Why we can all play our part to tackle racism and help make a difference - letter

I am writing this on the behalf of my generation and the passionate, young people I am lucky enough to be surrounded with.

The world, as I am sure you are aware, is not a brilliant place at the moment.

With the happenings of Covid-19 and all, I can only hope you still find my queries and suggestions important.

Today more than ever it is necessary to spread awareness about the unequal treatment and discrimination that black people receive.

Racism is a non-negotiable; in no circumstance should it be tolerated.

I understand there are laws in place in our country – such as the Equality Act 2010 – to forbid gender, sexuality or race etc. to be a discriminating factor in the workplace.

However, it is brutally important we remind ourselves racism still exists in our everyday lives.

There is still casual racism, among harmful stereotypes about different races as well as plain, explicit discrimination.

And it needs to be stopped. It needs to be monitored. It needs to be prevented, to be controlled.

So, as a resident of Barnsley, a youth of Barnsley, an individual from Barnsley, I want to make a change.

I am asking for your help to spread awareness of the crimes – the murders – committed by white American police against black people.

Individuals such as Philando Castile, Atatiana Koquice Jefferson, Tatayana Hargrove, Stephon Clark, Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin, Malik Williams, and, most recently, George Floyd are only a few of the black people targeted by white American police.

We cannot stand by and watch, allowing this to happen in front of our eyes when there are things we can be doing, campaigns to be making, awareness to be spread, lessons to be taught.

I ask you to promote the Black Lives Matter movement.

Spread awareness on your social media and be vocal about it. PLEASE.

This is my future. This is our future. It is our youth’s future and it is our duty to support the non-white people of our world.

It would be appreciated if you considered writing an article on such topics as I think Barnsley as a community needs to get behind this movement and head towards change, taking footsteps in the correct direction.

As the black community are in a great minority in Barnsley, I think it makes it even more important to address this movement, encouraging every way that people can get involved.

Suggestions include signing petitions, donating, spreading awareness on social media, talking about the issue with family and friends, peacefully protesting if there are events near you and simply listening to members of the black community.

They need us to hear them. Let them speak. Let their voices be heard through your article.

I hope you take into considerations my suggestions and use your platform and power in a positive way that myself, as a citizen of South Yorkshire, would be proud to have represent me.

Isabelle Clayton

Royston