A new group has been established in Harrogate to support the protests being held around the world following the death of George Floyd in the USA.
Black Lives Matter Harrogate has more than 400 members on Facebook after being established at the beginning of the week.
While organisers say they will not be setting up marches like those seen elsewhere – such as London, pictured above – because of the risks during the Covid-19 pandemic, they wanted to give people in Harrogate a place to discuss racial equality and show their support.
Dianna-Roxanne Kananowitz, who set up the group, said:
“This group isn’t a knee jerk reaction to current events, although that was the initial catalyst.
“Black lives should matter every day, so it’s an on-going thing. I’ve emailed the local MP and I’m awaiting a reply. I’m in design talks about a logo that can be shown in cars or shops to show solidarity – I still need to figure production costs as a non-profit organisation. I’ve tons of ideas. I’m hoping people will have a few of their own.”
Read more:
- WATCH: couple meet their new grandson for the first time since lockdown began
- Mayoress pays tribute to NHS staff who saved her life
For Pajwa Mo, who has volunteered as an admin on the group, marches are less important than educating people and helping to make the next generation more aware of institutional racism.
Pajwa, who ran Spoilt Gelato in Starbeck until last year, lives in Bradford but still works in the Harrogate area and keeps in touch with friends he made. He says he experienced racism in Harrogate a number of times, but he has also seen it in Bradford, despite a more multicultural population.
However, he believes it is everyone’s responsibility to stand up against racism and challenge problems they see. He said:
“The problem we have got with the younger generation is, if it’s something that concerns us directly, we will get involved, but if it’s happening in London, America or Syria, we aren’t interested. Whether it’s in Asia, Africa, England – if it’s wrong, we should all speak up and say it’s wrong.
“Today it’s America. Tomorrow it could be Harrogate. Then what? When will we speak up? We don’t want to lose someone before we realise we have to do something.”
A former teacher, Pajwa strongly believes educating and setting good examples to children is vital in giving them the confidence to stand up for equality. Showing love and care for people, he said, will generate more of the same and make a better society for everyone.
He likened the Black Lives Matter movement to the support shown for the NHS and key workers from the beginning of the coronavirus crisis.
“With the rainbows in windows and coming out to clap, people made an effort in their own homes first.
“You can’t fix the world without fixing your own house first. The only way we can take a step forward is if we all take a step in our own homes first.”
