Dear Brother/Sister
EDUCATION – FBU B&EMM SECTION PRESENTS: ‘THE FBU IN CONVERSATION WITH PATRICK HUTCHINSON’ 23 NOVEMBER 2020
Please bring the attached flyer to the attention of members and officials who will be interested in attending an anti-racist education session – all members welcome.
Background – “It's not black versus white, it’s everyone versus racism”
Throughout May and June 2020, peaceful campaigners all over the world took to the streets under the banner Black Lives Matter (BLM) to call for justice following the horrific deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of US police. One such event took place in London on Saturday 13 June, but it was besieged by far-right hooligans called to London by the former leader of the EDL, Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (aka Tommy Robinson). They hurled hate and aggression towards the BLM demonstration and became increasingly violent. As tensions rose on both sides, one far-right protester slumped to the ground and was surrounded by demonstrators. The incident was widely reported.
Jamaine Facey, Lee Russell, Chris Otokito and Patrick Hutchinson had decided to attend the demonstration as father figures, in unity and with a clear purpose to be role models. They were determined to use their past life experience and wisdom to prevent the young people in attendance from making foolish choices which could so rapidly change their lives.
As the demonstrators turned their anger on the isolated and still-shouting racist, Patrick picked him up and carried him to the police line. Patrick comments on reflection, "As I was carrying him, he was still receiving blows. It didn't cross my mind that he might hold prejudices, we just wanted to get him out of there".
Event
On Monday 23 November at 14.00-16.00, at the invitation of the B&EMM section, Patrick will join the FBU in a conversation about what happened on that day and how that message of unity “It's not black versus white, it’s everyone versus racism” is inspiring their new organisation United to Change and Inspire (UTCAI).
This online session is open to all FBU members. To take part, please register at www.bit.ly/FBU-BLM-conversation. It will be delivered via Zoom and the link will be provided with the confirmation of registration.
If you have queries relating to this event, please contact Lindsey McDowell ([email protected] / 07522 228708).
Yours in unity
Matt Wrack
General Secretary
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