BLACK LIVES MATTER
The team at Kazzum Arts have been shocked and angered by recent events in the United States, and are actively seeking justice for the death of George Floyd. It is paramount that the perpetrators of this crime are held accountable for their actions, and that justice is achieved for the many Black lives which have been taken through acts of State brutality.
By remaining silent, the racist systems which oppress Black people remain protected, validated and empowered. It is not acceptable for images of brutalised Black bodies to become normalised on our timelines. It is not acceptable to feel the pain of our Black communities on a daily basis without taking direct action. It is not acceptable to debate the fact that Black Lives Matter.
As a charity Kazzum Arts campaign for social justice throughout our programmes, providing a stable base for our community to speak and be heard. We have used the arts to provide vital opportunities for young Black people to be held, and we have nurtured artists from all backgrounds to co-create our work. We have done so knowingly and purposefully, and yet we know that there is more to do now, than ever before.
Systemic racism within the United Kingdom is reflected in our shameful history of colonial rule, trade agreements, systemic violence and oppression, creating contexts of inequality which result in instances such as the Grenfell Tower fire, Windrush Scandal and health inequalities within the current Covid19 pandemic.
Today Kazzum Arts re-commit ourselves to fighting inequality, standing up as representatives and allies for Black people, from all intersectional identities. We have started this process by recognising our complacency, seeking to understand where and how we can do better. We are re-reminded of our privilege and the power we hold to make an impact in the world. We are bringing into consciousness the unconscious biases we have ignored and let slide, opening conversations with our workforce and Trustees, and engaging our young people in conversations that matter. Our artistic activities will continue to protect, connect and enable the empowerment of our anger, working towards our continued vision of peace.
We know that for some this will be an uncomfortable journey, as we recognise the limits of our knowledge and reconsider our actions in a new light, but we are committed to the embodiment of Global anti-racist practices and know that through the acts of listening, learning, donating, platforming, nurturing and challenging we will fight injustice with integrity and purpose. We will use our power online and offline, within crowds and in our solitude to take this work further and deeper than we have before.
We will not allow this post to be an empty gesture and we are focusing on the tangible direct action we can take at every level of the organisation. This will take place in conversation with our community, other organisations and cultural activists alike. We will keep you informed about our progress as it continues to be made, as we work towards a society built on equity, safety and peace.
We’ve created a list of resources we are using as a starting point for education, action and conversation.
ACT
Anti Racism Resources this document contains links to educational resources, petitions and guidance for contacting your MP regarding George Floyd.
Race on the Agenda (ROTA) ROTA is a social policy research organisation, membership is free, and members are kept up to date with social policy issues affecting BAME communities.
Stand Up To Racism - Keep up to date with events and join your local Stand Up To Racism Group.
The Impact of Ommission, aims to make education on Britain's colonial past compulsory in the core curriculum
EDUCATE
New Beacon Books founded in 1966 by John La Rose and his partner Sarah White is the UK’s first Black publisher, specialist bookshop and international book distributor.
Racism and the UK what they didn’t teach us in school, an instagram post by @Das.Penman
10 Steps to Non-Optical Allyship, a Twitter thread by Mireille Cassandra Harper
George Floyd how can I help from the UK? An Instagram post of advice for white British Citizens.
INQUEST are a UK based charity and have been monitoring and gathering data on deaths during or following police custody.
How the George Floyd Killing Is Just as Relevant in the UK, and What You Can Do About It, a Vice article by Ayeisha Thomas-Smith .
Anti-Racist Reading List, a twitter post by Victoria Alexander split into ‘Starter Kit’, ‘intermediate kits’ and ‘Topic Specific’ .
Literature by African Scholars, a twitter post by Duppy Conquerer listing works by African authors.
WELLBEING
Self-Care tips for Black people feeling overwhelmed by the media.
Tips for Parents, helping Children Coping with Media Coverage of Racial Trauma.