The Importance of National Hate Crime Awareness Week

**Trigger warning: the following post discusses racism**

The week from the 8th-16th of October is National Hate Crime Awareness Week. Unfortunately a recent incident in our community has highlighted the importance of solidarity against racism, and the necessity of continuing to fight against hate crimes.

St Albert’s primary school in Pollokshields has received a stream of online racist abuse following a photo being posted on twitter with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The fact that people feel comfortable directing disgusting hate speech towards children is an extremely worrying sign of current attitudes. We stand in solidarity with the school and commend their strong response to the incident, standing firmly against racism and protecting the space for their pupils to grow and learn safely.

This abuse is another threat to the safety and peace of brown and black people. We recognise that it is exhausting for those at the school, families and staff, battling against this racism. Hopefully the sense of togetherness of the local community brings some comfort and hope to those directly affected.

The harsh truth is that the Government is increasingly mandating racism. The introduction of laws such as the Nationality and Borders Bill is having real, direct and terrifying effects. In the context of rising numbers of hate crimes, this incident reminds us that we must continue to unite and work proactively to build a safe and inclusive community. 

We are here to share resources, amplify voices and connect people from across the local community. We all must continue working together and being a united front against hate crimes to make the South East of Glasgow a place where everyone feels safe, and proud to call home.

This week also falls during Black History Month, for which the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights have put together a programme that can be found here. With a wide range of talks, tours and other activities to partake in, this is a great opportunity to celebrate and learn about the diverse history and culture within Glasgow. The more understanding and appreciation we have of one another, the stronger we can become as a community.

With care and solidarity,
South East Integration Network

Resources From the SEIN Website

Resources/Toolkits:

  • An Anti-Racist Organizational Change Tool for Nonprofits

  • From Mecca to Musselburgh

  • No Radio Silence

  • Speak Up – A young person’s guide to intervening in a hate crime situation

Books:

  • For the Love of Teaching: The Anti-Racist Battlefield in Education

  • Hearing the Voices of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities – Inclusive Community Development

  • Me and White Supremacy: How to Recognise Your Privilege

  • Combat Racism and Change the World

  • Muslims in Scotland - The Making of Community in a Post - 9/11 World

  • She Settle in the Shields: Untold Stories of Migrant Women in Pollokshields

  • No Problem Here – Understanding Racism in Scotland

  • Romaphobia - The Last Acceptable Form of Racism

  • Who Belongs to Glasgow? – 200 Years of Migration

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