Racist Riots of Summer 2024
The racist riots of this summer should not have come as a surprise. Decades of racist rhetoric, often couched in ‘commonsense’ language, from far too many leading politicians and parts of the mainstream media, provided fertile soil for the fascist groups to exploit.
The terrible violent attacks which the country and the whole world saw in real time, on hotels, mosques and individuals were a pogrom movement. The intention was to terrorise and burn people out.
Islamophobia was at the heart of the riots. The racist groundwork of othering Muslims has led to a surge in hate and fear.
Fear is now widespread amongst our Black and Asian communities. As in the past, our school playgrounds and classrooms are likely to become potential targets for racists.
We must never forget the overwhelming majority of the population is opposed to the far-right and rejects this summer’s racist riots and hatred. That is a huge platform on which to build.
Decades of anti-racist work is under threat. SHARE is determined to play its full part to build a future without racism, to the benefit of all.
We will join with others to publicise and mark March 15 – United Nations Combat Islamophobia Day.
This invokes the UN’s unanimous decision to collectively tackle this global phenomenon.
SHARE will redouble its efforts in our schools and the broader education system to defeat racism outright.
Sheffield Anti-Racist Education SHARE 