Something Is Changing – Black Lives Matter

The appalling treatment and murder of George Floyd in the USA is the latest in a long line of incidents across the world, including here in the UK, that serve to highlight the corrosive impacts of racism and racial inequality on society in dividing, marginalising and isolating communities and individuals.

We recognise that racism and discrimination have long-lasting direct and indirect effects, and have a traumatising impact on our students and staff of colour, and in this particular instance black communities. As an institution committed to inclusion through our organisational values we stand wholeheartedly by our staff and students in deploring racism within our university, within the UK and internationally.

Whilst our university is a welcoming, respectful and tolerant community we want to create an environment which consistently challenges and addresses racism within and beyond our institution. Our work in developing our Race Equality Charter action plan has started and shows us there are many more actions we must take.

We recognise that we must do more to raise the voices of black students and staff, and address racial inequalities wherever they exist in the university.

Professor Debra Humphris
Vice-Chancellor

The following statement has been signed by all Greater Manchester local authority and Combined Authority leadersTHE CALLOUS murder of George Floyd on the streets of Minneapolis has sent shockwaves around the world which are being powerfully and painfully felt here in Greater Manchester.

As Leaders, we want to express our revulsion at the manner of George’s death, our sympathy with his family and our complete solidarity with the Black community here and elsewhere.

We know the anger and the agony is real. Discrimination continues every day, not just in the USA but in the UK too. People are tired of having to fight it.

To show our sympathy with George’s family, and our support for Black Lives Matter, we have today agreed to coordinate the lighting of civic buildings across our 10 boroughs on Friday evening, following on from the example of Trafford Council, and Salford and Manchester City Councils.

But this moment demands more from us and our gesture will mean more if it is accompanied by our own reflection and action.

First, recognising the under-representation of our Black community in decision-making in Greater Manchester, we commit to strengthening our dialogue with the Black community and to working with Operation Black Vote’s Leadership Programme to improve representation.

Second, to ensure that there is a systematic challenge to the structural inequalities that still exist between our different communities, we commit to bringing forward proposals next month for a Greater Manchester Race Equality Panel. This week’s report from Public Health England confirms that people from black and Asian communities are at greater risk from the virus and requires a new focus here and across the country on health inequalities.

Third, to ensure all of our communities receive equal treatment from Greater Manchester Police, we make a new commitment today to work with them to publish a quarterly Race Equality Policing Report on the use of policing powers. We will seek to build more community confidence through even greater transparency.

We have a long and proud history in Greater Manchester of confronting discrimination head-on. This is a moment to challenge ourselves to do more. The best way of marking the life of George Floyd is with a promise of real change.

Black Lives Matter.

Mayor Andy Burnham – Cllr Brenda Warrington – Sir Richard Leese – Baroness Beverley Hughes – Mayor Paul Dennett – Cllr Andrew Western

Cllr Elise Wilson – Cllr David Molyneux – Cllr Allen Brett – Cllr Sean Fielding – Cllr David Greenhalgh – Cllr Eamonn O’Brien

Premier League players from all 20 clubs have made the following statement:

“We, the Players, stand together with the singular objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists, to bring about a global society of inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities for All, regardless of their colour or creed. This symbol is a sign of unity from all Players, all Staff, all Clubs, all Match Officials and the Premier League #blacklivesmatter #playerstogether.”

In 1964, the Beatles were due to play Jacksonville in the US and we found out that it was going to be to a segregated audience. It felt wrong. We said, ‘We’re not doing that!’ And the concert we did do was to their first non-segregated audience. We then made sure this was in our contract. To us it seemed like common sense.

I feel sick and angry that here we are almost 60 years later, and the world is in shock at the horrific scenes of the senseless murder of George Floyd at the hands of police racism, along with the countless others that came before.

All of us here support and stand alongside all those who are protesting and raising their voices at this time. I want justice for George Floyd’s family, I want justice for all those who have died and suffered. Saying nothing is not an option.

Love Paul McCartney

Dear Colleagues,

Like you, I spent the weekend watching the protests around the country over the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. As a league, we share the outrage and offer our sincere condolences to their families and friends. Just as we are fighting a pandemic, which is impacting communities and people of color more than anyone else, we are being reminded that there are wounds in our country that have never healed. Racism, police brutality and racial injustice remain part of everyday life in America and cannot be ignored. At the same time, those who serve and protect our communities honorably and heroically are again left to answer for those who don’t.

I am heartened by the many members of the NBA and WNBA family – players, coaches, legends, team owners, and executives at all levels – speaking out to demand justice, urging peaceful protest and working for meaningful change. Together with our teams and players, we will continue our efforts to promote inclusion and bridge divides through collective action, civic engagement, candid dialogue and support for organizations working toward justice and equality. We will work hand-in-hand to create programs and build partnerships in every NBA community that address racial inequity and bring people together.

This moment also requires greater introspection from those of us, including me, who may never know the full pain and fear many of our colleagues and players experience every day. We have to reach out, listen to each other and work together to be part of the solution. And as an organization, we need to do everything in our power to make a meaningful difference.

Even in this sad and difficult time, I know we can. For our colleagues, friends and family members affected time and time again by these acts of violence, we must. We always say that sports have often been the bridge in society that helps build trust and empathy so we can face hard truths and real challenges together. That is our responsibility especially now.

I encourage you to participate in the Dream In Color virtual community conversation and I look forward to hearing your ideas and suggestions.

Stay safe, stay engaged and keep looking out for one another.

Adam