and discrimination are still devastating lives. Camden stands with those in the US who are demanding change, equality and for an end to police brutality.
"Racism, of course, is not solely an American disease – it is here in our community in Camden. There is work going on alongside communities to address racial injustice from our work with Camden Black Workers' group to address representation of BAME staff to addressing disproportionality in the youth justice system. But there is much more to do. Our promise to our community is to turn anger into action and work alongside you to challenge racial inequality at every level.
"We have heard the anger and powerlessness many black young people feel confronting racism and we want to make sure they have the opportunity to make public their pain and grief over what has happened in America, to speak about their experiences of injustice in their own lives. We hold fortnightly Youth Shout Outs open to all young people so they can have their say. You can find out more about these on the Camden Rise website and sign up to work with us around tackling racial inequality.
"We know that many young people will choose to join protests this weekend despite the legal restrictions on gatherings above six people and the public health advice which stresses the risk around large gatherings. We are reminding young people of the guidance but recognising that some will still choose to join mass gatherings, we are issuing advice on how to protest safely in the context of Covid-19.
"We will be opening the Somers Town Youth Centre as a space for young people to get support. Our youth and community workers are available to speak to any young person who feels at risk or who needs help. They can be contacted through the Camden Youth Helpline on 020 7974 6200. This advice line can direct anyone with questions about their rights and the current restrictions to organisations who can help.
"In Camden there is a whole generation of young BAME leaders and activists who have powerful voices that need to be heard. We have seen young people of all races come together to challenge racism, and we are proud of their passion and activism. We are committed to working alongside them in the weeks and months ahead to create real change together.
"We are with you."
Georgia Gould, Leader of the Council
Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Young People and Cohesion
Nadia Shah, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities