Showing Racism the Red Card

The Webinar discussed how to support children of colour in a school setting, making racism a high priority in safeguarding policies and what unique problems children of colour are facing in a sports setting. In this blog we've highlighted some of the key points raised during the webinar, along with useful resources and a link to watching the webinar in full- it will be 30 minutes well spent! 

We start by thanking both Vikkey and Dean for their time, and also to everyone who attended the webinar. 

As well as chatting about what Show Racism the red Card do in school and sports settings, Dean presented a number of figures during the webinar that painted a picture of the extend of racism in Britain today...

The Statistics

Between the years 2018/2019, there were 98,429 race and religious related hate crimes recorded in the UK, a figure that’s increased by 164% since 2011. Dean noted hate crimes are hugely underreported so a true figure would be much higher. As Dean is based in Cardiff, his figures focus on Wales mostly and it has been reported that in the Welsh education system alone, 77% of pupils surveyed felt that racism existed in their school yet only 25% of teachers had dealt with a racist incident in the last 12 months. 

With these figures in mind, what can we do to support?

1. Report racism and support the targets
By using target, not victim, it shows that the child is not powerless, and that with support and education they can change what’s happening to them.

2. Challenge and educate ourselves
We shouldn’t expect people from Black, Asian and Minority backgrounds to educate us. It's our responsibility to seek out learning from accredited sources, like SARI, Show Racism the Red Card and Stop Hate UK. For a list of resources and books, try 17 Books to Start Your Anti-Racist Journey and The Fairtrade Foundations Anti-Racist Education Resources.

3. Consider the culture we create and uphold
To be anti-racist, we must be anti-discriminatory. This means upholding our beliefs and calling out other discriminatory behavior's like homophobia, transphobia and attacks against disability, religion and a persons sex. 

4. Highlight racism and anti-racism
Call out racist behavior's when we see them. The National Museum of African American History & Culture notes that being Anti-Racist 'results from a conscious decision to make frequent, consistent, equitable choices daily. These choices require ongoing self-awareness and self-reflection as we move through life.'

Becoming an Ally

This poster from Danielle Coke is a great resource to share, and put into practice. Find the poster and follow Danielle on Instagram.

Showing Racism the Red Card for Wear Red Day 22!

On the 21st of October, we joined in with the charities annual Wear Red Day to show our company wide support for Show Racism the Red Card.

Speaking on the success of this years Wear Red Day, Shaka Hislop, Show Racism the Red Cards Honorary President, thanked the 430,0o0 people who got involved by wearing red with a 'Huge and heartfelt thank you'.

Hislop shared that the campaigns triumph was 'A Showing of how we intend to shape this world. A world that doesn’t judge people based on their race, or ethnicity. One that calls for equality, regardless of how you love or worship.'

For further information on Show Racism the Red Card or to donate to the charity, head to their website.

Watch the '... And What About Racism?' Webinar in full and read a Q&A with Dean Pymble.